251From John Adams to Henry Guest, 3 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your favor of the first of this month, and am much pleased that you think my answers to addresses patient, fatherly, and patriotick. I believe with you in the profound patriotism at the bottom of the hearts of our Countrymen, very universally. Clitus I think describes the ship in more danger than she is. I received the panegyrick on Gen. Anchoret and a political speech and...
252From 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...
253From John Adams to James Gunn, 31 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your Address of the 4th of September, has been transmitted to me, as you directed by your Committee, through a senator in Congress from Georgia, General James Gunn. Opinions So correct and feelings so honorable, as yours can never fail to add to my Satisfaction and encouragement, from whatever Part of the Union or portion of my fellow Citizens the People they may come: but especially when they...
254From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 20 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The itinerant Life I have led has prevented me from Acknowledging the Receipt of your favour of May 24th., till this time. Your Sentiments are very Satisfactory to me, and will be duly attended to. I anticipate Criticism in every Thing which relates to Col. Smith. But Criticism, now criticised so long, I regard no more than “Great George a Birthday Song.”—Coll Smith Served through the War with...
255To 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...
256From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 1800 (Adams Papers)
Page 4. Mr. Adams is no doubt under great Obligations to Mr. Hamilton, for “not denying to him Patriotism, and Integrity and even Talents of a certain kind” It is to be Sure an awfull a calamity to Mr A. that the solidity of his understanding should have been brought into question, with Mr H. although it were upon gro false grounds were So false or or Spurious reports were So Spurious . The...
257From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the Honor to write me on the 24. of August: but not till the first of September: other wise it would have been answered sooner. Mr Phillip Church, your Nephew whom you recommend to be a Captain of Infantry I have had the Pleasure to see, both in New York and Philadelphia, and have been so well Satisfied with all I know of him as to be very willing to...
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 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...
260From 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...
261To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 4 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favour of the 22d. of August recommending Col Toussard to be Inspector of Artillery. I have no Reason to suspect that your entire Confidence in his Honor and Fidelity is misplaced. But as his native Country is France and his Speech betrays his original, I am very apprehensive that in a French War, neither the Army nor the People, would be without their Jealousies and...
262From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 4 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 22d. of August recommending Col Toussard to be Inspector of Artillery. I have no Reason to suspect that your entire Confidence in his Honor and Fidelity is misplaced.—But as his native Country is France and his Speech betrays his original, I am very Apprehensive that in a French War, neither the Army nor the People, would be without their Jealousies and...
263From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 29 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the Honor to write me on the 20th and am glad to have had the opportunity of consenting to the Appointment of Officers who will do so much Credit in their Stations to the service as I believe Captain Church and Lieutenant Hamilton will do in theirs. I have recd from Hauteval a Packet of Addresses, one of which is inclosed. I dont think them of consequence...
264Enclosure: Commission as Major General, [19 July 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
John Adams, President of the United States of America. To all who shall see these Presents Greeting: Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Patriotism, Valour, Fidelity and Abilities of Alexander Hamilton I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate do appoint him Inspector General of the Army with the rank of Major General in the Service of the...
265To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, [3 September] 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the Honor to write me on the 24. of August: but not till the first of September: otherwise it would have been answered sooner. Mr Phillip Church, your Nephew whom you recommend to be a Captain of Infantry I have had the Pleasure to See, both in New York and Philadelphia, and have been so well Satisfied with all I know of him as to be very willing to...
266To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 2 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Dr Daniel Parker of Norton introduced to me by General Cobb will have the Honour to deliver you this Letter. The Case of his Son is a very unfortunate one, and I beg Leave to introduce him to your kind offices. If the young Gentleman can be discharged with Propriety I am desirous it Should be done or, if he has dispositions and qualifications for any thing better than the station of a common...
267To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 29 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the Honor to write me on the 20th and am glad to have had the opportunity of consenting to the Appointment of Officers who will do so much Credit in their Stations to the service as I believe Captain Church and Lieutenant Hamilton will do in theirs. I have recd from Hauteval a Packet of Addresses, one of which is inclosed. I dont think them of consequence...
268From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 2 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Dr Daniel Parker of Norton introduced to me by General Cobb will have the Honour to deliver you this Letter. The Case of his Son is a very unfortunate one, and I beg Leave to introduce him to your kind offices. If the young Gentleman can be discharged with Propriety I am desirous it Should be done or if he has dispositions and qualifications for any thing better than the station of a common...
269To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 20 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The itinerant Life I have led has prevented me from acknowledging the Receipt of your favour of May 24. till this time. Your Sentiments are very Satisfactory to me, and will be duly attended to. I anticipate Criticism in every Thing which relates to Col. Smith. But Criticism, now criticized so long, I regard no more than “Great George a Birthday Song.” Coll Smith Served through the War with...
270From John Adams to Dr. Joseph Hamilton, 25 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 15th with the agreeable present of your “occasional reflections on the operation of the small pox.” I am so little of a physician, that my applications approbation ought to have little weight. But haveing seen a good deal of the small pox, I do really believe your directions will be useful to the army & navy & the public at large. I am quite of your sect in...
271From John Adams to Edward Hand, 30 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for this Address presented to me by your Representative in Congress Mr Kittera. It is indeed too plainly apparent that We must resort either submit to be dictated to by a foreign Power, or resort to Arms for the defence of all that can be held dear to Freemen. The Happiness you acknowledge under the Influence of a Government of your own Choice mild and equal in its operations, is...
272From John Adams to Seth Harding, 14 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
On the 11th of this month I received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the fourth with a large number of certificates from gentlemen of great respectability. I am very sorry, Sir, that you have had the trouble of procuring these testimonials; but I am very happy to assure you, that they are entirely satisfactory to me, & have removed every unfavorable impression from my mind,...
273From John Adams to William Henry Harrison, 11 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received and read with much pleasure your unanimous address of the 29th of june. I agree with you, that in the ordinary Course of Affairs interpositions of popular Meetings to overawe those to whom the management of Public affairs are confided will seldom be warranted by discretion, or found compatable with the good order of Society. but at a Period like this there is no Method more...
274From John Adams to Ct., Inhabitants of Hartford, 10 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Although the sentiments and conduct of the people of Connecticut, as expressed upon all occasions by themselves at home, and their representatives in both houses of Congress, have been so unanimous and uniform in support of the government as to render their interposition at this crisis unnecessary, yet this address from the citizens of Hartford is not the less agreeable to me, or deserving my...
275From John Adams to Students of Harvard College, July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The companions, studies, and amusements of my youth, under the auspices of our alma mater , whom I shall ever hold in the highest veneration and affection, came fresh to my remembrance on receiving your address. The maxims of life and the elements of literature, which have ever been inculcated in that ancient seat of education, could produce no other sentiments, in a juncture like this, than...
276From John Adams to Heads of Department, 13 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
Will it be advisable to present immediately to Congress the whole of the communications from our minister in France, with the exception of the names of the persons employed by the minister Talleyrand to exhibit and enforce his requisitions for a bribe, under an injunction of secrecy as to that particular? Ought the President, then, to recommend, in his message, an immediate declaration of war?...
277From 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...
278From John Adams to John Henry, 26 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received the honor of your Excellency’s Letter and immediately referred it with its Enclosures to the Secretary at War, with Directions to take the most prompt measures for doing Justice to the State of Maryland. Your Excellencys candid approbation of my Conduct on a late Occasion does me great honour. I have the Honour to be, with / great Esteem and respect, Sir your / Excellency’s...
279From John Adams to John C. Herbert, 10 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I receive your patriotic Address with great Pleasure. I rejoice that you highly appreciate the fair Inheritance you have received from your Forefathers, the Enjoyment of equal Liberty and Laws: and have no suspicion that you will want valour, to repell the assaults of its Invaders. I agree with you that War with all its incidental ills is preferable to base submission: and applaud your...
280From John Adams to John C. Herbert, 26 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
An Address so respectful to me and so faithful to the Nation and true to its Government from so honourable a Portion of the Young Men of Richmond, cannot fail to be very acceptable to me.— You will not take offence, I hope at my freedom, however if I say that if you had been taught to cherish in your hearts an Esteem and Friendship for France, it would have been enough: very well. more than...
281From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Congratulations on my return to my Family and Friends are very obliging. Your polite Invitation is accepted with Pleasure. At this Period, when Disorder, Indiscipline and Disobedience of every kind fashioned into a kind of Science, are vindicated as Rights and inculcated as Duties, it is not to be expected that our Country should wholly Escape their contagious Effects. Although many...
282From John Adams to Dr. Samuel Hollen, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 17th of July never reached me till since my return home. inclosd is an answer to the Address, which is very kind and handsome, and the more agreable as the Representative of the Town, seems by your account to entertain different sentiments. We cannot all think alike in this World. I rejoice to find you in so good health and spirits.—I am Dear Sir.— / Your old Friend Dr....
283From John Adams to Hosea Howard, 23 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your address, presented to me, by your Representative in Congress Mr: Cochran— It is very true, that our evolutionary contest, acquainted us with our strength, and convinced us, that nothing less, than our Independence, could save this Country from a condition of existence, disgraceful and degraded below the Character of Freemen—But we should remember for our consolation, that...
284From 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...
285From John Adams to James M. Hughes, 5 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
No testimonials of personal respect to me, or of Attachment to the Government could be more acceptable to me, than those in this Address, which breaths the genuine Sentiments of Americans attached to their Country by every tie of Nature and Affection. I am happy in your Opinion that those, who insult and injure Us, are left without excuse, because every thing on the part of our Government has...
286From John Adams to Andrew Jackson, 16 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the session of the Senate for Executive Business should be continued, and that the members thereof should convene on Tuesday the seventeenth day of July instant; you are desired to attend at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, at ten OClock in the forenoon, then and there to receive and deliberate on such communications as...
287From 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.
288From John Adams to Daniel Jackson, 23 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The firewards of the town of Boston have requested permission to deposit at castle Island a quantity of Gunpowder now lying in the harbor of Boston and more that is soon expected to arrive. As I can foresee no material inconvenience from granting from such permission. I request that you would give orders that for such gun powder as the firewards shall desire to be deposited at the castle, at...
289From John Adams to Jonathan Jackson, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of this day. Col Dawes has declined his appointment—if you can suggest to me a proper person to fill his place, I shall be much obliged to you. Cannot the other commissioners meet & go on till a successor can be appointed to Mr. Dawes? I know of no man so fit, but he is a freeman, & cannot be compelled to serve.—I shall be at all times glad to see you. your friend...
290From John Adams to Isaac LeBaron, 8 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
This Address from the most ancient Settlement in New England, where, in the earlier Part of my Life, I passed so much of my time, and with so much Satisfaction; gives me great Pleasure. I trust, We all still wish success to the French, in the Establishment of a Constitution of Government founded on the broad Basis of equal Laws and political happiness. But the system for enacting and executing...
291From John Adams to John Jay, 24 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received, last week your friendly private Letter of the tenth—The assurance of the continuance of your friendship was unnecessary for me, because I have never had a doubt of it—But others invent and report as they please. They have preserved hitherto, however more delicacy to wards the friendship between you and me than any other. The last Mission to France, and the consequent dismission of...
292To John Jay from John Adams, 24 November 1800 (Jay Papers)
I received last Week your friendly private Letter of the tenth.— The assurance of the continuance of your friendship was unnecessary for me, because I have never had a doubt of it.— But others invent and report as they please. They have preserved hitherto, however more delicacy to wards the friendship between you and me than any other. The last Mission to France, and the consequent dismission...
293To John Jay from John Adams, 19 December 1800 (Jay Papers)
M r Elsworth afflicted with the Gravel and the Gout in his Kidneys and intending to pass the Winter in the South of France after a few weeks in England, has resigned his office of Chief Justice, & I have nominated you to your old Station. This is as independent of the Inconstancy of the People, as it is of the Will of a President. In the future Administration of our Country the firmest...
294To John Jay from John Adams, 30 August 1798 (Jay Papers)
I had last night the pleasure to receive the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write me on the 21 st of this month inclosing the resolutions of the Senate & Assembly of New-York, & their unanimous address. I can scarcely imagine any event that could do me more honor or give me greater satisfaction. The unanimity of New York, of vast importance in the union, is a happy omen of success...
295From John Adams to John Jay, 19 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Elsworth afflicted with the Gravel and the Gout in his kidneys and intending to pass the Winter in the south of France after a few Weeks in England, has resigned his office of Chief Justice, and I have nominated you to your old station. This is as independent of the Inconstancy of the People, as it is of the Will of a President. In the future Administration of our Country the firmest...
296From John Adams to John Jay, 30 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had last night the pleasure to receive the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write me on the 21st of this month inclosing the resolutions of the Senate & assembly of New York & their unanimous address. I can scarcely imagine any event that could do me more honor or give me greater satisfaction. The unanimity of New–York, of vast importance in the union, is an happy omen of success...
297From John Adams to John Jay, 21 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am informed by my son at New York, that Mr. Samuel B. Malcom has applied for an office under your Excellency, ad and desired me to write to you in his behalf. This I can do without hesitation and with pleasure. Mr. Malcom lived in my family as my private Secretary for about an year and half, and conducted himself always like an amiable and honorable young gentleman. In my service he was...
298From 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...
299From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 20 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
In order to save you the trouble and expence of purchasing horses & carriages, which will not be necessary, I have to inform you that I shall leave in the stables of the United States seven horses and two carriages with harness the property of the United States. These may not be suitable for you, but they will certainly save you a considerable expence as they belong to the studd of the...
300To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 20 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
In order to save you the trouble and Expence of purchasing Horses and Carriages, which will not be necessary, I have to inform you that I shall leave in the stables of the United States seven Horses and two Carriages with Harness the Property of the United States. These may not be suitable for you: but they will certainly save you a considerable Expence as they belong to the studd of the...