1411To John Adams from Connecticut Legislature, 14 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The legislature of the state of Connecticut is not in the habit of interfering in the administration of the general government, nor of obtruding opinions or advice upon the councils of the Union.—We have been accustomed to exhibit, as a fair and sufficient proof of our affection for the national constitution, an uniform obedience to the laws and an undeviating respect for the constituted...
1412To John Adams from Thomas Gaskins, 14 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a numerous meeting of the inhabitants of Northumberland county, at the Courthouse of the said county, on Monday the fourteenth day of May, 1798, being the day appointed by law for holding the court of quarter-session for the said county, to take into consideration the measures necessary to be adopted, at this most important national crisis—Col: Thomas Gaskins in the Chair—The following...
1413To John Adams from John Williams, 15 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At this important Crisis, when war with all its train of Calamities seems ready to burst upon us; when by the malice of our Enemies we are reprisented as a divided people, a people inimical to the measures of our own Government, and wanting confidence in it; We deem it our duty as Citizens of the United States explicitly to declare, our fullest faith in the Integrity and Wisdom of all the...
1414To John Adams from Henry Johnson, 15 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Being sensible, at the present momentous and alarming situation of our national concerns, which we believe demands from us, as an incumbent duty, an open and sincere declaration of our sentiments and wishes, relative to affairs highly interesting to us, in common with the rest of the Union, that it must afford a particular satisfaction to the heads of Government, to the chosen rulers of an...
1415To John Adams from W. K. Cole, 15 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Residing as we do, in a remote part of the State of New Jersey, it cannot be expected, we can with so much promptitude, discharge our duty, to you and our fellow-Citizens, as those, placed in situations, more exposed to the current of public information— Anxious, however, when in our power, to disclose to you and to the world, our loyalty; we at this late day, (in immitation of our Friends,...
1416From John Adams to W. K. Cole, 15 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for this Address, as your Attachment to the Constitution is, and ought to be, a cogent motive to preserve it. It gives to the rich no Priviledges but their Property, and if it took away that, it would not only covet and Steal but deprive the honest and industrious, of the Reward of their Exertions. The fruits of their Labour cannot be preserved to the poor but by Laws, which Secure...
1417To John Adams from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 16 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am informed that the students of this College, seized with the general spirit that is pervading the country, have presumed to offer you their address on the present state of public affairs. As this measure has been entirely planned & executed without the privity, or participation of any of the Masters of the College, I fear it must be at least imperfectly, perhaps, imprudently executed—Most...
1418To John Adams from Roswell Hopkins, 17 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
We the Mayor, Aldermen, Common Council, & Freemen of the City of Vergennes in the County of Addison and State of Vermont; though deeply impressed with the train of lawless and unprovoked aggressions of the French nation upon our lawfull commerce, the repeated Insults upon our Government, the neglect, & even studied contempt, with which our Messengers of peace and accomodation have been...
1419To John Adams from Jean Baptiste Francisqui, 17 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
the patronage it has always pleased to your Excellence to grant to the artists in general, Besides the feeling of your heart induce me to request the honour of your presence at the performance which is to take a place for my benefit on friday next the 18th instn: the public happiness and Wellfare, I know, take away from your Excellence all the time and attention, but it is equally his constant...
1420To John Adams from Richard Morris, 17 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter will I hope plead my Excuse for this liberty, when I tell you the writer of it Served as a Leiut–Coll., or a Leiut. Coll. Commandant in the American Army during the whole of the Revolutionary Warr, That he served with Reputation, and Esteem,—He had then two sons, and his parental Attention to the calls of their Indiscretions put it out of his power to provide for a future...
1421To John Adams from John Torrey, 17 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Grand Jurors for the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, attending at the Supreme Judicial Court for said County, have been led by their own reflections on the course of events, and by the excellent and impressive observations of the Chief Justice in his charge at the opening of the Court, to contemplate the political situation of our Country. Mr Adams Many of us have...
1422From John Adams to Me., Citizens of Cecil County, 18 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for this Address. It would be unaccountable, indeed if any Portion of a People who acknowledge their participation in the Advantages resulting from well Secured Freedom, could be indifferent to the manifold Injuries, which, in violation of a Solemn Treaty and the Law of Nations, are daily inflicted on our fellow Citizens; or view with Apathy, the reiterated Indignities and outrages...
1423From John Adams to United States Senate, 18 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Benjamin Stoddert of Maryland to be Secretary of the Navy, in the Place of George Cabott who has declined his appointment. George Woodruff of Georgia to be Attorney for the District of Georgia in the Place of Charles Jackson resigned Frederick William Lutze of Stetin in Prussia to be Consul of the United States at Stetin. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
1424To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War will immediately be called upon, to furnish instructions, to the commanders of the armed vessels, destined to the protection of our coast, and to act as convoys to our trade. It becomes in consequence his duty, to suggest such circumstances, as require the most serious deliberation, and are connected with this subject. The power of the President, must be considered as...
1425To John Adams from James Potter, 18 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The undersigned having been appointed by the Subscribers to the inclosed Address to transmit it to your Excellency, perform that Task with peculiar Pleasure. At the same Time they conceive it to be proper to inform you, that as the Signers were collected from the different Parts of the County to attend the Court now sitting at this Place, & that as the Address received their hearty & unanimous...
1426To John Adams from Md., Citizens of Washington County, 18 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a Very numerous meeting of the Inhabitants of the Lower district of Washington County, held at Sharpsburgh, the 18th May 1798, the following Resolutions were unanimously agreed to, & ordered to be published— 1st. Resolved; that we hold party Spirit a Reproach, & that in defence of our rights as free men, we Shall ever act as one man, animated by one Soul, and that, any foreign nation is...
1427To John Adams from William Prentis, 19 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a Meeting of the Citizens of the Town of Petersburg Convened at the Courthouse of the said Town the 19th May 1798 Agreable to public Notice given for the purpose of expressing their Opinion on the present Important and critical Situation of our Country— William Prentice Mayor of the said Town being Appointed to the Chair and John Grammer Secty— Resolved Unannimously, as the sense of this...
1428To John Adams from Samuel Baird, 19 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a numerous Meeting of the Inhabitants of Potts Town and it’s Vicinity, in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, On Saturday the 19th. May 1798, Samuel Baird in the Chair, and Joseph Potts junr, Secretary. The following Resolutions were unanimously agreed to— Having contemplated, with anxious Sollicitude and Approbation; the repeated Efforts made by the Executive to terminate the Differences...
1429To John Adams from Stephen Temple, 19 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Impressed with the importance of union in sentiment and action at the present momentous crises of Public Affairs, We the second Battalion of the Militia of Prince George think it our duty to come forward with assurances of our cordial approbation of every measure you have adopted to preserve peace and restore a good understanding with the French Republic— Warmly attached to the cause of...
1430To John Adams from Daniel Stevens, 19 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Respectfully Sheweth– That the Citizens of this Parish, always joining with the general voice of their Country, for a restoration of a good Understanding with the French Republic, must express at this critical Period a deep sense of regret, at the failure of the attempt to negociate with that Nation.— That we consider this eventful Period, pregnant of the greatest importance to the safety and...
1431To John Adams from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave just to call to yr recollection my having informed you (when I had the honor to see you last summer at New york) that I had suffered in the loss of a large property by the verdict of the Court of Admiralty of England—founded on the circumstance of my being an Inhabitant of this Country—you seemed to be of opinion that being in a public capacity my residence here could not be...
1432From John Adams to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
An Address, so affectionate, and respectful, carries with it, a dignity and authority, which is the more honorable to me, as it comes from a Legislature, which although not in the habit of interfering in the administration of the general Government, has exhibited an uniform affection, for the National Constitution, and an undeviating respect to the Laws, and constituted authorities. There can...
1433From John Adams to United States Senate, 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Anderson Mc.Williams of Virginia to be Surveyor and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Fredericksburgh in the District of Tappahannock, in the Place of Thomas Moffat Superceeded. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
1434To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Or may it plese your Excellency, I imbrace this oppertunety to address your Excellency: it is from a kinsman tho a little remote I am the oldest son of Ebenezer Adams grand son to the Reverend Joseph Adams of Newington your Uncle decest; may these lines find your Excellency and family: in helth and happiness injoying the blessings that divine providence has bestowed upon you in placeing your...
1435To John Adams from John Devereux De Lacy, 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The declining state of my health together with the advice of my physicians having determined me to go to a southern climate, and being bred to the Law in the practice of which I am now setting out; I take the liberty of humbly soliciting to be appointed by your excellency to the office of Attorney General of the Mississippi Territory. The various duties of which office (should your excellency...
1436To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I should have acknowledged the Honor of your much esteemed Favor of the 30th—March last, immediately on the receit of it, but for an unwillingness to intrude so often upon your all-important Moments, with the mention of my personal Atffairs— and Feelings,—being, however, clear that You do rest assured that the latter, toward Yourself, are most respectful, as well as most friendly— Your...
1437To John Adams from Theodore Sedgwick, 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am requested by the Town of Dalton in this County to present to you the inclosed address. There are not, within my acquaintance, more worthy and honorable men than the authors of it. The policy of town meeting addresses, as far as I have been able to obtain information, is not, generally, approved by the most enlightened and best disposed in this County; tho’ there is no doubt, they might be...
1438To John Adams from Robert Thomson, 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At the Meeting of the Federal Troop of Horse, under the command of Captain Thomson, on Monday the 21st. of May 1798, at Newton in the County of Sussex, and State of New Jersey: The Gentlemen composing the Troop, influenced by patriotic motives, concieve it their duty, to convey to the President of the United States, their sentiments with respect to his Administration of Our Government; adopt...
1439To John Adams from Thomas Sprigg, 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
A number of respectable citizens of Washington County in the State of Maryland having convened in consequence of public notice, at the Court house in Hagers Town on Monday the twenty first day of May 1798. after appointing General Thomas Sprigg Chairman, resolved as follows, Vizt. Wishing to cultivate peace and harmony with all nations, we feel great regret at the delay in the reception of our...
1440From John Adams to Young Men of Boston, 22 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
It is impossible for you to enter your own Fanuel Hall, or to throw your Eyes on the variagated Mountains and elegant Islands around you, without recollecting the Principles and Actions of your Fathers and feeling what is due to their Example, One of their most important Principles was to unite in themselves the Character of Citizens and Soldiers, and especially to preserve the latter always...
1441From John Adams to United States Senate, 23 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Thomas Baker of Pennsylvania to be first Lieutenant— Thomas Wilkey of Pennsylvania to be second Lieutenant James McKnight of Pennsylvania to be Lieutenant of Marines, for the ship of War the Delaware. Andrew Sterret of Maryland to be third Lieutenant of the Frigate Constellation; Simon Gross, having resigned DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
1442To John Adams from James Cogswell, 23 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Impressed with the eventful period in which we live, and especially with the present alarming state of our public affairs, the ministers of the association of the County of Windham, Cont. beg leave respectfully to address the President of the United States. Called to act as ambassadors of the Prince of peace, we cannot but deeply deprecate the horrors of war, and have fondly indulged the hope...
1443To John Adams from Levin Handy, 23 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
If it should be thought necessary in the present alarming crisis of our publick affairs to raise an Army for the protection of and defence of the Liberty and Independence of America, against the unjust aggressions and unwarrantable claims of a foreign nation, I beg leave respectfully, to offer my services in the cause of my Country, and have taken the liberty to solicit such a military...
1444From Thomas Rasing to John Adams, 23 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
That in Consequence of the publicity given to the instructions to the Commissioners of the United States near the Republic of France, and to the dispatches containing the narrative of their Conduct in the discharge of the duties of their mission, your memorialists are induced to infer that the situation of public Affairs is so critical and alarming, that the opinion of the Citizens of the...
1445To John Adams from John Goulding, 24 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Propelled by a cause equally serious and urgent; and encouraged by a Name , whose wise, benevolent & noble exertions, have regularly accompanied the dignity, and encreasing influence, which it maintains, in society.—Such is my apology for this intrusion. Shipwrecked as it were, and bereaved of my little all;—yet thank Heaven still possessed of Health, active and willing, my utmost efforts have...
1446To John Adams from John Stockton, 24 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
That viewing the present crisis as pregnant, with events of the first Importance to the people of the United State; on which the very Existance of Goverment and the happiness of its Citizins depend. With this awfull prospect in view, and considering this as an extraordinary occasion, calling aloud for a declaration of the Public Mind; we conceive it our indispensable duty, to communicate our...
1447To John Adams from Richard Howell, 24 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
From the Consequences of a slight but neglected hurt, I am compelled to lose the honor of personally presenting the Address of the Commander in Chief, the General, General–Staff and Field, Officers of the Militia of the State of New Jersey, who almost to a Man have, as I am well informed, cheerfully signed it. From numerous Communications received from the General and Field Officers, but one...
1448From John Adams to Nh., Citizens of Portsmouth, 25 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
This handsome Address from the Youth of Portsmouth, shows evinces the same Spirit and the same Principles which animate the rising Generation in general throughout the United States and is not less agreable to me than any I have before received. The opinion you have formed of the Wisdom Prudence, Firmness Perseverance and Bravery of your Fathers is not exagerated, and their Example is worthy...
1449From John Adams to Samuel Ringgold, 25 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your Address to the President Senate and House of Representatives of the United States has been presented to me by your Representative in Congress Mr Baer. Your Opinion of the sincerity of the Executive Authority in its Endeavours to preserve Peace, is as well founded as your that of the Impropriety of the Conduct of the Executive Directory of France towards our Envoys. Your Determination to...
1450To John Adams from Jedidiah Peck, 25 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a meeting of a large and respectable number of the Citizens, of the town of Burlington, in the County of Otsego, State of New–York; held at the dwellinghouse of Willard Church, Inholder in Said Town, on the 25th day of May 1798, according to previous notice for that purpose: Jedidiah Peck, in the Chair, Joseph Wright, Clerk, It was unanimaously resolved, that the following address should be...
1451To John Adams from Hanson Briscoe, 25 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a meeting of the Citizens residing in the Town of Cumberland in the County of Allegany and State of Maryland and its vicinity, held on Friday the 25th. day of May 1798 after due notice. Hanson Briscoe was appointed Chairman and Patrick Murdoch John H Bayard, Samuel Selby 3rd, John Simkins and George Dent were named a Committee to draw up and report an address to the President of the United...
1452To John Adams from Nicholas Fish, 25 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a time when you are receiving from every part of the Union testimonies of Respect for your person and approbation of your measures, permit the young men of the City of New York to join the general Voice of their Countrymen and Express to you the gratitude, Esteem and Confidence with which your Conduct has inspired them— We have not the Vanity to suppose that the applause of inexperienced...
1453To John Adams from Stephen Paddock, 26 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a meeting of the citizens of Hudson and its vicinity in the County of Columbia in the State of New York pursuant to public notice assembled at the City Hall in the City of Hudson on the 26th of May 1798. Stephen Paddock Esquire Chairman William W. Van Ness Esqr. Secretary We the citizens aforesaid considering the present state and aspect of public affairs, and feeling in common with our...
1454To John Adams from Upton Sheredine, 26 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Rezin Davidge, a Gentleman of family & education, of an amiable disposition, and a true friend to the Government, independence, and sovereignty, of this, his native Country.—And possessed of undoubted honor and courage, with a fixed determination to defend its Rights, against all invaders of them, is desirous of a Captaincy in the Regiment of Artillery, to be raised for the service, and...
1455To John Adams from Francis Dana, 27 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the honor on the 19th. inst to enclose you the address of the Grand Jury for the County of Plymouth And I now forward one, agreably to the intimation then given, from a respectable number of the Inhabitants of this Town. There were seven counterparts circulated in the Town, which are now in my hands, and have been signed by 147. being 40 more than the whole number present at our...
1456To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 27 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
After the attention you were pleased to pay to my late request, for which I hope to give you better proof of my gratitude than a formal acknowledgment, I am afraid you may think me very unreasonable to come forward with another; But, by accounts received Yesterday Mr. Sargent is said to be appointed to the southern Territory and, of course the Secretarys Office will be vacant here. I have a...
1457From John Adams to Rhode Island, Citizens of Newport, 28 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you, for this cordial Address—When you declare to the World, that your affections, are wedded to your Constitution, and Government, that all the objects of my Administration, and the means by which they have been pursued, particularly as they regard the Republic of France, possess, your most cordial approbation, and grateful applause, that I have endeavored by every prudent and...
1458From John Adams to John Torrey, 28 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your Address which has been transmitted to me, according to your request by the Chief Justice of the State. Difficult as it is to believe that a Nation Struggling or pretending to Struggle for Liberty and Independence, Should attempt to invade or impair those Blessings where they are quietly and fully enjoyed. Yet thus it is and the United States of America are not the only...
1459From John Adams to George Thatcher, 28 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your Address to the President and Congress has been presented to me, by your Representative in Congress Mr: Thatcher. Unanimous resolutions, at a legal meeting of one of our Towns, cannot pass, without a real unanimity in opinion and Sentiment, those of the respectable town of Wells upon this occasion, are Very satisfactory— The Agents of a foreign Nation, have had too much color, for boasting...
1460From John Adams to United States Senate, 28 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I nominate the persons herein after named for appointments in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers.— Lieutenant Colonel Commandant. John Doughty New Jersey Majors 1. Benjamin Brooks. Maryland 2. Adam Hoops. New Jersey. 3. Daniel Jackson. Massachusetts. Captains 1. Decius Wadsworth Connecticutt 2. William Macrea Virginia 2. Decius Wadsworth Connecticut 3. Samuel Eddins Virginia 4. Francis...