Adams, Thomas B. (1772-1832) to Joseph Pitcairn re: Mediterranean sailing for American ships, Algiers
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02961 Author/Creator: Adams, Thomas B. (1772-1832) Place Written: The Hague Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1796/04/12 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 23 x 19 cm Order a Copy
The Hague 12 April 1796
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 2 Feby remains yet unanswered. Almost continual Sickness since the periods of its receipt has been the greatest cause of this delay. I am ever heads & ears in debt to my correspondents public & and private, & I know not what length of time it will take to pay off old Scores. My brother is still in England and quite unable to fix the period of his return, my duties continue therefore to be double.
You have doubtless received through Mr. Monroe the communication from D. Humphries Esqr our Minster at Lisbon, respecting the danger of Mediterranean Navigation for American Vessels at this time. The information is not only unpleasant but mystifying, since it seems to blast all our expectations of peace with the Algerians. What shall we do with these pirates?
Since I am a few shillings in your debt on account of the Books I wish you leave to increase the same by requesting you to pay upon my acct. to a Lib Bookseller by the name of (Barrois) l'aine'e. (Quai des Augustins No. 19) for two works-One entitled "La Me'decine "eclaire'e par les Science Physiques" in 8° 4 vol. the other "Memoires du "Mare'chal duc de Richelieu" in 8° 9 vol.
These Books were sent among the rest from Paris, without having been ordered by my Brother, & since they cannot conveniently be returned, it is best perhaps to pay for them. I give you notice however that the said Bookseller is strongly suspected of being a Frisson, and as he may undertake to charge more for the Books than they are worth, I must request you to take the trouble of discovering from his catalogue of June 1795, what price they bore them, that being the period when the other Books were paid for. The liver [sic] in Assignats was worth at that time here one stuiver.
If you find this commission too minute & troublesome, I beg you to curtail it, provided you find it convenient to comply with the substance which is to pay the Man for the Books, and I will take the first occasion that offers of liquidating our Accts.
The above is written under the impression of your being at Paris, when this shall reach you, which if you are not, concern yourself nothing about it if you please as the affair by no means presseth.
I have no late news from Americas; but I have seen & read the whole history of Vindication, which some folks think is rather more properly styled a History of Inculpation.
I know very little of what Congress have been doing this Session, but I hope no harm.
Mr. Beeldemaker once spoke to me respecting your power of Attorney and as he seemed to be sure that no property of Mr. Wh- was to be found here, I could advise him neither one way nor the other.
The Campaign is not yet opened: Peace becomes the subject of conversation more & more; but whence is it to come? I see not.
With cordial esteem I am Dr. Sir,
Your very hble. & obedt sert
Thomas B. Adams.
Mr. Jos. Pitcairn
[docket]
Hague 12 April 1796
Tho B Adams
R Paris 18.th April
and [illegible] - 24 April
1796
[address]
a Monsieur
Monsieur Joseph Pitcairn
Rue de Grenelle No 372
a Paris
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