31To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 19th. April—and in consequence have enclosed in a letter for Capt Parker, his commission as a Lieutenant in the Navy, which requires your signature. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir yr. most / Obed Sevt. MHi : Adams Papers.
32To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have sent a comt. of surgeons mate of the Genl. Greene, to Doctr. Metcalf of Providence. I will write to Mr Bowman, on the subject of his Island, & will also endeavour to get information from others. A great many persons offer land containing the live Oak in Georgia; and each also describes his property as best suited for the purposes of Government.—from the information I have as yet...
33To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from our Consul at the Havanna, to the Secty of State. It shews that a state of things which you have long foreseen, is commencing in the West Indies; & forebodes that the American Commerce may have more to apprehend from unauthorized Piracy, than any other. The spot upon which these Fellows have fixed themselves lies about sixty miles from...
34To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a letter from Mr Jones; Chareman of the Committee for building the Boston Frigate, recommending Doctr Vinton for the appointment of Surgeon to that ship:—and also, a letter to Mr Jones, containing a commission for Doctr. Vinton, which will require your signature if you think proper that the appointment should be made. I have the honor to be / with the highest...
35To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Mr Sewell—and my answer, to be forwarded, if it meets with your approbation. I have consulted the heads of Departments on this subject, but the opinions are so various, that I could only write give my own to Mr Sewell. Coll. Pickering thinks the convoy ought to be granted.—But there is scarcely a considerable port in Europe, to which...
36To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor, to enclose a Letter from Mr. Jones, Chairman of the Committee for building a Frigate at Boston, recommending William Wild and Nathaniel Clift for Lieutenants to that Ship; and also a Letter to Mr. Jones, containing Commissions for these Gentlemen, which will require your signature, should you think proper that the Appointments should be made. I have the honor to be /...
37To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Frigate United States arrived on Friday—The Montezuma Murray, the Herald, Russell, and the Revenue Cutters General Greene, & Scammel, have since come into the Delaware. The copy of Capt Murrays letters which I have the honor to enclose, contains every thing of importance by these Vessels.—Capt. Tingey has sent in a prize, a small Vessel, not yet come up to the City, tho she is, I...
38To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor, to enclose a Letter from John C: Jones Esquire on behalf of the Committee at Boston, recommending William Parsons for Surgeon’s Mate to the Boston—Nehemiah Macombe for Sailing Master—Moses Allen for Purser—and Joseph Beale—Henry S Butler Jaazaniah Tucker Clark—Abel Lincoln junior Joseph Cordis & Benjamin Conant for Midshipmen—; and also a Letter to John C. Jones Esquire,...
39To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the permission contained in the letter with which you honored me, of the 27th. Ulto. and expecting that the Constitution will arrive at Boston in a few Days, if she is not already there; I take the liberty to enclose a letter for Nicholson—If it meets with your approbation, it may be forwarded to him. Barry speaks favorably of Nicholsons conduct, in the West Indies. But as he...
40To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from the Consul at the Havanna, to the Secy of State—and the correspondence between Capt Decatur & the Governor of the Havanna. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem Sir Yr. most Obed / Serv. MHi : Adams Papers.
41To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am this Day honored with your two letters of the 19th. Inst. the contents of which shall be strictly attended to. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir Yr most / Obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
42To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
There are seven Captains wanted, and they must be soon called into service.—There are wanted also, a great many Lieutenants, & several Masters & Commandants. Lieutenant Prebble, originally appointed first Lieutenant of the Constitution, from all the information I can receive of him, ought to have been a Captain from the beginning Lieutenant Rogers, appointed first Lieutenant of the...
43To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been so much engaged, in consequence of the Arrival of so many Vessels, that I have not been able to communicate so much information on the business of the Navy as I ought to have done. The United States—The Constitution, the Delaware, the Montezuma, the Herald, and the Revenue Cutters, Govr. Jay, the Virginia, the Scammel & Genl. Green, are all in different ports in the United...
44To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 28 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
As I have not been honored with an answer to my letter of the 15h. Inst—enclosing one for Nicholson, I have presumed that You did not disapprove of Talbot, for the Command of the Constitution—And have this Day sent orders to him, to proceed to Boston. Nicholson has no reason to complain—He will be employed on shore to as much advantage to himself—and he certainly ought to be grateful, that the...
45To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter Just received from Capt Truxton who has arrived at Hampton, with the Constellation & the Insurgente. There are now in the West Indies, The Genlr Tingey, the Baltimore Barson—the George Washington, Fletcher the Pickering Preeble the Norfolk, Bainbridge, the Richmond, Speak, and the Eagle, 14 Guns, Campbell—but I am afraid, the George Washington,...
46To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 25th Inst.—The Herald sailed on Tuesday last, from New Castle, to cruise on the Coast, until the 10th. of July, when she is to return to Boston—Mr. Beale can then be changed from the Herald to the Boston. I have the honor to be / With the highest Respect & / Esteem sir Yr. most / Obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
47To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
It is very possible there may be Lieutenants, Midshipmen, a Master, and some other officers wanted for the Constitution before she sails—which I hope will be by or soon after the 15 June. As you Sir can better Judge than I can, of proper persons to fill vacancies—and as appointing immediately any officers wanted, will contribute to the dispatch of the Ship; I have taken the liberty to enclose...
48To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter from Dwight Foster Esquire, recommending Mr. Joseph Willitson for the Appointment of Midshipman; also a Letter to Mr. Willitson, enclosing a Warrant, which will require your Signature, should you think fit that the appointment should be made. I have the honor to be, sir, / with the greatest respect & Esteem, / yr. most obedt. hble servt. MHi : Adams...
49To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
If it meets with your approbation, I will send as soon as possible, two Vessels at least, to cruise about Surinam & Cayenne—one or two to cruise about Curicoa and the Spanish main—three or four will be necessary to be kept in the neighbourhood of the Havanna, and a greater number must be kept about Guadaloupe; and altho’ I beleive there is have no necessity for it, yet to quiet the...
50To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Pickering, Capt Preeble, arrived at New York two or three Days ago—I expect the George Washington, Fletcher, is at New Port by this time. I will take the most decided steps, to get both these Vessels out immediately. Capt Preeble thinks the Pickering may be dispatched in a Week—she will be sent to near Guadaloupe,—where there remain The Ganges—Tingey The Baltimore—Barron The...
51To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 17 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
From information from Boston, I find that order can best be promoted on board of the Constitution, which Ship has been most miserably managed heretofore, by removing some of the officers into other ships, and filling their places with others—Lt. Beale is said to be a young man, who promises well, but is too young & inexperienced to act as first Lieutenant on board of such a Ship—Lt. Jarvis is...
52To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 18 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a sett of warrants, corresponding with those you were pleased to sign for the officers of the Portsmouth— Mr. Shaw will be so good as to furnish the dates of such Commns. & Warrants, as you may sign & issue I have the honor to be, / with the highest respect & Esteem / sir Yr Most Obed. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
53To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have not heard of the Arrival of the George Washington, Capt Fletcher, at Newport—but not doubting, that she is now there, and that she must be ready to sail by the time orders arrive; I shall this Day send on Capt Perrys Fletchers Instructions to proceed on a cruise keeping near the Coast, as far as the River St. Marys—And from thence to the Havanna—To wait three or four weeks in the...
54To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Sloop of War, building at Newbury port, will soon be in want of Officers—Timothy Newman of that place, Nephew to, or Cousin of Col Pickering, has been very well recommended to be Master & Commandant of that Vessel. He has long been an applicant, & in the Winter I enquired particularly of Mr Goodhue, his Character—and his account of him, was very favorable. If he meets with your...
55To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I once hoped that Talbot might sail by the 15. June, & get to the West Indies by the 1st. of July, & after cruising there a month, until the commencement of the Hurricane season, about the 1st. of August, might at that time proceed towards the Spanish main, & there employ his ships in smaller objects, until it would be safe for him to return again to the West India Station. But it is probable...
56To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to your Letter of the 19th. instant, which I had the honor to receive this morning, I enclose a Letter & commission for Cotton Thayer, to be a 2nd Lieutt. of Marines, which after receiving your Signature may be forwarded to Capt. Talbot. I have the honor to be, / with the highest esteem & respect / sir, / yr most obed sert MHi : Adams Papers.
57To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose Sixty blank Warrants for your Signature.— The inferior Officers of the Delaware Pickering Scammel, Frigate United States and vessels to the southward together with the different midshipmen formerly appointed many of whom had not received Warrants, have nearly taken the whole of those formerly received from you.— The resignations and changes among the inferior...
58To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter for Capt Talbot, enclosing a commission for your signature. Several letters have passed between Talbot & me, on the subject of the dispute between him & Truxtun—I have stated to him explicitly my opinion, that Truxtun must now be considered his Senior Officer—but promised him the whole should be laid before you, & that he should not serve with Truxtun,...
59To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter from John C. Jones Esquire recommending Capt. Joseph Saunders, for a Lieutenancy in the Navy—and a Letter to Capt. Saunders, enclosing his commission, which will require your signature should you think fit that the Appointment should be made—As Lieutenants will soon be wanting in that country, I should presume from Mr. Jones’ representation, that Capt....
60To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 24h. Inst—In consequence of which I now enclose a letter I recd. from Capt Talbot on the subject of his Officers— Not deeming it proper to send on a second Captain to Act on board the Constitution—and not having the power of sending on to Act as first Lt., a fit person older in comn. than Lt. Beale. I saw no way of getting things right in that Ship, but to...
61To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 2 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Having information that Capt Little of the Boston will be ready for Sea, by the 10 Inst— I have the honor to enclose for your perusal, his Instructions. It having been determined, not to let it be known any where, until it could be known every where, that two ports in St. Domingo were to be open to our Trade, I have calculated Capt Littles Instructions, so that he is not to know his...
62To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have this Day sent on to Capt Talbott, his Instructions, to proceed to Norfolk—where he will join Capt Barry & receive further orders.— Capt Barry sailed yesterday—the Delaware will be out next Tuesday, & the Scammel about the same time. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr most obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
63To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Capt Little, covering Warrants for Saml Bullen Saml. G. Jerald } to be Midshipmen Jno G Norwood Edward Durant —Gunner James Potts —Boatswain James Howe —Carpenter These Gentlemen are recommended in a Letter just received from the Committee at Boston, & are intended for that Frigate, which I hope is on the eve of Sailing—Their Warrants, if you think...
64To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a Letter from Genl. Hamilton, recommending Mr. Frederick N. Hudson for the Appointment of Midshipman in the Navy—Capt. Talbot is desirous of having this young Gentleman with him—I have therefore, enclosed his Warrant, which will require your signature, if you think fit that the Appointment should be made. I have the honor to be, sir / with the greatest respect &...
65To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 5th Inst enclosing two letters from Captain Talbot—I cannot express the mortification they have given me— I fear Captain Talbot has not met with much Candour in his intercourse with the World, or he would not have urged as one of his reasons for declining the Service, a Suspicion of my want of confidence in him directly in the teeth of my whole...
66To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
If Capt. Talbott persists in declining the Command of the Constitution—I presume Capt. Sever will be quite equal to that service. For my own part, I have thought very highly of him, from his correspondence, and Capt. Murray informs me, that there was hardly a Vessel in our service, where better discipline was kept up than in the Herald, which he attributed in a great degree, to the good...
67To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 8th. Inst. Having sent by yesterdays mail all the papers relating to Talbotts claim of Rank—I will not add further on that subject. If Talbott will not continue in the Constitution, Sever, I would risk my life, would be found equal to the Command of her.—I am sorry for the prejudices which prevail against him, which arise in part from the his efforts to...
68To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I now do myself the honor to enclose letters from Capt Tingey—who appears to be a Judicious, attentive, active officer. I wish his commission was of older date. The Merrimack, Capt Brown, must have joined him very soon after the date of his last letter—she might have joined him before.—The Pickering sailed from New York, to join him, the 27. June—and the Delaware is now proceeding down the...
69To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 17 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose, agreeably to a request contained in a letter from Mr Shaw of the 9th instant, the regulations for the government of the Navy together with my report on the naval establishment. I have the honor to be, with / the greatest respect and esteem / Sir, / Your most Obd. Hb. St. MHi : Adams Papers.
70To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the Aurora of yesterday—beleiving that you do not take that paper. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem Sir Yr. most / Obed. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
71To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
After having obtained your approbation of an enterprize to the Court of Spain &c for the two largest Frigates, it is painful for me to propose a different arrangement. But So much time has elapsed in getting the Constitution to Sea—& I have no accot. that she has yet got out; that I fear it would be the 15. of August, before the two Frigates could leave Hampton for Europe—they can Safely...
72To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a letter from Capt Perry, on the Havanna station—It appears from this letter—as well as letters from the Consul to the Secy of State, that our Vessels are freedy admitted into the Havanna, except when they go from British ports—and the behaviour of the Govr. to Perry was something more than polite. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem...
73To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 23d. Inst.—The alteration directed, shall be made in the Register of Capt Talbotts commission—and I beg leave to add, without any regrets arising from my opinion on that subject being over-ruled. I never doubted that Talbot had merit equal to any man in our Service, notwithstanding his unwarrantable suspicion of my want of confidence in him, nor shall my...
74To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 2 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have this Day recd. from Capt. Truxtun his resignation of his commission in the Navy. If Decatur who is here employed in superintending the building of the Merchts. Frigate, which they wished him to Command, prefers her to the Constellation; then I shall immediately send a Pilot boat for Capt Barron; at Norfolk, who is quite equal to the Command of the Constellation. I have the honor to be /...
75To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
You will have heard, before the rect. of this, of the return of the Genl. Greene—Capt. Perry, to Rhode Island. This unfortunate circumstance arises from the necessity the Captain was under, of going into Port at the Havanna, to repair, damages he had sustained in a gale of Wind—& in port his Crew caught the Yellow Fever, by which he has lost upwards of 20 men, & had on his Arrival 37 Sick....
76To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Mr Forster of Providence, recommending Jonathan P. Heathcock—and Wm: H Williams—to be Midshipmen. I enclose also warrants in letters for these Young Gentl. which will require Your signature, if they meet your approbation. They are from a part of the Country, which has furnished but few Midshipmen. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / &...
77To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter from Doct. Mason F. Coggswell, recommending Doctor Edward Field for the appointment of a Surgeon’s Mate—Also a Letter to Doctor Edwd. Field, covering his Commission, which will require your signature, should you think fit that the appointment should be made—There have been very few appointments from the state of Connecticut, comparatively—This young...
78To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 9 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Mr. Lemuel Little, covering his Warrant, as a Sailing Master, which will require your Signature, should you think fit, that the appointment should be made— This Gentleman is intended for the Frigate Congress, Capt Sever, by whom he is strongly recommended—He is brother to Capt. George Little, of the Boston. I have the honor to be, with / the...
79To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 9 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor, to enclose a Letter to Mr Moses M Bates, covering his Warrant as a Midshipman in the Navy, which will require your signature, should you approve the appointment. He has been well recommended by Mr. Lyman—He is intended for the Frigate Congress, Capt. Sever. I have the honor to be, / with the greatest respect & esteem, / sir, / Your most obed. servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
80To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 14 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 8t.—Capt Truxton resigned on the ground that he was injured in rank by the confirmation of Talbot in his original Rank. I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of my letter to him communicating the decision & his answer. He still keeps the command of the Constellation, Barson not having arrived from Norfolk, tho’ hourly expected. Barson will well supply...