Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 21 December 1790
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Philadelphia Decr. 21st. 1790.

The Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate, the Chief Justice, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Attorney General,
Respectfully report to the Congress of the United States of America.—
That pursuant to the act, intitled an Act making provision for the reduction of the public Debt, They on the 26th. day of August last convened at the City of New York, and entered upon the execution of the trust thereby reposed in them.
That in conformity to a resolution agreed upon by them, on the 27th., and approved by the President of the United States on the 28th of the said month, they have caused purchases of the said Debt to be made through the agency of Samuel Meredith, Treasurer of the United States, which on the 6th. day of December instant amounted to two hundred and seventy eight thousand, six hundred and eighty seven Dollars & thirty Cents, and for which there have been paid One hundred and fifty thousand, two hundred and thirty nine Dollars and twenty four Cents in specie, as will more particularly appear by a return of the said Samuel Meredith, confirmed by an authenticated copy of his Account settled at the Treasury of the United States, which are herewith submitted, and prayed to be received as part of this report, and in which are specified the places where, the times when, the prices at which, and the persons of whom, the said purchases have been made.—
Signed by order of the Board—

(signed) John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 21 December 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Decr. 21. 1790

The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the Vice President and sends him the report of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund with the Documents referred to in it, in Triplicates according to the  direction of the Board.  He begs leave to  remind The Vice President that this is the last day; of course it is necessary it should be presented to day.  He is sorry that it could not have been prepared sooner.  But that for the President is under cover directed to him  that for the House of Representatives is under cover directed to the Speaker so that nothing remains but to sign & transmit


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 24 December 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					December 24, 1790

				The Speaker having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate;I am also directed to bring to the Senate, a message from the President of the United States, addressed to both Houses of Congress, with sundry papers referred to therein.


Title: From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 26 December 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, Mercy Otis

Madam.
Philadelphia Decr 26—1790

Yesterday I had the pleasure of receiving your favour of September the 24th with an elegant copy of your poems dramatic and miscellaneous; for both which I pray you to accept my best thanks It is but a few days since we received three other copies addressed to me but without a letter or any other indication from whom, or whence they came.  As we were subscribers for the publication these might come from some Book seller who in due time will produce his account which we shall be ready with pleasure to discharge.  If they came from you Madam we are so much the more obliged and thankful to you: and shall hereafter receive from a Book seller those for which we subscribed: all will not be too many and we shall know very well how to dispose of them with pleasure and advantage.  The poems are not all of them new to me by whom some of them have been read and esteemed some years ago.  However foolishly some European writers may have sported with American reputation for genius literature and science: I know not where they will find a female poet of their own to prefer to the ingenious author of these compositions.  I am ignorant Madam of any foundation you may have for the distinction you make between The Vice President and Mr Adams or for an insinuation that either may have forgotten Mrs Warren is certainly indebted to the Vice President and Mr Adams in partnership for the last letter.  Be pleased Madam to present my respectful regards to General Warren and all friendsWith great esteem I have the honor to be / Madam your most obedient and most humble / Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 26 December 1790
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

Sir
Albany. 26th. Decbr. 1790

I have unexpectedly been hon’d with a letter from your Excellency.  The present edition of the Little performance I sent you, consists of only 350. most of which have run off beyond my expectations; some of my eastern friends have advised me to secure a copy right, & prepare for a 2d. edition upon a more enlarg’d scale: should this be tho’t expedient or not any remarks you may please to furnish me, will confer a particular favour.  Should I attempt a second edition, I have, thoughts of interspersing the work either with extracts either from my Journals in America, France, the Netherlands or England, haveing always Kept a regular diary from day to day in all my perigrinations since the year 77.  My tour in Holland was so limitted, & my stay there so short, that I must necessarily have been led into many inaccuracies.In some of my general reflections particular in respect to the America, I have adopted several Ideas I catch’d from you when at the Hague.
Your friendly solicitation for my wellfare claims my fervent gratitude.  Altho’ my former commercial exertions in Europe terminated most fatally to my purse, & peace of mind; yet I cannot reproach myself for any misconduct or inattention; and I have the pleasing consolation of haveing Left England with honour & advantage; because I obtained my compleat discharge, in addition to an allowance of about £ 700— from my assignees.  This Sir, with small speculations, & strict economy has enabled me to subsist my Little family with decency, without invading this small Stock.  As I had from the beginning taken a decisive part in exerting my little mite to promote the progress of the new constitution, I had form’d some hopes of obtaining under the new government a small appointment adequate to my experience on the active stage of business.
From a personal acquaintence with several members of both houses, who appeared anxious to promote my views; I was Led to cherish such hopes—but Alas! I soon found myself lost in a host of greedy applicants.  You see Sir—I write with freedom and without reserve—The familiar stile of your letter, seems to warrant it, by your removing the barrier, which places your elevated Station, from my obscurity at such an immense distance.
Respecting the Tory business, the whole matter had escaped my mind; but I recolect now to what I had perticular reference. In the year 82 as well as 84 I spent about a month in each year in Birmingham; where resided Judge Oliver, Elisha Hutchinson, Doctr. Oliver, & many other refugees—you may recollect Sir our family connection by intermarriages.—so in fact, I was upon the most familiar footing—divested of political prejudices: Your name being frequently on the carpet—the Judge in perticular seem’d fill’d with rancour & mortification—Indeed he appear’d to lay all his reverse of fortune at your door, as the original & principal cause of the revolution, as well as the persecution of the Tories.
I am (with respects to Mrs. Adams Family) Very respectfully / Your devoted & Oblig’d Hbl. St.
Elka. Watson Jr.


Title: From John Adams to Edward Tilghman, 27 December 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Tilghman, Edward

Monday Decr 27, 1790

Mr Adams would accept with Pleasure Mr Tilghmans obliging Invitation to dinner on fryday but for a previous Engagement to Mr Powel


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 27 December 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					December 27, 1790

				I am directed to communicate to the Senate, that the President of the United States has this day approved and signed an act, entitled “An act supplementary to the act, entitled ’An act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States.”


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Putnam, 30 December 1790
From: Putnam, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Honble Sir,
Savannah, Georgia Decr. 30th. 1790

Having Petioned his Excelly the honble. President of the United States for some public Office in this state, I beg leave to solicit your Honor, cou’d the small Acquaintance I had the Pleasure to make with you in Paris at your Hotel in the Year 1782.  Jno. Thorster Esq. formaly a Co-student at Harvard College, your then Secretary, have serv’d to lead your Honor to any Knowledge of my general Character & Pretentions, for Your Interest with his Excellency, in my favor having suggested to his Exclly. two Appointments that probably will soon take Place here—Viz. The Excise–Officer and Surgeon to the Seamens Hospital—The latter being professional, alone makes it the most Elegible, For your Honors Interest in obtaining either or any other soon to be dispos’d of, will serve to perpetuate in thosethe Memory of your Petitions the many Good things among the Great, of which, your Honor, in our late Struggles with British Tyranny, hath so frequently stood forth the conspicuous Auther—I urg’d as my Pretentions to his Excelly the many Campaigns I serv’d in the late war not only as surgeon of some Hospital: but as Surgeon of Cole. Jno. Nixons Regt. of Massachusetts, Phillip B. Bradly of Connecticut, Col & Josiah Parker’s of Virginia. And having the honor to be acquainted Mr. Fisher Ames & slightly with Messrs. Rufus King—&_Thorster all Cotemporaries with me in Harvard College as also Col Jos. Parker an Intimate Acquaintance in Virginia, think it needless to offer your Honor any formal Recommendations in my favor Genl. Jackson and Col Gun also know me; the Latter but slightly—
I am honble Sir with great /Respects, yr Ob Servt.

Benj: Putnam


Title: From John Adams to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1790
From: Adams, John
To: American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Gentlemen of the American Accademy of Arts and Sciences
1790

As I rise to speak in this place it is natural for me as well as for every one present, to recollect and to deplore the loss of my predecessor, our late amiable President: whose plentiful fortune and powerful connections; relation to foreign Accademies and Universities extensive reputation; accomplishments as a Schollar, Statesman, philosopher and accadamician; Virtue as a man; merit as a patriot, and piety as a Christian, rendered him an honor to this—his native country and an ornament to the age in which he lived.  The recollection is to me the more affecting because having ever lived with him in habits of humble friendship this is not the first time that with very unequal powers and advantages, it has been my lot to be called to succeed him.  In 1770 elected by the town of Boston their representative in the Legislature in the place of Mr. Bowdoin, then elected into the Council of the Province; in 1773 appointed with him A committee by the two houses to prepare a State of the claims of the province to their lands at the Westward; in 1773 and 1774 having had the honor in common with him and many others of the governors negative as Councellors elected.  In 1774 appointed with him to represent the Massachusetts Bay in the general Congress at Philadelphia; In 1779 esteeming it the most precious portion of my life to cooperate with him and many other patriots in the formation of the Constitution of this Commonwealth, and to have been appointed with him and his honor the present lieutenant governor the subcommittee who made the draught of it: I entertain no apprehension of any sinister interpretations for thus briefly enumerating the principal periods in which his uniform wisdom virtue piety and benevolence appeared to me more peculiarly excellent, because every one who hears me must be disposed, I will not say to pardon but applaud my ambition of associating myself with so illustrious a character and of connecting my name as much as possible with his.
As there are many members of this body so greatly superior to me in all the branches of the arts and sciences the unanimity with which your unexpected suffrages have promoted me to succeed in this place can be ascribed not to any uncommon merit toward this society, but chiefly to your respect for the nation in whose general government I hold at present by their unmerited favor so respectable a station.  With a just sense of my own insufficiency for this high honor I recollect with a degree of satisfaction some early endeavors in 1779 to remove the objections in the minds of several gentlemen of influence in society against the establishment of such an accademy and to persuade them to promote it: particularly Mr. Bowdoin and another invaluable friend the late Doctor Cooper.  The motives to this zeal originated in a full conviction that Accademies like this have been great blessings to mankind, as they have supplied the defects and corrected the errors of the ordinary seminaries of Learning for the instruction of youth.  Schools colleges and Universities for the education of youth are indispensibly necessary in every civilized nation: and in our own Country in particular, have raised this people among the powers of the world to their present rank so respectable for their population, commerce, agriculture manufactures Arts Sciences but above all for the rectitude of their morals, the politeness of their manners and the purity of their religion.  May they ever be cherished and supported by the people as the best means of the preservation and perfection, prosperity and happiness, Grandeur and Glory of their Country.  And oh I trow our venerable Alma Mater!  Thy glory has been like that of the moon among the lesser stars or rather like a rising sun spreading its radiance over the whole earth.  May it shine more and more unto the perfect day!
Universities however have defects and are under restraints, from which Accademies like this are exempted. Sedentary and domestic in their nature they have not the same means or opportunities for enterprize: Responsible to the parents of youth as well as to the public at large they are necessarily more confined not only by the established superstition where there is one, by the predominant religion where there is none established: by the form of civil government: by the natural policy; by popular prejudices by the fashionable philosophy; and by the nature of their own government, than accademies.  Accademies consisting of gentlemen of mature years selected from all orders ranks, and professions upon a footing of equality with each other bring together information acquired by study experience travel, conversation and business in war and peace at home and abroad and are not embarassed with those delicacies and apprehensions of giving offence to the weak the ignorant the superstitious or the arbitrary part of mankind as the Universities are and in prudence ought to be.
Although to enumerate and illustrate all the particulars in which accademies have been useful would lead me far beyond my limits; yet there is one so remarkable that it may with propriety be selected and dilated on, as the great cause of the present enlightened condition and liberal temper of the world; I mean the revival, the propagation and establishment of the only true method of Philosophizing by experiment.
But in the choise of those, upon whom shall they confide or what shall they require of those who aspire to their favors, why at this moment they have not regard to the peculiar exigencies of the Society.
This new career presents works less brilliant perhaps to the judgement of an age, when pleasure & amusement are become the only affair, but infinitely more useful in the object; It offers them a new Science to cultivate; to discover unknown affinities—to discuss the greatest interests, to develop and establish truths essential to the happiness of men; to root up prejudices;—to combat and destroy deadly errors.  Is not a work like this worthy of their application and researches? Have we not labored sufficiently for the agreement?  Shall we do nothing for the utility?
The more publick levity and frivolity persists in not encouraging and in dispraising all but agreeable talents; and the more the Societies of wise men devoted to the well being of their institution, as well as to the ornament of Society ought to strive to support solid studies in their distributions of true glory.


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Reed, 1790
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
1790

Concerns of a Nature intirely private having brought me to this Country, your particular Friend & worthy Relation Mr. Ellery favoured me with the inclosed with such special Intimations of his Desires to have it safely conveyed to you that I take the first Opportunity to comply with his Commands as well as to enjoy the Opportunity of presenting my very sincere & cordial Respects—
I make no Doubt he has informed you of the State of American Affairs so much more fully & perfectly than I am enabled to do, that any Addition from me will be superfluous.  Tho I cannot but convey one Remark because I am perswaded it will give you so much Pleasure as to bear Repetition.  The Union of America, it is generally agreed, has cemented instead growing enfeebled since the Provisional Articles have been signed.  The Removal from Philadelphia, & the Proceedings of this Country on the prohibiting Restrictions have very much contributed to this desirable Event as they have form’d a new Bond of Union in the Place of that which the Peace had in some Measure dessolved.  The Adjournment to Maryland or rather leaving Philadelphia has produced a more social unreserved Intercourse between the Members of Congress, & has operated as many other American Measures in a direct Reverse to what our Enemies predicted.  The same Circumstances will we hope & trust establish our Funds on a more respectable Footing.  Mr. Ellery is so perfectly Master of this Subject in which Rhode Island has borne so material a Share that his Information must be more complete than any other.—
I do not propose a longer stay than a few Months if in that Time or on any other Occassion I can be useful to you I shall be Very happy & pray you to command me without Reserve.
I am with very great Consideration & Esteem Sir,  / Your most Obedt. & very / Hbble Servt

Jos: Reed


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Haddon, 3 January 1791
From: Haddon, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston 3rd. Jany. 1791

In behalf of the Marine Society of this Town, we have the Honor of addressing you on a subject that has long engaged the attention of that Corporation.—The encouragement & preservation of our Seamen must interest every man who considers how valuable the labours of that class of men are to a commercial Country, nor will the Interest be lessen’d from the view of them, in time of War, as the maritime Barrier of the United States.—From your exalted Rank in the National Government, uniform & ardent attachment to, & extensive knowledge of the best & greatest Interests of our Country, the Society have directed us their Committee to transmit the papers which accompany this Letter for your Consideration.—And, if the proposals included in them should meet your Approbation, to request your assistance in Congress on the business.  There is an additional Argument, omitted in the petition, which might be urged for the Erection of an Hospital, That sick Sailors are compelled to take up their lodgings in Houses very illy provided for their accommodation,  not to add the variety of gross Impositions they are subjected to.  Numbers of them annually perish, whose lives might be preserved were they admitted into a Hospital, where they would find the best medical aid, good nursing & comfortable lodging & diet on easy Terms.

Should you approve this application, We must beg you to be at the Trouble of conversing with the Gentlemen who represent this State in both Houses of Congress, to whom we have addressed a Letter.
From the partial & flattering Consideration of numbering You among their Members, the Society have been induced to sollicit your Advice & Services in this Business.
We are with Sentiments of the most affectionate respect & sincere personal attachment / Dear Sir / Your faithful humble Servants

Wm TudorAlexr HodgdonAaron DexterWm. DebloisSheml RussellMungo MarkeyW ScollayThe Society are desirous of knowing whether any measures were adopted in consequence of the application of the Merchants to the President of the United States on the Subject of the Pilotage and Regulations of the Harbour of Boston—As you were so obliging as to take charge of those Papers we would thank you for any Information respecting them. The Merchants are equally anxious with the Society on this Subject.—


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 January 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 3, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act to provide for the unlading of ships and vessels in cases of obstruction by ice;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate;I am also directed to bring to the Senate the report and confidential communication, from the Secretary of State. respecting the trade of the United States in the Mediterranean.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 4 January 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 4, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act for the relief of Shubael Swain,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: From John Adams to John Redman, 5 January 1791
From: Adams, John
To: Redman, John

Sir
Philadelphia Jan.5. 1791

I received this morning the Letter you did me the honour to write me, communicating the resolution of the Second Presbyterian Church in Arch Street, of the 29th Ultimo, appropriating the large Pew fronting the Pulpit, and the two Pews adjoining it, for the Use of the Vice President of the United States and Such members of both Houses of Congress as choose during their Sessions to worship in that Church: and immediately communicated it and the Resolution inclosed in it, by reading both in the Senate of the United-States.
Permit me Sir to express to you and to the Corporation, my Thanks for this obliging Mark of their respectful Attention to your and their most obedient and most humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 7 January 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 7, 1791

				The House of Representatives have concurred in the amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled “An act to continue an act, entitled ’An act declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the states of Maryland, Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”The Speaker having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 11 January 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 11, 1791

				The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he did, on the 10th, approve and affix his signature to the act, entitled “An act to continue an act, entitled ‘An act declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the states of Maryland, Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, so far as the same respects the states of Georgia and Rhode Island.”


Title: To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 14 January 1791
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Plimouth Jan 14th 1791

An unsealed letter from you came to my hand this day.  for the letter I thank you as it contained expressions of regard and esteem which I have been pleased to receive from your pen.  for the manner I own myself at a loss—
Does not an unsealed letter from you sir appear like a diminution of that Confidential intercourse that long subsisted? and Conveyed warm from the heart the strong expressions of friendship in many a close sealed packet.
Were you sir, apprehensive that your own reputation might suffer by an attention to any one of a family you had been used to hear spoken off with respect and affection by all? only, the public first inspected the Correspondence.  Yet perhaps you might mean to do me honour by leting the world see your polite ememinice on a late publication.
Indeed I feel myself flattered by the Compliment.  & Yet more by its being in the stile of my old friend.—
I acknuoledge I stand indebted to the vice president for one letter before his of the 26 Decmber.—But you must permit me to say some expressions in that letter appeared so inconsilable with former sentiment that I very imputed must against my inclination to consider it forbiding any further interruption.—
Delicate friendship Confines  of its own disinterested attachment is easily wounded.—I might perhaps feel too sensibly some former impressions that may hearafter be explained.—but I can never tax myself with a voluntary neglect of punctuallity: or the want of attention in any other instance towards friends I thought unimpressable by the Ebullitions  party or political malice.—
A Copy of the work you informed me you had just received I forwarded immediately on publication.  I know not what should thus long have retarded its passage.  Nor can I inform you sir from whom you received those other Volumes.  but Could I have supposed as you Obligingly intimate that you could have disposed of so many with pleasure & advantage. they should have been much at your service from the hand of the author.—
Mrs Warren returns both friendly and respectful regards.—You will present me also to Mrs Adams.  I am Respected Sir / with Sincere Esteem / Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

M Warren


Title: To John Adams from William Smith, 16 January 1791
From: Smith, William
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Boston 16 Jany. 1791.

By one of the last Posts by direction of the Boston Marine Society, I forwarded you a number of Papers respecting a Marine Hospital.  I now forward you by the Bearer Mr Adams a Plan & Elevation of the Hospital that wou’d be erected by the Society cou’d they obtain permission you will please to make what use of it you may think proper.  This Building on the place that is propos’d wou’d add greatly to the Beauty of the Harbour & relieve a great number of distress’d objects—In a time of Warr would give spirits to Seamen in the public service to know that if any misfortune happen’d to them, they had an Assylum for the remainder of their Days.  The Society have a handsome Capitol at Interest which they wou’d Invest in such a Building, to receive the Interest of their Money untill the Revenue of the Hospital was sufficient to return it.—
Mrs. Smith joins me in Affecte. Regards to you Sir & Mrs. Adams and we are happy to hear that she has again recover’d her Health—I am with Respect Yr Most H Sert

Wm Smith


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 January 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia, Jan. 17. 1791.

I have the honour to inclose you a Postscript to the Report on Measures, Weights & coins now before your house. this has been rendered necessary by a small arithmatical error detailed in the estimate of the cubic foot proposed in that report. the head of Superficial measures is also therein somewhat more developed.
Nothing is known, since the last session of Congress of any further proceedings in Europe on this subject.
I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most profound respect Sir / Your most obedient / & most humble servt
Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 20 January 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia Jan. 20. 1791.

I have the honor to inclose you a letter from one of our captive citizens of Algiers, if I may judge from the superscription and from the letters from the same quarter which I have received myself. as these relate to a matter before your house, and contain some information we have not before had, I take the liberty of inclosing you copies of them.
I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most profound respect & attachment, Sir / Your most obedient / & most humble servt.
Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 21 January 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 21, 1791

				The House of Representatives have “Ordered, That a committee be appointed, to join a committee of the Senate, to consider and report what time will be proper for the commencement of the next Congress; to the end that timely notice may be given to the members who are to serve for the ensuing two years.”


Title: To John Adams from James Lovell, 22 January 1791
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston Jany. 22d. 1791

From the Borders of the Grave, revived, and even established in Health, I once more present my Respects, with my accustomed Fervency to You and Yours.
But, with my Respects I must also send my Complaints and Supplications.
In a Transaction where you was only, according to your own chosen Expressions, Teste di Legno, I was fretted disgraced and beslaved; and have taken some Measures for Emancipation.  You will know why I was not Collector of this Port; but I have never told you how perfectly You reconciled me at first to my present Office, or how I ceased afterwards even to wish for any Change during the Remainder of my Days. But, Sir, what tended heretofore to give me Tranquillity serves at present to heighten my Chagrin.  Possessing the good Will of the President and yourself I am martyred by one or more Committee Men who have carried private Friendship and Relationships into their public official Doings. I know but two of the Committee one of whom can give no better Rationale of the inimical Transaction than because the other “perhaps was more a Friend to the Collector than to the  Naval officer,” while in fact he was himself brother in Law to a Surveyor and the Naval Officer is sacrificed to both.
This will appear enigmatical till you have read my Letter to mr Gerry.  I intreat you to do that; and to quiet me by a Condemnation of my Discontent, or by promoting Redress—according to the Verdict of that sound Judgement to which I now submit myself.
Be so good as to allow me to present my respectful Love to your Lady, and to think me continuing devotedly / Sir Your obedient / Friend & Humble / Servant
James Lovell


Title: From John Adams to John Trumbull, 23 January 1791
From: Adams, John
To: Trumbull, John

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Jan. 23. 1791

I have been so much of an Antiœconomist as to leave your Letter of June the fifth unanswered to this day.
The Defence of the American Constitutions, is not I apprehend a “Misnomer.” Had the Patriots of Amsterdam repulsed the Duke of Brunswick from the Haerlem Gate, an History of the Action, might have properly been called an Account of the Defence of Amsterdam: although the City, on the Side of the Leyden Gate and Utrecht Gate, had been so ill fortified as to have been indefensible, had the Prussian Attack been made on either of those Quarters.
My three Volumes are a Defence of the American Constitutions, on that Side on which they are attacked. Mr Turgot attacked them for aiming at three orders and a Ballance.  I defended them in this Point only.  Had he attacked them for not making their orders distinct and independent enough: or for not making their Ballances compleat, I should have been the last Man in the World to have undertaken their Defence.  If another Edition should ever be published I would insert in the Title Page “A Defence &c against the Attack of Mr Turgot.”  This I apprehend would cure all Defects, in Point of Title.
But as you Observe the Feelings of Mankind are so much against any rational Theory, that I find my labour has all been in vain: and it is not worth while to take any more Pains upon the subject.
The Rivalry between the state Governments and the national Government, is growing daily more active and ardent.  Thirteen strong Men embracing thirteen Pillars at once, and bowing themselves in concert, will easily pull down a frail Edifice.  If the Superiority of the national Government is not more clearly acknowledged, We shall soon be in a confusion, which We shall not get out of, for twenty Years.
There was never more occasion for firmness, in all who wish in Sincerity for Peace, Liberty or Safety.  The Secretary of the Treasury is all that you think him.  There is no office in the Government better filled.  it is unhappy that New York has taken away one of his supports. Your Sentiments of other Characters, and of Measures in general appear to me to be so just, that I cannot but wish that you had more to do in public affairs.  But they say that you “love Wit better than your friend:” and although I dont believe this, I expect from you by Way of revenge for this Piece of information, a sheet of two of their Sarcasms upon me.  I know that altho the ridiculous can never escape your observation, in a friend or an Ennemy; yet you love the former and have no ill will against the latter.
The Independence of your fame and fortune, and your happiness in private Life are more to be evinced than any public office or station.  For myself I find the office I hold, tho labourus, so wholly insignificant, and from the blind Policy of that part of the World from whence I came, so stupidly pinched and betrayed that I wish myself again at the Bar, old as I am.  My own Situation is almost the only one in the World in which Firmness and Patience are Useless.  I have derived so much pleasure from your Correspondence, that, notwithstanding the long interruption of it, I hope you will not deny it in future / to your friend & humble sert


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 28 January 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 28, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 28 January 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 28, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled “An act declaring the consent of Congress that a new state be formed within the jurisdiction of the commonwealth of Virginia, and admitted into this Union, by the name of the state of Kentucky.”


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 31 January 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 31, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act declaring the consent of Congress to a certain act of the state of Maryland;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.The House of Representatives have agreed to the report of the committee appointed on their part to confer with the committee on the part of the Senate, respecting the time for the commencement of the next session of Congress.The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from Rufus King, 1 February 1791
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

Tuesday 1. feby. 1791

Mr. King with great pleasure accepts the vice president’s polite invitation to dine on wednesday next—


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 2 February 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia February 2d. 1791.

As the information contained in the inclosed extracts from a letter of Mr. Short’s lately arrived, has some relation to a subject now before the Senate, I have thought it my duty to communicate them, and have the honor to be with sentiments of the most profound respect and attachment. / Sir / Your most obedient and / most humble Servant:


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 2, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled “An act making appropriations for the support of government during the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, and for other purposes.”


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 4 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 4, 1791

				I am directed to bring to the Senate a report of the Secretary of State, made to the House of Representatives.


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 4 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 4, 1791

				I am commanded to inform the Senate, that the President of the

United States has this day approved and signed an act, entitled “An act declaring the consent of Congress that a new state be formed within the jurisdiction of the commonwealth of Virginia, and admitted into this Union, by the name of the state of Kentucky.”


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 7 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 7, 1791

				The House of Representatives have ordered that the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, relative to the establishment of a mint, be sent to the Senate for their information.


Title: To John Adams from Peter Thacher, 8 February 1791
From: Thacher, Peter
To: Adams, John

Hond. & dr Sir
Boston Feb. 8 1791

I must make an apology for asking you to accept of the sermon inclosed herewith.  You knew and loved the man whose death occasioned it, and this circumstance may render it pleasing to you to receive it.  Besides, you loved the father of the author and have always been kind and friendly to him, in person and by these means the candor which it needs will be secured in your perusal of it.
Excuse me, Sir, for saying that I feel the most lively gratitude for the services which you have done your country, and that you have my constant wishes and prayers for your health and happiness.  Mrs Adams, with your good family, share in my best regards, and I am, / Sr, with the utmost / respect, / Yr sincere friend & Sert

Peter Thacher


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 8 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 8, 1791

				The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 9 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 9, 1791

				The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Tucker, 11 February 1791
From: Tucker, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir
Marblehead Febry. 11 1791.

I Yesterday receiv’d Your very Polite Letter by which I think myself highly Honour’d on this reception, from so great a Character, and shall strictly attend to the Purport thereof. As it is Probable their will be more Cutters than one station’d on our Coast the sea port being so Extensive, I should be glad of such a command should this not be, Please to offer me a Candidate to the President, to any Post or office You may think me qualified for and be assur’d that no Gentleman, while I have Existence shall have the least reason to reflect on themselves, from any Recommendation they may be pleas’d to give me,  though I sometimes think seriously on my being by our Governor and Genl. Lincoln omitted, in their Letters: they wrote for Candidates, and my not knowing anything of the cutters being Built, or I should have made an early application for the Cutter in this State, as my claim was so just ‘tho never desirous of holding any Post in Public service was it not meritted.
I shall take Particular care to give Mr. John Q Adams the Journal you mention myself in the course of the next Week; and must say Your very favourable expressions shall be ever gratefully acknowledg’d by, / Sir your most Obedient and very / Humble Servant

Samuel Tucker.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 11 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 11, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act authorizing the President of the United States to cause the debt due to foreign officers to be paid and discharged;”Also, the bill, entitled “An act to continue in force, for a limited time, an act passed at the first session of Congress, entitled ’An act to regulate processes in the courts of the United States;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.I am directed to inform the Senate, that the President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives, that he has, this day, approved and signed “An act making appropriations for the support of government during the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, and for other purposes.”


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 11 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 11, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled “An act to alter the time of the next meeting of Congress;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 12 February 1791
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Adams, John

Feb 12. 1791.

Mr. Brand Hollis having met with this second volume of the History of Bologna by Ghiradacci requests Mr Adams to accept of it from gratitude to him for having produced to the publick the act of the 3 of June 1257 by which all the slaves & villains were manumitted.  The book containing it is intitled The Paradise of pleasure.
1605. Ghirardacci lib VI. p. 194
con Licenza de Superiori.
There has been 3. Edit of this 2 vol book. 1657. Edit. 3d.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 12 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 12, 1791

				The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate, for the signature of the Vice President.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 12 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 12, 1791

				 The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States, and for making further provision for the protection of the frontiers.”


Title: From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 14 February 1791
From: Adams, John
To: Warren, Mercy Otis

Madam.
Philadelphia Febry 14th 1791

By the last post I received your letter of January 17: and was as much surprised at the information that my last letter to you arrived unsealed, as you could be at the receipt of it, in that unguarded condition. It was most certainly no intention of mine, that it should have gone unsealed, nor can I account for the fact  The only conjectures that I can form are that the person who copied it into my letter book either inadvertently sent it or suffered a servant to take it off the table to the post office, without putting a wafer into it, according to his usual practice.
Neither “The ebullitions of party, nor political malice” have made any impressions on me.  The expressions you allude to, were the result of very sober reflection upon facts proved to me, by the testimony of many witnesses of unquestionable voracity among whom were not a few of the best friends General Warren ever had in his life.  A civil war Madam, is in my opinion, a very serious thing.  This Country has once at least been within a hairs breadth of a very bloody one: nor is it likely to be soon so secure against the probability of another, as I wish it.  There is more than one among those persons whom twenty years ago, I counted among my friends who are not so explicit and decided as I presume to think they ought to be, in favor of those principles and measures, which appear to me indispensable to preserve the liberty, peace and safety of this people.  As long as this indecision remains, it is impossible there should be the same confidence between them and me which there was once.  The affection for them which I once had will never be forgotten, nor can it ever be destroyed, but confidence can never be the same, without the same foundation for it.The other copies of the poems, which I mentioned, appear to have been sent by a bookseller who has since sent in his account as for the copies we subscribed for.  A poem under the title of the “Virtues of nature” attributed to Mrs Morton, is now circulating here and meets with much applause.  The fine arts appear to be growing in this Country at least as fast as science, agriculture, commerce and manufactures. Yet I think there are scarcely so many readers as before the Revolution—
With usual regards to Genl Warren / I am / Madam yours &c
J A


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 15 February 1791
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Feb. 15. 1791

My good Genius this morning has thrown in my Way, by perfect Accident, your oration of the 4. July last, and although I read it with much pleasure, in its Season it now appeared to me, new and beautiful as ever.
I am afraid I never thanked you for the handsome Compliment paid to me in a Note. Indeed I now and then get a Compliment, and do not always give thanks for it.  I am informed, within a few days, of an Eulogium passed upon me at Birmingham by our old C. Justice Oliver, and I question whether I Shall Send him Thanks for it at all.  To a Gentleman in Company with him, he complained bitterly of John Adams, as “the Author of all his misfortunes and the Sole Contriver of the Revolution.”  What a divine Compliment! Did you ever hear or read Such a Panegyrick? Your Compliment, goodly as it is, is flat and insipid in Comparison.
The Secret is that I was the “Original Inventor” of the Impeachment against him and that Impeachment excited the Grand and Petit Jurors in all the Counties of the Province to refuse to Act under him or his Court, and those Refusals really did produce the Revolution.
I must plead guilty to the Charge. I really was the very Midwife, who brought that Same impeachment into the World. I never before Suspected however, that Oliver was so well informed of our Secret History. At Table at Sam. Winthrops with a large Circle of Whigs, Dr. John Winthrop, turned to me, and asked Mr Adams what can be done to avoid this fatal Stroke, the Royal Salaries to the Judges?  “Impeach of High Treason, before the Governor and Council, the Chief Justice,” was the answer.  And this was the first time the Word Impeachment as I believe was pronounced.  Major Hawley Soon heard of it, and came to me to know the grounds of my Strange opinion. I shewed him Book Chapter and Verse.
I owed Oliver however no ill Will.  His Compliment is not merited.  For altho I was really the first Cause of the Impeachment, it is my full Belief that the Revolution would have happened, if I had not existed.  British Pretentions, could never have been carried into Execution, over such a Country and such a People, even although there had never existed a Washington or an Hancock a Franklin Adams or Warren.
Don’t, I pray you quite forget your Old Friend

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 16 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 16, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act to establish offices for the purpose of granting lands within time territories of the United States;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills, and an enrolled resolution, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 18 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 18, 1791

				The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he has this day approved and signed the “Act to continue in force for a limited time an act passed at the first session of Congress, entitled ‘An act to regulate processes in the courts of the United States;” also, the resolution of Congress granting permission to Andrew Brown, or any other printer, to print the laws of the United States, under certain regulations therein contained.


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 18 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 18, 1791

				 The President of the United States has this day approved and signed “The act for the admission of the state of Vermont into this Union.”He also delivered the following written message from the President of the United States.


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Hall, 19 February 1791
From: Hall, Stephen
To: Adams, John

My dear & honour’d friend;
Portland 19. Feby. 1791.

I have not forgot the Chagrin I suffered in not obtaining the Collectorship of Impost at this Port.  Mr. Thacher, I suppose, remains my determined enemy; and would gladly see me excluded from any share in collecting the Excise.  I wish however to be employed in it.  My natural activity I think is no objection to it.  I have nothing to say of other qualifications.  Those who know me are the best judges. Permit me to renew my request of your friendship in the Case.—
Sincerely wishing You the choice of heaven’s blessings, give me leave to / subscribe your devoted friend, / & very humble Servant;
Stephen Hall


Title: To John Adams from Henry Marchant, 19 February 1791
From: Marchant, Henry
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Newport Feby. 19th. 1791—

The Congress of the United States are once more seated at Philadelphia.  I wish the People there may be more conscious of the Honor and Advantage of the Residence of that body with them than heretofore—And that they will discover less of a mobish Disposition—I am sorry to see Petitions and Remonstrances beat up about the Streets against Acts merely in Contemplation—I wish also Virginia so anxious for the Honor of obtaining the final Residence of Congress within the Dominion, would not take the Lead in lessening the Authority and necessary Powers of Congress, and thereby lessening the due Influence of Government.—I hope the speculating Genius of Georgia upon Indian Lands and Furs will subside I did hope the paper Mony Madness of North Carolina would have ceased with that of this State:—Or however averse to the Assumption, as puting an End to the Artful Views of some miserable wicked Polliticians,—They would not have contended, or shewn Their Temper after, and upon the most mature Deliberation, the Wisdom of the Nation had determined the Subject—Maryland too almost resolved to lead down the Virginia Dance.  Amongst many Disappointments, there will be some Capers cut.—This Status do pronounce has come down to as contented and steady Federalism as any one State in the Union—Some of the Leaders of Our late unhappy Measures have since, and particularly after an Attendance upon the Circuit Court declared, if possible, They would unsay all they had said & done:—And that They were happily undeceived.
People in Office cannot take too much Pains to concilliate Minds; and cautiously carry Themselves in Their respective Offices.  Let me say, that as in England the Clerks &c carry a hautiness and Consequence about them, above the Heads of their Departments, so, such Persons may, perhaps in some Instances do, feel too important—Their Conduct is heard of further than they conceive—The Heads of Departments I hope will be careful to check such a Temper and Carnage in those under them—Americans cannot bear such little Tyrannies—Let them study by all means to oblige—Those Things are more leading in their Consequences than may be imagined—When a Person goes to a publick Man, or a publick Office;—He carries a Report? Home and to His Neighbours highly influential upon Their Minds, as it may be favourable or otherwise—The Report whatever it be inlarges Circle beyond Circle;—As When a Stone is thrown into a smooth Water.
It appears the Intent of Congress is to rise the first of March—To me it seems almost impossible, when I consider the amazing Business before Your honourable Body.—But I find the Heads of Departments greatly relieve the Legislature in The Secretary of the Treasury by his Ingenuity and astonishing Industry amases all—I beg They will not destroy his Health.—It was little conceived that such a Character existed amongst Us:—But a kind Providence does every Thing for America—
We are suffered however to be chastised in Our Frontiers—We hope the most decisive Measures and upon a large Scale will be adopted, to put a final End by the Blessing of Heaven to any future Ravages of the Indians—Such Measures in the End may prove not only most for Our Peace, but the cheapest—You will excuse me my dear and honored Sir;—but I love to write You now and then, however unimportant, because You are always so kind as to let me hear of You in Return—And to hear that You and Yours are well, gives sincere Pleasure to Sir, Your / most affectionate Friend / and very humble Servt.
Henry Marchant


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 19 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 19, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed the bill sent from the Senate, entitled “An act regulating the number of Representatives to be chosen by the states of Kentucky and Vermont.”


Title: To John Adams from Hannah Adams, 21 February 1791
From: Adams, Hannah
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Medfeild. Massachusets. Feb 21.1791.

Desirous to gain the patronage of so distinguished a character, with the utmost diffidence I request your acceptance of the inclosed dedication to my View of Religions.  Your permission to adorn my book by prefixing your name will do me the greatest honour,
I am with the highest respect, / Sir, / Your most obedient humble Servant,

Hannah Adams


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 21 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 21, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act for giving effect to the laws of the United States within the state of Vermont,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 22 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 22, 1791

				 The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act to explain and amend an act, entitled ’An act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 23 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 23, 1791

				The House of Representatives insist on their amendment to the last clause of the section proposed by the Senate to follow section sixty-first, of the bill, entitled “An act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same.”The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate, for the signature of the Vice President.The House of Representatives have agreed to the resolution, requesting the President of the United States to cause a communication to be made to the National Assembly of France, respecting the late Benjamin Franklin.They have passed a bill, entitled “An act supplementary to the act, entitled ‘An act to incorporate the subscribers to the bank of the United States,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 23 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 23, 1791

				The House of Representatives have agreed to the proposed conference on the amendment to the amendment of the Senate on the bill, entitled “An act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same,” and have appointed managers on their part.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 24 February 1791
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Feb. 24. 1791

It was not, till yesterday that I received your kind Letter, with your Discourse on Animation; for both of which obliging favours I pray you to accept of my best Thanks.
My incessant Drudgery, for three and thirty Years in the dull fields and forests of Law and Politicks, has rendered it impossible for me to spare much of my time, in disquisitions of natural knowledge. Whenever any Thing of the kind however has accidentally fallen in my Way, it has revived the fond Attachment of my Youth, and given me more pleasure than I can account for.
There is no Physical Subject has occurred oftener to my Thoughts, or excited more of my Curiosity, than that which you chose for your Discourse, Animal Life.  It has long appeared to me astonishing, that it should be impossible to discover, what it is, which the Air conveys into our Lungs and leaves behind it, in the Body when we breathe.  This, whatever it is, seems to be, the Cause of Life, or at least of the continuance and Support of it, in the larger Animals, whether the Air, in any similar manner, supports the Animalcules which We discover by Microscopes, in almost every kind of substance I know not.
Dr Franklin has sometimes described to me in Conversation, experiments which he made in various parts of his Life relative to this subject, which I hope will be found among his Papers. I should be afraid, upon mere memory of transient Conversation to repeat some facts which he related to me, of the revival of animalcules to perfect Life and Activity after ten Years of Torpor, in a Phyal which he left in Philadelphia when he went to England and which had not been handled till his return.
Pray where is the Evidence of the Existence of a Subtle Electric fluid which pervades the Universe? and if that fact were proved, where is your Authority for Saying that such an Electrick fluid is the Cause of Life? Why may it not as well be Magnetism? or Steam, or Nitre? or fixed Air? These are all tremendous Forces in nature.  But where and what is the Principle or Cause of Activity in all of them?
The Cause of Motion in all these Phænomens, as well as in the Emenations of Light, or the Revolutions of the Heavens or Gravitation on Earth, is still to seek.
Your Discourse, my dear Sir has given me great Pleasure, and, (if my opinion is worth your having tho indeed I must acknowledge it is of very little value in such Things) does honour to you, and to the Societies to which you belong.
With great Esteem, I am, dear Sir / your most obedient & most / humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 24 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 24, 1791

				 The House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled “An act fixing the time for the next annual meeting of Congress,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.The House of Representatives agree to the amendment of the Senate on the bill, entitled “An act for giving effect to the laws of the United States, within the state of Vermont.”The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled resolution, I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President.


Title: To John Adams from William Temple Franklin, 25 February 1791
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Adams, John

Sir,
London, 25th: Feb. 1791

In the Letter you did me the honor of writing to me previous to my Departure from Philadelphia, you intimated a Wish to be informed of the Progress of French Liberty.—I have not yet been able to go over to the Continent—but shall in a few Weeks, when I will endeavor to comply with your Desire, relative to the Revolution that is effecting in France.
In the meantime, I have taken the Liberty of sending you (by the Pigou) some important Works, that that Event has given rise to lately; and which indeed interest the Liberties of Mankind in general.—
From everything that I have hitherto been able to learn of the Proceedings in France,—I have no Doubt of the Revolution terminating favorably to Liberty—& Good-Government.—And notwithstanding the present apparent Prosperity & Tranquility of this Country, I think the Seeds of a Revolution are sown here, and the Harvest not far off:—for however the theoretical Part of the Constitution may be justly admired, the practical Part is replete with Corruption; which must ere long, produce a violent Fermentation.—Happy!—thrice happy, America!!
With sentiments of Respect & Esteem, / I am, Sir, Your most obedient / & very humble Sert.—

W.T. Franklin


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 25 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 25, 1791

				 The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act supplemental to the act establishing the Treasury Department,"”in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 25 February 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 25, 1791

				 The President of the United States has this day approved and signed two acts which originated in the Senate; one,’An act to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States;’ the other,’An act regulating the number of Representatives to be chosen by the states of Kentucky and Vermont.’


Title: To John Adams from Ebenezer Hazard, 26 February 1791
From: Hazard, Ebenezer
To: Adams, John

Philadelphia Febry. 26th. 1791.

Mr. Hazard presents his Compliments to his Excellency The Vice President of the United States, and respectfully solicits the honor of his Patronage for the Work mentioned in the enclosed Proposals: and if his Excellency has any Papers which he thinks proper to be inserted in the Collection, Mr. Hazard will esteem it a singular Favor to be indulged with the Use of them.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 26 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 26, 1791

				 The House of Representatives recede from their disagreement to

the amendment last proposed by the Senate, to the last clause of the section to follow section sixty first of the bill, entitled “An act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and, also, upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same;” and they agree to the amendment, amended as follows: After the word ’exceed,’ substitute these words, ’seven per cent, of the whole product of the duties arising from the spirits distilled within the United States: And provided, also, That such allowance shall not exceed the annual amount of forty-five thousand dollars, until the same shall be further ascertained by law.’


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 27 February 1791
From: Tudor, William, Sr.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Boston 27 Feb. 1791

I was greatly obliged by your Letter of the 15th Instant, although it gave me some Mortification arising from the Reflection that I might set it down to my own Inattention that I have been so long without such a Mark of your Friendship.
It is impossible not to smile at hearing Mr. Oliver complain of his Misfortunes.  No Man who deserved so little, has been more fortunate.  Unless to be removed from a State of humiliating pecuniary Perplexity, & relieved from a Station which he had neither Learning or Talents to dignify or render easy, and to be placed in Affluence and Repose, is to be considered by a Man on the wrong Side of Seventy as an Evil.
I have full Faith in the Feelings, Sense & Resentments of my Countrymen; but I am also persuaded that the Revolution was hastened by a few choice Spirits, much fewer than present Envy & Rivalship admit, & Whom posthumous History will select & perhaps do Justice to.  The anti-revolution domestic Enemies of America to a Man supposed that you was the most energic Plotter, & intrepid Projector of all the Authors of the Revolution. And they too may have their Historian.  Thus my dear Sir, I don’t see how it is possible for this Truth to escape the knowledge of Posterity.
Congress having dispatched so much Business this Session, or being thought to have done it, are rising into Popularity.  There is no People on Earth who would more cheerfully submit to Taxation, which is not direct, than the Subjects of this State.  The Excise Bill which the southern Patriots affect to deprecate & dread so much, is generally here approved of.  Indeed Humanity, Policy, Revenue, Morals call for a Tax on ardent Spirits.  And it is supposed that if the Collection is inforced as vigourously & steadily as the Impost, that it will exceed in Product the Calculation of the Secretary Hamilton.
I was rejoiced to learn from Mr Cranch your Intention to spend your Summer at Braintree.  As a Farmer you must do good there.  The North Precinct have petitioned the Legislature for a Seperation, & would have succeeded, could they have got more of the Inhabitants of Squantum to have united with them in the Petition.
Our Sup. Jud. Ct. is now sitting, but the civil Business is greatly impeded by the Quantity Number of Criminal Trials, which grand & petty Villainy furnish.  We much want a New System of criminal judicial Process especially in Suffolk.
Yours, most faithfully,

Wm Tudor


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 28 February 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					February 28, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act concerning the rates of foreign coins,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate:They agree to the amendments of the Senate, to the bill, entitled “An act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States, and for making further provision for the protection of the frontiers,” with amendments; in which amendments to the amendments, they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 1 March 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

1 March 1791

Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Friday the 4th Instant, I have desired their attendance, as I do yours by these Presents, at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such Communications as shall be made to you on my part.—

Go: Washington


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 1 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 1, 1791

				 The Speaker of the House of Representatives has signed several enrolled bills, which I am directed to bring to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 2, 1791

				The House of Representatives recede from their two last amendments to the amendments of the Senate, to the bill, entitled “An act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States, and for making further provision for the protection of the frontiers;” andThey agree to the amendments of the Senate on the bill, entitled “An act concerning the rates of foreign coin.”The House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled “An act to continue in force, for a limited time, an act, entitled ’An act for the temporary establishment of the Post-Office;” the bill, entitled “An act for making compensation to the widows and orphan children of certain officers who were killed, or who died in the service of the United States, during the late war; and for the relief of certain invalids, and other persons therein mentioned;” and the bill, entitled “An act supplementary to the act making provision for the reduction of the public debt;” in which three last mentioned bills they desire the concurrence of the Senate.I am directed to bring to the Senate several enrolled bills, which are signed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for the signature of the Vice President.—


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 2, 1791

				 The House of Representatives have passed the bill sent from the Senate for concurrence, entitled “An act concerning consuls and vice-consuls,” with amendments, in which amendments they desire the concurrence of the Senate.They have passed the bill, entitled “An act in addition to an act, entitled ’An act for establishing the salaries of the executive officers of government, with their assistants and clerks,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he has this day approved and signed several acts which originated in that House; a list of which I am directed to bring to the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 2, 1791

				 The House of Representatives have passed the bill sent from the Senate for concurrence, entitled "An act making an appropriation for the purpose therein mentioned.’


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 2, 1791

				 The House of Representatives have passed the bill sent from the Senate for concurrence, entitled ’An act for granting lands to the inhabitants and settlers at Vincennes and the Illinois country, in the territory northwest of the Ohio, and for confirming them in their possessions,” with amendments, in which amendments they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 2, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act to compensate George Gibson,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 3 March 1791
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
March 3d. 1791

I am much in your debt for letters by mr Knox General Mansell & Mr Broome who seems an excellent citizen we had an American dinner all rejoiced in the welfare of America & remember’d our friend & the Patriots of that country.
I have just recd intelligence of the Boxes of Books for cambridge have been recd.  the former letter not coming to hand yesterday the 2 of march I sent on board the Apollo Captn Wm Billing a case for John Adams vice President of the United States, containing Book for you particularly the 2 vol of the History of Bologna which you have preserved to the world I sent it in the condition it is in supposing you would make as like your first vol. as might be several tracts which will amuse a parcell for mrs Adams my amiable friend & a fish caught in Dorsetshire for her table to whom I wrote some time agoe for the engaging compliment she with her daughter have made me some tracts to be given to the Library of Philadelphia anonimously all of which you have should be glad to know in what state the Librariyes are in that city.
many thanks for your tracts every thing from America is interesting & agreable me some years past your pleasing advice would had great weight with me—there is no doubt the french will succeed & continue a free & liberal nation the family seems to be taking leave of the country the aunts are gone.
I wished to have sent you a new book additions to common sense but cannot I write this to inform you of the case of books as I could put any note in the box being straitned for time.
we go on in old way—a bill to relieve the Dissenting catholicks who will probably be put on a better footing that the protestant Dissenters at which I shall rejoice.
“Aristocracy has never but one child. the rest are thrown to the cannibal for prey & the natural parent prepares the unnatural repast.
every thing which out of nature in man affects more or less the interest of society so does this—
Etablish family justice & Aristocracy falls.Aristocracy is kept up by family Tiranny & injustice”
Farewell. Health & good spirit to you & Mrs Adams and I am as ever Dear Sir / with esteem & affection / yr friend

T Brand Hollisam obliged to stop.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 3, 1791

				The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President;The House of Representatives adhere to their amendments on the bill, entitled “An act concerning consuls and vice consuls;”

They disagree to the amendment of the Senate on the bill, entitled “An act for making compensations to the commissioners of loans, for extraordinary expenses;”

They agree to the resolution sent from the Senate for concurrence, “requesting the President of the United States to cause a return to be made to Congress of the lands not claimed by the Indians,” with an amendment, to wit: Line 3 strike out ’a return to be made to,’ and insert ’an estimate to be laid before;’ in which amendment they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 3, 1791

				The House of Representatives have agreed shortly to adjourn to 6 o’clock this evening.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 3, 1791

				 The House of Representatives have passed “A resolve making a temporary provision for the safe-keeping of prisoners committed under the authority of the United States;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed several enrolled bills and resolves, I am directed to bring them to the Senate, for the signature of the Vice President.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 3, 1791

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act for carrying into effect the convention between his Most Christian Majesty and the United States;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 3, 1791

				 The House of Representatives concur in the bill sent from the Senate, entitled “An act to continue in force the act therein mentioned, and to make further provision for the payment of pensions to invalids, and for the support of light-houses, beacons, buoys, and public piers.”


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 3, 1791

				 The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed several enrolled bills, I am directed to bring them to the Senate, for the signature of the Vice President.The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act for the relief of David Cook,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 3, 1791

				The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed several enrolled bills, I am directed to bring them to the Senate, for the signature of the Vice President.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 3, 1791

				 The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he has this day approved and signed several acts which originated in that House.I am directed to acquaint the Senate that the House of Representatives, having completed the business before them, intend shortly to adjourn without day.


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

					Mr President:
					March 3, 1791

				 The President of the United States has this day approved and signed the following acts:“An act to amend an act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the government of the United States;” and“An act making an appropriation for the purpose therein mentioned.”


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					March 3, 1791

				 The President of the United States has this day approved and signed “the resolve for establishing the mint;” and “the resolve requesting the President of the United States to cause an estimate to be laid before Congress of the lands not claimed by the Indians.”


Title: To John Adams from John Avery, Jr., 6 March 1791
From: Avery, John, Jr.
To: Adams, John

May it please Your Excellency SirHartford 6th. March 1791

Having observed in a Philadelphia paper under date of the 24th. Februy. that a Steward is wanted for the Presidents household; being much reduced in my circumstances, and considering myself well qualified for that business, have concluded that the birth might be worth my acceptance, which leads me to solicit your Excellencys recommendation in my behalf, for that purpose; hoping from your Excellencys known Candour, and benignity, that you will overlook any impropriety that may appear in this Application.  Your Excellency is doubtless acquainted with the origin of my family, being nearly related to the Averys at Boston; and were you as well informed of the sentiments which actuated my conduct in behalf of America during the late War, and the trouble which attended me in a British Government, in Consequence of the support Afforded to four Masters of American ships, in Accomplishing their escape in a boat down the Bay of Fundy, for which I was imprisoned, and indicted for treasonable Correspondence, and of which I believe Colo. Wadsworth from other representations, could give you some Account, you would I am persuaded think that I meritted some favour from a Country (* I was taken from this state by my father at the settling of Nova Scotia in the Year 1760 & returned here in 1785) the welfare of which was ever the highest object of my wishes; notwithstanding its inhabitants captured from me during the war, in five vessels, the amount of Seven Thousand pounds Sterling, which has reduced me to such straits that it is with the utmost difficulty that I can support a family, which in point of Amiableness, and respectability, (poverty only excepted) might vie with any in this state.
Not to be further tedious, I will only assure your Excellency, that no part of my conduct shall ever Counteract any thing you may be pleased to say or do in my favour; Nevertheless my accepting of the place of Steward must depend upon the wages that is allowed, because if I cannot better my situation I must remain as I am, with the highest sentiments of esteem
Your Excellencys most respectfull / & very Obedt humble Servant

John Avery
PS I conceive that a Steward in the Presidents household is not obliged to associate with the common Servants, nor mess with them at the same table.
I should chearfully engage in any Credible line of business, however fatiguing,  and should prefer that which would require the most exertion—
I consider myself to be master of Book Keeping, and am well Acquainted with the French language, sufficient to negotiate any business with them—
the masters of vessels alluded to in my letter, were
A Captain Shackford then living to the Eastward of Boston near Piscataqua—
A Captn George Bonner of Georgia
A Captn Harrison of or near Philadelphia &
A Captn Barbaree of or near New York.
For these Gentlemen I procured horses at Halifax Escorted them thro the woods to the head of the Bay of Fundy, on hearing they were pursued I dispatched them across the Basin of Minis to an Island.  Then purchased a large sail Boat & sent to them with which they escaped and Arrived safely to this Country. this was done in the Year 1776.
I had written to Colo. Wadsworth upon this subject, but hearing he will be at home the day after to morrow, have not forwarded his letter—


Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 9 March 1791
From: Dana, Francis
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston March 9th. 1791.

The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court in obedience to the order of the Senate of the 14th. of Feb: last, beg leave to submit the following opinions in answer to their Questions.
First “Whether a Bill or Resolve having passed both Branches of the Legislature, and being laid before the Governor for his approbation, less than Five days before the Recess of the General Court next preceeding the last Wednesday in May, and Five days before the period when the Constitution requires the General Court shall be dissolved, but not acted upon by him, has by the Constitution the Force of Law?”
If by “Recess” in this question is meant a Recess after a Prorogation, or a Recess after an Adjournment where there is no subsequent meeting of the same General Court on that adjournment, The Courts are clearly of opinion that such Bill or Resolve by the Constitution hath not the Force of Law.
Secondly “Whether a Bill or Resolve having passed both Branches of the Legislature and being laid before the Governor for his approbation less than Five days before any Recess of the General Court, other than such as is stated in the preceeding question, and not acted upon by him, has by the Constitution the force of Law?
If by the Term “Recess” in the second Question is intended a Recess upon an Adjournment and such Bill or Resolve lays more than Five days before the Governor for his approbation, including the days of the Court’s sitting before the Adjournment, and so many days of the Court’s sitting upon such Adjournment as will make up the full Term of Five, without the Governor’s returning the same with his reasons for not approving it; we conceive such Bill or Resolve hath the force of Law: For all the days of the of the Court’s sitting, although an Adjournment intervenes, are but one Session: But where a Prorogation intervenes the Session is then ended, and a Bill or Resolve after the Session is ended, cannot acquire the force of Law.
All which is humbly submitted

Nath: Peaslee SargeantFM. DanaR. J. PaineIncrease SumnerNathan Cushing


Title: From John Adams to Hannah Adams, 10 March 1791
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Hannah

Miss Adams
Philadelphia March 10. 1791

I have this day received your obliging Letter of the twenty first of February, inclosing a Copy of a proposed Dedication.
Your request of my permission to dedicate to me, the Second Edition of your View of Religion is very flattering to me: because, although I am ash to acknowledge I have never seen the Book, I know its reputation to be very respectable, not only in  country but in Europe.
Although I am conscious that some of the Compliments intended me, have not been so well merited, I wish they had been, I shall leave to your inclination and discretion every thing of that kind: only request that all Titles literary or political  be omitted and that the Address may be only John Adams Vice-President of the United States of America.
If you please you may add my name  List of your subscribers for three Copies of your book.
You and I are undoubtedly related by Birth, although personally unknown to each other, and although We were both “born in humble obscurity,” yet I presume neither of Us have any Cause to regret that Circumstance.  If I could ever suppose that Family Pride were in any Case excusable, I should think a descent from a line of virtuous independent New England farmers, for 160 Years, were a better foundation for it, than a descent through royal or noble Scoundrels ever since the flood.
I am, Miss Adams very sincerely your / well Wisher, and with great Esteem / your most humble servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Perez Morton, 10 March 1791
From: Adams, John
To: Morton, Perez

Sir
Philadelphia March 10th. 1791

I have received this day the letter you did me the honor to write on the 23 of Feb, with a Letter from Miss Hannah Adams.
It has very oddly happened that I have never seen Miss Adams’s works, tho I frequently heard it mentioned in England with great respect and applause by Gentlemen of Letters, who had read it.  Her request to me is the more flattering, because tho’ personally unknown, she is a relation.  I have requested her to put my name among her subscribers for three Coppies bound, I have requested that all Titles may be omitted but that of Vice President. For tho’ I have no doubt of the innocence and utility of titles to the support of Government, and even the preservation of Laws and Liberty; yet every thing of that kind is unsettled, and no man is more willing to leave it unsettled ‘till the wisdom and experience of the People shall have digested the subject than, / Your very humble servt.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Eliphalet Fitch, 11 March 1791
From: Fitch, Eliphalet
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Kingston Jamaica March 11th. 1791

I received your Favor of the 18th. Febry and the valuable Present of Books you were so obliging as to send me.—I have recieved much Pleasure and Instruction from your Defence of the American Constitutions; and I am fully of opinion that the great Offices of Government should afford the most ample Compensation; and thereby invite the Services of the first Characters in the Nation.  How far it may be requisite, in the next Century, to continue the two first Branches of the Legislature for Life, or render these Offices hereditary, Experience only can evince.—The open manly manner in which you have offered your Sentiments on the best Form of Government, and nobly hazarded your established Popularity, must command the Respect of every liberal Man, whether he approves your Opinion or not.—The Papers I sent you relative to the Slave Trade were chiefly written by my Friend Mr. Edwards, when Abilities have been often exerted in promoting the Welfare of the late British Colonies.—I am aware that in writing on the African Commerce I may receive much less Attention, North of the Delaware, than may be found to the Southward.—I understand the virtuous Quakers are more disposed to receive Money for their Negroes, than to give them their Freedom:—In this Way they “assume a Virtue, When they have it not.”—We know from the highest Authority that the Prospect of a better World would hardly reconcile a rich Man to “sell all he had and give to the Poor.”—This Trial of his Faith was very distressing, the Man was sorrowful,—for he was very rich.  For my own part I consider the Emancipation of Slaves as a visionary Project, at present; and am willing to compound the Matter, by meliorating their Condition; which will make them more happy; or, if you please, less wretched than I found them.—I will expect no more from you, on this point, than to admit it as a negative Virtue.  The Zeal of the English Reformers is not according to Knowledge.—They do not consider that the Progress from Slavery to Liberty is very slow, and can only be effected by a gradual Change in the Minds of Slaves, derived from a progressive Elevation of their Condition.—Give the Slaves in Jamaica their Liberty, and they Will exterminate the White People—consume all the Provisions—and then, with a few Banditti, probably ravage the American Coast, for a further Supply:—Men without Ambition will have no Industry.—Your superior Knowledge of the nature of things will, I think, induce you to admit that Men mislead themselves, by not regarding properly the Tendency of the Cause, which produces the Effect.—When a Man who has been free, becomes a Slave; he regrets the Situation of which he has been deprived.—The Case is reversed in an African sent from a despotic Government, without Controul in the Prince or Chieftain, to a Country where the Slave holder is restricted by Laws.—In the latter Case there is much Cause for Joy and Satisfaction.—The great Error is in applying the Delicacy of our Sensibility to their Feelings:—for altho’ to him who has enjoyed Liberty, there can be no Happiness without it; yet a Slave, not being harshly treated, is satisfied with his Situation.  It is moreover a Question whether the Master whose Mind is enslaved by his Passions and the Urgency of imaginary Wants, is more happy than the Slave, whose Habits of Labour have humbled his Temper to his Situation; and whose Wishes extend no further than the necessities of the Moment.—The Condition of the Negroes having been much considered, of late Years, has occasioned many very favorable Regulations; and the most extensive Benefit is daily arising from this humane Attention.—Their Situation is far removed from misery and Wretchedness—they are chearful and contented.  Happiness, in all Countries, depends chiefly on Opinion.—The Cobler whistles o’er his Work—eats his humble meal, and then Sleeps quietly on his Bed of Straw.—A Monarch may be proud of his Dignity,—but Churchill tells us “Sleep was not made for Kings.”—
I will dwell no longer on this Subject, having trespassed so much already on your Attention; and I know so much of your Opinion, by reading your late Publications, that I suppose you will ascribe my Arguments, such as they are, rather to the Avarice of the Planter than the real Opinion of a Moralist—I thank you for your Politeness in delivering my Packet to the President, who has done me the Honour to acknowledge the Receipt of it by a Line from his Secretary, Mr. Lear.
My Son is in the Law Line with Messrs Farmer and Moore.—The Profession is lucrative and very respectable in this Country.—If I give him a good Estate he will know how to keep it—if otherwise he can provide for himself.—It may be truly said that the West Indies are the Sport of the Winds.—I have suffered very much by Storms; but of late Years the Crops have been very favorable, and our Prospects are pleasing.—Mrs. Fitch has been very ill, but is so much recovered in her Health that She has no Thoughts of leaving the Island.—No Family has more agreable Accomodations that We have, possessing a very good House in Town and two pleasant Seats in the Country—Our Fruits are not in Season, but I hope to send you some in a short Time.—I shall be always very happy to hear of the Welfare of your Family, and beg you will do me the Favor to offer my best Respects to Mrs. Adams, to the Col: and Mrs. Smith and the young Gentlemen, your Sons; the eldest in particular, to whose Attention I owe my best Acknowledgments.—Mrs. Fitch begs that her most kind Regards may be offered with mine, wishing you all that Happiness, which Friendship and our Family Connection can induce us to wish, to you and yours.—
I am truly, Dear Sir, with the highest Esteem, / Your faithful & Mo. Obedt. Servt.

Elipht. Fitch
PS. I shewed your Letter to my Son, who begs me to offer his best Respects to you, for your kind Regards to him:—He is much pleased by your friendly Attention.—


Title: To John Adams from Eliphalet Fitch, 12 March 1791
From: Fitch, Eliphalet
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Kingston Jama. March 12th. 1791

It is seldom that I have an agreable Opportunity to write you, but my particular Friend Mr Farmer, intending to visit the United States of America, affords me a favorable Conveyance.—I have requested him to deliver you my Letter; and as He is a Gentleman, for whom I have the greatest Regard, permit me to request you will shew him a kind Attention.—His good Sense and great Abilities in his Profession, as a Solicitor in Chancery and Attorney at Law, have rendered him very eminent and respectable in this Country; and as a Man of the highest Integrity and Honour I beg Leave to recommend him to your Notice.—My Son is under the Tuition and Patronage of this Gentleman and his Partner Mr. Moore, from whose Instruction he will derive every possible Advantage.—With the highest Respect and Esteem I have the Honor to be very truly, / Dear Sir, / Your Most Obedt. & Obliged Servt

Elipht. Fitch


Title: From John Adams to Charles Storer, 16 March 1791
From: Adams, John
To: Storer, Charles

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia March 16—1791

The letter to your Counsel at Boston, inclosed in yours of the fifth of March is gone on by the Post.  Your reflections on the day of the date of your Letter are natural and just.  It is a day that I have more reason to remember than any one of my Life.  It is a day that has occasioned me more obloquy and slander, than any other, or all the other days I have beheld.  It is a day that brought me into the most critical circumstances in which I ever stood, and in which, (I will rejoice and glory in it to all Eternity) I did my duty with the most unequivocal and unshaken integrity.  The action of that night and the trials that were occasioned by it, opened the eyes of the common people.  It brought them acquainted with the Laws relative to mobs, riots and seditions, of which they were before very ignorant, it convinced them that they only exposed their Lives to destruction by such irregular and ungenerous attacks upon the soldiers; that they only endangered the Union of the Province and the Collonies, by venturing on such mad midnight enterprizes, and that their ultimate resource must be in a formal and regular resistance by arms.  A Lawyer who is my friend, has put in a Plea in abatement against the Defence of the American constitutions, he says the Title is a Misnomer.  And if the title is understood to mean a Defence of the whole, and all the parts of those Constitutions, I should agree with him.  But it is only a Defence of them against one assailant, Mr. Turgot, and on one point, the Equilibrium of Order.  The whole of the three Volumes is calculated to shew, that equal Laws cannot be preserved with out three independant orders, forming a mutual Ballance in the Legislature, and between the Legislative and Executive Power.  I know of no Book in any Language in which so much information is to be found upon the subject.  The English have made but dull work of describing and defending their Constitution.  If I am not most miserably deceived by my own vanity, there are more arguments in those Volumes in favor of their own Constitution than their whole Language contained before; in short if there is not evidence enough in them to settle the point forever; I shall despair of ever seeing any political Question decided.  You talk to me of gratitude to him, who has taught them this important secret.  Gratitude is a delicacy too exquisite for one ever to receive or hope for.  Instead of gratitude I have received nothing but abuse and insolence for this work, from the ignorant and profligate, and the wise and virtuous look on and are silent at least, if they do not smile and applaud.  In short, my dear sir, a man who is concerned in a Revolution is greatly to be pitied; he must surrender his judgement and his integrity into the hands of a mob, or he must run the Gauntlet.  So says the experience of your Friend; if you’l allow me the priviledge, / And humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 20 March 1791
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Tuesday March 20th. 1791

mr. Hamilton presents his respectful Compliments to the Vice President—He may have heared, that the Treasurer was in the Market last night and may be at a loss concerning his authority.  The ground of the operation is an Act of the Board of the 15th of August last appropriating a sum between three & four hundred Thousand Dollars, which mr. Hamilton considers as any sum short of 400,000 Dollars; leaving still a sum to be expended within the terms as to price prescribed by that Act.  This is merely by way of information.