1From John Adams to the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Towns and Districts of Massachusetts Bay, 10 December … (Adams Papers)
Cambridge,10 December 1774. printed : Mass. Provincial Congress, Jours. William Lincoln, ed., The Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of Safety , Boston, 1838. , p. 69–72. Prepared by a committee appointed 12 October, originally composed of fifteen members: John Hancock, Joseph Hawley, Joseph Warren, Samuel Dexter, Artemas Ward, James...
2Report Relative to Assuming Civil Government, 10 December 1774 (Adams Papers)
Cambridge,10 December 1774. printed : Mass. Provincial Congress, Jours. William Lincoln, ed., The Journals of Each Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of Safety , Boston, 1838. , p. 73–74. This, the second report on this date of the Committee on the State of the Province, was framed in the form of three resolutions: that the adjournment on 29 October had...
3To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 8 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
To have the best government in the world, and that government administered in the best manner, is the distinguished lot of our happy nation. Ever since the adoption of the constitution we have felt its benign effects; but in an increased, and increasing degree of late; since all have now learned the important lesson, to respect themselves, and despise foreign influence. This we owe, in a high...
4To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 13 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
On as mature deliberation as the time would permit I have concluded that it is proper for me to decline the honor intended for me in your nomination of yesterday. At present I am certainly unqualified for the duties of the Office; & such have been my pursuits & such are my habits, that my mind would not be devoted to it, & consequently I never should acquire the ability of conducting the...
5To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 30 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received your favour from Philadelphia enclosing Letter from Capt Boyd, and have written to him as you directed. The Volunteer Corps are in no way affected by the late Law for disbanding the twelve new Regiments. The Heads of Departments were of opinion that Officers might be nominated in the recess of Senate, though the vacancy did not happen in the recess. I have according to your Letter...
6To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 16 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor of submitting to your consideration a sketch of a plan for executing the existing Laws for the instruction of the Artillerists and Engineers. It already is very evident to me that they need all the means that the Law has provided for that purpose. The Law has provided for two Cadets to each Company of Artillery, making in all Sixty four Cadets. It is provided by Law that four...
7To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 19 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I was honored this morning with your Letter of the 10th: inst. the enclosed recommendations Shall be duly attended to. The List of proper characters to fill the existing military vacancies is maturing, and shall soon be submitted to you. I transmit for your signature a Warrant for the Execution of the Sentence of the Court Martial on Samuel Ewing. I have the honor to be / with profound respect...
8To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 4 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 24th ulto. I have enquired of General Pinckney and a variety of other military Gentlemen for an American capable of superintending a school for Engineers; but do not see much prospect of success. Our Countrymen have had no regular education of this sort, and but little experience. You mention appointing Teachers only for the...
9To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 7 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your favor of the 30th: ult: enclosing the Warrant for the Execution of Samuel Ewing signed. Lieut. Col. Hamtramck writes to me under date of the 16th ulto.— “The Crime of Samuel Ewing is no doubt of the most heinous nature, but the extraordinary conduct of the Prisoner, having deserted on one day returning on the next, and declaring War against a whole Garrison, appears to...
10To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 2 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am, this moment honored with your favor of the 23d. instt. The matters of Business therein mentioned shall be duly attended to. Ill health has taken me off from business some weeks, and prevented the List of Officers being forwarded. I presume it is now too late and shall present it to you here. Enclosed is a Letter, which came to this Office under cover from a Mr. Murray. I have the Honor...