201To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 23 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy, in obedience to the order of the President, respectfully submits the following observations on the matters of reference to the heads of Departments. The proposed letter of the Secretary of State, in answer to Mr. Liston’s notes of the 2d and 4th February, demanding the restitution of American vessels captured by British ships, and rescued by their own crews, appears...
202To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy, has the honor to submit, for the consideration of the President, the following observations. No express provision was made by Congress, for establishing Navy Yards, for building the first six Frigates directed by Law; but as Vessels so large could not be built without first erecting Wharves, or extending Wharves before erected, both these things were done—and in...
203To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Influenced by no motive but a desire to promote the popularity of the Presidents Administration, & the Public good, which in the present posture of American affairs, He beleives to be inseperable, The Secretary of the Navy ventures to obtrude some observations on the subject of a successor to Mr McHenry. All the present secretaries are from States on the North side of Patomak—That portion of...
204From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have considered your report of the 25 of April & concur with your opinions in general & pray you to carry them all into execution as fast as may be prudently done, excepting with regard to Portsmouth & Rhode Island, which will require some further consultation with you. The lands at Charleston I wish you to purchase immediately & that to the amount of 45 or 50 acres marked in the plan & to...
205From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Questions 1. Among the three Criminals under sentence of death is there any discrimination in the essential Circumstances of their Cases which would would justify a determination to pardon or reprieve one or two and execute the other? 2. Is the Execution of one or more, so indispensably demanded by public Justice and by the Security of the public Peace, that Mercy cannot be extended to all...
206To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of your direction of this Days date, for me to take upon myself the charge of the War Office, and to exercise all the Functions of Secretary of the Department of War, from the first Day of June, or from the time Mr. McHenry shall leave the office, until a successor regularly appointed & commissioned, shall appear to relieve me; which I shall attend to with great cheerfulness,...
207From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I hereby request you on the 1st of June, or whenever Mr. McHenry shall leave the war office, to take upon you the charge of that office, and I hereby invest you with full power and authority to exercise all the functions of secretary of the department of war, and charge you with all the duties and obligations attached by law to that officer, until a successor regularly appointed and...
208To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 28 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Marshalls letter of acceptance arrived this morning. Mr Lee has written, but lest one letter should not overtake you, & knowing you will be anxious on this subject, I have taken the liberty, to address one note to you, at York Town, another at Fredk. Town. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / and esteem sir yr most / Obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
209To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 7 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
All the papers of both the War & Navy Departments are packed up for removal, & will proceed towards Washington, on monday—I mean to set out with my Family early on monday morning, & hope to arrive at Geo. Town, on Saturday the 14th.— I have the honor to be / with great respect / & esteem sir Yr. most / Obed. Serv. MHi : Adams Papers.
210To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose copies of sundry papers, as a list at foot, Just recd. from Captn. Talbote. Lt. Maley who is mentioned in these papers, has arrived in the Delaware, in the Schooner Experiment, and is now performing quarantine. From his letters to me, the Schooner will require considerable repairs before she can go to sea again, which I shall take measure to have made without...
211To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Congress, after her very long detention at Norfolk, I have reason to hope will be ready to sail on the 15 ins.—to cruise a little while in those latitudes where the French Privateers have lately done most mischief—and then proceed to St. Domingo. The Insurgent too, will be ready to leave Baltimore about the same time, to cruise on the coast, & between the Coast and the Islands—The...
212From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 15 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is an essay on a naval academy, which Dr. Morse put into my hand yesterday, in a letter to him from Captain Robert Haswell. It deserves some attention. I direct it to you at Washington city, though as I have no letter from, you, since your arrival, I am not informed whether you are there or in Georgetown. Wherever you are I wish you health & happiness With great regard I am Sir yours...
213From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 23 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received this morning your favor of the 12th, & thank you for the summary of the stations, & destinations of the Navy. At the same time, I received your other letter of the same date, & have read all its inclosures, which I return with this. Nothing affects me so much, as to see complaints against officers who have distinguished themselves by their vigilance, activity & bravery, in the...
214From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 25 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Sometime ago, Capt. Nicholson made me a visit in order to lay before me some complaints against the conduct of the naval agent at Boston, Mr. Stephen Higginson. I told him, that complaints of that kind, if made to me at all, ought to be made in writing. In consequence of which, he has sent me the inclosed letter of July 21st, and a copy of a memorandum, signed by himself & copies of extracts...
215From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 31 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a list of grounds, which I have determine to purchase for the United States for a Ship yard & a dock yard. Inclosed also is a platt of those grounds, & a letter from Aaron Putnam Esqr of the 29 of July. I pray you to authorize him, to purchase all the lands, according to the list & platt, & to transmit him the ten thousand dollars, to enable him to fulfill immediately the...
216From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 3 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I know not whether the inclosed letter from Lady Catharine Duer has not excited too much tenderness in my feelings, but I cannot refrain from inclosing it to you & recommending it to your serious consideration. If it is possible without material injury to the discipline of the Navy, to accept of the resignation of this unhappy youth, I pray you to do it. I had almost said that this letter, at...
217From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 6 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Capt Seymour Potter of Boston with recommendations from several respectable characters for a lieutenancy in the Navy, from his appearance & behavior & the character I hear of him, I believe he will be a good officer, & if there is a vacancy, you may appoint him. Inclosed is a letter from lieutenant Haswell recommending his brother John Montresor Haswell to be a...
218From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 11 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from John Davis Esqr, District Attorney at Boston, recommending Charles Angier to be a midshipman, & a letter from Charles Angier himself, requesting an appointment. I desire you would send him a warrant. You may inclose it to Mr Davis— With high regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
219To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Some of the officers of the Boston, have resigned, and others I understand, intend resigning. The Ship will probably be delayed for want of Officers, unless you will please to take the trouble to direct Mr Shaw, to fill up the Commissions & Warrants which I have the honor to enclose, or as many of them as may be necessary, with the names of Gentlemen ready for immediate Service, to fill the...
220To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 31 ult—and have in consequence directed a remittance to be made to Docr. Putnam of 10000 dollars towards the purchase of ground for a Ship yard & a Dock yard at Charleston. On the subject of the Purchase of the 47 1/2 acres of ground at Charleston, for a Ship yard and a Dock yard, I beg leave to observe that there has been no special appropriation for the...
221To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 14 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 3d. & 6h. Inst.—I have in consequence of the first, written to Capt Morris, & to Mr Duer, and have no doubt, the business respecting Mr Duer will be so managed as to admit of this Young Gentlemans release without injury to the Discipline of the Navy. Lt. Elison, who has been most offended by Mr Duer—and who caused him to be arrested, will I expect, on...
222From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from John Frederick William Stintt as he says a Prussian requesting to be sett at liberty. If you see no impropriety in it, you may write to the commander of the castle to examine into the facts, & if he finds them true, sett the man free. With great regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
223To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose sailing orders for Capt Little, to be forwarded to him, if they meet with your approbation. Capt Truxtun, informed me by letter, that it was your desire he should be sent as early as possible to Guadeloupe. I have accordingly hastened all in my power his preparations, and I hope he has sailed from New York in the Frigate President, before this Day. I have the honor...
224From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 24 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter of the 21st of this month from his Excellency Govenor Monroe, which I request you to consider & report to me the result of your examination A marine hospital at Norfolk, I suppose is necessary for the United States. With high esteem &c P.S. The constitution arrived in Boston harbor yesterday. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
225From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice that Captain Truxton is gone to Guadaloupe. But what shall we do with Capt Talbot & the constitution? Your orders to Capt Little, I will transmit to him by the first opportunity. His officers are all appointed & commissioned. This in answer to your favor of the 21st from your most obedient MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
226To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Law requiring that the sentence of a Court Martial, for the dismission of a comd. officer, shall not be executed until approved of by the President of the United States, I have the honor to enclose for your consideration, the proceedings of a Court on Lt. Marner, of the Frigate Adams. The charges imply a degree of insubordination which cannot be tolerated in the Navy, without producing...
227From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 6 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letters from Mr H. G. Otis Mr. James Sheafe in favor of Mr. George Boyd were brought to me yesterday by himself. He is a very genteel young man, a fine figure & person & well bred as far as I could perceive. His ancestors were honorable & his connections are respectable. If you know of no objection I know of none to making him a lieutenant. If you have anything to urge against...
228From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have read the proceeding against Lt. Mariner of the frigate Adams, inclosed in your favor of the 30 Aug, & upon due consideration of the whole, have approved of the justice sentence of the Court martial. I cannot however omit to express my anxiety, that so much irregularity should have occurred, as I fear from too much indulgence in the harbor of St Kitts. I pray you to impress upon all our...
229To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Both the Ganges, and the Warren, have been driven from their station at the Havanna, by the Sickness of their Crews. The Ganges arrived at New Castle a few Days ago, and the Warren I expect is by this time at Norfolk. I am taking measures to send the Delaware to the Havanna, without delay, that our Commerce to that place, at this moment unprotected, may not be long exposed to the depredations...
230From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Mr. Otis & another from Mr. Bussey, recommending Mr. Payton Gay of Dedham to be an officer of marines. Enclosed also is a letter from Dr. Charles Blake requesting to be a surgeon in the army or navy. Dr. Blake served on board the constitution untill he was promoted in the army. I submit them all to your consideration With sincere esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers,...
231From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
The letter you sent me is from Mr. Murray of the 1 of May at Paris. I return it inclosed to you, that you may consider the recommendation of Mr. Dan. Murray of Anapolis his relation, who is a midshipman on board the insurgent. If this young gentlemans merits will justify his promotion, of which you are better judge than I can be, my disposition to consent to it need not be doubted. With great...
232From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 23 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a Letter from Jesser Lewis which I recommend to your Consideration. General Marshall can probably give you more Information than the Letter contains or is known to your affectionate sert DNA : RG 45--Naval Records Collection.
233From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 25 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 15th. Privateers manned by Spaniards with French commissions are intollerable. Remonstrances ought to be made to the Spanish govenors & to the Court of Madrid in a serious tone.—The Warren is arrived in Nantaskett Road, but I have nothing from any officer. The Captain, Col. Pickerings nephew, Newman is dead. I know not the character of the ship. If our ships...
234From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 4 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Col. Hunnewell & another from Major Rowe recommending Mr Daniel Bell of Boston late Lieut in the 15th regiment to be a first Lieut. of marines. If there is a vacancy I wish he may succeed I am Sir with very great regard &c. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
235From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 5 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Samuel Wales requesting an appointment in the Marines. A certificate in his favor signed by many respectable characters in Bridgewater is also inclosed much in his favor. From the knowledge I have of him & his connections I believe him a good appointment if there are any vacances MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
236From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Mr Joseph Woodward & another from Mr Thomas Amory. The first requests employment & the second recommends Mr Willliam Haswell to be a lieutenant in the navy. This is a brother of Mr Haswell already in the navy. I am with great esteem &c. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
237From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed very respectable recommendations from Mr Senator Green, Mr Edmund Trowbridge Ellery, & Capt Chris. Raymond Perry of Mr Robert Greenleaf to be a lieutenant of Marines. I recommend to your serious attention in case of a vacancy. With great respect &c. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
238To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have done myself the honor, in pursuance of your instructions, to throw together, in the enclosed paper, a few Ideas, which appear to me to be proper, in the Presidents Speech to Congress. Other matters – particularly our relations with the other Powers of Europe besides France – the state of Agriculture; the prosperity of our Commerce; – & the situation of the Revenue, are so much better...
239To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
The bad weather prevented my doing myself the honor of calling this morning, to mention, at the request of some Members of Congress—that the Judiciary bill would be taken up in the House of Representatives tomorrow—& be passed upon. As the bill proposes a reduction of the Judges to five—and as there are already five Judges in commission, it is suggested that there might be more difficulty in...
240To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty to mention Mr James M Lingan, a very respectable Inhabitant of George Town – of long standing; of great integrity of Character – & great firmness—and in every way qualified to do credit to the Appointment of Marshal for the District of Columbia—He will accept, if appointed. I have the honor to be / with great Respect sir / Yr. most obed. Serv. MHi : Adams Papers.
241From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 31 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
On the evening of the 18, a few minutes after my Arrival at this place commenced a violent Equinoxtial Gale of Wind, accompanied with a flood of rain, from the North East, which has continued with very Short intervals to this day and confined me to my house. This is So old fashioned a storm that I begin to hope that nature is returning to her old good nature and good humour and is substituting...
242To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 18 May 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have been for sometime past honored with your letter from Quincy, which afforded great gratification to my feelings, because it convinced me, you thought of me, & was not indifferent to my reputation. My first wish is to Act my part in life, with propriety & honor—my second, that minds like yours, should think I do so Act it. The attack made upon me in the wretched paper of Lyon, which no...
243To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 October 1809 (Adams Papers)
Until within a few Days, I had only seen detached parts of your letters, published in the Boston Patriot. I have now a pamplet containing eighteen letters—I presume the first eighteen you sent to the press. I do not know, that more have been published. It was impossible for me to read these letters, & subscribe to their Justice—at least, so far as they respect myself. You have corrected me...
244From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 30 October 1809 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 12th of this Month and read it with great attention. your Integrity Industry and Abilities in the Conduct of the Naval Department, I have ever acknowledged and Still Acknowledge with Pleasure. your Personal Behaviour to me in general and with very few Exceptions, was with all the Civility, Respect and even Friendship which I expected or even desired from any...
245To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 August 1811 (Adams Papers)
My Son in Law Doctr. Thomas Ewell & my Daughter are making a Visit to Boston, and I have charged them not to leave that Neighbourhood without paying their respects to you & Mrs. Adams— I rejoice to hear as I have lately done, that you continue to enjoy health & I hope happiness—and am with the / most perfect respect & esteem / Dr sir Yr Obed Servt. MHi : Adams-Hull Collection.
246From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 15 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
Your obliging Letter of August 16th was presented to me by your son in law Dr Thomas Ewell and his amiable Lady your Daughter. Although I was confined with a wounded leg which is not yet healed; and afflicted With a series of misfortunes afflictions and Deaths among my tenderest connections such as rarely happen to any man even in this troublesome world: I am not the less obliged to you for...
247To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
I sincerely thank you for your kind letter of the 15th— It always affords me the highest satisfaction to hear of you, &, from you—and more particularly when I hear favorable accounts of your health & contentment. I have seen & repelled the Attack of Col Pickering on you, in a point affecting your moral Character. In relation to any intrigue of my Countrymen, the Smiths with you, for the his...
248From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 16 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
I received in season your obliging favour of the 27th of October, but an unusual combination of calamities have prevented an acknowledgment of it till this time. You need not be concerned my good Friend about Timothy’s attack on my moral character. Nobody here believes him. His own most devoted Fools, I beg pardon, I mean even the Artizans who have employed him as their devoted Fool do not...