John Wheelock to John Adams, June 12, 1783

Hague 12 th. June 1783 1

Sir,

Had I been influenced by my feelings, and by those sentiments, which I shall always retain, you would have had the burden of a letter, long before the date of this. But the truth is, that nothing in the benevolent object of my attention, has (till of late) appeared, which could give any pleasure to a liberal mind; & nothing has happened on the common theatre, which I could communicate, as worthy your particular attention.

I have often thought in my heart on the truth of your remark, when I had the honor & happiness of seeing your Excellency at Paris— The Batavian generosity has answered your idea.

We made our first attempt, Sir, at Amsterdam; as our friends, on the way, thought that our liberal design would experience the favorable efforts of that opulent people— We were introduced to M r Van Berkel, who spake of the design as being benevolent & good— But thought internal confusions rendered it inadmissable; he also spake concerning our American trade; and thought the Regency would not for the present tolerate the thing.

After this we made a tour to Swoll— M r Capellan talked, as the Pentionary did— In conversation, he observed that some people were apprehensive, that the trade of America would be turned to Britain— I urged this as an affair unconnected with trade and national police— But he said that such pleas would answer no effect with the people; and that he should be ridiculed if he should be seen now to promote it.

We returned to Amsterdam. M r Van stephurst could not think, but M r Van Berkel and M r Huft 2 would yet promote it, he had such an opinion of the disinterestedness & goodness of the cause, and of their humanity. As to the former, he said “he grew more & more convinced that it would not answer;” and as to the latter, M r Van stephurst said, he even refused to read the Credentials.

We then went by advice to Leyden & Rotterdam. Some, that had been reputed very great friend to the welfare of America, said; that they were astonished, that this design (though the cause of humanity & piety & recommand by Christians to them as such) should be proposed to their beneficence, & that there should be no proposal made from America for a Commertial treaty with them, instead of such a cause as this.

We then came to the Hague, & waited on Doct r Macelaine with Your Excellency’s letter— A gentleman of a most humane spirit, and excellent endowments— I remember, Sir, you gave me at Paris a true portrature of him. He assured me of his perfect friendship to promote the cause; as it so intimately respected the felicity of man.

Upon my asking him, Sir, respecting the Prince , he at once answered, that he made no dispute, but he would favor it; as his love for mankind was so disinterested. Col: Bentinck & Count Heiden 3 (with whom he had discoursed) were also cheerfully disposed to promote it. Their Serene & Royal Highnesses , to whom it was introduced, readily manifested a very favorable opinion, & gave five hundred & twenty five florins. All that belong to the Court have shewn real friendship to this design & alsso manifest much regard for the happiness of America

The design has been attended with good success at Harlem, by the particular friendship of M r L’Estevenon B’ n. Haserswoude; and many individuals, in other places, have favored it.

It is a scene, Sir, not so entertaining when we address ourselves to those, who we think are friends to humanity & virtue, to promote the object of them; that they should throw aside the appendages, & character of liberal & public spirited christians, and appear in the habit of politicians. That they should expect a reward from those, whom they think are under obligations to them, before they can think it their duty to give any thing to reform a barbarian, or add an idea to the Republic of letters—

I thought it my duty to communicate a true state of the affair & of our proceedings here; as to any inferences, they are submitted to your Excellency.

I have the pleasure & satisfaction of knowing your worthy son, who is well.

We intend, Sir, to leave this country within a few days, & go to England, which is agreeable to your advice.

I beg the honor, Sir, for your kind attention to the inclosed letter to Doct r. Franklin; which contains the request of a letter from him to D r Price, which favor he proposed, while we were at Paris. 4

The introduction, with which you honored us to Doct: Macelaine, is the most favorable circumstance, that has attended the design in this country: as he has successfully exerted himself here: and will use his influence with some of his correspondents in Great Britain

I hope you will pardon the length of this letter, I should injure your patience, before my sentiments of respect & esteem are half exhausted.

Our best compliments attend the worthy Gentlemen of your family, while I am ambitious of the honor to be thought, / Sir, / your Excellency’s / most obliged, devoted, / & obedient servant

John Wheelock