Your Negociation with Holland, as “my old Friend” observd, is all your own.  The faithful Historian will do Justice to your Merits—­Perhaps not till you are dead.  I would have you reconcile yourself to this Thought.  While you live you will probably be the Object of Envy.  The leading Characters in this great Revolution will not be fairly marked in the present Age, It will be well if the leading Principles are rememberd long.  You, I am sure, have not the Vanity, which Cicero betrayed, when he even urged his Friend Licinius to publish the History of the Detection of Cataline in his Life Time that he might enjoy it.  I am far from thinking that Part of History redounds so much to the Honor of the Roman Consul, as the Treaty of Holland does to its American Negociator.

Decr 4th I intended to have committed the Care of the foregoing Letter to Mr Trumbull, but when he called on me I was confind to my Chamber by severe bodily Indisposition unable to attend even to the lightest Business.  I am still kept at home, but hope soon to be abroad.  Mr Jonn Jackson will deliver this to you if he meets you in London, otherwise he will convey it by some safe hand.  When I shall be certain of your being appointed for London, I will write to you as often as I can.  May Heaven bless you My Friend as I am

affectionately yours

1784

TO JOHN ADAMS.

[Ms., Adams Papers, Quincy.]

Boston Feb 4 1784

My dear sir/

I had laid up in my mind many things to say to you, but an hours notice only of this opportunity and the hurry of business in the General Court now sitting prevents my communicating them to you at present.  The Son of Mr Nathl Appleton will deliver to you this short epistle; written for the sake of recommending him to your notice.  He is a young gentleman lately enterd into Business in the Commercial line.  My Affection for a young fellow Citizen, and Regard for his Father an intimate friend & a Member of the old committee of Correspondence of this town are strong Inducements to me to take this method of availing the Son of your Advice & Patronage.  I wrote to you the 4 Decr by Mr Jonathan Jackson & will write again by the next opportunity.  Your Family was well a few Days ago.  You will doubtless have heard, before this will reach you, of the Death of our good Friend Dr Cooper.

Adieu

TO ELBRIDGE GERRY.

[Ms., Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library.]

Boston Feb 25 1784

MY DEAR SIR