The sentiments you expressed [in your address on presentation to the King] were such as were entertained in America till the commercial proclamation, and such as would again return were a rational conduct to be adopted by Great Britain. I think, therefore, you by no means compromised yourself, or our country, nor expressed more than it would be our interest to encourage, if they were disposed to meet us. —

TITLE: To John Adams.
EDITION: Washington ed. i, 436.
PLACE: Paris
DATE: Sep. 1785