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

HENRY LAURENS TO JOHN ADAMS. - 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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HENRY LAURENS TO JOHN ADAMS.

London, 26 March, 1783.

Dear Sir,—

I was yesterday honored by the receipt of your letter of the 12th inst.

That the “noble lord” did boast is beyond all doubt; but I had the good fortune to give a check to his success, by propounding a question almost in terms with that which you have put. How does his Lordship know whether we conferred with, or what we communicated to, our ally? but, admitting the fact, which I do not admit, what then? Be assured that a disappointed and mortified Shelburne, maugre all pretensions to whiggism, has as good a stomach for such a “feat” as even a Hillsborough, a Germaine, or the other secretary, Sandwich had.

I coincide exactly in your opinion on the delay of the definitive treaty, the evacuation of New York, the tories, recommendations, &c.; and it is probable I have given a damp to the third edition “for the provisional establishment and regulation of trade, &c.” by framing a counter-bill supposed to be pending in each of the United States, for regulating the British trade, which I held up as a mirror to a noble lord and a few of the most eminent commoners. The picture alarmed them, and, if I judge right, a lead will be laid upon their bill.

“You cannot think our country will hang their ministers for being cheated into independence, fisheries, &c., &c.” I fancy not; but, be as grave as you please upon the subject, believe me, his Lordship boasted of having “cheated” us into those great benefits, and flattered himself with hopes that, upon the same ground, he would be able to “cheat” us out of them again. I hope his wings will be clipt. If the proper ministry should succeed, I have every reason to expect an honest and liberal proceeding with respect to us will immediately ensue. My opinion is founded upon the most explicit assurances from the very best hands. The tories, nicknamed loyalists, are execrated by the circle in which I sometimes move, and yet they say they must “make some provision for some of the poor devils for national honor’s sake.” I reply, make what provision you will, it would be impertinent in me to interfere in that business; but you must not attempt to cram them down our throats. It is time you should know that America will not be taxed without her own consent. I have uniformly discouraged all attempts to trade with the United States, until the definitive treaty shall be concluded, and the British forces by land and sea effectually withdrawn. The reasonings which I have urged, particularly personating the State of New York, have been acknowledged invincible; but some of the merchants are nevertheless mad, and will send their ships. Let them be mad. I trust the United States will be wise.

I am, dear sir, &c.

Henry Laurens.