Speculations on the probable disposition of the British Cabinet, in case of change.--The acknowledgment of independence still leaves room for disputes on other points. To Robert R. Livingston. Paris, Dec. 4th, 1782, 464 Transmits the preliminary treaty.--Desires to resign his commission in Holland.--Recommends Mr Laurens as his successor. Extracts from a Journal, 465 Propositions in regard to the Northern and Eastern boundaries.--Mr Adams observes, that the questions of compensation to the tories, and of allowing the claims of British creditors are different in principle.--Mr Jay refuses to treat with the Spanish Minister without exchanging powers.--Mr Jay's refusal to treat with the British, without a previous acknowledgment of independence.--Mr Jay thinks the French Court oppose the claims of the American Ministers.--Visit to Count de Vergennes.--Conversation with Mr Whiteford on the policy of France.--Mr Adams called the Washington of the negotiation.--Conversation with Mr Oswald relative to the compensation of the tories.--Conversation with Mr Vaughan on the same subject.--Conversation with M. de Lafayette on the subject of a loan.--Danger to America from European politics.--Mr Strachey returns from London with the adhesion of the Cabinet to the compensation of the tories.--The fisheries.--Consultation of the American Ministers.--Mr Fitzherbert's negotiations concerning the fisheries.--Mr Adams proposes an article relative to the right of fishing and curing fish.--Discussion of the article.--The American Ministers propose restoration of all goods carried off or destroyed in America, if the compensation is insisted on.--The English Ministers assent to the American ultimatum respecting the fishery and the tories.--Final meeting.--Mr Laurens proposes an article, that the English should carry off no American property.--Reflections on the negotiation.--State of the Dutch negotiations.--"Letters of a distinguished American," by Mr Adams.--Conversation with Mr Oswald on the true policy of England toward America.--Dr Franklin desires to enter upon the negotiation of the definitive treaty.--Mr Adams and Mr Jay prepare the joint letter to Congress. THE CORRESPONDENCE OF JOHN ADAMS, ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO FRANCE, MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY TO HOLLAND, AND ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS FOR NEGOTIATING THE TREATY OF PEACE. VOL. VI. 1 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF JOHN ADAMS. CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED. * * * * * TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Amsterdam, May 16th, 1781.