1To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to address You with few words upon your election to the Presidencÿ of the United States: Mÿ wishes in this part are entirely accomplished—May America remain happÿ in peace, and prosper under your administration—So that the names of Washington and Adams may be combined at every new election—as those of August and Trajan; maÿ its Thankfulness compensate in part the Sacrifices, which...
2To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 5 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
It is Now 17 Years since I was first hon’d with your Paternal Letter at Nantes. Since which in Various situations, & On Various occasions in your Important Life, I have presumed to address you; and have never Ceased to Venerate the Independance of your Mind, & your “stern Republican Virtues”—I cannot now forbare Congratulating you on your recent elevation to the first station in the Power of...
3To John Adams from William Davis, 6 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Permit me, most respectfully to congratulate yr. Excellency on yr. advancemt. to this, your exalted Station; permit me, also, ( in confidence ) earnestly to request an appointment here, on the first vacancy, whereby I may be enabled to support my Family, in this my advanced age, & whereby I may render my Country some little service. nothing, but imperious necessity, can apologize, for thus...
4To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor most respectfully to transmit to the President of the United States, a letter from James Read Collector of Wilmington, dated the 7th of January 1797—recommending Joseph Burch to be first Mate, Robert Dorsey to be second Mate, and William Snell to be third Mate of the Revenue Cutter on the North Carolina Station.— It is the opinion of the Secretary,...
5To John Adams from Edward Davies, 7 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Necessity compells me to make the within request, that is if you will be pleased to grant me Forty Dolls which shall be Imediately repaid on my return from Boston, I should not have deignd to make the request, But relying on your Generosity—I had every expectation of receiving of receiving Money from Congress, but was dissapointed, owing to my not laying the Papers before the House sooner in...
6To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 7 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 13th & 20th of Feby, the former of which, being an answer to my last, shall be first attended to. After I had sent that letter to the post office, it occurred to me, that what I had viewed as a studied neglect might have been intended as good policy; & being convinced it was so, by reflecting on the subject, I was highly gratified by the explanation with...
7Belinda Smith Clarkson to John Adams, 8 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I hope you will not deem it intrusion to address you upon a subject which is of great consequence to me, and must interest your feelings on the principles of Commiseration and Benevolence: a subject which necessity impells me to expatiate upon—and maternal affection dictates. It is Sir, to solicit, (earnestly) an office for M r: Clarkson to enable him to support a Family of young Chilldren—...
8To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 8 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully transmits to the President of the United States, a communication from the Commissioner of the Revenue, covering two Letters to him & from the Collector of Providence on the subject of a proposal made to the said Collector for fixing & maintaining the stakes and Buoys in Providence River. It is the opinion of the Secretary, that it is adviseable to...
9To John Adams from John Cosens Ogden, 9 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The health of David Austin Esqr. the present Collector of the customs in New Haven, is declining so fast, that it is generally supposed that death, will put a period to his valuable life within a short period time. As that office will then be vacant, I thought it to be my duty, in as early a season, and in as respectful a manner as possible, to ask it of Your Excellency for myself. Perhaps an...
10To John Adams from Tanguy de Laboiniere, 9 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Le plus sincere homage que je croye pouvoir Rendre à L’opinion qu’a L’Amérique entiere de vos vertus, & La Liberté que je prends de vous adresser Les observations que je publie Sur la Discussion qui Existe malheureusement aujourdhui entre les Etats-unis & La République de france. quelque soit le jugement que vous porterez sur mes opinions à cet Egard, je me flatte que vous Reconnaitrez dans...
11Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
After a week of anxious expectation, I received by last Thursdays post, a packet containing three News papers a pamphlet, two excellent Letters from our Dear sons, and fourteen lines from a hand, from which I was desirious of receiving, fourteen times as much. unreasonable do you exclaim! Publick Buisness, publick cares, allow’d, but there is a kind of communication and intercourse which is a...
12Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Dr Tufts has been consulted by me respecting the leaseing our places, and we have come to an agreement with the Tennants, who in proportion to the rise of Labour & produce, Annually expect more & more indulgences. a Farmer cannot be content with the profits he once made. he will tell you, the Day Labourer fares better, which is true. I meet with so many difficulties, that I wish Sometimes that...
13To John Adams from Pierre Auguste Adet, 13 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
J’aurois desiré pouvoir vous présenter mes hommages Comme ministre de L’a Republique française, j’ose esperer que vous me permettrés de vous Les offrir comme particulier. j’aurois deja sollicité cette Faveur si ma santé ne m’en Eut empechè. je ne puis plus differer de vous la demander, quoique je sois Loin de me bien porter. j’ai des Choses extrêmement importantes à Vous Communiquer. je vous...
14Abigail Adams Smith to John Adams, 14 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received some time since your letter of the 21 st of Febuary—and am very happy to find that you suppose my apprehensions respecting any embarrassments which may be thrown in your way are premature— I have heard from all quarters that the Choice of President has been highly approved of and is perfectly Sattisfactory to all parties even the most violent Democrats in New York have expressed...
15Richard Cranch to John Adams, 15 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
To wish you Joy on your advancement to the high Station you now hold will perhaps, at present, be premature; I shall therefore rather wish you Patience. The comprehensive and clear Views that you have acquired from an accurate Examination of all the ancient Forms of Government and their consequences in actual operation, and your great Experience in the modern Systems that have been exhibited,...
16Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 17 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your kind favors of October 28. & November 11. of the past year, have been some weeks in my possession. I am not, nor can I conveniently be, so good a correspondent as my brother, whose frequent and copious communications exhaust most of the subjects upon which I should feel disposed to write you myself, I think it is my duty nevertheless not to suffer any considerable period to pass, without...
17Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received by the post yours of March 3 d & 5 th I had previously received the speach which I think well calculated to do great Good. I am much out of the way of hearing the observations which will be made upon it. as it is a publication to the people, of your real sentiments & opinions I hope it will be considerd and believed as such, and have a tendency to remove prejudices. I do not wonder...
18To John Adams from Henry Knox, 19 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I experience a reluctance in addressing you lest I should absorb a certain portion of your time which ought to be used for more important purposes. I doubt whether I ought to congratulate you on being elevated to the Cheif Magistracy of the United States; for it is questionable wheth very questionable, whether there are not more thorns than roses in the situation. But I religiously felicitate...
19To John Adams from Thomas Law, 19 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
As the current of population was Westerly & towards the Lakes, perhaps it would be adviseable to anticipate disputes about boundaries &ca. with the Spanish & British Settlers, and consequently to devise some easy mode of adjustment witht previous reference to Europe It occurs to me that Pitsburgh or some central spot might be agreed upon for Commissioners from Quebec, New Orleans and the...
20To John Adams from Prince Abbondio Rezzonico, 19 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
It was certainly a great satisfaction to me, as it has been to all those, that Know your Parts and your heart, to hear your Election in President of these United States. Agree therefore I beg you, my rejoicings; which are no Less effect of my duty, than of that Friendshiph, that I had been so happy as to make with you at London. I take, at the mean time, the Liberty of raccomanding to you,...
21To John Adams from David Humphreys, 20 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
It was only by the arrival of a vessel yesterday from America that we received the certain intelligence of your Election as President of the United States. On which auspicious occasion permit me to offer my sincere congratulations & assurances of support (in whatever situation I may be) to an Administration, which, in my anticipation, will not be less glorious to yourself than beneficial to...
22To John Adams from Stephen Sayre, 20 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
As you gave me liberty to consult the Vice President, on the subject of my last Letter, I did so, before my departure from the City. His reply was, precisely, what I expected. “I do not advise the Executive—He has given me some intimation, that he means to consult me before I leave Town, but I know not, on what subject—I am decidedly of opinion, that a Minister extraordinary ought to be sent,...
23To John Adams from George Taylor, Jr., 20 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
G. Taylor Jr. with respectful compliments to the President of the United States, has the honor to send hereto annexed a memorandum of the papers signed by the President for this office from the 4th instant to this day Memorandum of papers signed by the President of the United States for the Department of State from the 4th instant, to this day Commissions Joseph Bench, of No. Caro— 1st. Mate...
24To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 21 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honour to transmit to the President of the United States a Copy of a Letter to the Comr. of the Revenue dated the 27th. of June 1796, which states the principles of a compromise proposed to the Distillers of Spirits in Kentucky— CtHi : Oliver Wolcott, Jr. Papers.
25To John Adams from James Malcom, 21 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Received the following papers and letters which were left in the Office of the late President of the United States for the use of the present President, vizt. Original Communications between the President of the United States & both Houses of Congress from the commencement of the present Government to the 3d day of March 1797 inclusive— Original Communications between the President of the...
26To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 22 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Coxe has the honor respectfully to enclose to the President the principal letter from his brother. There were several others of nearly the same date, but they were of no consequence in a public view, but as they went to confirm parts of the letter of the 26th November. It appears to have been the opinion of Mr. D. W. Coxe that very advantageous operations against the Spanish Dominions were...
27Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received by this Days post your Letters of the 9 th 11 th and 13 th , that of the 13 th I hoped would have containd a post Note that my word which I had given for the payment of Haydens Note, and to the collecters of Taxes might not be forfeited. yesterday the collector calld upon me for the 2 d Time. I told him I could not pay him, but that I would in the course of the Month, relying upon...
28To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully transmits to the President of the United States, a Letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 20th. instant covering a proposal made by a Theodore Lincoln for building a Light House upon Cape Cod in the State of Massachusetts. It is the opinion of the Secretary, that all circumstances considered, it will be for the Interest of the United...
29Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have neither Seen or heard of any unpleasent remarks or strictures upon your late addresses. what may be reserved for hereafter I know not. the Chronical has been quite favourable, drawing however wrong inferences that your administration would be very different from your predecessors. the impression made upon the minds of the publick as far as I can learn them, have been highly favourable,...
30To John Adams from James Leander Cathcart, 25 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Having had the honour of being in company with Mr. Jefferson some days past I was advised by him to lay the Journals & papers accompanying this letter before your Excellency in order to give you what information lays in my power relative to our negotiation with the Regency of Algiers & likewise as the first Magistrate of a Free & Independent people to claim from your Excellency a redress of...
31To John Adams from United States Congress, 25 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Whereas the Constitution of the United States of America provides that the President may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both houses of Congress; and whereas an extraordinary occasion exists for convening Congress, and divers great and weighty matters claim their consideration, I have therefore thought it necessary to convene, and I do by these presents convene the Congress of the United...
32To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 26 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
In offering to You my Congratulations upon your being placed at the Head of the Government of the United States, by the suffrages of a free and enlightened People, it would be in common with those who have, or who take, Occasion to address you— In doing this I should but reiterate the sincere Sentiments which I did myself the pleasure of expressing in my last of the 16th January—when the Issue...
33To John Adams from John M. Pintard, 26 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Altho not officialy Announced Nevertheless from the last advices from America I think I can with Confidence address you as the Successor of our Late Beloved President and Congratulate my Countrymen on the choice they have made. The purport of this Letter is to Request that you will be pleased to grant me a favour that your Predecessor in office was Kind enough to oblige me in and I Beg that...
34To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 27 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
A social friend, but not one whose politicks have been much in unison with mine, has suggested to me the policy of your sending Mr Jefferson, at the present crisis, as a minister to France. at first blush, the measure struck me forcibly: Mr Jefferson being much in the confidence of France, & of her officers & adherents in the United States; the antipode of her enemies amongst us; possessed of...
35To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 27 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh; Your exaltation, has so perfectly fulfilled my wishes, and gratified the strong feelings of my heart, I cannot suppress the sentiments which it inspires: Having long indulged a belief of “the high destinies of our country,” this event seems an additional omen, and brightens the glorious hope.—The ruling characters of the world have...
36To John Adams from John Sinclair, 29 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor herewith to transmit to Your Excellency, An account which I have just printed of The origin of The Board of Agriculture and its progress for three Years after its establishment, by which you will perceive the nature of our Exertions for the Internal Improvement and general benefit of this Country. I shall much esteem your casting an eye over this paper when your leisure...
37To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 29 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I take the Liberty to deposite in your Hands, a rude manuscript map, which embraces a part of the Spanish provinces of Louisiana, Texhas, St. Anders, & St. a Fee, in the audience of New Gallicia; & Kingdom of Mexico,— This work, accomplished by deep Intrigue, under heavy pecuniary losses, & six years of perilous Action, may be considered as a foundation of some thing more extensive & more...
38Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
With my borrowed Money I have just paid the collector my tax Bill. I have the satisfaction to know that I did not borrow it to pay any expences of my own creating, but having been twice before call’d upon, I could not submit to a third, without discharging it. I have not any Letter from you of a later date than the 17 th nor do I expect to get an other untill the 4 th of April. the weather is...
39To John Adams from Jan Willink, 31 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Permit us to congratulate your Excellency on your Election to the first office in your Country: In the discharge of which, We must sincerely and ardently wish you the success that our personal knowledge and experience assure us, your Exertion, Zeal and perseverance to promote the Honor, Interest, and Prosperity of the United States will most amply merit: The warm part We take in the Welfare of...
40To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 1 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I am hon’d with your Obliging Letter of the 17th. Inst. After the departure of My Letter of the 5th. Ulto. I Regretted that I had touched on a delicate Subject Since however it is So, I feel impressed with the propriety of unveiling the Mistery, which I Request May be considered as Confidential —I had Spent the Evening of writing you in Company with Chancellor Livingston who in the Most...
41Abigail Adams to John Adams, 5 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The proclamation of the 25 of March, which is published in the Centinal of April 1 st has excited many anxious thoughts in my Mind. What would I give for an hours conversation it would tend to alleviate my apprehensions. I feel as if I could fly in all our many seperations. I have experienced a variety of anxieties. I thought there could be nothing New to feel, but there is now such a...
42To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 5 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
In doing myself the honor to submit to your consideration the ideas contained in the inclosed paper, I feel myself obliged to assure you beg you to believe, that an anxiety for the public peace is my only motive. You will perceive, that if they are reasonable and just, they are of a nature, if true, too arouse afford to partizans both foreign and domestic, with the appearance of observation...
43Abigail Adams to John Adams, 6 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received an hour ago your Letters of the 22 d and 27th. I have been anxious enough for you since I saw the proclamation. I advised you to take for your cough Rhubarb & calomil. do not omit it, but take it immediatly. it will serve You for the complaint which usually afflicts you in the spring as well as for your cough. I will obey the summons as soon as possible but there are many...
44To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The quantum and kind of defensive force necessary at this juncture, and which it appears to the Sery of War, Congress ought to make immediate provision for, may be calculated, 1st with reference simply to France; and 2dly with reference to France and Spain united. This force, calculated with reference to France only, will have for objects; the protection of our commerce; the securing our...
45Abigail Adams to John Adams, 9 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I sent last Evening to the post office in hopes that I might get a Letter of a late Date. I received my News papers to the 30 th March, but no Letter. if there is any delay on my part in executing your directions, attribute it solely to the post offices, which will not permit me to receive Letters but once a week from you. I should Suppose that if a Mail containd only one Letter, it ought to...
46To John Adams from William Heath, 10 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
After public Bodies and more elivated Citizens be pleased to accept the Congratulations of an old Republican on your advancement to the Presidental chair of the United States of America. In a Letter which you did me the honor to write me, Dated at Philadelphia April 15th 1776.—You were pleased to observe, “Altho I never had the pleasure and the honour of so intimate an Acquaintance with you as...
47To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 10 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
Every information I can get with respect to a Certain affair I Shall take the Liberty as Early as possible to Communicate; the unfortunate business of the Collector is now becoming generally known, and is the principal Topic of the day. I have learn’d from a gentleman Some information that you were desirous to know before I left you. I mean whether any intimacy subsisted between Coll. Burr Mr:...
48To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 12 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secy of the Treasury respectfully reports to the President of the United States. That in the month of September 1796, it was discovered by the Secretary, that some important errors existed in the accounts of John Lamb Collector of the Customs for the District of New York, in consequence of which, the Letter dated Sept. 14th. was written from this Department, of which a Copy is herewith...
49To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
Conceiving it proper that you should be informed of the arrangements, regulations and instructions, relative to the most important objects in the department of War, I have caused the same to be copied, and herewith respectfully submit them— With the greatest respect / I have the honor to be / Sir / Your obed servant MHi : Adams Papers.
50Abigail Adams to John Adams, 17 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
Tho I have not heard from you since I wrote you last, and have nothing new to say, unless it be a resital of my own perplexities, out of which I must get by myself. Yet a few lines will assure you that I am getting forward as fast as possible with my affairs, and prepairing to sit out on my journey. the weather has been as uncommonly cold and stormy for the week past, as it was Hot for two...