3181To John Adams from Stephen Moore, 1 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a time when the unjust & rapacious depredations of the French Republic, are continued to be practiced upon us, in violation of solemn Treaty, and the Law of Nations; and when the Rights & Honour of the American United States have been contemptuously insulted, through our Messengers of Peace, We should fail in the duty we owe to ourselves & our Country, and do violence to our feelings as...
3182To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 1 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The paper No. 1. will exhibit a view of the Ships already in Service, & those which are building in different parts of the United States, and their Commanders. Of the Ships building, to which Commanders have not been appointed, those of Newburyport, Middleton & Norfolk, are in the greatest forwardness—and are in a situation to require the attention of their Captains. But as Capt Tingey is...
3183To 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...
3184To John Adams from Anonymous, August 1798 (Adams Papers)
It will not be denied that permitting as we did by treaty, one of the belligerent powers to alter at pleasure the destination of our Vessels not loaded with contraband Articles, nor destined for ports either blockaded or besieged, was a departure from the duties that neutrality imposes. In like manner perhaps might be considered the loaning of money to either of the powers engaged in War....
3185To John Adams from William J. Williams, August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Encouraged by the gracious and polite reception, I met with, when I first had the honour of seeing your Excellency; and the obliging condescensions you so readily conferred on me, when I had the honor to draw your Picture, about three years ago, I take the liberty to trouble your Excellency with this address. On reading the proceedings of Congress, I find your Excellency had offered to the...
3186To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 31 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of the 25th with the 12 permits. I am exremely sorry for the sickness of Mrs. Adams, and hope your anxiety for her will soon be relieved by her restoration to health. Excepting a slight indisposition of one of our children my family is in perfect health. A day or two before I left Philadelphia Mr. Brisler called on me, and mentioned some public papers in...
3187To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge your letter of the 18th instant. The communication respecting the cession of Castle Island was, I believe, made by the governor of Massachusetts to the Secretary of State. You referrd it to me, and I returned it previous to my visit to New York, with an opinion, that it would be proper to accept of the cession, but that it would be right the convicts should be...
3188To John Adams from John Murray, 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Having been so often blest by the soothing, chearing evidences of true greatness, in your company, I am emboldened to present myself before the first man in the Nation, with as little terror, as I would before the Being that made him so— First, then, Permit me, Sir, to congratulate you on the prospect of the recovery of your excellent Lady. I was this day made very happy by being informed she...
3189To John Adams from John Steele, 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
It is with pride and pleasure I comply with the request of some old friends, and acquaintances in presenting you the enclosed address. Sentiments so just expressed in style so dignified, and manly will not I hope (even at this late day) be unacceptable to One whose firmness, and foresight have more than once rescued his country from impending ruin. I have the honor to be / Sir, / With the most...
3190To 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...
3191To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 28 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
When I reflect how often I have lately taken the freedom to address You especially relative to my private concerns, it is with much regret that I so soon again trouble You respecting them. A Circumstance, unexpected by me, occasions my present intrusion— Mr Lear has been appointed Secretary to General Washington—and has accepted the Office— This has caused a dissolution of our Copartnership,...
3192To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 28 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letters of the 16th 17th and 18th The original of Mr. Barnes’s letter of which you inclosed a copy came duly to my hands, just as the offices were preparing to be removed from Philadelphia. The idea which then occurred to me was, that the person referred to and all similar characters were objects of the alien law, and ought to be sent out of the country:...
3193To John Adams from John Stoughton, 28 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Agreeable to your request on the 13th Instant: I did myself the pleasure of addressing the Honble: Timothy Pickering Esqr. Secretary of State to the following Effect as Per Copy annexed, to which at present have received no answer much to the disappointment of the poor Captain and injury of the Cargo he h as on board— Should your Excellency have received any reply, thereto shall think myself...
3194To John Adams from Henry Knox, 27 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of the resolves respecting rank passed the 24 November 1778 which are the basis of all the rules which are in operation. I have written to the Secretary of War this day upon the subject of officers, and enclosed him the list of the field officers for three regiments of the augmented army which might be raised in this State. I am under the necessity of...
3195To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your two letters of the 18. Instant: and am happy, that your wishes on the subject of a convoy for the Vessels at the Havanna, had been anticipated. The enclosed copy of a letter from the Captain of a British sloop of war, to the British Consul at Charleston, affords no very honorable testimony of the courage of Capt Cochran, Commander of the Revenue Cutter. I am glad he was...
3196To 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...
3197To John Adams from Lucien Hauteval, 26 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
J’ai été trop favorablement accueilli dans les Etats unis pour l’oublier jamais. j’ai cherché à donner aux Américains un témoignage assuré de ma gratitude en employant mes foibles moyens pour rapprocher le Directoire Executif de france du Gouvernement fédéral. A ces éfforts aux quels vous applaudirez, je l’éspere, je viens d’en joindre un nouveau, en rompant publiquement le silence, pour...
3198To John Adams from M. Anderson, 25 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
In the present eventful crisis of Publick affairs, we beg leave to approach you with affection and confidence: With affection, because we live under a Government of our choice,—With confidence, because we believe its Constituted Authorities have done all that could be done, consistent with National Honor and Independance, to preserve peace. Believing with you, that “A free Republick is the...
3199To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Not having the Honor to hear from you on the Subject of my Letter of the 30th Ultimo, I have presumed that you did not disapprove of the Arrangement therein proposed of our Vessels, and having good Information that about 80 American Vessels with Cargoes to the amount of two Millions of Dollars were blocked up at the Havana by a few French Privateers, and had little chance of escaping without...
3200To John Adams from Francis Dana, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to you, on the request of the Grand Jury attending the Supr: Judl: Court, now sitting in this place, their address to you, signed by all the Members of it, one only excepted. It is wished that your answer & the Address might be sent under cover to me thrõ the Post-Office, if a private conveyance shou’d not offer, and that I shou’d to take care to procure...
3201To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have recommended to the Secretary at War, Mr Philip Church, my nephew, for the appointment of a Captan of Infantry—This young Gentleman is personally known to you; but your knowlege of him is too slight to render it useless to speak of his qualifications. To the advantages of a good education, he adds a very discreet judicious mind and an excellent heart—duly animated by that laudable pride...
3202To John Adams from Henry Knox, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment received the within paper containing the extraordinary correspondence between the Minister of foreign relations of the french Republic and Mr. Gerry. It seems important that you should see it early in order to take measures to counteract the effects I am most respectfully / Your MHi : Adams Papers.
3203To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your obliging favor of the 13th Instt I have had the honor to receive— By our public prints you will have observed that our Legislature had convened agreeably to the proclamation of the Governor— The first subject of consequence that has occupied their attention was the choice of a Senator, which became necessary from Mr. Norths refusal to continue longer in that capacity— Mr: Watson was...
3204To John Adams from George Reid, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to forward you the unanimous Address of the Society of the Cincinnati of this State as passed at an extra Meeting expressly called for that purpose on the 22d: Instant— By order of the President When the misguided Policy of the Country whence we derive our Origin, had compelled America to make an awful appeal to Arms, the individuals who now composed the Society of the...
3205To John Adams from Anne-Louis de Tousard, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I hope you will excuse my intruding upon your time, and sending to you my friend Mr Hamilton’s letter, which I intended to have the honor of delivering to your Excellency myself. But the Mission I am ordered on, will detain me a few weeks at Newport, before I go to Castle Island in the harbour of Boston, and will apologize for my troubling you with this letter. When I was laying down the plans...
3206From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 24 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I have recommended to the Secretary at War, Mr Philip Church, my nephew, for the appointment of a Captain of Infantry. This young Gentleman is personally known to you; but your knowlege of him is too slight to render it useless to speak of his qualifications. To the advantages of a good education he adds a very discreet judicious mind and an excellent heart—duly animated by that laudable pride...
3207To John Adams from American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 23 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, founded when their Country was struggling for Freedom and Independence, which your exertions have so greatly tended to establish, ask leave to offer you their congratulations, on your Election to the Office of First Magistrate, in a nation where the Rights of Men are respected, and truly supported. They are led to pay yo this Tribute to your Virtue,...
3208To John Adams from Nehemiah Fales, 23 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Grand Jury for the County of Norfolk cannot depart from the exercise of the duties assigned them by the laws of the land, without reflecting on the inestimable value of those laws and on the distinction as well as security, of the freedom which they confer exclusively upon us and the country of our ancestors. Reflections of this sort have been feelingly and deeply impressed upon us by the...
3209To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 23 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Last evening I was honoured with your letter of the 16th covering your answer to the address from Burlington in Vermont, and forward the same by this day’s mail. Copies of the address and answer I send to Mr. Fenno to be printed. Herewith I transmit a letter from Matthias Barton Esqr. of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, inclosing an address from himself and subalterns, the officers of a company of...
3210To John Adams from John Rutledge, 23 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I some days ago had the honor of receiving the letter you did me that of writing to me on the thirteenth instant, & am persuaded my fellow Citizens of Charleston will be highly gratified by the promt attention with which you have favored their recommendation of Captain Cross. My brother Mr States Rutledge, an honorable & a well educated young man, seventeen years of age, desires to obtain an...
3211To John Adams from Pseudonym: "Verax", 22 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
From a divided & yet Unfortunate City (Ci devant a Jacobin One ,) An Individual unknown to you, but who has from your First Speech from The Chair, Unequall’d , in Firmness , Decision , Precision , & Perspicuity , by any One ever deliverd There; & which in place of waiting the opinion of others, most nobly, yes at that period, I will say, daringly , & Boldly Gave Your own, wt: an Energy if...
3212To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a patriotic address from the Brigadier general, and field officers of the third Brigade of Maryland Militia with a letter which accompanied the same from Brigadier General J. Swann, to the Secretary of War. The characters of most of the Gentlemen who have signed this address are known to me to be valuable and influential. I am, Sir, with the / Sincerest attachment...
3213To John Adams from George Tennery, 22 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
We the officers of the Lite Infantry Company of the 2d Battallion of the 2d Ridgment of Bernads Town militia feel it incumbent on us in common with those of our Cuntry that have addressd you at this Time to Communicate to you our sentiments with regard to our Country. All though we Differ from maney of our Cityzens in this part we hope you will not be displeasd when we declare our aprobation...
3214To 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...
3215From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 22 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
Col Toussard, who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, is desirous of being appointed Inspector of Artillery. He has reason to hope that his wish is favoured by the Secretary at War—and seems to think that the intimation of my opinion may be useful to him. On the supposition that it accords with the views of the head of the War Department, I have no hesitation to add my...
3216To John Adams from John Jay, 21 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to You, herewith enclosed, an address from the Senate and assembly of this State, which passed and was agreed to by both Houses unanimously — It gives me pleasure to reflect that from this and the numerous other Expressions of the public Sentiment, relative to the reprehensible Conduct of France towards this country, you may rely on the decided Co-operation of...
3217To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I inclose a letter which I received last evening under cover from Mr. Pedro Josef Caro, accompanied by a letter from Mr. King intended as an introduction to Mr. Caro; but the latter having missed a passage to the U. States in the British Cutter which sailed from Falmouth for New-York on the 20th of April, & circumstances requiring his arrival in So. America with as little delay as possible, he...
3218From John Jay to John Adams, 21 August 1798, enclosing Address of the New York State Legislature to John Adams, 17–20 … (Jay Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to You, herewith enclosed, an address from the Senate and assembly of this State which passed and was agreed to by both Houses unanimously— It gives me pleasure to reflect that from this and the numerous other Expressions of the public Sentiment, relative to the reprehensible conduct of France towards this Country, you may rely on the decided co-operation of...
3219To John Adams from David Few, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your excellency I suppose has perused the proceedings of the Court Martial by which I was tried. I think it indispensibly necessary, in Justice to myself to protest against the proceedings of that court, and appeal to your excellency for that Justice which was denied me when I was arraigned before the tribunal for a trial. It must be obvious to every impartial and discerning eye from the...
3220To John Adams from Jonathan Jackson, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received by last post from the Secretary of the Treasury letters addressed to the nine Commissioners who were appointed to execute within this State the “Act to provide for the valuation of lands dwelling houses &c”— The Secretary desiring me “to take effectual measures for having the letters safely delivered”—I waited upon Colo. Dawes, to deliver him his, who informed me that he had sent in...
3221To John Adams from James McHenry, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your letter of the 14th on the 21st instant. After what has passed with, and the conceptions of General Washington, respecting the relative grades of Generals Hamilton, Pinckney & Knox; the order observed by the President in presenting their names to the Senate, and by the Senate, in advising to the appointments, I cannot help apprehending some disagreeable...
3222To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
My very worthy Secretary Mr. Bartolemew Dandridge is so animated with the energy which our country displays, & so devoted to the fair and honourable cause of the government over which You Sir preside as to request me to apply to You for a commission in the army. As he has the honour to be known to you Sir I need only to add that ever since he has lived with me he has daily risen in my esteem....
3223To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a pamphlet containing copies of letters written from Paris to Dr. Priestly; & to be with great respect, / your most obt. servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
3224To John Adams from Va. Freeholders of Prince Edward County, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a meeting of the freeholders of Prince Edward county, in the state of Virginia, convened on Monday the twentieth of August 1798, for the purpose of considering the present state of American affairs, in consequence of five weeks previous notice: Resolved, by a large majority; that the following address be immediately transmitted to “The President of the United States.” Sir, If amidst the...
3225To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
This week the public offices have been removed to this place, on account of the malignant fever which has again visited Philadelphia. Last Evening I was honoured with your letters of the 10th & 11th. and to-day I shall forward by the mail, Worrall’s pardon, and the Commission for Mr. Sitgreaves. Your answers to the addresses from Hamilton county and Cincinnati, in the Northwestern Territory I...
3226To John Adams from Increase Sumner, 18 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have just recd. the inclosed papers from Mr Justice Hill a respectable Magistrate in the County of Lincoln, & I do myself the honor to transmit them to Your Excellency, by Capt. Roger, the Bearer, that you might be able to make further inquiry into the business, if it should be thought necessary. The infernal plot mentioned in the papers appeared to me, at first, so impracticable and absurd...
3227To John Adams from James McHenry, 17 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have just received the enclosed letter and address. General Badgley of Hampton, lives near Baltimore, is one of the wealthiest men in the state of Maryland, and at the same time, influential and respectable. With the sincerest attachment / and respect, I am Sir / your faithful & / obt. st. Perhaps you may remember my putting an address into your hands the day before you left Philada to which...
3228To John Adams from Sebastián Francisco de Miranda, 17 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Permettez moi de Vous adresser, par triplicata , une Copie de ma Dépeche du 24 mars 1798, que Mr. Caro, mon compatriote a eu l’honneur d’envoyer à Votre Excellence de falmouth le 10 may suivant.—L’objet etant de la plus haute Importance, et les Accidens de la guerre ayant pu contrarier l’arrivée des deux premiéres, il m’a paru prudent de Vous l’adresser de nouveau. Depuis le Départ de ma...
3229To John Adams from William Murray, 14 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
We have seen with the anxiety which is inseperable from the love of our Country the situation in which the United States are placed by the agressions committed by the French nation on our Commerce our rights and our National Sovereignty.— Whilst the prospect of peace was in practicable view we looked anxiously toward that event; but we expected peace upon equitable and honourable terms.—We...
3230To John Adams from John Lathrop, 14 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Several members of the Academy were so pleased with the oration upon citizen Socrates, delivered by Professor Luzac, that they wished to see it translated, & printed in our own Country.—The Revd Mr Bentley of Salem was requested to make a translation; but after it was done, some members of the Academy expressed doubts with respect to printing, and nothing farther has been done. Mr Bentley now...