1To John Adams from Samuel Phillips, Jr., 3 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
Commonwealth of Massachusetts— In Senate March 3d 1801. Ordered that the President of the Senate, & Speaker of the House of Representatives, present the following Address. Sent down for concurrence Saml. Phillips Prsdt— In the House of Representatives March 3d 1801 Read and concurred— Edwd W Robbins Spkr. To John Adams Esquire— At the moment, Sir, that you are descending from the exalted...
2To John Adams from Elizur Goodrich, 2 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have this day had the honour to signify to the proper Officer, my Acceptance of a Commission, under the hand of your Excellency, constituting me Collector of the Customs, in the District of New Haven, in the State of Connecticut. I feel it due to those sensations I feel, to express to your Excellency, personally, my grateful Acknowledgements, for so honorable a testimonial of your...
3To John Adams from William Cranch, 28 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Colo. Charles Semmes, of Alexandria. This gentleman I have never seen, to my knowledge. General report speaks of him as a man of talents in his profession, of a good moral Character, and friendly to the government. His practice is very extensive. Thomas Swann Esquire.—of Alexandria. I have seen this Gentleman. He appears to be about 36 years old—is very much esteem’d as a lawyer, and a man. He...
4To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty to mention Mr James M Lingan, a very respectable Inhabitant of George Town – of long standing; of great integrity of Character – & great firmness—and in every way qualified to do credit to the Appointment of Marshal for the District of Columbia—He will accept, if appointed. I have the honor to be / with great Respect sir / Yr. most obed. Serv. MHi : Adams Papers.
5To John Adams from John Marshall, 27 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The order of the House of Representatives of the 24th of this month, requesting an account of the depredations committed on the commerce of the United States by vessels of Great Britain, of which complaint has been made to the Government, having been referred to this department, I have the honor to transmit herewith an abstract of such cases as have been complained of since the commencement of...
6To John Adams from John Eager Howard, 25 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
We take the liberty to recommend Mr. John Rousby Plater as a proper Character to fill the appointment of one of the assistant Judges of the Territory of Columbia. We have the honor to be with great Respect and Esteem / Sir, / Your obedt. Serts MHi : Adams Papers.
7To John Adams from Uriah Howell, 25 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty of Recommending to you John Rousby Plater Esqr. as one of the Judges for the Territory of Columbia. He is a Man of Understanding and of Honor. He Read Law about five years, with the present Chancellor of Maryland, and practiced about three years, in the lower Counties of this state, where He then Resided; and for some time acted as the Attorney of the State in two of the...
8To John Adams from Lucius Horatio Stockton, 25 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
On the day when you will receive this letter, a formal resignation of the office of attorney of the United States for the New-Jersey district will be filed on my behalf in the office of Secretary of State—The commission which I received from Your Excellency bears date on the 6th. of February AD 1798 and purports that the office was to be held during the pleasure of the President of the United...
9To John Adams from M. I. Stone, 25 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have been acquaint’d with Major Thomas A Dyson Ever since I was a Boy—I believe him to be a Man of intellegence, Deligence, and the Firmest Integrity, I have been Lawyer and Judge, And had an oppertunity of observeing his Conduct During Six years in which he Was Sheriff of Charles County—He has behaved through Life and in Office as a deligent, active, Dignified, faithfull, good Man and...
10To John Adams from Alexander White, 25 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
As it appears probable that a Law will pass, authorising the establishment of a Court for the district of Columbia, I take the liberty of naming to you Mr. Richard Bland Lee, as a Gentleman who is desirous of the office of associate Judge, as he is well known to you Sir, I need mention only one circumstance with which perhaps you are unacquainted, he was bred to the Law, although he never...
11To John Adams from Timothy Bloodworth, 23 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Some time past, I took the liberty to Mention a Gentleman, who I considered quallifyed to fill the office of a Judge, for the Southern District. should a Minute inquiry into the relative Circumstances, induce the President (from prudential Motives) to withold the Nomination, shall deem it a favour, to be endulg’d in Mentioning Mr: William H: Hill, a Gentleman of Respectabilty, who has practisd...
12To John Adams from Israel Hatch, 23 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Should Cald on you before I Left Washington but the wether being So Very bad and your hous Crowded with Companey Deprived me of the Pleshur of Seeing you before I left, I Made Aplication to the Secretary of State and obtaind A patent, And an order for making Full trial at Fort Independence In Boston Harber, From the Secretary at War, Sir as I have Spent time and money to Serve my Cuntry and...
13To John Adams from Jared Ingersoll, Jr., 23 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I was informed on Saturday Evening that you had done me the honor to nominate me to the Senate as Chief–Judge of the Circuit composed of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware I shall ever consider this circumstance as one of the most honorable incidents of my life—I regret exceedingly that I am obliged to decline the h onor you so kindly offer me. The Salary would not maintain my family I have...
14Abigail Adams to John Adams, 21 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I write You once More from this city. the Trenton River is impassable, and has prevented my Sitting out. we hope however that the Rain may clear it. I sent Townsend of to day; I have heard Some of the Democratic rejoicing Such as Ringing Bells & fireing cannon; what an inconsistancy Said a Lady to me to day, the Bells of Christ Church ringing peals of rejoicing for an Infidel President! the...
15To John Adams from James Gunn, 21 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to recommend to the notice of the President Mr. Thomas Gibbons as a man Well qualified to fill the office of Judge in the District of Georgia.— Mr. Gibbons is a Gentleman of Great professional abilities, was born in Georgia, and is Independent in his Circumstances.— I am sir, / With the greatest Respect / Your Most Obt. and / very hubl. Srt. MHi : Adams Papers.
16To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 21 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Having been honord by you with a request to State Some circumstances which took place in the eastern part of the State of Massachusetts in the early part of our revolution, I have taken the liberty now to inclose that Statement to you, and permit me to add, that thus did I commence engage in the arduous Struggle in the commencement of that revolution with a zeal commensurate With the object,...
17To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 21 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Soon after the memorable afair which took place at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts on the 19th: of April 1775, the news of it reached the Town of Machias, then most eastern port in the province of Maine, and early in the month of May came to that place two coasting Sloops owned by a Mr. Ichobad Jones, and convoyed by the armed Schooner called the Margarite a British tender, commanded by...
18To John Adams from Thomas Terry Davis, 20 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I understand that the Senators & Representatives from Tennessee and Mr Marshall of Kentucky have united in Recommending Mr Roen and Mr McClung as proper persons to be nominated Jud g e in the Sixth Circuit—This was done without any Consultation being had with Mr Brown & the Representatives from Kentucky, which I deem unfair. I consider Mr Roen one of the first Law Characters in the Western...
19To John Adams from William Barry Grove, 20 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
From your conversation last Evening, I am impressed with the expectation that you purpose advancing Judge Sitgreaves to the Bench of the Circuit Court; in which event, I beg leave to take the liberty of Recommending and naming to your Consideration William H. Hill Esqr. of the House of Representatives to fill the Vacancy of District Judge of No. Carolina. I can assure you Sir, Mr Hill’s...
20Abigail Adams to John Adams, 19 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I reachd this city on twesday Evening. at Baltimore Leiut Parker came in to see Me, and offerd his service to me; I had engaged a carriage of Evans to take Me here with good horses and a carefull driver, for which I was to give him 80 dollors—or in proportion if I could not get across the Susquahannah I offerd Mr Parker a seat with me. he was very usefull to me and exerted himself very much or...
21To John Adams from James Asheton Bayard, Jr., 19 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I beg you to accept my thanks for the honor conferred on me by the nomination as Minister to the French Republic. Under most circumstances I should have been extremely gratified with such an opportunity of rendering myself serviceable to the Country. But the delicate Situation in which the late presidential election has placed me forbids me exposing myself to the Suspicion of having adopted...
22To John Adams from John Brown, 19 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
In the expectation that you will think it expedient to appoint a Judge for the sixth Circuit from among the Citizens of Kentucky I take the liberty to recommend to your notice Buckner Thruston Esqr., long a resident of that State as a Gentleman who in my opinion is well qualified to fill that Office. Mr Thruston is now of middle age, has had the advantage of a good education, & possesses an...
23To John Adams from Ray Greene, 19 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Robert Greenleaf of East Greenwich in the state of Rhode Island &c. has expressed a disposition to serve in the Navy of the United States as Lieutenant of Marines, and has desired that I put to you my Opinion of his Qualifications, it is with Pleasure I remark that he has a fair moral Character, and I consider him possessed of the Qualifications necessary for the proper discharge of the...
24To John Adams from Archibald Henderson, 18 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
We beg leave to recommend William Lee Alexander Esquire of North Carolina as a person highly qualified to fill the office of Circuit Judge and to express a wish that this Appointment May be conferred upon him We have the honor to be / with great respect / your Mo Obedt / humble Servant MHi : Adams Papers.
25To John Adams from Nathaniel Macon, 18 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to recommend to your notice Mr. Samuel Johnston of North Carolina, as a person well qualified, to discharge the duties of a circuit Judge, I do this the more cheerfully, because you were acquainted with him, when he was a senator from No: Carolina in the senate of the United States, He is now one of the supreme Judges of the state. I am with due respect / Sir / yr most obt. Sert— MHi...
26To John Adams from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 18 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The “Act to provide for the more convenient organization of the Courts of the United States,” having passed into a law, I beg leave to recommend to you, to fill one of the appointments of Circuit Court Judge for the fifth Circuit, John Sitgreaves Esqr, the present Judge for the District of North Carolina, which appointment he has held for ten years past, with a fair and unblemished Character....
27To John Adams from Richard Stanford, 18 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to say that I consider Saml. Johnston, Esq. of N. C. at present a circuit judge of the State, an eligible character to fill the like office under our newly organized Federal system— That State has, indeed, at various times of his life made th him the object of its first honours, &, so far as I have understood, he has always acquitted himself with general approbation. If then, Sir,...
28From 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.,...
29To John Adams from Nathaniel Chipman, 17 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I find there will be a vacancy in the office of judge for the district of Vermont—permit me sir to say that I should think myself honored by an appointment to that office if you should think proper to nominate me—I hope sir you will find in the present situation nothing improper in this direct application.— I am sir with the / highest respect your / most obedient servant MHi : Adams Papers.
30To John Adams from John Dennis, 17 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty of recommending as a circuit Judge for the Districts of Maryland & Virginia, Philip B. Key Esqr; than whom, I know of no Man in the State of Maryland, likely to accept the appointment, who stands higher in the public Estimation, for his legal reputation, or moral qualities or who will be likely to discharge with more Zeal or fidelity the Duties of so important an...
31To John Adams from John Chew Thomas, 17 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
It is with the most respectfull deference that I take the Liberty of offering to your Consideration Philip Barton Key Esqr. as a person in my Opinion well qualified to fill the Office of District Circuit Judge under the new Judiciary System—In addition to other Oppurtunities of becoming well acquainted with him—I have served two Sessions with him in our State Legislature and entertain an high...
32To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
As I consider the Appointment of a Judge, for the fifth Circuit, of very great Importance to the Public, and to the judiciary Department, I take the Liberty to recommend to your Excellency Philip Barton Key Esqr.—I know no Gentleman, in this State (who will accept) better qualified, in every Respect, to discharge the Duties of the Office; and I am well assured, that only Want of Health, of...
33To John Adams from Theodore Foster, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have long been acquainted with Samuel Bayard Esq. of New Rochelle, in the State of New York, where he has Settled with and has an amiable Family, having married Miss Pintard of that Place, a Relation of the Family of Mr. Boudinot, Director of the Mint.—He has had a Liberal Education. He practiced Law a Number of Years, at the Bar of Pensylvania—Served Six Years as Clerk of the Supreme Court...
34To John Adams from Theodore Foster, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
In the event of the Hon. Benjamin Bourn being appointed a circuit judge in the first circuit, under the act providing for the more convenient organization of the courts of the United-States, we beg leave to recommend to you the Hon. Ray Greene , for the office of judge for the district of Rhode–Island, now held by Mr: Bourn. Mr. Greene has been uniformly and deservedly esteemed in private...
35To John Adams from Elizur Goodrich, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Having inclosed to the Secretary of the Treasury, a petition, addressed to your Excellency soliciting an Appointment to the vacant office of Collector of the Port of New Haven, I hope it will not be deemed improper to express, my motives leading at the present time to a wish for retirement. I have an affectionate family and young Children to support and educate—I have always considered the...
36To John Adams from Elizur Goodrich, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The Office of Collector of the Port of New Haven in the State of Connecticut having become vacant by the Death of David Austin Esquire, I take the Liberty to solicit of your Excellency an appointment to succeed him in the office. A friend has in my absence, transmitted from New Haven the accompanying Certificate, signed by respectable Men. Perhaps it will not be deemed improper to observe,...
37To John Adams from Harrison Gray Otis, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Upon perusing with more attention a letter from Judge Lowell which I had the honor to mention to you, it appears to me to be a duty not only to him but to the Executive, to communicate the letter itself under his hand, as it seems to contain not merely an expression of his wishes in relation to the office of Circuit Judge, but an eventual resignation of his office, which he relies upon me to...
38To John Adams from Willis Alston, 14 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the passage of a law during the present session of Congress for organizing the courts of the united states the appointment of a circuit Judge in the state of North Carolina becomes necessary I therefore take the liberty of recommending to your consideration the character of the Honorable Samuel Johnston, at present a Judge of the Supreme court of said state, for the Honor of...
39To John Adams from Richard Bland Lee, 14 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
When I left Virginia a vacancy in the Collectorship of Alexandria seemed to be expected. Should that event happen I requested some of my friends to nominate me to you as a candidate to supply it. It was also expected that a government for the territory of Columbia would be adopted, which would include in its organization a judiciary System, consisting of one Judge & two associates—I took the...
40Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here about half after Six, without any accident, but beat and bang’d enough I do not wish for the present, a severer punishment to the Jacobins & half feds who have sent me home at this Season, than to travel the Roads in the san culot stile just now; the Roads were hard frozen points up, all the way. we were 4 hours making our first stage, and then commenced a voilent snow storm....
41To John Adams from Timothy Bloodworth, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The Act pass’d this sessions, for the revisal of the Judicial sistem, will require the appointment of a Judge for the State of No Carolina, permit me, with resepectfull submission, to recommend Mr Samuel Johnston, as a Gentleman suitably quallified to fill that Station. his Charrecter is so wel established as a Lawyer, that any observations on that subject, would be superfluouse. I beg leave...
42To John Adams from William Cooper, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
By the provisions of the Act respecting the Judiciary, which has just become a Law—a new District in the Northern part of the State of New-York is created; In which the Offices of Attorney & Marshal are to be filld. by new appointments—relying upon the belief that your Excellency is willing to receive all information relating to the suitableness of persons for any employment which is vacant—we...
43To John Adams from Theodore Foster, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The Act to provide for the more convenient organization of the Courts of the United States, contemplating the appointment of judges of the Courts in the several circuits, we take the liberty of recommending to you Benjamin Bourn Esqr: the present district judge of Rhode Island as a proper character to fill the office of a judge of the circuit Court in the circuit with which that State is...
44To John Adams from Jared Ingersoll, Jr., 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I extremely regret that my business requiring an immediate Return, prevented my having the honor a further Interview with you before I left the City of Washington. permit me to repeat, what I have already mentioned to you verbally, my resignation of the office I now hold, as District Attorney of the United States for the District of Pennsylvania. If the Result of the late Presidential election...
45To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
When I sported the Idea of an Ambassadorship I meant Nothing more than that it must be a most desirable Thing to the People of the United States to have their forign Affairs Again committed to the Charge of the ablest Minister they ever had in Europe; And that too under Circumstances more dignified & singular than any other Nation ever exhibited. As Farmer of Stonyfield You certainly can unite...
46To John Adams from James Wilson, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty of addressing you upon a Subject, which, though of little Importance to you, is yet highly interesting to me. On the 26th of May last you were pleased to give a verbal Order to the Secretary of War, through Major Tousard, to make out for me a Commission of lieutenant in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers. Mr McHenry, then in the Hurry of Business necessarily attendant...
47To John Adams from Chauncey Goodrich, 11 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
In the event of the “Bill for the more convenient Organization of the Courts of the United States,” receiving your signature, it is presumed that Recommendations of Persons suitable for the important Offices of Judges in the Circuit Courts will be acceptable to You. We therefore take the Liberty of respectfully recommending to You, the Honble. Egbert Benson of the State of New York, for the...
48To John Adams from Oliver Whipple, 11 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
This bein y for the Choice of President of the once united States I can not but view it as an eventfull Period: May that guardian Providence (which has hitherto protected this brave and once happy People ) secure to them, in your Person, as chief Majestrate, that Union, Safety and Protection, which is your Wish to cultivate, and Desire to give. I must, respected Sr, whatever is the Event, give...
49To John Adams from James Asheton Bayard, Jr., 11 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The House of Representatives having Set unusually late the last two days I have been prevented waiting upon You according to my intention. I beg You Sir to believe that I appreciate with a becoming Sense the high honor You have proposed to confer upon me. I took the liberty of stating the subject to the Chief Justice who was So obliging as to undertake to request your opinion upon the...
50To John Adams from Harry Innes, 10 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
A desire to promote the happiness of our common country has induced me to address you at this time; this reason I flatter myself will be received as a sufficient appology for the freedom I have taken in writing this letter. It is reported that a change is proposed & will probably take place in the Judicial system of the U. States & that this change will require an additional Judge in this...