1251From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter from Judge Bradbury, recommending Capt. Joseph Titcomb of Portland to be Surveyor in the place of Col Lunt deceased. I pray you to file with the testimonies in favor of Mr Fosdick, which I sent you yesterday & all others With high regard & MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1252From 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...
1253From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 24 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter of the 21st of this month from his Excellency Govenor Monroe, which I request you to consider & report to me the result of your examination A marine hospital at Norfolk, I suppose is necessary for the United States. With high esteem &c P.S. The constitution arrived in Boston harbor yesterday. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1254From John Adams to James Monroe, 25 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
On Saturday I received the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write me on the 11 of this month, informing me that the Legislature of Virginia by a law passed in 1798, authorized its chief magistrate to cede to the United States the Marine hospital at Norfolk on condition they pay to the contractor, the ballance which was then due him, by the commissioners under whose authority he had...
1255From 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...
1256From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 26 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Nabby Sylvester, the signer of the inclosed petition, came to me this morning to present it. She has the appearance of a virtuous & discreet woman. Left as she is with an helpless family of children, among whom is a pair of twins very young, she seems to me to be an object of compassion & of charity. I know not whether the law authorizes me to grant her request. The fine is yet in the...
1257From John Adams to Hannah Adams, 27 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am sorry that your fathers engagements, as well as mine, prevaented me the pleasure of more of his company, & a longer conversation. Your desire of dedicating the third edition of your view of religions to me is very flattering to me & I readily consent to it. I shall be very glad to procure a copy of it, as soon as it is printed & can be bound. I wish you all possible pleasure, reputation &...
1258From John Adams to Barnabas Bidwell, 27 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the 16th and thank you for the Information it contains A very little reflection I think must convince a Gentleman of your Information that it would be altogether improper for me to enter into any Conversation or Correspondence relative to the late Changes in Administration. If a President of the United States has not Authority enough to change his own Secretaries, he...
1259From John Adams to Rev. John Eliot, 27 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received in due time, and ought to have Sooner answered your favour of the first of this month, informing me that I was unanimously elected a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society at their last meeting. The Objects of that Institution are of great Importance and very laudable, and the Exertions of the Members have done them much honor I pray you Sir to present to the Society my...
1260From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 27 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Mr. John C. Jones of Boston, recommending Capt Joseph Coffin Boyd, to fill the place of Col Lunt. Also a letter from Richard Hunnewell, requesting the office for himself. Thus you see we have an ample choice of candidates. Fosdick, Titcomb Mayo Boyd & Hunnewell, all well qualified & recommended by very respectable men. The last however appears to me to have the best...
1261From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I return inclosed the three letters of Mr Miller approved, in which he recommends John Shackleford, David Allen & Isam Clay to be keepers of light houses With great esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1262From John Adams to John Marshall, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favor of the 23d. My ideas are perfectly conformable to yours in your instructions to Mr. King, as you state them to me. The explanatory articles, if attainable, are preferable to any other mode. The next most eligible is the substitution of a sum in gross. That sum to be as small as can be agreed to or will be agreed to by the British government. But to agree to...
1263From John Adams to John Marshall, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter from Mr. Boudinot, recommending Mr. Isaac Barnet I pray you to file among the applications for the consulate at Bourdeaux. The inclosed letter from Govenor St Clair, though a private one, is I think proper for you to peruse, as we shall e’er long have to consider of a nomination of a Govenor. After your have perused it, you may let the other gentlemen read it & then return...
1264From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice that Captain Truxton is gone to Guadaloupe. But what shall we do with Capt Talbot & the constitution? Your orders to Capt Little, I will transmit to him by the first opportunity. His officers are all appointed & commissioned. This in answer to your favor of the 21st from your most obedient MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1265From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Mr. Sam Freeman of Falmouth, in favor of Mr. Joseph Titcomb, but although Mr. Freeman is a very respectable man, & I doubt not Mr. Titcomb is so too, I still am of opinion in favor of Col Hunnewell for the office of Surveyor, for reasons mentioned in a former letter I am with sincere esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1266From John Adams to George Little, 2 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your letter of yesterday by Lt Potter, I can only say that you shall be at liberty to take which you please of the two Lieutenants. If Mr. Clough should not join you in four days from yesterday, according to his promise, you may take Mr. Potter in his place if you chose to do so. But I will not break in upon your arrangement. I return you Mr. Stoddert’s letter as you desire With...
1267From John Adams to John Marshall, 2 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
On the last of August at night I received a packet containing a letter from our envoys of May 17th. A memorial of our Envoys to the French ministers of May 8, in answer to one of those ministers to ours of the 16 floreal 8th year. These I return inclosed There was no letter from you nor any other paper in the packett. You will know whether I received all the papers you sent. If not the packet...
1268From John Adams to John Marshall, 4 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of August 25th I am much of your opinion, that we ought not to be surprized, if we see our envoys in the course of a few weeks or days, without a treaty. Nor should I be surprized, if they should be loaded with professions and protestations of love, to serve as a substitute for a treaty. The state of things will be so critical, that the government ought to be...
1269From John Adams to John Marshall, 5 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I hope as you do, that the resistance to the execution of the judgment of the courts of the United States in Kentucky, as represented by Judge Harry Innis, exists no longer. I return you all the papers. Mounflorence’s information was, that our envoys “were ready to depart for Havre De Grace, where they intended to embark for the Hague.” This was probably given out by the French to conceal...
1270From John Adams to John Marshall, 5 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I should rather have waited till nominations could be made to the Senate, when we might have had an opportunity to make more enquiries, but as Mr. Harrison seems so anxious & you seem to be satisfied, I am willing to appoint Mr William Clark, Major Henry Vanderburgh & Mr. John Griffin. I am apprehensive that this will be suspected to be a compliment to his father & that other candidates may be...
1271From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 5 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your favor of August 27 I consent to the appointment of Edward Pennington to be first mate, Donard Rimbley to be second mate & Richard Hrabowski to be third mate of the Revenue Cutter on the South Carolina station. I return you all the papers inclosed in yours. Enclosed also is a letter from Paul Dudley Sargeant proposing to be Surveyor of Portland. Although this gentleman...
1272From John Adams to John Marshall, 6 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I transmit you a letter from William Wetmore Esqr. of Castine in the District of Maine, to be filed & considered in time & in case. Mr. Whetmore is one of the remaining characters, whom I knew as a student in a Barristers office, when I was at the bar. What other applications may be presented I know not. With sincere regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1273From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 6 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letters from Mr H. G. Otis Mr. James Sheafe in favor of Mr. George Boyd were brought to me yesterday by himself. He is a very genteel young man, a fine figure & person & well bred as far as I could perceive. His ancestors were honorable & his connections are respectable. If you know of no objection I know of none to making him a lieutenant. If you have anything to urge against...
1274From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter from Dr Bartleet of Charleston, offering himself a candidate for a medical appointment in case; I transmit to you, because I believe the law has committed the medical marine Establishment to your care. If I am mistaken in this, you will please to give this letter & its inclosures to Mr. Stoddert. Dr. Bartleet is as worthy & respectable character as any we have. Last night I...
1275From John Adams to Eliphalet Fitch, 7 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received last night with great pleasure your favor of the third & very cordially & sincerely congratulate you on your arrival in your native Country. I wish you all possible satisfaction in your residence here & shall be happy to contribute anything in my power to make it agreeable. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to receive you & your family at Quincy before I sett out on my...
1276From John Adams to John Marshall, 9 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Stevens’s letter inclosed in yours of the 30th seems to require a proclamation to open the trade between the United States & the ports of St Domingo which were lately in the possession of Rigaud, & I am ready to agree to it whenever you & the heads of department shall be satisfied. Mr. Mitchell of Charleston promises great things, & he may be able to perform them, for any thing that I know....
1277From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have read the proceeding against Lt. Mariner of the frigate Adams, inclosed in your favor of the 30 Aug, & upon due consideration of the whole, have approved of the justice sentence of the Court martial. I cannot however omit to express my anxiety, that so much irregularity should have occurred, as I fear from too much indulgence in the harbor of St Kitts. I pray you to impress upon all our...
1278From John Adams to John Trumbull, 10 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 4th. Porcupines Gazette and Fenno’s Gazette, from the moment of the Mission to France, aided, countenanced and encouraged by Soidisant fœderalists in Boston New York and Phyladelphia, have done more to Shuffle the Cards into the hands of the Jacobin Leaders than all the Acts of Administration and all the Policy of opposition from the Commencement of the...
1279From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 10 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received and will communicate to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, your Prospect of exterminating the Small Pox. I have read this History of the Kine Pox with pleasure. Your Zeal and Industry to give these Experiments fair play in America deserve the thanks of all the Friends of science and Humanity. To disarm the Small Pox of its contagion is an enterprize worthy of a Hercules...
1280From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 11 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from General L. R. Morris, recommending John Cook Esqr to be a Capt in the second regiment of Artillery. Mr. Cook had his education to the law under Mr Chipman the Senator. It is possible he may make one the instructors in your military academy With sincere regard &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1281From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 11 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from General Peleg Wadsworth of Portland, recommending Thomas Baker Wait to be surveyor & inspector in the place of James Lunt. You know as well as I the respectability of this recommendation With sincere regard &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1282From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 12 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Applications like those enclosed from Mr Francis More, recommended by the select men of Cambridge, Dr Tappan & Mr Holmes, I never know how to receive. No particular employment is specified & I am left to study what can be done for the man. The consequence generally, if not universally has been, that nothing has ever been done for him. In such cases I know not which of the heads of department...
1283From John Adams to John Marshall, 13 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the third. There is indeed so much delicacy in engaging in the support of a claim founded on provision furnished the British army during the revolutionary war that I would not consent that Mr. King should interpose officially in the business of Col Norton. I return the letter of Will. H. Harrison to you & Mr. John Wilkins’s letter to him recommending Mr. John...
1284From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday Mr. D Leonard Jarvis called on me to present me the inclosed letter from himself dated the 10th and the enclosed statement in print of the claim of the Rhode Island brigade. All the consolation I could give him, after reading over his representation with some care, was a promise to enclose it to you with my recommendation to you to give it a candid & impartial consideration & if you...
1285From John Adams to John Marshall, 17 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I agree entirely with your sentiments relative to explanations with the British government & a gross sum, and am happy to learn that you have prepared a letter to Mr. King, according to the principles understood between us, which has been approved by the heads of department. This letter may be sent without further advice from me. Mr. Liston apparently had un peu de l’heumeur when he wrote his...
1286From John Adams to John Marshall, 17 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the information, transmitted in your letter of the 6, I think it most equitable to suspend the removal of Mr. Pintard for the present. I am glad to find that Mr. Lamar is a native American & now agree with you that whenever Mr. M Pintard must be removed, a more proper person cannot probably be selected, than Mr. Lamar. I have read with care your letter to Mr. Humphries, &...
1287From John Adams to John Marshall, 17 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your favor of the 6th I agree upon the whole with you. The law considers the whole of the Island as a dependance on France, which raises some doubt of the power of the Executive to discharge & restore the vessel captured by Capt Talbot. If therefore the interested should insist on the judgment of the judiciary, the plan you propose will be the safest. Capt Talbot I am convinced...
1288From John Adams to John Marshall, 18 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received last night & have read this morning the copy of your letter to Mr. King inclosed in your favor of the 9th. I know not how the subject could have been better digested. An idea has occurred to me, which I wish you would consider. Ought not something to be said to Mr. King about the other board, that I mean in London. We understand it no doubt all along, that those commissioners are to...
1289From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Mr. Otis & another from Mr. Bussey, recommending Mr. Payton Gay of Dedham to be an officer of marines. Enclosed also is a letter from Dr. Charles Blake requesting to be a surgeon in the army or navy. Dr. Blake served on board the constitution untill he was promoted in the army. I submit them all to your consideration With sincere esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers,...
1290From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
The letter you sent me is from Mr. Murray of the 1 of May at Paris. I return it inclosed to you, that you may consider the recommendation of Mr. Dan. Murray of Anapolis his relation, who is a midshipman on board the insurgent. If this young gentlemans merits will justify his promotion, of which you are better judge than I can be, my disposition to consent to it need not be doubted. With great...
1291From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the 11th. I hope We have not made a mistake in Appointing Col. Hunnewell. On the Petition of Mrs Sylvester I am of the same opinion with you and your Colleagues. I had read with real Grief in the Papers, the account of the Death of Col. Otway Bird. The Character I read of him at the time of his appointment to the Collector, convinces me that the public has Sustained...
1292From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
It is high time for me to request, that you would seriously revolve in your thoughts, the subject of communications, both of intelligence and advice, to be made to Congress, at the opening of the approaching session, and favor me with your sentiments upon the whole subject, as soon as possible. I shall leave this place on Monday the 13th of October. No letters should be directed to me here,...
1293From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 23 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from an officer of good character & I believe superior endowments accomplishments William Cocks. I take the liberty to recommend him to your candid attention, and careful enquiry. If a place can be spared for him, it will be very agreeable. Enclosed is the association of the Durham fœderal volunteers with recommendations of Isaac Davis as Captain, William Hoyt as 1st Lt. &...
1294From John Adams to John Marshall, 23 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Mr Samuel Parkman, a very respectable citizen of Boston & a member of our Massachusetts legislature, recommending Mr George A Cushing to be Consul at Havanna. You will find in your office the papers referred to. This letter you will please to file with them to be considered in case. I know nothing of the probability of the office being vacant. A letter is also...
1295From 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.
1296From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 23 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Mr William Channing from Tappahannock requesting to be made Collector of Norfolk in the place of Col Bird which you will be pleased to file & consider with all other applications for the same office With affectionate esteem &c. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1297From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 25 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 15th. Privateers manned by Spaniards with French commissions are intollerable. Remonstrances ought to be made to the Spanish govenors & to the Court of Madrid in a serious tone.—The Warren is arrived in Nantaskett Road, but I have nothing from any officer. The Captain, Col. Pickerings nephew, Newman is dead. I know not the character of the ship. If our ships...
1298From John Adams to John Marshall, 25 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Elias Backman, Consul in Sweden with an account, which you will please to consider. If he took upon himself the office of Ambassador without orders, commission or instructions and spent money to obtain advantages to American commerce, the Executive authority cannot reimburse him. Enclosed also is a letter from C. Blackberd. You may take notice of it or not at your...
1299From John Adams to John Marshall, 27 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received the enclosed letter of J Cox Barnet at Bourdeaux of 27 July. This letter being addressed to the Secretary of State, I ventured to open & found in it only a private letter to you. This, I did not think myself warranted to open, though it may contain intelligence of a public nature, and now transmit it to you in the same enclosure, which first covered it. I have received...
1300From John Adams to John Marshall, 27 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday the inclosed letter, sent up from Boston, with several others and large packets, which appear to be only newspapers. This is duplicate of N. 244 from Mr. Humphries at Madrid, dated 29 July & Aug 1. Talleyrands reply to the French minister, “in the present state of the negociation, between the US & France, you may inform Mr. Humphry’s that he shall not long have occasion to...