John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, June 26, 1786

Grosvenor Square June 26. 1786

Dear sir

Sometime Since I received from Gov. Bowdoin some Papers relating to Alexander Gross, with an earnest desire that I would communicate them to the French Ambassador here. I did so and his Excellency was so good as to transmit them to the Comte De Vergennes.— M r Bartholomy however advised me to write to you upon the Subject, that you might prevent it from being forgotten.

inclosed is a Letter, which I received Yesterday from Griffin Green at Rotterdam, with a Paper inclosed dated Dunkirk 15. June. 1786. relating to this unhappy Man. What can be done for his Relief I know not. Neither the Ransom Money nor the other Charges I Suppose can ever be paid. for Government never is expected to redeem Such Hostages and his Relations are not able. If this is the Truth as I Suppose it is, it would be better for the French Government and for the Persons interested, to set him at Liberty, than to keep him a Prisoner at Expence.

Let me pray you to minute this affair among your Memorandums to talk of, with the Comte De Vergennes & M r Rayneval, when you are at Versailles.— They will shew you the Papers, which have been transmitted them through the Comte D’Adhemar. 1

I wrote you on the 23 d. of May ul to —and on the 6 th. ins t. —which Letters I hope you have received.

yours

John Adams