16051To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 8 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter from Huberd Rees of Claremont County, So. Carolina, I received to-day, and with great pleasure forward it, with the address from the people of that county to You and both Houses of Congress expressing such just sentiments of the “perfidious” French Republic, and of duty towards their own country. I have the honor to be / most respectfully / sir, your obt. servant MHi :...
16052To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 8 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recollect your once expressing to me your uneasiness that nothing had then been effected towards raising the additional corps of Artillery. Since that time Congress have authorized the raising forthwith twelve additional regiments of Infantry and six troops of horse. Little seems to be done in this business; which excites real uneasiness in the minds of those who know the fact and consider...
16053To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 8 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
To have the best government in the world, and that government administered in the best manner, is the distinguished lot of our happy nation. Ever since the adoption of the constitution we have felt its benign effects; but in an increased, and increasing degree of late; since all have now learned the important lesson, to respect themselves, and despise foreign influence. This we owe, in a high...
16054To John Adams from Thomas Dawes, 9 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have been informed in a respectful tho’ not official manner that the President of the United States had appointed me one of the Commissioners for Assessing the Direct Tax. Could any thing induce me to accept the appointment it would be the consideration of its coming from the most elevated citizen of my country and from a character whom I hope to be indulged in saying I have venerated for...
16055From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Instructions to the Commanders of Armed Vessels belonging to the United States:—given at Philadelphia, the tenth day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and ninety eight, and in the Twenty third Year of our Independence In pursuance of the Acts of Congress passed the twenty eighth day of May, the twenty eighth day of June, and the ninth day of July. You are hereby,...
16056From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your favor of the 2d. I have considered the petition of Warrall and return you his pardon signed.—The copies of the Instructions and dispatches I have received. I will thank you to send me a Copy or two of the Laws of the last Session compleat.— I have the Honor to be Sir / yr mo Obt. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16057From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your letter of the third of this month.—The Commissions inclosed I return signed, and approve of the List of officers.—The Heat of the weather from the day I left Philadelphia, has been excessive, and continues so to this moment.— I am Sir / yr. mo. obt & hume. Servt, MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16058To John Adams from Stephen Jones, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Machias, in the district of Maine, tho’ residing in a remote corner of the United States, have not been inattentive and indifferent spectators to the dangerous encroachments of a foreign nation, and the impending evils which threaten our Country.—We have waited with anxious concern for the result of the extraordinary mission to the French...
16059To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 10 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed recd. Augt. 10. 1798. and forwarded by the President’s most obt. servant MHi : Adams Papers.
16060From John Adams to William Henry Harrison, 11 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received and read with much pleasure your unanimous address of the 29th of june. I agree with you, that in the ordinary Course of Affairs interpositions of popular Meetings to overawe those to whom the management of Public affairs are confided will seldom be warranted by discretion, or found compatable with the good order of Society. but at a Period like this there is no Method more...
16061From John Adams to Oliver Spencer, 11 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your Address of the 4th of July which has been forwarded to me by Colonel Spencer, signed by your officers as you requested. That auspicious day on which the United States took a rank among the Nations, which they have maintained with Dignity and Honor for two and twenty years, was well chosen to take into consideration the Horrid depredations committed on the Property of your...
16062From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 11 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is the Commission to Mr Sitgreaves no communication was ever made by me or by my desire to that Gentleman of my thoughts of appointing him. but all things considered it appears to me we cannot do better. Mr Potts and Mr Parsons are very capable: but the first is not so active and resolute the last has other objections to him, the s t rongest of which is his Position in the Union— I am...
16063From John Adams to Oliver Spencer, 11 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is an answer to the address of Hamilton County in the Northwestern Territory. I return the address likewise, to you, that if you think proper you may publish it— the Spark in kindling in the transaleganean region ought to be kept alive. I am Sir your most /obedient servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16064To John Adams from David Leonard Barnes, 11 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The original, of which the inclosed is a copy, was sent by mail to the Secretary of State last Tuesday—but hearing of your being at Quincy, I take the liberty to trouble you with this directly, in order that you may have the earliest information, of the arrival and object of Victor Hughes’, partner and Agent— To the inclosed I would add, that being at Newport this week, I found that the same...
16065To John Adams from Abigail Fellows Cunningham, 11 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to congratulate you on your safe Return to your peaceful Retreat. may nothing disturb you. I think, it is almost, an unpardonable sin, for any one to trouble you, with unnecessary addresses, or impertinance when you are overwhelmed, with the Ardous cares and perplexities, of saving, States and Nations and Empires, which is enough to Set any King becide him self, if he had not God,...
16066To John Adams from Stephen Higginson, 12 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer hereof, William Gray Esqr an eminent merchant of Salem, desirous of making some representation respecting the Commerce of our Country, has requested of me an introduction to you— Mr. Grays character you are probably in some good measure, at least acquainted with, it is certainly very respectable in the mercantile line.— With great respect I have the honor to be / Sir your most hum...
16067To John Adams from James Jackson, 12 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Since my address to you of the 8th instant, a duplicate of which this accompanies, I have received information from the Collector of the Customs for the Port of Savannah, of a very disagreeable occurrence, which took place there, in the night of the 4th instant. The destruction of a Spanish Schooner by some persons unknown— As I have not heard of any existing hostility between the United...
16068From John Adams to Maxwell Armstrong, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the Honour to inclose to you my answer to your excellent address signed by you on the 23d of july and voted by the People on the 16th—My journey to this place is the cause of the delay of the answer. I wish you all health and real not French Brotherly Love. With great regard I have the Honour to be Gentlemen your / obliged and obedient servt. Maxwell Armstrong George Towers and...
16069From John Adams to Maxwell Armstrong, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received with great Pleasure your Address of the 16th of July, from your Committee. The Attachment, you express, to our Government, calculated to ensure Liberty and Happiness to its Citizens, is commendable. Your declaration, in plain and undisguised Language, that the measures which have been taken to promote a good Understanding, Peace and Harmony between this Country and France, are...
16070From John Adams to Samuel B. Malcom, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have receivd your favor of the 6th—Heat scarcely tollerable attended us all the Way to this place. Mrs. A. was ill all the journey and has been confined to her bed from the time she first lay down in it—she is now I hope better and in a fair way of recovery That there is a miserable Knot in most of our great Cities who would receive a french Enemy and be punished for it as severely as Virtue...
16071To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a duplicate of the talk to the Cherokees, and to request, if approved of, it may be returned with your signature as soon as convenient. I shall leave this with my family to-morrow for Trenton, to which place you will be pleased to direct your letters for this department. with the greatest respect and attachment, I have the honour to be Sir—Your very hble St— MHi :...
16072To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received, on the afternoon of the 10th last, from Mr. Elisha Hall secretary to the commissioners for holding a treaty with the Cherokee nation, the following enumerated dispatches viz, 1st a letter dated Tellico 14th July 1798 signed A Moore, George Walton, and John Steele. 2nd a letter dated 16th July 1798 signed George Walton. 3rd the Journal of the proceedings of the commissioners...
16073To John Adams from Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do not upon this occasion experience the truth of a received opinion–that we make second, or third steps, in any given path, with more facility than the first—for, while presuming once more to address you, I am conscious of a greater degree of inferiority than while penning, nearly two years since, my petitioning letter to you. Is it that I am dazzled by the new effulgence which your high...
16074To John Adams from David Olyphant, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I presume to Address your Excellency, & request the favor of your Attention to John A. Hazard, who offers himself a Candidate as Purser to the Ship now building at Warren, to be Commanded by Capt. Perry.— He is a young Gentleman of irreproachable Character, of good Abilities, & has received a regular Education for the Profession of the Law, & lately entered as an Attorney in the Courts: his...
16075To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
A few days ago I received an Address from the Grand Jury for this County of Hamilton, which, as it contained very proper Sentiments respecting the present national Crisis, I promised them should be transmitted to You, and I now take the liberty to enclose the public Paper in which it is inserted: I cannot doubt, Sir, but they will be pleasing to You, and I beg leave to assure you that no pains...
16076To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The motives which prompt me to this intrusion, will I hope apologise for it.— Regard to the welfare of an honest Man, & in his station a faithful officer, (who has served under my observation for six Years past, & suffered much in Constitution) induces me to take the Liberty, of, presenting the Bearer Mr. Saml Henly to your consideration, who goes on furlough to his native air of Boston, for...
16077To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I was unfortunate in not having the honour of paying my respects to you, on my return from Connecticut—I arrived at New York by water, the day after you left the City—Mrs. Wolcott has gained strength, but as she is not free from dubious symptoms, I feel extreme concern respecting her situation. Since my return I have been engaged in a scene of various and pressing business— that part which...
16078From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received only this morning your Letter of the 4th. of this month. Its Contents are of much importance. I desire that you would inform General Washington, that I consider him in the Public Service from the Date of his Appointment and intitled to all the Emoluments of it. He is at Liberty to receive all or any part, at his Discretion: and is fully Authorised to appoint his Aids and...
16079From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return the papers relative to Scotchlar, with his pardon, and am your Mo. Obt / Servt. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16080To 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...
16081To 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...
16082To John Adams from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 14 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the death of Colo. Innes it is probable that a variety of characters will receive recommendations to you to obtain an appointment so respectable & important as that which is now vacant by his decease. I have seen the name of Colo. William Davies mentioned with particular respect as being every way qualified to fill that office with advantage to his country; &, indeed, as...
16083From John Adams to Ma., Citizens of Danvers, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Since my Return to this place, I have received your obliging address, expressing your Sensibility of the great Advantages you derive from a Government, established by the People, upon the true Principles of equal Liberty, and your entire Satisfaction in the Administration of it, for which I thank you.—We had indeed, just reason to expect that no foreign Power would interfere in our National...
16084From John Adams to Virginia Militia, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Since my arrival in this Place, I have received your address of the fourth of July 1798.—Your offers of service, I receive with Pleasure and have referred to the Secretary of War to be answerd and accepted according to those Rules prescribed by Law and generally adopted by Government.— The Motives of such base Americans as yet seem to be in disgust with their Country, and patronise the...
16085From John Adams to Dr. Samuel Hollen, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 17th of July never reached me till since my return home. inclosd is an answer to the Address, which is very kind and handsome, and the more agreable as the Representative of the Town, seems by your account to entertain different sentiments. We cannot all think alike in this World. I rejoice to find you in so good health and spirits.—I am Dear Sir.— / Your old Friend Dr....
16086From John Adams to James McHenry, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is an address from Virginia, The Whites & Greens of Warrenton, with my answer which I pray you to transmit, with such an answer from yourself in your official capacity, as you give to others in similar circumstances. I am &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16087From John Adams to James McHenry, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I transmit you, an address from a Corps of Horse in Warren, North Carolina,—I have some difficulty about accepting for a Company so small a Number as forty and also about lending the Arms, I pray you to detirmine These Points in this Case as you have done and mean to do in others and transmit them an answer.—I am, Sir, / Your Most obedient MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16088From John Adams to James McHenry, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return the Address of the county of Renselar with an answer which I pray you to forward. Perhaps they mean to offer themselves as a volunteer corps. If you understand them in that sense, you will please to give them the proper official answer. Your huml Servt MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16089From John Adams to Nicholas Staats, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your address although it must be acknowledged that too much Evidence appears in private and in public, that an undue attachment to the Republic of France, and her Measures, possesses the hearts of some of our misguided Fellow Citizens, yet I cannot beleive it has grown to an opposition inconsistant with the general safety. It may have prevented the best measures from being...
16090From John Adams to Vt., Citizens of Burlington, 16 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
My Journey to this Place has delayed till this time, an Answer, to your obliging Address of the fourth of July: Your Zeal in support of those Rights to which that memorable Day gave Birth is as natural and commendable as your resolution to hold yourselves in readiness to support and defend them is commendable. The Constitution and Government, of your own Choice has indeed, caused the...
16091From John Adams to Martin Chittenden, 16 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is an answer to the address from the Military and other Citizens of Burlington, forwarded to me by the Secretary of State, since my arrival at this place.— I am / Gentlemen— / yr. obt. huml. Servt.— MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16092From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 16 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed I return you the address from the Military and other Citizens of Burlington, with my answer a copy of which I have sent to Martin Chittenden and Ebenr Torney Englesby Their Committee. I am / Sir Your Obt. Servt MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16093From John Adams to William Cunningham, 17 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received your friendly letter of the 30 July a few days ago. The People of America in general have been attached to the French, much more warmly than they deserved. They have been deceived. And when Mankind once open their Eyes upon an Error they have been in, they commonly are astonished that they did not see it, sooner. I am glad to hear of the Company of Lunnenburg Musketeers.—Please to...
16094From John Adams to Oliver Spencer, 17 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your address has been forwarded by Colonel Spencer as you requested, and demands a respectfull return. The approbation of any of the Inhabitants beyond the Mountains, is very acceptable to me for reasons which cannot be mistaken. You must share the Fortunes of your Bretheren in the Atlantic States, whether prosperous or adverse. Seperated from them you would soon be the Prey of one or another...
16095From John Adams to Me., Citizens of Kittery, 17 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your candid address of the 17th July which I received on the 16 of August, deserves my Thanks. The repeated attempts to accomodate differences with the French Republic have been dictated by a Love of Peace and a respect to the French Nation as well as to the sense of the American People. They have answered no other End than to unfold designs, the most pernicious and demands which can never be...
16096From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 17 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclos’d is an answer to the address from the Inhabitants of Hamilton County, which you will forward if you please.— I am Sir— / Your obt. huml. Servt MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16097From John Adams to George Thacher, 17 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your favour of July 31.—Inclosed are a few words in answer.—The Reason given by the Town of Kittery, for their address is the best that could be.—I wish I had time to have given them a more particular answer. But I receive daily addresses in such numbers, that in addition to the other indispensable Duties and Business of my station make it difficult for me to get along,...
16098To 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...
16099To 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...
16100From John Adams to James McHenry, 18 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Since I have been here, his Excellency the Governor of this State has enquired of me with some Anxiety to know whether the Cession of Castle Island is accepted. I referred that Act of the Legislature of this State to you or the Secretary of State to prepare an Answer of Acceptance. Will you be so good as to attend to this subject as soon as possible and forward the Acceptance to me for my...