17351From John Adams to Pennsylvania Insurgents, 21 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Whereas, the late wicked and treasonable insurrection against the just authority of the United States, of sundry persons in the counties of Northampton, Montgomery, and Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania, in the year 1799, having been speedily suppressed, without any of the calamities usually attending rebellion; whereupon peace, order, and submission to the laws of the United States were...
17352From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 22 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter, recd this morning from Col. Smith. I am at present at a loss to judge of it.—Will you be so kind without favour or affection, to give me, your candid opinion of it.—Whether his request can be granted in the whole or in part without injustice to other officers. And whether it is consistent with the military Ideas. I pray your Answer as soon as possible. I am, Sir...
17353To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received your Note yesterday afternoon, inclosing a letter to you from Wm. S. Smith Lt. Colonel of the 12th. Regiment of Infantry dated the 21st. instant. You may wish my candid opinion upon the project contained in the letter enclosed. Whether his (Col. Smith’s) request can be granted in whole or in part, consistent with military and political justice and properly without favour or...
17354From John Adams to James McHenry, 22 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President requests the candid opinion of the Secretary of War, upon the project in the inclosed letter of Col Smith. Whether his request can be granted in whole or in part consistent, with military & political justice & propriety without favor or affection. The P. prays Mr. McHenry to return Smith’s letter. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
17355From John Adams to James McHenry, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your note of this date & have read all the papers. This whole business is so entirely new to me, that I have read the documents with great surprize. I highly approve of the proposed enquiry & of your letter to Messrs Shepherd Parks & Ely I am Sir with great esteem MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
17356From John Adams to Samuel B. Malcom, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your favor of yesterday & thank you for the communication. Mr Morris’s merits shall be impartially considered with all the other candidates in due time. Mrs. Adams will be soon in N York. When she passes, will you be so good as to give me the news of her I am Sir yours as usual MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
17357To John Adams from James McHenry, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War has the Honour to submit for the Consideration of the Heads of Departments, the propriety of the President’s selecting & authorizing a qualified person to visit and examine into the actual State of the Garrisons, Indian Trading Houses or Factories, and public property of every description, with the manner of preserving or disposing of the same for use or Consumption, in...
17358To John Adams from James McHenry, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully submits the enclosed Draught of a Letter to General William Shepherd, General Warham Parks, and Justine Ely Esquire, and the Documents connected therewith to the President of the United States, for his Determination & Orders. MHi : Adams Papers.
17359To John Adams from James McHenry, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received your note yesterday afternoon, inclosing a letter to you, from Wm. S Smith Lt. Colonel of the 12th Regiment of Infantry dated the 21st instant. You request my candid opinion upon the project contained in the letter inclosed. Whether his (Col. Smiths) request can be granted in whole or in part, consistent with military and political justice and propriety, without favour or affection....
17360From John Adams to James McHenry, 24 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have read and considered your report of yesterday & concur with you & the other gentlemen at the heads of department in the propriety of appointing a qualified person to visit & examine into the actual state of the garrisons—Indian trading houses or factories & other public property in the North Western territory on the Missisippi & on the frontiers of Tennesee & Georgia. It has been...
17361To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 24 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor of receiving, an hour since, your letter of the 22d instant, with the copy of one to you from Colonel Smith. I am happy to think that the question presented is on mere military principles a very simple one. The rule of promotion, by succession, does not in any service, as far as my knowlege goes, apply to a new corps, in its first organisation. Officers for such a corps, it is...
17362To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The pressing solicitations of Major Tousard oblige me to represent to you, that the Season is now arrived for prosecuting with activity the Defences contemplated at Rhode Island, and other places to the Eastward. That without the funds he expects to derive from a settlement of his accounts for former extra Services as an Engineer—it will be impracticable for him to meet the expences,...
17363To John Adams from John Steele, 24 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the honor to call at your house this morning to request leave of absence from the seat of Government to enable me to accompany my family on a visit to their Friends in Carolina after the Offices are removed from Philadelphia. The journey will be near six hundred miles out, and about Four hundred returning, which I cannot perform with satisfaction before the 10th. or middle of...
17364To John Adams from Yusuf Karamanli, 25 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
After having cultivated the branches of our good will, and paved the way for a good understanding and perfect friendship which we wish may continue forever, we make known that the object and contents of this, our present letter, is, that whereas your consul, who resides at our court in your service, has communicated to us, in your name, that you have written to him, informing him that you...
17365From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your Letter of the 24, I can only say that I have referred the Papers relative to extra Services to the Secretary of the Treasury who has not yet reported. That I cannot determine any Thing on Major Tousard’s Claim nor Mr. Dinsmores till some general rule is settled,—Major Tousard however and Mr Dinsmore will have Justice done them. If you approve of the Measure you may send a...
17366From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of 23 of this month relative to Col. Smith’s Letter: your letter of this 26th relative to appointments for Major Tousard: Your letter of this date. I shall omit appointing any officer in the Artillery at present excepting Mr: Robins Chamberlain. Your Letter also of this date inclosing a Petition from Robert Gilmore, Esqr: Chairman of the Committee, &ca. All these...
17367From John Adams to John Steele, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I agree with pleasure to your request in your letter of the 24th on the condition mentioned in it of an arrangement to prevent delay or inconvenience in the dispatch of public business. Your long & faithfull attention to the duties of a laborious office, entitle you to my thanks as well as to the accommodation you request. I am Sir with great esteem / your humble servant. MHi : Adams Family...
17368To John Adams from James McHenry, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit a letter just received from Robert Gilmore Esquire, Chairman of a Committee of Gentlemen charged with the general superintendance of, and disbursing of Monies, for the Fortifications erecting at Baltimore, for the defence of that City and Harbour. The representation made so far as it goes, appears to me strictly correct:—The fact that a Committee consisting of...
17369To John Adams from James McHenry, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Since my last on the subject of the appointment of Lt. Col. Smith to the command of the 2nd. Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, I have had the honour to receive a communication from you authorizing me to send a Commission for your signature, if I approve, of the measure, to promote Major Tousard to be a Lieutenant Colonel, and another to appoint him Inspector. I have respectfully to...
17370To 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,...
17371From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I hereby request you on the 1st of June, or whenever Mr. McHenry shall leave the war office, to take upon you the charge of that office, and I hereby invest you with full power and authority to exercise all the functions of secretary of the department of war, and charge you with all the duties and obligations attached by law to that officer, until a successor regularly appointed and...
17372To John Adams from Christopher Gore, 27 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I think it probable that my stay in this Country will not be protracted beyond the 10th June, & finding that you have gone to Washington, I fear I shall not have the honor of again paying my personal respects, before my return to Europe. Should you incline to commit to my charge letters for your son, or any other person, I will endeavour to convey them in safety, & shall esteem myself honourd...
17373To John Adams from Charles Lee, 28 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
With infinite pleasure I inform you that Genl. Marshall has accepted the office of secretary of state. With perfect respect / I remain Sir your / most obed sert MHi : Adams Papers.
17374To 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.
17375To John Adams from Charles Lee, 29 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday morning I had the honor to write to you from Philadelphia that a letter from Genl. Marshall had been received at the office of State expressing his respectful acknowledgements for the honor you had conferred on him in appointing him Secretary of State, which he had accepted. As this letter may not meet overtake you, I now repeat a peice of intelligence very important to the United...
17376To John Adams from Jonathan Edie, 29 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Corporation and inhabitants of the Borough of York, beg leave to express the pleasure they feel upon the arival of the Chief Magistrate of the Union. Your Presence strongly renews in our grateful remembrance, your many, faithfull and important public services, and while we are gratifyed with beholding you amongst us, permit us to express our gratefull feelings, excited by a justly...
17377From John Adams to Pa., Citizens of York, 30 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I receive with much satisfaction this friendly Address. In revisiting the great Counties of Lancaster and York, after an Interval of nearly three and twenty years, I have not only received great Pleasure from the Civilities of the People which have deserved my grateful Acknowledgments,: but a much higher delight from the various Evidence of their happiness and Prosperity. The multiplication of...
17378To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to transmit copy of a letter, I have left in the Office—addressed to my successor in the Department of War—detailing & explaining certain measures which have been taken in my administration—and recommending certain objects to his peculiar attention. I have the honor to be with perfect consideration, Sir, / Your Obedient Servant MHi : Adams Papers.
17379To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully takes the Liberty to transmit to the President of the United States, a statement of his recollection of the substance and incidents of the Conversation which passed between them the evening preceding the Resignation of his office, committed to Writing immediately afterwards. He also transmits Copies of sundry papers having reference to certain parts of that...
17380From John Adams to Sc., Citizens of Georgetown, 31 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I receive with much esteem, affection and gratitude, this obliging address. The approbation, you have the goodness to express, is both a reward and an encouragement. I congratulate you, gentlemen, on the translation of the government to the City so near you. As the country, between the former seat and the present, is beautiful and fertile in a high degree, I hope that all the reluctance which...
17381To John Adams from James McCubbin Lingan, 1 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Citizens of this Town are anxious to pay every possible mark of Respect to the President and many of them propose meeting and escorting Him into Town. I am requested by a Committee of the Citizens to ask the favor of you to inform Mr. Maccubbie (by whom this will be delivered) the probable time of his reaching this place. Be so obliging as to inform him, that I may receive the necessary...
17382To John Adams from Benjamin Thompson, 1 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Managers of the Royal Institution of Great Britain have directed me to transmit to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences the enclosed Prospectus; I have therefore the honour to forward the same to your Excellency, and to request that you would lay it, or cause it to be laid, before that learned and respectable Body. I have likewise the honour, in conformity to the Instructions I have...
17383To John Adams from Nathan Rice, 2 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Many and numerous applications I apprehend are made to your Excellency in consequence of the dislanding the twelve additional Regiments:—I exceedingly regret that any circumstances should impell me to encroach on your Time, or again solicit your attention.— The Government stands fully acquited from every charge of breach of faith or promise, to the army—Yet from the generally received idea...
17384To John Adams from Anthony Haswell, 3 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
I address you with freedom as the supreme executive of the nation of which it has ever been my boast to be a citizen, and my aim, as far as my abilities allowed, to support its inestimable privileges; having fought for its independence, rejoiced in its emancipation from the tyranny of Britain, and exulted in the establishment of the best constitution, in my estimation, at present operative in...
17385From John Adams to Uriah Forrest, 4 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
I receive with much Esteem Affection and Gratitude this obliging Address. The Approbation you have the goodness to express is both a reward and an Encouragement. I congratulate you, Gentlemen on the translation of the Government to the City so near you. As the Country between the former Seat and the present is beautifull and fertile, in a high degree, I hope that all the Reluctance which...
17386To John Adams from Uriah Forrest, 4 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Whether we regard your signal Services in the hour of our Country’s Difficulty, or your diplomatic Exertions in the Conclusion of Peace, when national Rights of the highest Import were put into Peril.—Whether we view your Firmness in repelling foreign Aggression, or your sincerity in the Pursuit of Peace, when compatible with honor—We find abundant Cause for Admiration, and should commit...
17387To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 4 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor, this morning of paying my respects to your Lady, & the pleasure of finding her & the family in excellent health: happy should I be, if this was the case with Mrs Gerry, who is slowly recovering from a long & dangerous illness. being informed that you are by this time in Washington, I take the liberty to suggest, that since your departure, last fall from Quincy, I have received...
17388To John Adams from Citizens of Washington City, 5 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Inhabitants of the City of Washington rejoice in the Opportunity which your Presence this day affords them of paying to you their unfeigned Respect, and of giving You a Welcome to the City which, by the Acts of the Union has become the Metropolis of the United States. We have long anticipated this day: We consider this your first Visit to Columbia, as a high Gratification, and look forward...
17389From John Adams to Citizens of Washington City, 5 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
I receive with pleasure, in this address, your friendly welcome to the city and particularly to this place.—I congratulate you, on the blessings, which providence has been pleased to bestow, in a particular manner, on this situation, and especially on its destination to be the permanent seat of government. May the future councils of this august temple be forever governed by truth and liberty,...
17390To John Adams from Jacob Eÿermann, 5 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
We the Undersigned, prisoners in the Goal of Philadelphia, beg leave to present their Humble Petition & Prayer to your Excellency— It is with deep Reverence and Humility we address ourselves to Your Excellency—We look upon You as a kind Father, permit us therefore to speak as Children that have gone astray and who are justly punished for their folly and Wickedness but who now feel and see the...
17391To John Adams from John Sinclair, 5 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
You will herewith receive, Copies of a Publication, in which I am persuaded you will feel yourself deeply interested, & which, I trust, will be viewed by the People of America in General, in a favourable light; I mean the letters of your illustrious Countryman General Washington, on Agricultural and other interesting topics. It is the only work, hitherto published, in any Age or Country, where...
17392To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 5 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Inhabitants of the City of Washington rejoice in the opportunity which Your Presence this day affords them of paying to You their unfeigned respect, and of giving You a welcome to the City, which, by the Acts of the Union, has become the Metropolis of the United States.— We have long anticipated this day—We consider this, Your first, visit to Columbia as a high gratification, and look...
17393To John Adams from Sc., Citizens of Georgetown, 5 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
An entertainment was given to the President of the United States, by the citizens of George-Town, on Friday last, at Mr. McLaughlin’s Tavern. A numerous company sat down to dinner, after which the following TOASTS were drunk: 1. The United States, 2. Public gratitude—May it ever be the reward of the firm and distinguished Patriot. 3. Congress—May there be no competition among the members...
17394To John Adams from John Wendell, 6 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Permit me, My much esteemed Sir, to ask but a few moments of your important Time, to read a Letter from a warm but an unknown Friend,— whose opinion of your Wisdom is formed upon the Judgement of your quondom Friend and Patron, my beloved uncle The Honble; Edmund Quincy late of Boston and Father to the late Governor Hancocks Widow; many years past I made him a Visit, a few minutes after you...
17395To John Adams from Alexander Brodie, 7 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Considering myself as a person altogether unimportant, nothing grieves me more sensibly than the divisions which continue to exist among the people on my account. Were it possible in the nature of things that one so inconsiderable as I am could render essential services either to the Government or to the people of the United States, I might be persuaded to wait for a change in the public...
17396To 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.
17397From John Adams to William Fitzhugh, Jr., 11 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
I receive from the Citizens of Alexandria, this kind salutation on my first Visit to Virginia with much pleasure. In the earlier Part of my Life I felt at sometimes an inexpressible Grief and at others an unutterable Indignation at the Injustice and Indignities which I thought wantonly heaped on my innocent virtuous, peaceable and unoffending Country. And perceiving that the American People...
17398To John Adams from William Fitzhugh, Jr., 11 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Citizens of Alexandria, see among them with sincere Joy, Their revered president. His presence brings to their view, the Constancy and Ability, with which he Laboured in the Vineyard of Liberty when devotion to its cause was surrounded with the Gibbet and the Halter Her Intrepid and faithfull defender, dear as he then was to the Sons of America, is now more dear from the Additional claim...
17399From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 13 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have this morning received your favor of the fourth & immediately communicated it to the present Sec. of State Gen Marshall who will look into the papers relative to the subject & bring it soon to a conclusion—A business which ought to have been done last fall.—I have taken a view of the federal city & its environs as far as Mount Vernon & am well pleased with the whole. I think Congress...
17400To John Adams from Mr. Blackberd, 14 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to solicit your attention to some few questions, having no other means of information that I can rely on, & being desirous of drawing it from the fountain head. If you will have the goodness to order me an answer it will prevent a law suit and lay me under a lasting obligation. 1st. Q. If I purchase patents of Lands, situated in Franklyn County in the State of Georgia, granted to...