To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 4 September 1798
From John Adams, 4 September 1798
Quincy August 22 September 4. 1798
Sir
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 Suspicions which might very injurious to the service.
I shall take the subject into Consideration and your Judgment will have great Weight. There has already been so much uneasiness expressed on account the French Officers in the Artillery, that I expect much difficulty.
I have the Honor to be, Sir your most obedient Servant
John Adams
(LS, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; LC, Adams Family Papers, deposited in the Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston). On the verso or possibly a separate sheet, an undated summary note in an unidentified hand reads: "Objections to appointing Col. Toussard to be Inspector of Artillery. His speech betrays his country; and there is now a natural jealousy of French officers. Will take the thing under consideration, giving great weight to H’s judgment."