271To John Adams from George Crowninshield, 1 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
We had the honor to tender the offer of two very fine fast sailing Ships to the Secretary of the Navy on loan, as you will be satisfied by our letter of the 16th August, a Copy of which, with his answer, we beg leave to enclose to you, as we fear the Secrety: has not rightly understood our meaning—We had no idea of offering the two Ships for Sale, our intention was, and still is , to present...
272To John Adams from John Cruft, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is the letter as well as an extract of mine, which were forwarded to the secretary of the Navy in Decr. last, by my Brother respecting my appointment, at which time I had not the Knowledge of Lieutenants, ranking equall, which I hope your excellency will excuse, as I have this day forwarded on to the secretary, the oath of allegiance which I have subscribd my name to. I have the /...
273To John Adams from Abigail Fellows Cunningham, 11 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to congratulate you on your safe Return to your peaceful Retreat. may nothing disturb you. I think, it is almost, an unpardonable sin, for any one to trouble you, with unnecessary addresses, or impertinance when you are overwhelmed, with the Ardous cares and perplexities, of saving, States and Nations and Empires, which is enough to Set any King becide him self, if he had not God,...
274To John Adams from William Cunningham, 30 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Recllecting in my youthfull days to have freequently smoak’d what was than Call’d a thanksgiving pipe with you, and beleving at this time that you have some remenbrance of me. I am Enclined to address you. The people in this Town & Vicinity from various Causes, have been warmly attachd to the french. The publication of the memorial of our Envoy Extraordinary to geather with the requisition for...
275To John Adams from David Payson, 15 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Although possibly the last to declare, yet be assured, that we the Second Regiment, in first Brigade & eighth Division of the Militia of Massachusetts, & the Companies of Cavalry & Artilery Commanded by Silas Lee & David Silvester, will not be the last, to prove our attachment to our Country, & happy Government : if to Strengthen the hands of the hand of the Supreme Executive, by declaring our...
276To John Adams from William Cunningham, 23 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Cunningham is very much troubled on account of a certain paper she address’d to you some time ago. She is apprehensive something very tradgical will happen to her, or some of her connections, from the Arm of power in concequence thairof, in the course of the past winter she has had many restless nights on Account of this paper—we had concluded to do our selves the pleasure of waiting on...
277To John Adams from Alexander James Dallas, 30 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to request, that you will honor a set of my Reports with a place in your Library. If your political cares have not extinguished the professional ardor, which you displayed in the early period of your life, the volumes will afford you some amusement. But I particularly beg you to accept them as a mark of the sincere respect, with which I am, / sir, / Your most obedt. & most Hble Servt...
278To John Adams from William Lewis, 19 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
In compliance with your request, we shall now proceed briefly to communicate the points and Authorities, which we intended to urge in the case of the U.S. vs. Fries, if the Conduct of the Court had not unexpectedly deprived us of every hope of Success from these Means of defence. It may be proper to premise, that on the Morning appointed for the Trial, the Presiding Judge in the Presence of...
279To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 30 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have really occasion to make an Apology for troubling you so often with my personal concerns—perhaps I presume too much on the Score of private Friendship—That, and Your Candor, I will hope, may plead my excuse— On the 21st of the last month I did myself the Honor of writing to You–when I took the liberty to mention the probability of a dissolution of my Copartnership with Mr Lear— It is...
280To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 12 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
Sensible how important every Moment of your time must be, I will rely upon the intention of my present Address to You as an Excuse for this Intrusion— You have been pleased to express a wish that I would give You any information that I judged worthy of Notice—Very few incidents in this quarter are so, especially relative to public Movements— If being impossible for You to be ascertained of the...
281To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 1 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
For several month’s past, I have been prevented from writing by a violent inflammation in my Eyes, which was probably, rendered more lasting and serious, for want of a little prudence at an early stage of the complaint. This is my first attempt to use a Pen since the second attack—I cannot do it, with more Propriety, or with more Satisfaction to myself, than in paying to You, Sir, my most...
282To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 13 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am informed that Colonel Fitzgerald, Collector at Alexandria, Virginia, has mentioned his intention to resign that Office, this Spring— Among the names of the Candidates, who may offer to fill this Vacancy, whenever it may happen, You will, probably, see that of Thomas Porter, whose recommendations will bring him into View— He is a Native of Danvers in Massachusetts—has resided more than...
283To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 5 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
On the first of the present Month I did myself the Honor of addressing You; since when I have been informed that Mr. Stoddert has written to his Friends in George Town, that the Executive Offices of the US, would, undoubtedly, be removed from Philadelphia, in April. And, if the Members of Congress could be assured of accomodations in George Town, and this City, it was not improbable that their...
284To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 20 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
I lately did myself the Honour of addressing You, relative to a certain Character—whose Conduct, since, I hope had justified my intruding upon your important Moments, on such an occasion. The large Majority in the House of Representatives for granting pecuniary Aid to this City, is pleasing to those particularly interested in it—It did me good to hear of any tolerable Union in that Body, on...
285To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 26 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
In offering to You my Congratulations upon your being placed at the Head of the Government of the United States, by the suffrages of a free and enlightened People, it would be in common with those who have, or who take, Occasion to address you— In doing this I should but reiterate the sincere Sentiments which I did myself the pleasure of expressing in my last of the 16th January—when the Issue...
286To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 28 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
Under the 26th of March last I did myself the Honor and Pleasure to address You—and to present my sincere Congratulations—and respectful Regards— At that time I took the Liberty of mentioning some circumstances relative to this City—and to the competition excited between the Proprietors of the different parts of it, and of the Lands around—and the baneful Effects of their various movements— In...
287To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 6 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Dalton desirous to pay the Compliments of the Season to her much respected Friend Mrs. Adams, I take the Liberty of putting under Cover, with this, a Letter to that Purpose—adding Mrs. D’s request that you will be so good as to pardon the Freedom. It affords me an Apology for troubling yourself with my best Wishes, on the same Occasion—I should have highly enjoyed the Opportunity of...
288To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 5 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Inhabitants of the City of Washington rejoice in the opportunity which Your Presence this day affords them of paying to You their unfeigned respect, and of giving You a welcome to the City, which, by the Acts of the Union, has become the Metropolis of the United States.— We have long anticipated this day—We consider this, Your first, visit to Columbia as a high gratification, and look...
289To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 30 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
I again intrude upon Your Goodness, by inclosing to Your kind Care a Letter for Mrs. Adams, from Mrs. Dalton, who begs Your excuse for thus often troubling You. I avail myself of the opportunity to renew my assurances of the most respectful regards and purest Friendship— Be pleased to accept, and present, my warmest wishes for Your and Mrs. Adams’ Health—and for every blessing that can tend to...
290To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 16 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
At Mrs Dalton’s Request, I take the liberty to inclose a Letter to Mrs Adams, on a Subject that has most sensibly affected her—and myself. This letter, I hope, will be perfectly satisfactory,—as it contains a statement of Facts, and a denial of a most gross falsehood, handed to Mrs Adams—and intended to injure us in her and your good Opinions, than which nothing would be so much regretted by...
291To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 28 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
I was, Yesterday, honored with the receit of your highly-valued Favor of the 22nd. Instant for which be pleased to accept my most grateful Acknowledgment— You condescend to apologize for not answering my late letters. Had I supposed that you would have taken that trouble as often as I took the liberty to address you, it would have been less frequent: for, at the times of my writing, I...
292To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I should have acknowledged the Honor of your much esteemed Favor of the 30th—March last, immediately on the receit of it, but for an unwillingness to intrude so often upon your all-important Moments, with the mention of my personal Atffairs— and Feelings,—being, however, clear that You do rest assured that the latter, toward Yourself, are most respectful, as well as most friendly— Your...
293To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 21 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honour of receiving, in course of Mail, your much esteemed favor of the 1st Ult. and pray You to accept my sincere Thanks for this renewed Mark of Friendship— As it did not require an immediate answer—and as nothing of a publick Nature had occurred in this Quarter, worthy particular Notice, I deferred interrupting your much more important avocations by a repetition of my Let ters ....
294To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 26 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
I would not have so soon again trespassed upon Your important Moments, did not the publick coincide with my private interest, on the present occasion. Both of them connected I hope will plead my Excuse. In your serious Message to Congress of the 19th Instant, I observe that, among other measures to prepare for the Worst, You have recommended “replenishing our Arsenals, establishing Founderies,...
295To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 28 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
When I reflect how often I have lately taken the freedom to address You especially relative to my private concerns, it is with much regret that I so soon again trouble You respecting them. A Circumstance, unexpected by me, occasions my present intrusion— Mr Lear has been appointed Secretary to General Washington—and has accepted the Office— This has caused a dissolution of our Copartnership,...
296To John Adams from Francis Daly, 10 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
Since the federal Administration are at last convinced of the bad policy of employing their Enemies in executive Offices, by the many instances lately seen of Men eating the public bread, and receiving the pay of the united states, at the same time Opposing its Government, and reviling its Measures. I am induced to offer my service in any vacant place in one of the public offices, as Clerk,...
297To John Adams from Francis Dana, 27 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the honor on the 19th. inst to enclose you the address of the Grand Jury for the County of Plymouth And I now forward one, agreably to the intimation then given, from a respectable number of the Inhabitants of this Town. There were seven counterparts circulated in the Town, which are now in my hands, and have been signed by 147. being 40 more than the whole number present at our...
298To John Adams from Francis Dana, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to you, on the request of the Grand Jury attending the Supr: Judl: Court, now sitting in this place, their address to you, signed by all the Members of it, one only excepted. It is wished that your answer & the Address might be sent under cover to me thrõ the Post-Office, if a private conveyance shou’d not offer, and that I shou’d to take care to procure...
299To John Adams from Francis Dana, 3 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
Agreably to the request of the Grand Jury of this County, I do myself the honor to present to you their address. Next Monday it will be determined by the choice of a Representative in Congress from this District, in some good degree, whether “The inexpressible advantages derived from a free elective Republic are duly appreciated by the people of the County of Middlesex”. I say in some good...
300To John Adams from Francis Dana, 17 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the honor to write you a few posts back, enclosing, & supporting a letter of recommendation from Genl: Knox to the Secretary of War, of Mr. Barrons a Tutor of Harvard University as a suitable person for a captain in the train of Artillery. On that hand I have now nothing to add. But I then intimated to you that I might probably, at a future day, request an appointment for my...
301To John Adams from Francis Dana, 29 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmiting you the enclosed Address from the Grand Jury of the County of Bristol. If you will send that together with your answer and or cover to me, I will take care they shall be published together; which was the request of the Grand Jury to me, and forward the answer under your hand to the Foreman. I am Sir with the greatest respect / your much obliged friend &...
302To John Adams from Francis Dana, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
On my return home from Newport last Saturday, I found your Card of the 18th: had been left for me on the Tuesday following, lest you might possibly suppose me negligent in point of civility, in not returning an answer as requested, I beg leave to inform you that I left Cambridge the Monday preceeding the date of your card, for Newport, to bring Mrs: Dana from thence, who had gone on a visit to...
303To John Adams from Pa., Citizens of Dauphin County, 15 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Subscribers Inhabitants in the Country of Dauphin State of Pennsylvania, deeply impressed with the critical and alarming situation of the United States: and convinced of the necessity of Unanimity and Firmness at this interesting moment, beg leave to express to the Supreme Executive and Congress of the United States, their fullest approbation of the measures adopted by The President...
304To John Adams from Edward Davies, 7 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Necessity compells me to make the within request, that is if you will be pleased to grant me Forty Dolls which shall be Imediately repaid on my return from Boston, I should not have deignd to make the request, But relying on your Generosity—I had every expectation of receiving of receiving Money from Congress, but was dissapointed, owing to my not laying the Papers before the House sooner in...
305To John Adams from William Richardson Davie, 30 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
The legislature of the State of North Carolina have, by their resolution of the 24th. Instant, committed to me the agreeable duty of transmitting to you the inclosed address; and it gives me great pleasure to assure you that it contains a deliberate and explicit declaration of their sentiments upon the measures which have been taken by the Federal Government with respect to our foreign...
306To John Adams from Daniel Davis, 18 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter came to hand by this Evening’s mail. It contains all the information I possess upon the Subject, excepting that I have been informed, the Bristol Schooner mentioned in the letter, was captured by a French privateer; that the crew remained on board, and a few days after the capture, rose upon the four Frenchmen who were put on board to carry her into port, and retook her,...
307To John Adams from Abraham Rutledge, 15 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
Permit us Sir the Companies of Infantry, commanded by Captains Rutledge and Davis of Washington County and State of Maryland to join the general voice of our Country in addressing you upon the present important and critical situation of our national affairs, to express our sincere affection for the Government of our choice and our firm determination at every hazard to support it—While we...
308To John Adams from John Davis, 20 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of yesterday, with the papers referred to therein. I shall without delay make the enquiry, which you direct, and make report to you of the facts, that may be ascertained, pursuant to your instructions. I have the honor / to be with great respect / Sir / Your obedt Servt MHi : Adams Papers.
309To John Adams from John Davis, 15 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
I herewith inclose Mr. O’Brien’s letter, pursuant to your Excellency’s instructions. I thought it proper to copy the two first pages and to place the extract in the hands of Dr Lathrop, to be communicated to the Academy, at their next meeting. Mr O’Brien’s donation is still at Plymouth. No convenient opportunity has ocurred to have it conveyed by land, and the severity of the season has...
310To John Adams from Thomas Terry Davis, 20 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I understand that the Senators & Representatives from Tennessee and Mr Marshall of Kentucky have united in Recommending Mr Roen and Mr McClung as proper persons to be nominated Jud g e in the Sixth Circuit—This was done without any Consultation being had with Mr Brown & the Representatives from Kentucky, which I deem unfair. I consider Mr Roen one of the first Law Characters in the Western...
311To John Adams from Thomas Terry Davis, 10 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
By the Treaty of peace between the United States and the Indian Tribes North West of the River Ohio:—The Indians by an article in that Treaty was to give up all the white persons who were then prisoners with them. This article has been illy executed on their part: For they still retain white persons who were taken prisoners by them— I Know of one instance: And have been informed of several—...
312To John Adams from William Davis, 6 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Permit me, most respectfully to congratulate yr. Excellency on yr. advancemt. to this, your exalted Station; permit me, also, ( in confidence ) earnestly to request an appointment here, on the first vacancy, whereby I may be enabled to support my Family, in this my advanced age, & whereby I may render my Country some little service. nothing, but imperious necessity, can apologize, for thus...
313To 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.
314To John Adams from Thomas Dawes, 9 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have been informed in a respectful tho’ not official manner that the President of the United States had appointed me one of the Commissioners for Assessing the Direct Tax. Could any thing induce me to accept the appointment it would be the consideration of its coming from the most elevated citizen of my country and from a character whom I hope to be indulged in saying I have venerated for...
315To John Adams from Elias Dayton, 4 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The members of the society of the Cincinnati in the state of New Jersey, this day convened at their annual meeting, for the purposes of perpetuating their friendships, and of commemorating together the great events which gave Independence to these United States (in all that purity of intention which we trust has ever been manifested by our Society, and for the truth of which we have appealed...
316To John Adams from Jonathan Dayton, 4 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Members of the society of Cincinnati of New Jersey this day convened at their annual meeting for the purposes of perpetuating their friendships, a& of commemorating together, the great events which gave Independence to the United States, do now beg leave, in common with our fellow citizens to address our Chief Magistrate for the purpose of expressing our entire satisfaction with his...
317To John Adams from Jonathan Dayton, 16 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
We have the honor to address you on the subject of the appointment to an office, created by an Act lately passed for the establishment of a general Stamp-office, & to recommend Mr. James Greenleaf for the same. As an accurate Accountant, no one can be better qualified to discharge the duties of this office, and as a man of probity, we have good reason to believe, & indeed have seen very...
318To John Adams from Jonathan Dayton, 5 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
I came to this place last evening under an expectation of having the honor to pay you my respects in person, and of learning from you the day, & as nearly as possible, the hour in which you proposed to enter Elizabeth town in your journey to Philadelphia. Allow me sir, to request of you this information, in which not myself alone, but many others of my townsmen & fellow citizens feel an...
319To John Adams from Henry Dearborn, 10 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
Having been informed that Mr. Isaac Parker, Marshall of the District of Maine, has lately been appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of this State, I take the liberty of soliciting the appointment of Marshal on Mr. Parkers accepting his appointment as Judge;—if Sir you should have no objection on the score of my capacity or integrity, I should hope that my pretentions otherways will be...
320To 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...