751To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 17 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
Since my arrival here, I have not had the honor to address you: the want of health part of the time, the particular details of our official letters, the uncertainty of our residence for a week & sometimes for a day, & the painful situation in which I have been, have combined to produce a suspension of my correspondence untill I could communicate to you something agreable, but that period I am...
752Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 14 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
The letter from Gen l: Pinckney to Gen l: Marshall apprising him of the probable result of the South Carolina election, seems to be considered here as deciding the great political contest, which has excited so much interest, throughout the Continent, for some months past. The issue is like to be different from that which the federalists have, of late allowed themselves to anticipate, and their...
753To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 7 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here on Sunday evening, to which place the Treasury offices had been removed. The state of the City is much more unpleasant than I expected to find it; business is nearly suspended; about fifteen hundred houses are entirely deserted, and more than half of the people have left the City—The mortality has not & I believe will not be great, as the danger of contagion will be generally...
754To John Adams from Charles Lee, 28 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
With infinite pleasure I inform you that Genl. Marshall has accepted the office of secretary of state. With perfect respect / I remain Sir your / most obed sert MHi : Adams Papers.
755To John Adams from John Cheves, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Not being acquainted with the situation of the different ports of our Country; nor the minds of the people; I think it most expedient to send my address to you. I know my intention is honest; but I know also, that every honest intention does not prove advantageous; therefore I wish to have your approbation; which will be manifested, by its appearing in our Public papers— Permit me to Observe,...
756To John Adams from Thomas Adderley, 14 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
If in the Course of Your Excellency’s leisure your may be pleased to cast Your eye over the Poem I now have the honor of laying before You, You will be able to judge whether it possesses sufficient merit to be dedicated to You. I shall make it more perfect, before it meets the public, if Your Excellency conceives that You would not have to blush for Patronizing the sentiments and the humble...
757To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Long time since I should have acknowledged your favour of 12 March had I not hesitated, to interrupt your Excellency’s dignified retirement. To continue, however, in Silence could Seem, that I undervalued the honor, of your Excellency’s condescending, in communicating with me his ideas about a Subject, intended, to promote the Public good. Encouraged by your Excell: flattering opinion, I...
758To John Adams from J.G.W. de Brahm, 26 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
I feel a deep concern to revere yea Love Eminent Men, who under the discipline of divine Goodness can be most Virtuously instrumental, what they cannot be in their own exertion for the good of Men, whom God does all the Good they permit him, not a drop of their blood he aproves to be spilt, preserves them in most tender Love. finding that the Seed of the fever like embers under ashes are...
759Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
By the post of yesterday I received your two Letters, one from Brookfeild and one from Suffeild I rejoiced in your rapid progress as the Weather was so fine but I mournd for mrs smith, Who I knew was following you with all speed, but I fear from your rapid movement did not overtake you untill last night, if then. by a Letter which came yesterday to her from her sister Clarkson which I ventured...
760The Senate to John Adams, [23 May 1797] (Jefferson Papers)
The Senate of the United States request you to accept their acknowledgments for the comprehensive and interesting detail you have given, in your speech to both Houses of Congress, on the existing state of the Union. While we regret the necessity of the present meeting of the Legislature, we wish to express our entire approbation of your conduct in convening it on this momentous occasion. The...
761To 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...
762To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 9 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to lay before the President of the United States a statement of the claims of American Citizens adjusted by the board of Commissioners under the 21st. article of our treaty with Spain; and a letter from Matthew Clarkson Esquire, the commissioner on the part of the United States, dated the 2d. instant, informing that the commission terminated on the 31st. of...
763Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
you have been so good writing at every stage where you put up for the night, that I have been able to follow you with pretty exact calculation. I thought however that mrs smith would overtake you at Newhaven I received yesterday mor’ g your Letter from Lovejoys and was rejoiced to find that mrs smith had come up with you, more So, as the unpleasent weather must have retarded you on your...
764To John Adams from James Montgomery, 6 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
In Consequence of a Letter from Secretary Wollcott in which he informs me by your determination my Commission as Captain of the Revenue Cutter is annulled and that the Public Interest requires it should be done I beg leave to request an explanation of those Words as it imply’s a degree of Crimination of my Conduct that as a Man of Honour and a Citizen I am entitled to an explanation of I...
765To John Adams from Francis Dana, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to you, on the request of the Grand Jury attending the Supr: Judl: Court, now sitting in this place, their address to you, signed by all the Members of it, one only excepted. It is wished that your answer & the Address might be sent under cover to me thrõ the Post-Office, if a private conveyance shou’d not offer, and that I shou’d to take care to procure...
766To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 30 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for the Honour of your Letters of the 14. & 19. I hope no Reply that can give Consequence to the Author of the Book written by the Enemy, will be made. Your present Sovereign Station will most probably be holden. And whilst it continues, Acts of Infidelity & Treachery, ought not to make too deep Impressions. You are the Supreme Head of a Nation, in which Suspicion and Aspersion...
767To 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.
768To John Adams from Robert Liston, 18 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
The bearer of this Letter, Mr. Athill, Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Island of Antigua, is desirous of paying his respects to the President of the United States, and still more anxious to have the honour of becoming acquainted with Mr. Adams; and as I cannot have an opportunity of presenting him to your Excellency in person, I have taken the liberty of furnishing him with an...
769To John Adams from Gustavus Scott, 11 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
We received by yesterdays Post a Letter from your Secretary enclosing sundry papers which had been transmitted to you by a Mr: Collin Williamson.— Sensible of the pressure of business which you are obliged to sustain it is with reluctance that we trouble you with the affairs of the City however important, and we are really sorry that this business should have been intruded upon you Agreeably...
770To John Adams from George Reid, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to forward you the unanimous Address of the Society of the Cincinnati of this State as passed at an extra Meeting expressly called for that purpose on the 22d: Instant— By order of the President When the misguided Policy of the Country whence we derive our Origin, had compelled America to make an awful appeal to Arms, the individuals who now composed the Society of the...
771To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 28 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
In pursuance of your direction founded on the Resolve of Congress passed the second of March 1797 I wrote to the Governors of the. . . . . states of Conversation in New-Jersey Pennsylvania Maryland, Virginia, Kentuckey Tennessee & South-Carolina. requesting to be informed whether those states respectively had “ratified the amendment proposed by Congress to the Constitution concerning the...
772To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received this morning the inclosed letter from Major General Hamilton dated the 17th July Inst. recommending Ths. y. How of Trenton, in N. Jersey, to the Office of 2d. Lieutenant in the 11th United States Regiment of Infantry. Knowing the inadequacy of the salaries allowed to officers in subordinate stations, and how difficult it is to secure the services of persons properly qualified to...
773To John Adams from Benjamin Adams, 30 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
With Humble Permission I Approach to Address your Great Personage In your Great and Exalted Station where in you are raised by the free Choise and Suffrages of a Free and Independant People: where in I rejoice and Congratulate you: I would Use the words of King Solomon and Say that It is my Hearts Desire and Prayers to Almighty God for You that you may have an understanding Heart to Judg thy...
774To John Adams from J. A. Sullivan, 4 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Agent for the United States has the honor to propose, that the Honorable Board will, in such manner as to the Commissioners shall appear proper and suitable, receive from John Adams, the President of the United States of America, his knowledge as to certain facts which are within his recollection, and which took place in the forming of the Treaty of Peace in 1782, and the truth of which...
775William Stephens Smith to John Adams, 23 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write under date of the 16 th. ins t. —and am content that the communication I thought it my duty to make, has been received—and am also satisfied that it is not new to The President— The report that on my visit to Detroit, I gave out, that I was sent by The President, for ends of Government of some sort or other— is utterly and totally false...
776To 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...
777To John Adams from Philip Van Cortlandt, 27 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
Since my personal application to you Mr Lawrence and Mr Watson senators from the State of New York have writen & spoken to Mr McHenry in favour of my Application for a Commission in the Army.—I take the liberty of mentioning to you that I am still desirous of an appointment & if you are pleased to give me one I trust my conduct will ever secure honor to myself & the approbation of my country.—...
778To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 19 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Attorney General just informs me that before your departure you directed him to employ Mr. John Read, if Mr. Hall should decline the office of agent, without waiting any further order from you. Having no knowledge of this determination, I wrote to you yesterday and this morning, mentioning the names of candidates, supposing the matter would remain suspended until your answer should arrive....
779To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 19 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I was honored this morning with your Letter of the 10th: inst. the enclosed recommendations Shall be duly attended to. The List of proper characters to fill the existing military vacancies is maturing, and shall soon be submitted to you. I transmit for your signature a Warrant for the Execution of the Sentence of the Court Martial on Samuel Ewing. I have the honor to be / with profound respect...
780To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 30 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
It is Long ago, that I was honoured with your favour of Dec. 6 and April 18—in which your Excellency communicated with me the unhappy situation of the worthy Luzac, worthy indeed the high encomiums, which you have bestowed on him, and more so to have merited in such high a degree your Excellency esteem and adprobation. I should have sooner accused this favour, had I not feared to interrupt...
781To John Adams from George Thatcher, 30 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am just informed by some people from Portsmouth that the office of Naval Office is vacant by the death of Mr. Russell, and am requested to mention to your Oliver Whipple Esqr. who at this time resides about fifteen miles out of Portsmouth as a very fit & trusty person to discharge the duties of that place. I have been acquainted with Mr. Whipple for fifteen years. He is an attorney at Law, &...
782To John Adams from Commissioners of Washington City, 7 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
We took the liberty of addressing you, by letter dated the 18th ultimo, on the subject of the executive offices, expressing our regret that your opinion did not coincide with that of your predecessor, agreeably to whose order we should long since have commenced the work had we possessed the means, and expressing our hope that, now we do possess the means, you will not obstruct the measure. We...
The House of Representatives, penetrated with a sense of the irreparable loss sustained by the nation in the death of that great and good man, the illustrious and beloved Washington, wait on you, sir, to express their condolence on this melancholy and distressing event. Printed Source--American State Papers. 38 vols. (Washington, D.C.: Gales and Seaton, 1831-61)..
784To John Adams from Jonathan Mason, 9 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
It being presumed that the bill for the amendment of the Judiciary System will by your approbation become a law, & you having intimated to some of us a wish to ascertain the sentiments of gentlemen in relation to persons qualified for promotion to the office of Judge. We therefore beg leave respectfully to re commend John Lowell Esquire for the appointment of Cheif Justice of the first...
785To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received letters from Algiers, dated the 22d. of February. In one of that date written by Captain Eaton (Consul for Tunis) and signed by him and Captain O’Brien, is the following interesting passage. “This morning Consul General O’Brien informed me that he had just now concluded a settlement of all accounts between the Dey and the United States, which he desired me to sketch in the...
786To John Adams from John Steele, 12 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed address came to my hand yesterday and I avail myself of the oppty of forwarding it by the first post after its arrival. The county of Chowan includes the Town of Edenton near the sea coast of North Carolina, a part of the country which has lately elected Judge Stone a very sensible & worthy man to succeed Demsey Burges . Viewing their late election in connection with this address...
787To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 1 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
The time which has elapsed since my letter of the first of August last was delivered to you precludes the further expectation of an answer. From this silence, I will draw no inference; nor will I presume to judge of the fitness of silence on such an occasion, on the part of the Chief Magistrate of a Republic, towards a citizen, who without a stain has discharged so many important public...
788To John Adams from Department of the Treasury, 3 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
Dr. John Adams President of the United States, his Account of Compensation ... Cr. To Warrants on the Treasurer for the following in favor of the President By balance as P Treasury Settlement No. 10,438 4,000 1799 Amount of his Compensation from 4th March 1799 March 18 Warrt. No. 9402 600 to 3d March 1800 per Treasury Settlement No. 11,301 25,000 April 17 9611 100 May 14 9690
789From George Washington to John Adams, 17 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have heard with much pleasure, that you contemplate a visit to the City designated for the permanent Seat of the Government of the U. States, in the course of the Summer, or early in autumn. It is unnecessary, I hope, for me in that event, to express the satisfaction it would give Mrs Washington & me to see Mrs Adams, yourself & Company in the shade of our Vine & Fig tree; but I shall...
790From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 18 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose to you a Resolution of the Senate of this day. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient and very humble servant RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; in hand of Samuel A. Otis, signed by TJ. Not recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Senate resolution of 18 Feb. (same, in Otis’s hand; see below). The Senate on 18 Feb.,...
791To 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...
792To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 6 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Last evening I received from Judge Iredell the inclosed letter mentioning the death of James Wilson Esqr. one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States; an event of which I embrace the earliest mail to give you information. I hope Mrs. Adams is recovering. I am with great respect / sir, your obedt. servant, MHi : Adams Papers.
793To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here yesterday about 7 O’clock a.m. and after breakfasting visited Governor Island Bedlow & Oyster Islands. I intended to have devoted to-day to the Narrows, the East and west bank and Sandy Hook, but have been prevented from executing my purpose by the rain. I shall therefore occupy part of t-day in preparing some questions for the consideration of the New York military committee,...
794To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The southern mail has just brought me a letter from Governor Davie, in answer to mine inclosing his commission as one of the Envoys to the French Republic. He desires me “to assure you, that whenever you shall deem it proper that the Envoys should proceed on the business of their appointment, his acceptance of the commission may be expected.” He also desires me “to present to you his thanks...
795To John Adams from John Roberts, 29 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a Meeting of the Justices, the grand and petit Jurors, and the Officers of Talbot County Court, and of a numerous and respectable Body of the people of the County, assembled at Easton, on the twenty ninth day of May in the year seventeen hundred and ninety eight, in pursuance of previous Notice, for the purpose of considering the Situation of their public Affairs, and of expressing their...
796To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 12 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Some time since General Dickinson introduced to me Mr. Evan Jones, brother to the late Dr. Jones of the city of Philadelphia, who had then recently come from Louisiana, where he has dwelt more than twenty years. Mr. Jones is now about to return to New-Orleans, to attend to some commercial objects, and wishes the appointment of Consul from the UStates. His letter to his brother Edward, which I...
797From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 24 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor of receiving, an hour since, your letter of the 22d instant, with the copy of one to you from Colonel Smith. I am happy to think that the question presented is on mere military principles a very simple one. The rule of promotion, by succession, does not in any service, as far as my knowlege goes, apply to a new corps, in its first organisation. Officers for such a corps, it is...
798To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 7 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Since I had the honor to transmit to you Doctor Stevens’ dispatches, relative to the affairs of St. Domingo, they have much engaged the attention of myself and colleagues. We are all of opinion, that the arret of Roume, the particular agent of the Directory, of the 25th of April, cannot be considered as commensurate with those conditions which in the original instructions to Doctor Stevens...
799To 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...
800To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 17 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
In pursuance of an Act of Congress, passed on the third of March 1797, entitled “An Act authorizing an expenditure, and making an appropriation for the prosecution of the claims of certain citizens of the United States, for property captured by the belligerent powers,” I have the honor to lay before you an account of the expenditures in that service in London , and of the reimbursements...