51To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I was unfortunate in not having the honour of paying my respects to you, on my return from Connecticut—I arrived at New York by water, the day after you left the City—Mrs. Wolcott has gained strength, but as she is not free from dubious symptoms, I feel extreme concern respecting her situation. Since my return I have been engaged in a scene of various and pressing business— that part which...
52To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 22 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose to the President a letter from Mr. Bayard of the House of Representatives, dated the 13th. instant informing me, that Mr. Isaac Cooper who was appointed one of the Commissioners for making the valuations of Houses & Lands &c in the State of Delaware has been appointed to an Office which oblidges him to decline the appointment. To save time I transmit the draft of a...
53To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 27 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour of receiving your Letters of the 18th. and 21st. The Letter from Mr. Pope to the President has been transmitted to the Commissioner of the Revenue (who is charged with the execution of the Laws concerning Light Houses) with the Presidents directions on the subject. The Commission returned for Mr. Dawes, includes not only his name, but those for the Commissioners for the...
54To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
By the last post I received a letter from Joseph Allen Esquire by which I am informed that he declines the appointment of Commissioner for the seventh division of Massachusetts. To prevent delay, I shall write by this mail to Dwight Foster Esquire of Brookfield requesting him to recommend to the President some able, and fit character, who will accept the Office. I enclose a blank Commission to...
55To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 1 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to transmit a copy of a letter from Jonathan Hunt Esquire, Commissioner for the first Division of Vermont dated August 26th. informing me, that Elijah Dewey who was named for the second Division, declines the appointment. Though I have no personal acquaintance with Mr. Hunt, yet I have every reason to believe, that confidence may be placed in his recommendation of Moses...
56To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recd. your Letter of August 30th. this morning and now enclose a Letter of Credit on General Lincoln to the extent of Dolls 7,666 66/100 the whole or any part of which may be at any time commanded. If it please the President it is my wish, that each payment by General Lincoln, may be vouched by as Rect. agreably to the form annexed to the Letter of Credit. I have made enquiry respecting your...
57To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 9 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a Letter dated Augt. 25th. from James Breckenridge Esq. who was named Commissioner for the Third Division of Virginia—It seems that this Gentleman resides out of the Division and that this circumstance and expectations of being able to render more important services have induced him to decline the appointment.—I have good reason to believe that Mr. Breckenridges...
58To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a Report on the proposals of Henry Dearborn for erecting two Light Houses in North Carolina. The distresses in the City increase; attempts are making to draw all the people possible from the scene of danger; about fifteen hundred of the most indigent are encamped on the Common;—another Camp for such as are able to support themselves is forming, which may contain...
59To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President of the United States the following Report. That it appears from a communication from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 14th instant, a Copy whereof is subjoined, to be expedient to increase the Salary of the Keeper of the Light House on Cape Cod, from one hundred & fifty to Two hundred Dollars per Annum, in...
60To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of Was has permitted me to peruse your Letters to him dated the 14th. and 29th. of August, and after much reflection and some hesitation, I have ventured to request him to delay transmitting to you, the Commissions of the General Officers, untill I could accompany his official dispatch with a communication of my sentiments, upon the arrangement which appears to be meditated....
61To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 19 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I shall send by this Post a Letter to Keeper of Debtors apartment in New York granting the priviledge recommended in your Letter of yesterday. As there are probably many persons ⟨liable⟩ to be held in close confinement, ought not the Governor, State Judges, and District Judges to direct the removal of the Prisoners to some Gaol in the Country? I am acquainted with the state of a delicate...
62Enclosure: Oliver Wolcott, Junior, to William W. Parker, 19 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
It having been represented to me that the contagious fever which afflicts the City of New York has lately appeared within the prison or debtors apartment, and believing that neither justice or humanity will justify the close confinement of Prisoners, in a situation which must unavoidably expose their lives to the greatest danger, I have concluded it to be my duty to authorize you to permit...
63To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President of the United States the following Report. That by an Act of Congress passed on the 16th. day of July 1798, entitled “An Act to enable the President of the United States to borrow money for the public service,” authority is given to the President of the United States to borrow a sum not exceeding five Millions of Dollars,...
64To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 25 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inform the President, that I have received Letters from South Carolina, informing me that Arnoldus Vanderhorst and John Chesnut Esqrs. have declined accepting their appointments as Commissioners for that State. I have no information which will justify me in indicating the name of a Successor to Mr. Vanderhorst—I have however written to the Supervisor and to Mr. Desaussure...
65To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 25 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have complied with your direction by sending under cover to the Post Master of Philadelphia an anonimous Note with Five hundred Dollars in a Letter to Mr. Allen President of the Health Committee—This generous donation will relieve many a distressed person. The Warrant stands charged to the Presidents account in the Treays as recd. by me in the character of Agent to the President . I have the...
66To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 27 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully transmit to the President of the United States the Copy of a Letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 25th. instant, accompanied with a proposal made by John Nivison for building a Light-House on North Island at the entrance of George Town Harbour in the State of South Carolina. This proposal being the most favourable of any that have...
67To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 1 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit to your consideration two letters from Edward Carrington Esquire, dated September 20th & 22d.—a letter from D. Stephenson Esquire dated September 6th.—a letter from John Haymond Esquire, dated September 4th:—also a letter from Thomas Tinsley Esquire—dated September 22d. 1798. The opinions of Colo: Carrington, Supervisor, and Thomas Tinsley Esquire, the Commissioner...
68To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 3 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a letter—dated September 24th. from John Nivison Esquire a respectable Gentleman of Norfolk—and another of the same date from Colo. J. Parker, informing me of the death of Thomas Bourne Collector of the Customs for the District of South Quay, and Inspector of the same port in Virginia.— I know nothing of Mr. Dorton who is recommended by Colo. Parker. Mr. Nivison’s...
69To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 5 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a Letter from George Divers who was appointed the Commissioner for the eleventh Division declining the appointment and recommending Thomas Divers to be appointed in his stead. From the tenor of Colo. Carrington’s Letter of the 13th. of September and the express recommendation of Thomas Posey contained in his Letter of September 28th. I have no doubt that General...
70To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 5 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. your Note of the 30th. of September—and enclose a Letter from the Post Master of Phila. acknowledging the Rect. of my anonimous Note to the President of the Health Office, and declaring the delivery of it according to direction. I took the only mode which occurred to me of fullfilling your direction, without exposing my own name in the public Papers. I have the honour to be / with...
71To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 10 October 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
At the close of the last week or on Monday of this, a Letter was recd. by the Secy of War from the President covering the Commissions of the Major Generals, dated on one day . This circumstance taken in connexion with others which preceeded, fully justify an opinion that the rank may [be] considered as settled in the order in which the appointments were made—of course that you are established...
72To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in Obedience to the command of the President of the United States respectfully submits the following Report. That the facts stated in the petitions of Robert Wanton herewith transmitted, praying for the pardon of an offence committed by him against the Revenue Laws of the United States are verefied by the Letter of the Collector for the District of Boston and...
73To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 22 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a Letter from John Skinner Esqr. one of the Commissioners of North Carolina, in answer to an enquiry made by me respecting three vacancies in that State. At present I am only prepared to state, that I have reason to believe that Mr. Joseph Graham is a proper character to succeed Wallace Alexander, who has declined—I have taken measures for ascertaining the...
74To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 22 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I enclose a Letter from Wm. Martin Esqr. of North Yarmouth refering to an Address, to the President which I had the honour to enclose on or about the beginning of September, if my recollection serves me;—The good people wish a reply from the President. I shall pay the most particular attention to the instruction of the President of the 10th. instant—as soon as I return from a journey after...
75To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 26 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the command of the President of the United States, respectfully submits the following observations. It is conceived that it will be natural and very proper for the President in the beginning of his Address, to advert to the deplorable situation to which several of our principal cities have been reduced by contagious or epidemic sickness during the...
76To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 21 December 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your favour of the 20th. with Twenty Dollars. The sum I lent you was Thirty Dollars. Yesterday I sent you a small bill which you forgot to pay. No Consul can be recd. at present. The result of all the enquiries which I have been able to make is, that a small sum, might be raised by the gradual sale of 7½ ⅌ Cent Stock at par but that there can be no certainty, that a Loan would...
77To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 18 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Secy of the Treasy respectfully represents to the President of the United States. That it appears from the enclosed Report of Daniel Davis Esq. Atte. for the District of Maine and the documents therein refered to; that John Helby Marshal of the said District has collected large Sums of money on Executions in favour of the United States improperly which he has embezzled which have been...
78To 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...
79To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 25 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a letter to General Lincoln directing the payment of the Sums which the President may require on account of his compensation. The Sum due on the 4th. of March last, was Six thousand Dollars, the further Sum of Two thousand Dollars monthly will if the President pleases to require the same be also advanced. The discontents in Northampton are not increasing, and no...
80To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 1 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recd. your favour of March 21st. Mr. Wharton is a young man of virtue modesty and industry—he is pliant and docile—but I have observed no indications of invention or what may be called Talents . He is what I recommended him for, a proper person to copy and assist a man who has much business—but I do not think it probable that he could perform more than what is commonly expected of a...
81To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 4 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a Letter from Andrew Barrett Esqr. one of the Commissioners for the State of Delaware, resigning his office.—The Candidates are Elijah Barratt & John Vining Esqrs. Mr. Barratt is recommended by the Board of Commissioners, and by Mr. Bayard the Representative of the State in Congress.—I, therefore, take the liberty to submit to the President the expediency of...
82To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
By the decease of Robert Chesley, the offices of Surveyor and Inspector of the Port of St. Mary’s in the district of Nanjemoy in the State of Maryland, have become vacant. The names of Robert Chesley, son of the deceased, and William Hebb, are presented in the papers which I have the honour to enclose.—The weight of recommendation by Col. Howard of the Senate, Charles Caroll of Carrollton...
83To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 8 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2d instant. The business to which you allude, relates to an application made to me by the Surveyor General, for a party of Men to assist in marking the Indian boundary line agreeably to, General Waynes Treaty; but, as the Surveyor General omitted to designate the time when and the place where the men would be required, I have written to...
84To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
After a very laboured trial, Fries who led the armed Party at Bethlehem, has been convicted of Treason;—he continued tranquil untill the verdict of the Jury was returned, when and since he has been much affected. His composure during the trial was not owing to stupidity, for though an illiterate man, he is not deficient in sagacity. He confidently expected to be acquitted, and his hopes are...
85To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 11 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a Letter from John Faulcon Esqr. one of the Commissioners of valuations for North Carolina.—No person has been recommended as a successor by the Board, but from the information of Judge Iredell & Mr. Steele the Comptroller, I have reason to believe that John Branch, Principal Assessor for Halifax County is well qualified for the Office, and take the liberty to...
86To 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...
87To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 24 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit to you, the copy of a Letter from the Surveyor General of the United States in Answer to my enquiries respecting the time when and the place where the troops required to assist in marking the Indian boundary line would be wanted. The opinion of the Surveyor General in relation to this business, confirms the expediency of directing the Commanding Officer in...
88To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 25 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
After a very laboured trial, Fries, who led the armed party at Bethlehem, has been convicted of treason. He continued tranquil until the verdict of the jury was returned, when and since, he has been much affected. His composure during the trial was not owing to stupidity, for though an illiterate man, he is not deficient in sagacity. He confidently expected to be acquitted,and his hopes are...
89To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 1 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a copy of a Letter which I have written to several of the collectors of the Revenue, on the subject of a temporary provision for the relief of sick and disabled seamen.— It is found that by a Law of the last session, the Hospitals for the Army & Navy are to be established under the immediate superintendance of the Physician-General. The Secretary of War, will,...
90To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipts of your letters dated May 27th. & 28th. and Mr Shaws letter dated June 5th. covering recommendations in favor of Noah Pease, Nathaniel Mayhew and Silas Daggot, for the appointment of Keeper of the Light House to be erected on Gay Head— The Light House is not erected, and there is not an immediate necessity any appointment;—to prevent the trouble of...
91To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Isaac Parker Esquire Marshal of the District of Maine, recommending Josiah Reed, to be surveyor & Inspector of the Port of Thomaston in the District of Caldobourogh. After due enquiry I take the liberty to recommend Silas Foster to be Commander of the Revenue Cutter General Greene which place is vacant by the resignation of Captain George Price, who...
92To 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...
93To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
By an Act of Congress passed on the 25th. of February 1799. entitled “An Act respecting Quarantine & Health Laws” it is directed “That there shall be purchased or erected, under the orders of the President of the United States, suitable Warehouses, with Wharves, & enclosures, where Goods & merchandize may be unladen & deposited from every Vessel which shall be subject to Quarantine or other...
94To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 11 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose the petition of John Sylvester, with a Report signed by the Secretaries of the Departments—The Attorney General being absent in Virginia, could not be consulted without a considerable delay.— I have the honour to be / with the greatest deference / Sir, / your mo. obedt. servt. In pursuance of the direction of the President of the United States, communicated to the...
95To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a Letter dated April 8th. 1799 from Nathl. Burwell Esqr. one of the Commissioners of Virginia.—This Letter was received in due season, after the date.—By the operation of a late Law of the State, a new appointment is now necessary.—I have no reason to doubt that Mr. William Fleet is a suitable character to fill the vacancy.— I have the honour to be / very...
96To 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...
97To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 23 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to transmit a letter dated the 18th instant from General Thomas Pozey, advising of his resignation of the Office of Commissioner of Direct Tax, for the eleventh Division in the State of Virginia, and recommending Captain William Taylor of Fredericksburgh as his successor. Having no reason to doubt that Mr Taylor is a suitable character to fill the vacancy—I enclose a blank...
98To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honour most respectfully to submit to the President of the United States the following Report.— That in consequence of strong suspicions that great disorders existed in the office of John Fitzgerald Esquire, Collector of the Customs for the District of Alexandria, an enquiry was instituted in March 1798, the management of which was committed to William...
99To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
By this Mail, I shall have the honour to transmit a Report respecting John Fitzgerald Esqr. Collector of Alexandria—if the President shall see proper to make a new appointment, I take the liberty to recommend Charles Simms Esquire, who is, I presume well known to the President.—The Attorney General is of opinion that Colo. Simms is the most suitable character—He is a Gentleman of eminence at...
100To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 1 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit certain Letters from Ebenezer Tucker Esqr. Collector of Little Egg harbour in New Jersey, mentioning his resignation of his Office; but as this proceeding cannot be said to be entirely voluntary, candour requires me to submit the whole subject to your consideration.— In April last, Amos Ridgway, a neighbour of Mr Tucker, preferred certain charges, in which his...