3251From John Adams to James McHenry, 23 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters from Gen. Schuyler Gen. Hull, Capt. James Cunningham which I pray you to consider and answer Hull and Cunningham according to usage. Also letters from Jeremiah Olney & Murdoch Murphy which you will please to consider in determining on the candidates for commissions. Also recommendations of Thomas Bowman Esq. son of Judge—Bowman of Pownaborough an excellent federalist father...
3252From John Adams to James McHenry, 22 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received on Saturday your favor of the 15th. When I dated the commissions of the Major generals on the same day, I had made up my mind, that if an acquiescence by amicable agreement in the opinion of General Washington should not take place, I would confirm his judgment, whatever it might be. If I could have been at Philadelphia to receive him, I should have invited General Washington to...
3253From John Adams to James McHenry, 20 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed address and offer of service as a volunteer corps of a troop of horse in the county of Warren N Carolina has been by me unaccountably overlooked. I pray to you answer it without loss of time & send the officers their commissions. I am &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3254From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 20 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
There are many things which deserve to be maturely considered before the meeting of congress. I shall mention two or three at present, concerning which I pray you to take as early measures as possible to obtain the advice of the heads of departments. One of them is, whether it will be expedient for the president to recommend to the consideration of congress a declaration of war against France....
3255From John Adams to William Falkener, 20 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received from Capt Caller through the postmaster Gen. in due season, your unanimous address of July 19th. The offer of service as a volunteer corps shall be transmitted to the Secretary at war, to be answered according to law & the rules & usages adopted in General. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3256From John Adams to Richard Benbury, 19 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your unanimous Address at Edenton of the fourth of September has been transmitted to me by your Richard Benbury Esqr your Brigadier General. After a solemn Embassy of three Envoys had been denied an opportunity to negotiate, the miserable Attempt to divide them from each other, and carry on a delusive shew of negotiation, for the purpose of effecting Divisions in our Country, was too mean and...
3257From John Adams to Nc. Militia Guilford County, 19 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Unanimous Address adopted by you has been transmitted to one as you directed by Major John Hamilton to Mr Steele and by Mr Steele to me. Addresses to one like yours, so friendly to me and so animated with public spirit, can never stand in need of any Apology.... It is on the contrary very true, that the affectionate Addresses of my Fellow Citizens have flowed in upon me from various Parts...
3258From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 19 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recieved return you Mr Adams letter & the speeches. The latter with an extract from the former might be advantageously inserted in the newspapers. I return you Mr Murrays letter to me of the 14th of July which I pray you to decypher with great regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3259From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 17 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received, last night, a Letter from His Excellency Governor Jay, inclosing a Copy of an Act of the Legislature of New York, for the further Defence of that State and for other Purpose. The Governor Observes that it appears to be the intention of that Act, that the Money appropriated in it, 150,000 dollars, shall be laid out only in the manner which the National Government will recognize...
3260From John Adams to John Jay, 17 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favour of the 26. of September, with a Copy of an Act of the Legislature of the sState of New York, for the further Defence of the State and for other Purposes. I shall transmit these Papers to the Secretary at War, that a proper consultation may be had upon their Contents and a final Arrangement made according to Rules which generally obtain in Such Cases. In the...
3261From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 17 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the 17th and return you three Warrants signed, which you may fill up for General Collot, Mr. Sweitzer and the Person mentioned in Mr. Kings Letter, if he is to be found. I could trust the Heads of Departments with this Power, rather than my own Judgment; But I think We ought to give the Act a strict Construction, and therefore doubt the Propriety of delegating the...
3262From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 17 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have signed and inclosed to Col Pickering the authority to act in your absence in the Navy office as you inclosed it to me in your favor of the 9th. Your letter of the 10th is of much importance & deserves consideration. I am &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3263To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 17 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received, last night, a Letter from His Excellency Governor Jay, inclosing a Copy of an Act of the Legislature of New York for the further Defence of that State and for other Purposes. The Governor Observes that it appears to be the intention of that Act, that the Money appropriated in it, 150,000 dollars, Shall be laid out only in the manner which the National Government will recognize...
3264John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letter from the sec. of state will go by the Way of England. In the paragraph quoted from me I wish you not to mistake. I dont mean that I have any aversion to a Treaty with Prussia or sweeden, upon Terms consistent with your Instructions. You may agree to such a Treaty as soon as you please. But in the present State of Things, if the Neutral Powers will not go to War with France...
3265From John Adams to Rufus King, 16 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letter from the Sec. of State I pray you to convey in Safety and as Soon as may be to Berlin. I ought not to omit the opportunity to thank you for the Pamphlets you have Sent me from time to time. They not only entertain and amuse me but I flatter myself are Usefull. Our Country Seems to be, as we used to Say in 1774 unanimous & firm. They are much more So now than they were then....
3266From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 16 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 11th and return you three warrants signed, which you may fill up for Gen. Collot, Mr. Sweitzer & the person mentioned in Mr. Kings letter if he is to be found. I could trust the heads of departments with this power rather than my own judgment. But I think we ought to give the act a strict construction and therefore doubt the propriety of delegating the...
3267From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received yours of the 6th & thank you for the intelligence from the Southward. The effervescence at Madrid as well as the news from Naples coincides with Mr. King’s letter & the news from Trieste confirms or rather favors the account that Buonaparte’s destination was the Adriatick not Egypt. But we must wait for further eclaireissement. Mr. Sullivans letter gives me apprehension that...
3268From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recd. your answer to the Address from Virginia, concinnate and consummate. My Secretary gave a hint of it to Mrs. Adams and She insisted upon his bringing it to her Bedside and reading it to her. She desires me to tell you, that weak and low as She is She has spirit enough left to be delighted with it. She says it is the best answer to an Address that ever was written and worth all that ever...
3269From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 15 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 5 with its inclosures. I must leave the Niger to the justice & impartiality of our tribunals & the conduct of Capt. Nicholson to the judgment of the world; but I lament & deplore the misfortunes of his people. The orders you have given him are the most prudent & humane immaginable. Inclosed are letters from Gov. Fenner and old comodore Hopkins recommending...
3270From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favor of the 5th. The letter for our minister at Berlin shall be forwarded as you desire & thank you for dispatching the instructions to the collectors & the commission to Mr. Bushrod Washington. There were two young gentlemen nephews to the president general who were at college, when my family was in Philadelphia, & sometimes visited us, who appeared to me to be...
3271From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I returned the commission for Gen. Thomas Posey with papers inclosed in your favor of the 5 which I received last night. I have received your other favor of the 5th inclosing Mr. Pattens letter for which I thank you. I am Sir your / most obedient MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3272From John Adams to Ashbel Baldwin, 12 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favor of the thirtieth and am sorry that it is not in my power at present to comply with your request. The address from the protestant Episcopal church in Connecticut which I received and answered with much pleasure I left with the rough draught of the answer in Philadelphia. My papers have been since removed from my house to a place supposed to be of greater safety....
3273From John Adams to James McHenry, 12 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Resolutions and Address of the Officers of the Greens Troop of Horse &c Letter from Governor Sevier and the Letter from Allen Gillespie and Alexander Nelson I pray you answer with all the respect and Civility that is due to them: and to Accept of the offered service of the volunteer Corps, according to the Rules, by which you have answered all other Offers of a like kind. I am /...
3274From John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, 11 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received from Major General Hull and Brigadier General Walker your unanimous Address from Lexington, animated with a martial Spirit and expressed with a military Dignity, becoming your Characters and the Place memorable Plains, in which it was adopted. While our Country remains untainted with the Principles and manners, which are now producing desolation in so many Parts of the World:...
3275From John Adams to Charles Lee, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The session of congress approaches faster than I can prepare for it in the afflicted State of my family & tottering state of my frame. I request you to consider, whether congress can meet in Philadelphia with safety to their persons, & also to write me your sentiments of the particulars, which ought to be inserted in the speech. I shall be obliged by the long continued sickness of Mrs Adams &...
3276From John Adams to James McHenry, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Meeting of Congress approaches, and it is necessary to consider whether Phyladelphia is a safe Residence for Congress: and also the Particulars that will be proper to communicate and recommend to both Houses at the opening of the session. I ask the favour of you to resolve these Subjects in your Mind and write me the Result as soon as you can. I have the Honor / to be, sir your most...
3277From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letters are perfectly received last night from you inclosed in your letter of Oct 3d are perfectly unintelligible to me in all their parts. I pray you to return them to me decyphred as early as possible & to keep their contents in your own bosom With great esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3278From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return you Mr. Kings letters of July 28th. August 1 & 5 inclosed in yours of Oct 3d. received yesterday: These letters are very important & some of them should be made publick. With great esteem &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3279From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
It is time to turn our attention to the important question whether it will be safe for congress to meet in Philadelphia & to another what will be proper to say in the speech. I pray you to think upon these subjects & send me your sentiments as early as you conveniently can I have the honor to be with / great esteem &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3280From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return you Mr. Fosters Letter, and your answer, together with the Abby Lambins’ Letter to Mr. Foster and the Arrete inclosed. Your answer to Mr. Foster is wise and prudent. How ready is the Spider to dart along his invisible Line, upon a fly, that he thinks he sees off his guard? In this Case however it will appear I hope and believe, that the intended Prey, our good hearted friend, has been...
3281From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
It is time to consider whether it will be prudent for congress to meet in Philadelphia & also what communications & recommendations will be necessary in the address to both houses. I request you to turn your thoughts upon these subjects & write me your opinions as early as may be I have the honor to be &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3282From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
It is time to consider whether it will be prudent for Congress to meet in Phyladelphia; and also what Communications and Recommendations will be necessary in the Address to both Houses. I request you to turn your Thoughts upon these Subjects and write me your opinions as early as may be. I have the Honor to be, Sir / your most obedient CtHi : Oliver Wolcott, Jr. Papers.
3283From John Adams to George Washington, 9 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received, Yesterday the Letter you did me the Honor to write me on the 25th. of September. You request to be informed, whether my determination to reverse the order of the three Major Generals, is final.—and whether I mean to appoint another Adjutant General without your Concurrence.—I presume, that before this Day you have received Information, from the Secretary at War, that I some time...
3284From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 9 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return you the commissions for Maxwell Armstrong & Alexander Nelson signed according to the recommendation, inclosed in yours of the first of this month which I here enclose I am Sir your humble servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3285To George Washington from John Adams, 9 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
I received, yesterday the Letter you did me the Honor to write me on the 25th of September. You request to be informed, whether my determination to reverse the order of the three Major Generals, is final. and whether I mean to appoint another Adjutant General without your Concurrence. I presume, that before this Day you have received Information, from the Secretary at War, that I some time ago...
3286From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Recommendations of Rufus Graves and Joseph Dunham, from Mr Freeman and Letters from themselves requesting Appointments in the Army. And some notes of Observations made to me verbally and put down on paper at my desire, which you may consider at present and return to me when I meet you again, if ever DLC : James McHenry Papers.
3287From John Adams to Stephen Jones, 5 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received and considered your your elegant Address of the 10th. of August. Although you reside in a remote Part of the United States it is very manifest you have not been inattentive or indifferent Spectators of the dangerous Encroachment of a foreign Nation. You are of Opinion that no Connection with the present Governors of that Nation or their Agents ought to be Sought, or desired....
3288From John Adams to Nathaniel Kezer, 5 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Address adopted at a legal Town Meeting on the 20. of September. which is not the less Acceptable or important for the lateness of its date. The numerous Addresses of my fellow Citizens, while they have been to me a delightful source of consolation, have demonstrated to the World that our Country abounds in every Part of it, not only with Citizens of exalted Virtues, and...
3289From John Adams to James McHenry, 4 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are recommendations for the Army of a Major McFarland, and two Mr Eatons whose names will be entered and Pretensions considered in Course. I am sir your most humble DLC : James McHenry Papers.
3290From John Adams to Samuel Partridge, 3 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received, with much pleasure your Address of the 28 of September from Northampton. The Manifestation of your Respect, Approbation, and Confidence are very flattering to me, and your determination to support the Constitution and Laws of your Country is honourable to yourselves. If a new order of Things has commenced, it behooves us to be cautious that it may not be for the worse. If the...
3291From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 3 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Duplicate of a Letter from Miranda with some Estimates. Read it and think of it. A number of questions and considerations over . We are Friends with Spain. If We were Ennemies, would the Project be usefull to us.—It will not be in for me to answer the Letter. Will any Notice of it, in any manner be proper. I shall send it by Mr. Humphreys, with Mr. Gerrys Papers. I am &c. MHi :...
3292From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 3 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return you Mr. Millers report of September 23d relative to a light house near the entrance of George Town harbour in the state of South Carolina approved. I have The honor to be Sir your humble / servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3293From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 2 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of Sept. 27 & with pleasure agree to your plan of a visit to your family, whom I hope you will find in perfect health and remove to Philadelphia, when that city shall be healthy. I am assured glad that Mr Pickering can find time to do the business in your absence. The plan of naval opperations which you have suggested is quite agreeable to me. We must not suffer our...
3294From John Adams to Daniel Jackson, 1 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Whenever you shall receive by the orders of the Gov. of this State the possession and command of castle Island you will observe the signals and salutes which have been heretofore used under the government of the State untill you shall receive instructions from the Secretary at War. I am Sir your most obedient MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
3295From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 1 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favors of the 20 21st & 24 of Sept. I am sorry that Capt. Barry has not fully answered your expectations—but I hope you will soon send him out again. The hurricanes are now passed and there is no longer danger from them. We must sweep the West India seas and get as many of the French seamen as they are called whether they are Italians, Spaniards, Germans or negroes as we...
3296From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 1 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
By virtue of the Act entituled “An Act to enable the President of the United States to borrow money for the public service”, passed on the Sixteenth day of July in the year One thousand seven hundred and Ninety Eight. I do hereby authorize and empower you, by yourself or any other person or persons to borrow on behalf of the United States, of the Bank of the United States, or any other body or...
3297From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 1 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
By virtue of the Act entituled “An Act making certain appropriations; and to authorize the President to obtain a loan on the credit of the direct tax.” passed on the sixteenth day of July in the year One thousand seven hundred and Ninety Eight. I do hereby authorize and empower you by yourself, or any other person or persons to borrow on behalf of the United States of the Bank of the United...
3298From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 1 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Letters relative to the Appointment to the Naval office at Portsmouth. Oliver Whipple is the only One that has been presented whose Pretentions deserve much Attention in competition with Mr Edward St. Loe Livermore: But upon the whole I think Mr Livermore ought to be appointed. He is able, popular, honourable and I believe will give general satisfaction. If you think so, he may be...
3299From John Adams to Nc., Citizens of Newbern, September 1798 (Adams Papers)
An address so cordial and respectful as this from the citizens of Newbern, and your warm approbation of my conduct since I have filled the office of chief magistrate of the United States, I ought to hold in the highest estimation. I was indeed called to it at a crisis fraught with difficulty and danger, when neither skill in the management of affairs, more improved than any I could pretend to,...
3300From John Adams to James McHenry, 30 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are the Commissions for the three Generals Signed and all dated on the Same Day. I am sir / your most obedient &c DLC : James McHenry Papers.