651To John Adams from Nathaniel Whitaker, 18 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
a destrest person takes this opportunity to write to You, pleading an excuse, for so doing. I have serv’d the United State to the best of my abilityes in procureing the Condemnation of the Ship Niac which has ben imploy’d in the Slave traid & by which a considerable sum accrues to the United States and not being intitled by existing Laws to any compensation for my exurtions I have by advice of...
652To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 14 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I am honored by your letters of the 7th and 8th instant. The satisfaction which you are pleased to express at my acceptance of the mission, is the most flattering circumstance of my political concerns. I have taken passage in the ship Union for Rotterdam, & expect to sail in ten days; having notified Mr Pinckney by two vessels which are to sail this day & tomorrow, of this circumstance, & of...
653To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 28 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
My Commission of Governor of the Territory of the united States north west of the Ohio will expire on the 9th. day of next month. A considerable time ago, I informed the late President that it was my intention to decline being appointed again, which he may probably have communicated to You. Various causes (but particularly a broken Constitution and a broken Fortune, both of them expended in...
654To John Adams from Pseudonym: "An Unfortunate Misled Man", 18 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
There is very generally, so little attention paid to anonymous letters, that I have little to hope; but the present occasion to is so unprecedented, that I cannot avoid giving way to the impulse of the moment, and have therefore acted accordingly. Conscious of the rectitude of my intentions, and convinced that I am barely doing my duty, I feel little repugnance at betraying the horrid designs...
655To John Adams from Daniel Morgan, 23 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
This will be handed to you by Robert Page esquire who succeeds me in Congress for the District composed of Frederick & Berkeley Counties; who I beg leave to introduce to you as a gentleman. He is a man of real information and a great supporter of the happy Government we live under, and I dare say you will find Mr. Page on further acquaintance worthy of your confidence. I hope you continue...
656To John Adams from George Washington, 1 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
The letter herewith enclosed from Mr Joel Barlow (though of old date) came to my hands only yesterday.— I have conceived it to be my duty to transmit it to you without delay;—and without a comment;—except that it must have been written with a very good, or a very bad design:—which of the two, you can judge better than I.—For, from the known abilities of that Gentleman, such a letter could not...
657To 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...
658To John Adams from Campbell Smith, 17 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
My particular Situation will I trust plead my apology for this indirect channel of approach—Will you oblige me by directing the Secretary of War to suspend any operation upon my Letter of Resignation, addressed to Major General Pinckney, untill the arrival of Brigadier General Wilkinson, who is, I am informed, shortly expected in this quarter, or untill the state of my case shall have been...
659To John Adams from James McHenry, 15 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your letters of the 3d 4th and 5th of this month. It is somewhat difficult, I imagine to please the governor of Georgia. I thought I had been attentive both to himself and the State. There has been ordered to Georgia, on the 3d. of May 2 brass 6 pounders; 2 brass 3 pounders with carriages and impliments & 4 Iron 24 pounders with a sufficient quantity of...
660To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Upon the receipt of your letter inclosing the letter and deposition of Capt. Ebenr. Giles of Beverly, I turned to some communications I had some time before received from Captain Truxtun, in which he had, and I still think justly, ascribed the beating given to Giles on board the British frigate Daphne, to his own extremely improper and insolent behaviour. This I think will appear from the...
661To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 28 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
This morning I was honoured with your letter of the 26th. My opinion is, that by the second Monday in November, the members of Congress may assemble in Philadelphia with perfect safety. The repeated frosts which are to be expected will doubtless destroy the remnant of contagion, in the fifteen days to come. The faculty of the College & schools at Philadelphia have advertised that they will be...
662To John Adams from John Murray, 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Having been so often blest by the soothing, chearing evidences of true greatness, in your company, I am emboldened to present myself before the first man in the Nation, with as little terror, as I would before the Being that made him so— First, then, Permit me, Sir, to congratulate you on the prospect of the recovery of your excellent Lady. I was this day made very happy by being informed she...
663To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to lay before you, in continuation of the subject of my dispatch of the 22 July inst, copy of a letter from Mr. Hawkins, which was received last Saturday. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir / Your most ob. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
664To John Adams from Robert Rowan, 13 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Post of yesterday brought me the appointment of Commissioner of Loans for this State as Successor of the late General Skinner. The duties of that office I will endeavor to execute to the best of my knowledge and ability. Whilst I feel enough conscious of the trust your Excellency has been pleased to repose in me—Permit me to add it shall be my endeavors, as it is my best inclinations to...
665To John Adams from William Crane, 7 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
In the name of the Regiment of Militia of the Borough of Elizabeth, in the County of Essex, and State of New Jersey, consisting of a company of Light Horse, a company of Artillery, a company of Grenadiers, a company of Light Infantry, all completely equipped and uniformed, and eight companies of Infantry this day assembled under my command agreably to Law, for the purpose of improving...
666To John Adams from Aeneas Mackay, 25 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
Nothing but the singular & particular distresses of the unfortunate man who with diffidence makes his unhappy situation known to your Excelly. can appologies for the liberty he takes of Addressing the President of the U States. It’s a common maxim, “That necessity has no Law—and is the mother of invention ” —I am Sir, a Native of Sutherlandshire N. Britain, a Highlander, bred what is called a...
667To John Adams from Jonathan James Maund, 26 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
It is with great pleasure I address to you the Information that on Wednesday General Henry Lee was elected the Representative in Congress for this District by a Majority of 32 Votes: Of General Marshall’s Election I presume you will be informed previous to the Receipt of my Letter the Communication being direct from Richmond to the General Post office; Of the Elections on the Post Road...
668To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a Letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 19th. instant, and submit it as my opinion, that the proposals of Mr. Martin Lincoln, for erecting a Light House on Gayhead, are reasonable, and that it is expedient to authorize a Contract conformably thereto. The Act of Massachusetts requires, that the lands which may be designated as the scite, and for the...
669To John Adams from John Marshall, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have just receivd your letter of the 22d. and am happy that the proceedings with the Spanish Minister have your approbation. I inclose you a letter from Mr. Stevens which represents the part of St. Domingo which had adherd to Rigaud as being completely reducd under the dominion of Toussaint. I transmit you also a letter from a Mr. Mitchell of Charleston in South Carolina and a letter I have...
670To John Adams from George W. Talbot, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Some time past my Father directed me to forward your Excellency, a copy of a Certificate given him by General Gates relative to his Service in the Continental Sloop Argo, during last War— I have made diligent Search for it, and am unable to discover where my Father put it, on his leaving this for Boston—I well remember his having refer’d to it in a letter to Genl. Hamilton, who has been good...
671To John Adams from Stephen Peabody, 23 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
My Son who is now upon a visit with me, from the district of Maine, informs me that they have been, and are, infested with Antifederalism, and characters who are exerting themselves, that all places of profit, or honor should be filled with Jacobins.—He has, as far as his influence extends, opposed the party and the Spirit, and wishes that such characters might not be promoted in the civil or...
672To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 5 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
I removed my family and office to this place, to avoid the danger from the present contagious fever in Philadelphia; and the progress of the disease since last Thursday (the day of departure) shows that the removal was long enough delayed. A letter from the Director of the Mint dated, and received by me, yesterday, announced the death of the Treasurer, Dr. Way; an event greatly to be lamented,...
673To John Adams from Rev. James Wilson, 12 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
The only apology I can offer for troubling you is, that, I know, your highest gratification is to promote the welfare of the United States, over which you preside with so much wisdom and dignity. The annexed piece was written out for publication; but, as I am of opinion every good citizen ought to beware of unnecessarily agitating the public mind in such a government as ours, I anxiously...
674To 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...
675To John Adams from Anne-Louis de Tousard, 6 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Before I enter on the subject for which I have the honor of calling the attention of Your Excellency, I must apologize and ask your indulgence for intruding upon your far more important occupations. I trust, if any thing is amiss in this step, you will, by no means, attribute it to a want of respect; but rather excuse the Feelings of an Officer who, since the year 1765, has been brought up to...
676To John Adams from George Washington, 4 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Not being in the habit since my return to private life, of sending regularly to the Post Office (nine miles from hence) every Post-day, it often happens that letters addressed to me lye longer there, on that account, than they otherwise would do. I have delayed no time, unnecessarily, since I had the honor of receiving your very obliging favour of the 22d. Ulto. to thank you for the polite and...
677To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 5 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor to receive Your Letter of the 6 of April. It is indeed a “grave prospect” which is now presented to this Country But I entertain hopes that a wise national conduct, may soon brighten the scene. The French have long been in a political delirium; but if the Americans exhibit upon this trying occasion that wise magnanimity which is worthy of their former character, I have...
678Abigail 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...
679To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a letter dated the 15th. instant, from William Payne Esquire, advising of his resignation of the Office of Commissioner of Direct Tax for the tenth Division in the State of Virginia, and recommending Augustine J. Smith Esquire, as his successor.— Having no reason to doubt that Mr. Smith is a suitable character to fill the vacancy, I enclose a blank commission for...
The House of Representatives have received with great respect the communication which you have been pleased to make to the two Houses of Congress at the commencement of the present session. The final establishment of the seat of National Government, which has now taken place, within the District of Columbia is an event of no small importance in the political transactions of our country, and we...
681To 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...
682To John Adams from John Weddleton, 17 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Subscribers having by their labour and Industry & at a great expence, errected Machinery &c, at the North part of Boston, in order to carry on the Woolen Manufacture, & in consequence of said expence they find themselves unable to procure Stock sufficient to carry on the said Manufacture, humbly solicit the aid & patronage of the President of the United States, & such other Gentlemen, who...
683Abigail 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...
684To John Adams from Isaac Tichenor, 29 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Pursuant to the requests of the Legislature of this State, I have the honor of inclosing to you the within Address—to the sentiments it contains, in all cases, but more particularly as they relate to you Sir, and your administration, permit me to add my fullest—my most unequivocal Approbation. With the warmest wishes / for your health & happiness / I have the Honor to be your / Excellency’s...
685To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 18 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a Letter from Laurence Muse Esqr. Collector of the District of Tappahannock in Virginia, mentioning the resignation of Peter Kemp, Surveyor & Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Urbanna in said District. Peter Kemp & Ralph Wormley Esqrs. recommend Peter Kemp junr. for the vacant offices:—and Mr. Muse the Collector, recommends Mr. Thomas Muse—Both the...
686To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
This morning I recieved a letter from Mr. Charles Hall, declining the office of Agent of the United before the Board of Commissioners sitting here in relation to British debts; and covering a letter to you, which I have the honor to inclose. I also inclose a letter from Mr. Coleman to Collinson Read Esqr. advising him that his son-in law, Mr. Hall, had declined the appointment of Agent. This...
687To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 18 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Gerry presents his best respects to the President of the United States, & sends by the bearer ten pair of squabs, of which he requests his acceptance. They have been learnt to feed in indian dough, & when put into the pigeon House, must be supplyed daily with water & gravel, & confined to the house untill they have young—The house should be locked and under the care of one person, as they...
688To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 3 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to what I conceived to be your wish, when last I had the honor of seeing you, I have made such enquiry— with respect to the Characters of Captain’s Tallman, and Double, as my circumstances would admit of— Being closely confined to the Ship, I have not had that oportunity to gain a very general knowledge respecting them. But from all I have learned; I was confident that they would...
689To John Adams from William Goforth, 30 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
Altho I am far from haveing the honor of your personal acquaintance, and am perhaps but scarcely within the circle of your knowledge; yet being a citizen, I presume to address you. I was early and decidedly in the interest of my beloved country, and being involed, with a band of patriots in the New york company of granediers, I had the pleasure to escort you into that city when on your way, in...
690To John Adams from Joseph Barrell, 30 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Subscribers Directors of a Company called the New England Mississippi Land Company beg leave humbly to represent, That the Congress of the United States having by Law authorized the President to appoint Commissioners to settle all interfering Claims of the United States, and the State of Georgia, to Territory situated West of the River Chatahouchee North of the thirty first Degree of North...
691To John Adams from Jedediah Huntington, 9 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The collector’s office at New Haven being vacant, I beg leave to mention to you Mr. Nathan Beers of that city as one who I think will fill that place to satisfaction.—He served in our revolutionary war with reputation as an officer in the line & as paymaster.—he is at present Steward of Yale College.—His standing generally and connections are respectable— I am with the greatest / Esteem &...
692To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Secy of the Treasy respectfully represents to the President of the United States. That Waterman Thomas Collector for the District of Waldoborough in the State of Massachusetts and Inspector of the Revenue for the said Port;—has neglected to comply with repeated instructions from the Offices of the Secy and Comptroller of the Treasy. requiring him to render his accounts, that no Weekly...
693To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 21 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
The bearer of this, Mr. Waldo, is the Gentleman whom I mentioned, in a letter which I had the honor to address you at paris, as an applicant for the office of Consul in some part of France. he is well known & was much respected at Paris, altho he was a zealous advocate for the rights of his Country. his character, in regard to abilities, honor, probity, & politeness, stands high with all who...
694To John Adams from S. Smith, 19 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
My Brother Robert Smith has requested me to mention him as desirous of filling the Post made Vacant by the Death of Judge Paca. If I did not believe him every way Competent to fill that Place with Utility to his Country & Honor to himself I would Certainly not solicit your Interest & Aid in his favor—His Character & Merit as a Lawyer & a Man you may be well Informed of by Major Stoddart—His...
695Enclosure: James McHenry to John Adams, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of war respectfully takes the liberty to transmit to the President of the U. States, a statement of his recollection of the substance and incidents of the conversation which passed between them the evening preceding the resignation of his office, committed to writing immediately afterwards. He also transmits copies of sundry papers having reference to certain parts of that...
696To John Adams from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor to address you not long since (via Hamburg) acquainting you that, notwithstanding the best exertions of our Minister at London (agreably to the instructions of the Secy of State by your order) no chance whatever remains to me for the recovery of a large property which was condemned by the Admiralty Court of England about eighteen months past—on the principle & for reason that I...
697To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose Mr. Liston’s note of the 8th. requesting the usual Exequatur for Thomas Barclay Esqr. and Benjamin Moodie Esqr. whom his Britannic Majesty has appointed—The former Consul General for the Eastern States, and the latter Consul for North & South Carolina and Georgia. Mr. Barclay is the gentleman who was the British Commissioner for settling the question of the St....
698To John Adams from John Gardner, 31 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
By so good an opportunity as the present, which offers by Mr. Welsh, I cannot omit repeating to you the assurances of my esteem, which I hope you have never doubted. It is some time since I have written you, and longer, much longer, since I have had the honor, and consolation of a line from you. I must presume that some of your letters have been lost on the way. The complection of our...
699To John Adams from William Alexander Humphrey Graham, 28 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have before Intimated to you that spent my Time since the first of August last in the state of Vermont & in that Western & Northern Country & have exerted the best of my Abilities to Auxillerate & Confirm your Modes & disappline of Government, & have Intimated that I had Propperty in Scotland & wished to go thither under direction more than three years since which you are sensible of If my...
700To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose you a copy of a letter, and table therein referred to addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury and dated the 3rd instant. The object of this communication is, to apprise him of the sums of money which will be wanted in this department for the execution of the Laws; and, of the periods at which, in my opinion, they ought to be furnished. I shall make you...