ABSTRACT
The Revolutionary War ended in 1782, and John Adams did not return home. Despite the ambiguity of his position in Europe, he remained abroad, negotiating with the French, the English, and the Dutch and with Congress. He negotiated with foreign heads of state about the diplomatic status of the United States and for loans; with Congress, he negotiated his own status. He traveled between Amsterdam and Paris, waiting for word from Congress. Either he would be retired from further service abroad, or more likely, he would be commissioned to negotiate a commercial treaty with Great Britain or perhaps even be appointed the first United States minister to that country. The latter prospect involved both challenge and fame, a combination of labor and status that John could never resist.
