John Adams to Nicolaas & Jacob Van Staphorst, August 16, 1783

Paris August 16. 1783

Gentlemen

As I am about Settling my Accounts with M r Barclay who is impowered by Congress to settle them, I must beg the favour of you, Gentlemen, to Send me, an exact Account, in detail of every order I have drawn upon you, and of every Sum of Money you have paid upon my order, from the Beginning, and of all the Money I have received of you, jointly or Seperately, whether directly or by the Way of M r Vander Iver at Paris, 1 whether by paying off Accounts against me, or by Sending once, a few Articles to M rs Adams.

I am Sorry, Gentlemen to give you this Trouble, but as I must produce my Vouchers to M r Barclay, it is necessary. When I have it all in one View, I can easily Settle it, but I find it impossible to do it without. With great Respect &c

P.S. In Short, I believe, the Shortest Way, will be, for you to send me, a Copy of your whole Account, with the United States of America out of which I can with Certainty make up my own. at present I find it, impossible to do it. 2

J. A.