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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) to Sylvanus Bourne re: news of the Jay Treaty, just signed

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01539 Author/Creator: Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Place Written: The Hague Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1794/12/02 Pagination: 1 p. + addr. 24 x 19 cm Order a Copy

Written as United States consul to the Hague, to the American Vice Consul in Amsterdam. Adams quotes portions of the treaty and asks that the extract not be published. Docketed on address leaf.

The Hague December 2d: 1794
Dear Sir.
Your favour of yesterday came to hand this morning. On my arrival here I found a letter from Mr: Jay of the 24th: ulto: wherein he says. "On the 19th: inst: a Treaty between his Britannic Majesty and the United States was signed: whereby their differences are terminated & their Commerce regulated in a way which I hope will prove satisfactory to both Parties. As this treaty is not treaty is not yet ratified it would be improper to publish it. The curiosity of many respecting its contents must therefore remain for some time ungratified. It however contains a stipulation which need not be kept secret viz. That it is not to be construed or operate contrary to existing Treaties between either of the Parties and other Powers."
Of this information, you will make what use you think proper. The extract of the Letter is however only for yourself.
I am, with great regard and consideration,
Dear Sir, your very humble and obedient Servant
John Q. Adams

[address leaf]
Sylvanus Bourne Esqr
Vice. Consul of the United States of America
Amsterdam.
[docket]
Sylvanus Bourne Esqr

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817
Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

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