1From John Adams to Charles Lee, 29 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
Esteeming very highly the opinion & character of your friend General Marshall, I thank you for inclosing his letter of the 3d of March in yours of the 14th which I have received. The nomination of Murray has had one good effect at least It has shown to every observing & thinking man, the real strength or weakness of the constitution, & where one part of that weakness resides It has also...
2From John Adams to Charles Lee, 20 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
I request you take into your immediate consideration, the inclosed original Letter signed and to consult with the Attorney of the District, and such other Learned Counsel, as you shall judge proper in confidence and report to me your opinion with theirs upon these questions 1st Whether the Letter is in any and in what parts criminal— 2d. If criminal at all, under what Species of Crime it is to...
3From John Adams to Charles Lee, 16 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I transmit you a copy of a resolution of the Senate of the United States, passed in Congress, on the fourteenth of this month, by which I am requested to instruct the proper law officers, to commence & carry on a prosecution against William Duane, Editor of the newspaper, called the Aurora for certain false, defamatory, scandalous & malicious publications, in the said newspaper of the...
4From John Adams to Charles Lee, 28 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I request the favor of your sentiments, concerning the communications, which ought to be made to the legislature at the opening of their approaching session. Your observations on the rebellion in Pennsylvania & the means employed for its suppression, the negotiation with St Domingo, the interuption of the board of commissioners, the mission to France & on all other subjects, relative to the...
5From John Adams to Charles Lee, 15 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
It is my design to remain here, and at New york, till the day of the Meeting of Congress, or at least within a few days of it.— You will oblige me by giving me your Opinion whether the Epidemical Distemper in Philadelphia, is so dangerous to the Lives or health of the Members as to render a Proclamation necessary to convene Congress at some other place; and by committing to Writing and...
6From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Questions 1. Among the three Criminals under sentence of death is there any discrimination in the essential Circumstances of their Cases which would would justify a determination to pardon or reprieve one or two and execute the other? 2. Is the Execution of one or more, so indispensably demanded by public Justice and by the Security of the public Peace, that Mercy cannot be extended to all...
7From John Adams to Charles Lee, 21 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received Yesterday the opinion of yourself the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of the Navy on the Case of the Prisoners under Sentence of death for Treason, formed, as I doubt not under the full Exercise of Integrity and humanity. Nevertheless as I differ in opinion, I must take on myself alone the responsibility of one more appeal to the humane and generous natures of the...
8From John Adams to Charles Lee, 10 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The session of congress approaches faster than I can prepare for it in the afflicted State of my family & tottering state of my frame. I request you to consider, whether congress can meet in Philadelphia with safety to their persons, & also to write me your sentiments of the particulars, which ought to be inserted in the speech. I shall be obliged by the long continued sickness of Mrs Adams &...
9From John Adams to Charles Lee, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 10th. I am told that Mr Lewis is of opinion that Fries Crime amounts not to Treason. Can you give me a minute of his reasons? I am MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
10From John Adams to Charles Lee, 29 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received last evening your favor of the 19th & thank you for communicating to Mr John Read the determination to Appoint him agent for the United States respecting British claims under the treaty of 1794 I have received solicitations and recommendations for several other persons; but see no reason to alter the opinion we formed before I left you. I have accordingly written to the Secretary of...