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

TO SECRETARY JAY. - 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 SECRETARY JAY.

Dear Sir,

There is no maxim more clearly settled in all courts, and in all negotiations between nations, than that sovereign should always speak to sovereign, and minister to minister. I am not at all surprised, therefore, although I am much mortified, at having my memorials to their High Mightinesses, and to his Most Serene Highness, returned to me, with the letter inclosed from Mr. Fagel. I should have had a letter of recall, signed by the president of congress, by their order, and addressed to their High Mightinesses. There is a similar irregularity in my recall from the British Court; for, although my commission is limited to three years, yet my letter of credence to his Majesty has no limits at all. If the omission of a letter from congress to the King, upon this occasion, should not be taken as an offence, it will not be because it is not observed; but from motives too humiliating to congress, as well as their minister here, to be explained.

There is no alternative now left for me; home I must go, and leave all Europe to conjecture that I have given offence in Holland; and, in England, that I have misbehaved abroad, though my conduct has been approved at home. When the public shall hear that I have gone home, without taking leave, there will be no end of criticism, conjectures, and reflections.

All that now remains for me is, humbly to request that congress would be pleased to send me regular letters of recall, after my arrival in America, that I may then transmit my memorials to Europe, and take leave in form.

To a man who has taken the utmost pains to do his duty, and to fulfil every obligation to the smallest punctilio, nothing can be more disagreeable than such disappointments, especially as, in all my letters, I have so expressly and repeatedly requested regular letters of recall.

With great respect, &c.

John Adams.