Papers of John Adams, volume 13

To Herman van Bracht, 3 May 1782 JA Bracht, Herman van To Herman van Bracht, 3 May 1782 Adams, John Bracht, Herman van

To Herman van Bracht

Amsterdam May 3d. 1782 Sir

I have recd. the Letter which You did me the honor to write me the 30th. of April, with the Volume of American Constitutions.1

I agree with You, that a Treaty of Commerce between the two Republicks would be a very proper Addition to your Volume, but when 10such a Treaty shall be made it will not be published perhaps until it is ratified. In all Events it will be but decent for me to wait the Pleasure of their High Mightinesses for a Publication of it.

As to the Compliment You propose to me, I am obliged to You for it, and shall consent to it, upon the same Conditions that Mr. Van Berckel did, viz, that nothing be said offensive to any one.2

I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient humble Servt.

LbC in John Thaxter's hand (Adams Papers).

Vol. 12:472–474.

That is, the request that JA permit the second volume of Van Bracht's Verzameling van de Constitutien . . . van Amerika, 2 vols., Dordrecht, 1781–1782, to be dedicated to him.

From Samuel Saportas, 5 May 1782 Saportas, Samuel JA From Samuel Saportas, 5 May 1782 Saportas, Samuel Adams, John

From Samuel Saportas

Amsterdam the 5: of May 1782 Sir

The departure of your Excellencÿ was unknown to me having heard it from Mr. Texter I take the Liberty to put your Excellency in mind of the inclosed note regarding the Sale here to morrow of 4 Obligation at the charge of the Province of South Carolina and the Purchase of which Shall be Expecting your Excellency's order under Cover of Mr. Texter with the night post of with the Postwaggon which leave your Place early to morrow morning.1

I cannot let Slip this opportunity of recommending my Self anew in Your Excellency's favour and in case of agreement or opening of the Loan in question, that Mr. van Vloten2 jointly with me may be named on the part of your Excellency, in order to asuch in procúring of the Contracts and other necessarys which may be required.3

The Liberty which I take to remind your Excellency is founded that I have allready been honoured with this Commission from your Excellency and in Consequence of your orders having had a Conference, with Sundry Gentlemen, respecting this Loan to engage them there in notwithstanding our best endeavour has not been attended with the desired Succes.

I have the Honour to Subscribe my Self Your Excellency's most obedient & most humble Servant

Samüel Saportas

RC (Adams Papers).

The enclosed note has not been found, and there is nothing in the Adams Papers to indicate that either JA, who had gone to The Hague, or John Thaxter responded to Saportas' request for an order regarding the purchase of the South Carolina obligations.

“Mr. van Vloten” (or Vlooten) is otherwise unidentified, but he was involved with John Hodshon's unsuccessful effort to raise a loan, for which see the letter of 11 May 11from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, and JA's reply of the 13th, both below.

Hendrik Bicker recommended Samuel Saportas to JA in his letter of 22 April (vol. 12:446).