The President of the United States wishes to avail himself of your sentiments on the following points— 1 st Whether a line of Conduct, equally distant from an association with all kinds of Company on the one hand, and from a total seclusion from Society on the other ought to be adopted by him?— and in that case how it is to be done? 2 d: What will be the least exceptionable Method of bringing...
952To John Adams from Petrus Franco van Berckel, 19 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
In Consequence of Your recommandation of Mr. John Green, I have furnished him with a Letter of introduction to the Governor of Surinam requesting Him to do in behalf of Mr. Green, whatever his duty and the laws which He is obliged to maintain, will admit of.—At all events I have no doubt but the Governor will assist him with His best advice. Being happy to be serviceable to an honest Man, I...
953To John Adams from Nathaniel Hazard, 16 April 1792 (Adams Papers)
I was duly honored with your Favor of 10th. March, & delayed acknowledging its Receit, fearing, I might be considered, as too prompt, & intrusive for a recent Introduction & Acquaintance. Early in this last Summer, I was assured; that the Author of “the Defence of the american Constitutions” would be closely attacked in the Fall. My Informant, was an intimate Friend of the Printer’s, whose...
954To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
Informed by the Resolution of the House of Representatives that our Government intends to arm Six frigates, I find me Self obliged, to make your Excellency acquainted with a worthÿ American, to whom, if known, perhaps maÿ be adjudged the command of one of them. at least—He will come in consideration if an excellent character, a prudent and manlÿ behaviour, experience in the art of navigation...
955To John Adams from John Henry Petty, Earl Wycombe, 1 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
I trust you will excuse the liberty I take in introducing to your acquaintance Mr. Talleyrand de Perigord who is preparing to seek an asylum in America. As you are no doubt acquainted with his family and with the distinguished part he acted in the Constituent Assembly of France, it is unnecessary for me to say more than that he has received an order to quit this country in consequence of a...
956Abigail Adams Smith to John Adams, 7 January 1791 (Adams Papers)
I have received your two Kind letters of Decr 8 th and 17 th and am much obliged for your good wishes, and advice I have no desire to mix with the World or associate with any but my friends during the absence of my Husband—retirement from the World and an intercourse with, and attention, to ones family and friends are I presume Compatiable— the former it is my wish to observe the latter...
957Abigail Adams to John Adams, 14 December 1793 (Adams Papers)
I hope this days post will bring me a Letter from you at Philadelphia, and that I shall hear you are well and at mr otis’s tho obliged as they say to keep Batchelors Hall for a short period. mrs otis I trust will be with you before this Letter. I wrote by her tho I had little to inform you of. your Farm will occupy your mind I know Sometimes and you will wish to know if the ground is broke up...
958To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 2 February 1791 (Adams Papers)
As the information contained in the enclosed extracts from a letter of M r. Short’s lately arrived, has some relation to a subject now before the Senate, I have thought it my duty to communicate them, and have the honor to be with sentiments of the most profound respect and attachment. / Sir / Your most obedient and / most humble Servant: FC and enclosure ( DLC :Jefferson Papers); internal...
959To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 12 February 1791 (Adams Papers)
M r Brand Hollis having met with this second volume of the History of Bologna by Ghiradacci requests M r Adams to accept of it from gratitude to him for having produced to the publick the act of the 3 of June 1257 by which all the Slaves & villains were manumitted. The book containing it is intitled The Paradise of pleasure. 1605. Ghirardacci lib VI. p. 194 con Licenza de Superiori. There has...
960Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
The weather from an unhealthy warmth has changed to an insufferable cold. I had little expectation of getting my Letters to night, but a market Man whom I requested to call upon our son, was faithfull to his promise, and brought me yours of the 12 and 14 th. I also received a letter from an other hand so late as the 17th but not a Word of the important foreign intelligence, which so greatly...
961John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 16 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
I received last evening your favour of the 5 th: instant— The votes of the Electors in Connecticut and Rhode-Island, were unanimous it seems, as well as in this State; I have not heard any further, but we presume there was the same unanimity in New-Hampshire, which if it be the case, will I think do credit to New-England. We expect nothing but the voice of Faction from New-York; and we know...
962To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 2 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I hasten to acknowledge my sense of your politeness in transmitting the very valuable official paper contained in your letter, and of your condescension, in intimating, that any information within my capacity to collect could be of any worth to you. If this attention, as unexpected as it was unmerited, should fail of drawing from me any valuable fact, I hope, Sir, you will not regret your...
963From Hannibal Dobbyn to John Adams, 28 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Hannibal William Dobbyn humbly sheweth That Memorialist came to America in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine; to purchase a Tract of Land in the Western Territory of the United States for a Number of respectable Families from Ireland & for himself; that your Memorialist upon his arrival presented a Petition to Congress to be permitted to buy said Lands, which...
964From Richard O’Brien to John Adams, 12 May 1792 (Adams Papers)
The Humble Petition of us the undersigning Citizens of the united States who are now Languishing prisoners at Algiers— Humbly Sheweth that we youre petitioner’s had the misfortune of being Captured nearly Seven years ago by Cruisers belonging to the Regency of Algiers while we were navigateing Vessels belonging to Citizens of the united States. that we were flattered for a Considerable time...
965From John Blanck to John Adams, 12 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
That your Petitioner John Blanck after much study, pains & expence hath found out & Invented a New Hydrostatic Pump, or Engine that will be found superior to any other ever before made or Invented, as it will discharge double the Quantity than any other, hitherto known, in the same given space of time, of the same Diameter & length of Stroke. Your Petitioner humbly begs leave to state the...
966From Richard Claiborne to John Adams, 26 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Rd. Claiborne Respectfully sheweth That your Memorialist—conceiving that very great honour and utility will result to these States from facilitating the introduction of Machines and Manufactories from abroad—begs leave to pray of your honorable House to pass a Law authorising the Importation of Inventions—and allowing to Original Importers a certain privilege in proportion to...
967From Citizens of South Carolina to John Adams, 24 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of the Subscribers Citizens of the State of South Carolina, Sheweth that your Memorialists feeling the most ardent attachment to the Constitution and laws of their Country, have at all times Chearfully & faithfully contributed their proportion to the exigencies of government as the price of the protection which they have a right to expect from a Conviction that the power of...
968From Peter Legaux to John Adams, 15 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
The only and lively zeal which has animated me for these 8 years past for the welfare and prosperity of America has induced me to attempt a kind of agriculture hitherto unknown here. The encouragement which the President of the United States and some among you, Gentlemen, have been pleased to give me has undoubtedly contributed not a little to augment this zeal, and turn my labours into...
969From Sc., Merchants of Charleston to John Adams, April 1792 to May 1792 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial and Petition of Sundry Merchants engaged in Commerce previous to the late Revolution Humbly Sheweth. That your Memorialists chearfully concurred with their Fellow–citizens from the year 1774 in such measures as were deemed necessary to oppose the Claim of Great Britain over America, to Secure its Independence and to Establish the blessings of Liberty and the happiness now enjoyed...
970To John Adams from William Smith, 12 June 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Rec t. of your esteem’d favor of the 20 Ult o. Our Gen l. Assembly are now in Session. their Conduct thus farr has been perfectly Fœderal, how long it may continue is uncertain. I am sorry that the assuming the State Debts & funding the Continental Debt are so long delay’d. so long as we are kept in suspence we are a prey to Speculators as most of our circulating Cash...
971To John Adams from André Jean La Rocque, 18 November 1793 (Adams Papers)
je suis arrivé à new-york, le 4 de ce mois. je viens d’y Rencontrer M Bansel; et j’ai appris, de lui même, que la lettre que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous ecrire et les Brochures qui lui etoient jointes, vous sont parvenues. Les dificultés, que la République francoise met à la sortie des Personnes qui sont sur son territoire, me faisoient douter que le porteur voulut courir le Risque de passer...
972To John Adams from Jeremy Belknap, 15 April 1795 (Adams Papers)
I regret that Mr Thomson’s Letter did not come to hand till after the others were printed; but I believe there is enough to prove the misinformation of Dr Kippis. Several copies have been printed separately from the Collections of the Historical Society, three of which I enclose; if you wish for any more, you shall have them. If it be agreeable to you I could wish one may be sent to your Son...
973To John Adams from Theophilus Parsons, 8 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
Conscious of the persecutions you would meet with, by applications for your influence in the appointment to offices, I had determined not to increase the number of them; but being just informed, that the President proposes to nominate as officers, for the collection of the national revenue, those persons who hold the like offices in the collection of the state revenues, unless complaint was...
974To John Adams from Henry James Pye, 3 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
Encouraged by the honor you have done me by quoting a poem of mine in your valuable work I have taken the liberty to send you by my cousin Mr Rich two of my publications. I am now employed on a poetical work on the progress of navigation of which I send you six lines from that part which relates to the discovery of America & its consequences. —proud Ambition with exalting voice Avows one Chief...
975To John Adams from Samuel Huntington, 21 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
I am favoured with your letter of the 4th Instant inclosing a copy of Docr. Johnson’s resignation as a Senator, and shall communicate the Same to the legislature of this State at their approaching Session in May With the most perfect / Respect, I have the / honour to be / Your Obedient / humble Servant MHi : Adams Papers.
976To John Adams from John Montgomery, 24 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
I having the honour to be personally acquainted With your Excellency precludes the neccessaty of troubling you With a letter of introduction from a particular Friend here therefore begs leave to take the liberty of requesting your good intervention on the subject of a Memorial of my Brother Robt, rescited this past to his Excelly Thomas Jefferson soliciting the American Consulship for the port...
977To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 28 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose you a letter from Mr Lee, with his acct. for your approbation; it being agreeable to law— The Report of the Secretary of the Treasury enclosed, in my opinion, should be brot. at large, on the journals of Senate; but I should be more satisfied with your approbation. Mrs Otis and myself shall be happy to have you and the family to dine with us, on Saturday, but...
978From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 27 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred the petition of Elisha Bennett, by an order of the Senate of the 20th. of November 1792, thereupon Respectfully Reports That the claim of the Petitioner is one, to the adjustment of which the power of the Treasury is competent. That it has been rejected at the Auditors Office for the following reasons— The only paper in that Office relating to...
979From Peter Trezevant to John Adams, 3 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
To the Honorable the President & others the Honorable Members of the Senate of the United States in Congress assembled— Charleston So Carolina February 8th: 1794 The Petition of Peter Trezevant of the City of Charleston in the State of South Carolina who has intermarried with Eliza Willoughby Farquhar, the only Child & sole Legatee & Devisee of Robert Farquhar late of Charleston aforesaid...
980From James Mathers to John Adams, 11 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of James Mathers their doorkeeper respectfully sheweth. That in consequence of the enhanced price of House Rent and of all the necessaries of life, the maintenance of a large family has become extremely buthensome—and altho’ your Petitioner has pursued the strictest œconomy he finds his present compensation inadequate to their support—Your Petitioner therefore, though very...
981To John Adams from John Trumbull, 30 March 1790 (Adams Papers)
You may easily conceive how much I was pleased, & flattered by your very friendly & confidential letter of the 6 th instant. At the beginning of the war, he who could advance principles the most agreable to popular pride, & the most destructive to all energetic government, was the best Whig & the greatest Patriot. Many of these, who rose into high rank at that time, were not superior as...
982From Catherine Greene to John Adams, 14 March 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Catherine Green, widow of Major General Green respectfully sheweth That in the month of March 1795 Messrs: Harris and Blackford, Merchants of Great Britain, obtained a final decree of the Court of Equity in Charleston against the heirs of General Green for a sum amounting to more than seven thousand pounds sterling, as surety for the House of Hunter, Banks & Co: the same being...
983From Library Company of Philadelphia to John Adams, 18 February 1793 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia and of the Trustees of the Loganian Library Respectfully Sheweth That annual importations of Books are necessary for the use of the respective institutions committed to their care which by the present revenue Laws of the United States are subject to the same Duties as those imported for sale. That whatever promotes the...
984From Sc., Merchants of Charleston to John Adams, 1792 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of the Subscribers, Merchants residing in Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, humbly sheweth, That by an act pass’d at the third Session of Congress, to regulate processes, in the Courts of the United States, “It is enacted that the same mode of proceedings shall be had, & the same fees exacted in each State respectively as are now us’d, or allow’d in the supreme courts of...
985From Chandler Fowke to John Adams, 11 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
To The President and Members of the Senate of the United States, in Congress assembled— The Petition of Chandler Dinwiddie Fowke of Charleston, South Carolina Sheweth, That during the War between America and Great Britain, General Green’s Army was stationed near the Plantation of Miss Jane Stobo and Mary Fraser her Sister, who planted together; from which they took a considerable quantity of...
986From William Moultrie to John Adams, 19 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of the Officers in behalf of themselves and the Non–Commissioned Officers and Privates of the late Army of the United States now Residents in South Carolina,— Sheweth Your Memorialists happy in seeing their Country possessed of Peace, and flourishing under a respectable Constitution, presume to come forward and to lay before your Honorable House, such of their Grievances as can...
987From William Cocke to John Adams, 21 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
Having had the honour of being legally and Constitutionally Elected to Represent the State of Tennessee, in the Senate of the United States, My Duty compels me to claim for that State, the right of being admitted into the Union with the Original States in an equal footing in all respects Whatever, and to notify you, that should any doubts remain, or subsist as to the legality, or expediency of...
988From John Macpherson to John Adams, 27 December 1791 (Adams Papers)
May it please the honourable Gentlemen of the Senate to peruse the following thoughts dictated by humanity & love of my Country. A few minutes since I told General Knox I wished to be sent against the Indians as soon as possible, & that I knew some of the Senate allso wished it. General Knox replyed then lett them send you I am your friend. Therefore Gentlemen, I hope you will be pleased to...
989To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 5 April 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have more than once mentioned to you, the state of retirement from political conversation in which I live, and the restraints which I am endeavouring to lay upon a disposition inclining perhaps with too much ardor, to feel interested in public occurrences. But it sometimes happens that I am accidentally witness to conversations upon these subjects; from which I collect some trifling...
990From Thomas Fielder to John Adams, 10 April 1792 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Thomas Fielder Respectfully representing That he having invented an Apparatus for facilitating Navigation for which he has obtaind the grant of an exclusive privilege, by the requisition of Friends to the extensive utility of the Idea he has at a very considerable expence attempted the prosecution of his Design but perceiving that its completion (so as to carry it into useful...
991From Sc., Citizens of Georgetown to John Adams, 1 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of the Inhabitants of Georgetown South Carolina and its vicinity Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners suffer much inconvenience for the want of a Post between this place and Charleston; until the late alteration of the Route of the Post, your Petitioners always enjoyed the benefit of a speedy and regular communication with their Fellow Citizens of Charleston, but agreeably to the...
992From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 27 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury to whom was referred by the Senate the petition of Barent I Staats respectfully reports thereupon as follows— The claim of the petitioner appears to be one of those, for the due consideration and adjustment of which, provision is made by the Act passed the 12th. of February 1793 relative to claims against the United States not barred by any act of Limitation, and...
993From Jacob Milligan to John Adams, 13 December 1793 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of Jacob Milligan Sheweth— That at the commencement of Hostilities between Great Britain and America, your Petitioner entered as a Lieutenant on board the Ship Prosper belonging to the State of South Carolina, and continued on board untill ordered to Sullivans Island where he remained during the Seige after which your Petitioner went a Cruizing against the Enemy. That in the year...
994From Richard Claiborne to John Adams, 29 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of Richard Claiborne Respectfully Sheweth That Your memorialist conceiving that very great benefit will result to the United States by encouraging the introduction of the useful arts from abroad—and perceiving, that, according to the present patent Law, inventions or discoveries, are confined to Citizens of the United States only—Your memorialist respectfully prays that Congress...
995From Thomas Wright Bacot to John Adams, 16 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
That your Petitioner was appointed Post Master in this City in January 1792, and trusts that he has performed the duties required of him, as such, with fidelity. That from the small profits of the Office, particularly for the first three years, your Petitioner has several times determined to resign his appointment, but was induced to continue the same, partly from an expectation that the...
996From John Macpherson to John Adams, 2 April 1792 (Adams Papers)
The Petition of John Macpherson most respectfully Sheweth That his attachment to and desire to serve this Country has been the cause of his loosing an independent fortune by the Revolution. Therefore he begs liberty to relate the following facts, viz. That he has enriched North America more than any man of his station ever did, as he took more prizes in the French War than any other person...
997From William Blount to John Adams, 23 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
We have the Honor to inform you that we are within the walls of your Chamber, ready to produce, to you papers to prove, that we have been duly and legally elected Senators to represent the State of Tennessee in your Body—and that State having a right to be represented in the Congress of the United States, on an equal footing with the original States; in all respects whatever, our Duty compels...