doi:10.7916/q88z-7f23Document, 1785 May 13correspondencetextUnited States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783Jay, John, 1745-1829Conversation with the Duke of Dorset: what is the reason the posts have not been evacuated? "He seemed wholly at a loss upon this subject, and did not incline to compromise himself by hazarding any opinion." What about debts and restitution of Negroes? here again unwilling to hazard any opinion of his own. Duke said Adams "must be in London time enough to pay my respects to the King on his birthday," an occasion which requires a fine new coat, "for that it was a rule of etiquette there for every body to have new clothes upon that day, who went to court, and very rich ones." Adams' family expected to attend court as well; Adams laments the necessity of the demand for it will make a difference of several hundred pounds annually, but there is a certain appearance in proportion to rank which is expected at all courts of Europe. It is to America's interest to conform in this matter.