51To 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...
52To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Mr Sewell—and my answer, to be forwarded, if it meets with your approbation. I have consulted the heads of Departments on this subject, but the opinions are so various, that I could only write give my own to Mr Sewell. Coll. Pickering thinks the convoy ought to be granted.—But there is scarcely a considerable port in Europe, to which...
53To 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...
54To 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...
55To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Having left behind me when I came into Public Service, a Wife & seven Children whom I am anxious to see, and to remove to Philadelphia, as soon as prudence will permit, I have the honor to solicit permission to transfer the duties of my office, to Col. Pickering, about the 15th. or between the 15th. and 20th. October, for about three weeks—Possibly some necessary attention to my private...
56To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 31 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Acts of Congress authorize the President to cause to be procured, from the Public money appropriated for the purpose, & the Public Spirit of the Citizens, Six Vessels, not to exceed 18 Guns each. Twelve not to exceed 24 Guns—& Six, not less than 32 Guns. Of the Six, not to exceed 18 Guns,—one I have directed to be purchased at Norfolk, from the very favorable representation of Capt...
57To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 14 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 3d. & 6h. Inst.—I have in consequence of the first, written to Capt Morris, & to Mr Duer, and have no doubt, the business respecting Mr Duer will be so managed as to admit of this Young Gentlemans release without injury to the Discipline of the Navy. Lt. Elison, who has been most offended by Mr Duer—and who caused him to be arrested, will I expect, on...
58To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 28 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
As I have not been honored with an answer to my letter of the 15h. Inst—enclosing one for Nicholson, I have presumed that You did not disapprove of Talbot, for the Command of the Constitution—And have this Day sent orders to him, to proceed to Boston. Nicholson has no reason to complain—He will be employed on shore to as much advantage to himself—and he certainly ought to be grateful, that the...
59To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter Just received from Capt Truxton who has arrived at Hampton, with the Constellation & the Insurgente. There are now in the West Indies, The Genlr Tingey, the Baltimore Barson—the George Washington, Fletcher the Pickering Preeble the Norfolk, Bainbridge, the Richmond, Speak, and the Eagle, 14 Guns, Campbell—but I am afraid, the George Washington,...
60To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a copy of the additional Instructions, you were pleased to direct, to be issued to the Commanders of the Public Armed Vessels, in consequence of the outrage committed on the Ship Baltimore, Capt Phillips. In Justice to the general conduct of the officers of the British navy, I take the liberty to observe, that in every instance but the one in question, they have...
61To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Law requiring that the sentence of a Court Martial, for the dismission of a comd. officer, shall not be executed until approved of by the President of the United States, I have the honor to enclose for your consideration, the proceedings of a Court on Lt. Marner, of the Frigate Adams. The charges imply a degree of insubordination which cannot be tolerated in the Navy, without producing...
62To 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...
63To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Influenced by no motive but a desire to promote the popularity of the Presidents Administration, & the Public good, which in the present posture of American affairs, He beleives to be inseperable, The Secretary of the Navy ventures to obtrude some observations on the subject of a successor to Mr McHenry. All the present secretaries are from States on the North side of Patomak—That portion of...
64To 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...
65To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Capt Nicholson of the 26 & 27 Septr—which I had the mortification to receive last evening. There seems to be no calculating the evils of his first false step. His letter of the 12th. exhibitted a very strong disposition to remain in port, to secure at all events, his prize—rut the Return into port of the Vessel which he Idly supposed had been sent out...
66To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Regt. of Marines, under the Command of Major Burrows, is to supply Detachments of Marines, to the Ships of War, as they shall be wanted. A Detachment will be wanted in the course of this month, for the Montezuma at Baltimore, and in next month, for the Ganges and for the Norfolk, a Brig of 18 Guns at Norfolk. It seems to be necessary then, that a part of this Regt. Should be raised without...
67To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
It is very possible there may be Lieutenants, Midshipmen, a Master, and some other officers wanted for the Constitution before she sails—which I hope will be by or soon after the 15 June. As you Sir can better Judge than I can, of proper persons to fill vacancies—and as appointing immediately any officers wanted, will contribute to the dispatch of the Ship; I have taken the liberty to enclose...
68To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor, to enclose a Letter from John C: Jones Esquire on behalf of the Committee at Boston, recommending William Parsons for Surgeon’s Mate to the Boston—Nehemiah Macombe for Sailing Master—Moses Allen for Purser—and Joseph Beale—Henry S Butler Jaazaniah Tucker Clark—Abel Lincoln junior Joseph Cordis & Benjamin Conant for Midshipmen—; and also a Letter to John C. Jones Esquire,...
69To 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...
70To 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....
71To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 17 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
From information from Boston, I find that order can best be promoted on board of the Constitution, which Ship has been most miserably managed heretofore, by removing some of the officers into other ships, and filling their places with others—Lt. Beale is said to be a young man, who promises well, but is too young & inexperienced to act as first Lieutenant on board of such a Ship—Lt. Jarvis is...
72To 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...
73To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
There are seven Captains wanted, and they must be soon called into service.—There are wanted also, a great many Lieutenants, & several Masters & Commandants. Lieutenant Prebble, originally appointed first Lieutenant of the Constitution, from all the information I can receive of him, ought to have been a Captain from the beginning Lieutenant Rogers, appointed first Lieutenant of the...
74To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
In letters to Capt Barry, by Capt Tingey dated the 16 March, He was directed to send Nicholson to Boston without delay, and Fletcher in the George Washington, to Rhode Island. It was supposed that by the time these Vessels could arrive, our Coast might require some attention. By a letter Just recd. from Barry, a copy of which I do myself the honor to enclose, it appears probable, that both...
75To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose copies of sundry papers, as a list at foot, Just recd. from Captn. Talbote. Lt. Maley who is mentioned in these papers, has arrived in the Delaware, in the Schooner Experiment, and is now performing quarantine. From his letters to me, the Schooner will require considerable repairs before she can go to sea again, which I shall take measure to have made without...
76To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Some of the officers of the Boston, have resigned, and others I understand, intend resigning. The Ship will probably be delayed for want of Officers, unless you will please to take the trouble to direct Mr Shaw, to fill up the Commissions & Warrants which I have the honor to enclose, or as many of them as may be necessary, with the names of Gentlemen ready for immediate Service, to fill the...
77To 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...
78To 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...
79To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recd. only on Saturday evening, the letter from Capt Nicholson, of which the enclosed is a copy. It is I think, highly probable, that the Ship brought into Hampton by Nicholson, belongs to, or has been hired by, that unfortunate class of Frenchmen, who call themselves Loyalists, & who adhering to the British ‘till a place of Refuge is denied them in the West Indies, come to America as the...
80To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
If it meets with your approbation, I will send as soon as possible, two Vessels at least, to cruise about Surinam & Cayenne—one or two to cruise about Curicoa and the Spanish main—three or four will be necessary to be kept in the neighbourhood of the Havanna, and a greater number must be kept about Guadaloupe; and altho’ I beleive there is have no necessity for it, yet to quiet the...
81To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
The bad weather prevented my doing myself the honor of calling this morning, to mention, at the request of some Members of Congress—that the Judiciary bill would be taken up in the House of Representatives tomorrow—& be passed upon. As the bill proposes a reduction of the Judges to five—and as there are already five Judges in commission, it is suggested that there might be more difficulty in...
82To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
By the Brig Norfolk, Capt Williams, I have letters from Capt Truxtun, of the 6th. March—The Insurgents had not proceeded on a Cruise, but was nearly ready I have also recd. a letter from Capt Decatur, of the 5th. March—He had just captured a small French schooner, of one 9 pound Gun—& 26 Men. The papers of which the enclosed are copies, were sent by Truxtun, who continues to speak of the great...
83To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose copies of a correspondence Just recd, between Capt Truxtun, & Genl. Desfourneaux—Truxtun expected to get the Insurgents to Sea, about the 3d. March; having a good prospect of picking up Men enough from the Islands, to Man her. The Newspapers give an accot. of Barrys having captured a French privateer, & recaptured an English Armed Ship—and of the two Cutters under...
84To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have sent a comt. of surgeons mate of the Genl. Greene, to Doctr. Metcalf of Providence. I will write to Mr Bowman, on the subject of his Island, & will also endeavour to get information from others. A great many persons offer land containing the live Oak in Georgia; and each also describes his property as best suited for the purposes of Government.—from the information I have as yet...
85To 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...
86To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 31 ult—and have in consequence directed a remittance to be made to Docr. Putnam of 10000 dollars towards the purchase of ground for a Ship yard & a Dock yard at Charleston. On the subject of the Purchase of the 47 1/2 acres of ground at Charleston, for a Ship yard and a Dock yard, I beg leave to observe that there has been no special appropriation for the...
87To 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...
88To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Capt Truxtun of the 16h. March, with the late correspondence between him & Genl. Des fourneaux. With respect to the Schooner taken by him—his course should have been, to have sent her to America—or, if he could not spare men to navigate her, he should have laid her up at St. Kitts, until his own return. The Laws, & his Instructions, direct...
89To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of your direction of this Days date, for me to take upon myself the charge of the War Office, and to exercise all the Functions of Secretary of the Department of War, from the first Day of June, or from the time Mr. McHenry shall leave the office, until a successor regularly appointed & commissioned, shall appear to relieve me; which I shall attend to with great cheerfulness,...
90To 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...
91To 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...
92To 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...
93To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have done myself the honor, in pursuance of your instructions, to throw together, in the enclosed paper, a few Ideas, which appear to me to be proper, in the Presidents Speech to Congress. Other matters – particularly our relations with the other Powers of Europe besides France – the state of Agriculture; the prosperity of our Commerce; – & the situation of the Revenue, are so much better...
94To 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...
95To 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...
96To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Not having the Honor to hear from you on the Subject of my Letter of the 30th Ultimo, I have presumed that you did not disapprove of the Arrangement therein proposed of our Vessels, and having good Information that about 80 American Vessels with Cargoes to the amount of two Millions of Dollars were blocked up at the Havana by a few French Privateers, and had little chance of escaping without...
97To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your two letters of the 18. Instant: and am happy, that your wishes on the subject of a convoy for the Vessels at the Havanna, had been anticipated. The enclosed copy of a letter from the Captain of a British sloop of war, to the British Consul at Charleston, affords no very honorable testimony of the courage of Capt Cochran, Commander of the Revenue Cutter. I am glad he was...
98To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 23 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy, in obedience to the order of the President, respectfully submits the following observations on the matters of reference to the heads of Departments. The proposed letter of the Secretary of State, in answer to Mr. Liston’s notes of the 2d and 4th February, demanding the restitution of American vessels captured by British ships, and rescued by their own crews, appears...
99To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from J C Jones, Chairman of the Committee for building a Ship at Boston; recommending Capt George Little, for the Command of that Ship. Presuming that you Sir, will think it proper to indulge the Committee at Boston, as has been the case in all similar instances, with the selection of the officers—I take the liberty to enclose in the letter for Mr Jones, a...
100To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Frigate United States arrived on Friday—The Montezuma Murray, the Herald, Russell, and the Revenue Cutters General Greene, & Scammel, have since come into the Delaware. The copy of Capt Murrays letters which I have the honor to enclose, contains every thing of importance by these Vessels.—Capt. Tingey has sent in a prize, a small Vessel, not yet come up to the City, tho she is, I...