JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

TO M. DUMAS.

Passy, September 27th, 1778.

Sir,

We received yours in which you hint, that it is wished by some of our
friends, that the Commissioners would propose a treaty to your
government. It would really be a great pleasure to them to be
instrumental in cementing a union between the two republics of Holland
and the United States, by a treaty of amity and commerce, similar to
that lately concluded with France, or varying where circumstances
might require it. But having received no answer from the Grand
Pentionary to a letter they respectfully wrote to his Excellency some
months since, expressing their disposition to such a good work, they
apprehend that any further motion of that kind, on their part, would
not at present be agreeable; though they still hold themselves ready
to enter upon such a treaty, when it shall seem good to their High
Mightinesses.

We have the honor to be, &c.

B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.

* * * * *

FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO WILLIAM BINGHAM.

Philadelphia, September 28th, 1778.

Sir,

Your several favors up to the 28th of July came duly to our hands,
and, having been communicated to Congress, were received as agreeable
proofs of your regular correspondence. The papers which you enclosed
are with the Marine Committee, who will doubtless take occasion soon
to report upon the contents. This will be conveyed to you in a small
schooner, which, perhaps is not fit for a winter's return to this
coast. You will determine in conjunction with the Captain, whether to
send her back immediately, or to make the best use of her for the
public in your neighborhood, till a proper month for her return. She
is confided thus to your discretion.

No absolute judgment can at this instant be formed of the intended
movements of the enemy. A course of Dunlap's papers will convey to you
a general insight into the posture of our military affairs. It is not
probable that any considerable decision in the field will take place
this fall; and the councils in Britain appear to be for