Title: To John Adams from Nh., Citizens of Portsmouth, 11 May 1798
From: Portsmouth, Nh., Citizens of
To: Adams, John

To John Adams, President and to the Congress of this United States.
11 May 1798

The Subscribers, inhabitants of the Town of Portsmouth, State of New Hampshire, conceiving the present moment to be one of those critical periods when political necessity calls aloud for the Public Voice to advocate the measures of its own Government, and cheerfully offer the Supreme Executive and the Congress of the Union the most determined and unequivocal support in maintaining measures that have been or may be adopted for the Interest, Honor and Independence of the United States.—They therefore beg leave to express their high sense and approbation of the Wisdom and probity which have characterized the various efforts of our Executive, for effecting a permanent reconciliation with France, and finding that the Directory has endeavoured to impose such terms as cannot be accepted without the vilest prostration of National Interest, Honor and Independence—They therefore offer their Property to support and their Lives to Defend those dear bought, sacred and inalienable Rights, being fully resolved to rally round the banners of their Country and follow the standard of Government, making every possible effort to convince the World and more especially the unfriendly powers of Europe, that they are Not the divided People they have been represented to be, neither will they be the Slaves Dupes of any Nation upon the face of the Globe.
Portsmouth New Hampshire.
April 28th. 1798.
Signed by 236 inhabitants.
State of New Hampshire.
I Daniel Humphreys Esqr. Notary Public in and for the State of New Hampshire, by Letters Patent under the Great Seal thereof duly Commissioned, admitted and sworn, Do Certify that the above and foregoing is a true Copy of an original Address to the President and Congress of the United States, signed by the Persons above named, inhabitants of the Town of Portsmouth in said State.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Seal.
Seal of Office at said Portsmouth the fourth day of May A.D. one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight.

Danl. Humphreys Not: Pub.


Title: To John Adams from Lewis Nicola, 12 May 1798
From: Nicola, Lewis
To: Adams, John

To his Excellency John Adams, President of the United States
No. 153 South Street May 12th 1798

The Memorial of Lewis Nicolas Brig. Genl. by Brevet  in the service of the United States
Respectfully Sheweth;
That your Memorialist, educated from early youth for the military profession, served in the brittish Army during the two wars of George the 2d, and  likewise in that which procured independence to this his adopted Country; from its commencement to the conclusion thereof, when dismissed with the brevet rank of a Brig. General.
Always ambitious to qualify myself for a proper execution of any office entrusted to me, I made tacticks and fortification my particular study, and have been fortunate enough to make as I conceive, some improvements, which I take the liberty to trouble your Excellency with, in hopes that, if on examination, they are found to have any merit, they may be of service to my adopted Country. Still desirous to be of utility, as far as age and ill health will permit, I beg leave to offer my service in any station in the civil department of the Army I may be found qualified for. I further take the liberty to notice my distressed situation, having to support myself, a Child & a Grandchild on two hundred Dollars a year, sallary brigad militia Inspector.
I avoid soliciting any recommendation to your Excellency, from a conviction that, if you think my application merits notice, none is necessary, if otherwise any would be useless
I take the liberty to conclude with assure that I am with due & unfeigned respect / Your Excels / Most humble & obedt. Servt.

Lewis Nicolas


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 12 May 1798
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

T. D May 12 1798

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully represents to the President of the United States.
That Adams Babcock of Boston has proposed to import at his own risque and expence Five hundred, or Two hundred and fifty Tons of salt Petre from India, upon condition, that the United States will agree to receive it at Sixteen Cents per pound.
That the terms are thought by the Purveyor to be reasonable.
That the Secretary of State and the Secy of War, have been consulted been consulted & and think favourably of the measure.
The principal if not the only difficulty arises from the circumstance of there being no express authority, except under the Act appropriating money for the purchase of Arms & Ammunition; which fund must be immediately invested—it is believed that it would be inexpedient to consider a Contract which may fail as an incaution of an authority to purchase Arms &ca. for immediate use.
Nevetherthel Nevertheless the Secy of the Treasy is of opinion that a Contract may with propriety be made in Confidence that Congress will hereafter provide funds if necessary
All which is submitted / by

Oliv WolcottSecy of the Treasy


Title: To John Adams from Connecticut Legislature, 14 May 1798
From: Connecticut Legislature
To: Adams, John

To the President of the United States—
Sir—
14 May 1798

The legislature of the state of Connecticut is not in the habit of interfering in the administration of the general government, nor of obtruding opinions or advice upon the councils of the Union.—We have been accustomed to exhibit, as a fair and sufficient proof of our affection for the national constitution, an uniform obedience to the laws and an undeviating respect for the constituted authorities—But at a time when the American nation is deeply injured and insulted, by the lawless aggressions and imperious claims of a foreign Power:—when our enemies profess to confide in our disunion and boast of “the means” of severing the affections of our citizens from the government of their choice—it would ill comport with our duty or our feelings to repress the sentiments by which we are animated.—
That the United States, extensively concerned in commercial intercourse, should be, in some degree, affected by a War which desolates Europe was to be expected—But that a neutrality, strict and impartial, should be openly and insidiously attacked—that intrigues, of a complexion and character, the most formidable to our internal peace should be industriously practiced—that one ambassador should be refused an audience; and that three envoys sent expressly as the messengers of peace should be treated with contemptuous neglect—or, for their overtures so just and honorable, demands the most insolent and insufferable should be substituted by the government of a nation assuming the high appellation of a great and magnanimous republic—was not to be believed ‘till realized, and can be ascribed only to a lust of domination which knows no bounds, and to an abandonment, of the principles of morality and justice, without example in the history of the world—
Filled with astonishment and indignation, at events which threaten our national existence, we highly applaud the dignity and firmness, so conspicuously displayed by the executive, and the prompt and efficacious measures adopted by the government, and We assure them of our firm and hearty support.
We deprecate war—but we cherish our independence—it was won by a struggle too severe, to be easily surrendered—We revere the names, the virtues, and the sufferings of our Ancestors—the inestimable gift of civil and religious freedom derived from them shall not be impaired in our hands, and no sacrifice of blood or treasure shall be esteemed too dear, to transmit the precious inheritance legacy to posterity.—
Accept, Sir, in this perilous hour, our most fervent wishes, for your personal happiness, and for the peace and honor of the nation over which you preside—Reposing entire confidence in the wisdom and fortitude of our rulers we commit them and the interests of this great people, to the God of Our fathers—
May session. May 14 1798—
In the House of Representatives—
On Report of Committee, the within & foregoing Adress was read & accepted & approved & his Excellency the Governor is requested to Subscribe the same & transmit it, to the Senators & Representatives of this state in Congress to be by them presented to the President of the United States—
Test. Elias Perkins ClerkIn the Upper House
Concurrd unanimouslyTest. Samuel Wyllys Secretary


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Gaskins, 14 May 1798
From: Gaskins, Thomas,Blagrove, Peter P.
To: Adams, John

14 May 1798

At a numerous meeting of the inhabitants of Northumberland county, at the Courthouse of the said county, on Monday the fourteenth day of May, 1798, being the day appointed by law for holding the court of quarter-session for the said county, to take into consideration the measures necessary to be adopted, at this most important national crisis—Col: Thomas Gaskins in the Chair—The following resolutions were agreed to by a very respectable majority:
Resolved, That it is highly necessary and expedient, at the time when a foreign nation has threatened our existence as a nation, and untruly represented us to be a divided people,—to declare our determination to support the Constitution of the United States, and the liberty and independence thereof, against all foreign nations whatever, to the utmost of our power, with our lives and fortunes.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare an address, to the government of the United States, expressive of our readiness to support the Constitution and government of the United States, with the fullest approbation, at the same time, of the measures of the Executive, towards France.
A Committee was accordingly appointed, who reported the following address; which was ordered to be forthwith transmitted to the President of the United States, the Senate and House of Representatives: The Committee consisted of the following persons; The Revd. John Seward, John Heath, Joseph Jones Monroe, Catesby Jones, and Charles Leland, esquires.
To the President, Senate and House of Representatives of the United States; the address and memorial of the citizens and inhabitants of the county of Northumberland, in the lower part of the Northern-Neck of Virginia;
“Respectfully represent, that tho’ they sincerely lament that ever a cause should have existed to have created a misunderstanding and difference between our ancient ally and these United States—with which ally we are still desirous of cultivating our former peace and friendship; and while at the same time they regret with the deepest sensibility and sorrow, that under the operation of the General Government hitherto, certain partial distinctions might have prevailed, to have given a pretext to foreign nations, and particularly France, to believe that we are a divided people, and therefore unable to support our free and happy Constitution, so long reared on our independent blood, and so become and easy prey to invasion; and while we here applaud the liberal and magnanimous policy of our Executive, by every zealous and ardent exertion to effect a reconciliation, and restoration of that harmony which once prevailed between the two nations, by their ministers of negociation, whose attempts to that end with pain we observe have been hitherto ineffectual—in the marked indignity and contempt of that government towards us, in refusing us an audience—and access to their legal and constituted authorities—we now seriously and maturely conceive that the American nation have at length arrived to that momentous crisis—when it is necessary to convince France, as well as all nations, that, like a Macedonian Phalanx, we shall again rally under one general standard of our rights and liberties, by recurring to the fundamental principles of our Revolution—united we stand, and divided we fall—;to the support of which we hereby solemnly pledge our lives and property, and all that is dear.”
The aforegoing resolutions were, when offered opposed by Joseph Jones Monroe & Catesby Jones, who also disagreed to the address, and stated their reasons at large to the meeting for so doing.
By order of the Meeting;

Tho, Gaskins, ChairmanPeter P. Blagrove, Secretary


Title: To John Adams from John Williams, 15 May 1798
From: Williams, John
To: Adams, John

At a numerous meeting of the Inhabitants of Chatham County convened by Public Notice during the Sitting of the Court on the 15th. day of May 1798John Williams Esqr ChairmanJohn Ramsay Esqr. SecretaryThe following address was unanimously resolved on To the President of the United StatesSir—15 May 1798

At this important Crisis, when war with all its train of Calamities seems ready to burst upon us; when by the malice of our Enemies we are reprisented as a divided people, a people inimical to the measures of our own Government, and wanting confidence in it; We deem it our duty as Citizens of the United States explicitly to declare, our fullest faith in the Integrity and Wisdom of all the departments of our Government, our high approbation of the conduct of our Executive in its late endeavors towards negociation with France, and our firm resolution to unite in opposing all foreign influence.—We feel and rejoice in the happiness, freedom, and liberty we Experience under our present Constitution, and we want no further incentives, to induce us to devote our services and our lives in the support of it.—Nor can the attempts made, to mark us out as dissatisfied, discontented or divided, produce any other sentiments among us, but those of contempt and indignation.—We have not failed to remark, that the conduct of our Government under the pressure of foreign depredation and insult, has been patient and pacific, to the utmost Extent which could consist with the honor and dignity of an independent People.—And should all other measures fail, should our Enemies drive us to the last resort,—We humbly hope that almighty God will look down with favor on the Exertions of Freemen in defence of their Liberty and their Country.—

Jno Williams ChairmanJohn Ramsey Sec.It was then unanimously resolved that this Address be sent to W. B. Grove Esqre. to be presented to the President—And that a Copy of it be published in the Fayetteville Gazette—
And the meeting was adjourned.
Jno. Williams ChairmanJohn Ramsey Sec.


Title: To John Adams from Henry Johnson, 15 May 1798
From: Johnson, Henry
To: Adams, John

To the Honourable, the Executive and Legislative Bodies of the United States, the following Address, from a considerable number of respectable Inhabitants of Hardwick and the vicinity, in the County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, convened at the Academy in Marksborough on Tuesday the fifteenth of May 1798, is respectfully submitted.
15 May 1798

Being sensible, at the present momentous and alarming situation of our national concerns, which we believe demands from us, as an incumbent duty, an open and sincere declaration of our sentiments and wishes, relative to affairs highly interesting to us, in common with the rest of the Union, that it must afford a particular satisfaction to the heads of Government, to the chosen rulers of an extensive and growing people, that their conduct and exertions have merited and received the unfeigned approbation of their Constituents and the nation in general, we have thought it proper accordingly, to manifest to you, the Heads of the Nation our cordial approbation of the general uniform conduct and measures pursued by your Honorable bodies, particularly respecting the dissentions that have unfortunately arisen between the French Republic and our Government—We feel assured that no means have been omitted on your part tending to remove jealousy and evil impressions against our public measures, and to preserve peace on just and honorable terms with foreign nations; and we have to regret that your endeavours to accomplish this object with the French Republic has only met with contempt and fresh insult, too humiliating and intolerable for a sovereign nation.—
We sincerely wish to live in peace with all the world; but peace upon such terms only, as will not require the sacrafice and surrender of our national honor, dignity, and Independence; and these blessings and priviledges, we hereby pledge to you, to maintain and defend, even at the risque of our lives and fortunes—We are well aware of the evils attending war, and should be unwilling to submit to them, were we not convinced that every possible means have been resorted to to avert the impending danger; but at the same time we would rather embrace danger with fortitude, and submit to great temporary evils, than be dependent on any foreign nation. We do not wish it to be supposed that we presume to dictate those, to whom is given the right and power of judging—We cannot but express our entire approbation of the firmness and integrity of the Executive in the management of the great and arduous affairs of the Government—We profess our Loyalty and attachment to the Constitution of the United States, and our determination to give it our ready and lasting support.—
You, the Head, and rulers of America will be pleased to accept from us, your fellow Citizens, our sincere wishes for your prosperity, and our testimony of respect.—
Signed in behalf of the Meeting—

Henry Johnson Junr.ChairmanAttest. Abel Johnson Clerk


Title: To John Adams from W. K. Cole, 15 May 1798
From: Cole, W. K.
To: Adams, John

To John Adams, President of the United States of America,Sir,May 15. 1798. New Germantown Tewksbury Township County of Hunterdon State of New Jersey

Residing as we do, in a remote part of the State of New Jersey, it cannot be expected, we can with so much promptitude, discharge our duty, to you and our fellow-Citizens, as those, placed in situations, more exposed to the current of public information—
Anxious, however, when in our power, to disclose to you and to the world, our loyalty; we at this late day, (in immitation of our Friends, whose example we admire,) beg leave, to present to you, our candid, and decided sentiments, as to the propriety of your administration and the business, and illiberality of the French Republic, towards this, our common Country—
We, Sir, declare, ourselves, attached to the Federal Government—it secures to the subject, his person and his property—it does not give to the rich, the exulting thought, or take from the honest and industrious the boon, which honesty and industry afford—As to your administration, in domestic, and in foreign concerns, with hearts, inspired with pride, we say, it meets our warmest approbation—And Sir, we suffer, no dreaded Censor, to dwell amongst us, to give offence, to the wisdom, dignity and firmness of your conduct—
Passing unnoticed, words that might possibly be construed either into flattery, or dissimulation, we profess to exist as your sincere friends: and with the boldness of conscious patriotism, we declare, our lives and fortuns, to be at the service of our Country, when its, good, demands them—we pant for the welfare and prosperity of the land we live in; and May a kind providence, so guide and direct you, in the performance of your Official duties, that you may long remain, an example to others, for wisdom and Morality.
The Cause of France, was once the pleasing Subject, of American contemplation—with the fondness of a parents smile, we beheld her, rising to the A high rank, with the Nations of the earth—giving liberty and happiness to Millions.
The cause is changed: Flushed with her conquests and success, she has tarnished the brilliancy of her morning glory—she has insulted truth: dominion is her object: she has treated proffered friendship with derision and the blessings of peace with indignity: we consign her to a station of contempt, and enroll her name, in the humble records of infamy and disgrace—
We therefore, Sir, with our fellow Citizens, are willing, to risque our all as the eventful occasion may require, in opposition to Frenchmen, and all other enemies—peace we love; but if it cannot be enjoyed, without sacrificing, one particle, of our independance, property or dignity, we are ready to leave our homes, our wives and Children, and share with our countrymen, toils and dangers, in support of the Government of the United states—

W: K:  ColeRichard KroesenWm: Domms.John HaasJohn Van der BiltJohn L. ColeDavid MelickJohn C. ReadJohn SchuylerHenry FisherAbraham FleetEzekiel WoolleyCharles De SeelhorstJohn FisherJohn UnderseeJacob RoseMatthew AdamsJaml HeathTimothy HuntJohn Adams20 others


Title: From John Adams to W. K. Cole, 15 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Cole, W. K.

To the Inhabitants of New Germantown, in Tewksbury Township in the County of Hunterdon in the State of New Jersey.Gentlemen
post 15 May 1798

I thank you for this Address, as your Attachment to the Constitution is, and ought to be, a cogent motive to preserve it. It gives to the rich no Priviledges but their Property, and if it took away that, it would not only covet and Steal but deprive the honest and industrious, of the Reward of their Exertions. The fruits of their Labour cannot be preserved to the poor but by Laws, which Secure to the rich, that which is their own.
The remoteness of your situation gives an additional Value to the warmth of your Expressions of Friendship to me, and may remove all suspicions of Flattery or Dissimulation.
The Cause of France, may, as I hope, once again hereafter become the pleasing subject of American Contemplation. But it cannot be untill she shall return to the Maxims of Equity and Humanity in her foreign Relations, and acquires shews a well prised Government at home and shall shew that her Constitution and Administration are well poised at home. A high Rank among the Nations she will always maintain, when she hearkens to reason and practices Justice. At present she is in danger of arming a vindictive World against her.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 16 May 1798
From: Smith, Samuel Stanhope
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Princeton May 16th 1798

I am informed that the students of this College, seized with the general spirit that is pervading the country, have presumed to offer you their address on the present state of public affairs. As this measure has been entirely planned & executed without the privity, or participation of any of the Masters of the College, I fear it must be at least imperfectly, perhaps, imprudently executed—Most of them are very young, and hardly competent to prepare such an address in a manner that will be sufficiently respectful to you, or honourable to themselves, or the institution. You will be good enough to accept it merely as a testimony of youthful ardor, and to overlook their indiscretion, & their imperfections—Hardly any of them have yet attained the age of eighteen—
I was abroad at the time, & therefore had no opportunity either to arrest, or to direct it—In one view it will be not unpleasing to you to see their zeal. In another, it would have been desirable if they had taken more prudent measures to consult the honor of the place of their studies.
Participating a warm and lively interest in all your anxieties for the safety & prosperity of your country, I have the honor to be / Sir, / Yr. Mo. Obdt. & Mo. hble. servt.

Saml. S. Smith


Title: To John Adams from Richard Morris, 17 May 1798
From: Morris, Richard
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Scarsdale Westchester County—May. 17: 1798—

The inclosed letter will I hope plead my Excuse for this liberty, when I tell you the writer of it Served as a Leiut–Coll., or a Leiut. Coll. Commandant in the American Army during the whole of the Revolutionary Warr, That he served with Reputation, and Esteem,—He had then two sons, and his parental Attention to the calls of their Indiscretions put it out of his power to provide for a future day—They are dead and Some small provision now would make his Old days Comfortable—He is a Millitary man— The times have prompted me to this Step perhaps an Inspector of Millitary Stores, a Superintendant of a Laboratory, an Overseer of a foundary &ca &ca. or Something of the Kind may make his latter days Comfortable, at least Remove him from the Support of the cold Hand of Charity—He has always—appeared to me the Decent, Discreet, Sober Gentleman. I have no Views to Send Sir in this Application, farther than to gratify the feelings of Humanity, to Contribute my mite to Rescue from distress a Character of Merritt, by letting you know his Scituation—By mere Accident I saw this letter on my son in laws table I asked it he gave it but knows not nor Shall any other but yourself know the Use I asked it for—If I have Erred in the liberty pray Excuse it and charge it to those feelings of Sensibillity which have been its Cause and be Assured Sir I am with the / Greatest Respect and Real Esteem your / most Obedient and Very / Humble Servant.

Rid. Morris


Title: To John Adams from John Torrey, 17 May 1798
From: Torrey, John
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Plymo. May 17. 1798

The Grand Jurors for the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, attending at the Supreme Judicial Court for said County, have been led by their own reflections on the course of events, and by the excellent and impressive observations of the Chief Justice in his charge at the opening of the Court, to contemplate the political situation of our Country.
Mr Adams Many of us have found it difficult to beleive, that a nation avowedly struggling for liberty and independence, should attempt to invade or impair those blessings where they are  quietly and fully enjoyed. But the experience of several of the last years of our history, has convinced us of our mistake. While occupied in our peaceful Labours, we have seen the fruits of those labours plundered and condemned, on frivolous and groundless pretences, by professed friends; Our tranquillity has been disturbed by incessant appeals to the passions of the people by factious men and designing men: and by repeated att and audacious attempts to seperate the people from the Government: our sincere desire for peace has been met with neglect or contempt: and odious and extravagant demands, dictated by rapacity and a thirst for boundless rule, have been made the terms of negotiation.
In such a crisis, when all that is dear and valuable to freemen—when liberty, independence, national honor, social order, and public safety appear to be in danger—a danger which Union alone, under the blessing of Heaven, can repel: We think it not improper, to step aside from the ordinary duties of our office, and to express to you our grateful acknowledgments for the firmness and discretion with which you have encountered such new and peculiar difficulties. We are assured that all the energies of our common Country will aid you in such a cause.
We pray the God of all intelligence to preserve the force of your mind unabated, and in any arduous issue, to which the arts or arms of successful violence may compel us, we pledge ourselves “as becomes faithful citizens of this happy Country, as one man, to come forward in the defence of all that is dear to us”—
John Torrey ForemanGeorge: B: NyeSaml RobbinsJoseph BartlettRowland LeonardWilliam AttwoodSamuel StetsonSylvanus SampsonSilas MortonLemul LittleJob PierceGershors FosterMatthew NashJohn BradfordAron MaguneSamuell Stofford SturtevantSnow BakerCharles ColeJob Vinal—The chief Justice is requested by the Grand Jurrors to forward this to the President of the United States


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 18 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States May 18 1798

I nominate Benjamin Stoddert of Maryland to be Secretary of the Navy, in the Place of George Cabott who has declined his appointment.
George Woodruff of Georgia to be Attorney for the District of Georgia in the Place of Charles Jackson resigned
Frederick William Lutze of Stetin in Prussia to be Consul of the United States at Stetin.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 May 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir,
War Department 18 May 1798.

The Secretary of War will immediately be called upon, to furnish instructions, to the commanders of the armed vessels, destined to the protection of our coast, and to act as convoys to our trade. It becomes in consequence his duty, to suggest such circumstances, as require the most serious deliberation, and are connected with this subject.
The power of the President, must be considered as derived from, or limited by, the constitution and the laws of the U.S. as respects the employment, and consequently, the instructions to the commanders of said ships.
The Constitution, 2d Sect. 2 article provides “that the President shall be commander in Chief of the army and navy of the U.S. &c. and by the 8 section of the 1st article “That Congress shall have the power, to declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules respecting captures on land and water.” And, again, “To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers; and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the U.S. or in any department or offices thereof.”
It is thus evident, that the President as Commander in Chief, cannot employ these vessels, or the navy, in acts of war, previous to war being declared by the Congress; nor in acts of reprisals, short of war, for the same reason, Congress alone having the power to authorise the one or the other.
As to the laws of the United States. By the “act providing a naval armament passed the 1st of July 1797. The President of the U.S. is empowered “should he deem it expedient to cause the Frigates United States, Constitution & Constellation to be manned and employed” The same act authorises the President, if circumstances should hereafter arise, which in his opinion may render it expedient to increase the strength of the Revenue Cutters, so that the number of men employed, do not exceed 30 marines and seamen to each Cutter, and to cause the said Revenue Cutters, to be employed to defend the sea coast, and repel any hostility to their vessels and commerce within their jurisdiction.”
The act providing an additional armament for the further protection of the trade of the U.S. and for other purposes, passed the 27th of April 1798 is silent even on the subject of employing the vessels.
From the foregoing laws, the President cannot derive authority to do more than employ the ships as convoys, nor extend the instruction to their commanders further, than to repel force by force by force, not including the power of capture, or even the exertion of force a moment longer than it is employed against them.
It is singular that the provision of the act of the 1st of July 1797, only extends, to direct and authorise the employment of the Revenue Cutters in an explicit manner, viz. “To defend the sea coast and repel any hostility to their vessels and commerce, within their jurisdiction.”
This is the extent to which the instructions, can by any construction be carried. All beyond is considered to come within the sphere of reprisals, and to require the explicit sanction of that branch of the government, which is alone constitutionally authorised to grant letters of marque and reprisal.
A case or two may serve to fix the attention to the points they embrace. 1st An armed vessel is employed as a convoy, or lexiographically, to secure a safe passage to one, or a fleet of our merchantmen. One or more of these are taken possession of by an armed vessel of another Country; the convoy retakes the possession, and conveys the vessel safely to her destined port. Here as we are not at war with any nation, not having declared it, a claim is made under the original capture. What is to be done? A recapture comes, it is supposed, within the idea of captures, which Congress are alone empowered to authorise, and make rules respecting, whether on land or water.
Again, It is understood to be a general practice and sanctioned into right by custom, for national armed vessels to insist upon and force the release of all prisoners on board any vessel of another Country. One of our armed vessels meets with a French or other vessel, which has captured, on any pretence, a number of our defenceless merchantmen, and has on board most of the crews belonging to them. Can our commanders insist upon and force the release of their countrymen?
The result, from the preceding, is an opinion, that, as the subject of instructions to the Commanders of the vessels (one of which is ready to go to sea, and the others nearly so) for employment, involves a question so delicate and important, as that of war, it will not be proper for the President to proceed upon doubtful and undefined authority. But that as different opinion respecting the authority he possesses, have been expressed in the House of Representatives, and no explicit power has been given to him by law, adequate to the employment, of the vessels, with the efficacy and utility, the depredations upon our commerce demands, it has become expedient, the  duty of the President, and the true policy of this conjuncture in the affairs of our Country to inform Congress by Message. “The extent to which he feels himself confident of his authority at this time to direct the employment of the naval force of the country. And that the depredations upon our trade demand more ample instructions for the commanders of our naval force than he thinks himself empowered to give them. That one vessel is now ready to proceed to sea, and others are nearly so; but that it rests with Congress alone to take such measures as will ensure their efficacious and beneficial employment, commensurate with the protection required by our suffering commerce. And that by this communication, he means only to exhibit his anxious solicitude, to avoid an exercise, direct or constructive of any power, not vested in him by the constitution or laws of his country.”
This course it is respectfully conceived will “remove all clouds as” to what the President will do; will add to that credit which he justly possesses for frankness and an unwillingness to chicane the Constitution; and will return upon Congress the question in a shape which cannot be eluded.
With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be Sir / your most ob & hble St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Md., Citizens of Washington County, 18 May 1798
From: Washington County, Md., Citizens of
To: Adams, John

18 May 1798

At a Very numerous meeting of the Inhabitants of the Lower district of Washington County, held at Sharpsburgh, the 18th May 1798, the following Resolutions were unanimously agreed to, & ordered  to be published—
1st. Resolved; that we hold party Spirit a Reproach, & that in defence of our rights as free men, we Shall ever act as one man, animated by one Soul, and that, any foreign nation is mistaken in the American character, which Supposes it capable of division upon great national questions, in which its independence is involved, & that upon this Subject our ground is taken and our opinions long fixed—
2dly: Resolved; that the administration of our president John Adams is hitherto worthy of our applause, and confidence, & that we do Express them to him, in Language that Shall bind us to Support the American Government—
3dly Resolved; that we think ourselves much indebted to our three Last envoys to France, & that we highly approve both of the instructions which they received, & of the Steady & Judicious manner, in which they have conducted themselves, in the performance of their duty—
4th: Resolved; that our chairman be requested to inclose these resolutions, accompanied with a short address, to the representative of our district in congress to be by him presented to the president of the United States—


Title: To John Adams from William Prentis, 19 May 1798
From: Prentis, William
To: Adams, John

19 May 1798

At a Meeting of the Citizens of the Town of Petersburg Convened at the Courthouse of the said Town the 19th May 1798 Agreable to public Notice given for the purpose of expressing their Opinion on the present Important and critical Situation of our Country—
William Prentice Mayor of the said Town being Appointed to the Chair and John Grammer Secty—
Resolved Unannimously, as the sense of this Meeting That in the present important crisis, It is highly proper and necessary, publickly to express our Confidence in the Constituted Authorities of our Country, and our inalterable determenation to support with our lives & fortunes the Measures they may adopt for our Security.
Resolved That an Address, expressive of these Sentiments be immediately prepared, Subscribed by the Chairman and forwarded to the President of the United States—And
An Address thereupon, being prepared, was read and Unannimously agreed to as follows to wit—
To the President of the United States.
Sir
At the Present period of anxious expectation, involving the most important interests of our Country, We, Citizens of the Town of Petersburg, deem it incumbent upon us to express to you our most Zealous Approbation of the Measures of the Executive calculated for the preservation of Peace and restoration of Harmony with the French Republic. War we depricate under any Circumstances as one of the Worst of evils—only to be resorted to in Cases of extreme necessity—And a War with France would wound the fondest affections which One people could feel towards another, But Sir.If dazzled by the Splendor of Success they trample upon our Rights as a Neutral Nation, plundering our lawful Commerce, and dispising our earnest solicitations for the Accomodation of differences, We are free to declare That with one voice and with United hearts and hands, we will rally round the Constituted Authorities of our Country, and Convince the World that Altho’ with respect to the Administration of our publick affairs, we may at times as free men differ in Sentiment, Yet in submission to the laws of our own making, and in Support of the Government of our own Choice, we have but One opinion, but one determination to Maintain our Freedom and Independance against the Attempts of any Nation upon Earth—
Signed by Order and on behalf of the Meeting—
William Prentis, CharimanJ. Grammer Secty


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Baird, 19 May 1798
From: Baird, Samuel,Potts, Joseph, Jr.
To: Adams, John

19 May 1798

At a numerous Meeting of the Inhabitants of Potts Town and it’s Vicinity, in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, On Saturday the 19th. May 1798, Samuel Baird in the Chair, and Joseph Potts junr, Secretary.
The following Resolutions were unanimously agreed to—
Having contemplated, with anxious Sollicitude and Approbation; the repeated Efforts made by the Executive to terminate the Differences between this Country and the French Republic—and having observed with Astonishment and Indignation that those Advances towards a Reconciliation have not only met with pointed neglect and Indignity,—but that infamous Attempts have been made to corrupt the Integrity of our Government and to subvert the Happiness and Independence of our Country—
Therefore Resolved That the present interesting Crisis imperiously demands that the Government should be fully assured of the unlimited Confidence and Support of its Constituents.
Resolved That a Committee be appointed to prepare an Address to be presented to the President expressive of the foregoing Sentiments, and assuring him of our firm Determination to support the Government of our Choice in every Measure it may deem necessary to maintain the Rights, Honor, and Independence of our Country—
Whereupon John Brooke, Robert E. Hobart, Bartholomew Wambach, Henry Missimer, and Francis R. Potts were appointed; who reported the following Address, which was unanimously adopted—
Here follows the Address
Resolved Unanimously That the foregoing Address be signed by the Chairman and Secretary on behalf of this meeting, and forwarded to John Chapman & Samuel Sitgreaves Esquires, Representatives in Congress from this District, to be by them presented to the President of the United States.
Samuel Baird ChairmanAttest Jos: Potts Junr. Secy.


Title: To John Adams from Daniel Stevens, 19 May 1798
From: Stevens, Daniel
To: Adams, John

The Address and Memorial of the Citizens of Saint Luke’s Parish in the State of South Carolina—To the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the United States of America.—May 19th. 1798

Respectfully Sheweth–
That the Citizens of this Parish, always joining with the general voice of their Country, for a restoration of a good Understanding with the French Republic, must express at this critical Period a deep sense of regret, at the failure of the attempt to negociate with that Nation.—
That we consider this eventful Period, pregnant of the greatest importance to the safety and welfare of our Country, and feeling this impression, we deem it our indespensible duty to come forward, and in this public manner to express to the several Branches of our Government, our Sentiments and determinations, which this important Crisis in our National Affairs inspires us.—
Your Memorialists’ have observed with much satisfaction, the great and repeated exertions of the Executive of the United States, to preserve and cherish the advantages of Neutrality, and the Blessings of Peace, but they have with equal concern beheld, that the advances which have been made by the Government of the United States; towards a restoration of harmony with the Republic of France has been received by a marked indifference, and hauteur by that Government, and that at the moment of discussion they have been treated in a manner that must awaken every sense of Feeling, in the breast of every Citizen of these United States, and rouse their National Pride, When the most wanton depredations have been; and are still committed on the Commerce of our Country, under the Sanction of their Ruler’s, when our Ambassadors are treated with the most pointed disrespect, and when they announce to us, that they calculate upon our supposed divisions and want of Attachment to our Government, to that Government which we as free Men have chosen for ourselves, when The Ruler’s of France with a menace disgraceful to a free Government declare that in case of a refusal to pay a heavy and shameful tribute as the price of Peace, that the fate of Venice, may be that of the United States.—Your Memorialist’s feel themselves called upon, by every tie of duty to our common Country, a regard for ourselves, and that of Posterity, to repel with indignation such insinuations, or attempts to dishonor our National Character, or that we are a divided people divided from our Government.—
Impressed with the warmest Sense of the blessings we enjoy, under the really free, and wise Government of the United States—Your Memorialist’s as a part of this happy Community declare, that Should the Ruler’s of the Republic of France, continue in their refusal to listen to the Claims on her Justice, which the United States have made, We pledge ourselves to our Country; with our persons, and property, to support, maintain, and defend the freedom and Independance thereof.—
Your Memorialist’s think it incumbent on them to declare, that the disposition of the Executive to adjust fairly, and amicably the differences existing between the Republic’s of America and France, evince a Wisdom, firmness, and Patriotism that merit their grateful approbation, and that they pledge themselves in the most solemn manner, to support every measure which may be deemed necessary to secure the Constitution Government, and Independance of these United States.—

Danl. Stevens (Chairman)


Title: To John Adams from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 May 1798
From: Bourne, Sylvanus
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir
Amsterdam May 20th 1798—

I beg leave just to call to yr recollection my having informed you (when I had the honor to see you last summer at New york) that I had suffered in the loss of a large property by the verdict of the Court of Admiralty of England—founded on the circumstance of my being an Inhabitant of this Country—you seemed to be of opinion that being in a public capacity my residence here could not be construed to destroy my neutral rights & had the goodness to request the Secretary of State to write to our minister in London which he consequently complied with. And since my return here Mr King has informed me that he has exerted himself for the reclamation & recovery of said property but without any success or prospect of it—as they plead long established precedent in support of their deed & he even advises against an appeal as only involving further expence & loss.
This loss falls very severely upon me as well as very unexpectedly being conscious of never having done any thing which could commit or injure my rights as a Citizen of the U States & little did I think when I accepted my present appointment without a salary that I was giving in exchange therefor my priviliges as an American or I am sure I should have set a higher value upon them—
Should it be possible Sir for you to procure me redress by any more express remonstrance or application to the British Govt. it would releive me from a loss which the possession of a place of very scanty emoluments makes it very hard for me bear—Should not this mode appear feasible I hope for your attentions might any object offer more valuable than my present place by which I could receive some reimboursment comporting with the public interest—
It appears clear to me that if I am esteemed a Dutchman in my own wrong I ought also to be regarded as such in my own right and that of course my being concerned in privateering on British property would be perfectly Justifiable—but in such a case what would be the opinion of the British Govt? what the construction of my own? the first would probably be that I was committing the neutrality of my Country, and the latter that I ought to be punished for it–I just mention this for sake of argument & to illustrate the peculiarly hardship of my Case.
I yesterday had the pleasure to receive a paper containing your message to both houses of Congress of March 22d. which must be Congenial to the feelings of every true friend to his Country & I flatter myself that those who knew so well how to defend their rights in 1775 in opposition to the claims of one nation will not tamely surrender them to another in 1798 whatever boon may held out as the prize of this surrender whatever mask may be used to induce it—No, I trust to the discernment of my Countrymen to detect the cheat and to their spirit in resenting the Insult.
I beleive that Europe will yet for many years be a scene of confusion and disorder. Such a mass of inflammable matter has been set afloat by the French revolution that its flame will not expire but in the ruins of Kingdoms and Empires thanks to God that the Atlantick flows between us and Europe to meet the lava from this volcano of destruction.
I received a letter a few days since from our minister at Berlin when the family were all well. I beg to be remembered in terms of respect to Mrs. Adams and in like sentiments I remain / yr. devoted Servant

Sylvanus Bourne


Title: From John Adams to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 21 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.,Connecticut Legislature

To His Excellency Jonathan Trumbul, Governor, and to the Honorable the Legislature of the State of Connecticut
Gentlemen
Philadelpa. May 21st. 1798—

An Address, so affectionate, and respectful, carries with it, a dignity and authority, which is the more honorable to me, as it comes from a Legislature, which although not in the habit of interfering in the administration of the general Government, has exhibited an uniform affection, for the National Constitution, and an undeviating respect to the Laws, and constituted authorities.
There can never be a time, when it will be more necessary for the Nation, to express the sentiments, by which it is animated than when it is deeply injured, by lawless aggressions, and insulted by imperious claims of a foreign Power, professing to confide in our disunion and boasting of the means of severing the affections of our Citizens, from the Government of their Choice—
Your approbation of the conduct, and Measures of Government, and assurances of a firm and hearty support, are of great and high importance, and demand my most respectful, and grateful acknowledgments.—
With you I cherish our Independence: revere the Names, the Virtues, and the sufferings of our Ancestors: and admire the Resolution, that the inestimable gift, of Civil and religious freedom, shall never be impaired in our hands, and that no sacrafice of Blood, or Treasure shall be esteemed too dear, to transmit the precious inheritance to posterity.
I return my most fervent wishes, for your personal happiness, and the peace and Honor of the Nation, committing all, with all their Interests to the God of our Fathers

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 21 May 1798
From: Adams, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir
Newington. May th 21. AD: 1798

Or may it plese your Excellency, I imbrace this oppertunety to address your Excellency: it is from a kinsman tho a little remote I am the oldest son of Ebenezer Adams grand son to the Reverend Joseph Adams of Newington your Uncle decest; may these lines find your Excellency and family: in helth and happiness injoying the blessings that divine providence has bestowed upon you in placeing your Excellency at the great helm of affairs at this crittical juncture of times; my Uncles Joseph and Benjamin Adams are yet alive and in as good health as old age will admit of: my object in addressing your Excellency; is to inform your Excellency that my inclinations leads me to serve you and my countery in any office that is if agreeable to your mind: that will give me Bread: may it plese your Excellency if there should be any appointments & your Excellency should think of me I have no doubt but I can send on a letter of recommendation that will give your Excellency sattisfaction as to my qualifications: so I conclude with great respect and regard your most obediant humble servant

Saml. Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Devereux De Lacy, 21 May 1798
From: Lacy, John Devereux De
To: Adams, John

May it please your Excellency
Philadelphia May the 21st. 1798—

The declining state of my health together with the advice of my physicians having determined me to go to a southern climate, and being bred to the Law in the practice of which I am now setting out; I take the liberty of humbly soliciting to be appointed by your excellency to the office of Attorney General of the Mississippi Territory. The various duties of which office (should your excellency please to appoint me) I shall pledge myself to be unremittingly assiduous in the discharge off.
Having the honour to be known to Mr. Craik of Maryland, to Colo. Gelespie of N.C. to Mr Clopton Coln. New & many members from Virginia as also to Mr Burgess, Mr Clopton, Coln. I. Claiborne General McDowel and several other members of congress; as also to Governor Martin, Judge Anderson, & General Mason of the Senate, your excellency can from the first mentioned Gentlemen have any information you may deem necessary relative to me, to the latter I am but personally known in a measure, as likewise from Mr Willm. Bingham to whom I am known by character—
Having been emboldened to make this solicitation to your excellency at the instance of several Gentlemen deeply interested in that Country, and having come to Town with a veiw of making this application to your excellency, I shall await the knowledge of your excellencys pleasure with the most profound respect. (tho’ the city air at this season is extremely prejudicial to me) And shall hope in this instance (as well as in every other where your excellency shall please to honour me) by a zealous and prompt discharge of all commands you may please to favour me with, too approve myself worthy a portion of your excellencys confidence the attainment of any part of which I should ever consider as the brightest epoch in my life—
Awaiting your excellencys pleasure being known in the premises—I have the honour to be with the most profound respect and Obedience Your excellencys /  truly devoted /  And most humbly Obedt. Servant

John D. DeLacy
P.S. Had your excellencys younger son who attended the embassage to Holland as secretary to his brother, been in this City, I should have solicited his interest with your excellency in my favour, having had the honour of being known to him. But I am informed that he still continues abroad—.


Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 21 May 1798
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington 21st. May 1798

I should have acknowledged the Honor of your much esteemed Favor of the 30th—March last, immediately on the receit of it, but for an unwillingness to intrude so often upon your all-important Moments, with the mention of my personal Atffairs— and Feelings,—being, however, clear that You do rest assured that the latter, toward Yourself, are most respectful, as well as most friendly—
Your recognition of our long and uninterrupted Friendship; even to “almost half a hundred years”, gave me real happiness—it is my ardent Prayer, and shall be my earnest endeavor, that it shall cease but with Life—
The occasion of my addressing You, Sir, so soon again, will, I hope, serve as an apology, for the freedom—
Some circumstances, but lately come to my knowledge, render it more than probable that a dissolution of my copartnership with Mr Lear will soon take place— Fortunately I am not bound to continue this connection for a day—Before I shall disclose my intention to Mr Lear it will be prudent to arrange some consequential affairs of the Company—You will therefore pardon me for requesting that it may be notso considered by Yourself—
I should not have troubled You with this information—or this request,—had  You have been pleased to express a favorable inclination toward the Persons composing the Firm—in case any future Agency should be wanted, in the rout on the Potomac, to which their business lead them—
As, at that period, no such Company may exist, I beg leave to offer to You, Sir, my own, my best, personal Services, in any Line, which You may deem proper, and suitable, for me to accept, or negociate in this Quarter, or up the River— in which I am so connected—at this time, as not to be able, with convenience, to tender them in any other
I will detain you no longer than to add, what is the greatest Truth, that Mrs Dalton, and my /  family, unite with me, in assuring Yourself and /  Mrs Adams, of our most respectful and affectionate /  Regards— / With perfect Esteem /  I am—Sir— / Your obliged Friend /  And most obdt. hble Servant

Tristram Dalton


Title: To John Adams from Theodore Sedgwick, 21 May 1798
From: Sedgwick, Theodore
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Stockbridge 21. May 1798.

I am requested by the Town of Dalton in this County to present to you the inclosed address. There are not, within my acquaintance, more worthy and honorable men than the authors of it.
The policy of town meeting addresses, as far as I have been able to obtain information, is not, generally, approved by the most enlightened and best disposed in this County; tho’ there is no doubt, they might be obtained, & almost unanimously, in, nearly, every town.
I am just rising from a sick bed to which I have been confined for several days by a very severe disorder. My fever, now, intermits; and I am flatered by my Physicians, with the pleasing hope, that by the last of next week, I shall be able to commence my Journey to Philadelphia—The alarming complaint which was the cause of my leaving Congress has greatly abated.
Be pleased, Sir, to accept assurances of the respectful attachment, & sincere personal regard with which I am / your most obedt. huml. Servt.
Theodore Sedgwick


Title: To John Adams from Robert Thomson, 21 May 1798
From: Thomson, Robert
To: Adams, John

21 May 1798

At the Meeting of the Federal Troop of Horse, under the command of Captain Thomson, on Monday the 21st. of May 1798, at Newton in the County of Sussex, and State of New Jersey: The Gentlemen composing the Troop, influenced by patriotic motives, concieve it their duty, to convey to the President of the United States, their sentiments with respect to his Administration of Our Government; adopt the following resolution viz.
That Messrs: Abner Woodruff, Jacob S. Thomson & Wm. T. Anderson, be a committee to draft an address; who having reported the following, it was unanimously agreed to, and individually Subscribed—
To the President of the United States.
Sir,
It affords us the most heartfelt satisfaction to observe the cordial Testimonies of Attachment to the Federal Government, and your administration of it, from different parts of the union; and the unanimity of sentiment which pervades the State of New–Jersey—.
We view with Honest indignation, and becoming resentment, the conduct of the French Republic, towards our native Country. As citizens and as soldiers, we feel it incumbent on us, at this eventful period, to express to our first Magistrate, and Commander in cheif, our high opinion of his wise, firm, and patriotic administration; and our perfect approbation of the measures he has pursued for the restoration of harmony with France, on terms compatible with the Honor, and Interests of our Country. We know it is our duty, and it is our fixed resolution, to support our national Independence, with our fortunes and our lives.
That an overruling Providence, may long continue to you, the uninterrupted enjoyment of your health is the sincere wish of the members of the Federal Troops.
It is further resolved that the Committee, forward by the earliest opportunity the above Address, to the Honorable Mark Thomson Esqr., Representative in Congress; from this County, and request him to present the same to the President.
Robert Thomson. Captain.39 other signatures


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Sprigg, 21 May 1798
From: Sprigg, Thomas
To: Adams, John

21 May 1798

A number of respectable citizens of Washington County in the State of Maryland having convened in consequence of public notice, at the Court house in Hagers Town on Monday the twenty first day of May 1798. after appointing General Thomas Sprigg Chairman, resolved as follows, Vizt.
Wishing to cultivate peace and harmony with all nations, we feel great regret at the delay in the reception of our Envoys to France, and think their Mission of such magnitude as to have entitled them to a proper attention; And as it appears highly important at this crisis of our national affairs that our sentiments should be made known, we do not hesitate to declare our firm determination to support our Constitution, Government and Independance against every attack.
Resolved that the Chairman be requested to transmit a Copy of the above resolve to the representative of this district in Congress, with a request that he communicate the same to the President, the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States.
Signed by order,

Thomas Sprigg—ChairmanElie Williams Secy.


Title: From John Adams to Young Men of Boston, 22 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Boston, Young Men of

To the Young Men of Boston.
Gentlemen.
Philadelphia May 22d. 1798

It is impossible for you to enter your own Fanuel Hall, or to throw your Eyes on the variagated Mountains and elegant Islands around you, without recollecting the Principles and Actions of your Fathers and feeling what is due to their Example,
One of their most important Principles was to unite in themselves the Character of Citizens and Soldiers, and especially to preserve the latter always subordinate to the former.
With much solicitude for your Character welfare and that of your Posterity I take the freedom to say that this Country never appeared to me to be in greater danger than at this moment from within or from without never more urgently  excited to the assume the functions of soldiers. The State of the World is such, the  situation of all the Nations of Europe with which We have relations, is so critical, that Vicissitudes must be expected, from whose deleterious Influences nothing but Arms and Energy can protect Us. To Arms then, to Arms especially by Sea My young Friends, to Arms let us have resort especially by Sea to be used as the Laws shall direct let Us resort, for Safety against dangers which We now see and feel, can not be averted in no other manner by Reason, Justice Truth, Reason or Justice.
Nothing, in the earlier Part of my public Life, animated me more, than the Countenances of the Children and youth of the Town of Boston, and nothing at this hour gives so much Pleasure, as the masculine Temper and Talent displayed by the youth of America in every Part of it.
I ought not to forget, the worst Ennemy we have. That Obloquy which you have observed, is the worst Ennemy to Virtue and the best friend of Vice. It strives to destroy all distinction between Right and Wrong, it leads to division to sedition to civil War, and to military despotism. I need Say no more.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 23 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States May 23d. 1798—

I nominate Thomas Baker of Pennsylvania to be first Lieutenant—
Thomas Wilkey of Pennsylvania to be second Lieutenant
James McKnight of Pennsylvania to be Lieutenant of Marines, for the ship of War the Delaware.
Andrew Sterret of Maryland to be third Lieutenant of the Frigate Constellation; Simon Gross, having resigned

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Levin Handy, 23 May 1798
From: Handy, Levin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Snowhill Worcester County Maryland May 23d. 1798.

If it should be thought necessary in the present alarming crisis of our publick affairs to raise an Army for the protection of and defence of the Liberty and Independence of America, against the unjust aggressions and unwarrantable claims of a foreign nation, I beg leave respectfully, to offer my services in the cause of my Country, and have taken the liberty to solicit such a military appointment as you may be pleased to confer on me, and of which I may judge myself competent to discharge the duties honorably and usefully—
I was not Sir, an indifferent or inactive Spectator of the arduous struggle between this Country and Britain, which terminated in the establishment of American Independence, and I flatter myself that the zeal for Liberty and love of my Country by which I was actuated at that period have not abated, but that I am ready again to step forward in defence of those inestimable rights for which we then contended—And although I candidly confess, and would not wish to conceal that I have been a warm and decided friend of the French nation while considering them as contending for their liberties and the establishment of a free Government; yet I am confident that I do myself no more than Justice in declaring that any attachment which I may have felt to that nation, vanish when put in competition with that strong and decided predilection which I feel for my own, and I beg you to be assured Sir, that in my Judgment the views and conduct of our national Executive in their measures for negotiating with the French Government merit the warmest approbation of their Country, as evincing the sincerest disposition to restore a friendly intercourse between the two nation, and to adjust the existing difference between them on the basis of reciprocal Justice—
For information with respect to my military Character I beg leave to refer you to the Honbl. John E Howard of the Senate, and the Honbl Samuel Smith, representative in Congress from Maryland, for my reputation and deportment in private life to the Honbl. John Dennis of Maryland. / I have the honor to be with / the highest respect, / your Excellencys / most Obedient Servant

Levin Handy


Title: From Thomas Rasing to John Adams, 23 May 1798
From: Rasing, Thomas
To: Adams, John,United States Congress

To the President, Senate and House of Representatives of the United States.—The Memorial of the Subscribers Inhabitants of Kent County in the State of Maryland respectfully sheweth.—
23 May 1798

That in Consequence of the publicity given to the instructions to the Commissioners of the United States near the Republic of France, and to the dispatches containing the narrative of their Conduct in the discharge of the duties of their mission, your memorialists are induced to infer that the situation of public Affairs is so critical and alarming, that the opinion of the Citizens of the Country, would be an acceptable offering to the Government, and have Weight and Influence in guiding its deliberations.
Under this impression, your memorialists beg leave to declare, that they are firmly attached to the principles of the Government of the United States, as now established; and will to the utmost of their power, with their Lives and Fortunes support and defend the Constitution and Independence thereof against all Enemies whether foreign or domestic.
Your Memorialists view with indignation and resentment the unprovoked and unjust aggressions upon their Trade and Commerce, the violated Rights of Neutral Nations and the cruel and inhuman impressment, and ill-treatment of their Fellow-Citizens by two of the most powerful belligerent Nations in Europe, and are of Opinion that they are just Causes of War by the United States against those Nations.
But although your Memorialists are deeply sensible of the injuries thus sustained; yet as the United States heretofore placed themselves in the posture of a Neutral Nation, and from a Spirit of Moderation and Forbearance have retained that attitude for several years past: they conceive it would be the true Interest of this Country in the present State of things, to Continue in the same Line of Policy, because your Memorialists apprehend, and have strong hopes and expectations that as the calamities of the Country originated in the War between the European powers alluded to so will they cease when the Relations of Peace shall be re-established between them, an Event which your Memorialists conceive must soon take place; And as a War with either of these Countries must be a War of Honor and Interest, and not for the preservation of absolute Sovereignty and Independence, it must depend upon political and Arithmetical Calculation whether it would be wise in the present Crisis to enter into such a State, and whether Trade would not be in a worse situation in Case of War, than in the present State of Affairs.
At all Events your Memorialists are of Opinion that as public Agents have been sent to France for the purpose of accommodating the differences between that Republic and this Country, no measures ought to be adopted that would necessarily tend to a rupture, until it shall be clearly ascertained that the Government of France has sanctioned the measures proposed to the Commissioners of the United States, and every hope of an accommodation is extinguished.
Until better information can be obtained on this subject, Your Memorialists anxious for the Welfare & security of the Country are of opinion that the strongest Exertions ought to be made to defend the Territory of the United States by establishing the Militia on a proper foundation by repairing and erecting Fortifications where the same may be thought necessary and by the establishment of such regular military force, as the exigencies of public Affairs may require: Your Memorialists further declare that they will cheerfully bear such burthens and Taxes, as may be imposed to carry into Execution such a system of defence,& even cheerfully submit to a total suspension of foreign Commerce, should such a measure be thought conducive to the public Welfare.
Your Memorialists declare their full and entire Approbation of the Instructions given to the Commissioners for the ample Powers thereby given to settle the differences between the United States and the French Republic, and that they are pleased with the Moderation and Spirit of Conciliation they contain.—
This to be returned on Saturday next.—
,  , , , , , , , ,
Thos: RasinThos. AngierJJames BaileyBenjamin chandlerJames WhittingtonJoseph CorneliusAndrew CorneliusJohn GarlandJames BlakeFrancies ButlerThomas Rasin Jur. Several copies are in the House of representatives the whole number of signatures is 259—


Title: To John Adams from John Goulding, 24 May 1798
From: Goulding, John
To: Adams, John

My It Please Your ExcellencyPhiladelphia 24th May 1798

Propelled by a cause equally serious and urgent; and encouraged by a Name, whose wise, benevolent & noble exertions, have regularly accompanied the dignity, and encreasing influence, which it maintains, in society.—Such is my apology for this intrusion.
Shipwrecked as it were, and bereaved of my little all;—yet thank Heaven still possessed of Health, active and willing, my utmost efforts have proved ineffectual to obtain the humblest employment; Having therefore waited and solicited in vain at the Streams, I have summoned resolution to approach the Fountain head of County, encouraged by the general opinion of your Excellencys magnanimity, that honesty and talents, are the principal or rather the sole qualifications you require in those you prefer, and that your Excellencys condescention, bends your attention to look for those qualities among the humble and obscure, rather than avoid them.
I have a tender helpless family, left by ruin in trade like shipwrecked mariners on the strand; bereaved friendless and verging to despair.—Religion prescribes patience and resignation, and I adore Religion, and the great author of it: but the possessing an active ardent mind, encreases the poignance of grief, on the prospect of the misery to which my helpless family is exposed. How great the pity that such energy should be consumed in hopeless grief; which if diverted from this anguish, and directed to the purposes of any employment, might be equally beneficial to that family and to society: many who now will not (perhaps some cannot) shew more than galling pity, would then, be forward in expressions of approbation, and offers of service. I have been a Merchant—I have been plundered by the French, whose excesses I have for many years reprobated—various misfortunes leaves me at this moment, in the most humiliating deplorable condition, to which an innocent man and a family can well be reduced, without being actually deprived of common necessaries
Should your Excellency condescend to grant me a gracious hearing, and should there be any Employ ever so humble, I would be proud to serve my Country, faithfully, in any department, in any capacity, and in any part of the world in which I could be useful. My Education and habits are perhaps best calculated for accounts, the Naval department, or in the Navy; having been a few Voyages at Sea, and regularly bred in the knowledge of the most regular counting houses. And for saving me from despair, and a tender helpless an amiable family from want, they and I shall for your Excellency, and for our Country, as in duty bound ever pray, – ever pray, that yours, and its Glory may be immortal.
I can have unexceptionable testimonials of a good character, known to Gentlemen of high consideration; and I will beg leave to do myself the Honor, to wait on your Excellency’s Secretary, when it may be perfectly convenient; with a hope to hear, that your Excellency’s pleasure, will be favourable to my humble wishes.
 With the highest Respect, and, Admiration /  I have the Honor to be /  Sir /  Your Excellency’s /  Most Obedient, and /  Most Humble Servant

John Goulding


Title: To John Adams from Richard Howell, 24 May 1798
From: Howell, Richard
To: Adams, John

His Excellency John Adams Esquire President of the United States—
Sir
Trenton May 24th, 1798—

From the Consequences of a slight but neglected hurt, I am compelled to lose the honor of personally presenting the Address of the Commander in Chief, the General, General–Staff and Field, Officers of the Militia of the State of New Jersey, who almost to a Man have, as I am well informed, cheerfully signed it. From numerous Communications received from the General and Field Officers, but one Circumstance seems to be complained of, and that is, that from the extent of the State, there was not Time to transmit Copies of the Address to the Company–Officers, so as fairly to include them in it. Your Excellency will know well how to estimate their just Sense of duty and collective anxiety to prove it, when you observe the Signatures of those who, accidentally meeting the Address in it’s rapid Circulation, Seized upon the Occasion to attest the Common ardor, and would not be refused. But whilst I regret the disappointment of the rest, permit me on their part and the great Body of our Militia to become responsible for their complete concurrence, their unlimited respect for You as their Commander in Chief, and their entire devotion to the Honor and Security of our inestimable Country. A Copy of the Address, by an Inadvertence for which we cannot account, has overhastily, been spread before the public Eye, but it is attributed to the alacrity of our Citizens in the Cause of Honor and Virtue, and therefore the Military of New Jersey repose upon the candor of your Excellency and the public for an Excuse.—
Major General Freelinghuysen, who commands and represents our proportion of the 80,000 and Adjutant-General White, in Conjunction with Colonels Stockton, Thompson of my family, and Such Senators, Representatives, and Officers of this State as can avail themselves of the Occasion, will, on my part, as representing the Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry of the whole State, have the Honor (an Honor I wished to participate) of presenting to you our Address under genuine Signatures, at Such Time, as your Excellency may appoint.
After the solemn Declaration we have already made to your Excellency and the World, you and all who know the feelings of a Soldier, will see at first Glance, that there is Nothing left for us to pledge.—All then which can remain for me to add, is, that the high Sentiments of Affection and Respect for your Excellency in every Capacity, which I do myself the Honor to cherish, and the unalterable Attachment I feel for the true Interests of our Country are common to the Jersey-Blues whom, at present, I have the Honor to command—
I am your Excellencys’s /  ready /  and obedient /  Humble Servt.

Rd. Howell


Title: From John Adams to Nh., Citizens of Portsmouth, 25 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Portsmouth, Nh., Citizens of

To the young Men of Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire
Gentlemen,
Philadelphia May 25 1798

This handsome Address from the Youth of Portsmouth, shows evinces the same Spirit and the same Principles which animate the rising Generation in general throughout the United States and is not less agreable to me than any I have before received.
The opinion you have formed of the Wisdom Prudence, Firmness Perseverance and Bravery of your Fathers is not exagerated, and their Example is worthy of your Imitation. They have another Merit, which I may recollect with Propriety. They have educated their sons, in their own Principles and inspired into them their own Virtues: a Fact which is every day more and more apparent, and forms the surest foundation of hope and Confidence for our Country.
Nothing can be more flattering to my heart than the Confidence in me, manifested by you and your Contemporaries through the Union in general—May it never be disappointed.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Ringgold, 25 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Ringgold, Samuel

To the Volunteer Troop of Horse, called the Federal Blues of Washington County in the State of MarylandGentlemenPhiladelphia May 25th 1798

Your Address to the President Senate and House of Representatives of the United States has been presented to me by your Representative in Congress Mr Baer.
Your Opinion of the sincerity of the Executive Authority in its Endeavours to preserve Peace, is as well founded as your that of the Impropriety of the Conduct of the Executive Directory of France towards our Envoys. Your Determination to support with your Lives and Fortunes all such constitutional Measures as the Government of the United States shall in their Wisdom adopt does you honor.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Jedidiah Peck, 25 May 1798
From: Peck, Jedidiah
To: Adams, John

25 May 1798

At a meeting of a large and respectable number of the Citizens, of the town of Burlington, in the County of Otsego, State of New–York; held at the dwellinghouse of Willard Church, Inholder in Said Town, on the 25th day of May 1798, according to previous notice for that purpose: Jedidiah Peck, in the Chair, Joseph Wright, Clerk, It was unanimaously resolved, that the following address should be signed by the Chairman and Clerk, and published in the Otsego Herald, and a coppy thereof forwarded to the President of the United States.
ADDRESS
To JOHN ADAMS, President of the United States
Sir,
We feel a glow of ardor, while we contemplate on your magnanimity, firmness, Justice, Wisdom, Prudence and Patience, in the adoption, and perseverence in, the plan you have persued to obtain an amicable adjustment of the apparent difficulty, between the French Republic, and these United States
We feel great regret, and extreeme sorrow, at the impediments thrown in the way of our Envoys, in negociating as is Stated in their communications to our Executive—We feel the ties of reciprocal and good offices, between the two Republic’s, and are loth to give them up; it is like breaking the Strings that twine round our heart, and tutches our most tender feelings.
But what will not wickedness do, it will Seperate between the nearest and best friends. When we consider the conduct of the French Directory, it arouses our Spirits with a just resentment at the insults thrown on us, in the person of our Envoy’s. But we GLORY in their firmness, they Shew a genuine Spark of American Bravery. We hope, however, the Directory will take a Second thought, and yet open a negociation on just grounds; but if not we come to but one resolution, which is, to gird on our warlike weapons as in the year ’75, and defend our independance, and support the honor and dignity of the United States to the last drop of blood and cent of property—We will take one pull for it, and let them know we are Freemen of America, and not slaves to dispots—We feel the cause of Justice trampled on—What, acknoledge the Justice of our cause, and say they disregard it, because we cannot defend it, we will let them know that Justice fights for the inocent
We will let the French Directory know, that we disregard every King, Prince, Potentate, President, Directory people or individual, that disregards Justice, and will attempt to abuse a people because they are weak; this insult Strikes fire to our martial Spirit, and calls forth the true patriots, cloathed with the same firm, determined, persevering Spirit, that glowed in them, on former and similar occations.
Sir, we hope you will persevere Still with that firmness and determined Spirit, that you appear to possess, in the support of the honor and dignity of the United States, While we pray the great Governer of the universe, to endow you with all that wisdom and prudence, that is necessary in so trying and critical a day; relying on the benediction of Heaven, we pledg ourselves and property, for the defence of our Country.
We wish you health and Peace.
Signed by order of the Meeting,
Jedidiah Peck. {Chairman.Joseph Wright, Clerk.


Title: To John Adams from Hanson Briscoe, 25 May 1798
From: Briscoe, Hanson
To: Adams, John

25 May 1798

At a meeting of the Citizens residing in the Town of Cumberland in the County of Allegany and State of Maryland and its vicinity, held on Friday the 25th. day of May 1798 after due notice. Hanson Briscoe was appointed Chairman and Patrick Murdoch John H Bayard, Samuel Selby 3rd, John Simkins and George Dent were named a Committee to draw up and report an address to the President of the United States on the present critical situation of our Country with France. The same day the Committee reported an address as follows.
To John Adams President of the United States.
The Inhabitants of the County of Allegany and State of Maryland having early discovered in an unequivocal manner their decided approbation of the Government of their Country and the measures of its administration and on every Publick opportunity since haveing evinced the same principles with unabated zeal and increasing unanimity we do not imagine that we can be suspected of improper motives if we have not pressed forward on this occasion. While our fellow Citizens then were expressing that zeal and indignation which animates every American bosom at the unheard of insults and injuries which the Republick of France has heaped on the Government and People whom you represent, we have suffered those to take the lead many of whom were slow to believe and have now but lately discovered that a cool and insulting contempt of the laws which bind nations could exist under the sacred but abused names of Liberty and a Republick.
Now that the crowd has in some measure past, permit us, Sir, to renue our assurances of our rooted attachment to the Constitution and Government of our Country, and of our respect and Veneration for yourself secondly only to that which we must ever feel for your truly dignified predecessor in whose steps you so worthily tread, of our abhorance of all Foreign influence upon our Councils, of our disdain of the threats thrown out against us by France, and of our indignation at the insolent Idea that it is possable that Americans can be divided against themselves.
We feel as we ought the conduct of France towards us and we pledge ourselves to support the measures which the Councils of our Country shall deem necessary for the security and defence of our National rights, Honor, and Independance  against the encroachments or attacks of any foreign power.
Which being read was assented to and ordered that a Copy of this Address be forwarded to George Baer Junr. Esquire our representative in Congress, to be by him presented to the President
Hanson Briscoe Chair


Title: To John Adams from Upton Sheredine, 26 May 1798
From: Sheredine, Upton
To: Adams, John

Sir
Midhill Frederick County Maryland 26th May 1798—

Mr. Rezin Davidge, a Gentleman of family & education, of an amiable disposition, and a true friend to the Government, independence, and sovereignty, of this, his native Country.—And possessed of undoubted honor and courage, with a fixed determination to defend its Rights, against all invaders of them, is desirous of a Captaincy in the Regiment of Artillery, to be raised for the service, and defence, of the United States.—From the personal knowlege I have of this Gentleman; And from my being made acquainted with his character;—I do not hesitate, in the warmest manner, to recommend him, as One, who will be an honor to his Country, in general, in the Military line; And to the appointment, now solicited in his favor, in particular.
The liberty I have thus taken, I hope needs no apology other apology, than just to say, that I have been induced to take it, by this double motive;—To serve my country, and a Gentleman whom I much esteem.
I am Sir, with the highest respect, Your most obedt. / And Humbl. Servt.

Upton Sheredine


Title: From John Adams to John Torrey, 28 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Torrey, John

To the Grand Jury for the County of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts
GentlemenPhiladelphia May 28 1798

I thank you for your Address which has been transmitted to me, according to your request by the Chief Justice of the State.
Difficult as it is to believe that a Nation Struggling or pretending to Struggle for Liberty and Independence, Should attempt to invade or impair those Blessings where they are quietly and fully enjoyed. Yet thus it is and the United States of America are not the only Example of it.
While occupied in your peaceful labours Employment you have seen the Fruits of your Industry plundered, by professed Friends. Your Tranquility has been disturbed by incessant Appeals to the Passions and Prejudices of the People by designing Men, and by audacious attempts to seperate the People from the Government. And there is not a Village in the United States, perhaps which cannot testify to similar Abuses.
Liberty, Independence, National honor, Social Order, and public Safety appear to you to be in danger. Your Acknowledgment to me, therefore are the more obliging and encourageing.
Your Prayer for the my preservation of my and your Pledge, that in any arduous Issue to which the Arts or Arms of Successful Violence may compell Us, you will, as becomes faithfull Citizens of this happy Country, come forward as One Man, in defence of all that is dear to Us are to me as affecting as to the Public they ought to be Satisfactory  Sentiments. The more affecting to me as they come from the most ancient settlement in the Northern Part of the Continent, held in peculiar Veneration by my, at all times

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to George Thatcher, 28 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Thatcher, George

To the Inhabitants of the Town of Wells in the State of Massachusetts—GentlemenPhiladelpa. May 28th 1798

Your Address to the President and Congress has been presented to me, by your Representative in Congress Mr: Thatcher.
Unanimous resolutions, at a legal meeting of one of our Towns, cannot pass, without a real unanimity in opinion and Sentiment, those of the respectable town of Wells upon this occasion, are Very satisfactory—
The Agents of a foreign Nation, have had too much color, for boasting of their intrigueing Talents, and of having a party in this Country, devoted to their Interest—
Your unshaken attachment, to your Country, Constitution, and Laws, your Approbation of the Measures of the Supreme Executive authority of the Nation, and Resolution to afford every support, in your power, are as honorable to your Characters, as they must be satisfactory to the Nation and its Government—

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 28 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
United States. May 28 1798.

I nominate the persons herein after named for appointments in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers.—
Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.
John Doughty New Jersey
Majors
1. Benjamin Brooks. Maryland
2. Adam Hoops. New Jersey.
3. Daniel Jackson. Massachusetts.
Captains
1. Decius Wadsworth Connecticutt
2. William Macrea Virginia2. Decius Wadsworth Connecticut
3. Samuel Eddins Virginia
4. Francis Kinlock Huger South Carolina
5. Amos Stoddard Massachusetts
6 Lemuel Gates. Massachusetts.
7 James Read Pennsylvania
8 Callender Irvine ditto
9 James Stille New Jersey.
10 William Walter Livingston Cochran New York
11 John Bishop Virginia
12 John Henry Pennsylvania.
Lieutenants
1. Theodore Memminger Pennsylvania.
2 William Steele ditto
3. Francis Gibson ditto
4. Alexander D. Pope Virginia
5 John W. Livingston New York
6. John Hancock Virginia
7. George W. Carmichael Pennsylvania.
8 Samuel Dickinson Maryland
9. Philip Stewart New Jersey.
10. William L. Cooper New York.
11. William Deveaux Georgia.
12. Patrick Cunningham Harris North Carolina
13. Joseph Yates New York.
14. George Washington Duncan Massachusetts
15. Toppan Webster New Hampshire
16. James White South Carolina
17. James B. Manÿ Delaware
18. John Knight Maryland
19 John Fergus Junr North Carolina
20. Nathaniel Leonard Vermont
21. John Leybourn Georgia
22 Solomon Mears Connecticut
23 Charles Wolstoncraft Pennsylvania
24 Robert Weir Osburn ditto.
Surgeon
James Scanlan Maryland.
Surgeon’s Mates.
1. Thomas Tillinghast. Rhode Island
2. Nathaniel Dwight. Connecticut.
3. Burr Harrison. Kentucky

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Cropper, Jr., 28 May 1798
From: Cropper, John, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Accomack Court House May 28: 1798.

At a crisis when the sovereignty of our Country is assalted: when demands are made upon us by a foreign nation altogether incompatible with our honor and independence, & when in case of a refusal to accede to these demands, even our National existence is threatened: when we have reason to believe that an opinion has gone forth, which has contributed to produce this conduct; that we are a people divided among ourselves by faction & party spirit, distracted by feuds & animosities, & separated from our Government both by opinion & interest.—We the Inhabitants of the County of Accomack in the State of Virginia, convened in full meeting at the Courthouse of the said County by previous public notice, feel ourselves called upon by duty as well as inclination to declare, and We do unanimously declare our entire approbation of the measures, which have hitherto been pursued by our Government,—our confident reliance that such only will in future be pursued as will comport with the honor & interest of our Country,—and our unceasing attachment to the principles of our Constitution.
We declare our conviction that our Government has manifested a most earnest & sincere desire to preserve peace with all nations, particularly with the French Republic: that upon a fair & candid review of the conduct of our Government we discover nothing, which ought to have given umbrage to that Republic, or which can in anywise justify her numerous aggressions on the persons & properties of our citizens in direct violation of the Laws of Nations, and in contravention of her existing treaties with us: and that even since those multiplied causes of dissatisfaction have existed, the measures pursued towards that Country have been marked by a spirit of mildness & conciliation, such as ought to have realised our reasonable hopes, that they would prove successful.—It is with the utmost concern and regret therefore, that we perceive those efforts to maintain harmony, & to avert the calamities of war with that Republic are likely to prove abortive, & that our advances towards an amicable adjustment of existing differences have not been met by a like of friendly & pacific disposition on the part of the French nation, but that conditions have been essayed to be imposed upon our Country, which they have sometimes called their sister Republic, that would be degrading to a free nation, & such as we do not hesitate to reject with indignation.
Altho’ we view war as particularly injurious to the interests of our Country, yet we consider it as an evil of less magnitude, than National degradation. While therefore we would fain indulge a hope, that the French Republic may return to a sense of justice, by withholding further acts of hostility & outrage, by making reparation for those already committed, & by closing with overtures made for the restoration of harmony and a friendly intercourse between the two Countries upon the broad basis of equal right & reciprocal benefit, We trust our Country will be prepared to meet the contrary event, & to assert and maintain her rights with firmness, even at the expence of War with all its horrors.—
We promise chearfully to cooperate in whatever measures those entrusted with the administration of our Government shall deem conducive to the interests, and consistent with the honor of the nation. And we pledge our lives, our fortunes, & all we hold dear upon the success of the issue.—
Signed by the unanimous order of the meeting.

Jno. Cropper Jr. Chairman AttestEdmund Bayly Secretary


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Aiken, 28 May 1798
From: Aiken, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Hanover May 28th: 1798.

Growing up from our cradles in a land of Liberty, and taught by precept and experience to value the blessings of a free government, we feel an indignation at any attempt to stain its honor, or trouble its peace.
We are young, without experience; it, therefore, becomes us to be diffident in regard to measures of political practice. But, when the rulers of a foreign nation are endeavouring to prostrate our liberties; are flattering themselves, that the people of these states are taking a part separate from the government, and in this delusion are calculating their influence over us: while men of different professions and ages, from various parts of our land, are expressing their approbation of the measures of government, we solicit, that you would accept a tribute of duty and respect from us, a band of youth, members of a seat of science, in the northern region of an extensive republic; and, that you would be assured of our love, our attachment; our confidence in your administration, and the legislative bodies, in regard to our foreign, as well as domestic interests.
If, notwithstanding the measures, which have been wisely proposed, and prudently applied and executed for accommodating difficulties with the French, that nation should still continue in the spirit of domination, and practice of abuses towards us; If our government should determine it necessary to change the scene of negotiation from the cabinet to the field of battle; we offer our Zeal, our activity, and our lives to repel the foe, that would make us slaves.
At your command, illustrious Magistrate of a great People, we will hasten to the standard of freemen and warriors.
Joseph AikenStephen BemisJohn FiskEzekiel BassomCharles BakerNathan CutlerAaron HoveyLuther EmersonGeorge HerbertBenoni StorhamSimeon Lyman} Committee for the students of Dartmouth University.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 29 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate.
United States May 29th 1798—

An Article explanatory of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation, between the United States and His Britannic Majesty, has been signed by the Plenipotentiaries of the two powers, which I now submit to the Senate for their consideration.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Roberts, 29 May 1798
From: Roberts, John
To: Adams, John

Easton, Maryland. 29 May 1798

At a Meeting of the Justices, the grand and petit Jurors, and the Officers of Talbot County Court, and of a numerous and respectable Body of the people of the County, assembled at Easton, on the twenty ninth day of May in the year seventeen hundred and ninety eight, in pursuance of previous Notice, for the purpose of considering the Situation of their public Affairs, and of expressing their Sentiments concerning them, John Roberts Esquire was unanimously chosen Chairman; and Nicholas Hammond, William Perry, William Hayward, Thomas James Bullitt, John Leeds Bozman, Samuel Chamberlaine, Hugh Sherwood, John Hughes and Perry Benson Esquires were appointed a Committee to prepare an Address to the President of the United States, in approbation of his Conduct in his Negociations with the Republic of France, and declaring the Determination of the people to support the Government, and the Rights and Independence, of their Country.—
Whereupon the Committee retired; and after some time returned, and reported the following Address; which was twice read, and unanimously adopted.
To the President of the United States.—
Sir,
The People of Talbot County in the State of Maryland, impressed, in common with their fellow-Citizens, with a lively sense of the critical Situation of their public Affairs, feel it a Duty which they owe to their Country and themselves to address to you the Sentiments which the present occasion has inspired.
We had hoped that the Moderation, Wisdom and Justice, with which the Executive Government of the United States hath conducted itself in its relations with foreign Powers, would have secured us from a participation in the War which has desolated Europe: It is therefore with extreme Concern that we view the alarming Position in which the Nation is placed by the rapacious Avarice and destructive projects of those, who tyrannize over the people of France. But in the midst of this Concern we derive abundant Consolation from reflecting, that the Measures, which you have pursued for removing Subsisting Differences with the French Republic, have proceeded from a liberal and sincere disposition to restore harmony, and preserve the important Interests of the United States, without sacrificing the Honor or Sovereignty of their Government, and were ably and wisely calculated to attain these Ends, had your Negociations been reciprocated with that Spirit of Reconciliation and Friendship which her public Agents have so often, but so perfidiously professed. We feel the keenest Indignation in perceiving that these Advances have been treated with unmerited Contempt; and that the Ambitious Directors of that Government, wholly abandoning the immutable Principles of Justice, and equally disregarding the Law of Nations and the faith of Treaties, have wantonly persisted in accumulating Injuries upon the Commerce and Persons of our Citizens, and in Vilifying, by the most scandalous Insults, the Executive Authority of the United States.—
In such a State of Things it becomes indispensably necessary for a free people to express their feelings, and to vindicate their Rights: And while we declare our entire Confidence in your Wisdom and Integrity, we assure you, Sir, of our Determination to support every Measure, which the present Crisis may demand, at the hazard of our Lives and Fortunes, and to destroy those Malignant Hopes which have been entertained from a vain Belief that the people of this Country are at variance with their Government.—
Animated as we are by the Love of Peace, it is not without reluctance that we contemplate the Calamities of War: But resolved to maintain the Rights and Independence of our Country, without the enjoyment of which, Peace would be only Vassallage, we are fully prepared to await the Events which may befall us; and if recourse must be had to Arms, we shall trust, under divine providence, to the Justice of our Cause: And under such Auspices we are confident that the Issue will be fortunate; and be rendered glorious by the Wisdom and Patriotism of the Government, and by the Courage and Virtue of the People.—
Signed by Order of the Meeting.

John RobertsChairman


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 30 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate—
United States May 30th 1798—

I nominate John Spence West of North Carolina to be Marshall of that district, in the place of Michael Paine, after the expiration of his legal term in that office, which will be in december next

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Linn, 30 May 1798
From: Linn, William
To: Adams, John

Sir,
New-York, May 30th. 1798.

I ask leave to present you with a discourse delivered on the late fast day. It would have appeared in a more perfect shape, if at all, had it not been for the reasons given in the preface. The mention which I have made of you, in two places, has nothing to recommend it but sincerity, & the good intention of opposing that spirit of detraction so disgraceful & ruinous to our nation.
As the first Magistrate of the Union you ought to have the support of every citizen, & as a man you are entitled to respect for your great & amiable qualities. I am sincerely & unreservedly your / Most obedient

Wm Linn