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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO M. BERGSMA. - John Adams, The Works of John Adams, vol. 7 (Letters and State Papers 1777-1782) [1852]

Edition used:

The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, Notes and Illustrations, by his Grandson Charles Francis Adams (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1856). 10 volumes. Vol. 7.

Part of: The Works of John Adams, 10 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO M. BERGSMA.

Sir,

I have received from the hands of Mr. Menkema the resolution of the States of Friesland of the 26th of February. I beg you would accept of my best thanks for the honor you have done me in communicating to me so early this important measure; a resolution which does honor to that spirit of liberty which distinguishes your province, and is so apparently equitable, that the example cannot fail to be followed by all the other provinces.

The situation of this republic is such, that she cannot rationally expect peace upon any terms consistent with her honor and essential interests, until there is a general peace. Great Britain will never agree to a peace with this nation, but from motives that will equally stimulate her to make peace with America. She will never make peace with either, while she entertains a hope of any advantage in continuing the war. And there is every reason to believe that nothing would contribute more to extinguish such hopes than a decided acknowledgment of American sovereignty by this republic.

Such an acknowledgment, too, will probably have a great influence with Spain and with all the powers which are parties to the armed neutrality.

In short, there is no event which would have a stronger tendency to accelerate a general peace so much wished for by mankind.

The true system of this republic is to be neutral as much as possible in the wars of Europe. This will also be the true system of America; and an intimate friendship between the two republics will enable each to assist the other in maintaining their neutrality.

The Province of Friesland will have the honor with posterity of having first penetrated into the true plan of policy for the republic; and she is indebted to no man more for this advantage than to you.

I have the honor to congratulate you and the Province upon the occasion, and to subscribe myself, &c.

John Adams.