Berlin 22. Novr: 1799 Dear Sir. I have not received from the Secretary of State any instructions respecting the appointment of a consular Agent at Embden. But since you wrote me last Winter upon the subject, a Mr: Gregory, a native American, who had been some time settled at Dunkirk, has applied, with the recommendation of M:r Murray to whom he is personally known as a gentleman of respectable character, to M:r Lübze the American Consul at Stettin, with request to be appointed provisionally, consular Agent at Embden, and has further written to the Secretary of State, soliciting the appointment there as Consul - I believe that M:r Lübze has accordingly complied with Mr: Gregory's request. The details of the new changes of Government and of governing men in France, have not yet reached us by the regular Post - That they will have a tendency to produce a general Peace is extremely to be doubted - Partial negotiations for Peace they may produce - But the concentration of power in a few hands, rather indicates the design of commanding new, and extraordinary exertions than of relaxing towards the bounds of a practica[strikeout][inserted: ble] Peace. It is not probable that Prussia will interfere in any manner for the restoration of Peace, or that she could do much to bring it about were she ever so much inclined to attempt it. - The two principles which are the foundation of the War remain in all their original inveteracy, aggravated on both sides by all the sufferings reciprocally inflicted, neither in the smallest degree subdued, and neither with any immediate prospect of complete victory over the other - In such a state Peace may be forever upon the lips of both parties, but it is not in the heart of either. I am with great esteem and attachment, Dear Sir, your friend & h:ble Servt John Q. Adams Mr: Bourne [address leaf] À Monsieur Monsieur Bourne Consul Américain à Amsterdam.