Adams, Thomas B. (1772-1832) to Joseph Pitcairn re: treaties before Congress, including one with Algiers
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03575 Author/Creator: Adams, Thomas B. (1772-1832) Place Written: The Hague Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 04 May 1796 Pagination: 1 p. 23 x 19 cm Order a Copy
Written as American Vice-Consul to France.
Notes: 1. sharper - swindler, cheat
[in recipient's hand]: R 14th
The Hague 4 May 1796
Dear Sir
Yesterday brought me the pleasure of your favor 24 ulto. Accept my thanks for your obliging attention to my Commission. I feel perfectly safe under your management against even the wiles of a Sharper . I dont [sic] mean by this compliment to apply to you the old proverb, "Set a thief to catch a thief," but honestly & sincerely I believe that your discernment would defeat even well practiced fraud.
I shall request my friend Mr. Bourne, who is gone to Paris, to refund the occasional advances you have the goodness to make on my account, and if you have no previous acquaintance with that gentleman, I hope that you may make it by this means. He is well worthy of your notice.
It would give me great satisfaction to accept & enforce your proposal of making a jaunt to Paris for the recovery of my health. I have need of it, but not from the cause you conjecture. My disorder was one peculiar it is true, to the low countries, but to which young men of my age are not more liable, in common, than others. Both Rheumatism & billious fever in quick secession had nearly layn [sic] me in the dust. But I recovered from both, thought not without a struggle more obstinate than I should like again to encounter.
My letters from home are to the 20 March. The three Treaties had been authentically recd. & the British, laid before Congress on the 1st day of March. The Algerine with the sword for the President was carried from New York by Charles. The Committee appointed by the House to estimate the expediency & expence of going on with the Frigates, reported against a further appropriation to complete them, & in favor of finishing only two with the first fund.
With much esteem & friendship I am your's &c.
Thomas B Adams
J Pitcairn Esqr.
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