1From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States requests the Secretary of State to take into his Consideration, the following Questions, and make report of his Opinion in writing. 1. Whether the refusal to receive Mr. Pinckney, and the rude orders to quit Paris, and the Territory of the Republic, with Such circumstances of Indignity, Insult and Hostility, as we have been informed of are Bars to all further...
2From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States requests the Secretary of State, to commit to writing in detail, and report to the President as early as may be convenient, such particulars as the Secretary may think necessary or expedient to be inserted in the Presidents speech at the opening of the ensuing Congress, under the heads 1. of such Things as ought to be communicated to Congress, concerning the...
3From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 25 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received in course, your letters of July 28th. Aug 1st. 3d and 17th. That of July 28th only inclosed a letter from Mr. Gerry. The Mediteranean passports mentioned in your letter of Aug 1st I signed as soon as possible, & I returned them to you in three packets by the post. I saw Mr. Howel at Boston, Providence & Quincy; but as he said nothing to me on the subject of his salary, I...
4From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 26 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of Aug 21st & the packet from Col Moultrie of South Carolina. The subject is so voluminous that I have not yet had time to read all the pamphlets. The letter I have read. I must refer him to you & the Attorney Gen.l to consider whether my first opinion is right or not & that the executive power is not by the constitution or any act of Congress adequate to the...
5From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 4 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. your Letter of Aug. 24 and pray you to keep the Packets from Sir John Sinclair till my return. This Agricultural Patriot and Hero has sent me Letters and Packets for Seven Years not one of which have I answered, but still he persevered.—I am not much charmed with the honour of being elected a Member of any Society in Europe especially in England, at this Crisis: but as it is owing...
6From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 4 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have read all the Dispatches inclosed in your favour of Aug 26 and have now time only to thank you and Col. McHenry for your Vigilant Attention and judicious Execution of all the Business relative to them. Your Letter to the Chevalier de Yrujo dated the 8 of August I have read with some Attention. The quotations and References I presume to be exact, and the Fact of his Intimacy with Blount,...
7From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
It was not till last night that I received your favours of the 5. of the month. I am happy to learn that your Family and office are removed to Trenton, which I hope will proove a Place of Safety from the Contagion of the Plague of Philadelphia, as it is a well chosen Situation for the Business of your office. Dr. Way, I knew not: but his Character is such as excites a deep regret for his...
8From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 18 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
It was not till last night that I received your favors of the 5th of the month. I am happy to learn that your family and office are removed to Trenton, which I hope will prove a place of safety from the contagion of the plague of Philadelphia, as it is a well-chosen situation for the business of your office. Dr. Way I knew not; but his character is such as excites a deep regret for his death....
9From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 22 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. your Favour of the 16th. The Speech of Pastoret I had before received by two Conveyances from France, from an old Acquaintance, whom I had not heard from, before for thirteen Years. The Applications from Dr. Hall, and General Miller as well as that of Col. Francis Nicholls mentioned in your Letter of the 12th, and those of Mr. Huger and Dr. Conover mentioned in your two Letters of...
10From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 2 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letters of Septr 14. 15. and 19th. The Letters inclosed in them, from Govr. Sinclair, Judge Patterson and Dr. James Sykes, I return to you inclosed with this, that you may be able to preserve together all the Papers, relative to the successor to Dr. Way in the Treasury of the Mint. Tomorrow I shall sett out on my Journey to the Southward, and shall Stop at East Chester...
11From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 7th. and the duplicate of it, and that of the ninth, with their Enclosures, I received last night— Dr Rush has so many motives to wish that Congress may assemble in Philadelphia, that his Testimony must be weighed with certain Grains of allowance. It is but a small consolation to the Senators and Representatives of the United States to say that the malignant Contagion is but...
12From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 20 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of yesterday was brought to me to day at Dinner, a very pleasing Circumstance as it Shews the practicability of quick and frequent Intercourse between us.— The Chevalier de Yrujo’s Letter you mention, I shall probably have an Opportunity to See, as soon as I wish and therefore shall Say nothing to it at present.— I wish the Person, whoever he was, that undertook to publish your...
13From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 26 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have to thank you, for the Summary in your Letter of the 23d. of the dispaches from Mr Pinckney, Mr Murray, Mr Bulkley &c. Mr Murray arrived in Season to renew his old Friendship with his Predecessor. They had spent Some weeks together at the Hague, more than a dozen years ago. Mr Adams had an opportunity to introduce Mr Murray to his Friends and to communicate to him the train of Affairs,...
14From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 31 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received your favour of the 28th. Inclosed are Some Papers I received from the City of Washington. They are Duplicates of Such as I received Several Weeks ago. I have delayed an Answer because I was not Satisfied and wished to take Advice.—After you have examined them I wish for your Opinion, 1st. whether I ought to Sign the Warrant of Attorney without limitation of time. 2d. Whether the...
15From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 24 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, requests The Secretary of State, The Secretary of the Treasury The Secretary of War, and the Attorney General to take into their Consideration, the State of the Nation and its foreign Relations, especially with France. These indeed may be so connected with those as with England, Spain, Holland, and others, that perhaps the former cannot be well weighed...
16From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 12 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Department of War being absent from the seat of government, I do hereby, in conformity with the Act of Congress passed the 8th: of May 1792, authorize you to perform the duties of his Office, during his Absence.— CSmH .
17From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 7 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, requests the Secretary of State to give directions for preparing Letters to the Consul General, and all the other Consuls and Vice Consuls of the French republic, throughout the United States revoking their Exequaturs, and a proclamation announcing such revocation to the public—The proclamation to be published and the Letters expedited, as soon as the Law...
18From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 28 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received upon my Arrival here your favour of the 25th with the Commissions, all of which I have signed and My son will transmit them to you. The Weather was yesterday so hot, that I came very nigh destroying my Horses, and is not moderated this morning. I am, Sir your most obedient / and humble servant ICU : Miscellaneous Papers.
19From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your favor of the 2d. I have considered the petition of Warrall and return you his pardon signed.—The copies of the Instructions and dispatches I have received. I will thank you to send me a Copy or two of the Laws of the last Session compleat.— I have the Honor to be Sir / yr mo Obt. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
20From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 11 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is the Commission to Mr Sitgreaves no communication was ever made by me or by my desire to that Gentleman of my thoughts of appointing him. but all things considered it appears to me we cannot do better. Mr Potts and Mr Parsons are very capable: but the first is not so active and resolute the last has other objections to him, the s t rongest of which is his Position in the Union— I am...
21From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return the papers relative to Scotchlar, with his pardon, and am your Mo. Obt / Servt. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
22From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 16 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed I return you the address from the Military and other Citizens of Burlington, with my answer a copy of which I have sent to Martin Chittenden and Ebenr Torney Englesby Their Committee. I am / Sir Your Obt. Servt MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
23From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 17 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclos’d is an answer to the address from the Inhabitants of Hamilton County, which you will forward if you please.— I am Sir— / Your obt. huml. Servt MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
24From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 18 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Copies of Letters I have received from David Leonard Barnes, the District. Attorney of Rhode Island. Tho they have been sent to you before, they were to me, there are so many french Villanies committed in the Post Offices, I think it necessary to send them again that there may be one chance more of their reaching you. What can be done with these Wretches? I have the Honor to be...
25From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 25 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have this day received your Favors of the 18th & 20 of this month. Inclosed are the twelve permits signed. When I shall be able to attend to the addresses and other things, I know not. Mrs. Adams is extremely low and in great danger. My attention to business cannot be without distraction, while her life is so precarious, as it is in the judgement of all her friends and physicians. I hope...
26From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return to you my answer to the volunteer corps of the Infantry at Lancaster. I pray you to communicate this to Mr. McHenry that he may send the commissions. I am &c. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
27From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 3 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from a Mr William England, with a commission to him from the Grand master of Malta. If you think it worth while & there is no competitor, whose merits are superior, you may send him a commission as consul, or wait till he can be nominated to the Senate, as you judge best. Inclosed also is a letter from Mr. Malcom, & another from Mr. Peter Kemble, recommending his brother...
28From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 4 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return you Mr. Adams’s letters No 121, 122, 123 & one not numbered, dated June 5 together with Mr. Pitcairns of June 1st. I agree with you in opinion concerning Mr. Adams idea of a contingent stipulation with Sweeden, respecting neutral ships, neutralising the goods on board, & if the heads of department agree with us, you may send an instruction to that purpose. I have the honor to be Sir...
29From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 7 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
One Bundle of the inclosed Papers belongs to your Department and the other to that of the Secretary of War. The original of the latter I have before sent on to Mr McHenry. I pray you to consult with him upon the subject of both: and write such answers to his Excellency Governor Jackson as shall be thought proper. Perhaps something should be written to Col. Humphrys, if not to Mr Yrujo, upon...
30From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from Lt. Col. Perkins who has commanded Castle William these dozen Years which after you have read it I pray you to give to the secretary at War to be minuted and filed among the applications for Appointments. I wish to be informed whether you have written an answer to His Excellency Governor Sumner, accepting the Offer of Castle Island and if you would have not, that you...
31From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 13 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 6th. with Judge Iredells Letter inclosed, informing of the Death of Judge Wilson. The Reasons urged by Judge Iredell for an early Appointment of a successor, are important. I am ready to appoint either General Marshall or Bushrod Washington. The former I suppose ought to have the Preference. If you think so send him a Commission—If you think any other Person...
32From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return Mrs Adams’s letter No 120 with its inclosure and Dr. Rushes letter of Sept the first, which I received in yours of the 7th of this month I am not all mortified at the delay of the treaties with Prussia, or Sweden, having no ardent desire of any treaties with Prussia till the crisis in Europe is more decided. Gen. Marshall or Bushrod Washington will succeed Judge Wilson, if you have...
33From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 16 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 11th. I wish I understood better than I do the conduct both of Gen. Pinckney & Mr. Gerry. I shall not be guilty of so much affectations of regard to science, as to be very willing to grant passports to Dupont De Nemours or any other French philosophers in the present situation of our Country. We have had too many French philosophers already; & I really begin...
34From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 17 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the Eleventh. I wish I understood, better than I do, the Conduct both of General Pinckney and Mr Gerry. I shall not be guilty of So much affectation of regard to Science, as to be very Willing to grant Passports to Dupont De Nemours or any other French Philosophers, in the present Situation of our Country. We have had too many French Philosophers already: and I...
35From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 20 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Last night Mr Amory & Mr Gardner came out to Quincy to shew me the original letters from the houses of Horsyth Smith & Co. and Hartshone & Boggs of Halifax, suggesting from Admiral Vandeput the idea of a convoy from Halifax in the fall, spring & midsummer. I pray you to consult with the other gentlemen especially the Secretary of the navy concerning the practicability utility & necessity &...
36From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favor of the 14th & 15th. The letter to Govenor Sumner, I will send to his Excellency. I feel very sensibly the obligations of the US to Mr Liston to his royal highness, Prince Edward & to Sir John Wentworth for their civility and kindness & shall accept the loan of the cannon and shot upon the terms you propose. Mr Stoddert will take the earliest opportunity to give...
37From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor of your letter of the 19th last night and have read the inclosures. Dr. Rushes letter gives me pleasure, because the number of dissappointed candidates is diminished by it by one. Mr. Sitgreaves letter is frank, candid and agreeable; but although this gentleman has merit and talents, held in high esteem by his country, as well as by me, I cannot help thinking that a few years...
38From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 27 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
On the 27th I received your favors of the 22d The address from the volunteer company of riflemen of Christiania Hundred in the county of New Castle and state of Deleware, I shall transmit to the Secretary at war to be answered according to laws, rules and usages. The regulations proposed in your letter to Otway Bird, the collector at Norfolk, are prudent and judicious, and ought to be...
39From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 28 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of Sept 20th and return you the comission for a judge of the supreme court, signed, leaving the name and date blank. You will fill the blank with the name of Marshall, if he will accept it, if not with that of Bushrod Washington. I cannot blame the former if he should decline, of the latter I have always heard the most agreeable accounts. I have also received your...
40From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 30 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 24th and have read carefully all the inclosures. Such as ought to remain in your office I return inclosed in this. There is nothing that require any remarks from me, because I think all is well considered, well done. It may not however be amiss to observe, to Mr. Adams, that he need not be solicitous about his success in making treaties with Prussia and Swedin...
41From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 3 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Duplicate of a Letter from Miranda with some Estimates. Read it and think of it. A number of questions and considerations over . We are Friends with Spain. If We were Ennemies, would the Project be usefull to us.—It will not be in for me to answer the Letter. Will any Notice of it, in any manner be proper. I shall send it by Mr. Humphreys, with Mr. Gerrys Papers. I am &c. MHi :...
42From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letters are perfectly received last night from you inclosed in your letter of Oct 3d are perfectly unintelligible to me in all their parts. I pray you to return them to me decyphred as early as possible & to keep their contents in your own bosom With great esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
43From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return you Mr. Kings letters of July 28th. August 1 & 5 inclosed in yours of Oct 3d. received yesterday: These letters are very important & some of them should be made publick. With great esteem &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
44From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
It is time to turn our attention to the important question whether it will be safe for congress to meet in Philadelphia & to another what will be proper to say in the speech. I pray you to think upon these subjects & send me your sentiments as early as you conveniently can I have the honor to be with / great esteem &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
45From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return you Mr. Fosters Letter, and your answer, together with the Abby Lambins’ Letter to Mr. Foster and the Arrete inclosed. Your answer to Mr. Foster is wise and prudent. How ready is the Spider to dart along his invisible Line, upon a fly, that he thinks he sees off his guard? In this Case however it will appear I hope and believe, that the intended Prey, our good hearted friend, has been...
46From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favor of the 5th. The letter for our minister at Berlin shall be forwarded as you desire & thank you for dispatching the instructions to the collectors & the commission to Mr. Bushrod Washington. There were two young gentlemen nephews to the president general who were at college, when my family was in Philadelphia, & sometimes visited us, who appeared to me to be...
47From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received yours of the 6th & thank you for the intelligence from the Southward. The effervescence at Madrid as well as the news from Naples coincides with Mr. King’s letter & the news from Trieste confirms or rather favors the account that Buonaparte’s destination was the Adriatick not Egypt. But we must wait for further eclaireissement. Mr. Sullivans letter gives me apprehension that...
48From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recd. your answer to the Address from Virginia, concinnate and consummate. My Secretary gave a hint of it to Mrs. Adams and She insisted upon his bringing it to her Bedside and reading it to her. She desires me to tell you, that weak and low as She is She has spirit enough left to be delighted with it. She says it is the best answer to an Address that ever was written and worth all that ever...
49From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 16 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 11th and return you three warrants signed, which you may fill up for Gen. Collot, Mr. Sweitzer & the person mentioned in Mr. Kings letter if he is to be found. I could trust the heads of departments with this power rather than my own judgment. But I think we ought to give the act a strict construction and therefore doubt the propriety of delegating the...
50From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 17 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the 17th and return you three Warrants signed, which you may fill up for General Collot, Mr. Sweitzer and the Person mentioned in Mr. Kings Letter, if he is to be found. I could trust the Heads of Departments with this Power, rather than my own Judgment; But I think We ought to give the Act a strict Construction, and therefore doubt the Propriety of delegating the...