1From John Adams to George Washington, 19 June 1775; 20 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
In Complyance with your Request, I have considered of what you proposed, and am obliged to give you my Sentiments, very briefly, and in great Haste. In general, Sir, there will be three Committees, either of a Congress, or of an House of Representatives, which are and will be composed of our best Men, Such, whose Judgment and Integrity may be most relyed on. I mean the Committee on the State...
2To George Washington from John Adams, 19–20 June 1775 (Washington Papers)
In Complyance with your Request, I have considered of what you proposed, and am obliged to give you my Sentiments, very briefly, and in great Haste. In general, Sir, there will be three Committees, either of a Congress, or of an House of Representatives, which are and will be composed of our best Men, Such, whose Judgment and Integrity may be most relyed on. I mean the Committee on the State...
3The Massachusetts Delegates to George Washington, 22 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
In Complyance with your Request We have considered of what you proposed to us, and are obliged to give you our Sentiments, very briefly, and in great Haste. In general, Sir, there will be three Committees, either of a Congress, or of an House of Representatives, which are and will be composed of our best Men; Such, whose Judgment and Integrity, may be most rely’d on; the Committee on the State...
4From John Adams to George Washington, 6 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
As your Excellency has asked my Opinion of General Lees Plan, as explained in his Letter of the fifth instant, I think it my Duty to give it, although I am obliged to do it in more Haste than I could wish. I Suppose the only Questions which arise upon that Letter are whether the Plan is practicable; whether it is expedient; and whether it lies properly within your Excellencys Authority,...
5To George Washington from John Adams, 6 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
As your Excellency has asked my Opinion of General Lees Plan, as explain’d in his Letter of the fifth instant, I think it my Duty to give it, although I am obliged to do it in more Haste than I could wish. I Suppose the only Questions which arise upon that Letter are whether the Plan is practicable; whether it is expedient; and whether it lies properly within your Excellencys Authority,...
6To John Adams from George Washington, 7 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
You will excuse me for reminding you of our conversation the other Evening, when I inform’d you that General Lee’s departure for New York is advisable upon the Plan of his Letter, and under the circumstances I then mentioned, ought not to be delayed. In giving me your opinion of this matter I have no doubt of your taking a comprehensive view of it. That is, you will not only consider the...
7From George Washington to John Adams, 7 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
You will excuse me for reminding you of our conversation the other evening, when I inform’d you that General Lee’s departure for New York is advisable upon the Plan of his Letter, & under the Circumstance I thene mention’d, ought not to be delayed. In giving me your opinion of this matter I have no doubt of your takeing a comprehensive view of it. That is you will not only consider the...
8To John Adams from George Washington, 15 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry I did not know that you were in this place today. Our want of Men and arms is such, as to render it necessary for me to get the best advice possible of the most eligeble mode of obtaining of them. I adjourned the Council of Officers today, untill I could be favourd with your opinion (together with that of others of the General Court) on these heads. They meet again...
9From George Washington to John Adams, 15 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry I did not know that you were in this place today—our want of Men & Arms is such, as to render it necessary for me to get the best advice possible of the most eligeble mode of obtaining of them. I adjourn’d the Council of Officers today, untill I could be favourd with your opinion (together with that of others of the Genl Court) on these heads—they meet again tomorrow at...
10From John Adams to George Washington, 1 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer of this Letter Francis Dana Esqr. of Cambridge, is a Gentleman of Family, Fortune and Education, returned in the last Packett from London where he has been about a Year. He has ever maintained an excellent Character in his Country, and a warm Friendship for the American Cause. He returns to share with his Friends in their Dangers, and their Triumphs. I have done myself the Honour to...
11To George Washington from John Adams, 1 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer of this Letter Francis Dana Esqr. of Cambridge, is a Gentleman of Family, Fortune and Education, returned in the last Packett from London where he has been about a Year. He has ever maintained an excellent Character in his Country, and a warm Friendship for the American Cause. He returns to share with his Friends in their Dangers, and their Triumphs. I have done myself the Honour to...
12IV. John Hancock to George Washington, 2 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to convey to you, by Order of Congress, the only Tribute, which a free People will ever consent to Pay; the Tribute of Thanks and Gratitude to their Friends and Benefactors. The disinterested and patriotic Principles which led you to the Field, have also led you to Glory: and it affords no little Consolation to your Countrymen to reflect, that, as a...
13From George Washington to John Adams, 15 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
This Morning your polite Letter of the 1st Instt, was delivered to me by Mr Dana. I am much obliged to you for your introduction of that Gentleman and you may rely on my shewing him every Civility in my power. I have ever thought, and am still of opinion that no terms of accomodation will be offer’d by the British Ministry, but such as cannot be accepted by America. We have nothing my Dear Sir...
14The Board of War to George Washington, 21 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Congress having thought proper to appoint us to the Board of War and Ordinance, we do ourselves the Honour to transmit you the foregoing Extracts from their Proceedings establishing a War Office for the more speedy and effectual Dispatch of military Business. You will percieve, on Perusal of the Extracts, that it will be necessary for you forthwith to furnish the Board with an exact State...
15George Washington to the Board of War, 29 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
At length I have been able to comply with the first part of a Resolution of Congress of the 27 Ultimo relative to a return of the vacancies in the Several Regiments composing that part of the Army under my immediate command. I thought to have made this Return much sooner, but the dispersed situation of our Troops—the constant duty they are upon—the difficulty of getting returns when this is...
16New England Delegates to George Washington, 2 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
As Congress have authorized your Excellency to send a proper Officer to take the Command in the northern Department; We take the Liberty to signifie to your Excellency that in our Opinion, no Man will be more likely; to restore, Harmony, Order and Discipline, and retrieve our Affairs in that Quarter, than Majr. Genll. Gates. He has on Experience acquired the Confidence, and stands high in the...
17To John Adams from George Washington, 22 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
As the Transmission of the inclosed paper through the usual Channel of the Department of foreign Affairs would, on the present Occasion, probably be attended with great Delay—and recent Intelligence of Military Transactions must be important to our Ministers in Europe at the present period of Affairs—I have thought it would be agreeable both to Congress and your Excellency, that the Matter...
18From George Washington to John Adams, 22 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
As the Transmission of the inclosed paper through the usual Channel of the Department of foreign Affairs would, on the present Occasion, probably be attended with great Delay—and recent Intelligence of Military Transactions must be important to our Ministers in Europe at the present period of Affairs—I have thought it would be agreeable both to Congress & your Excellency, that the Matter...
The President of the United States wishes to avail himself of your sentiments on the following points— 1 st Whether a line of Conduct, equally distant from an association with all kinds of Company on the one hand, and from a total seclusion from Society on the other ought to be adopted by him?— and in that case how it is to be done? 2 d: What will be the least exceptionable Method of bringing...
20From George Washington to John Adams, 10 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States wishes to avail himself of your sentiments on the following points. 1st Whether a line of conduct, equally distant from an association with all kinds of company on the one hand and from a total seclusion from Society on the other, ought to be adopted by him? and, in that case, how is it to be done? 2d What will be the least exceptionable method of bringing...
21John Adams’ Reply to George Washington’s Queries Regarding Presidential Conduct, [17 May 1789] (Adams Papers)
The Vice President of the United States has the honour to present his humble Opinion, on the Points proposed, for his consideration. 1. That an Association with all kinds of company, and a total Seclusion from Society, are extreams, which, in the actual Circumstances of this Country, and under our form of Government, may be properly avoided. 2. The System of the President, will gradually...
22To George Washington from John Adams, 17 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Vice President of the United States has the honour to present his humble opinion, on the Points proposed, for his consideration. 1. That an association with all kinds of company, and a total Seclusion from Society, are extreams, which, in the actual Circumstances of this Country, and under our form of Government, may be properly avoided. 2. The System of the President, will gradually...
23From John Adams to George Washington, 20 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
Among the Candidates for the Honour of public Employment, under the New Government there is one, whose connection in my family, and public relation to me, in the late legation to S t. James’s would render my total silence on his account, liable to misinterpretation, as proceeding, either from a want of esteem, confidence, or affection for him on the one hand, or to a failure of respect to The...
24To George Washington from John Adams, 16 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letters are from two as respectable characters as any in Massachusetts, containing information which I hope has been transmitted to you, through other channels. But as it is possible, it may be otherwise, it is my duty to lay them before you, which I beg leave to do by the bearer Colo: Smith. With all possible defference and respect I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient...
25From George Washington to John Adams, 14 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States and Mrs Washington request the pleasure of the Vice-Presidents and Mrs Adams’s company to dinner on Thursday next at four o’clock, an answer is desired. L , MHi : Adams Family Papers. No reply to this invitation has been found, nor is there a record of the dinner in GW’s diary, since he did not resume making entries until 24 June. Social relations between the...
26To John Adams from George Washington, 27 August 1790 (Adams Papers)
Being very desireous of obtaining such aids and information as will enable me to form a just opinion upon the subject of the enclosed paper, in case the events therein mentioned should take place; I have taken the liberty to submit it to you for your consideration, requesting that you will favor me with an opinion thereon. With very great esteem & regard / I am / Sir, / Your most Obed t: H be....
27From George Washington to John Adams, 27 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Being very desireous of obtaining such aids and information as will enable me to form a just opinion upon the subject of the enclosed paper, in case the events therein mentioned should take place; I have taken the liberty to submit it to you for your consideration, requesting that you will favor me with an opinion thereon. With very great esteem & regard I am Sir, Your most Obedt Hbe Servt LS...
28Enclosure: To John Adams, 27 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Secret United States [New York] August 27th 1790 Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain should come to the decision of Arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant and inconclusive, but very much the reverse when compared and combined) there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans and the Spanish Posts above it on the Mississippi will be among the first...
29From George Washington to John Adams, 28 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Resolution of the Board for the Reduction of the Public Debt of the 27th of August 1790, which has been submitted to me meets my ideas fully on the subject, and is now enclosed with my approbation. With very great esteem & regard I am Sir, Yr most Obet Hbe St Df , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW . Section 2 of the 12 Aug. 1790 “Act making Provision for the Reduction of the...
30From John Adams to George Washington, 29 August 1790 (Adams Papers)
That New Orleans, and the Spanish Posts on the Missisippi, will be among the first attempts of the English, in case of a war with Spain, appears very probable: and that a combined operation from Detroit, would be convenient to that end cannot be doubted. The Consequences, on the western Settlements, on the commerce with the West Indies, and on the general Security and tranquility of the...
31To George Washington from John Adams, 29 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
That New Orleans, and the Spanish Posts on the Missisippi, will be among the first attempts of the English, in case of a war with Spain, appears very probable: and that a combined operation from Detroit, would be convenient to that end cannot be doubted. The Consequences, on the western Settlements, on the commerce with the West Indies, and on the general Security and tranquility of the...
32XIII. Opinion of the Vice-President, 29 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
That New Orleans, and the Spanish Posts on the Missisippi, will be among the first attempts of the English, in case of a war with Spain, appears very probable: and that a combined operation from Detroit, would be convenient to that end cannot be doubted. The Consequences, on the western Settlements, on the commerce with the West Indies, and on the general Security and tranquility of the...
33Address from the Senate to George Washington, 13 December [1790] (Adams Papers)
At twelve o’clock the Senate attended upon the President of the United States at his own House, when the President of the Senate delivered the following Address. To the President of the United States of America. We receive, Sir, with particular satisfaction the communications contained in your Speech, which confirm to us the progressive State of the public Credit, and afford at the same time,...
34To John Adams from George Washington, 1 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Friday the 4th Instant, I have desired their attendance, as I do yours by these Presents, at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such Communications as shall be made to you on my part.— DLC : Papers of George Washington.
35From George Washington to John Adams, 1 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Friday the 4th Instant, I have desired their Attendance, as I do yours by these Presents, at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such Communications as shall be made to you on my part. LB , DLC:GW ; copy, DNA : RG 46, Second Congress, 1791–1793, Senate...
36To John Adams from George Washington, 2 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed a resolution, which originated in the Senate, requesting that the President of the United States would cause to be communicated to the National Assembly of France the sense which Congress have of the tribute paid to the memory of Benjamin Franklin.” Printed Source--Senate Journal.
37To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed the following acts: “An act to amend an act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the government of the United States;” and “An act making an appropriation for the purpose therein mentioned.” Printed Source--Senate Journal.
38To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed “the resolve for establishing the mint;” and “the resolve requesting the President of the United States to cause an estimate to be laid before Congress of the lands not claimed by the Indians.” Printed Source--Senate Journal.
39To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed the following acts which originated in the Senate: “An act to continue in force the act therein mentioned, and to make further provision for the payment of pensions to invalids, and for the support of light-houses, beacons, buoys, and public piers;” and “An act for granting lands to the inhabitants and settlers at Vincennes,...
40From John Adams to George Washington, 31 October 1791 (Adams Papers)
The Senate of the United States have received with the highest satisfaction the assurance of public prosperity contained in your Speech to both Houses: the multiplied blessings of providence have not escaped our notice or failed to excite our gratitude. The benefits which flow from a restoration of public and private confidence are conspicuous and important and the pleasure with which we...
41From John Adams to George Washington, 24 April 1793 (Adams Papers)
Captain John of Harvard in the Massachusetts, has been recommended to me, by so many respectable characters, and in such handsome terms, that I cannot refuse his request of a Line to the President of the United States in his favour. He has the merit of long and early Services, though he is said to have been lately unfortunate. As his application is entirely out of my Department, and to a Judge...
42To George Washington from John Adams, 24 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Captain John ⟨mutilated⟩ of Harvard in the Massachusetts, has been recommended to me, by So many respectable characters, and in Such handsome terms, that I cannot refuse his request of a Line to the President of the United States in his favour. He has the merit of long and early Services, though he is Said to have been lately unfortunate. As his application is entirely out of my Department,...
43To John Adams from George Washington, 8 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
I would thank you for giving the papers herewith sent a perusal—and for the result of it.— I am now deliberating on the measure proper & necessary to be taken with respect to Mr. G——t and wish for aid in so doing; the critical state of things making me more than usually anxious to decide right in the present case.— None but the heads of departments are privy to these papers, which I pray may...
44From George Washington to John Adams, 8 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I would thank you for giving the papers herewith sent a perusal—and for the result of it. I am now deliberating on the measure proper & necessary to be taken with respect to Mr G——t and wish for aid in so doing; the critical state of things making me more than usually anxious to decide right in the present case. None but the heads of departments are privy to these papers, which I pray may be...
45To John Adams from George Washington, 15 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I have not been able to give the papers herewith enclosed, more than a hasty reading;—returning them, with out delay, that you may offer the perusal of them to whomsoever you shall think proper.— The picture drawn in them, of the Genevese, is realy interesting & affecting.—The proposition of transplanting the members, entire, of the University of that place, to America, with the requisition of...
46From George Washington to John Adams, 15 November 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have not been able to give the papers herewith enclosed more than a hasty reading; returning them, without delay, that you may offer the perusal of them to whomsoever you shall think proper. The picture drawn in them, of the Genevese, is realy interesting & affecting. The proposition of transplanting the members, entire, of the University of that place, to America, with the requisition of...
47From John Adams to George Washington, 22 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
We receive with pleasure your speech to the two Houses of Congress. In it we perceive renewed proofs of that vigilant and paternal concern for the prosperity, honor, and happiness of our country, which has uniformly distinguished your past administration. Our anxiety arising from the licentious and open resistance to the laws in the western counties of Pennsylvania, has been increased by the...
48To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of State does himself the honor of requesting the favor of an acknowledgment that the enclosed summons has got safe to hand. United States March 3. 1795. The President of the United States to the Vice President of the United States, and President of the Senate Certain matters touching the public good, requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday the 8th of June next; you...
49From George Washington to John Adams, 3 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
Certain matters touching the public good, requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday the 8th of June next; you are desired to attend at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such communications as shall be made to you on my part. LS , MHi: Adams Papers ; LS (duplicate), owned (1995) by Joseph Maddelana of Beverly Hills, Calif.;...
50From John Adams to George Washington, 10 August 1795 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letters No. 6. 7. 8 and 9, especially the last, contain Information of so much Importance that, although they are written in great confidential Freedom from a Son to a Father, I think it my Duty to transmit them to you. I beg the favour of having them returned to me at your Leisure by the Post. The unnatural Effervescence against the Treaty which broke out in Boston has made...