251From John Adams to John Steele, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I agree with pleasure to your request in your letter of the 24th on the condition mentioned in it of an arrangement to prevent delay or inconvenience in the dispatch of public business. Your long & faithfull attention to the duties of a laborious office, entitle you to my thanks as well as to the accommodation you request. I am Sir with great esteem / your humble servant. MHi : Adams Family...
252From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I hereby request you on the 1st of June, or whenever Mr. McHenry shall leave the war office, to take upon you the charge of that office, and I hereby invest you with full power and authority to exercise all the functions of secretary of the department of war, and charge you with all the duties and obligations attached by law to that officer, until a successor regularly appointed and...
253From John Adams to James McHenry, 24 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have read and considered your report of yesterday & concur with you & the other gentlemen at the heads of department in the propriety of appointing a qualified person to visit & examine into the actual state of the garrisons—Indian trading houses or factories & other public property in the North Western territory on the Missisippi & on the frontiers of Tennesee & Georgia. It has been...
254From John Adams to James McHenry, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your note of this date & have read all the papers. This whole business is so entirely new to me, that I have read the documents with great surprize. I highly approve of the proposed enquiry & of your letter to Messrs Shepherd Parks & Ely I am Sir with great esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
255From John Adams to Samuel B. Malcom, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your favor of yesterday & thank you for the communication. Mr Morris’s merits shall be impartially considered with all the other candidates in due time. Mrs. Adams will be soon in N York. When she passes, will you be so good as to give me the news of her I am Sir yours as usual MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
256From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 22 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter, recd this morning from Col. Smith. I am at present at a loss to judge of it.—Will you be so kind without favour or affection, to give me, your candid opinion of it.—Whether his request can be granted in the whole or in part without injustice to other officers. And whether it is consistent with the military Ideas. I pray your Answer as soon as possible. I am, Sir...
257From John Adams to James McHenry, 22 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President requests the candid opinion of the Secretary of War, upon the project in the inclosed letter of Col Smith. Whether his request can be granted in whole or in part consistent, with military & political justice & propriety without favor or affection. The P. prays Mr. McHenry to return Smith’s letter. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
258To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 22 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter, recd this morning from Col. Smith. I am at present at a loss to judge of it. Will you be so kind without favour or affection to give me your candid opinion of it. Whether his request can be granted in the whole or in part without injustice to other officers. And whether it is consistent with the military Ideas. I pray your Answer as soon as possible. I am, Sir...
259From John Adams to Charles Lee, 21 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received Yesterday the opinion of yourself the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of the Navy on the Case of the Prisoners under Sentence of death for Treason, formed, as I doubt not under the full Exercise of Integrity and humanity. Nevertheless as I differ in opinion, I must take on myself alone the responsibility of one more appeal to the humane and generous natures of the...
260From John Adams to Charles Lee, 21 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have read your report of the 17th of May relative to the conduct of Dr Stephens and Mr. Mayer & the documents under the labell useful. I have also read the report of the late Secretary of State of May 12th on the same subject & agree with both, that the conduct of Dr. Stephens ought to be approved and that Mr Mayer ought to be removed from his office. Mr. Hammond may be appointed to succeed...
261From John Adams to Pennsylvania Insurgents, 21 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Whereas, the late wicked and treasonable insurrection against the just authority of the United States, of sundry persons in the counties of Northampton, Montgomery, and Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania, in the year 1799, having been speedily suppressed, without any of the calamities usually attending rebellion; whereupon peace, order, and submission to the laws of the United States were...
262From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Questions 1. Among the three Criminals under sentence of death is there any discrimination in the essential Circumstances of their Cases which would would justify a determination to pardon or reprieve one or two and execute the other? 2. Is the Execution of one or more, so indispensably demanded by public Justice and by the Security of the public Peace, that Mercy cannot be extended to all...
263From John Adams to Gilbert Blane, 18 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received but yesterday your obliging note of the 13 of September, with your observations on the diseases of seamen, through the care of Mr. King. I pray you, Sir, to accept of my best thanks for this valuable present. The subject is of high importance to the commercial & political world, & there is scarcely any, in which philosophy & humanity are more deeply interested. The former editions...
264From John Adams to Collin Gillespie, 18 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Dayton the senator has presented me from you, a letter from your father, with an elegant present of a monument, in honor of the memory of Gen. Washington. I pray you to convey the inclosed letter, expressing my gratitude, to Glasgow, & to accept of my thanks for your care. I am Sir your obliged & obedient humble ser. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
265From John Adams to William Gillespie, 18 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have lately received the letter you did me the honor to write me from Glasgow on the 14th of March. The letter is a very handsome testimonial in honor of my friend & predecessor, & I must consider it as a very elegant compliment to me. I pray you to accept of my hearty thanks, for a valuable monument, in a handsome guilt frame of our deceased General, whose memory deserves to be preserved,...
266From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your Report of the Sixteenth of this month, and for your early Attention to the important subject of the Loan. I have Subscribed, and Send you with this, an Authorization to borrow to the amount of the Law: but if the public Exigencies can be Satisfied with a part of it, your own public Spirit of Œconomy will induce you to confine your Self to Such part. The Rate of Interest is...
267From John Adams to Elijah Cooper, 16 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 9th of this month. The defence of the American Constitutions, being public, any man has a right to publish a new edition of it, who will run the risque of a loss by it. I doubt whether you will find your account in it. As to additions & annotations it would be easy with time & leisure, to make many; but my time is the property of the nation, & every moment of...
268From John Adams to Charles Lee, 16 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I transmit you a copy of a resolution of the Senate of the United States, passed in Congress, on the fourteenth of this month, by which I am requested to instruct the proper law officers, to commence & carry on a prosecution against William Duane, Editor of the newspaper, called the Aurora for certain false, defamatory, scandalous & malicious publications, in the said newspaper of the...
269From John Adams to U.S. Cabinet, 16 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the U.S. requests the heads of Departments to take the charge of the property of the United States, consisting of the furniture of the presidents house & also of the public papers there deposited & transport them to the city of Washington with all possible care & oeconomy & there preserve them under their own care or that of the commissioners of the federal city, untill they...
270From John Adams to U.S. Cabinet, 15 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President requests the Several heads of Departments to take the most prudent and oeconomical Arrangements for the removal of the public offices, Clerks and Papers, according to their own best Judgments as soon as may be convenient, in Such manner that the public offices may be opened in the City of Washington for the dispatch of Business by the fifteenth of June. DLC : Miscellaneous...
271From John Adams to James McHenry, 15 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I request you to transmit copies of the law for reducing the twelve regiments which passed yesterday to Major Generals Hamilton & Pinckney & also to the commandant of brigades with orders to the Major Generals to make immediate arrangements, for reducing those regiments on the fourteenth day of June I pray you also in concert with the Secretary of the Treasury to make seasonable preparations...
272From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President requests the several heads of Departments, to take the most prudent and economical arrangements, for the removal of the public offices, clerks, and papers, according to their own best judgment, as soon as may be convenient, in such manner that the public offices may be opened in the City of Washington for the despatch of business, by the 15th of June. Printed Source--George...
273From John Adams to United States Senate, 13 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the U. S. on the 13th of May approved & signed the folowing Acts which originated in the House of Representatives viz. An Act to authorize the issuing certain patents. An Act directing the payment of a detachment of the militia under the command of Major Thomas Johnson in the year 1794. An Act to retain a further sum on drawbacks for the expences incident to the allowance &...
274From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 12 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Diverse Causes and considerations essential to the Administration of the Government, in my Judgment requiring a Change in the Department of State you are hereby discharged from any further Service as Secretary of State. MHi : Timothy Pickering Papers.
275From John Adams to United States Senate, 12 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate William H Harrison of the North Western territory to be Govenor of the Indiana territory DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
276From John Adams to United States Senate, 12 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Israel Ludlow of the North Western territory to be register of the land office at Cincinnati. James Findlay of the said territory to be receiver of public monies for lands of the United States at Cincinnati. Thomas Worthington of the territory to be register of the land office at Chilocothe Samuel Findley of the territory to be receiver of public monies for lands of the United...
277From John Adams to United States Senate, 12 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate the honorable John Marshall Esqr. of Virginia to be Secretary of State in the place of the Honorable Timothy Pickering Esqr. removed. The Honorable Samuel Dexter Esqr. of Massachusetts to be Secretary of the department of War, in the place of the Honorable John Marshall nominated for promotion to the office of State. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
278From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
As I perceive a necessity of introducing a change in the Administration of the office of State, I think it proper to make this communication of it to the present Secretary of State that he may have an opportunity of resigning, if he chooses. I should wish the day on which his resignation is to take place to be named by himself. I wish for an Answer to this Letter on or before Monday Morning...
279From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have considered your report of the 25 of April & concur with your opinions in general & pray you to carry them all into execution as fast as may be prudently done, excepting with regard to Portsmouth & Rhode Island, which will require some further consultation with you. The lands at Charleston I wish you to purchase immediately & that to the amount of 45 or 50 acres marked in the plan & to...
280From John Adams to United States Senate, 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate John Cooper of Georgia to be collector of the District of Brunswick & Inspector of the revenue for that port in the place of John McIntosh resigned Jonas Clark Esqr of Massachusetts to be collector of the District of Kennebunk DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
281From John Adams to United States Senate, 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I Nominate Mattathias Rice, of Western, Massachusetts To be a Surgeon’s Mate in the Navy. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
282From John Adams to United States Senate, 8 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Israel Wheeler Esqr. of Pensylvania to be purveyor of public supplies for the United States in the place of Tench Francis Esqr. deceased. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
283From John Adams to James McHenry, 7 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the sixth day of this month, & consider the requests contained in it as very reasonable. They are readily agreed. I as Sir with much esteem / your most obedient & humble servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
284From John Adams to United States Senate, 7 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate the Honorable John Marshall Esqr. of Virginia to be Secretary of the department of War, in the place of the Honorable James Mc. Henry Esqr, who has requested that he may be permitted to resign, & that his resignation be accepted, to take place on the first day of June next. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
285From John Adams to United States Senate, 6 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Jared Ingersol Esqr. of Pensylvania to be Attorney of the United States for the District of Pensylvania in the place of William Rawle Esqr. who has resigned DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
286From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have read with attention, and duly considered, your letter of the 1st. of this month, and all the papers inclosed with it, and am of opinion that the public interest, and service requires that the proposed site and Ore be purchased at the best terms, which can be obtained, and a National Foundry for casting Cannon, shot and shells established, and I authorize you, in conjunction with the...
287From John Adams to John Russell, 5 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have, this morning received, your favour of the 28th. of April, with the volume of Washingtons political Legacies. For this instance, of your polite Attention and for this elegant present, which does honor to american Printing, I pray you to Accept of my best thanks. I am Sir Gentlemen, with much esteem your obliged and obedient / Servant MHi : Edward Everett Papers.
288From John Adams to Roberts & Co. Davy, 3 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your note of the first of this month with a box of the nicest segars I ever saw. I thank you Gentlemen for this polite attention and elegant present and am your obliged humble servant. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
289From John Adams to United States Senate, 28 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Henry Vandyke—of Delaware, to be a Lieutenant in the Navy. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
290From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 28 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States requests the attention of the Secretary of State and all the heads of Department to the report of the Secretary of the Navy on ship yards & dock yards & their opinions & advice concerning it, as it is necessary a decision should be soon made MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
291From John Adams to United States Senate, 24 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate William Allen Deas of South Carolina to be a commissioner of valuations in that state in the place of Simeon Theus resigned DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
292From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 23 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States proposes to the Consideration of the heads of Departments a Subject which although at first view it may appear of inconsiderable Moment, will upon more mature reflection be found to be of some difficulty but of great importance to the honor Dignity and Consistency of the Government. In every Government of Europe I believe there is a Gazette in the Service of...
293From John Adams to United States Senate, 22 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Samuel Saxon of South Carolina to be commissioner of valuations in that State in the place of William Anderson deceased DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
294From John Adams to Jedidiah Morse, 21 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged by your favor of the 5th, & for your introduction of Aaron Putnam Esqr, with whose person & conversation, I have been much pleased. The preparations for a decisision on the great subject are so advanced, that I hope it will not be postponed much longer. But there are so many great objects involved in the question, and so many considerations, great & small to be attended to,...
295From John Adams to John Davis, 21 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 12th of this month, accompanying your eulogy of Gen. G. Washington, before the American Academy of Arts & sciences at Boston 6th Feb. I thank you, Sir, for the very acceptable present of a copy of it, & I regret that I could not have the high pleasure of hearing it, with the society, as one of their members It is without affectation—in a strain of allusions to...
296From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 21 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have considered Mr. Harrisons letter to you of the 10th. & in consequence of his opinion & the intimation of the judges, you may prepare a pardon for William Durelle, for all the sentence, except what relates to the security for future good behavior. I wish however that I had more information of the nature of the libell. You will please to write Mr. Harrison & inform him, that I leave...
297From John Adams to United States Senate, 20 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate William W. Burrows now Major of the corps of Marines to be Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the same Corps. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
298From John Adams to United States Senate, 20 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Joshua Johnson Esqr. of the city of Washington to be superintendent of stamps according to the Act of Congress to establish a general Stamp Office. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
299From John Adams to United States Senate, 17 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
In conformity with your request, I transmit you a return from the War office, of those officers, who have been appointed under the act, entitled an Act to augment the army of the United States & for other purposes, designating such officers, who have accepted their appointments & those who have declined accepting, resigned their commissions, died, &c. A report from the Secretary of War, which...
300From John Adams to Charles Love, Jr., 16 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
Your poem on the death of Gen Washington, I have received with much pleasure. For this acceptable present, accept of my thanks. There is in it, if I have not loss all my taste, a real genius & genuine spirit of poetry. There is not only imagination, but invention & judgment. Such a talent is worth cultivating, for although a poet is born, he must be bred—though nature is indispensible, yet art...