William Adams (1772–1851) was an English lawyer most notable for his part in negotiating settlements with the United States in the 1814/1815 period.
[1] Obtaining a high reputation for business capacity and mastery of legal details, he rendered valuable service on several important commissions.
[1] His chief claim to distinction is, however, the part he took in the negotiations for the Treaty of Ghent with the United States in 1814 after the capture of Washington; he was one of the three commissioners sent to represent England, and was entrusted with the sole preparation of the despatches relating to maritime law, the most delicate and important part of the negotiation.
In 1815 he was also named one of the three plenipotentiaries sent to conclude a convention of commerce between Great Britain and the United States, which was signed on 3 July.
[1] Excessive labour connected with the preparation of the case against Queen Caroline had serious effects on his health, and in 1825 he was compelled on this account to resign his profession.