1Proclamation on Insurrection in Pennsylvania, 12 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
Whereas, combinations to defeat the execution of the law for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses within the United States, have existed in the counties of Northampton, Montgomery, and Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania, and have proceeded in a manner subversive of the just authority of the government, by misrepresentations to render the laws odious, be deterring the officers of the...
2From John Adams to William R. Williamson, 23 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Address and a Copy of your association, by the Hand of the Speaker Mr Dayton. Your Feelings of the keenest Sensibility on account of the many and deep Wounds which have been inflicted on your Country by the Republic of France, must be approved by the coolest reason of every honest Man and faithful American. The Dedication of yourselves to the service of your Country, in...
3From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
With Mr. Davis’s report of the 8th I enclose all the papers relative to the complaint of Mr Liston against Capt Laskey & Capt Mugford & am Sir your most obedient I return also Carnots pamphlet. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
4From John Adams to United States Senate, 8 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Situation of Affairs between Some of the Citizens of the United States and the Cherokee Indians, has evinced the Propriety of holding a Treaty with that Nation, for the purpose of extinguishing by Purchase, their Right to certain parcells of Land, and for adjusting and Settling other Points relative to the Safety and Conveniency of our Citizens. With this View and for these Ends I nominate...
5From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 23 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have signed the warrant for Mr. George Barrell to be a midshipman & inclosed it to his uncle Joseph Barrell Esqr. to be transmitted to him. This in answer to your favor of the 16th. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
6List of Candidates for Offices, June 1797 (Adams Papers)
1. John Read of the state of Delaware, now resident in Philadelphia, to be the agent of the United States in relation to such claims as may be made against them before the Commissioners appointed to carry into effect the sixth article of the treaty of amity, commerce & navigation between the United States and Great Britain. Collinson Read of Pennsylvania } for the same office. Tephaniah Swift...
7From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you a letter from Mr Jonathan Allen one of our most federal clergymen & a certificate from the medical society of Vermont in favor of Dr Benjamin Walker as a surgeon. Dr Walkers appearance justifies the recommendation. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
Meeting with you at a regular Period established by Law, I expected nothing more, than those habitual Expressions of your friendship, which I have, constantly received, as one of your Associates, upon all Such occasions. This elegant Address, therefore, as it was not foreseen, is the more acceptable Coming from Gentlemen whose fame for Science and Literature as well as for every civil and...
9From John Adams to John Marshall, 9 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Mr Adam Babcock a respectable merchant of Boston whom I have known and esteemed for more than a quarter of a century. Mr. Spooner I also know and believe him to merit the character given him by Mr. Babcock. If it should be thought expedient to try a new experiment at negociation with the isle of France I dont believe we shall find a more proper person to conduct it as...
10From John Adams to United States Senate, 21 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Roger Gregory Junior of Virginia to be commissioner of the direct tax &c in the place of Thomas Tinsley who has resigned. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
11From John Adams to United States Senate, 15 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Edward Wyer of Massachusetts to be a Lieutenant in the Navy. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
12From John Adams to Nc. Militia Guilford County, 19 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Unanimous Address adopted by you has been transmitted to one as you directed by Major John Hamilton to Mr Steele and by Mr Steele to me. Addresses to one like yours, so friendly to me and so animated with public spirit, can never stand in need of any Apology.... It is on the contrary very true, that the affectionate Addresses of my Fellow Citizens have flowed in upon me from various Parts...
13From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a petition of Robert Watson for a pardon which I refer to you for your consideration & report to Your humble servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
14From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 13 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed recommendation of George Barrel from his uncle Joseph Barrel Esqr. to be a midshipman concurs with that of Mr. Thatcher and I request that you would send him a warrant. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
15From John Adams to John Marshall, 4 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment received your Letter of this morning and am happy in your acceptance of the office of Chief Justice. The Circumstances however of the times render it necessary that I should request and Authorise you, as I do by this Letter, to continue to discharge all the Duties of Secretary of State, untill ulteriour Arrangements can be made. With great Esteem, I have the / Honor to be,...
16From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are applications for Appointments &c from George McDonald, General Whiting, a very respectable Officer, James Cunningham, James Campbell, Zenas Meigs Bradley, George Walton General Morgan, which I recommend to your Consideration and am your humble sert Also a letter from Elijah Paine, recommending Mr Samuel Shuttleforth to be chaplain in the army NNGL .
17From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Ebenezer Skiff, with many recommendations from select men, Minister &c to be keeper of the light house at Gay Head. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
18From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 29 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
The president of the U.S. requests the Secretary of State to prepare copies of the remaining papers of our late Envoys to France to be laid before congress at an as early day as possible MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
19From John Adams to Dwight Foster, 12 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The President of the US: requests the pleasure of Mr. Fosters company to dine on Saturday next at 3 oClock MB .
20From John Adams to Pennsylvania Insurgents, 21 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Whereas, the late wicked and treasonable insurrection against the just authority of the United States, of sundry persons in the counties of Northampton, Montgomery, and Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania, in the year 1799, having been speedily suppressed, without any of the calamities usually attending rebellion; whereupon peace, order, and submission to the laws of the United States were...
21From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Daniel Davis District Attorney for Maine Another from Woodbury Storer—another from the collector Mr. Nath. Fosdick in favor of Ebenezer Mayo to be Surveyor in place of Col Lunt deceased. I add a letter of Mr Smith. Which of the three candidates ought to have the preference Mayo, Titcomb or Fosdick is somewhat difficult to determine, as each has recommendation from...
22From John Adams to James McHenry, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Meeting of Congress approaches, and it is necessary to consider whether Phyladelphia is a safe Residence for Congress: and also the Particulars that will be proper to communicate and recommend to both Houses at the opening of the session. I ask the favour of you to resolve these Subjects in your Mind and write me the Result as soon as you can. I have the Honor / to be, sir your most...
23From John Adams to United States Congress, 5 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
The first dispaches from our Envoys Extraordinary, since their arrival at Paris, were received at the secretary of states office at a late hour the last evening—They are all in a character, which will require some days to be decyphered, except the last, which is dated the 8th of January 1798—The contents of this Letter, are of so much importance to be immediately made known to Congress, and to...
24From John Adams to United States Senate, 18 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate John Jay Esqr. Govenor of the State of New York to be Chief Justice of the United States in the place of Oliver Elsworth who has resigned that office DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
25From John Adams to James M. Hughes, 5 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
No testimonials of personal respect to me, or of Attachment to the Government could be more acceptable to me, than those in this Address, which breaths the genuine Sentiments of Americans attached to their Country by every tie of Nature and Affection. I am happy in your Opinion that those, who insult and injure Us, are left without excuse, because every thing on the part of our Government has...
I transmit herewith a copy of the laws enacted by the governor and judges of the Mississippi Territory, for the inspection of Congress. There being but this one copy, I must request the House, when they have made the requisite examination, to send it to the Senate. Printed Source--A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, 1789-1897. 10 vols. (Washington, 1896-1899)..
27From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 22 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received your favor of the 12th only on the 20th. Gen. Dickerson introduced to me at Philadelphia Mr. Evan Jones, whose appearance deportment, & conversation were such as might be expected from a brother of that family—such as might be expected from Gen Dickerson’s recommendation. I am perfectly satisfyed that you should give him a commission as consul, provided you think it can be done...
28From John Adams to United States Senate, 13 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
A Resolution of both Houses of Congress, authorizing an adjournment on Monday the 16th of this month has been laid before me—Sensible of the severity of the service in so long a session, it is with great Reluctance, that I find myself obliged to offer any consideration, which may operate against the inclinations of the Members; but certain measures of Executive Authority, which will Require...
29From John Adams to James McHenry, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your note of this date & have read all the papers. This whole business is so entirely new to me, that I have read the documents with great surprize. I highly approve of the proposed enquiry & of your letter to Messrs Shepherd Parks & Ely I am Sir with great esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
30From John Adams to Jonathan DeWitt, 22 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received and read with great pleasure your address of the first of Sept. which, in this kind of writing with a few explanations, may be confident as a model of sense & spirit, as well as of taste and eloquence. Is there any mode imaginable in which contempt of the understanding and feelings of a nation can be expressed with so much aggravation, as by affecting to treat the government of...
31From John Adams to John Marshall, 26 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your letter of the 16. I am well satisfied with all its contents. The only thing, which requires any observation from me is, the proposed instruction to Mr. King. As far as I am able to form a conjecture, five millions of dollars are more than sufficient, provided the British creditors are left at liberty to prosecute in our courts and recover all the debts, which are now...
32From John Adams to James McHenry, 27 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the 20th. and have no Objection to the plan you propose of raising a Company of Cavalry.—“Our means”! I never think of our means without shuddering! All the Declamations as well as Demonstrations of Trenchard & Gordon, Bolingbroke Bernard & Walpole, Hume, Burgh and Burke, rush upon my Memory and frighten me out of my Witts. The system of Debts and Taxes is levelling...
33John Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
I rec d last night your Letter of the 11 th. Your Girls and M r shipley arrived in good health and Spirits. I shall Send the Charriot this morning to meet you. It would be a great pleasure to me to go in it, but I am so engaged in indispensable business that I know not how to leave it and another thing of some importance is your Son may take a seat with you & Suzan in the Charriot and that...
34From John Adams to United States Senate, 22 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate the following List of Gentlemen for Promotions and Appointments in the Army of the United States. Cavalry 2d: Lieutt. William Tharp 1st. Lieutt. vice Simmons, dismissed Artillerists and Engineers Major of the First Regiment, Lewis Tousard. Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the Second Regiment First Regiment. Captain Moses Porter Major vice Tousard, promoted Lieutenant Jonathan...
35From John Adams to Ma., Grand Jury Middlesex County, 7 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for this Address which has been transmitted to me by The Chief Justice of the State, according to your request. The sentiments expressed by you as your own and as those of your Fellow Citizens of the same County, do honor to the County of Middlesex. That County, whose Inhabitants were the first to make a military defence of their Rights, upon a former against unjust demands upon a...
36From John Adams to David Rawn, 1 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
By the President of the United States. Whereas John Steele Esquire Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States is at present absent from the seat of Government, and whereas it is represented to me as a matter of importance that the accounts of Edmund Randolph Esquire late Secretary of State should be forwith adjusted and Settled. —Therefore be it Known that in pursuance of the authority...
37From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 2 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received last night yours of the 28th. On the 21st I wrote you approving of Talbot to command the Constitution, and shall think the days and hours long, till he arrives in Boston, where he will be liked. I depend much on him for the dispatch of the ship. McNeil will loose no time in obeying your orders. It has been difficult for Perry to get men nearer than Boston. With great regard MHi :...
38John Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Last night for the first time I slept in our new House.— But what a Scene! The Furniture belonging to the Publick is in the most deplorable Condition— There is not a Chair fit to sit in. The Beds and Bedding are in a woeful Pickle. This House has been a scene of the most scandalous Drunkenness and Disorder among the servants, that ever I heard of. I would not have one of them for any...
39From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your private Letter of the 11th. which contains matter of importance, but unnecessary to be considered and answered particularly by me, because I have in another Letter written this morning referred the whole Subject to your final decision. The manual Exercise of Writing has become almost as painfull to me, as a blow upon the Elbow or the Knee, which induces me to Spare almost...
40From John Adams to Ebenezer Tucker, 27 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of April 24th inclosing the address of the Inhabitants of little Eggharbour— The zeal and frankness of this unanimous declaration and is remarkable and purely American—my Answer is enclosed which I pray you to present in the manner most convenient and agreeable I am Sir with much Esteem / your most Obt: Servt: MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
41From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 14 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have recd with great pleasure your favour of the fifth. Of the Book which my Enemy has written you shall hear more, hereafter. My Character Shall not lie under that load. I will not write in Newspapers nor in Pamphlets, while I am in my present Station, against that Pamphlet. Personal Injuries! I cry you mercy, what personal Injuries? Is making his Nephew a Captain a personal Injury? Is...
42From John Adams to Daniel Greenleaf, 9 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, & lady requests the Pleasure of Mr & Mrs. D. Greenleafs Company to Dine, on friday next, at two o’clock. An answer is requested. MHi : Homans Collection; Greenleaf Family Deposit.
43From John Adams to James Breckenridge, 17 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
A Copy of your unanimous Resolution of the 31. of May, together with an Address signed by your Chairman by your Order has been presented to me, by your Representative in Congress Mr Evans. The Confidence of the People of Virginia or any such respectable portion of them, is peculiarly agreable to me: and the more So because, I am conscious that more than twenty Years ago, in Circumstances, very...
44From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Letters from Colo. Rice, Lt. Soper, and from General Knox and Mr. HG Otis—which I pray you to file with all other applications of Similar natures. Mr. Henry Sargent appears a very respectable Man— MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
45From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 23 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a Letter from Jesser Lewis which I recommend to your Consideration. General Marshall can probably give you more Information than the Letter contains or is known to your affectionate sert DNA : RG 45--Naval Records Collection.
46From John Adams to United States Senate, 11 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Obadiah Trimmier of South Carolina to be a Commissioner of Valuations in the third Division of that state in the place of Robert Anderson resigned. Julius Nicholls Junior of South Carolina to be Inspector of survey Number three in that state, in the place of Eugene Brenen, whose Commission will expire at the End of the present session of the Senate DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S....
47From John Adams to United States Senate, 20 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
I nominate the following List of Officers in the Army Cavalry. Lieutenant James V. Ball Captain—vice Van Rensselaer.. appointed Major First Regiment of Artillerists & Engineers Major.. Henry Burbeck,,, Lieut. Col. Commdt. vice Rochefontaine dismissed 7. May 1798 Captain Mahton Ford Major vice Burbeck promoted... 7. Ma..1798 Lieutenant Piercy S. Pope Captain vice McRee resigned... 24 April..—...
48From John Adams to William Macpherson, 18 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
This Dedication of yourselves, in the Presence of God and the World, to defend, against the Attacks of Arrogance, Injustice and lawless ambition, that happy System of Government which you have inherited from your Fathers cemented by the best blood of America and sanctioned by your own approbation, is very Solemn and affecting. It has, I presume been well weighted deliberately considered and...
49From John Adams to United States Senate, 10 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Joseph Beale of Massachusetts to be a Lieutenant in the Navy George Washington Few of Rhode Island to be a Lieutenant in the Navy. Charles Webb of Virginia to be a Surgeon’s mate in the navy. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
50From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I last night received your favor of the 10th: Mr Liston’s note of the 8th was not inclosed as you intended. Mr. Barclay I know & his Exequator will be ready. Mr. Moodie I know not, nor do I know or suspect any objection to him. I thank you for the account of the tryal of Fries, which if it was attended to by as numerous a concourse of people in Philadelphia, as it would have been in some other...