Revolutionary War-period ALS, one page (apparently the self-contained final page of a longer letter), 7.5 x 8, no date [but Passy, France, October 1778]. Adams, the newly arrived Commissioner to the Court of France, writes to Edmé-Jacques Genet, relaying information provided to him by Cotton Tufts in August of 1778. In full: “The French Fleet, has taken many valuable Prizes from the Enemy, among which is a Vessel loaded with military Stores, having among other Things six large Mortars, with Shells Suitable for them. These came very Seasonable for driving out of their Holes, those Pests of Mankind that have so long plagued America, for which [pr]eparations are now making, and if the French Fleet in Conjunction with that of the United States should prove Superior to the British, I flatter myself, it will be shortly effected. The News of the Prize of military Stores, mentioned in the foregoing Extract, I have not Seen any where else. The Letter is from a good Authority. You may do with it what you please.”
Professionally silked and repaired in corners, laid onto a slightly larger sheet. In good condition, along with the aforementioned repairs, upper corners are singed affecting first letter of text, red wax seal remnant covering a couple letters of text, some offsetting to ink, and a mild shade of toning to remaining page.
This was a tricky period for the fledgling United States of America. Up against the British power, our nation lacked arms and, more importantly, allies. In its most desperate hour, the US turned to France. Although that European nation had no interest in the conflict, some prodding by Benjamin Franklin eventually convinced French officials to covertly, and then overtly, support America’s cause. About eight months before Adams sent this correspondence, the French opened an essentially single-handed front against the British Navy. It was under this scenario that Adams wrote here, praising the French for their victories and acquisitions for the war effort. Far removed from the days of political correctness, Adams clearly showed his disdain for the enemy, “those Pests of Mankind that have so long plagued America.” The entrance of France into the war not only evened the military strength with Britain and its allies, but also greatly tested the military might of the British Empire and her allies. This page was likely intended for use as pro-American propaganda in a French journal. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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