1To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
I sincerely thank you for your kind letter of the 15th— It always affords me the highest satisfaction to hear of you, &, from you—and more particularly when I hear favorable accounts of your health & contentment. I have seen & repelled the Attack of Col Pickering on you, in a point affecting your moral Character. In relation to any intrigue of my Countrymen, the Smiths with you, for the his...
2To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 August 1811 (Adams Papers)
My Son in Law Doctr. Thomas Ewell & my Daughter are making a Visit to Boston, and I have charged them not to leave that Neighbourhood without paying their respects to you & Mrs. Adams— I rejoice to hear as I have lately done, that you continue to enjoy health & I hope happiness—and am with the / most perfect respect & esteem / Dr sir Yr Obed Servt. MHi : Adams-Hull Collection.
3To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 October 1809 (Adams Papers)
Until within a few Days, I had only seen detached parts of your letters, published in the Boston Patriot. I have now a pamplet containing eighteen letters—I presume the first eighteen you sent to the press. I do not know, that more have been published. It was impossible for me to read these letters, & subscribe to their Justice—at least, so far as they respect myself. You have corrected me...
4To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 18 May 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have been for sometime past honored with your letter from Quincy, which afforded great gratification to my feelings, because it convinced me, you thought of me, & was not indifferent to my reputation. My first wish is to Act my part in life, with propriety & honor—my second, that minds like yours, should think I do so Act it. The attack made upon me in the wretched paper of Lyon, which no...
5To 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.
6To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
The bad weather prevented my doing myself the honor of calling this morning, to mention, at the request of some Members of Congress—that the Judiciary bill would be taken up in the House of Representatives tomorrow—& be passed upon. As the bill proposes a reduction of the Judges to five—and as there are already five Judges in commission, it is suggested that there might be more difficulty in...
7To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have done myself the honor, in pursuance of your instructions, to throw together, in the enclosed paper, a few Ideas, which appear to me to be proper, in the Presidents Speech to Congress. Other matters – particularly our relations with the other Powers of Europe besides France – the state of Agriculture; the prosperity of our Commerce; – & the situation of the Revenue, are so much better...
8To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Both the Ganges, and the Warren, have been driven from their station at the Havanna, by the Sickness of their Crews. The Ganges arrived at New Castle a few Days ago, and the Warren I expect is by this time at Norfolk. I am taking measures to send the Delaware to the Havanna, without delay, that our Commerce to that place, at this moment unprotected, may not be long exposed to the depredations...
9To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Law requiring that the sentence of a Court Martial, for the dismission of a comd. officer, shall not be executed until approved of by the President of the United States, I have the honor to enclose for your consideration, the proceedings of a Court on Lt. Marner, of the Frigate Adams. The charges imply a degree of insubordination which cannot be tolerated in the Navy, without producing...
10To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose sailing orders for Capt Little, to be forwarded to him, if they meet with your approbation. Capt Truxtun, informed me by letter, that it was your desire he should be sent as early as possible to Guadeloupe. I have accordingly hastened all in my power his preparations, and I hope he has sailed from New York in the Frigate President, before this Day. I have the honor...
11To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 14 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 3d. & 6h. Inst.—I have in consequence of the first, written to Capt Morris, & to Mr Duer, and have no doubt, the business respecting Mr Duer will be so managed as to admit of this Young Gentlemans release without injury to the Discipline of the Navy. Lt. Elison, who has been most offended by Mr Duer—and who caused him to be arrested, will I expect, on...
12To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 31 ult—and have in consequence directed a remittance to be made to Docr. Putnam of 10000 dollars towards the purchase of ground for a Ship yard & a Dock yard at Charleston. On the subject of the Purchase of the 47 1/2 acres of ground at Charleston, for a Ship yard and a Dock yard, I beg leave to observe that there has been no special appropriation for the...
13To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Some of the officers of the Boston, have resigned, and others I understand, intend resigning. The Ship will probably be delayed for want of Officers, unless you will please to take the trouble to direct Mr Shaw, to fill up the Commissions & Warrants which I have the honor to enclose, or as many of them as may be necessary, with the names of Gentlemen ready for immediate Service, to fill the...
14To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose copies of sundry papers, as a list at foot, Just recd. from Captn. Talbote. Lt. Maley who is mentioned in these papers, has arrived in the Delaware, in the Schooner Experiment, and is now performing quarantine. From his letters to me, the Schooner will require considerable repairs before she can go to sea again, which I shall take measure to have made without...
15To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Congress, after her very long detention at Norfolk, I have reason to hope will be ready to sail on the 15 ins.—to cruise a little while in those latitudes where the French Privateers have lately done most mischief—and then proceed to St. Domingo. The Insurgent too, will be ready to leave Baltimore about the same time, to cruise on the coast, & between the Coast and the Islands—The...
16To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 7 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
All the papers of both the War & Navy Departments are packed up for removal, & will proceed towards Washington, on monday—I mean to set out with my Family early on monday morning, & hope to arrive at Geo. Town, on Saturday the 14th.— I have the honor to be / with great respect / & esteem sir Yr. most / Obed. Serv. MHi : Adams Papers.
17To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 28 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Marshalls letter of acceptance arrived this morning. Mr Lee has written, but lest one letter should not overtake you, & knowing you will be anxious on this subject, I have taken the liberty, to address one note to you, at York Town, another at Fredk. Town. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / and esteem sir yr most / Obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
18To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of your direction of this Days date, for me to take upon myself the charge of the War Office, and to exercise all the Functions of Secretary of the Department of War, from the first Day of June, or from the time Mr. McHenry shall leave the office, until a successor regularly appointed & commissioned, shall appear to relieve me; which I shall attend to with great cheerfulness,...
19To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Influenced by no motive but a desire to promote the popularity of the Presidents Administration, & the Public good, which in the present posture of American affairs, He beleives to be inseperable, The Secretary of the Navy ventures to obtrude some observations on the subject of a successor to Mr McHenry. All the present secretaries are from States on the North side of Patomak—That portion of...
20To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy, has the honor to submit, for the consideration of the President, the following observations. No express provision was made by Congress, for establishing Navy Yards, for building the first six Frigates directed by Law; but as Vessels so large could not be built without first erecting Wharves, or extending Wharves before erected, both these things were done—and in...
21To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 23 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy, in obedience to the order of the President, respectfully submits the following observations on the matters of reference to the heads of Departments. The proposed letter of the Secretary of State, in answer to Mr. Liston’s notes of the 2d and 4th February, demanding the restitution of American vessels captured by British ships, and rescued by their own crews, appears...
22To John Adams from James McHenry, 17 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
We have examined the papers in relation to Mr. Pintard, in the hands of the Secretary of State, including his exculpatory letters to the President, and to the Secretary of State. It appears that Mr. Pintard while acting as Consul, carried on trade with parts of the Dominions of the Emperor of Morocco, at that time in Zebullion, and that he persisted in this trade after our Minister Mr....
23To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose my Ideas on a few of the points proper to be noticed in the Speech to Congress. I have said nothing about the Penna. insurrection, the begining of that business being better understood by Col Pickering, & the conclusion, by Mr McHenry, than by me. I have forborne any observations about spiolations by British Cruisers, & the extraordinary lengths to which the...
24To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 23 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Mr. JTK Cox, covering his Commission as a Lieutenant in the Navy, which may be forwarded to him at Boston, should you approve his appointment. He has acted as a Midshipman, on board the Herald, since July 1798—and has been represented by his Commanders, as a gentleman worthy of promotion. He is intended for the Herald, where his services are at...
25To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Mr Read Senator from South Carolina, containing an application for the appointment of midshipman, for the Son of Mr Izard. Altho there are midshipmen enough from So. Carolina, I presume it will be proper to gratify the wishes of so respectable a man as Mr Izard. I have Just recd information of the Arrival of Capt Bary at Newport, the 12th. Inst. which...
26To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 4 Inst, and cannot but lament that the accomodations to be obtained here, are very far inferior to such as would be suitable for the President of the United States. Indeed I am afraid none could be obtained which would not be extremely inconvenient & disagreeable to both Mrs. Adams & yourself. Yet having no motive unconnected with your honor & that of the...
27To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
A surgeon being wanted for the Ship Herald, I have taken the Liberty to forward a Commission for Doctr. Amos Windship, agreably to your Letter of 16th ultimo. I have the honor to be with the / greatest respect & esteem, sir, / your most obed servant MHi : Adams Papers.
28To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter Just recd. from Capt. Tingey. I have the honor to be / With the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr most Obed Sert. MHi : Adams Papers.
29To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a letter to Capt Tryon, covering Warrants for Loudon Baley, Sailing Master, Joseph Dorr, George Tryon, Owen Tudor & Matthew Talcott, for Midshipmen: which will require your signature should you think fit, that the appointments should be made. These Gentlemen, are wanted for the Connecticut, & have been named to me by Capt. Tryon. I have the honor to be, / with...
30To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
Having no Blank Commissions and Warrants with yr Signature on hand, I do myself the honor to enclose forty of each for your signature— I have the honor to be with / the greatest respect & esteem, / sir, your most obed hbl servant MHi : Adams Papers.
31To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
A Gentleman of Maryland, not long from France, where he was a Prisoner, but after a time was suffered to go at large, mentioned to me last night, that a Colo. Hickbourn had lately arrived at New York from France & had gone on to Boston, where he has connexions—that he was supposed by the Americans in France to be an Instrument of the French Govt.—and that tho’ he was ordered to leave France in...
32To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter just recd. from Capt Fletcher.—Capt Little of the Boston, ought to have arrived at Cape Francois, at the date of this letter. Capt Perry in the Genl Greene will be directed to proceed thither from Rhode Island, and when they are joined by Capt Talbot which will be about the 10h. of Octor.—our force will certainly be sufficient to protect that...
33To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 2 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
The ship Chesapeak, building at Balto. by the Citizens, is yet unprovided with a Commander. The Citizens will not recommend a Captain; but I have understood that Capt. Henry Geddes, who has long been an Applicant for a command in the Navy, and recommended by Doctor Latimer, his brother in law, Mr Bayard & others, would be agreable to them. He appears to be a man of understanding: and has been...
34To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 31 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Ebenezer Bushnell of Lebanon in Connecticut, is recommended, is recommended by Mr. Swift of Windham—and by Mr Wolcott, as a very deserving man, and well qualified to be a purser in the Navy. A purser is wanted for a ship at Baltimore—and another for one building at New London. I have the honor to enclose a letter to him, covering a Warrant, which will require your signature, if you approve of...
35To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Officers are now all at this place, & not badly accomodated. Will you Sir, pardon the liberty I take, not in my official, but private Character, in expressing a wish, that it may not be inconvenient for you to Join them here, before our Ministers depart for France. It may happen, that a knowledge of recent events in Europe, may be acquired Just before the sailing of the Ministers, which...
36To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have sent to the Secy at War, the letter you honored me with, of the 22nd. instant, inclosing the application & recommendation of the Revd. Samuel Sargeant—to be a Chaplain. The application is, to be a Chaplain in the Army. If the Navy would be as agreeable to him, He could, I presume be appointed to the Congress, Capt Sever. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir...
37To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 28 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a letter to Capt Sever, covering Warrants for John Lee, Samuel Folson, John Varnum, Saml. W. Cushing, Thomas Homan, Henry Wadsworth, & Woodward, to be Midshipmen in the Navy:. which will require your signature, should you think fit that the Appointments should be made. They are all wanted for the Congress & have been selected & recommended by Capt. Sever. I...
38To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Capt Talbot arrived at Hampton roads the 15h. Inst—He writes me that he had not two hours fair wind from leaving Boston. He would leave Hampton for Cayenne, in two or three Days. I am moving this Day my office to Trenton—seeing neither courage, wisdom nor duty in remaining longer at Phila-.— which which I believe could not be done without very great, & unnecessary danger. I have the honor to...
39To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 23 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter Just recd. from Capt Little, who writes like a man of Spirit & enterprize—and such I have no doubt, he will turn out to be. The object of Our arrangement with Toussant was to come in for a share with the British, of the Trade of St. Domingo—The British seem intirely excluded—& indeed our own Vessels from British Islands are denied admittance—Ships belonging...
40To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 22 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Mr Constable of New York, one to him from Capt Truxtun—and a copy of my answer to Mr Constable, which I hope will meet your approbation. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir Yr. most / Obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
41To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Joseph Whitmore, covering his Warrant as a Sailing Master in the Navy, which will require your signature, should you think fit that the Appointment should be made. He is well recommended by the letters enclosed—and is wanted for the ship Warren. I have the honor to be, with the / greatest respect & esteem, sir, / your most obedt. servt. MHi : Adams...
42To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Capt Barry & Capt Murray, both sailed from Hampton roads on the 13th. Inst—the former on a short cruise on the coast—the latter on the cruise mentioned in my letter of the 14. Inst. Capt Talbott had not then arrived at Norfolk, tho’ he had been out 16 only Days—but this is not surprizing, considering the Winds which have prevailed. I sent a fast sailing Pilot boat from hence on the 2nd. of...
43To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 17 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
When I did myself the honor to suggest for your consideration, the employment of the Frigate United States, to carry the Ministers to France, it was under an Idea, that the Vessel would just land the ministers & return; at least that she would not be detained more than a fortnight or three Weeks, to bring back an account of their reception at Paris, & any communications they might be able to...
44To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to your Letter of 12th instant, I have the honor to enclose a Warrant for Mr. George Barrell, which requires your signature.—He is ordered to join the Congress Capt. Sever— I have the honor to be, / with the greatest respect, & / Esteem, sir, your most obed hbl servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
45To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 14 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 8t.—Capt Truxton resigned on the ground that he was injured in rank by the confirmation of Talbot in his original Rank. I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of my letter to him communicating the decision & his answer. He still keeps the command of the Constellation, Barson not having arrived from Norfolk, tho’ hourly expected. Barson will well supply...
46To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 9 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Mr. Lemuel Little, covering his Warrant, as a Sailing Master, which will require your Signature, should you think fit, that the appointment should be made— This Gentleman is intended for the Frigate Congress, Capt Sever, by whom he is strongly recommended—He is brother to Capt. George Little, of the Boston. I have the honor to be, with / the...
47To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 9 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor, to enclose a Letter to Mr Moses M Bates, covering his Warrant as a Midshipman in the Navy, which will require your signature, should you approve the appointment. He has been well recommended by Mr. Lyman—He is intended for the Frigate Congress, Capt. Sever. I have the honor to be, / with the greatest respect & esteem, / sir, / Your most obed. servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
48To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Mr Forster of Providence, recommending Jonathan P. Heathcock—and Wm: H Williams—to be Midshipmen. I enclose also warrants in letters for these Young Gentl. which will require Your signature, if they meet your approbation. They are from a part of the Country, which has furnished but few Midshipmen. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / &...
49To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter from Doct. Mason F. Coggswell, recommending Doctor Edward Field for the appointment of a Surgeon’s Mate—Also a Letter to Doctor Edwd. Field, covering his Commission, which will require your signature, should you think fit that the appointment should be made—There have been very few appointments from the state of Connecticut, comparatively—This young...
50To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
You will have heard, before the rect. of this, of the return of the Genl. Greene—Capt. Perry, to Rhode Island. This unfortunate circumstance arises from the necessity the Captain was under, of going into Port at the Havanna, to repair, damages he had sustained in a gale of Wind—& in port his Crew caught the Yellow Fever, by which he has lost upwards of 20 men, & had on his Arrival 37 Sick....