Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 17 April 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States April 17 1800

In conformity with your request, I transmit you a return from the War office, of those officers, who have been appointed under the act, entitled an Act to augment the army of the United States & for other purposes, designating such officers, who have accepted their appointments & those who have declined accepting, resigned their commissions, died, &c.
A report from the Secretary of War, which accompanied this return, as it contains observations, which may throw some light upon the subject, I transmit with it.

John Adams Enclosure
                                                Gentlemen of the SenateWar Department April 15th. 1800I nominate the following List of Officers in the Army of the United States

Cavalry.Archibald LeeVirginiaSecond Lieutenant, vice Grimes deceased,First Regiment of Artillerists & EngineersThomas Pinckney Jun. South Carolina, Lieutenant, vice Wilson resigned.Second Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers.William Hosa New York Lieutenant, vice Heaton deceasedFirst Regiment of Infantry.Samuel Clinton Pennsylvania Second Lieutenant vice Lawrence deceasedThird Regiment of Infantry.Stephen S. Gibbs Pennsylvania.Second Lieutenant vice Taylor declinedFourth Regiment of Infantry.John S. Porter Pennsylvania Second Lieutenant, vice Dickinson deceased.

Samuel Davis ditto Surgeons MateFifth Regiment of InfantryJohn SmithSouth CarolinaLieutenant Colonel CommandantJames ArmstrongGeorgiaMajorHenry M. RutledgeSouth CarolinadittoJohn KershawdittoCaptainJames HartleydittodittoPaul Thompsondittoditto
Fifth Regiment of InfantryLieutenant Colonel Commandant.+ John SmithMajors+ James Armstrong  + Henry M. RutledgeCaptains.William Dangerfield+William Simons declinedFleming Wooldridge+Benjamin Fossin Frasier+John Kershaw+Noah Kelsey+James Hartley+Zechariah Nettles+Paul Thompson+John Mitchell+Benjamin EaselyFirst Lieutenants.John Jameson+Peter WilliamsonCharles Kilgore+Stanmore Butler+John Brown+George Clayton+Charles Boyle+William W. Frasier+William Taylor+Pierre Gaillard.—declined+Josias HeywardSecond Lieutenants.Willis Morgan+  Johnson WellbornElijah Johnson+Edward Croft declined+Samuel Taylor  declined+William Darkey+Thomas Osborne Junr.  +Francis Rogers+John Parker, Son of William, declined+Charles Jones Jenkins+Charles Codnor Ash

Sixth Regiment of Infantry.Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.+ James ReadMajors.+Alexander D Moore+  William BrickellCaptains.William P. Anderson resigned+William Hall+James Taylor+John Williams+William Dickson+John Nicholas+Eli Gaither+Samuel Graves Barron+Edmund Smithwick+Maurice MooreFirst Lieutenants.Lewis Tiner+Joseph Alexander declined+Robert Troy declined+Carleton Walker+James Mackay+Edward Jones+George W Davidson declined+Hugh Newman declined+McKenney Long+William Martin ditto+Benjamin SmithSecond Lieutenants.Edmund P. Gaines+John Carroway+David T. W Cook+Abner Pasteur+Marcus Sharpe+Benjamin Forsyth+James Morris+Hugh Montgomery not heard from+John Wilkinson+Alexander HunterSurgeon+ Roger Cutler

Seventh RegimentLieut. Colonel CommandantWilliam BentleyMajors.Robert Beale  James BaytopCaptainsDaniel Ball resignedWilliam CampbellEdmund ClarkThomas GreeneJohn DavidsonRobert KingArchibald C. RandolphJames CaldwellBartholomew Dandridge declined+William K. BlueThomas Turner declinedFirst LieutenantsVan BennetAddison ArmisteadJohn BrahanSamuel J. WinstonRobert Carrington declinedCalvin MorganBrewer Godwin resigned+John HeiskellFelix Wilton+Jesse DoldJesse Ewell Jun+Horato StarkJoseph Grigsby+Marquis CombsRobert Temple declined+George ArmisteadSecond LieutenantsJohn Heiskellpromoted during recess. Andrew M LuskJesse Dold dittoJames BrownHoratio Stark ditto+William SaundersMarquis Combs ditto+John Crump declinedGeorge Armistead ditto+Bartlett AndersonWilliam Potts+Francis W. CookPeter Lambkin+Philip RootsAlexander Henderson  declined+John F PowellWilliam Deane  ditto+Jacob CallSurgeon.+ Francis H. PeytonSurgeons Mates.+Thaddeus Capron+James W. Wallace resigned

Eighth Regiment of Infantry.Lieutenant Colonel Commandr.Thomas ParkerMajors.Simon Morgan  declined+Laurence ButlerWilliam CampbellCaptains.Presley ThorntonGarnet PeytonRobert GreggDaniel C LaneHenry PiercyPhilip LightfootGeorge S. WashingtonEdmund TaylorRichard ChinnNathaniel HenryFirst Lieutenants.Francis Foushee resignedJohn G BrownJames DuncansonJohn WilliamsLemuel BentThomas JamesonRobert GustinJohn CampbellGeorge Tate+James TuttCharles J Love+Simon OwensSecond Lieutenants.James Tuttpromoted during recessWillis Wells
declinedSimon Owens dittoHugh McCallisterReuben Thornton  declinedJohn Craine Jun.George W. Humphries+John MeredithObadiah Clifford+John StephensStrother Settle  declined+Robert BellJohn C. Williams  declined+Uriah BlueCharles Shackllford+Richard TaylorJohn T. Fitzhugh  declined+Robert LittleSurgeon+ Edward ConradSurgeons Mate+Thomas Triplett, resigned+Samuel M. Griffith

Ninth Regiment of Infantry.Lieut Colonel CommandantJosias C. HallMajors.David HopkinsWilliam D BeallCaptains.John C. Beatty declinedWilliam Nicholson declinedThomas BeattyJacob NorrisLloyd BeallValentine BrothersGerard BriscoeJohn W. HacketRezin DavidgeJonathan HodgsonBradley Beans declined+Richard EarleIsaac SpencerFirst LieutenantsWilliam ElliottHenry C NealeEdward A Howard declinedAquila BealeRichard W. West declinedWilliam SavinJohn B BarnesCharles ClementsNinian Pinckney+John ThompsonLevi Alexander+Robert GoverMatthew TilghmanSecond Lieutenants.Alexander CooperLevi G FordJohn Brangle declinedDaniel HughesEnos NolandJohn AdlumThomas DentEdward Ford declinedLevi Hillary+George PeterJohn Warren declined+Joseph BentleyWilliam Swan+Benjamin NowlandSurgeon.+ Robert GeddesSurgeon’s Mates.+Charles H Winder declined+William Beatty declined+Anderson Warfield declined+Charles A Beatty+Dardan Brown

Tenth Regiment of Infantry.Lieutenant Colonel CommandantThomas L. MooreMajors.William Henderson  George StephensonCaptains:Joseph McKinneyWilliam GrahamJames BlaineDavid DuncanAndrew JohnsonBenjamin GibbsMatthew HenryJames AshmanWilliam R. Atlee declined+Robert WestcottHugh BradyFirst Lieutenants.John Sharp deadThomas SwearingenSamuel B MagawCromwell PeirceHenry G. SloughHenry WestcottSamuel Fulton declined+Alexander McNairJosiah McElwaine declined+David IrvingJames P. Nelson declined+Paul WeitzellBenjamin Wallace+David OffleyRobert Laurence+Samuel R FranklinNelson Wade+William MorrowSecond Lieutenants.William Morrowpromoted during recess John SmithGeorge Hamill  Robert ChambersArchibald Davis  resignedAlexander McNair
declinedJohn A DouglasThomas LeeHerman Witner  declined+John HayHugh H Potts+Robert George BardeJohn S. Porter  declined+Joseph KnoxSurgeon+ Henry Hall declined+ William HurstSurgeons Mates.+George Wilson+James Irvine

Eleventh Regiment of Infantry.Lieutenant Colonel CommandantAaron OgdenMajors.William ShuteJohn AdlumCaptainsRobert Hunt resignedSamuel BowmanCharles MarlesPeter FaulknerJob StocktonWalter K Cole resignedDenise ForemanJames ReadAlmarine Brookes+Samuel ErwinSamuel WhiteFirst Lieutenants.Samuel Erwinpromoted during recessWilliam CarsonThomas Reading Jun  declinedLewis HowardRobert C. ThompsonJames BattelSamuel C. Voorhes+John CaldwellWalter K Cole  declined+Samuel Owen Smith
declinedGeorge M Ogden+Charles B GreenJohn G. Macwhorter+William J AndersonWilliam Potter+Thomas BullmanHenry Betz  declined+Henry DrakeSecond Lieutenants.William PiattJohn MilroyCharles Read  resignedBenjamin WorrellThomas Bullmanpromoted during recessJohn MontgomeryHenry Drake dittoJabez CaldwellHethcote Johnson+Thomas Y. HowJames Rhea+Joseph VancleveJames Clayton Jun  declined+Laurence MulfordSurgeon+ John Chetwood JunSurgeons Mates+John Howell+John C. WynansTwelfth Regiment of Infantry.Lieut Colonel CommandantWilliam S. SmithMajors.William Willcocks  Christopher Hutton declinedDowe J Fondy Captains.Dowe J Fondypromoted during recessAndrian Hissam resignedPhilip ChurchJohn W Patterson
resignedJames BennetJustus B Smith
not heard fromGeorge W KirklandJeremiah LandonPhilip CortlandAndrew WhiteFirst LieutenantsPhilip S. SchuylerJames SmithElhanan W. WheelerRichard Baldwin resignedMoses Forster+William CocksThomas Thompson+William CummingDavid Jones declined+Joseph C. CooperRobert Le Roy Livingston+Thomas H. WilliamsHenry W Ludlow+Samuel Hoffman dismissedNathaniel PauldingSecond LieutenantsWilliam Cockspromoted in recess George F Harrison
declinedWilliam Cumming ditto+Israel LoringJoseph C. Cooper ditto+Joseph HerkeimerThomas H Williams ditto+Jacob ManciusSamuel Hoffman ditto+Nathaniel SmithJohn Duer+Cornelius KipWilliam W. Wands+Tobias V. Cuyler
resignedProsper Brown  dead+ Walter B VroomanJacob C Ten EyckSurgeon+ Samuel Finley resignedS. Mates+John H. Douglas+Samuel Davis

Thirteenth Regiment of InfantryLieutenant Colonel Commandant.Timothy TaylorMajorsJohn Ripley  Jabez Huntington resignedCaptainsJohn BenjaminJonathan RootJohn MeigsJohn BulfordElihu SandfordAsa CopelandStephen RanneyWilliam Young JunSamuel BlakesleeColeby Chew declinedFirst Lieutenants:Samuel WaughWilliam W CheneyLemuel HarrisonLudowick GallupBennet BronsonJohn EelsReuben HurdWaters ClarkTrueman Mosely+Nathaniel RugglesJohn Knox+John BeersSecond Lieutenants.Salmon ClarkPeter Richards declinedPeter N BrinsmadeRobert Hosmer, struck off the list, not being heard ofTrueman HinmanSolomon AllenWalter Smith+Austin Ledyard declinedJoseph A Wells declined+Nathaniel NoyesJames Gordon Jun+Fanning TraceyEbenezer Learned declined+Abijah Fenn suspended& resignedSurgeon+ Joseph TrowbridgeSurgeons Mates.+Timothy Pierce+John Orton Jun+John Spaulding declined

Fourteenth Regiment of InfantryLieutenant Col. CommandantNathan RiceMajors.John WalkerIsaac WinslowCaptainsWilliam Jones declinedJohn Burbeck declinedErasmus Babbet JunSimeon DraperEphraim EmmeryPhineas AshmanJohn TolmanJoseph Peirce Jun. declinedSolomon PhelpsArthur Lithgow declinedEbenezer Thatcher declined+Samuel MackayThomas Chandler resigned+John HastingsNathaniel ThwingFirst Lieutenants.James ChurchJohn WheelwrightNathaniel Soley declinedIsaac Rand JunJacob AllenBenjamin Beale Jun declinedWilliam A Baron declined+Henry SargentRobert Duncan Jun+Francis BarkerPhineas Ashman declined+William GardnerAlpheus Cheney+Rufus ChildSamuel Flagg Jun. resignedSecond Lieutenants.Thomas Heald declinedWilliam LeverettMoses M Bates dittoJohn RoulstoneCharles HuntThomas DurantJames GardnerSamuel W Church resignedMarshall Spring resigned+Peyton GayDaniel Hastings+Thomas HaleDuncan Ingraham resigned+Charles Leonard declinedSurgeon+ Charles BlakeSurgeon’s Mates+Luther Stearns declined+Josiah Dwight declined

Fifteenth Regiment.Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.Richard Hunnewell.MajorsJohn Rowe  William JonesCaptainsJames BrownWilliam HeywoodNathaniel Balch Jr.Caleb AspinwallHall TuftsStephen PeabodyJohn PynchonThomas Philips declinedJohn Blake+Eli ForbesSamuel JordanFirst Lieutenants.Charles CutlerJoseph Lee declinedWilliam SwanDavid C D ForrestSamuel P FayCharles P. Phelps declinedEleazer Williams declinedEdmund SoperNathaniel Kidder+Thomas StevensThomas Bowman declined+Augustus HuntEbenezer Bradish Jr.+Daniel Morse declinedJohn Shepherd declinedSecond LieutenantsAbijah HarringtonWillard FalesJonathan NicholsWarren Hall declinedDaniel BellJames D WheatonJohn Page JunSeth BannisterDavid Fales+Nathan ParksFranklin TinkhamSurgeon+ Oliver MannSurgeons Mates.+Jonathan White+Ebenezer Laurence

Sixteenth RegimentLieutenant Colonel Commandant+ Rufus Graves.Majors.+Timothy Darling  resigned+   Cornelius Lynde.Captains.Josiah DunhamJohn Rogers declinedNathaniel GreenGeorge TillinghastRobert ParkerAbraham R ElleryHenry TiltonJonathan AndrewsWilliam WoodwardGeorge WoodwardIsrael Elliott TraskFirst LieutenantsFrancis Gardner declinedThomas BrindleyDaniel M DurellDaniel BissellAbel Hutchins declinedIsaac PutnamSylvester G. Whipple+Israel W KellyEphraim Whitney declined+Thaddeus KendallWhipple Lovett+Marmaduke WaitRobert OveringSecond Lieutenants.Arthur Rogers declinedOzeas DanforthMoses SweatWilliam E GreenIsrael BartlettChristopher WhippleSamuel ParkerJohn W BrownsonJesse Lull+Benjamin F. StarkeCary ClarkeSurgeon+ Oliver MannSurgeons Mates.+Jonathan White+Ebenezer Laurence

Note. The Officers in the foregoing return having the Mark + affixed opposite to their names are those which were appointed by the President during the recess of the Senate: those, where the contrary is not expressed are now in service.
James McHenrySecy. of warReturn of the Officers who have been appointed under the Act intitled “An Act to augment the Army of the United States and for other purposes” designating such Officers who have accepted their appointments and those who have declined accepting, resigned their Commissions, died &c.
Lieut. GeneralGeorge Washington...dead!Major GeneralsAlexander Hamilton...Inspector GeneralCharles Cotesworth PinckneyHenry Knox declinedBrigadier Generals.John Brookes declinedWilliam WashingtonJonathan Dayton declinedWilliam North, Adjutant GeneralCavalry.John Watts..Lieut Colonel CommandantMajors.Solomon Van Renselaer  John Tayloe declinedCaptainsRichard WillingWilliam SpencerBenjamin WilliamsonCharles F Mercer declinedLaurence Lewis declinedJames BurnJohn B. ArmisteadJames N. BallFirst Lieutenants.Robert GrayLaurence WashingtonJohn WallbackCharles F. Mercer declinedGeorge Washington CraikRichard TilghmanSecond Lieutenants.William C RogersCarter B. FontaineAlexander McComb JunRichard Cook resignedCharles Tutt+Archibald LeeGeorge W. P. Custis


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Cooper, 17 April 1800
From: Cooper, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sir
Thursday No. 61 Walnut near Dock Strt. 17 April 1800

Being indicted for a supposed Libel in the circuit Court of the United States now sitting in Philadelphia, I find it necessary to apply for official Copies of the Papers of which I transmit an inclosed list. I applied yesterday afternoon to the Secretary of State, who has just now sent me word that they are not to be found in his Office.
I beg therefore, that your Excellency would have the goodness to direct me your Secretary to make them out for me the as expeditiously as possible, and to accept of the present application as legal notice of my request.
I am / with respect / Your excellency’s / Obedient Servant

Thomas Cooper


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 20 April 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
April 20th 1800.

I nominate Joshua Johnson Esqr. of the city of Washington to be superintendent of stamps according to the Act of Congress to establish a general Stamp Office.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Jedidiah Morse, 21 April 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Morse, Jedidiah

Sir
Philadelphia April 21st 1800

I am much obliged by your favor of the 5th, & for your introduction of Aaron Putnam Esqr, with whose person & conversation, I have been much pleased. The preparations for a decisision on the great subject are so advanced, that I hope it will not be postponed much longer. But there are so many great objects involved in the question, and so many considerations, great & small to be attended to, that I shall find as difficult a subject as any that has come before me. The determination, whatever it may be, will cause dissappointment & chagrin, perhaps censure and clamor enough—but what measure of the government does not.
With great regard &c


Title: From John Adams to John Davis, 21 April 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Davis, John

Sir
Philadelphia April 21 1800

I have received your favor of the 12th of this month, accompanying your eulogy of Gen. G. Washington, before the American Academy of Arts & sciences at Boston 6th Feb.
I thank you, Sir, for the very acceptable present of a copy of it, & I regret that I could not have the high pleasure of hearing it, with the society, as one of their members
It is without affectation—in a strain of allusions to science and learning, highly becoming the orator and audience. I ought not perhaps to omit to remark, an eulogium of five lines at the conclusion, which I could not read without trembling with fear, that it had not been merited
I am Sir with undissembled esteem your humble servant


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 21 April 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Philadelphia April 21st 1800

I have considered Mr. Harrisons letter to you of the 10th. & in consequence of his opinion & the intimation of the judges, you may prepare a pardon for William Durelle, for all the sentence, except what relates to the security for future good behavior. I wish however that I had more information of the nature of the libell. You will please to write Mr. Harrison & inform him, that I leave entirely to his discretion, the conduct of the prosecution against Mr. Peck.
As to Mrs. Greenleaf, the reasons urged by the Attorney of the district are quite sufficient for me to consent and indeed to direct a nolle prosequi.
I am Sir, your most obedient & humble servant.


Title: To John Adams from Charles Love, Jr., 21 April 1800
From: Love, Charles, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Alexandria April 21st: 1800

The Honour of Your much valued Favour, I am now with gratitude to acknowledge—
To You Sir, I owe my warmest Thanks, for the very encourageing, and to me highly Honourable manner, in which you have been pleas’d to observe on such parts of my Poem, as meet your approbation—nor am I less sensible of the obligation which arises from the candour of your strictures thereon—
In your Comment, You have indeed been careful, not to “bruise the tender reed”—it is mild, but yet impressive—and should I again visit at the Mount, the Dear Ladies, shall own, and admire, the Polish it has wrought.
In the culture of my–own thin Soil, I have endeavour’d to introduce the energetic root of Milton, and to draw nutrition from the smothly flowing streams of Thomson—the former appears often rough, the latter sometimes vapid—a happy medium was my aim—the Blade would have been more luxuriant, but for the blast of penary—the Grain would have been more perfect, but that I was hurried into the harvest—
From the melodious Chant of the Muses, to the monotonous clamour of necessity, is an imminent, a discomposing steep—but as it argues not the privation of Integrity, unblushing I own the frequency of my descent—
To this cause I am accurate in attributing those defects in my Poem which wear the semblance of Neglect—Deligence, Respected Sir, is my pride—and when I boast, it shall be my theme—
Above all Sir, I thank you for yor last comment—it, indeed conveys the soothing Oil of gladness; He, who in his Writings displays the “Pure Heart” the chaste sentiment—can not be said to have Written in vain—
With reverential Esteem / I have the Honor to be / Sir / Your Excellency’s / most Obedient Respectful / Humble Servant
Charles Love


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 22 April 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States April 22d 1800.

I nominate Samuel Saxon of South Carolina to be commissioner of valuations in that State in the place of William Anderson deceased
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 23 April 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Gentlemen
Philadelphia April 23, 1800

The President of the United States proposes to the Consideration of the heads of Departments a Subject which although at first view it may appear of inconsiderable Moment, will upon more mature reflection be found to be of some difficulty but of great importance to the honor Dignity and Consistency of the Government.
In every Government of Europe I believe there is a Gazette in the Service of the Government, and a Printer Appointed, acknowledged and avowed by it. In every regular Government at least. The Gazette of France before the Revolution answered the same Purpose with the London Gazette in England. Mr Strahan is appointed the Kings Printer by Patent and is the Editor of the London Gazette. This Gazette is Said by Lawyers and Judges to be prima facie evidence, in Courts of Justice, of matters of State and of public Acts of the Government. As it is published by the Authority of the Crown, it is the usual Way of notifying Such Acts to the public; and therefore is intitled to credit in respect to such matters. It is a high misdemeanor to publish any Thing as from Royal Authority which is not so. The Gazette is evidence of the Kings Proclamations: even the Articles of War printed by the Kings Printer, are good Evidence of those Articles. Addresses of the Subjects in Bodies or otherwise of the King and his Answers are considered as matters of State when published in the Gazette, and are proved by it, prima facie in the Kings Court, in Westminster Hall. The Gazette is Said to be an authoritative means of proving all Acts relating to the King and the State. Justice Butler, Asserts that every Thing which relates to the King as King of Great Britain &c, is in its nature public, and that any Thing a Gazette which contains any Thing done by his Majesty in his Character of King, or which has passed through his Majestys hands, is admissible Evidence in a Court of Law to prove Such Thing.
Without running a Parellell between the President of the United States and the King of England, it is certain that the honor Dignity and Consistency of Government is of as much importance to the People, in one Case as the other. The President must issue Proclamations, Articles of war Articles of the Navy, and must make appointments in the Army Navy, Revenue and other Branches of public Service and these ought all to be announced by Authority in some acknowledged Gazette. The Laws ought to be published in the same.
It is certain that a Presidents Printer, must be restrained from publishing Libells and all Paragraphs offensive to Individuals public Bodies or foreign Nations; but need not be forbid Advertisements. The Gazette need not appear more than once or twice a week.
Many other Considerations will occur to the Minds of the Secretaries
The President requests their opinion
1 Whether a Printer can be appointed by the President either with or without the Advice and Consent of the Senate?
2. Whether a Printer can be obtained, without Salary or Fees, for the Profit which might be made by such a Gazette?
3. Where shall We find such a Printer.
It is certain that the present desultory manner of publishing the Laws, Acts of the President, and proceedings of the Executive departments is infinitely disgraceful to the Government and Nation and in all Events must be altered.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 23 April 1800
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

					Navy Department, April 23, 1800.

				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 to the Secretary of the Navy entirely proper. He believes the demand is neither sanctioned by precedent nor the law of nations. Should it be otherwise, Mr. Liston, as invited by the Secretary of State, will show it.Mr Liston’s project of an article on the subject of deserters secures to his nation every thing it could require, but affords no security to the United States in a point of equal interest with them, that their merchant vessels will not be interrupted on the high seas, in order to impress from them their crews, under pretence of being deserters.It is certainly just that the United States should afford to Great Britain all the reasonable security they have a right to expect from a friendly nation, against the loss of their seamen—a loss of all others the most serious to a nation, depending on maritime strength for its power, perhaps for its safety. But it is equally just that the United States should be secured against the impressment of their seamen on the high seas, and the interruption of their merchant vessels. The project of the Secretary of the Treasury meets the full approbation of the Secretary of the Navy. It seems to comprehend every thing that ought to be required on either side; but it is so desirable to have a right understanding on a subject so likely to produce ill blood, that, rather than not agree, the Secretary of the Navy thinks the word hereafter, if positively insisted on, may be struck out of that project; and submits whether, for the sake of accommodation, the limitation of time in which deserters may be claimed, if strenuously urged by Mr. Liston, may not be extended to three years. The Secretary is clearly of opinion that it is better to have no article, and to meet all consequences, than not to enumerate merchant vessels on the high seas among the things not to be forcibly entered in search of deserters.All of which is respectfully submitted.

					Ben. Stoddart.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 24 April 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States April 24th 1800.

I nominate William Allen Deas of South Carolina to be a commissioner of valuations in that state in the place of Simeon Theus resigned

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 April 1800
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Navy Department 25th. April 1800

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 every instance on private property:—so that the Public have now little or no advantage from the expenditure of sums to a considerable amount. The evil, however, did not stop here. The Yards, connected with the Wharves, were, in almost every instance, too confined to admit of the convenience of piling away the timber, in a manner to prevent the necessity of frequent removals of one piece to get at another—which happened to be first wanted. The expence of this unnecessary kind of labour, arising solely from the want of sufficient room in the yard, amounted to several thousand dollars in building the Frigate United States, at Philadelphia. At Boston & at Baltimore, there is reason to beleive this expence was still more considerable. It would not perhaps be hazarding too much to say, that the sums lost in improving private property, & in piling & unpiling of timber, from the want of yards sufficiently capacious, would have been nearly sufficient to have procured them for the Public, & to have erected Wharves & other essential improvements.—
But when the building of these Frigates commenced, it was not foreseen that the United States would so soon want more—nor was the Public mind prepared to consider the establishment of a Navy, as necessary to the honor & safety of the Country.
All the timber, except the Frames, for the six 74 gun–ships authorized to be built, has been ordered to be procured at Portsmouth in New Hampshire—Boston—N York—Philda.—Norfolk—and the City of Washington; & the greater part, if not the whole, has been already collected at these different places. Contracts have been long made, and are in part executed, for the Frames for these ships, of the live oak of Georgia and South Carolina—and measures are in operation to transport, as soon as may be, these Frames to the different building places.—At Norfolk, the yard where the Frigate was built, belonging to the state of Virginia, has been lately ceded to the United States, on the condition of being paid the value of the ground, which it is presumed will not exceed two thousand dollars, and this will include the wharf heretofore built by the United States. At the city of Washington, a sufficient quantity of ground, selected for a Navy Yard, belonged to the Public. At Philadelphia, the old, & very inconvenient, confined yard, heretofore used, must be again rented—considerable additions be made to the Wharf at the Public expence—and the unnecessary loss of constant removal of timber be again sustained—or ground sufficient for a proper Navy Yard, must be purchased, at an expence, equal perhaps, to 30,000 Dollars—At New York, there have been already two wharves, built by the Public, for the Frigate President—The first wharf was discovered to be placed where there was not sufficient water, to launch the ship. It is not yet ascertained, for what sum, a quantity of ground adequate to the purpose can be obtained at a place, said to be extremely proper, near N York, for a Building Yard; but it is believed, the price will not exceed a few thousand dollars—At Boston, the old Yard, besides being private property, & too confined to contain the timber for a 74 gun ship, is so much surrounded by Wooden Houses, as to be thought too dangerous a situation, for building a valuable ship—especially a ship that might remain long on the Stocks. At this place, or rather at Charleston, there is a very proper situation for a Building Yard; but the ground, necessary for the purpose, cannot be obtained for less that 18,000, or 20,000 Dollars. At Portsmouth, the yard of Mr. Langdon, hired for the Frigate, might be used for the 74 gun ship;—but an Island, at this place, quite convenient for all the Purposes of a large establishment, can be procured for 6000 Drs.
In this view of the subject—and believing that it is the truest œconomy to provide at once permanent Yards, which shall be the Public Property, and which will allways be worth to the Public, the money expended thereon, instead of pursuing the system at first adopted, which, with the experience before us, could only be justified, on the ground, that the ships, now ordered, are the last to be built by the United States: The Secretary of the Navy, has had but little difficulty in making up his opinion, that the proper course to be pursued, is to make the Building Yards at Norfolk, Washington, New York & Portsmouth, Public Property and to commence them on a scale as if they were meant to be permanent; and also, the Building Yards at Philadelphia and at Boston, notwithstanding the high prices which must be given for the ground.
Mr. Humphreys, whose report accompanies this, was sent to the Eastward, to view the situations about Boston & Portsmouth, proper for building Yards—He could no where find, within a convenient distance of Boston, a situation, so eligible in all respects, as that of Charleston.
Mr. Humphreys was also instructed to examine, the different Ports & Harbours, Eastward of New York, with a view to the selection of a situation for one of the Docks, for repairing of ships, directed by Act of Congress—His report on that subject, corresponds with the opinion the Secretary of the Navy has long entertained, from the best lights in his power, that Newport, Rhode–Island, affords advantages which give it a superiority over every other place—It is of easy access, and can be gained under circumstances which would render it almost impossible for a ship in a cripled state, to reach any other port, to the Eatsward of Chesapeake Bay—It has a capacious & a very safe harbour in all kinds of weather—and is the very point, of which a Maritime Enemy would endeavour to get possession, for the purpose of annoying on our own Coasts, our own Trade, & of cutting off one half the Maritime Strength of our Country, from the other half.
The objection to this place, is the expence of Fortifying it. In a War with England—or in a war with France, if France had only the United States to contend with, either Nation would take possession of Rhode Island, & would make it a second Gibralter—indeed it would be much more injurious to the United States, in the hands of either Nation, than Gibraltar is to Spain. Half a dozen Hostile ships would do more mischief to our commerce, from Rhode Island, from the celerity with which they could move in & out of port, than double the number from Boston, or most other Ports. It is a National object then, to keep possession of Rhode Island, too important to be neglected—let the expence of Fortification, be what it may—
Boston, from the natural strength of it’s situation, the great number, of Ship Carpenters in it’s vicinity, and of it’s Seamen, must always remain, a Building place & a place of Rendezvous, for our Navy, of the first importance. At Boston, too, the tides rise so high, as to lessen greatly the expence of emptying a Dock; but the danger of the Coast, Eastward of Cape Cod, & the difficulty of access to Boston harbour, seem to forbid a reliance on that place, as the principal rendezvous of our Navy, in a war on our Coasts, and as an asylum for ships damaged in action, & seeking a port for repairs
New London has many advantages for a Dock—At this place, the Machine for pumping the Dock, might be worked by water, instead of using for that purpose, a steam Engine of more expence—It is capable of being fortified at an expence considerably less than Rhode Island—but it is not so easy of access as Rhode Island—indeed a ship cannot enter the harbour with a N:W: wind, nor is the Harbour very capacious. But a Judicious Enemy, able to make an Establishment on our Eastern coast, would not hesitate a moment between New London and Rhode Island—nor indeed between Rhode Island and any other place, on account of the great facility with which they could carry on their operations from Rhode–Island.
There are several fine Harbours, East of Boston.—Portsmouth—Portland—& Wiscasset, will all become important, in a Naval view, as the country advances in population; but it is conceived, that it is yet too early, to put them in competition with Boston, Rhode Island or New London—They are, indeed, all subject to one of the disadvantages, which is made an objection to Boston, & in a greater degree—The Fogs, which so frequently prevail, & continue so long, on all the Eastern Coast from Cape Cod, particularly in the Spring seasons.
Together with the report of Mr. Humphreys, the Secretary of the Navy has the honor to lay before the President, Sundry plans & observations, relative to the Harbors of New London—Newport—Providence—Boston—Charleston—Portsmouth—Portland & Wiscasset.
All which is respectfully submitted.

Ben Stoddert.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 28 April 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
April 28. 1800

I nominate Henry Vandyke—of Delaware, to be a Lieutenant in the Navy.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 28 April 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy,U.S. Cabinet

April 28th 1800

The President of the United States requests the attention of the Secretary of State and all the heads of Department to the report of the Secretary of the Navy on ship yards & dock yards & their opinions & advice concerning it, as it is necessary a decision should be soon made


Title: To John Adams from Aaron Putnam, 28 April 1800
From: Putnam, Aaron
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir,
Phila. 28 Apr. 1800

I am informed the Secy of the Navy and Mr. Humphrys have reported in favour of the establishment of a Navy yard at Charlestown, and to purchase for that purpose only about 21 Acres of Land which 21 Acres will Amo. to abt. 20,000 Dols, the ground that has been proposed, and thot: sufficient for the Dock and Navy Yards and marked out by a pencil on the plan, from Charlestown, Contains about 45 Acres, each lott included in those 45 A has a probable value affixed—if I was to consult the interest of the United States, I should not hesitate to say that should the Dock yard, not be established at that place the whole of the 45 acres ought now to be purchased, and this is decidedly the Opinion of Mr. Humphreys who reported in favour of the 21 Acres from principals of economy only, which he has given me liberty to observe—on experiment should the Governor. not want any part of it the whole they can at any time dispose of it to advantage—I beg leave here to observe Sir that I am very far from being convinced by any reasons I have seen adduced that Ch: town is not greatly the best place for the Dock yard—As to the place when arrived at no one I believe will say but what it  ought to have a decided preferance especially when we take in veiw its conections with the Navy Yard, which conections will greatly lessen the expence of each, this together with many conveniences which I conceive would arrise from these establishment of both yards at the same place opperates forsibly on my Mind in favour of the establishment at Charles town—as to many of the objections to the natural situation & navigation of Boston Harbour they appear to me not well founded—I have never before heard of Fogs being so peculiarly troublesome or the Currents such that the Pilots had not a perfect knowledge of them—A Vessell can come into safety in Nantasket Road with the wind at any Point of Compass  as to the loss of the two 74s. I have been repeatedly informed by Gentlemen of the first respectability that they were lost intirely from carelessness. The British 74 t had been cruising in the Bay for 10 or 15 Days to interupt some Vessells that were then expected, and from her Zeal stayed untill a storm came on and drove her on Cape Cod, the French 74 got under way at an improper time of tide and against the remonstrances of those who were acquainted with the navigation—neither of which cases I conceive ought to be mintioned to the disadvantage of B. Harbr. the Harbour below the Castlle about 4 miles from Ch. town is sufficient to contain a large navy & in perfect safety insurance  Vessels from one place to another generally shews nearly the Hazard, I have been one of the Directors of the Mass: F & M Insurance Compy ever since it was established, and have never known any differance from an Uropean or even an East Indian port to Boston or Ro. Island—Coming from the W Indies R Island would undoubtedly be the nearest and more easy of access, & especially for a cripled ship, which I humbly concive will render it nessesary to make that a place of comfort for Such Ships, but at as little expence as possible that the temptation to a marine Enemy to get possession of that place may not be increased, but that the Grand Deposit should be placed in perfect safety,—
The circumstance of the British Government after a Survey of the U States just before the revolutionary war determining on the very spot in Charlestown for a Dock and navy yard that is now proposed I conceive to be much in its favour for no nation understands those things better, I have thus Sir agreably to your request endeavour’d to commit some of my Ideas to paper am very sorry my time will not suffer me to be more correct which I pray you to have the goodness to pardon
I have the honour to be with the / greatest respect, Sir, your Obt Servant—

Aaron Putnam


Title: To John Adams from John Russell, 28 April 1800
From: Russell, John,West, John
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Boston 28th April 1800

We respectfully take leave to present You with a Copy of the Legacies of your late Illustrious friend his Exellency Genl. Washington, well knowing that your friendship for him, and your intimate acquaintance with his Exalted Virtues and Abilities, must render any part of his invaluable writings acceptable to You, more especially those which may so properly be denominated his Political Legacies.
with the highest Respect & Veneration / we are / Sir / your most Obedt. Servts.
John RussellJno. West


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 April 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 29 Aprl. 1800

Having maturely reflected upon the principal question, contained in your communication, dated yesterday, to the Heads of Departments, and Attorney General, and beleiving it of great importance to the honour, dignity and consistency of the Government, that a public Printer should be appointed by the President, I have respectfully to submit my opinion on the subject.
The principal question I consider to be entirely abstract:—“Whither (under present circumstances) a printer can be appointed by the President, either with or without the advice and consent of the Senate”? If by the question, is meant, a printer for the government in all its departments and branches, and more particularly, if a fixed salary is contemplated, I am of opinion, that the President cannot appoint such a Printer until the office shall be created by law.
The Constitution, article 2d. sct. 2d. provides, that “the President, shall have power to nominate and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers, and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law. But the Congress may by law, vest the appointment of such inferior officers as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of law, or in the Heads of Departments.”
If the Printer contemplated in the question, is by his paper, to give authenticy at home and abroad, to all the public acts of government, to proclamations of the President, and to the acts of the Legislature &c, must he not be considered an officer of the United States? And if he can be so considered, his office must be established by law, and the person designed to fill it, must be nominated to the Senate, and by and with their advice appointed.
It appears to me, that the President can exercise no governmental power as President, not granted to him, either by the express words of the constitution, necessarily implied by some expressions in the instrument, or vested in him by some Constitutional law. He may indeed allow a Printer, to call himself Printer to the President, but this Printer can be considered, as a private man only, and would be entitled to no annual or fixed compensation, without a law ascertaining the sum. If the Departments, by direction or otherwise, employed the same Printer, they must be held to pay him, such compensation respectively as his publications or work done for them, might merit.
The want of, nay necessity for a public printer is certainly evident, to publish not only the laws in the first instance, and papers which either branch of the federal Legislature might direct, but state papers, as Treaties, Proclamations of the President, and official papers of the different departments, and also at particular times, such articles of foreign and domestic intelligence, as the government might consider authentic and important to be promulgated correctly,—and this necessity is peculiarly urgent at the present moment, when the Seat of Government, is about to be removed to the City of Washington, at which place it is understood no Printer resides.
In the opinion of the Secretary present circumstances require and render it proper, that a law should be passed to authorise the President to appoint, from time to time, some fit trusty and discreet person, to be Printer to the United States, whose duty it should be, to publish or superintend the publishing, in a news–paper, to be printed at the seat of Government, all the Laws of the United States, together with such papers, as either Branch of the Legislature, or the President or any of the heads of Departments, under his authority shall direct. The law might also either provide a fixed salary for such Printer, or appropriate monies, to be applied to compensate him, for such publications as he might make, or services render as Printer, and equitably deserve. This course would probably be the safest, to prevent clamour, when the minds of many of our citizens are causelesly it is true, but certainly awake to jealousy of the Executive Branch of Government.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect Sir your / Obt & hble St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Charles Newbold, 29 April 1800
From: Newbold, Charles
To: Adams, John

Respected President
Philadelphia 29th April 1800

With due respect permit me to communicate a scetch of some ideas, which have occurred to my mind, upon the subject I mentioned, when you requested a statement in writing, which I should have done long since, but could not make up my mind, upon the best manner of conducting the buiseness, concieveing it to be of great importance and if well managed, great benefit would result to the nation not only as it respects our health wealth, Power & harmony at home, but also the influence it would have on our respectability, and wisdom abroad—
My Ideas have been to form central societies to take into consideration, and promote improvements, & the best method of conducting various kinds of Mechanical Arts and aggriculture, with branches extended in the different States as far as the case will admit of; concieving it will attract the attention of many of our enterprising citizens, and enable the communty to adopt inventions, and improvements, with more facility, by having suitable characters to examine, prove, and when found beneficial, to recommend them to the Publick. It must be evident to the President, and every reflecting mind, that great improvements are making, and if a favourable System could be adopted to make greater, and promote them, it would save considerable trouble; & expence to many inventors, who are at present incapable of circulating their improvements, and inventions for want of money, friends &c &c.
I hope you will excuse the abrupt manner, in which I first introduced this buisiness, but could not think of any better way, than in person to address the first Magistrate, whom I have been induced to consider in the light of a political Parent, & who has given so many proofs of his attachment to order & system—
If the President & leading men of the nation should be desirious of encouraging improvements (as I trust they are) I have it in contemplation to introduce a number of Machines upon nine Principles, by collecting a variety of ingenious people together for the purpose of manufacturing them—
Having expressed the outlines of my views I hope to be released, by seeing the subject taken up by those; who are more capable, but hope I may always feel a disposition to contribute my mite to promote an institution which I think will contribute to my countries happiness
I am with sentiments of respect / Your assured Friend

Charles Newbold


Title: To John Adams from Aaron Putnam, 30 April 1800
From: Putnam, Aaron
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir
New York Wednesday Morng. 30 Apr. 1800

With a Heart replete with gratitude, permit me to express to you Sir, the high Sence I shall ever entertain of your kind & very friendly attentions whilst at Phila., no personal considerations could have induced me so soon to have trespassed on your goodness—but the anxious solicitude of my constituants I hope will be a sufficient apoligy for my requesting the favour of your permitting Mr. Shaw to drop me a line by the earliest opportunity after you have been pleased to make a desicion on the business of my embassy. With the greatest / Respect & esteem I have the / honour Sir to be your Devoted Friend / & H Servant
Aaron Putnam


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 1 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department, 1st May, 1800.

An Act of Congress, passed the 4th of May, 1798, entituled “An Act to enable the President of the United States to procure Cannon, Arms & Ammunition, and for other purposes,” provides—Section 1. “That a Sum not exceeding Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars shall be, and hereby is appropriated, and shall and may be paid out of any Monies not before appropriated, under the direction of the President of the United States, to purchase, as soon as may be, a sufficient number of Cannon, also a supply of small arms, and of ammunition, and military Stores, to be deposited and used, as will be most conducive to the public safety and defence, at the discretion of the President of the United States: Section 2. “That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorised, in case he shall find it impracticable to procure by purchase, with certainty and dispatch proportionate to the Necessities of the public Service, the Cannon & arms hereby required, and any considerable part thereof shall be likely to be deficient, to take by Lease for a Term of Years, or, by sale in fee to the United States, one or more suitable place or places, where cannon or small arms may be advantageously cast and manufactured, and shall and may there establish Founderies and Armouries for the Manufacture of the same respectively, and shall cause suitable Artisans and Labourers to be there employed for account of the United States; and shall and may appoint one or more persons to superintend the said works under the direction of the Department of War:” and–Section 3. “That the Sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars shall be, and hereby is appropriated, and shall be paid out of any monies not before appropriated, for the Hire, Purchase and employ of the said Founderies and Armouries respectively, in case such Establishments shall be found necessary, as herein before provided.
It is respectfully represented that from a due consideration of the preceding act inducing a Belief that the Cannon contemplated to be purchased were intended to be efficient, and the best adapted to the several kinds of Service to which they must be applied; and a full conviction that the measures which have and can be taken to procure Cannon by purchase for the United States, either by importation from abroad, or manufacture at different founderies at home, will never insure that perfect uniformity in model, weight, caliber or consistency of Metal, necessary to the perfection and full utility of the Ordnance of every Country; and also a well grounded Expectation that Metal could be had in the United States, adjacent to one of our National Armouries, superior to any that had been used for the Guns procured by purchase—the Secretary of War addressed a Letter to the Secretary of the Navy, on the 10th of March, ultimo, (Copy—No: 1.) proposing that the two Departments should join in a Representation to the President, recommending the purchase of a Site for a Cannon Foundery, and of Ore the best adapted for Ordnance in exclusive propriety to the United States, and also a permanent National Establishment for casting Cannon and Shot, designating the Site contemplated, enclosing a Report (No: 2) by Major Tousard, relative to some Experiments made by him, on a very light Gun, cast from Metal, the Ore of which is found near Harper’s Ferry, and cursorily touching upon advantages supposed to be peculiar to the Site from its Vicinity to a National Armoury, and promised from the Lightness combined with Strength of the Guns, that might be cast from this metal—meaning more particularly those designed for Ships and for Field-Artillery.
To the Letter from the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy returned an Answer on the 11th of March, (No: 3) expressing a decided Opinion that the United States ought to possess one or more such establishments as the one proposed, and a belief that the Vicinity of Harper’s Ferry on the Potomack is a very proper place for one such establishment, together with a full consent that he be considered as joining in an application to the President, recommending the measure proposed; suggesting however that further Experiments than had been mentioned should be made on the Ore in Question to ascertain precisely the Expectations that might be formed of it.
The Result of the ulterior experiments will be seen by two Reports of Major Tousard, one dated the 26th: (No. 4) the other the 30th April, ulto: (No: 5). These Experiments were on very light Guns compared to the Weight of Ball—a 6 and a 9 pounder—the most common kinds in field use.
To obtain information as far as practicable of the value of the property contemplated to be purchased for this establishment, from its situation with respect to Water-carriage; the quality of its soil, streams for the necessary Water-works, and quantity of Timber, a Letter was written to a respectable and well-informed Gentleman, Mr: Abraham Shepherd in the Vicinity (Copy—No: 6). The Title, respecting which he mentions some disputes, can be, if necessary, hereafter fully ascertained; but it is proper now to observe that the Right to the Ore Bank is incumbered with a Ground Rent of One Thousand Dollars per ann: which, in the Opinion of the Secretary may and should be extinguished by purchase, which can be made on reasonable terms.
Proposals by the principal Proprietor of the Site and Ore for disposing of the same, and of different parcels of Land adjacent at given prices, any of which may be taken and others rejected, have been made this day. (Copy—No: 7).
The Law and every Paper relative to the proposed measure, and necessary to form an Opinion thereupon are respectfully submitted. With the Utmost deference the Secretary solicits the direction of the President, whether the proposed Site and Ore can & shall be purchased, and a National Foundery for casting Cannon, Shot & Shells be accordingly established.
With the greatest Respect / I have the Honour to be, / Sir, / Your most obedient servant

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 2 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 2d May 1800.

I am informed that Tench Frances Eqr Purveyor of public supplies, died last night; This event creates a vacancy in an important office, which the necessities of the service, require, should be filled with as little delay as possible.
Permit me respectfully to present to you, the name of Mr. Jonathan Williams as a successor to this office. He is a gentleman of intelligence, activity, experience in business and fair character, and at present, by your permission, is acting provisionally as Purveyor for the War Department.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir / Your most ob St
James McHenry


Title: From John Adams to Roberts & Co. Davy, 3 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Davy, Roberts & Co.

Gentlemen
Philadelphia 3d of May 1800

I have received your note of the first of this month with a box of the nicest segars I ever saw. I thank you Gentlemen for this polite attention and elegant present and am your obliged humble servant.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Bowen, 3 May 1800
From: Bowen, Oliver
To: Adams, John

Sr.
Augusta May the 3—1800

You have thaught proper to remove me from Office, it is presumed to have been on good information.—You have been imposed on, I am materially injured in reputation which to me, I have alwaise considered the most valuable Jewel Jewell in life. I have been tryed on sundry charge which I presume are such as you have thaught proper to dismiss me on, I am honourably acquitted by my country. I have brought suite against one who I am well assured to be at the bottom of my disgrace, I presume it cannot now be improper to be request to be inform’d of what was the information on which I was dismissed and from whome it came. I am Sr. respectfully / Yours.

Oliver Bowenlate Marshal D. Georgia


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Philadelphia May 5th, 1800

I have read with attention, and duly considered, your letter of the 1st. of this month, and all the papers inclosed with it, and am of opinion that the public interest, and service requires that the proposed site and Ore be purchased at the best terms, which can be obtained, and a National Foundry for casting Cannon, shot and shells established, and I authorize you, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Navy, to execute this business as soon as possible.

Signed,John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Cooper, 5 May 1800
From: Cooper, William
To: Adams, John

May 5. 1800.

Wm. Cooper Esq. member of Congress, requests that his son Richard Fenimore Cooper Esqr. may be appointed Agent to explore the copper mine on Lake Superior, and report; agreeably to the Resolution of Congress.
Judge Lawrence knows R. F. Cooper, who is a lawyer, intelligent, and very fit for the Agency.
Mr. Cooper says his son is 26 years old. A young man recommended by the Assayer of the Mint, for his skill in metals, Mr. Cooper says will accompany his son.


Title: To John Adams from John Knapp, 5 May 1800
From: Knapp, John
To: Adams, John

Sir,
City Washington May 5th. 1800.

I again take the liberty to solicit an appointment under Your Administration, as it is presumable a number of Vacancies will take place, on the removal of the Government here—
I did myself the honor to address Your Excellency, on the death of Doctor Way in September 1797, accompanied with a letter from the Secretary at War, respecting the Office of Treasurer of the Mint then Vacant, which I am informed is again so by the Resignation of Doctor Rush—Permit me to request Your Excellency will refer to the various recommendations, (from several of the first Characters in this State, including the Executive, Senators in Congress &c.), that I had the honor Personally to lay before you in Apl. 1797, when you were pleased to observe, that they were very strong testimonials—I have removed my family from Philadelphia some time, wish to make this my permant place of residence, & will thankfully receive any Office adequate to the support of my family, that you in your judgment may think proper to give—I can produce other testimonials, to strengthen those already obtained, but flatter myself the important stations, held by the Gentlemen who honored me with their regards, will be deemed by your Excellency sufficient Vouchers of my Character—I have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest respect, / Your Excellencys / Obt. Sert.

John Knapp


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 6 May 1800.

I have the honour to request, that I may be permitted to resign the office of Secretary of the Department of war, and that my resignation be accepted, to take place on the first day of June next.
Explanations may be desired of some parts of the business of the War Department, while under my direction, which I shall be very ready to give, and can more conveniently do so by continuing in an official situation until the period mentioned. I shall esteem myself particularly favoured, by your enquiries relative to any subject connected with my official duties—because I shall then have an opportunity, to lay before you full information of what I have done or directed—together with the reasons and motives known best to myself, which induced particular measures.
Having discharged the duties of Secretary of war for upwards of four years with fidelity, unremitting assiduity and to the utmost of my abilities, I leave behind me all the records of the Department, exhibiting the principles, and manner, of my official conduct, together with not a few difficulties I have had to encounter to these written documents—I cheerfully refer my reputation as an officer and a man.
I have the honour to be with the most perfect consideration, Sir / your most ob St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 6 May 1800
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Department of State May 6. 1800

The Secretary of State has the honor to inclose Mr. Rawles’ resignation of the office of Attorney of the United States for the district of Pennsylvania.

T. Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Anne-Louis de Tousard, 6 May 1800
From: Tousard, Anne-Louis de
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia May the 6th 1800

Before I enter on the subject for which I have the honor of calling the attention of Your Excellency, I must apologize and ask your indulgence for intruding upon your far more important occupations. I trust, if any thing is amiss in this step, you will, by no means, attribute it to a want of respect; but rather excuse the Feelings of an Officer who, since the year 1765, has been brought up to Artillery and Engineer Duty, and attained early in America, and in his former Country Commissions of far superior rank to that which he holds at present. (The Diplomas of that uninterrupted series I have in my possession).
Promoted Lt. Col. in 1778, during the revolutionary war by a very honorable Resolve of Congress (Octbr 28 1778) I am Major of the First Regt. of Artillerists since five years and four months, and now I am the 1st Major of the whole Corps. The opinion of the Secretary of war, I claim, for the manner in which I have fulfilled the several duties which he has ordered me on; and I may add that I have been constantly employed during that time. I have lived nearly fifty years; therefore there are few that I may depend upon: With cheerfulness I will spend whatever are alloted to me in supporting your firm administration and the Constitution of the United States.
But, Sir, There is no situation in life which requires more encouragement than that of military life. Many appointments have been framed for the Corps, the duty of which I have performed these three years, with as much zeal as if I had meet with your preferment to any of them. As Inspector of Artillery, as Inspector of Fortifications I have been successively and Constantly kept on both these duties and there is now no Lt. Colonel in the second Regiment.
I employ no friends, my zeal alone must claim your interest: I earnestly beg you will not overlook it; a long experience has evinced that it is adequate to any of the appointments which you may think proper to confer on me. The State of Suspense in which I am kept; the certitude that the other officers inferior in rank to me look upon me as an obstacle to their preferrments; The Tantalism of vacancies unfilled, and of appointments framed which I may think I have some claims to, since I am performing the duty of them; require more philosophical fortitude than I can boast of. The Old soldier, The Veteran, The father of a family I recommand to your Justice and interest; and again beg your Excellency’s pardon for my intrusion.
With the greatest respect I have the honor to be / Sir / Your most obliged and very humble Servant

Lewis TousardSenior major of Artillerists and Engrs.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 6 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate.
United States May 6th 1800.

I nominate Jared Ingersol Esqr. of Pensylvania to be Attorney of the United States for the District of Pensylvania in the place of William Rawle Esqr. who has resigned

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 7 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Philadelphia May 7th 1800

I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the sixth day of this month, & consider the requests contained in it as very reasonable. They are readily agreed. I as Sir with much esteem  / your most obedient & humble servant


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 7 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States May 7th 1800

I nominate the Honorable John Marshall Esqr. of Virginia to be Secretary of the department of War, in the place of the Honorable James Mc. Henry Esqr, who has requested that he may be permitted to resign, & that his resignation be accepted, to take place on the first day of June next.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Brown, 7 May 1800
From: Brown, John
To: Adams, John

Dr. Sr.
Philada. May 7th 1800

I take the Libberty to Recommend Genl. Wm. Allin of Providence State of Rhode Island as a Suteable Gentlemon to Conduct the Stamp Office at the seat of Government, he is an Active Accurate Man and Attentive to his Undertakeings and his morrel Carecter Stands Unimpeached, You’l please to Obsearve what he ses, in his Inclosed Letter to me on the Subject together with Genl. Schuylers Letter to him & a Copy of the Recommendation to Mr. Allin When the Genl. Government was First Adopted in the State of Rhode Island when he Contemplated an Appointment in the Custome House but Collo. Bartons going Directly from the Convention at Newport the moment the Constitution was adopted he got to New York, nearly as soone as Genl. Allin Knew at Providence that the Constitution was Adopted, Genl. Allin being being a Relation of Govr. Bowen and havg his Convidence I presoome will be allso Recommended by him, if he should be so Fortunate, as to meete Your Approbation and Appointment I have no Doughts in my mind but that he would prove a Good Officer and meet the Approbation of all Good Men
I am Dr. Sr. with Grait Esteeme and high Respect / Your Exelencys most Obt. Humble Servt.
John Brown


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 7 May 1800

I take the liberty to inclose a note from Mr Waln received this moment, by which it appears that Mr Wheling declines the accommodation you were pleased to direct me to propose.
I respectfully mention that I cannot forbear suggesting, that Mr. William’s pretensions are in my opinion very great, and that the peculiar situation in which he has been placed by his provisional appointment under your directions may merit some attention. He has  said to me, that should the President finally decide to appoint another person, it would be gratifying to him to be first nominated, and if appointed that he would immediately after resign. This is respectfully submitted to the Presidents consideration with the inclosed paper presented to me by Mr. Williams.
I have the honour to be with perfect consideration / Sir / your ob St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 7 May 1800

The inclosed letters were received to-day. I shall take the liberty to call for them to-morrow and to receive your orders respecting them or any of them.
I have the honour to be with perfect consideration / Sir / your ob st.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir,
War Department 7th. May—1800—

I do myself the honor, to inclose Copy of a Letter received from General Knox, dated the 19th. ulto. in answer to one from me, making certain enquiries, relative to the Claim of Silas Dinsmore late an Agent to the Cherokee Nation of Indians, already submitted to your consideration—
I am Sir / with perfect consideration / your obedient / humble servant

James McHenry


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 8 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States May 8th 1800.

I nominate Israel Wheeler Esqr. of Pensylvania to be purveyor of public supplies for the United States in the place of Tench Francis Esqr. deceased.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department May 8 1800

I have the honor to transmit you the proceedings of a Court Martial held at Richmond for the Seal of Lieut James Triplett of the first regiment of Artillerists and Engineers—
I have the honor to be / with great Respect / Your obed servant.
James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 May 1800
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

8. May 1800.

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 the United States which lies south of Patomak, in which the Acts of the President are less understood than any where else, affords no officer—the Attorney Genl excepted—with whom it is usual for the President to advise—no Officer, possessing from his situation, the means, & whose  more immediate Duty & Interest it is, to explain and to vindicate the conduct of the Executive Government.
No States are most more interested in preserving the Union, than North and South Carolina. They ought to be Federal, and most probably they are really so, but the dupes of misrepresentation. The two Pinkneys from South Carolina, the Secy conceives cannot be thought of, in consequence of one of them having been brought forward as a candidate for an office of more Dignity—the other, probably would not accept, even if it were not for this circumstance. North Carolina is a state of more importance than South—the Character of that state meaning the Political Character of that state, is yet to be formed. It might be grateful to the People, to give to the Government one of the heads of Departments—Mr Steele, the Comptroller of the Treasury, is an honorable man—He appears to be greatly respected in No Carolina, & to have considerable influence there. A more important office than he now holds, would increase his power to make true impressions in that Country—He is no doubt, a man of business—and having been a General, he ought to be qualified for the duties of the War Department.
The Secy cannot conclude without repeating, that in taking this freedom, he has no motive but those he has assigned—and of praying that the President, whether he thinks proper to regard the suggestions herein, or otherwise, will excuse his officious interference, which he has communicated to no person.

Ben Stoddert


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Philadelphia May 9th 1800

I have considered your report of the 25 of April & concur with your opinions in general & pray you to carry them all into execution as fast as may be prudently done, excepting with regard to Portsmouth & Rhode Island, which will require some further consultation with you. The lands at Charleston I wish you to purchase immediately & that to the amount of 45 or 50 acres marked in the plan & to employ Aaron Putnam Esqr. of Charleston to execute the business
I am Sir with great regard


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 9 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States May 9th. 1800

I nominate John Cooper of Georgia to be collector of the District of Brunswick & Inspector of the revenue for that port in the place of John McIntosh resigned
Jonas Clark Esqr of Massachusetts to be collector of the District of Kennebunk
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elijah Cooper, 9 May 1800
From: Cooper, Elijah
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Boston 9th. May 1800—

It has been suggested to me by a number of respectable Gentlemen of this town and vicinity, as an object worthy attention, to publish a new & elegant edition of your Defence of the American Constitutions; and I have promise of much support.
If I can obtain the honor of your approbation, I shall immediately put the work to press, & finish it with all possible speed:—it will be impressed on the finest wove paper, with a new & elegant type, & offered for sale on such terms as will enable every lover of his country, however poor, to possess a copy. It has been hinted, that if your excellency could add, some small additions & annotations to the work, it might take a new start, and induce the spirited of our country to give it, unbounded patronage.—
Your opinion, whether the English or American edition is the best for us to copy would be thankfully recieved by / Your Excellency’s / most obedient, / most humble, / & devoted Servant,
Elijah Cooper


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 9 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department: 9th May 1800.

Among the last acts of my official situation, I pray leave to present the Case of Major Lewis Tousard, of the first Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers. This officer, from his knowledge as an Engineer, and the necessity of the case, in a service and country which afford few Engineers, has been much employed in proceeding from place to place on the Seaboard, to view and determine on Situations proper for Fortifications, to make plans and Estimates for the same, and afterwards, in divers instances, in superintending their Execution, and those services were often connected with the discharge of his ordinary military duties at posts where garrisons existed.
In addition to the above Services, required of him by the Department of War, Major Tousard has also been employed by Major General Hamilton on other services, important and requiring great military Qualifications and Experience.
Employed thus on business demanding the application of Science to Practice, Major Tousard, as he was entrusted so was he respected, and expenses were occasioned to him by the very nature of his occupations. But, independent of this, his frequent Removals from place to place were certainly burthensome, and it ought to be mentioned—he is married—and that, without taking with him on many of his Journies at least a part of his family, he would have been deprived a great part of his time, for a Year or two past, of all domestic Happiness.
This Officer was also, when called to perform these distant, extra & varied Services, as to kind & place, taken from a fixed and handsome command—that of Fort Mifflin, where the double Rations attached to his Rank, and to which he would have been entitled in the Character of Commandant, would have gone far towards, if not entirely supported his family.
If I may be permitted to say so, I have always thought that Major Tousard’s extra Services entitled him to a liberal per diem allowance, when employed in the higher branches of his profession, and ever entertained an opinion that it would be more gratifying to the feelings and delicacy of an Officer, during such a series of peculiar Service as he had performed with unremitting assiduity, attention & intelligence, to receive a stated allowance, which he himself appears to have contemplated at four Dollars per day extra—than to be left to the old Regulation of the Department “reasonable expences,” which requires vouchers for the minutest expences, to be produced  on the Officer’s Oath.
Compensation to Major Tousard is one of the many cases that have been stopped in their progress to allowance by the new principle exhibited by the Accounting Officer, “that a person holding an Office, the pay & emoluments for which have been fixed by Law, cannot receive extra compensation for extra Service”—the effects and consequences of which principle I had the Honour cursorily to detail, as applied to a few particular cases, and to submit to your consideration some time since.
Allow me to solicit in favour of an active and deserving Officer your favorable Attention to his claim of Compensation for peculiar and extra Services, under particular Circumstances, to which the application of any measure of Allowance, in the existing Regulations for Extra allowances, would be ruinous; and to suggest, that, if he is not to be remunerated at all, according to the one principle, as he holds an Office to which the Law has affixed pay and emoluments, or only to receive according to the measure of an existing Regulation, he will in either case present the Spectacle of an Officer, whose very acquirements and qualifications have produced him injury by subjecting him to ruinous expences; perhaps three dollars per day will not more than remunerate him for his Extra Expences.
I have the Honour to enclose his last communication to me, and to be / With perfect Consideration, / Sir / Your most obedient Servt

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 9 May 1800
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

May 9th 1800

We have considered the question of renewing the commercial intercourse of the United States with the ports and places in the island of Hispaniola, from Montechristi, on the north, round by the east end thereof, as far as Jacmel, on the south, inclusively; and respectfully submit, to the President of the United States, our opinion, That it is expedient, and for the interest of the United States, for the President to remit and discontinue the restraints and prohibitions of that intercourse, imposed by the act of Congress passed in its present session, entitled “An Act further to suspend the commercial intercourse between the United States and France, and the dependencies thereof.”

Timothy PickeringOliv. WolcottJames McHenryBen StoddertCharles Lee


Title: To John Adams from United States Senate, 9 May 1800
From: United States Senate
To: Adams, John

In Senate, May the 9th. 1800.

The Senate proceeded to consider the Message of the President of the United States of the 7th. instant and the nomination contained therein, of
The Honorable John Marshall, Esqr. of Virginia, to be Secretary of the department of War, in the place of the Honorable James McHenry, Esqr. who has requested that he may be permitted to resign, and that his resignation be accepted, to take place on the first day of June next.
Whereupon,
Resolved, that they do advise and consent to the appointment agreeably to the nomination.
Attest,Sam: A. Otis Secretary


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 9 May 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

T.D. May 9th: 1800.

On the petition of Richard Graham, the Secretary of the Treasy. in obedience to the directions of the Presidt. of the U. S. respectfully submits the following Report.
The petitioner Richard Graham, and Samuel Spring, both of the State of New York, but residing at Rehoboth in Massachusetts, were convicted, before the Circuit Court of the United States holden at Boston on the first day of June 1797, of the crime of forging or counterfeiting  three the Notes of the Bank of the United States, and were sentenced each of them to stand one hour in the Pillory, to pay a fine of five hundred dollars, and to suffer three months years imprisonment.—
The Petitioner states that he has suffered the punishmt. of the pillory, and nearly the whole term of his imprisonment—that he is without friends, poor and unable to pay the fine imposed upon him, and prays to be released and the fine to be remitted on condition of his entering to serve on board some armed ship or vessel of the United States.—
The crime of which the prisoner has been convicted is viewed as one of a dangerous tendency—By a statute passed on the 27th of June 1798, since the conviction of the petitioner, it is made felony, and punishable by fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, & imprisonmt. at hard labour for a period not less than three years, nor more than ten years.—Altho’ this statute is not applicable to the case of the Petitioner, yet it shows the sense of the Congress Legislature, as to the measure of punishment due to the offence of which he has been found guilty; and as the punishmt.  that which he has been sentenced to undergo is of the mildest degree awarded by that  Act statute, as the petitioner has offered nothing in extenuation of his crime, and as the offer tender of service on board in the Navy of the United States cannot, on principles of sound policy be accepted, the Secy. respectfully offers submits it as his opinion that it is inexpedient to grant a pardon at this time, as prayed for by the petitioner.
All which &c &c


Title: Proc. Opening Trade With St. Domingo, 9 May 1800
From:
To: Adams, John

					9 May, 1800.

Whereas, by an act of Congress of the United States, passed the 27th day of February last, entitled “An act further to suspend the commercial intercourse between the United States and France and the dependencies thereof,” it is enacted, That, any time after the passing of the said act, it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, by his order, to remit and discontinue for the time being, whenever he shall deem it expedient and for the interest of the United States, all or any of the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the said act, in respect to the territories of the French republic, or to any island, port, or place, belonging to the said republic, with which, in his opinion, a commercial intercourse may be safely renewed; and to make proclamation thereof accordingly; and it is also thereby further enacted, That the whole of the island of Hispaniola shall, for the purposes of the said act, be considered as a dependence of the French republic. And whereas the circumstances of certain ports and places of the said island not comprised in the proclamation of the 26th day of June, 1799, are such that I deem it expedient, and for the interest of the United States, to remit and discontinue the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the

said act, in respect to those ports and places, in order that a commercial intercourse with the same may be renewed;—

Therefore I, John Adams, President of the United States, by virtue of the powers vested in me as aforesaid, do hereby remit and discontinue the restraints and prohibitions imposed by the act aforesaid, in respect to all the ports and places in the said island of Hispaniola, from Monte Christi on the north, round by the eastern end thereof, as far as the port of Jacmel, on the south, inclusively. And it shall henceforth be lawful for vessels of the United States to enter and trade at any of the said ports and places, provided it be done with the consent of the government of St. Domingo. And for this purpose it is hereby required that such vessels first enter the port of Cape François or Port Republicain, in the said island, and there obtain the passports of the said government, which shall also be signed by the consul-general or consul of the United States residing at Cape François or Port Republicain, permitting such vessel to go thence to the other ports and places of the said island herein before mentioned and described. Of all which the collectors of the customs and all other officers and citizens of the United States are to take due notice, and govern themselves.

In testimony, &c.

					John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Philadelphia May. 10. 1800

As I perceive a necessity of introducing a change in the Administration of the office of State, I think it proper to make this communication of it to the present Secretary of State that he may have an opportunity of resigning, if he chooses. I should wish the day on which his resignation is to take place to be named by himself. I wish for an Answer to this Letter on or before Monday Morning because the Nomination of a Successor must be Sent to Senate as Soon as they Sitt.
With Esteem I am Sir your most obedient and humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 10 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 10 May 1800

I do myself the honour to present schedules, shewing the vacancies in the 1st. & 2d. Regiments of Artillerists & Engineers, and the 3d Regiment of Infantry, on the permanent military establishment of the United States, together with the cadets in the Corps of Artillerists, and the names of all the Gentlemen recommended for Lieutenancies in the same, with the letters recommending them.
In making the selection to fill the vacancies, in the Regiments of Artillerists & Engineers, it is respectfully submitted, whether it would not be proper, and an expectation may not be indulged, that the cadets attached to them, who from seniority or merit or both, seem to possess a claim to attention, should be considered.
Major Tousard has repeatedly spoken well of the assiduity and attainments of Cadets Landais, and Wilsons—Cadet Morrison is recommended by General Pinckney. Seaton by General Wilkinson. Brooks by Gen. Hamilton, and Murray by several respectable citizens who is apparently a young man of considerable promise.
The Secretary had contemplated, the period, when the twelve new Regiments of Infantry should be disbanded—for filling the vacancies as will in the Artillery as in the Infantry, on the old establishment, in order that the President might reward with the vacant commissions, the most meritorious young officers of the disbanded regiments, among whom a selection would be guided by an actual experience of some continuance, of real and relative desert, drawn from the best sources. It was thought by him, that the Regiments in which the vacancies existed, could not suffer materially by the intended procrastination of appointments to fill them, and that altho’ delay might occasion some complaints, among expectants and their friends, yet that a principle of œconomy, which seemed to have become a prevailing public sentiment, opposed an increase of military officers, and the advancement of the service—appeared to speak in favour of the measure.
The Secretary hath also to forborne to recommend, the filling of the offices in additional battalion of Artillerists, from an expectation, that the plan proposed for a Military Academy, and a modification consequent thereon of the existing regiments of Artillerists and Engineers would have been adopted by Congress at their present session. And as he cannot persuade himself to believe that the Military Academy will not yet be established, by the authority of Congress, and probably at their next meeting—he would with defference suggest a further postponement. It will be recollected, that the plan proposed contemplated a corps of Engineers—and that the battalion of Artillerists provided for, was not to be officered or raised—and an existing battalion of the same to be reduced.
Should it be the pleasure of the President under present circumstances, to appoint a Lieut. Col. to the 2d Regiment of Artillerists & Engineers, the Secretary respectfully reports—that Major Lewis Tousard is the oldest Major of Artillerists in service.
It is certainly of great importance to have the office of Inspector of Artillery filled by a gentleman perfectly qualified to discharge all its duties, in all their combinations and details. It has been the very importance of the office that has hitherto kept it vacant added to a known expectation of being able to obtain from abroad the best qualified person to fill it.
Should the idea of inviting from abroad an Inspector of Artillery be relinquished it is with deference submitted, that the selection of a character to fill it may with propriety be referred to the succeeding Secretary of war—particularly when the intimate connection that must subsist between the Inspector of Artillery and the War Department is duly considered.
I have the honour to be with perfect consideration, Sir / Your most obdt

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1800
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Department of State May 10. 1800.

The Secretary of State has the honor to lay before the President of the United States a letter from Wm. H Harrison Esqr. represented in Congress, from the N. Western Territory,  such persons as have occurred to him as best qualified for the appointments of General Officers for that Territory. as Mr. Harrison is himself a Candidate for the office of Major General of the Hamilton Division of Militia, the Secretary has thought it his duty to transmit other  the report of the territory, for  it might be presumed he would be  in the office of Major General.
Sometime since the Secretary had the honor to lay before the President the recommendation of Seth Lewis, for the office of Judge of the Mississipi Territory, which the President desired might be postponed. As the vacancy happened during the session of the Senate by the resignation of Judge McGuire, it has become necessary again to submit the papers to the President. John McNairy Esqr. & John Overton Esqr. are respectable characters, the former judge of the district court of Tenesse, the other the Supervisor of the district, and they concur in strongly recommending Mr. Lewis.
The Secretary also lays before the President, at the request of Elisha I. Hall his letter just received, desiring to be appointed one of the Commissioners for holding a treaty with the Indians.

Timothy Pickering


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 12 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Philadelphia May 12. 1800

Diverse Causes and considerations essential to the Administration of the Government, in my Judgment requiring a Change in the Department of State you are hereby discharged from any further Service as Secretary of State.

John Adams, President of the United States


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 12 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States May 12th 1800

I nominate William H Harrison of the North Western territory to be Govenor of the Indiana territory
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 12 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States May 12th 1800.

I nominate the honorable John Marshall Esqr. of Virginia to be Secretary of State in the place of the Honorable Timothy Pickering Esqr. removed.
The Honorable Samuel Dexter Esqr. of Massachusetts to be Secretary of the department of War, in the place of the Honorable John Marshall nominated for promotion to the office of State.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 12 May 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir,
War Department May 12th. 1800.

I have the honor to enclose you some letters of recommendation in favour of Robins Chamberlain, two of which have just been received.
I beg leave to mention that the applicant has this morning mentioned his wish to be appointed in the Artillery
I have the honor to be / with the greatest respect / Your obedient Servant

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 12 May 1800
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Department of State May 12. 1800.

The Secretary of State has the honor to lay before the President of the United States, letters and voluminous documents relative to calumnies formed and propagated in St. Domingo, chiefly by Jacob Mayer, the American Consul at Cape Francois, against Doctor Edward Stevens the Consul General; connected with which are said Mayer’s base insinuations and open slanders against the President of the United States, and the Secretaries of the Treasury and of State.
The Secretary of State begs leave, among these numerous documents (which he has not been able to examine fully till now) to refer the President to the papers marked No. 2. No. 3. No. 8. selected from the mass of documents; and to the Secretary’s letters of January 18. 1800; to Doctor Stevens and Mr. Mayer, which gave rise to this investigation. These papers, the Secretary conceives to be amply sufficient to prove Mr. Mayer to be utterly unworthy of any public Office. Altho’ the Secretary relies on the competency of all the witnesses used by Doctor Stevens, to establish the facts, which they state, he begs leave to mention, with respect to Joseph Curwen, who confirms the testimony of John Lewis, that he has several times heard him spoken of as a Young Man of unblemished veracity and honor.
In No. 1. dated February 13. being a very long letter from Doctor Stevens to Mr. Mayer, the Doctor calls upon him to come forward and substantiate his charges: but he has not attempted it. The impossibility of doing it is doubtless the reason that to this day the Secretary has received no answer to his letter on the subject.
The other documents do, in the Secretary’s opinion, vindicate, most satisfactorily, the ability, liberality, prudence, integrity and honor of Doctor Stevens. If when the President shall have found leisure to read them, they prove alike satisfactory to him, the Secretary begs leave to mention for the President’s consideration, the propriety and justice of communicating to Doctor Stevens the President’s satisfaction with his proceedings, and general approbation of his conduct, as the Agent of the United States in St. Domingo.
The unfitness of Mr. Mayer to hold the office of Consul seems so apparent to the Secretary, he has thought it to be his duty to accompany this communication with the recommendations he finds on his file, of candidates for the Office of Consul at Cape Francais; among which the President will see a letter from Doctor Stevens recommending Mr. Henry Hammond, who is on the spot, and is besides strongly recommended, but Mr. James Watson, late Senator from New York. The Secretary begs leave only further to remark, that the successful management of our general interests, as well as those of individual Merchants trading to St. Domingo, seems to require a Consul who might be entirely relied on, for his cordial co-operation with the Consul General, in the exercise of his functions.
All which is respectfully submitted,

Timothy Pickering.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 13 May 1800
From: Dexter, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philad. 13th. May 1800

On as mature deliberation as the time would permit I have concluded that it is proper for me to decline the honor intended for me in your nomination of yesterday.
At present I am certainly unqualified for the duties of the Office; & such have been my pursuits & such are my habits, that my mind would not be devoted to it, & consequently I never should acquire the ability of conducting the department of War with utility to the public & honor to myself.
If any further reasons could be thought necessary, I might add that it would be with extreme reluctance that I should consent to a change in my situation that must carry Mrs. Dexter far from her friends &, as I have no doubt, much against her inclination, without consulting her on the occasion.
Accept, Sir, my grateful acknowledgments for your goodness & believe that / I am with profound respect / Sir, Your very obed. Servt.

Saml. Dexter


Title: From John Adams to U.S. Cabinet, 15 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: U.S. Cabinet

Philadelphia May 15. 1800

The President requests the Several heads of Departments to take the most prudent and oeconomical Arrangements for the removal of the public offices, Clerks and Papers, according to their own best Judgments as soon as may be convenient, in Such manner that the public offices may be opened in the City of Washington for the dispatch of Business by the fifteenth of June.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

					Philadelphia, May 15, 1800.

The President requests the several heads of Departments, to take the most prudent and economical arrangements, for the removal of the public offices, clerks, and papers, according to their own best judgment, as soon as may be convenient, in such manner that the public offices may be opened in the City of Washington for the despatch of business, by the 15th of June.


Title: From John Adams to Elijah Cooper, 16 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Cooper, Elijah

Sir
Philadelphia May 16th 1800

I have received your favor of the 9th of this month. The defence of the American Constitutions, being public, any man has a right to publish a new edition of it, who will run the risque of a loss by it. I doubt whether you will find your account in it.
As to additions & annotations it would be easy with time & leisure, to make many; but my time is the property of the nation, & every moment of it is so occupied with the daily duties & indispensable labors of my station, that it is impossible, I can put pen to paper on the subject. Every edition of it is incorrect, by reason of the haste, in which it was originally written & printed, but I believe Dilly’s edition is more correct than Stockdales or Cobbets
I am, Sir, with due regard, your humble servant.


Title: From John Adams to Charles Lee, 16 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Charles

Gentlemen
Philadelphia May 16th 1800

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 nineteenth of Feb, last, past, tending to defame the Senate of the United States & to bring them into contempt & disrepute, & to execite against them the hatred of the good people of the U. S. In compliance with this request, I now instruct you Gentlemen to commence & carry on the prosecution accordingly
With great esteem Gentlemen your humble sert


Title: From John Adams to U.S. Cabinet, 16 May 1800
From: Adams, John
To: U.S. Cabinet

Philadelphia May 16th 1800

The President of the U.S. requests the heads of Departments to take the charge of the property of the United States, consisting of the furniture of the presidents house & also of the public papers there deposited & transport them to the city of Washington with all possible care & oeconomy & there preserve them under their own care or that of the commissioners of the federal city, untill they are putt up in a house for the residence of the president


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 16 May 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Treasury Department May 16th. 1800

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President of the United States – the following Report—
That by an Act of Congress passed on the 7th. day of May 1800—entitled “An Act to enable the President of the United States to borrow Money for the public service” Authority is given to the President of the United States to borrow a Sum not exceeding Three Millions five hundred thousand dollars “upon such terms & conditions as he shall Judge most advantageous for the United States” with the limitation however, “that no engagment nor Contract he entered into, which shall preclude the United States from reimbursing any sum or sums borrowed, at any time after the expiration of fifteen years from the date of such Loan.”
The present prospect is, that it will be necessary to borrow only a part of the Money before mentioned during the present year, but to what extent is not yet possible to determine.
The Secretary presuming that the President will judge it expedient to commit the agency of borrowing such sums as the public Service shall require, to the Department of the Treasury, under a responsibility, that what is done shall be conformable to Law and for the best interest of the United States, herewith submits the Draught of a power from the President of the United States to be Secretary of the Treasury, to obtain the said Loan, which power is drawn according to the forms which have been adopted heretofore on similar occasions.
All which is most Respectfully / submitted