278. JOHN ADAMS
Hague, 17 September 1782
MY DEAREST FRIEND,—I have transmitted money to the young men whom you mentioned to me, and have expected, every day for a long time, to hear of their sailing in a cartel for America. They have been better treated since the change of ministers. My respects to their parents.
It is now five months since my public reception here,
1 but we have not yet learned that any news of it has arrived in America. The refugees in England are at their old game again. Andrew Spar-hawk has published, in the “Morning Post,” that his brother has received a letter from New York, that Massachusetts and several other States were upon the point of overturning the new government, throwing off the authority of Congress, and returning to the government of Great Britain. Their blood-thirsty souls are not yet satiated. They are laboring to bring on again an offensive war. But I think they can’t succeed. I suppose the unhappy affair of the county of Hampshire
2 is the thing that gave occasion to this representation. Our countrymen must be very unreasonable if they can’t be easy and happy under the government they have. I don’t know where they will find a better, or how they will make one. I dread the consequences of the differences between chiefs. If Massachusetts gets into parties, they will worry one another very rudely. But I rely on the honesty and sobriety as well as good sense of the people. These qualities will overawe the passions of individuals and preserve a steady administration of the laws.
My duty to my mother and to your father. I hope to see them again. Love to the children and all friends. What shall I say of my brother Cranch? I long, and yet I dread, to hear from him.
I hope to sign the Treaty
3 this week or next, or the week after. All points are agreed on and nothing remains but to transcribe the copies fair. This government is so complicated that months are consumed in doing what might be done in another in an hour.
I don’t know what to do with the list of articles you send me. It would be better for you to write to Ingraham and Bromfield. I will pay.