101From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States requests the Secretary of State, to commit to writing in detail, and report to the President as early as may be convenient, such particulars as the Secretary may think necessary or expedient to be inserted in the Presidents speech at the opening of the ensuing Congress, under the heads 1. of such Things as ought to be communicated to Congress, concerning the...
102From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States requests the Secretary of the Treasury, to commit to writing in detail, and report to the President as early as may be convenient, such Particulars as the Secretary may think necessary or K reliant to be inserted in the Presidents Spee c h at the opening of the ensuing Congress, under the heads 1. of Such Things as ought to be communicated to Congress...
103From John Adams to Commissioners of Washington City, 17 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I am honoured by your Letter of the eleventh. Sensible of the difficulty of obtaining Loans of Money in Europe at this time, and equally with my Predecessor aware of the evil of Stopping the public Buildings, I shall have no hesitation to approve of your Plan of employing Agents to Sell Lotts, for the best Prices they can obtain, provided they be not lower, than the Standard that you Shall...
104From John Adams to Commissioners of Washington City, 17 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received and in due time, your favour of the third of this month. I have looked into the Acts of Congress and the Deed of Trust, and although I find no literal Authority given to the President to convey Lotts by Deed of Gift, yet the terms and Conditions of the Sales are subjected to his Discretion. The general Policy of the measure under Consideration, that of offering sites to the...
105From John Adams to James Drake, 18 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I sent 600 dollars this morning to the Bank to purchase a Postnote and they sent me the inclosed. I hope it will answer your purpose: But it is not exactly as I wished and intended. You will please acknowlege the rest of it by return of Post I am Sir your obliged servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
106From John Adams to William Heath, 19 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have recd the Letter, you did me the honour to write me on the tenth of this month. The Date of this Letter reminds me that it is two and twenty years Since our final Separation from Britain, and my Letter which you quote recalls old Times and scenes to remembrance. I thank you, Sir, for your kind Congratulations on my Advancement. The Times appear not to me, so critical and difficult, as...
107From John Adams to David Rawn, 1 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
By the President of the United States. Whereas John Steele Esquire Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States is at present absent from the seat of Government, and whereas it is represented to me as a matter of importance that the accounts of Edmund Randolph Esquire late Secretary of State should be forwith adjusted and Settled. —Therefore be it Known that in pursuance of the authority...
108From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 3 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have this morning yours of the 25th and as yours are the best Letters I receive I must hasten to acknowledge it. But the Press upon me is so great that I must be very short. Your Brief of the formidable Position of France is very true as it appears, at present: but Intelligence of the surest kind which is not laid before the public shews it to be all hollow at home and abroad: in Spain,...
109From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 3 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
There are many parts of your Letter I have omitted, indeed it requires more Leisure than I have to do it Justice. Men of Cander and Discernment, you observe, have thought that my Predecessor erred, in some particulars. This may be and who has not? But you must remember that the French were always antifederalists. Always opposed and countenanced and stimulated the Party that opposed the federal...
110From John Adams to Samuel Adams, Sr., 11 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
It was but two days ago that I recived your obliging Letter of the Seventeenth of April by Mr Wyllis. I have found this Gentleman as you represent him intelligent, observing and impartial. I have had much pleasure in his conversation and expect more. I thank you Sir for your kind congratulations. As to party Papers they will represent Us as they please: and there is no remedy but Patience, and...
111From John Adams to United States Congress, 16 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
On addressing myself to the Senators & Representatives of the United States, it would have afforded me the most sincere satisfaction to have been able to congratulate you on the restoration of peace to the nations of Europe whose contentions have endangered our tranquillity & to have invited your attention only to such measures as ordinarily occur, in managing the concerns of an extensive and...
112From John Adams to United States Senate, 19 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Joshua Sands of New york to be Collector of the District of New york, Vice. John Lamb dismissed. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
113From John Adams to United States Congress, 19 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Joshua Sands of New york to be collector of the District of New york, vice John Lamb dismissed DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
114From John Adams to United States Senate, 20 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts, to be Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the King of Prussia DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
115From John Adams to Thomas Mifflin, 22 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the honor to write me, on the twelfth of this month; and have maturely considered the subject of it;— The substance of your Excellencies first request, is that I would instruct, the American Ministers in Europe to use their influence to obtain permission from the respective governments for Exporting from Great Britain, Holland, or Hamburgh; ten thousand...
116From John Adams to United States Senate, 24 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
It would be an affectation in me, to dissemble the pleasure I feel, on receiving this kind address. My long experience of the Wisdom, Fortitude, and Patriotism, of the Senate of the United States, enhances in my estimation, the Value of those obliging expressions of your approbation of my conduct, which are a generous reward for the past, and an affecting encouragement to constancy and...
117From John Adams to United States Senate, 26 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I lay before you, for your consideration and advice, a treaty of perpetual peace and friendship between the United States of America and the Bey and subjects of Tripoli, of Barbary, concluded at Tripoli on the 4th day of November, 1796. Printed Source--A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, 1789-1897. 10 vols. (Washington, 1896-1899)..
118Questions to be Proposed Concerning Negotiators to be Sent to France, 27 May 1797 to 28 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
Questions to be proposed. 1. Shall Pinckney be appointed Sole Envoy Extra.? Ans. No 2. Shall one Person be united with him only? 3. Shall two Persons be united with him? Yes 4. Who Shall those Persons be? Dana and Marshall James Maddison, John Marshall, Ludlow Ludwell Lee Thomas Lee Bushrod Washington, William Vans Murray. MHi : Adams Papers.
119From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 30 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have just recd your favours of 28. May, No. 6 and No. 7. with a Copy of No. 3. This last I had recd before. I had no share in the Recall of Monroe, and therefore am not responsible for the Reasons of it.—But I have heard such reports of his own Language in France at his own Table, and the Language of those whom he entertained and countenanced, and of his correspondences with Bache Beckley &c...
120From John Adams to Arthur St. Clair, 30 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 20th of this month, and thank you for your obliging Compliments, on my succeeding to the Executive Branch of Government. While I regret your affliction with the Gout, I congratulate you on your perfect prospect of recovery from its pains, and their consequences, and hope that in a short time, your health will be so fully established as to enable you to go...
121From John Adams to United States Senate, 31 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
The critical situation of the affairs of the United States in relation to the Republic of France has long engaged my attention; and after the most mature consideration, I have concluded to constitute our Extraordinary Commission to negociate with that Republic and adjust by treaty all the differences between the two nations, and all other matters which concern the se mutual interests of the...
122From John Adams to Sebastian Bauman, 1 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 29th Ulto. with a pamphlet, containing a Statement of the Cause of the resignation of all the officers of the regiment of Artillery of the City and County of Newyork I thank you for this communication and am sorry that so respectable a Corps should be for any cause dissolved I am Sir with much Esteem / your humble Servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
123From John Adams to United States House of Representatives, 3 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I receive with great satisfaction your candid approbation of the convention of Congress; and thank you for your assurances that the interesting subjects recommended to your consideration shall receive the attention which their importance demands; and that your co-operation may be expected in those measures which may appear necessary for our security or peace. The declaration of the...
124From John Adams to United States Congress, 12 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received information from the Commissioner appointed on the part of the United States, pursuant to the third Article of our Treaty with Spain, that the running and marking of the boundary Line, between the Colonies of East and West Florida, and the Territory of the United States, have been delayed by the Officers of his Catholic Majesty; and that they have declared their intention to...
125From John Adams to United States Senate, 15 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I by the President of the United States, to inform the Senate that he yesterday, approved & Signed, two Acts, which originated in this House, the one An Act preventing Citizens of the U. States from privateering against Nations in Amity with, or against Citizens of the United States—the other an Act prohibiting for a limited time the Exportation of Arms & Ammunition for a limited time and for...
126From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 20 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment written a Message to the Senate nominating you to be an Envoy Extraordinary to the French Republic. Knowing as I did Mr Dana’s aversion to the Sea, and his continual dread of his Mother’s fate, I was always apprehensive he would decline and should have nominated you at first, if I had not been overruled by the opinions of many Gentlemen that Mr. Dana’s Experience in this...
127From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 20 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment written a Message to the Senate nominating you to be an Envoy Extraordinary to the French Republic; Knowing as I did Mr: Dana’s aversion to the sea, and his continual dread of his Mothers fate, I was always apprehensive he would decline, and Should have nominated you at first, if I had not been over ruled by the opinions of many Gentlemen, that Mr: Dana’s Experience in this...
128From John Adams to Charles Lee, 20 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I request you take into your immediate consideration, the inclosed original Letter signed and to consult with the Attorney of the District, and such other Learned Counsel, as you shall judge proper in confidence and report to me your opinion with theirs upon these questions 1st Whether the Letter is in any and in what parts criminal— 2d. If criminal at all, under what Species of Crime it is to...
129From John Adams to United States Senate, 20 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate the Honourable Elbridge Gerry Esqr of Massachusetts to be Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, to the French Republic jointly and Severally with Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and John Marshall; in the Place of Francis Dana, who has declined his appointment, on account of the precarious State of his Health DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
130From John Adams to United States Senate, 21 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Edward White of Georgia to be Surveyor and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Savannah, Thomas Swepson, to be Surveyor and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Suffolk in Virginia vice John Driver deceased. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
131From John Adams to United States Senate, 22 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
Having Sent the Report and Documents which accompany this Message, to the House of Representatives in Compliance with their desire expressed in their Resolution of the tenth of this Month, I think it proper to Send Duplicates to the Senate for their Information. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
132From John Adams to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 22 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Abilities, Integrity, Prudence, and Patriotism, I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate do appoint you the said Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall and Elbridge Gerry, jointly and severally Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the French Republic, authorizing you...
133From John Adams to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 22 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
Know Ye, That for the purpose of terminating all differences between the United States of America and the French Republic, and of restoring and confirming perfect harmony and good understanding and re–establishing a commercial and friendly intercourse between them; and reposing a special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Prudence and Abilities of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall...
134From John Adams to United States House of Representatives, 22 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
Immediately after I had received your resolution of the 10th of June, requesting a report respecting the depredations committed on the commerce of the United States, since the 1st of October, 1796, specifying the name of the vessel taken, where bound to or from, species of lading, the value (when it can be ascertained) of the vessels and cargo taken, and by what Power captured, particularizing...
135From John Adams to United States Congress, 23 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
It appears that the Dey of Algiers has manifested a predilection for American built vessels, and in consequence has desired that two vessels might be constructed and equipped as cruisers, “according to the choice and taste of captain O’Brien.” But instead of two brigs, Captain O’Brien thinks it will be most eligible to build one brig of twenty guns, and a schooner of about sixteen guns. The...
136From John Adams to United States Senate, 24 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Robert Hamilton to be Marshall of the District of Delaware in the room of Allan McLane resigned. Sylvanus Bourne, of Massachusetts to be Consul General of the United States, in the Batavian Republic. John Beeldemaker to be Consul of the United States for Rotterdam John Baptiste Sartori to be Consul of the United States at Rome. Job Wall of Rhode Island to be Consul of the United...
137From John Adams to United States Senate, 26 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate George Truet to be Supervisor of the Revenue for the District of Delaware in the Place of Andrew Barrat Esqr who has resigned. James Morrison of Kentucky to be Supervisor of the Revenue for the District of Kentucky in the Place of Thomas Marshall Esqr resigned DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
138From John Adams to Uriah Forrest, 28 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your favor of the 23d and am very much obliged to you for it; The paper inclosed in it is a Serious thing; it will be a Motive in addition to many others for me to be upon my guard; it is evidence of a mind sowered , yet seeking for popularity, and eaten to an Honey comb with ambition, yet weak, confused, uninformed and ignorant. I have been long convinced that this...
139From John Adams to Richard Howell, 30 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the honor to write me, on the 27th of this month and thank you for the favor.—the duty of nomination to Offices is of So much difficulty, delicacy and importance, that information concerning the Characters, Merits, and qualifications of Canditates is always acceptable, and especially when it Comes from Such respectable authority; Although it has been a...
140List of Candidates for Offices, June 1797 (Adams Papers)
1. John Read of the state of Delaware, now resident in Philadelphia, to be the agent of the United States in relation to such claims as may be made against them before the Commissioners appointed to carry into effect the sixth article of the treaty of amity, commerce & navigation between the United States and Great Britain. Collinson Read of Pennsylvania } for the same office. Tephaniah Swift...
141Discussion of a letter by Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, June 1797 (Adams Papers)
General Pinckney mentions the investigation going on against the minister of marine, for a contract with a merchant or house at Nantz for 60,000 quintals of wheat, at the “enormous” price of 21 livres the quintal. The contract and receipt for the whole price were lodged in the treasury. Afterward, the minister of marine agreed to take but 40,000 quintals, and that the price of the other 20,000...
142From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 1 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favr of the 28th Inst, and that of the 26th of March, and it is not for Want of Inclination, that the Letter has not been acknowledged before. I thank you for your kind Congratulations; but at my Age, and in the present and probable Circumstances of public affairs, I know not whether Condolences would not be more Natural. The Commissioners of the Federal City are Gentlemen...
143From John Adams to United States Senate, 3 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate James Simons of South Carolina to be Collector of the District of Charleston in the place of Isaac Holmes Superceeded DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
144From John Adams to United States Congress, 3 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
The whole of the Intelligence, which has for sometime past been received from abroad, The Correspondences between this Government and the Ministers of the belligerent Powers residing here, and the Advices from the Officers of the United States civil and military, upon the Frontiers, all conspire to shew, in a very strong Light the critical Situation of our Country. That Congress might be...
145From John Adams to United States Senate, 6 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate William Smith of Charleston South Carolina to be Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Portugal vice John Quincy Adams removed to the Court of Berlin Thomas Bulkely to be Consul General in Portugal vice Edward Church Superseded. Richard O’brian to be Consul of the United States, to the Dey and Regency of Algiers Charles Hall of Pensilvania to be an Agent for...
146From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 7 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I know not when I have received So much pleasure from a Letter as from yours this Moment brought in, to to me of the 3d. The Circumstances of your family are Such as to Excite the tenderest feelings & anxieties and Mrs: Gerrys Resolution does her great honor. She never will repent of it, I fully beleive. Mr: Marshall is here and will Sail next week for Amsterdam, It will be adviseable for you...
147From John Adams to United States Senate, 7 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Jeremiah Smith of New Hampshire to be Attorney of the United States for that district, in the room of Edward St. Loe Livermore resigned William Willis a Native Citizen of the United States, to be their Consul for the Republic of Venice Frederick H. Wallaston of a mercantile House established at Genoa to be Consul of the United States for that Republic James Leander Cathcart a...
148From John Adams to William Eaton, 10 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Abilities and Integrity of William Eaton a Citizen of the United States, I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate do appoint him Consul of the United States of America for the City and Kingdon of Tunis, and do authorize and empower him to have and to hold the said office according to Law, and to exercise...
149From John Adams to United States Senate, 10 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate the following persons for promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States. Dragoons. Stephen G. Simmons Lieutenant vice Slough resigned Charles Warfield Cornet vice Ball promoted William Tharp ditto vice McDermot promoted. First Regiment of Infantry. William H. Harrison Captain vice Kingsbury promoted 15. May 1797 Nicholas Rosencrantz Lieutenant vice Harrison ditto
150From John Adams to Wilhem Willink, 14 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I embrace the opportunity by General Marshall one of our Envoys Extraordinary to France to acknowledge the receipt of your kind Letter of the 31st. March. For your kind congratulations on my Election to a new office: and for your friendly wishes for my Success in it I most heartily thank you. Permit me to reciprocate your obliging wishes for the prosperity of our Country , the prosperity of...