16751To John Adams from James McHenry, 9 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Since closing my letter of this date, Col. Ogden has handed me the inclosed recommendation of persons to fill up the vacancies in the Regiment which he commands. The inclosed list founded thereon is respectfully submitted. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, / your most ob St MHi : Adams Papers.
16752To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 9 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have this morning been honoured with your letter of the 1st; and am happy that the measures & plans taken in concert with Mr. Liston & Genl. Maitland relative to St. Domingo have met with your approbation. One of the papers, No. 7. being my letter to Mr. King, inclosed in mine to you of April 23d, I shall be obliged by your returning, as I have no other copy; and the original was sent to Mr....
16753From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return signed the two patents to Christian Febiger & am / Sir &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16754To John Adams from Pseudonym: "A Uniform Federalist", 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
While I solicit an excuse for this address, I think it necessary to inform you, that I am one of those, who (altho concern’d with you, in endeavouring to establish a free, firm and energetick Government ever since the year 1774, yet since there are Patriots without number, who now are ready on every hand to serve the public) I have in some measure drawn behind the scene, in the back ground,...
16755To John Adams from Charles Lee, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The trial of Fries for high treason which was commenced on monday the 6th. instant and which from that period has alone occupied the court was concluded yesterday at 10 oclock at night. The prisoner had the assistance of able counsel Dallas Lewis and Ewing and after a fair & patient trial before an impartial court has by an unexceptionable jury been found guilty. During the trial of the...
16756To John Adams from James McHenry, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inclose a letter from Brigadeer General Macpherson dated the 3d inst, which was received yesterday, and the letters to which it refers. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir, / Your most ob St MHi : Adams Papers.
16757To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose Mr. Liston’s note of the 8th. requesting the usual Exequatur for Thomas Barclay Esqr. and Benjamin Moodie Esqr. whom his Britannic Majesty has appointed—The former Consul General for the Eastern States, and the latter Consul for North & South Carolina and Georgia. Mr. Barclay is the gentleman who was the British Commissioner for settling the question of the St....
16758To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Mr Sewell—and my answer, to be forwarded, if it meets with your approbation. I have consulted the heads of Departments on this subject, but the opinions are so various, that I could only write give my own to Mr Sewell. Coll. Pickering thinks the convoy ought to be granted.—But there is scarcely a considerable port in Europe, to which...
16759To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
After a very laboured trial, Fries who led the armed Party at Bethlehem, has been convicted of Treason;—he continued tranquil untill the verdict of the Jury was returned, when and since he has been much affected. His composure during the trial was not owing to stupidity, for though an illiterate man, he is not deficient in sagacity. He confidently expected to be acquitted, and his hopes are...
16760To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor, to enclose a Letter from Mr. Jones, Chairman of the Committee for building a Frigate at Boston, recommending William Wild and Nathaniel Clift for Lieutenants to that Ship; and also a Letter to Mr. Jones, containing Commissions for these Gentlemen, which will require your signature, should you think proper that the Appointments should be made. I have the honor to be /...
16761To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 11 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a Letter from John Faulcon Esqr. one of the Commissioners of valuations for North Carolina.—No person has been recommended as a successor by the Board, but from the information of Judge Iredell & Mr. Steele the Comptroller, I have reason to believe that John Branch, Principal Assessor for Halifax County is well qualified for the Office, and take the liberty to...
16762From John Adams to Uriah Forrest, 13 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received on Saturday, your friendly letter of the 28th of April and I thank you for it. & should be very happy if it were in my power to comply with your advice—not so much on account of any real public utility, as in compliance with what you call, the public sentiment. I have reason to believe however that this sentiment is chiefly in Philadelphia & Georgetown. “The people elected me to...
16763From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to you a letter to me of the 2d, from Mr Ashley Colton, with three certificates, inclosed in it from Gentlemen, whom I know to be of the very best character for probity. I pray you to consider these papers, and do as justice and prudence shall dictate. I have the honor to be Sir your very humble &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16764From John Adams to Samuel B. Malcom, 13 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your several favors of Ap. 27th & 30th & May 4th. The intelligence they contain is very favorable to the cause of our country. The opposition to government has been defeated in this state in a manner equally honorable. We shall go on pretty well and finally preserve our Country from the continuation contamination which has threatned it. Mrs. Adams is not secure against returns...
16765From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 13 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 6th. and considered the copy of instructions to Mrs. King, which have been examined and unanimously approved by the heads of departments. I am very well satisfied with them on the whole though, I wish that in the tenth article, you would introduce another idea in corroboration. As a principal mean of annoying a maratime commercial ennemy would be our...
16766To John Adams from Samuel Harrison, 13 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
After having so often troubled your Excellency with my scribbling I shall not attempt to apologize for this obtrusion on your Excellencys Patience: but will beg leave to explain the requests I have heretofore made which were (I am afraid) in such incoherent terms that I fear your excellency will be hardly able to understand them—In my Letter of the 26th Ulto I did attempt to apologise for my...
16767To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Frigate United States arrived on Friday—The Montezuma Murray, the Herald, Russell, and the Revenue Cutters General Greene, & Scammel, have since come into the Delaware. The copy of Capt Murrays letters which I have the honor to enclose, contains every thing of importance by these Vessels.—Capt. Tingey has sent in a prize, a small Vessel, not yet come up to the City, tho she is, I...
16768From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return your List of Appointments for the 16th Regiment and that of Major Theodosius Fowler for the 12th. approved. I inclose also the Recommendations of those officers, recd in yours of May 9th. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16769From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
According to your request in your favour of the 9th. I inclose your Letter to Mr King N. 7 and remain, Sir your most obedient MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16770To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 14 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed should have been forwarded last Saturday. MHi : Adams Papers.
16771To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 15 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Liston informs me, that on information recd. by Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, of one of the mutineers and murderers of the officers of the British Frigate Hermione being at Charleston So. Carolina, the Admiral sent thither a vessel on purpose to receive and carry the culprit to the fleet to be tried: but that the district judge had not deemed it proper to deliver him up. This question has...
16772To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor, to enclose a Letter from John C: Jones Esquire on behalf of the Committee at Boston, recommending William Parsons for Surgeon’s Mate to the Boston—Nehemiah Macombe for Sailing Master—Moses Allen for Purser—and Joseph Beale—Henry S Butler Jaazaniah Tucker Clark—Abel Lincoln junior Joseph Cordis & Benjamin Conant for Midshipmen—; and also a Letter to John C. Jones Esquire,...
16773To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the permission contained in the letter with which you honored me, of the 27th. Ulto. and expecting that the Constitution will arrive at Boston in a few Days, if she is not already there; I take the liberty to enclose a letter for Nicholson—If it meets with your approbation, it may be forwarded to him. Barry speaks favorably of Nicholsons conduct, in the West Indies. But as he...
16774From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 7th May and since there appears a difference of opinion concerning the Construction of the Constitution and the Law, and as I see no necessity for an immediate appointment, I am content to suspend it for the present, perhaps till the meeting of the Senate— I think well of Mr. Williams as a gentleman of Science & Literature, as a good Citizen & brave man But...
16775From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return the List of Appointments for the Eleventh Regiment Commanded by Colo. Ogden, inclosed in your favr. of the 9th: Approved— MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16776From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor received your favour of the 10th. and have read the Letter of Brigadier General Macpherson to you of the 3d. and the letters of Mr. Chapman and Mr. Eyerly to him, with great pleasure— I pray you to present to General Macpherson and the Officers & troops under his Command in the late expedition my thanks for the prudence, Caution, Fortitude & perseverance with which they have...
16777From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Letters from Colo. Rice, Lt. Soper, and from General Knox and Mr. HG Otis—which I pray you to file with all other applications of Similar natures. Mr. Henry Sargent appears a very respectable Man— MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16778To John Adams from Joseph Allen, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The bearer hereof, Capt. Thos. Denny, a gentleman of Education and respectable talents, waits on you, for the purpose of informing you, that in consequence of Capt. Chandlers designation, as an Officer in the standing Army— The Worcester Volunteer Cadet Infantry company have elected him to command the same. If you should be pleased to commission him, we have no Doubt from the knowledge we have...
16779To John Adams from James McHenry, 16 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
It is represented to me, as will appear by the inclosed letters, that Mr. Morgan, who was appointed Major, to the Regiment commanded by Lt. Col. Parker, will not accept of that rank. As Mr. Morgan has not yet signified to me his intention to serve or decline, it would be premature to fill his place until I can learn from himself his determination. I have written to him accordingly, and in the...
16780From 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.
16781From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I last night received your favor of the 10th: Mr Liston’s note of the 8th was not inclosed as you intended. Mr. Barclay I know & his Exequator will be ready. Mr. Moodie I know not, nor do I know or suspect any objection to him. I thank you for the account of the tryal of Fries, which if it was attended to by as numerous a concourse of people in Philadelphia, as it would have been in some other...
16782From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have signed the commissions for Lt Wild & Clift inclosed in yours of the 11th & sent your letter with its inclosures to Mr J. C Jones MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
16783From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return the two Commission, inclosed in yours of the 11th. signed. The contracted Law of N. Carolina, if followed by all the states, would make short Work with the Fæderal Government. What will be the Result of these Things? Such a Law is enough to dissaffect an whole state and excite a Rebellion against the U.S. I am sir your most humble &c CtHi : Oliver Wolcott, Jr. Papers.
16784From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I thank you, Sir, for your favour of the 11th. which I received last night. The Termination of the Tryal of Fries is an important, an interesting and an affecting Event. I am unable to conjecture the grounds of Mr Lewis’s opinion, and wish I had a sketch of them. Is Fries a Native or a Foreigner? Is he a Man of Property and independent, or is he in Debt? What has been his previous Life,...
16785To John Adams from Anonymous, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
It is generally consdred in this City that you are a party-man; Which is the most Base and Horrid character a man in Your station of Life possibly can possess. Certain it is that every person has some Bad qualities; and in persons that hold s any office of State are certainly and allways sounded by the citizens of the states. Some consider you as (and you are most generally Considerd as) more...
16786To John Adams from Anonymous, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am desired to inform you that thier at present Laws which give you too great power and cause great discontents amongst the citizens of the United states, There is several thousand of the citzens who are ditirmened to have those Laws repealed or undergo the perils of a civil war; to conquer or die; we have frequent corespondance with those patriots in Northampton whom we are to join as soon...
16787To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I this moment received the inclosed official letter , an answer to the one from me, of which I inclose a copy, and do myself the honour to forward it sir to you under a hope that it may meet you at Braintree before the copy of it reach the Secretary of State. I inclose in another letter a copy of it to him— as this is a duplicate by the same post through another hand. I had sent duplicates to...
16788From John Adams to Arthur St. Clair, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favor of April 8th, and especially for the pamphlet inclosed with it. I have read it with great pleasure, as a masterly refutation of its antagonist, in the style and manner of a gentleman, and seasoned with no more than was useful and agreeable of attic salt. Happy am I to find such just sentiments countenanced, encouraged, and prevailing in the North-western Territory....
16789From John Adams to James McHenry, 18 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
As we have taken Capt. Chandler & Lieut. Flagg from the volunteer company of cadet Infantry of Worcester in Massachusetts into the regular army, other officers must be appointed: Thomas Denny Capt. Nathan Felton Lieut. Enoch Flagg second lieutenant are recommended to me by the company and others as suitable characters for the officers & I pray you to send their commissions accordingly as soon...
16790From John Adams to Arthur St. Clair, 18 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favor of April 8th. & especially for the pamphlet inclosed with it. I have read it with great pleasure, as a masterly refutation of its antagonist, in the style & manner of a gentleman, & seasoned with no more than was useful and agreeable of attick salt. Happy am I to find such just sentiments countenanced encouraged & prevailing in the North Western territory—Although...
16791To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have this morning been honored with your letter of the 13th. and will introduce in the 10th article the idea you have been pleased to suggest, in the instructions to Mr. King, to negociate a commercial treaty with Prussia. A copy of these instructions shall be transmitted to Mr. Adams at Berlin, with the fresh instructions you direct. Yesterday I received from our Consul at Gibraltar the...
16792To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to inclose the Commission for Governor Davie, for the President’s signature. MHi : Adams Papers.
16793To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 18 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a Letter from Laurence Muse Esqr. Collector of the District of Tappahannock in Virginia, mentioning the resignation of Peter Kemp, Surveyor & Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Urbanna in said District. Peter Kemp & Ralph Wormley Esqrs. recommend Peter Kemp junr. for the vacant offices:—and Mr. Muse the Collector, recommends Mr. Thomas Muse—Both the...
16794From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 19 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 10th & read Mr Sewals letter of 25 April & your answer. The reasoning in the latter is so satisfactory that I have determined to send it on to Mr Sewall tomorrow. Nevertheless I think with you that some of our fast sailing vessels might be employed to advantage in a cruise on the coasts of Spain & France during the hurricane season in the West Indias. Nor do I...
16795From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 19 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 13th & the copies of Murrays letters, with the perusal of which, I have been highly delighted. I pray you that every exertion may be made to get to sea not only the vessels in the Delleware, but the Constitution & the Merrimack which are arrived in Boston Harbor. It will be ruinous to the crews & the reputation of the officers to lie long in port. Those that...
16796To John Adams from John Hodgkinson, 20 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the opportunity of your Excellency’s visit to Boston to request the favor of you to honor the Theatre one evening with your presence: Knowing the liberality of your Excellency’s sentiments & flattering myself that my dramatic exertions have all tended to support the government under which I am so happily protected I am the more emboldened to press the request upon your...
16797From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 21 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of 15th is received. I have no doubt that an offence, committed on board a public ship of war, on the high seas, is committed within the jurisdiction of the nation, to whom the ship belongs. How far the president of the US. would be justifiable in directing the judge, to deliver up the offender, is not clear. I have no objection to advice and request him to do it. I am quite of your...
16798From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 21 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I last night received yours of the 15th & have read your letter to Capt. Nicholson, inclosed in it which as I acquiesce in it I have sealed and shall send to him to day.—All things considered I think Talbot must be the Captain to succeed in the command of the constitution. Mr Crawleys letter mentioned in that of Gen. Smiths was not inclosed to me. The commerce with Guadeloupe will be opened by...
16799To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received letters from Algiers, dated the 22d. of February. In one of that date written by Captain Eaton (Consul for Tunis) and signed by him and Captain O’Brien, is the following interesting passage. “This morning Consul General O’Brien informed me that he had just now concluded a settlement of all accounts between the Dey and the United States, which he desired me to sketch in the...
16800To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit to your consideration the inclosed letter from Mr. John Ferrers of New-York, with five documents inclosed, respecting the conduct of Daniel Hawley, the Consul of the U. States for the Havana. I also inclose Mr. Hawley’s letter of the 11th. in answer to mine in which I had transmitted Mr. Ferrer’s first statement of facts (marked No. 3) as far as his signature of the...