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

B. VAUGHAN TO JOHN ADAMS. ( Extract. ) - John Adams, The Works of John Adams, vol. 8 (Letters and State Papers 1782-1799) [1853]

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. 8.

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

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B. VAUGHAN TO JOHN ADAMS.

(Extract.)

Dear Sir,

Mr. Laurens, whom you inquire after, I presume is just arrived in London; and Mr. Oswald was about to return to Paris; but what this distracted state of parties will produce, I cannot yet inform you. The event of the peace, and the reception it meets in parliament, will tell you who were America’s best friends. They were those who made least profession and had most understanding. It is unnecessary to hint more to you. All ranks are satisfied with peace, but the great are not satisfied with a minister who had so few of them in his train. They therefore say we might have had a better peace. You are one of those that know, and I ask your opinion, about the fact of a better peace being easy, without more war, or even with it.

I mean to put you up some pamphlets of the worst sort; for our better are only preparing. Hereafter, the peace will probably be well understood, and then you shall have other pamphlets in another style.

I have the honor to be, &c.

Benjamin Vaughan.