Bute, with a View of secretly bringing about an Accommodation with that King and Nation which I have solemnly abjurd.  What is there which Malice joynd with a small Share of Wit will not suggest!  I am not apt to conceal my Sentiments.  They are far from being problematical.  They are well known here & at Boston; and I can trust my Consistency in the Judgment of every honest and sensible Man that is acquainted with me.  The Censure of Fools or Knaves is Applause.

Mr Silas Dean has lately publishd a Paper here filled with Insinuations and Assertions without any Evidence to support them, against Dr Lee.  I have long ago formd my Opinion of both those Gentlemen, and have never yet seen Reason to alter it.  I have sent the Paper to my Friend General Warren.  I wish you would invite him to a Dish of Tea, and desire him to let you see it and my Letter which inclosd it.  You may read this Letter to him and other Confidential Friends, but dont let it go out of your own Hands.

I never was in better Spirits than at present.—­My Love to my Daughter, Sister Polly & the Rest of our Family & Friends.  Adieu my dear Betsy,

Your very affectionate,

I forgot to tell you that last Friday Mr President Laurens having dischargd the Duties of his Station for more than one year with Fidelity & to the Acceptance of the Members, resignd the Chair, and John Jay Esqr a Delegate from New York was chosen in his Room.  To this Gentleman I chearfully gave my Vote.

Mrs Clark and her Sister Miss Daily in whose house the Massachusetts Delegates are agreably scituated present their respectful Compliments to you.

TO THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS.

[W.  V. Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, vol. iii., p. 59; a draft is in the Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library.]

Marine committee, Philadelphia, December 15, 1778.

Sir,—­

Pursuant to the direction of Congress and the request of the Minister Plenipotentiary of France, I have the honor of transmitting to the Council of Massachusetts Bay a declaration under the hand and seal of that Minister, promising a reward to every vessel that shall take or destroy a vessel of the enemy loaded with masts or spars, and destined to the ports of Halifax, Newport, or New York.  It is the particular desire of the Minister that this declaration may be addressed to that Honorable Board, to the end that the same may be made known in such a manner as their wisdom shall direct.

I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,1

1 Signed by Adams as chairman of the Marine Committee of the Continental Congress.

TO JAMES BOWDOIN.

[Ms., Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library.]

Philade Decr 19th 1778

MY DEAR SIR