John Brown Cutting to John Adams, August 11, 1790

London Aug. 11. 1790

Dear Sir,

If ever there was a time when the volunteer exertions of a citizen
of America became a duty incumbent upon him in a foreign realm—that period has existed
here.

For many weeks past I have not been absent a single day from the
Admiralty—sundays only excepted. It is not for me to say how efficacious in resisting
individual oppression or national mischief this un-intermitting attention has
proved.

I have not yet leisure to transmit either to Yourself or to M r Jefferson a full detail of facts. By the inclosed papers
however You will obtain some information. 1

The press notwithstanding pacific
appearances in the newspapers yet continues,
throughout the british ports: but whether the british fleet is rendering thus formidable
for warlike enterprize or only politic intimidation, the best informed people here can
only conjecture.

The preliminary articles of a pacification between the courts of
Berlin and Vienna are signed— By these it is said the house of austria must relinquish
every fruit of their war with Turkey except the dismantlement or demolition of a few
turkish fortresses. 2 The reduction of the
revolted Netherlands—is a measure that Leopold is resolved on. 3 Nobody will pity a race of revolutioners so
debased by bigotry as to pass contentedly from the imperial yoke to that of priestly and
aristocratic fabrication.

The empress of Russia has signified her consent to the Emperor that
is to be—of Germany—to make a seperate peace for himself—if his affairs require it. Firm
and haughty she defies her foes and relies on her own resources for carrying on a war
with Sweden & the Porte. 4

Very respectfully Your affectionate and most obed ser t

John Brown Cutting