1To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Mr Read Senator from South Carolina, containing an application for the appointment of midshipman, for the Son of Mr Izard. Altho there are midshipmen enough from So. Carolina, I presume it will be proper to gratify the wishes of so respectable a man as Mr Izard. I have Just recd information of the Arrival of Capt Bary at Newport, the 12th. Inst. which...
2To 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.
3To 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...
4To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
A Gentleman of Maryland, not long from France, where he was a Prisoner, but after a time was suffered to go at large, mentioned to me last night, that a Colo. Hickbourn had lately arrived at New York from France & had gone on to Boston, where he has connexions—that he was supposed by the Americans in France to be an Instrument of the French Govt.—and that tho’ he was ordered to leave France in...
5To 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,...
6To 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...
7To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Capt Talbot arrived at Hampton roads the 15h. Inst—He writes me that he had not two hours fair wind from leaving Boston. He would leave Hampton for Cayenne, in two or three Days. I am moving this Day my office to Trenton—seeing neither courage, wisdom nor duty in remaining longer at Phila-.— which which I believe could not be done without very great, & unnecessary danger. I have the honor to...
8To 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.
9To 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...
10To 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.
11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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....
14To 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.
15To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The arrangement of the rank of Captains in the Navy, is a subject which will soon demand attention. It will I beleive be of great consequence to the character of our Navy, that the last four of the first six captains appointed, should be retained in the service. They seem to be men who would do honor to any service. The paper enclosed No. 1 details particularly, the circumstances connected...
16To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
By letters previously recd. from Stephen Higginson Esqr of Boston, I had been taught to expect that both the Herald, of 20 Guns, and the Boston Cutter, of 14 Guns, would have been prepared to Join Capt. Barry, at Cape Cod, or Nantasket road, about the 20th. Instant. Barry arrived at the place of destination about the time appointed, but found the Boston Vessels in an unprepared state; and I...
17To 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...
18To 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...
19To 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...
20To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose the Aurora, because it contains an address from Genl. McPherson—& one from a German Clergyman, to the Insurgents. The Accounts from Northampton, are that the People are very much alarmed; & that there is not the least shew of resistance— I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir yr. most obed Serv. MHi : Adams Papers.
21To 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...
22To 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...
23To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to your command, I have endeavoured to give to the important question you were pleased to suggest—Whether it would be proper for the President to recommend, in his speech to Congress, a declaration of War against France, all the consideration permitted by the shortness of time, & my own scanty means,—the result, I will now do myself the honor to lay before you. Knowing that this...
24To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a letter to Capt Tryon, covering Warrants for Loudon Baley, Sailing Master, Joseph Dorr, George Tryon, Owen Tudor & Matthew Talcott, for Midshipmen: which will require your signature should you think fit, that the appointments should be made. These Gentlemen, are wanted for the Connecticut, & have been named to me by Capt. Tryon. I have the honor to be, / with...
25To 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 / &...
26To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed letter was recd. last night—it is yet too early to receive an official confirmation of the intelligence it contains—but as I hope, & believe it to be true, I cannot deny myself the pleasure of forwarding it to you in its present state. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem, sir yr. most Obed / servt MHi : Adams Papers.
27To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Officers are now all at this place, & not badly accomodated. Will you Sir, pardon the liberty I take, not in my official, but private Character, in expressing a wish, that it may not be inconvenient for you to Join them here, before our Ministers depart for France. It may happen, that a knowledge of recent events in Europe, may be acquired Just before the sailing of the Ministers, which...
28To 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 /...
29To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 17 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
When I did myself the honor to suggest for your consideration, the employment of the Frigate United States, to carry the Ministers to France, it was under an Idea, that the Vessel would just land the ministers & return; at least that she would not be detained more than a fortnight or three Weeks, to bring back an account of their reception at Paris, & any communications they might be able to...
30To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Having left behind me when I came into Public Service, a Wife & seven Children whom I am anxious to see, and to remove to Philadelphia, as soon as prudence will permit, I have the honor to solicit permission to transfer the duties of my office, to Col. Pickering, about the 15th. or between the 15th. and 20th. October, for about three weeks—Possibly some necessary attention to my private...
31To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
A surgeon being wanted for the Ship Herald, I have taken the Liberty to forward a Commission for Doctr. Amos Windship, agreably to your Letter of 16th ultimo. I have the honor to be with the / greatest respect & esteem, sir, / your most obed servant MHi : Adams Papers.
32To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 4 Inst, and cannot but lament that the accomodations to be obtained here, are very far inferior to such as would be suitable for the President of the United States. Indeed I am afraid none could be obtained which would not be extremely inconvenient & disagreeable to both Mrs. Adams & yourself. Yet having no motive unconnected with your honor & that of the...
33To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 31 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Acts of Congress authorize the President to cause to be procured, from the Public money appropriated for the purpose, & the Public Spirit of the Citizens, Six Vessels, not to exceed 18 Guns each. Twelve not to exceed 24 Guns—& Six, not less than 32 Guns. Of the Six, not to exceed 18 Guns,—one I have directed to be purchased at Norfolk, from the very favorable representation of Capt...
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To 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,...
37To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a copy of the additional Instructions, you were pleased to direct, to be issued to the Commanders of the Public Armed Vessels, in consequence of the outrage committed on the Ship Baltimore, Capt Phillips. In Justice to the general conduct of the officers of the British navy, I take the liberty to observe, that in every instance but the one in question, they have...
38To 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...
39To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 2 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
The ship Chesapeak, building at Balto. by the Citizens, is yet unprovided with a Commander. The Citizens will not recommend a Captain; but I have understood that Capt. Henry Geddes, who has long been an Applicant for a command in the Navy, and recommended by Doctor Latimer, his brother in law, Mr Bayard & others, would be agreable to them. He appears to be a man of understanding: and has been...
40To 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...
41To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Capt Barry & Capt Murray, both sailed from Hampton roads on the 13th. Inst—the former on a short cruise on the coast—the latter on the cruise mentioned in my letter of the 14. Inst. Capt Talbott had not then arrived at Norfolk, tho’ he had been out 16 only Days—but this is not surprizing, considering the Winds which have prevailed. I sent a fast sailing Pilot boat from hence on the 2nd. of...
42To 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...
43To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose my Ideas on a few of the points proper to be noticed in the Speech to Congress. I have said nothing about the Penna. insurrection, the begining of that business being better understood by Col Pickering, & the conclusion, by Mr McHenry, than by me. I have forborne any observations about spiolations by British Cruisers, & the extraordinary lengths to which the...
44To 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.
45To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Capt Nicholson of the 26 & 27 Septr—which I had the mortification to receive last evening. There seems to be no calculating the evils of his first false step. His letter of the 12th. exhibitted a very strong disposition to remain in port, to secure at all events, his prize—rut the Return into port of the Vessel which he Idly supposed had been sent out...
46To 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.
47To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a commission, for Jno. Cruft, as Lieutenant in the Navy. Also a list of officers for the Navy, whose Services will be immediately wanted;—and commissions filled up for these officers.—By filling up the commissions now, such of them as may be approved of by you Sir, may get their commissions before my return from Maryland, which in some instances, may be necessary. I...
48To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Regt. of Marines, under the Command of Major Burrows, is to supply Detachments of Marines, to the Ships of War, as they shall be wanted. A Detachment will be wanted in the course of this month, for the Montezuma at Baltimore, and in next month, for the Ganges and for the Norfolk, a Brig of 18 Guns at Norfolk. It seems to be necessary then, that a part of this Regt. Should be raised without...
49To 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...
50To 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...