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

TO THE CHEVALIER DE PINTO. - 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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TO THE CHEVALIER DE PINTO.

Sir,

I have received the letter which you did me the honor to write me on the 7th of this month, and have observed, with great satisfaction, the assurances of her Most Faithful Majesty’s desire to conclude with the United States of America a treaty of commerce upon convenient conditions.

I am very well convinced, sir, of the utility and convenience which would be found in the nomination of ministers between the two powers; and if it depended upon me, I flatter myself there would be no difficulty in concerting with your Excellency both that important point, and the character those ministers should bear in their missions. But as I have neither instructions nor authority from my sovereign to justify me in entering into such negotiations, I can only transmit to congress copies of your Excellency’s letter and of my answer. This I shall have the honor to do, the first opportunity. The earnest desire of the citizens of the United States of America to show their respect for her Most Faithful Majesty, to live in perfect friendship with all her Majesty’s dominions, will undoubtedly induce congress to transmit, as soon as possible, their answer to her Majesty’s friendly proposition.

I have the honor to be, &c.

John Adams.