John Adams to Thomas Barclay, April 23, 1784

The Hague 23. April 1784.

Dear Sir

I have this Moment the Pleasure of your Letter of the 18. The Bills you mention, which were only accepted by me, and were paid by Fizeau & Co in Behalf of D r Franklin, or M r Ferdinand Grand, are the proper Vouchers of those Gentlemen, and will Speak for themselves. They are the Vouchers which M r Grand must produce to you, in Support of his Account. I have no right to demand them, and Suppose I should be refused them, if I asked for them.— I ought to be.— I have already given you my Account of the Bills I accepted, their Dates Sums & c , which will be your Check, wherewith to compare M r Grands Account, and the Accepted and paid Bills his Vouchers. 1

I rejoice with you in the Increase of your Family and in their Health. You will Soon have the Satisfaction I hope to hear of the Arrival of your Tobacco ship.

I cannot know my own mind, respecting the House, for I know not what Congress intend to do with me. I shall leave this quiet retreat with regret, but as upon the whole it appears the Congress intend I shall be at or near Paris for sometime, I pray you to engage your House at Auteuil for me, upon the best Terms you can. I have a well grounded Aversion for putrid Streets and Gragts, 2 and Affection for the pure Air of Auteuil and the Bois de Boulogne. But if Congress Should change their Minds and order me back to the Hague, I shall charge the duplication of Rent, to the United States and hope that you would think it, but reasonable.

With Affection &c

pray let me know when I may take Possession of the House, for this will be Some rule for my coming to Paris.