1To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, April 1798 (Adams Papers)
Understanding a marine Department is about to be created, and reflecting, that my former appointment under the Commissioner of the United States in France was principally of that discription, I am emboldened to offer a renewal of my Services. Maritime concerns have been with me objects of particular attention from early life, and so far as they are connected with Commerce may be considered as...
2To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 18 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The long Friendship which has subsisted between us, & your kind expressions of regret at the failure of an intended arrangement, induce me to close my short official Career by a narrative of the commencement, and progress of my connection with the War Department: This is a Duty I owe to my Character, and cannot, I trust, be displeasing to you. Early in 1798, The Secretary of War requested me...