1981To John Adams from William Vaughan, 7 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I beg to introduce to your acquaintance and civilities Mr Masson the Kings Botanist who is taking the Tour of America in order to increase our Knowlege in one of the most extensive and most useful pursuits in Nature. From your situation and your disposition to encourage all undertakings of public Utility I am persuaded you will anticipate my wishes in shewing those attentions to a man of worth...
1982To John Adams from Nathan Mayo, 4 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
At a time, like the present, when every heart is overflown at the remembrance of the never to be forgotten Fourth of July: When the public mind is much agitated, in regard to the event of both foreign and domestic affairs:— When a change of administration in the Federal Government is aimed at, which if effected, we apprehend will be productive of great national evils:— When to be most popular,...
1983To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 7 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to return the papers received the 5th instant, which were laid before you by the Secretary of War, concerning a difference of opinions between him and the accountant of that department relative to their respective powers in the issues of monies appropriated to its use; and upon which you directed me to consult the Attorney General, and make report to you.—With those papers I...
1984To John Adams from Pseudonym: "An Old Soldier and a Firm Federalist", 20 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Sir being A Solder In the Last War and Since An Observer of the Rigulations of the Amarican Army I Wish to Make Some few Observations or statements that Are In My Wiek Sence of Consiqunece. In the first Place the Army Doubtless Is Made Up of the Lower Class of Mankind & Always Will Be for the following Reasons Viz— If It Happen that A Man of Tallents Enlists Into the Service He stands but A...
1985To John Adams from Charles Lee, 27 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 10th. a few days ago and sympathising with you on account of the tedious illness of Mrs. Adams it is pleasing to learn that her health is in such a state of convalescence as to enable her to undertake a long journey; and I hope and pray your own strength may be restored before the meeting of Congress and that you may be blessed with health at all...
1986To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 9 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
While the House of Representatives contemplate the flattering prospects of abundance from the labors of the people by land and by sea, the prosperity of our extended commerce notwithstanding the interruptions occasioned by the belligerent state of a great part of the world, the return of health, industry, and trade to those cities which have lately been afflicted with disease, and the various...
1987To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 18 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
Ensign Peyton of the 1st. Regiment: will have the Honor to present this to you; ill Health obliges Him to retire from this Climate, more dangerous to us, than the swords of our neighbours.— A desire to be made known to you Sir, as natural as it is commendable, imboldons me to indulge Mr. Peytons request. By the medium of this note, and the assurance, that this Young officer is valuable in his...
1988To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 7 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to the direction of the President of the United States—The Secretary of the Treasury, has the honor of transmitting for his consideration—two Official Statements; One of them exhibiting a view of the payments made at the Treasury on account of the President’s compensation to the 3d of March 1800—inclusive—the other in relation to the expenditure of the Sum appropriated for his...
1989To John Adams from Anne-Louis de Tousard, 8 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Accustomed, as you are, to Sentiments of all kind, which those Citizens of the United States, who are attached to your Government, neglect no Occasion to improve, and express, and in which I do Sincerely join them; Will you distinguish those of my Gratitude for the two last favours, which you were pleased to Confer on me. I have lately recieved the two nominations of Lt. Colo. Commdt. the 2d...
1990To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Since I had last the honor to address you, I have received from the Collector of Pennsylvania information of the arrival at Marcus Hook of a Frenchman named Giraud, appointed Consul for Boston. It struck me as one of the names presented last May by Mr. Létombe as Consul, for whom your exequatur was requested and refused. I turned to Létombe’s letter, & found it so, with the variation of the...
1991To John Adams from Samuel Niles, 24 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
As the distance from Lebanon (where I now live) to Quincy, Has prevented me from well waiting on You personally, Be pleasd: sir to accept my hearty Cogratulation on Your Advancement to the Chief seat in the United States, In which may You shine more and more to Your dying day. Former Acquaintance emboldens me to apply to You in behalf of my Son Jereh: Niles who was in the Publick service in...
1992To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 24 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you on the 17th by Mr Hopkins; & being informed by Mr. Putnam of Boston, that Mr. Morgue, who has long resided with him, & has his confidence will depart in a day or two for Philadelphia, I embrace this opportunity of informing you that our affairs will be brot to a crisis in a day or two, & that we shall all leave France immediately, unless I should be obliged to...
1993Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 2 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 22 d. Ult o. I received the 1 t. Ins t. After a long & severe Winter, a cold & stormy March, and April much the same, a few Days excepted. We have at length fine Weather, and an Opportunity of getting our Seed in the Ground. The Weather has been exceeding hot and dry for Four Days Viz from the 28 th. of April to the 2 d. Ins t. April 28. Thermom tr. 68. 29 th. Th. 70. 30 th.
1994To John Adams from Henry Guest, 1 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I Addressed A Lettr. to you the 2 Day of February Last But With some reluctance As I thought Your time then was more necessarily imployd On the subject of shething Our Rising Navy With Leather—As I Apprehend you are Now a Little more at Leisure I take the Liberty to Lay this Matter More fully before you Which is Enclosed in this—I thought it propper to Publish it first in Claypools Philada....
1995To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 24 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been honoured with your very obliging Letter of the 18th. May which arrived here at a time when I was absent on an excursion to Pennsylvania in order to bring my family to this Country, and obviate the necessity of the like in future. The approbation you have been pleased to bestow on the Pamphlet which I took the liberty to enclose to you, could not be received without great...
1996To John Adams from Pseudonym: "Verax", 2 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
In Expectation that my Former Communication did not Offend & I cannot see how it could, an Intelligent & Enlighten’d Mind ever open to Receive Communications, From the Humblest of His Constituents, which may throw the smallest light on The Character, or Politicks of any Portion of The Country. He at Present is most Propitiously ( at this Important Period ) destin’d to Rule Over. I again...
1997To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 9 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
I took immediate Care to hand the public Papers, as authenticated by Mr. Otis, to the Printers of the Commercial Gazette, & shall lodge the Certificate with the Files of the historical Society. I could not avoid so apt an Occasion of making a few prefatory Observations, designed more for the Republicans of the Southern States, than our New England Citizens. A vast Majority of whom undoubtedly...
1998To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 4 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Some few days past I took the liberty to mention my anticipations respecting an Election then pending for Members to Compose our State Legislature: this is now determined, and the issue Known, it exceeds all that my most sanguine expectations could have imagined—Nyork again takes its rank among the most federal States— To account for this revolution of sentiment it must be observed, that for...
1999To John Adams from Maxwell Armstrong, 23 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
We the subscribers, a Committee appointed by a respectable meeting of the Inhabitants of Harrison County, in the Commonwealth of Virginia holden at Clarksburg, on Monday the sixteenth day of July 1798, for the purpose of expressing their sentiments of the measures pursued by our Government with respect to France—Beg leave to assure you that although among the last—in addressing, we are not...
2000To John Adams from Uriah Forrest, 4 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Whether we regard your signal Services in the hour of our Country’s Difficulty, or your diplomatic Exertions in the Conclusion of Peace, when national Rights of the highest Import were put into Peril.—Whether we view your Firmness in repelling foreign Aggression, or your sincerity in the Pursuit of Peace, when compatible with honor—We find abundant Cause for Admiration, and should commit...
2001To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to annex a list of names of candidates for officers in the army, and to request, if approved, your sanction to inform the gentlemen of their respective appointments. As the record of candidates from Virginia affords but one mate, and there are required four, for the 8th and 9th Regiments, I have been obliged to select gentlemen whose pretensions being for a higher grade it is...
2002To John Adams from John Clark, 29 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit you here with enclosed an Address from the Officers of the Division under my Command It is much Sullied and impaired by being Carried to & fro to the different Regimental Reviews was Cheerfully signed by all the Attending Officers except one & he only a Subaltern and I think I may say with truth that all Classes of C with us throughout the division Accord with...
2003To John Adams from John Marshall, 6 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I receivd last night your letter of the 26th—of August. The more I think on the proposition of giving a gross sum in lieu of the claims of the British creditors on the government of the United States, the more difficulty appears to me to attend the subject. On the one side I am convincd that the sum we shall be under the necessity of giving, if we come to any agreement, must be more...
2004To John Adams from Samuel Miller, 14 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to You a copy of a discourse, which I lately delivered, and which was designed as an humble tribute to the memory of that illustrious Man, for the loss of whom our nation mourns. Be pleased to accept it, as a small testimony of the respect and veneration with which I have the honor to be / Sir, / You most obedient / humble servant MHi : Adams Papers.
2005To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 4 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday General Maitland and Colonel Grant arrived here in a sloop of war from England, which they left the 6th of February. Their business respects St. Domingo. I have not yet seen them. Yesterday afternoon Mr. Liston sent me a packet of letters brought by them, one of which for you I have the honor to inclose. Several of Mr. King’s I am decyphering, the contents of which I will transmit as...
2006To John Adams from Elijah Cooper, 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
It has been suggested to me by a number of respectable Gentlemen of this town and vicinity, as an object worthy attention, to publish a new & elegant edition of your Defence of the American Constitutions ; and I have promise of much support. If I can obtain the honor of your approbation, I shall immediately put the work to press, & finish it with all possible speed:—it will be impressed on the...
2007To John Adams from Dr. Delafond, 6 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
J’ai eû l’honneur de dédier a Votre Excellence un manuscrit intitulé, “observations sur l’Epidèmie américaine,” dont je crois avoir développé d’une manière assès satisfaisante les causes, la nature et les moyens de la prévenir. Le Paquet a été mis par moimême a la Poste le 12 8bre. dernier, et adressè a Votre Excellence dans sa terre de Quincey. j’ai osé vous inviter, Monsieur Le Président, a...
2008To John Adams from Richard Howell, 24 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
From the Consequences of a slight but neglected hurt, I am compelled to lose the honor of personally presenting the Address of the Commander in Chief, the General, General–Staff and Field, Officers of the Militia of the State of New Jersey, who almost to a Man have, as I am well informed, cheerfully signed it. From numerous Communications received from the General and Field Officers, but one...
2009To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secy of the Treasy respectfully reports to the P. of the U.S. That the inclosed Letter from the Collector of the District of Baltimore and the documents therein mentioned, contain the result of the enquiry which has was instituted by the Presidents direction into the facts stated by in the petition of William Smith. As the conduct of the petitioner is believed to have been exceedingly...
2010To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 6 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose copies of letters this Day recd. from Capt. Murray,—being the only information I have recd. for several Days past, from our Vessels in the West Indies. Barry has a considerable force under his Command at Dominica—and I am mortified to find, that so late as the 18th March, no part of it had Visited Curacoa; a place particularly pointed out to his attention by his...
2011To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
On the petition of Richard Graham, the Secretary of the Treasy. in obedience to the directions of the Presidt. of the U. S. respectfully submits the following Report. The petitioner Richard Graham, and Samuel Spring, both of the State of New York, but residing at Rehoboth in Massachusetts, were convicted, before the Circuit Court of the United States holden at Boston on the first day of June...
2012To John Adams from Turell Tufts, 8 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I think it proper to inform you personally that having recd. a Newspaper containing, an Account of the dismissal of Mr Pickering and the resignation of McHenry, as well as the nomination of Mr Marshall & Mr Dexter to fill their places I imagined it would be well with for me to communicate these important changes in Office to His Execley the Govr. and to Genl Magan. as the treatment of...
2013To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the direction of the President of the United States respectfully makes the following Report; That the Letter of Governor Mifflin to the President of the United States dated the 12th Instant contains the following requests. – 1st. That the President would direct the American Ministers in Europe to use their influence to obtain permissions from the...
2014To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to transmit a letter from John Huges Esquire Commissioner for the first Division of South Carolina resigning his appointment—Jacob Read Esquire Senator of the State recommends Doctor Robert Pringle as a Gentleman well qualified—I take the liberty to submit his name, to be inserted, if the President pleases in the enclosed Commission. If the President will be pleased to direct...
2015To John Adams from Jacob Samsin, 23 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
AT this eventful period, when the dignity and independence of the United States are involved; at a time when a foreign nation has declared (among other enormous requisites) that money to an immense amount must be paid as a preliminary to an audience with the Directory, or their recognition of our envoys extraordinary to that nation; and at a time when a foreign nation attempts to degrade the...
2016To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully transmits to the President of the United States, a Letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 20th. instant covering a proposal made by a Theodore Lincoln for building a Light House upon Cape Cod in the State of Massachusetts. It is the opinion of the Secretary, that all circumstances considered, it will be for the Interest of the United...
2017To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The motives which prompt me to this intrusion, will I hope apologise for it.— Regard to the welfare of an honest Man, & in his station a faithful officer, (who has served under my observation for six Years past, & suffered much in Constitution) induces me to take the Liberty, of, presenting the Bearer Mr. Saml Henly to your consideration, who goes on furlough to his native air of Boston, for...
2018To John Adams from Harrison Gray Otis, 3 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mr Horry who was presented to you in Philadelphia, came from newport principally with a view of paying his respects to you on the 30 October in Boston where he expected the honor of meeting you; and being disappointed he has remained in town, in the expectation that I would attend him to Quincy with the same view. This pleasurable duty I am expected by circumstances to postpone, and have asked...
2019To John Adams from Connecticut Legislature, 14 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The legislature of the state of Connecticut is not in the habit of interfering in the administration of the general government, nor of obtruding opinions or advice upon the councils of the Union.—We have been accustomed to exhibit, as a fair and sufficient proof of our affection for the national constitution, an uniform obedience to the laws and an undeviating respect for the constituted...
2020To John Adams from Theodore Foster, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The Act to provide for the more convenient organization of the Courts of the United States, contemplating the appointment of judges of the Courts in the several circuits, we take the liberty of recommending to you Benjamin Bourn Esqr: the present district judge of Rhode Island as a proper character to fill the office of a judge of the circuit Court in the circuit with which that State is...
2021To John Adams from William Hunt, 11 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
Impressed with lively emotions of gratitude, for the nomination of my Son Charles as an Ensign in the Army of the United States; I could wish, if possible, to have him transposed to one of the perminent Regiments, if at any time the goverment should see fit to disband the new raised troops, that his remaining in service may be more sure, as he is desireous of the Army. I hope that I shall not...
2022To John Adams from John M. Pintard, 26 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Altho not officialy Announced Nevertheless from the last advices from America I think I can with Confidence address you as the Successor of our Late Beloved President and Congratulate my Countrymen on the choice they have made. The purport of this Letter is to Request that you will be pleased to grant me a favour that your Predecessor in office was Kind enough to oblige me in and I Beg that...
2023To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
Having maturely reflected upon the principal question, contained in your communication, dated yesterday, to the Heads of Departments, and Attorney General, and beleiving it of great importance to the honour, dignity and consistency of the Government, that a public Printer should be appointed by the President, I have respectfully to submit my opinion on the subject. The principal question I...
2024To John Adams from William Murray, 14 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
We have seen with the anxiety which is inseperable from the love of our Country the situation in which the United States are placed by the agressions committed by the French nation on our Commerce our rights and our National Sovereignty.— Whilst the prospect of peace was in practicable view we looked anxiously toward that event; but we expected peace upon equitable and honourable terms.—We...
2025To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 9 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
The foregoing sheets contain exact copies (as I believe) of my Commission in the Navy the last War, an Official notice of my Appointment under the present form of Goverment, the letter of Suspension of my pay as Captain, and some Correspondence between the Honorable the Secretary of the Navy & myself on the subject of Seniority—But considerable conversation has taken place Between the...
2026To John Adams from J. Gibbon, 6 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
Under the circumstance of your want of a personall knowledge of me (tho I am to hope not of my pretensions), it becomes proper that I should appologize to you for thus deviating from the usuall mode of application for appointt. I do it Sir under an impression, that you will not ascribe an improper motive to it, and that it is necessary that I make some appology for a very hasty letter...
2027To John Adams from Willis Alston, 14 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the passage of a law during the present session of Congress for organizing the courts of the united states the appointment of a circuit Judge in the state of North Carolina becomes necessary I therefore take the liberty of recommending to your consideration the character of the Honorable Samuel Johnston, at present a Judge of the Supreme court of said state, for the Honor of...
2028To John Adams from Roberts & Co. Davy, 1 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Davy, Roberts & Co. present Respects to the President & request his Acceptance of a Box of Spanish Segars, which they hope will be found of good Quality. MHi : Adams Papers.
2029To John Adams from Rev. William Walter, 6 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your Excellency’s obliging Observations upon your own Letters in defence of the American Constitutions have added to my former satisfactions. If your Defence has not been so extensively read as it ought nor produced those happy Effects which were intended it is not because the work had not an intrinsic Value, but because the Great Events which Time has been unfolding have thrown the Minds of...
2030To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the Proceedings of two General Courts Martial, one held at Detroit, on the 23rd. July last by order of Colonel Hamtramck on Sergeant Adams Steer; the other held at Fort Fayette, Pittsburg on the 10th. day of October instant, by order of J. F. Hamtramck Colonel Commanding the Western Army, on Cornelius McMahon a private Soldier, together with the letters of Major...