The King having graciously complied with my request, of replacing the supplies lost in the Marquis de Lafayette, many hands are employed in providing them, who work hard to have them ready and shipped, so that they may arrive before winter.
With the highest respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
B. FRANKLIN.
P. S. The copying machine for Mr Secretary Thompson is in hand, and will soon be finished and sent to him.
JOHN ADAMS TO B. FRANKLIN.
Amsterdam, October 4th, 1781.
Sir,
Your Excellency's letter of June 11th, is yet unanswered. I have the honor to agree with your Excellency in opinion, that it is reasonable that articles of rent of the hotel, payment of couriers, postage of letters, salaries of clerks, stationary for the bureau, and feasts and illuminations made upon public occasions, should be deemed expenses of the States. Indeed, otherwise it will be impossible for American Ministers to live in any such manner as is expected of them, both by Europeans and Americans.