John Quincy Adams Digital Diary

4. At length I received this day, from Mr Monroe, Secretary of State, a letter, dated 1. July last announcing the Declaration of War, against Great-Britain, and enclosing the President’s Message to Congress, the Report of the Committee recommending the Declaration, and the President’s Proclamation founded upon it. I also received from Mr J. L. Harris a letter, dated Stockholm 18 November.— Mr Harris the Consul spent part of the Evening with us— He has some apprehensions of the ill-effects of English influence here at the present time; and is much mortified, at the airs and tone which the English here assume at this moment of boundless exultation over their most dreaded enemy— That there is danger cannot be denied; but I think their indiscretions will operate more against them than in their favour.— Charles was sent to dine at Madame Colombi’s, and was consequently indisposed for his ordinary evening’s amusement— Mr Montreal was here this morning, and I finally settled with him on account of Mr Smith— His situation and that of his relations here is painful and uncomfortable— They appear to think it not without danger; but I hope this apprehension will soon be removed— The very triumphs of the Russians will insensibly moderate their resentments— The dismissal of all the French actors and actresses, of both the Theatres at St: Petersburg and Moscow, from the Emperor’s service is this day officially announced in the Gazette— The funds applied heretofore to the payment of their Salaries, are to be appropriated to assist the sufferers by the War.