51To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 18 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a sett of warrants, corresponding with those you were pleased to sign for the officers of the Portsmouth— Mr. Shaw will be so good as to furnish the dates of such Commns. & Warrants, as you may sign & issue I have the honor to be, / with the highest respect & Esteem / sir Yr Most Obed. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
52To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have not heard of the Arrival of the George Washington, Capt Fletcher, at Newport—but not doubting, that she is now there, and that she must be ready to sail by the time orders arrive; I shall this Day send on Capt Perrys Fletchers Instructions to proceed on a cruise keeping near the Coast, as far as the River St. Marys—And from thence to the Havanna—To wait three or four weeks in the...
53To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Sloop of War, building at Newbury port, will soon be in want of Officers—Timothy Newman of that place, Nephew to, or Cousin of Col Pickering, has been very well recommended to be Master & Commandant of that Vessel. He has long been an applicant, & in the Winter I enquired particularly of Mr Goodhue, his Character—and his account of him, was very favorable. If he meets with your...
54To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I once hoped that Talbot might sail by the 15. June, & get to the West Indies by the 1st. of July, & after cruising there a month, until the commencement of the Hurricane season, about the 1st. of August, might at that time proceed towards the Spanish main, & there employ his ships in smaller objects, until it would be safe for him to return again to the West India Station. But it is probable...
55To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to your Letter of the 19th. instant, which I had the honor to receive this morning, I enclose a Letter & commission for Cotton Thayer, to be a 2nd Lieutt. of Marines, which after receiving your Signature may be forwarded to Capt. Talbot. I have the honor to be, / with the highest esteem & respect / sir, / yr most obed sert MHi : Adams Papers.
56To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose Sixty blank Warrants for your Signature.— The inferior Officers of the Delaware Pickering Scammel, Frigate United States and vessels to the southward together with the different midshipmen formerly appointed many of whom had not received Warrants, have nearly taken the whole of those formerly received from you.— The resignations and changes among the inferior...
57To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter for Capt Talbot, enclosing a commission for your signature. Several letters have passed between Talbot & me, on the subject of the dispute between him & Truxtun—I have stated to him explicitly my opinion, that Truxtun must now be considered his Senior Officer—but promised him the whole should be laid before you, & that he should not serve with Truxtun,...
58To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter from John C. Jones Esquire recommending Capt. Joseph Saunders, for a Lieutenancy in the Navy—and a Letter to Capt. Saunders, enclosing his commission, which will require your signature should you think fit that the Appointment should be made—As Lieutenants will soon be wanting in that country, I should presume from Mr. Jones’ representation, that Capt....
59To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 24h. Inst—In consequence of which I now enclose a letter I recd. from Capt Talbot on the subject of his Officers— Not deeming it proper to send on a second Captain to Act on board the Constitution—and not having the power of sending on to Act as first Lt., a fit person older in comn. than Lt. Beale. I saw no way of getting things right in that Ship, but to...
60To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 2 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Having information that Capt Little of the Boston will be ready for Sea, by the 10 Inst— I have the honor to enclose for your perusal, his Instructions. It having been determined, not to let it be known any where, until it could be known every where, that two ports in St. Domingo were to be open to our Trade, I have calculated Capt Littles Instructions, so that he is not to know his...
61To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have this Day sent on to Capt Talbott, his Instructions, to proceed to Norfolk—where he will join Capt Barry & receive further orders.— Capt Barry sailed yesterday—the Delaware will be out next Tuesday, & the Scammel about the same time. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr most obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
62To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Capt Little, covering Warrants for Saml Bullen Saml. G. Jerald } to be Midshipmen Jno G Norwood Edward Durant —Gunner James Potts —Boatswain James Howe —Carpenter These Gentlemen are recommended in a Letter just received from the Committee at Boston, & are intended for that Frigate, which I hope is on the eve of Sailing—Their Warrants, if you think...
63To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a Letter from Genl. Hamilton, recommending Mr. Frederick N. Hudson for the Appointment of Midshipman in the Navy—Capt. Talbot is desirous of having this young Gentleman with him—I have therefore, enclosed his Warrant, which will require your signature, if you think fit that the Appointment should be made. I have the honor to be, sir / with the greatest respect &...
64To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 5th Inst enclosing two letters from Captain Talbot—I cannot express the mortification they have given me— I fear Captain Talbot has not met with much Candour in his intercourse with the World, or he would not have urged as one of his reasons for declining the Service, a Suspicion of my want of confidence in him directly in the teeth of my whole...
65To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
If Capt. Talbott persists in declining the Command of the Constitution—I presume Capt. Sever will be quite equal to that service. For my own part, I have thought very highly of him, from his correspondence, and Capt. Murray informs me, that there was hardly a Vessel in our service, where better discipline was kept up than in the Herald, which he attributed in a great degree, to the good...
66To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 8th. Inst. Having sent by yesterdays mail all the papers relating to Talbotts claim of Rank—I will not add further on that subject. If Talbott will not continue in the Constitution, Sever, I would risk my life, would be found equal to the Command of her.—I am sorry for the prejudices which prevail against him, which arise in part from the his efforts to...
67To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I now do myself the honor to enclose letters from Capt Tingey—who appears to be a Judicious, attentive, active officer. I wish his commission was of older date. The Merrimack, Capt Brown, must have joined him very soon after the date of his last letter—she might have joined him before.—The Pickering sailed from New York, to join him, the 27. June—and the Delaware is now proceeding down the...
68To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 17 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose, agreeably to a request contained in a letter from Mr Shaw of the 9th instant, the regulations for the government of the Navy together with my report on the naval establishment. I have the honor to be, with / the greatest respect and esteem / Sir, / Your most Obd. Hb. St. MHi : Adams Papers.
69To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the Aurora of yesterday—beleiving that you do not take that paper. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem Sir Yr. most / Obed. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
70To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
After having obtained your approbation of an enterprize to the Court of Spain &c for the two largest Frigates, it is painful for me to propose a different arrangement. But So much time has elapsed in getting the Constitution to Sea—& I have no accot. that she has yet got out; that I fear it would be the 15. of August, before the two Frigates could leave Hampton for Europe—they can Safely...
71To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a letter from Capt Perry, on the Havanna station—It appears from this letter—as well as letters from the Consul to the Secy of State, that our Vessels are freedy admitted into the Havanna, except when they go from British ports—and the behaviour of the Govr. to Perry was something more than polite. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem...
72To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 23d. Inst.—The alteration directed, shall be made in the Register of Capt Talbotts commission—and I beg leave to add, without any regrets arising from my opinion on that subject being over-ruled. I never doubted that Talbot had merit equal to any man in our Service, notwithstanding his unwarrantable suspicion of my want of confidence in him, nor shall my...
73To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 2 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have this Day recd. from Capt. Truxtun his resignation of his commission in the Navy. If Decatur who is here employed in superintending the building of the Merchts. Frigate, which they wished him to Command, prefers her to the Constellation; then I shall immediately send a Pilot boat for Capt Barron; at Norfolk, who is quite equal to the Command of the Constellation. I have the honor to be /...
74To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
You will have heard, before the rect. of this, of the return of the Genl. Greene—Capt. Perry, to Rhode Island. This unfortunate circumstance arises from the necessity the Captain was under, of going into Port at the Havanna, to repair, damages he had sustained in a gale of Wind—& in port his Crew caught the Yellow Fever, by which he has lost upwards of 20 men, & had on his Arrival 37 Sick....
75To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Mr Forster of Providence, recommending Jonathan P. Heathcock—and Wm: H Williams—to be Midshipmen. I enclose also warrants in letters for these Young Gentl. which will require Your signature, if they meet your approbation. They are from a part of the Country, which has furnished but few Midshipmen. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / &...
76To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter from Doct. Mason F. Coggswell, recommending Doctor Edward Field for the appointment of a Surgeon’s Mate—Also a Letter to Doctor Edwd. Field, covering his Commission, which will require your signature, should you think fit that the appointment should be made—There have been very few appointments from the state of Connecticut, comparatively—This young...
77To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 9 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Mr. Lemuel Little, covering his Warrant, as a Sailing Master, which will require your Signature, should you think fit, that the appointment should be made— This Gentleman is intended for the Frigate Congress, Capt Sever, by whom he is strongly recommended—He is brother to Capt. George Little, of the Boston. I have the honor to be, with / the...
78To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 9 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor, to enclose a Letter to Mr Moses M Bates, covering his Warrant as a Midshipman in the Navy, which will require your signature, should you approve the appointment. He has been well recommended by Mr. Lyman—He is intended for the Frigate Congress, Capt. Sever. I have the honor to be, / with the greatest respect & esteem, / sir, / Your most obed. servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
79To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 14 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 8t.—Capt Truxton resigned on the ground that he was injured in rank by the confirmation of Talbot in his original Rank. I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of my letter to him communicating the decision & his answer. He still keeps the command of the Constellation, Barson not having arrived from Norfolk, tho’ hourly expected. Barson will well supply...
80To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to your Letter of 12th instant, I have the honor to enclose a Warrant for Mr. George Barrell, which requires your signature.—He is ordered to join the Congress Capt. Sever— I have the honor to be, / with the greatest respect, & / Esteem, sir, your most obed hbl servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
81To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 17 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
When I did myself the honor to suggest for your consideration, the employment of the Frigate United States, to carry the Ministers to France, it was under an Idea, that the Vessel would just land the ministers & return; at least that she would not be detained more than a fortnight or three Weeks, to bring back an account of their reception at Paris, & any communications they might be able to...
82To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Joseph Whitmore, covering his Warrant as a Sailing Master in the Navy, which will require your signature, should you think fit that the Appointment should be made. He is well recommended by the letters enclosed—and is wanted for the ship Warren. I have the honor to be, with the / greatest respect & esteem, sir, / your most obedt. servt. MHi : Adams...
83To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Capt Barry & Capt Murray, both sailed from Hampton roads on the 13th. Inst—the former on a short cruise on the coast—the latter on the cruise mentioned in my letter of the 14. Inst. Capt Talbott had not then arrived at Norfolk, tho’ he had been out 16 only Days—but this is not surprizing, considering the Winds which have prevailed. I sent a fast sailing Pilot boat from hence on the 2nd. of...
84To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 22 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Mr Constable of New York, one to him from Capt Truxtun—and a copy of my answer to Mr Constable, which I hope will meet your approbation. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir Yr. most / Obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
85To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 23 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter Just recd. from Capt Little, who writes like a man of Spirit & enterprize—and such I have no doubt, he will turn out to be. The object of Our arrangement with Toussant was to come in for a share with the British, of the Trade of St. Domingo—The British seem intirely excluded—& indeed our own Vessels from British Islands are denied admittance—Ships belonging...
86To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Capt Talbot arrived at Hampton roads the 15h. Inst—He writes me that he had not two hours fair wind from leaving Boston. He would leave Hampton for Cayenne, in two or three Days. I am moving this Day my office to Trenton—seeing neither courage, wisdom nor duty in remaining longer at Phila-.— which which I believe could not be done without very great, & unnecessary danger. I have the honor to...
87To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 28 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a letter to Capt Sever, covering Warrants for John Lee, Samuel Folson, John Varnum, Saml. W. Cushing, Thomas Homan, Henry Wadsworth, & Woodward, to be Midshipmen in the Navy:. which will require your signature, should you think fit that the Appointments should be made. They are all wanted for the Congress & have been selected & recommended by Capt. Sever. I...
88To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Officers are now all at this place, & not badly accomodated. Will you Sir, pardon the liberty I take, not in my official, but private Character, in expressing a wish, that it may not be inconvenient for you to Join them here, before our Ministers depart for France. It may happen, that a knowledge of recent events in Europe, may be acquired Just before the sailing of the Ministers, which...
89To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have sent to the Secy at War, the letter you honored me with, of the 22nd. instant, inclosing the application & recommendation of the Revd. Samuel Sargeant—to be a Chaplain. The application is, to be a Chaplain in the Army. If the Navy would be as agreeable to him, He could, I presume be appointed to the Congress, Capt Sever. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir...
90To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 31 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Ebenezer Bushnell of Lebanon in Connecticut, is recommended, is recommended by Mr. Swift of Windham—and by Mr Wolcott, as a very deserving man, and well qualified to be a purser in the Navy. A purser is wanted for a ship at Baltimore—and another for one building at New London. I have the honor to enclose a letter to him, covering a Warrant, which will require your signature, if you approve of...
91To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 2 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
The ship Chesapeak, building at Balto. by the Citizens, is yet unprovided with a Commander. The Citizens will not recommend a Captain; but I have understood that Capt. Henry Geddes, who has long been an Applicant for a command in the Navy, and recommended by Doctor Latimer, his brother in law, Mr Bayard & others, would be agreable to them. He appears to be a man of understanding: and has been...
92To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter just recd. from Capt Fletcher.—Capt Little of the Boston, ought to have arrived at Cape Francois, at the date of this letter. Capt Perry in the Genl Greene will be directed to proceed thither from Rhode Island, and when they are joined by Capt Talbot which will be about the 10h. of Octor.—our force will certainly be sufficient to protect that...
93To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
Having no Blank Commissions and Warrants with yr Signature on hand, I do myself the honor to enclose forty of each for your signature— I have the honor to be with / the greatest respect & esteem, / sir, your most obed hbl servant MHi : Adams Papers.
94To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
A Gentleman of Maryland, not long from France, where he was a Prisoner, but after a time was suffered to go at large, mentioned to me last night, that a Colo. Hickbourn had lately arrived at New York from France & had gone on to Boston, where he has connexions—that he was supposed by the Americans in France to be an Instrument of the French Govt.—and that tho’ he was ordered to leave France in...
95To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a letter to Capt Tryon, covering Warrants for Loudon Baley, Sailing Master, Joseph Dorr, George Tryon, Owen Tudor & Matthew Talcott, for Midshipmen: which will require your signature should you think fit, that the appointments should be made. These Gentlemen, are wanted for the Connecticut, & have been named to me by Capt. Tryon. I have the honor to be, / with...
96To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
A surgeon being wanted for the Ship Herald, I have taken the Liberty to forward a Commission for Doctr. Amos Windship, agreably to your Letter of 16th ultimo. I have the honor to be with the / greatest respect & esteem, sir, / your most obed servant MHi : Adams Papers.
97To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter Just recd. from Capt. Tingey. I have the honor to be / With the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr most Obed Sert. MHi : Adams Papers.
98To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 4 Inst, and cannot but lament that the accomodations to be obtained here, are very far inferior to such as would be suitable for the President of the United States. Indeed I am afraid none could be obtained which would not be extremely inconvenient & disagreeable to both Mrs. Adams & yourself. Yet having no motive unconnected with your honor & that of the...
99To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Mr Read Senator from South Carolina, containing an application for the appointment of midshipman, for the Son of Mr Izard. Altho there are midshipmen enough from So. Carolina, I presume it will be proper to gratify the wishes of so respectable a man as Mr Izard. I have Just recd information of the Arrival of Capt Bary at Newport, the 12th. Inst. which...
100To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 23 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Mr. JTK Cox, covering his Commission as a Lieutenant in the Navy, which may be forwarded to him at Boston, should you approve his appointment. He has acted as a Midshipman, on board the Herald, since July 1798—and has been represented by his Commanders, as a gentleman worthy of promotion. He is intended for the Herald, where his services are at...