2711To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 8 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Since my Letter of the 3d. in answer to your Excellency’s favor of the 1st: Inst. I took the Liberty in a note to suggest, whether it might not be deemed best as the ship Constitution was now ready for sea, Except as to her number of men, to have that compliment made up out of the Boston. I also then ment to convey an Idea that I had been authorised by the Secretary of the Navy, to pospone the...
2712To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 8 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
In your letter of december 15th, referring to General Marshall’s journal, You are pleased to observe, “that my seperate , & secret conferences with Talleyrand, & my advocating a stipulation for a loan, to be paid after the war, will do no good to me or to the public,” & that “Pinckney & Martial will attest to the correctness of this journal, & will be beleived .” My conferences with Mr....
2713To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit the Proceedings of a Court Martial on Joseph Perkins, a private in Capn. Ingersols company; also a letter from Major General Hamilton dated the 3d July inst; with two forms, one a pardon, and the other a warrant of execution. With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, / your most ob. & hble. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
2714To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of two letters of the 24th and one of the 28th of June ulto, and two of the 1 July Inst. Inclosed are lists of names of candidates recommended to fill vacancies in the 9th. 10th. 14th. & 15th. Regiments of Infantry, all which are respectfully submitted. You will perceive that Mr. Benjamin Shaw of Marblehead is first named in the proposed...
2715To John Adams from Robert Leslie, 5 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Mr. King, as well as several other Gentlemen from America, having informed me that several improvements were yet wanting on the present method of Coining the Specie of the United States, I have for some time turned my attention to that object and have examined all the most improved Machines and the method of using them, as practised in this Kingdom; I therefore venture to address myself to...
2716To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a Letter from Genl. Hamilton, recommending Mr. Frederick N. Hudson for the Appointment of Midshipman in the Navy—Capt. Talbot is desirous of having this young Gentleman with him—I have therefore, enclosed his Warrant, which will require your signature, if you think fit that the Appointment should be made. I have the honor to be, sir / with the greatest respect &...
2717To John Adams from William Alexander Humphrey Graham, 5 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
With in six years past I have written to you for your Binifit in an Inteligible style in our English Tongue—how these Letters have been presented to you I am not Abl to say I am Embarrassed with that diffidence not with Impertinent tales or Intermedling. further than our & my Rights & dues demand I have Intimated a part of my Employment in Vermont since last July past.—I have Repeatedly...
2718To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 5 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received this morning a letter from the Secretary of the Northwestern Territory, informing that the reports propagated in the news-papers of Indian depredations in the two western counties of the Territory & in Shelby county in Kentuckey, are utterly destitute of foundation. I inclose a letter which came to hand yesterday under a cover from a Christopher McPherson at Norfolk. A letter...
2719To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have this Day sent on to Capt Talbott, his Instructions, to proceed to Norfolk—where he will join Capt Barry & receive further orders.— Capt Barry sailed yesterday—the Delaware will be out next Tuesday, & the Scammel about the same time. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr most obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
2720To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Capt Little, covering Warrants for Saml Bullen Saml. G. Jerald } to be Midshipmen Jno G Norwood Edward Durant —Gunner James Potts —Boatswain James Howe —Carpenter These Gentlemen are recommended in a Letter just received from the Committee at Boston, & are intended for that Frigate, which I hope is on the eve of Sailing—Their Warrants, if you think...
2721To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 3 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I was Last evening honored with your favor of the 1st. Inst. covering a Letter from the Secretary of the Navy, and a Commission to me of Captain and another to Cotton Thayer of second Lieutenant of Marines, which Last was duly delivered. I am highly gratify’d with your Kind wishes for my Success & Glory and more so by your Expressions of Confidence that I shall do honor to the station I now...
2722To 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...
2723To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 2 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Having information that Capt Little of the Boston will be ready for Sea, by the 10 Inst— I have the honor to enclose for your perusal, his Instructions. It having been determined, not to let it be known any where, until it could be known every where, that two ports in St. Domingo were to be open to our Trade, I have calculated Capt Littles Instructions, so that he is not to know his...
2724To John Adams from James Pitts, 1 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Having (some time since) informd Capt Talbot that it was not in my power to continue in the United States Service any longer as a Midshipman on board the Frigate Constitution, I would take it as a favour if your Excellency would give me leave to return my Warrent or give me my Discharge I would not have troubled you with this but Capt Talbot inform’d me if I wrote the Honble. Secy. of the Navy...
2725To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 1 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
If it should be the Pleasure of the President of the united States, or the Secretary of the Navy, to place Lieut. Knox as the Junior, or an Extra Leiutenant either Temporarily, or Perminently It would be exceptable to to me. MHi : Adams Papers.
2726To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received this morning a letter from the Secretary of the Northwestern Territory, informing that the reports propagated in the news-papers of Indian depredations in the two western counties of the Territory & in Shelby county in Kentuckey, are utterly destitute of foundation. I inclose a letter which came to hand yesterday under a cover from a Christopher McPherson at Norfolk. A letter...
2727To John Adams from Daniel Leonard, 30 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Will you permit me to address you in the stile of our former familiarity? My heart recognises all its former friendship and I flatter myself you sometimes recollect with pleasure our professional intimacy. I had promised myself the honor of again waiting on you before I returned to Bermuda, but was obliged to come to this city with all diligence in order to avail myself of a passage in an...
2728To John Adams from John Cruft, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is the letter as well as an extract of mine, which were forwarded to the secretary of the Navy in Decr. last, by my Brother respecting my appointment, at which time I had not the Knowledge of Lieutenants, ranking equall, which I hope your excellency will excuse, as I have this day forwarded on to the secretary, the oath of allegiance which I have subscribd my name to. I have the /...
2729To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed plan, for connecting the different parts of our military system, in whatever regards the providing and issuing supplies for the army, has been reported to me by Major General Hamilton, and refered to the Secretary of the treasury who has verbally approved thereof. The plan appears to me a good one. It comprises such of the regulations as were found useful and necessary during the...
2730To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 24th.—During the late session of Congress, Mr. Thatcher spoke to me once or twice, proposing Mr. Savage for the agent of the U. States at Jamaica; and left with me a letter from Mr. Savage on the subject. This letter was mislaid; and the business postponed. However, information of the impress of our seamen on that station, and the suffering of the sick,...
2731To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The southern mail has just brought me a letter from Governor Davie, in answer to mine inclosing his commission as one of the Envoys to the French Republic. He desires me “to assure you, that whenever you shall deem it proper that the Envoys should proceed on the business of their appointment, his acceptance of the commission may be expected.” He also desires me “to present to you his thanks...
2732To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 24h. Inst—In consequence of which I now enclose a letter I recd. from Capt Talbot on the subject of his Officers— Not deeming it proper to send on a second Captain to Act on board the Constitution—and not having the power of sending on to Act as first Lt., a fit person older in comn. than Lt. Beale. I saw no way of getting things right in that Ship, but to...
2733To 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...
2734To John Adams from Samuel H. McFetrich, 28 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Permit sir, as a Son, of one who fought, and bled, for the federal revolution , to address You , as one that is a sincere friend , of yours ; and of the federal party. Sir , I find that since you have had the honer, to be the chief magistrate of the people; that you have acted in wisdom, and with impartiality; and you are worthy of filling that chair , as president. My wish, is to you , long...
2735To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 28 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Meeting with a safe hand going to London the other day I did myself the honour of sending to you through Mr. King a pamphlet written lately by Boulay (de la Meurthe) of the 500. It is a very remarkable work—a view of the causes of the English Revolution by Cromwell & of its failure. He forces the lines of events when they run at all together into a parallel—& to my mind absolutely with a view...
2736To John Adams from Daniel Parker, 28 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am now about addressing your Lord-ship on an event the most singular of any in which has occurred since my rememberance, and which requires your Patronage and assistance. I am an only Son of Doct Daniel Parker’s of Norton in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts; was edicated at a Publick school for 3 years, and 2 years lacking 3 months at the University at Cambridge, Last March I...
2737To 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...
2738To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 27 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that on considering, with the Secretary of the Treasury, the mode of communicating your proclamation for renewing the commercial intercourse between the United States and St. Domingo, we have concluded to transmit copies thereof by mail, as follows. To-morrow, Friday, to send off those for the District of Maine, for the States of Georgia, South and North...
2739To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 27 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
In the letter in which I submitted the draught of a proclamation, I had the honor to observe, that the arrangements then expected from Doctor Stevens and General Maitland, might render some changes very proper or necessary. A consideration of those arrangements confirmed that opinion, and suggested the alterations which you will notice in the printed copy inclosed in my official letter which...
2740To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 26 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Barclay is here, and produces an original letter from Lord Grenville, informing him that His Britannic Majesty had appointed him his Consul General for the Eastern States, in the room of Sir John Temple, and that his commission would be sent to him; desiring at the same time that he would repair to New-York. The letter is dated in January; and as the Commission is not yet arrived, there is...
2741To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter from John C. Jones Esquire recommending Capt. Joseph Saunders, for a Lieutenancy in the Navy—and a Letter to Capt. Saunders, enclosing his commission, which will require your signature should you think fit that the Appointment should be made—As Lieutenants will soon be wanting in that country, I should presume from Mr. Jones’ representation, that Capt....
2742Proc. Open. Trade W/ Cert. Pts. Of St. Domingo, 26 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Whereas, by an act of the Congress of the United States, passed the 9th day of February last, entitled “An act further to suspend the commercial intercourse between the United States and France, and the dependencies thereof,” it is provided, that at any time after the passing of this act, it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, if he shall deem it expedient and consistent...
2743To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The within letters vz. two from Major General Hamilton dated the 7th & 22d of May, and two extracts from two letters from Lt. Col. Smith to Gen Hamilton dated the 16th of May & 18th of June inst. will shew that a misconception has taken place relative to Mr. Fowler, whose name was presented to you in my letter of the 9th of May ulto to fill the vacancy of Major in the 12th Regiment, in...
2744To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to annex a list of names of candidates for officers in the army, and to request, if approved, your sanction to inform the gentlemen of their respective appointments. As the record of candidates from Virginia affords but one mate, and there are required four, for the 8th and 9th Regiments, I have been obliged to select gentlemen whose pretensions being for a higher grade it is...
2745To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I once hoped that Talbot might sail by the 15. June, & get to the West Indies by the 1st. of July, & after cruising there a month, until the commencement of the Hurricane season, about the 1st. of August, might at that time proceed towards the Spanish main, & there employ his ships in smaller objects, until it would be safe for him to return again to the West India Station. But it is probable...
2746To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to your Letter of the 19th. instant, which I had the honor to receive this morning, I enclose a Letter & commission for Cotton Thayer, to be a 2nd Lieutt. of Marines, which after receiving your Signature may be forwarded to Capt. Talbot. I have the honor to be, / with the highest esteem & respect / sir, / yr most obed sert MHi : Adams Papers.
2747To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose Sixty blank Warrants for your Signature.— The inferior Officers of the Delaware Pickering Scammel, Frigate United States and vessels to the southward together with the different midshipmen formerly appointed many of whom had not received Warrants, have nearly taken the whole of those formerly received from you.— The resignations and changes among the inferior...
2748To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter for Capt Talbot, enclosing a commission for your signature. Several letters have passed between Talbot & me, on the subject of the dispute between him & Truxtun—I have stated to him explicitly my opinion, that Truxtun must now be considered his Senior Officer—but promised him the whole should be laid before you, & that he should not serve with Truxtun,...
2749To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 24 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I inclose the remarks, which I proposed to make, when I had the honor of paying my last respects to you. The delay has been owing, in a great measure, to sickness in my family, but it cannot be attended with any ill consequences. I shall wait on you soon, with the information for explaining such parts of the curious Journal of General Martial, relating to myself, as you was pleased to...
2750To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The following names appear best supported, for medical appointments to the 13th or Lt. Col. Taylors Regiment. vz. Joseph Trowbridge. Recommended by Lt. Colonel Taylor Timothy Pierce Litchfield. Do. by Genl. Tracy. John Spalding, by a number of respectable characters. Should these Doctors be acceptable, I request your authority to announce to them their appointments: At the same time, as I...
2751To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 24 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
On Saturday the 22d I had the honor to inform you that dispatches had been received the preceeding evening from Dr. Stevens and General Maitland, relative to the opening of trade with St. Domingo; and I now inclose copies of them. They will require some variations or rather additions, in the form of the proclamation, which will be made with the advice of the heads of departments. The idea...
2752To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 24 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been honoured with your very obliging Letter of the 18th. May which arrived here at a time when I was absent on an excursion to Pennsylvania in order to bring my family to this Country, and obviate the necessity of the like in future. The approbation you have been pleased to bestow on the Pamphlet which I took the liberty to enclose to you, could not be received without great...
2753To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Sloop of War, building at Newbury port, will soon be in want of Officers—Timothy Newman of that place, Nephew to, or Cousin of Col Pickering, has been very well recommended to be Master & Commandant of that Vessel. He has long been an applicant, & in the Winter I enquired particularly of Mr Goodhue, his Character—and his account of him, was very favorable. If he meets with your...
2754To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 22 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I was honoured with your letter of the 15th covering the proclamation respecting the St. Domingo trade; and last evening a packet from Doctor Stevens & General Maitland, announcing that the arrangements were to far made as to admit of the opening the ports of Cape Francois & Port au Prince on the first of August. That is, vessels previously sailing from the U. States and Jamaica, may...
2755To John Adams from the Selectmen of Boston, 20 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Selectmen present their dutiful respects to the President of the United States & request the Honor of his Company on a Visit to Rainsford Island Thursday next—The Company proceed from Faneuil Hall at 8 o’Clock in the Morning— MHi : Adams Papers.
2756To John Adams from John Davis, 20 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of yesterday, with the papers referred to therein. I shall without delay make the enquiry, which you direct, and make report to you of the facts, that may be ascertained, pursuant to your instructions. I have the honor / to be with great respect / Sir / Your obedt Servt MHi : Adams Papers.
2757To John Adams from James McHenry, 20 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received this morning a letter from Major General Pinckney dated the 10th Inst. with Cap Taylors report dated the 23 of May Ulto. which I have the honour to inclose, and to request authority to make the exchange of names proposed by the General. With the greatest respect / I have the honour to be / Sir / Your most obt. / & hble St. MHi : Adams Papers.
2758To John Adams from Henry Knox, 19 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I flatter myself with the hope that the subject of this note, will not be deemed by you as unreasonable importunity. My son my only son has been a midshipman in the Navy upwards of a year. Before that period he performed a long voyage to India. He is reputed to be well skilled as a navigator, active as a seaman, in addition to which the experience of three years, appears in the opinion of Capt...
2759To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have not heard of the Arrival of the George Washington, Capt Fletcher, at Newport—but not doubting, that she is now there, and that she must be ready to sail by the time orders arrive; I shall this Day send on Capt Perrys Fletchers Instructions to proceed on a cruise keeping near the Coast, as far as the River St. Marys—And from thence to the Havanna—To wait three or four weeks in the...
2760To 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...