Title: From John Adams to Joseph G. Wright, 31 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Wright, Joseph G.

To the Inhabitants of the Town of Wilmington in the State of North Carolina.
Gentlemen.Philadelphia May 31 1798

You Address, unanimously adopted, at a meeting legally convened, has been presented to me, by your Senators in Congress Mr Martin and Mr Bloodworth.
An Assurance, from the Citizens of Wilmington that you view with intire approbation the Advances made by the President Executive Authority of your own Government to that of France, for an honourable and equitable Adjustment of all differences between the two Republicks, is of high Value to me, and affords a convincing Proof  that Americans think and feel alike, on great and essential Objects, in all  Parts of the Union.
The Friendship you entertained for the People of France, from a Seeming congeniality of Sentiment respecting Civil Liberty, and from the consideration that they were engaged with America, in the conflict that terminated in her Independence, So long as the establishment of a free and equal Government appeared to be the virtuous Objects of their pursuit, far from being a reproach, was honourable to the dispositions of your hearts.
The Repulsion of our Advances, candid  and liberal and conciliatory as all the impartial World will pronounce them, has indeed made it too evident, that Principles replete with danger to this Country and to all others, actuate the Conduct of the present French Government,
It is indeed manifest to the World that the unexampled moderation of America, has served only to excite new Aggressions: and your declaration that, if when the Extremity of War, becomes the final resort, all the Exertions that should be exerted in so just a Cause, from Men animated by an ardent Love of their Country, and resolute to assert its Rights and Support its Government, may be depended on from you, will be Satisfactory to every Branch of the Government, and highly pleasing to all your fellow Citizens.
The Testimony of the Citizens of Wilmington to my Zeal and Industry, in the public service, is very dear to me and your Petitions for the Blessings of the sSupreme Being on my Endeavours, and that I may experience his peculiar Care and Providence, can be answered only by Supplications on my Part, for your Country, yourselves and your Posterity.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Pseudonym: "Americanus", May 1798
From: Pseudonym: “Americanus”
To: Adams, John

May it Please your Excellency,
May 1798

We Submit it to your Consideration wether one or More of the UN States Navy Should not be orderd on the Coast of Spain Say to be Stationd off Cape Ortugal to Protect the trade bound in to the bay of biscay. The depridations that have Lately been made on our Commerce, We presume must (only in Part) have Come to your Excellencys knowledge. Tho we Presume at the same time that your Excellency hath not been, made acquainted with the importance of the Trade, nor of the evils that we feel by a Convoys not having been orderd that way. These things we submit to your Excellencys Consideration as Americans who have our Property employd in that Quarter, & hope that your Excellency will think it expediend to attend to our request

AmericanusSeveral Thousand  Dollars have been Paid to an English Luger Mounting 8 Guns, the Winter Past for Convoying Vessells into Bilboa.


Title: To John Adams from John Edwards, May 1798
From: Edwards, John
To: Adams, John

His Excellency John Adams President of the united States The Address & Memorial of the Citizens of Charleston (South Carolina)—Sheweth Respectfully
May 1798

That your Memorialists learnt with the most sincere satisfaction the appointment, by the Executive Government of the United States, of a Solemn Embassy, duly empowered and wisely instructed, to endeavour to remove all differences with the French Republic, & to maintain the Relations of Amity and Peace between the two Countries
That your Memorialists have understood with the deepest regret, that the Spirit of Conciliation & peace manifested by the Government of the United States, hath been met by a Spirit of hostility, in the councils of the French Republic; & that the Ministers of Peace have not even been admitted to the Priviledge of an audience.—Scarcely ever denied among civilized Nations—
That the most unreasonable demands have been made upon this Country, by Persons pretending and appearing to Act under the authority of the French Government; but which, it is Sincerely hoped, not with the Sentiments of the People of France; without even the pretence of injury, or wrong having been committed. Demands which if Submitted to, would prostrate the united States at the Feet of France, and Convert her from a free & independant Nation, into a tributary & degraded province.
Your Memorialists are astonished to find, that these demands have been perseveringly urged, upon a presumption that the Americans were a divided people; and would never unite in support of their own Government; in opposition to these Demands; and that upon this fallacious Idea, our Commerce hath been harrassed, without Redress; and our Peace, and our Independence threatened.
Deeply affected at this State of the Public Affairs, Your memorialists feel themselves irresistibly impelled to make a full, Solemn and explicit declaration, of their Sincere attachment to the Constitution, and Government of the United States; and of their fixed resolution to maintain and support them against All foreign encroachments & domination at the hazard of their Lives and fortunes. Your memorialists are but too well acquainted with the miseries and Calamities of War; and they would willingly have averted them, by the Sacrifice of Secondary interests. But they do not hesitate to declare their preference of every Calamity, to a Servile Subjection to a foreign Yoke.—
Your Memorialists repose confidence in the Wisdom, and patriotism of the Constituted Authorities; and trust that the most prompt, Vigorous, and efficacious Steps will be taken, “to provide for the common Defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the blesings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,” and they submit to the discretion of the Government, the measures essential to the attainment and Security of these great objects.—

John Edwards Chairman


Title: To John Adams from Joseph G. Wright, May 1798
From: Wright, Joseph G.
To: Adams, John

To John Adams esquire President of the United States of America
The Address of the Inhabitants of the Town of Wilmington SirMay 1798

We the Inhabitants of the Town of Wilmington in the State of North Carolina legally convened together, feel it to be our incumbent duty to address you at this very important crisis of the affairs of the United States in relation to the French Republic.
Permit us to assure you that we view with intire approbation the advances made by the Executive authority of our own Government to that of France, for an honorable and equitable adjustment of all differences between the two Republics.
We do not affect to conceal that from a seeming congeniality of sentiment respecting civil liberty and from the consideration that they were engaged with America in the conflict that terminated in her independence, we entertained a partiality and friendship for the people of France, so long as the establishment of a free and equal Government appeared to be the virtuous objects of their pursuit.
We lament therefore that those advances instead of being reciprocated in the manner that from their great candour and liberality might reasonably have been expected (and which for the interests of both nations was devoutly to be wished) were repelled with indignity and contempt, and that it has become too evident that principles replete with danger to this Country actuate the conduct of the present French Government.
It must now be manifest to the World that the unexampled moderation & forbearance of the Government of the United States, have served only to excite to new aggressions on the part of France, and that no other alternative remains as a choice for the former, than concessions, which would digrade our Character as a Nation, and sap the foundation of its Independency or to resort to those defensive measures which the spirit of the people and the resources with which God has blessed us, enable us to call (and we trust successfully) into operation.
Appreciating the advantages of Peace, and contrasting with them the calamities incidental to an opposite state of things, we deprecate the approach of War. but still we do not hesitate to declare that if that extremity unavoidably becomes the final resort, all the exertions that should be expected in so just a cause, from men animated by an ardent love for their Country and resolute to assert its rights and support its Government may be depended on from us.
The annals of our Country afford ample testimony of the zeal with which your talents and patriotism have been uniformly exerted in its service ever since it assumed an independent situation. Your conduct in the discharge of the duties of the high station you now fill, reflects new lustre on your character, and dignity upon the Government over which you preside.
Thoroughly persuaded therefore that it will continue to be the great object of Your Administration to promote the safety honor and prosperity of our common Country, We humbly implore the blessing of the Supreme being upon Your endeavours and that You may experience his peculiar care and providence.
Unanimously agreed to in Town meeting

Jos. G. Wright: Magistrate of Police


Title: To John Adams from Charles B. Cochran, 1 June 1798
From: Cochran, Charles B.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Charleston June 1st 1798—

The momentous concerns which have so fully engaged your attention, since last I had the Honor of a few lines from you and a disinclination to brake in upon moments so precious to the Public, have been the reasons of my omitting to avail myself of the license you then gave me of continuing a correspondence so flattering in itself and so truely interesting to me: But at a time when every good Citizen of this Country appears to be more immidiately call’d upon to declare his Sentiments of the proceedings of Administration I should think myself deficient indeed not to throw in my mite of approbation.
It would have added much to my happyness to have had it in my power to have made you these assurances in person, and once I thought I should have effected this year what I have been looking forward to every year Since your return to America with great eagerness; but a great share of ill health and some other causes have combined to disappoint me in my expectations and I am obliged to take this method of acquainting you with my readiness and willingness to cooperate with the measures of Government while So ably directed, more especially as through the intercession and recommendation of my Worthy Friend Mr. Izard I have been called to the Office of Marshal for the District of South Carolina, by the late President, and permit me, My Dear Sir, as that appointment will expire with the present year, to present myself to you as a candidate for your future favor and Interest to be continued in the present Capacity of Marshal or in any other in which you may deem my Services proper—feeling as I do an anxious desire to be thought deserving of a continuance of the confidence which has been placed in me I cannot but be Solicitous of your good Opinion and of receiving at your hand some mark of your Esteem.—The first I hope I have never forfeited—the latter I trust I shall deserve.
Be please’d, My Dear Sir, to accept of my warmest wishes for your health and prosperity, while I shall allways derive a delicate Pleasure from being permitted to Subscribe myself / Dr sir / Your Obedt. Servt—
Charl. B. Cochran


Title: To John Adams from John Sanders, 1 June 1798
From: Sanders, John
To: Adams, John

To the President, Senate, and House of Representatives of the United States
1 June 1798

When danger threatens the peace and Independence of the United States—When lawless Power violates our National rights—When we are insulted as a divided people, it becomes the duty of Americans to rally around the Standard of their Government.
We, Inhabitants of the City of Schenectady, in the State of New York, impressed with this idea, beg leave to declare to the President and Congress of the United States, our warm and unequivocal approbation of the measures adopted by our Government, to maintain a state of Neutrality with the belligerent powers of Europe, to reconcile existing differences with the Republic of France, and to support our National Independence. Permit us also to express our firm confidence in the Wisdom, patriotism and Fidelity of him, whom the United voice of our County, has placed at the head of her Councils.
With every true friend to his Country we deprecate the Calamities of war, and value the blessings of peace; but if these blessings must be secured by bribes, by the relinquishment of our Independence, or by any means humiliating or dishonorable to us as a Nation, We will cheerfully prefer war, with all its horrors, to a state of peace, upon such degrading conditions.
When we view the Republics of the Old world overturned, and their very names blotted from among the nations of the Earth; when we see every exertion made, by a foreign power, to introduce disorganizing principles among us, and separate the people from their Government, that we, like the wretched Republic of Venice, may become an easy prey to her unbounded ambition; we feel, as Americans under such circumstances ought to feel; and are resolved at all hazards, with our Lives and Fortunes, to support our Laws, our Liberties, and our Country.
May that Being who decides the fate of empires, direct you Sir, and both houses of Congress to pursue with wisdom and firmness, measures, which will secure the Honor, Safety and Independence of the United States.
Signed by order and in behalf of a large number of the Respectable Inhabitants of the / City of Schenectady, convened / agreeably to public notice at / Platt’s Inn in Said City, on / Wednesday May 16th. 1798.
John Sanders CharmanJoseph Shurtleff SecretaryAt a numerous meeting of the Inhabitants of the City of Schenectady at the house of John Platt on the evning of May 16 1798. Convened by Public Notice.
John Sanders in the ChaireJoseph Shurtleff SecrataryResolved that this meeting to fully Approve of the Conduct of the President of the United States Relative to the France Republic.
Resolved that we are sensible of the importance of Rallying around the standard of our own Goverment at a time when Foreign influence is exerted to divide us from our Rulers and when encroachments are made on our National Rights under the avowed pretence that we are a divided people.
Resolved that Doctor James Anderson Stephen N Bayard Joseph Shurtleff John Sanders and James Murdock be a Committee to prepare an address to the President Senate and House of Representatives of the United States expressive of the foregoing Sentiments and declaratory of our determination to support our own Goverment in all the measures which they in their wisdom shall Adopt for protection against the agressions of any nation who shall violate the Rights or liberties of our Country.
The address being prepared and Reported was agreed to with but one dessenting voice.
Resolved that the Chairman and Secretary of this meeting sign the address and that the Committee forward the same to the Honble William North and Henry Glen Esquire to be presented to the President Senate and House of Representatives of the United States and Cause the proceedings of this meeting to be published.
John Sanders ChairmanJoseph Shurtleff Secry.


Title: To John Adams from James Wood, 1 June 1798
From: Wood, James
To: Adams, John

At a very numerous meeting of the Inhabitants of the City of Richmond at the Capitol on the first day of this month, under a notice of the Mayor by desire of the Common Hall, the following address to the President of the United States was agreed to by a majority and has been subscribed by three hundred & six Citizens resident within the City.
Sir1 June 1798

If we are late in declaring our confidence in a Government, established by the deliberate will of the people, and directed continually by their influence, in every department of which they act by their constitutional Representatives; it is because we thought it unnecessary. To doubt the confidence of the American people in their Government, might happen to foreigners, who, in their search after a free and equal constitution, have deviated perhaps from the track; but to an American mind the Idea is pregnant with absurdity—However men with honest veiws, may differ about the means of attaining certain political objects; when they are called to act together upon the footing of equality, in a genuine Republic, it is a maxim Sacred and fundamental, that the will of the majority shall be the will of the whole without this, there can be neither union nor force; our infant government can never reach maturity, but must follow the fate of those European Republics, which have Successively yielded to the conquering Influence of France. In this moment of alarm, when a powerful foreign nation persists in the invasion of our rights, and returns all our efforts for conciliation and peace, with contempt, and aggravated injuries, what resource have we, under Heaven, but in that Government, which was formed by the American People for their common defence and protection? We await its decisions with anxiety, for the crisis is awful but with a steady reliance on their wisdom, moderation and firmness: and we are determined at every hazard to support them.
Whatever may be the consequences, it is consoling to the humanity, and grateful to the honest pride, of every American, that they are not imputable to his Government. You, Sir will enjoy the reflection, that your Sincere Solicitude for the preservation of peace, was only limited by a zealous attachment to our national Independance, the object of your early and incessant Labours, to which were devoted the best days of your valuable life.
Governor James Wood306 signatures


Title: To John Adams from Ezra Weld, 2 June 1798
From: Weld, Ezra
To: Adams, John

Sir,
ante 2 June 1798

As inhabitants of this ancient Town, which gave you birth, tho’ now by its division, Quincy is honored, as the place of your residence we retain that affection and esteem for your personal honor and happiness, which are the natural result of such a connection; yet this is a circumstance of very small consideration, compared with other reasons of attachment and veneration, which upon this trying crisis of political emergencies, we beg leave to offer in the following address.
Your promotion, Sir, by the merited suffrages of a free people to the chief seat of Government is a circumstance of preeminence and honor, to which despotic & hereditary princes can never attain. Being thus made, by your Country, the centre of their national dignity, confidence & affection, we glory in your great and acknowledged abilities as a Statesman, and in your unabated zeal, unshaken fortitude and perseverance, as a Patriot, all which qualities, have long since been rendered conspicuous to your fellow Citizens and to the world in your political and eminent services. We contemn, Sir, as we know you do, the fawning parasite; the flattering sycophant, as a reproach to merited honor; a vermin that mars the tree most, to which its attachment is apparently the greatest. We shou’d not therefore, presume to express the just sensibilities of our hearts in language that wou’d bear the remotest resemblance to that praise so often unjustly lavished upon tyrants, to answer ends as base, as their encomiums are false, were it not to contradict the envenomed pens and tongues of reproach & slander, which with uncontroled licence, have been attempting to tarnish the character, with the honor, probity & firmness of which are intimately connected the political glory, safety, and happiness of these United, sovereign and independent States.
Were you the Man, Sir, intriguing for british influence; and to yield up the independent glory of United America to the nation from whose unconstitutional exactions you had the honor of being eminently instrumental in procuring our deliverance, or were you secretly exerting your abilities to prevent a Compromise with France, for an amiable settlement with of all real or imaginary injuries of which they complain, as has been so often, so confidently and we fear, much worse than ignorantly announced to the public, and which many too many have been betray’d to believe, we shou’d now with unsufferable regret, have to lament in our first magistrate an instance of apostacy, unequalled in the page of civil history. You will then pardon our enthusiasm, while in your letter of credence to the French directory; and the liberal, generous, pacific instructions to our Envoys, we see the disorganizing designs of the secret enemies of our unrivalled prosperity, as in a moment defeated and in spight of malignity itself the honor of our executive and Government at large, established by evidence that enforces conviction.
The joyous effects are every where visible! At the return of harmony in Congress, the heart of every true friend to America exalts; the people, who in great numbers, before were alarmingly seperated in affection and confidence from their own Government, and rendered jealous of the first characters of their own election, convinced of the snares spread for their country by foreign intrigue, are now crowding to its standard and consecrating their fortunes and lives for its defence. To signal a providence for the detection of fraud, and the coalition of a people, divided and consequently sinking into inevitable destruction is perhaps a novelty in the Annals of nations—
While solemnly grateful to the all discerning eye of divine benevolence, which has brought to light those hidden things of darkness, by which so many of us have been so unhappily deceived, we congratulate our Country at large that numerous private friendships, which were violated, and otherwise good neighbors and important connections estranged from one another, are now returning with mutual ecstasy to the paternal embrace. The uninformed and unreasonably impassioned only, stand at a forbidding distance.
Disgusted at the illiberal acts and avarice of those, with whom our Envoys were admitted to converse and at the refusal of audience by the french directory after so friendly an advance accompanied too with Every mark of respectful attention to so great a people, a revolt from our over heated affection, for such a Government cannot fail of being the consequence. Sincere and ardent were our attachment to the interests of the French nation, while they stood on their own defence, and preserved a spirit limited by the decisions of reason; but when Universal empire seems to be adopted as their object; and the darkness of intrigue, as a favorite measure, to accomplish their nefarious designs when the price of friendship with America is the prostitution of her wealth, her honor, her independence, it must be our duty to reprobate their pride and spurn their insulting demands. Nor can the genuine Sons of America, tho’ friendly to France and with their illustrious Executive, desirous of forming an alliance upon foundations mutually just and beneficial, forbear pledging themselves for the defence of their invaluable rights against the unprovoked invasion with which we are threatned.
Acquiescing, Sir, most cordially in your publick administration, wishing you the guidance of Heaven, in every duty of your important and most difficult station, and that the pen of slander however artfully aimed may never penetrate to disturb your inward peace & tranquility, or discourage your exertions, still so needful, for the prosperity of your country.
We beg leave to subscribe ourselves your confirmed friends &ca.

The Committee on behalf of the Town
Ezra Weld
Ebenr. Thayer
Moses French
Samuel Curtis
Caleb Hayward
Atherton Thayer
Benj Hayden junr.
Solomon Thayer
Daniel Fragg
Josiah Vinton
David P. Hayward
Nath Wales
John Holbrook
Isaac ThayerThe foregoing is a true Copy from the Original


Title: From John Adams to Hanson Briscoe, 2 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Briscoe, Hanson

To the Inhabitants of the County of Allegeny in the state of Mary land
GentlmenPhiladelphia June 2d 1798

Your steady Attachment to the Constitution and Government of your Country is greatly to your honour.
The Veneration you express for my truly dignified Predecessor, is a worthy and necessary Effect of that Attachment—, and your Compliment to me for treading in his Steps does me honor.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Ezra Weld, 2 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Weld, Ezra

Gentlemen
Philadelphia June 2d 1798

This kind Address, from the Inhabitants of a Division that ancient and venerable Town of Braintree, which has always been my home is very obliging to me.
To you, The Tongues and Pens of slander, Instruments with which our Ennemies expect to subdue our Country I flatter myself have never made Impressions on you, my ancient Townsmen, to whom I have been to familiarly known from my Infancy.—A signal Interposition of Providence, has for once detected frauds, which and Calumnies which from the inexecution of the Laws, and the Indifference of the People, were too long permitted to prevail.
I am happy to see, that your Minds are deeply impressed with the danger of the present Situation of our Country; and that your Resolutions to assert and defend your Rights, are as wise judicious and determined, as I have ever always known them to be, upon former Occasions.
I wish you every Prosperity and Felicity, which you can wisely wish for yourselves.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Sprigg, 2 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Sprigg, Thomas

Gentlemen
Philadelphia June 2d 1798

I return with pleasure your Congratulations, upon the Unanimity of Spirit among our Fellow Citizens, which in so firm Language expresses their Resolution to preserve inviolate their Independence; and thank you for your generous applause.  I thank you your unanimous Resolution to defend the Rights of Freemen or perish in the Conflict, is heroic and glorious.
I cannot promise you an Administration, of which no Man will complain, unless you will insure me that no Man will complain, in this querulous age, will complain of Truth, Liberty and Humanity. I can however assure you that no Part of the public Treasury shall be exhausted by me, knowingly and willingly in vain.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Chaplain, 2 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Chaplain, Joseph

To a Number of respectable Citizens of Washington County.
Gentlemen
Philadelphia June 2d 1798

Your I thank you for the Resolutions you adopted at Hagerstown the first of May, which have been presented to me by Mr Baer, your Representative in Congress, to support your Constitution, Government and Independence against every Attack.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Hezekiah Veatch, 2 June 1798
From: Veatch, Hezekiah
To: Adams, John

2 June 1798

At a Respectable meeting of the Citizens Inhabitants of the upper part of Montgomery County and State of Maryland convened by Advertisement on the 2nd. day of June 1798 at Messrs. Medleys and Hoggins’s Tavern, in order to consider and communicate our Opinions relating to the Political Situation of the United States and the Conduct of the Legislative and Executive Authority of our Federal Government to Foreign Nations and ourselves, snd the Members then present proceeded to choose a Committee for that Intent and purpose. Æneas Campbell in the Chair Hezekiah Veatch Secretary— The following resolutions were unanimously agreed to—
To the Honourable the President and Congress of the United States of America— We the Citizens Inhabitants of the upper part of Montgomery County and State of Maryland being deeply impressed at this Eventful and interesting period with the critical and alarming situation of our Country, and having taken the Same into our serious Consideration, think it a duty we owe to our Nation ourselves and to our Posterity, thus to declare to the World our approbation of the proceedings and present Conduct of the legislative and Executive Authority of the United States—And convinc’d and fully satisfied as we are, that their Conduct has been and still is just and impartial to Foreign Nations and ourselves, And that those internal Regulations which have been and now are established for the preservation of Peace, are in their Nature proper, and that they have been fairly and duly executed, and that the measures adopted by the President relating to our foreign affairs, and his solicitude to accommodate and settle all existing differences upon terms compatible with the safety interest and dignity of the United States, afford additional proof of his attention Integrity and firmness which have always marked his official Character, and that in his ability Integrity and firmness we place the most entire confidence.
Therefore resolved Unanimously that we do highly approve of the Conduct of the President of the United States in his late appointment of our Envoys, and their instructions to France, in order to preserve peace upon Honourable Terms; that being our first Object—if to be obtained.
Resolved that we do highly approve of the conduct of the Legislative and Executive part of our Government and the impartial measures they have taken with regard to foreign nations and that those Internal regulations which have been and now are established for the preservation of Peace within the United States and that they have been fairly and duly executed—
Resolved therefore that we will to the utmost of our power at all times support maintain and defend the Freedom and Independence of the United States and the Government as now established, and show to the world that we are not a divided People, and that we hold our Government and States Legislative and Executive Authority thereof in high estimation and will unite as one Man to protect and defend it and them, and that having secured our Rights, are determined to carry into effect such measures as the President and constitutional Authorities shall in their wisdom think best calculated for the preservation of our Liberties—and that nothing on our part shall be wanting which the Honour, safety, prosperity and Independence of our Country may require—
And may the Great Author and giver of Good Councils still dispose and enable the Legislative and Executive part of our Government, and the People, to fulfil their respective duties wisely at this eventful and interesting Period—And we shall have nothing to fear.
Resolved that a Copy of the above Resolutions be sent to the President of the United States.
Signed by order and in behalf of the meeting

Aneas Campbell ChairmanHezekiah Veatch Secretary


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Wharton, Jr., 4 June 1798
From: Wharton, Joseph, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir!
Philada June 4th 1798

To a mind endued with sensibility, and whose early passage in life, was blessed with the genial hand of prosperity, but whose old age is stricken with the sad effects of undeserved misfortune; how hard is it to apply for relief! and too often, how hopeless to expect it among contending claimants!
It was my duty, and it is the duty of every man, to exert himself, in every situation, for his Countrey’s good; but I believe no one has suffered by his attachment to it, so greatly as I have done.—In November 1774, the losses I sustained by a House in London, for whom I had exported largely in flour and grain, constrained me to abandon my family and commerce, in order to obtain redress. My Lawyers were Thurlow and Wedderburne—who threw my Case into Chancery, before my Lord Appsley; Particularly, that Justice might be done to the claim of Damages, on Protested Bills of Exchange. In the mean time, the intimacy between Doctor Bancroft and myself, becoming more confidential, I wrote to the Doctor in Paris, at his request, under signature of Joseph Benson, every intelligence relative to my native Countrey: and from my intimacy with Lord Camden, Mr Burk, Mr Thomas Walpole, Mr West, the Kings Painter, and other Gentlemen, together with Mr Almond of Piccadilly—the communications were frequently of the first importance, and unobtainable through any other Channel.—Essential parts of my Letters were, I have been told, read to our Ministry at Passy; and I have reason to believe, with favorable impressions. The correspondence continued between us; until the beginning of August 1778, when my friend Mr West came to my lodging in Charing Cross in the afternoon, and acquainted me, that Ministry were in possession of several of the Doctor’s Letters to me, and of mine to him, under the preceding signature, and advised me to leave the City, and flee for Paris, that very night.—Alarmed at my situation, and convinced of the fact, as I had not heard from the Doctor for a considerable time, and fearfull of imprisonment, and consequent loss of life; I got into a Pat Chaise on the Surry side of London Bridge, at eleven a clock at night, without taking leave of my brother, or any of my friends, and reached Dover at six a clock the next morning, and from thence proceeded to Paris, on my rout to America. I have said Sir, our Countrey demands every service from its Citizens.—Mine was the unhappy production of above twenty thousand pounds Stg loss, besides years of unceasing misery to a virtuous Consort and six aimable Children. And to add a climax to my sufferings, the People called Quakers, publicly disowned me at their Market Street meeting, for the sacred love I bore the United States—by declaring that—“I had joined a Party professing War, there times of commotions—” and by which denunciation, no small share of affliction was heaped upon us, by those opposers of our Revolution. It is justice however, to mention, that, their respect is now unbounded by manifestations of esteem to me and my children.—Be not displeased at me for trespassing on your public time and patience. My wish is, that if the President is convinced of my integrity, sobriety and capacity, he will reach forth his hand of compassion to a Citizen of some estimation, in his 65th year, who has hitherto born his misfortunes without complaint, or craving the least remuneration—from his Countrey. Permit me Sir, to mention to your Excellency, that I have been informed, there will be great changes in the Custom House soon, by resignation of Mr Delaney, and new appointments will also take place in the Alien and other Public Bills. May I presume to sollicit your kind nomination of me to the Alien Office, or any other your wisdom may think me competent to? And may I entreat it as a favor, that my character may be scrutinized with severity of criticism, and decided upon, conformably to its real worth, or demerit?
—With thankfullness to God!—“that you have pursued the line of your Predecessor,”—I remain, Sir, most respectfully, / Your devoted and faithfull / hbl Servant

Jo Wharton

            Sir
I omitted to mention to your Excellency, that in January last, Mr Delany, without any sollicitation, was so obliging as to confer on me the small Office of Salt measurer of the Port; which, for five months, hath only produced 120 dollars. Thankfull however to the Collector, I foresee a deprivation of this benefit, by a new appointment in July, unless the Presidents bounty, may improve my condition, by a more important and beneficial preferment.
I am Sir, Your most ob hb Servant

Jos Wharton


Title: From John Adams to John Williams, 5 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Williams, John

Gentlemen
Philadelphia June 5 1798

I thank you for this Address presented to me by one of your Representatives in Congress Mr Grove.
The explicit and unanimous declaration of your fullest faith in the Integrity and Wisdom of all the departments of our Government, and your firm resolution to Unite in opposing foreign Influence, are peculiarly proper and agreable at this time.
The Happiness and Freedom, which you candidly acknowledge you enjoy under the present Constitution, are the best of Incentives to induce you, to devote your Services and your Lives  for the support of it.
You who are Satisfied, contented and united cannot read the Opposite Character which has been given you, without contempt and Indignation at the Calumny.
The Government has indeed been patient and pacific, to the Utmost extent, which could consist with the honor and dignity, of an independent People, under the presence of foreign Insults Depredations and Cruelties.
With you, I humbly hope that Almighty God will look down with favour, on the Exertions of Freemen, in defence of their Country.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James M. Hughes, 5 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Hughes, James M.

Gentlemen
Philadelphia June 5 1798

No testimonials of personal respect to me, or of Attachment to the Government could be more acceptable to me, than those in this Address, which breaths the genuine Sentiments of Americans attached to their Country by every tie of Nature and Affection.
I am happy in your Opinion that those, who insult and injure Us, are left without excuse, because every thing on the part of our Government has been attempted, consistent with those Sacred Duties which We owe to our Rights and Honor as a free and independent People.
Your Opinion that War with all its Attendant distresses is far preferable to a surrender of our national freedom, is undoubtedly just and becoming Americans. But our Situation is Such that a surrender of our Independence to those who assail, it would only the more surely involve Us, in the worst War that could fall to our Lot. The Real Question before Us, seems to be whether We shall involve ourselves in an unjust and unnecessary War of offence against with one Nation, or be involved by the fraud & Violence of another in a just and necessary War of self defence.Besides; how many nations, who have never injured, insulted or offended Us, are We to assist or contribute to destroy?
It is better, to be prepared as you are at all hazards to support the Government of our Country, in the Measures necessary for thesupport defence of our honor.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from David Lambert, 5 June 1798
From: Lambert, David
To: Adams, John

5 June 1798

At a meeting of the Officers of the 19th. Regiment, and also those of the Artillery & Cavilry attached to the 4th Division of Militia, held at the Tavern of Francis Philpotts, in the City of Richmond, on Tuesday the 5th day of June 1798.
This Meeting being held for the purpose of deliberating upon the propriety of an address to the President of the United States, it was Orderd that Colo. David Lambert be appointed Chairman, and Samuel McCraw Secretary when the following Address was Submited to the consideration of the Board, and upon mature deliberation was Unanimously agreed to, and the same Orderd to be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and by the Chairman forwarded to the President.
Richmond 5th. June 1798
Sir
At a time like the present, it becomes not the Constitutional Guardians of the Political rights of America to refine upon the Causes which have produced effects alarming to their National Honor & Dignity; It is sufficient for them to know that the fact exists, and whether it arose from error in Judgment, or the insidious designs of our enemies, it is equally to be Lamented. To this expression of Sentiment we must add, that as faithful Centinals we will continue to watch over our National rights, And possessing infinitely too high a regard for the Constitution of our choice Tamely to suffer any foreign Nation to Change, Alter, or Controul the present, or dictate any, not the choice of the People—And that in whatever light we may view the Acts of our own Citizens, or however great may be the diversity of Sentiment upon political expediency, We entertain but one Opinion, and that is, an Unchangeable determination to support the Rights of our Country, against every Invader.
To you Sir we look as the Chief Magistrate of America to guard Well the rights of its Citizens—And upon you Sir will the blessing of a grateful people be bestowed for every Act that leads to the support of their rights or the Establishment of their Peace and Happiness; resting confident that every Citizen is actuated by those Principles, under which we are Incorporated As One People.

David Lambert ChairmanTiste. Sam. Mc.Craw Secty


Title: To John Adams from Mr. North, 5 June 1798
From: North, Mr.
To: Adams, John

5th June 1798

Mr North having been informed that several Gentlemen are recommended to His Excellency. The President, for the command of the Ship about to be armed & equiped at New York, thinks it a duty to join in any recommendation which may be offered in favour of Captain Thomas Robinson of that City, & who has sailed out of the Port of New York for fifteen Years & upwards. This Gentleman is in the full Vigor of  life, is a Seaman, & master of his Profession, a Man of honour, & fit to command. Impressed at the close of the revolutionary War, he was Obliged to remain on board a British Ship of face. though Young, from the Manlyness, & propriety of his behaviour, he was appointed, & did duty for some time as an Officer, on board the ship.
The confidence which may be placed in Captain Robinson either as a man of Courage, & Ability, or with respect to the propriety of his Political Opinions, he will not disappoint.
This Statement, Mr North respectfully submits To His Excellency The President of the United States.


Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Bell, 5 June 1798
From: Bell, Jonathan
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Rutland 5th. June 1798

We the underwritten, composing the Companies of Artillery, Cavalry and Infantry, and others, convened with the said Companies, inhabitants of the town of Rutland, in the western district of the State of Vermont, deprived from the remoteness of our situation, of the privilege of approching you personally, desire, in this manner, gratefully to address you, and subscribe to you our sensibilities for the uniform protection, which under God you have afforded to our youth, our government, and our country. Though born in no foreign land, we amid these mountains heard with joy the first proclamations of the liberties of France. She was called our faithful ally, and we rejoiced in the seeming prosperity of a deciduous friend. She assimilated the name of her Government to our own, and our hope was excited.  She announced a meliorated state of society, and the humanity of our youth was enkindled. But when she denounced her God, and paid a mock adoration to a harlot; when she murdered or banished, without cause and without trial, her best citizens; when instead of using her arms in her own defence, she invaded conquered and pillaged weak and divided States around her, our charity was lost in the enormity of her crimes, and sober men presaged to us, that a nation, disregarding all the ties of religion and morality and the observance of its own constitution and laws; would continue unimpaired no foreign relations, however beneficial and would be bound by no contract, however sacred. We heard with indignation, that France, having exhausted, in violating the rights of other nations, her own wealth, which had been accumulating for centuries, and without those restraints, which hold other and civilized States from rapine, has long since become the pirate of the ocean, and despoiled the wealth of our fathers and bretheren on the seas.
While we know not how sufficiently to express our gratitude to the Chief Magistrate of our favored nation, without a zeal which may seem to impeach our sincerity; while we admire the wisdom, moderation, and firmness of our public Councils, and the sacred regard to the Independence of these States, to which you have personally in so many Offices, both in Europe and America, so largely contributed; we lament for our Country, that aliens born, men exported from other climes have by insidious practices, and a departure from all political integrity, grasped at influence and crept into the window of office. We lament, that these men, abandoned to mercenary designs and prompted by a criminal ambition, have under the name of Americans essayed to prostitute our national character by causing it to be believed in the changeful State of France, that we are divided people, estranged from our Government. We conceive it to be our duty, by the united voice of a free people, to manifest our testimony against this scandal of our Country. We regret that France envying the wealth of our happy state, encouraged by false hope, and proud of her oppression has not only refused to receive our ministers of peace and to compensate her piratical depredations on our commerce; but with an unparalled effrontery has demanded of these States large sums of money as a tribute of corruption to her lawless power.
Relying with entire confidence upon the constituted authorities of our rising nations, we presume not to decide, as in the Councils of our Government, the best interests of these States; but when a foreign Power has menaced the Independence of our Country and That as Venice and Genoa America shall no longer be read in the catalogue of nations, indignation unutterable and the unconquerable spirits of our fathers deny us the privilege of our youth, a respectful and acquiescent silence. We can not forbear to express to you that though the ocean rolls not at the feet of our mountains, we inherit from our ancestors a land rich in liberty which contains within its bosom their sacred remains and we possess their weapons of independence, bequeathed for its defence. That attached to the Government and Independence of these States by our birth, by the toils and blood of our fathers, we their sons, will support that Government and that Independence by all the energies of indignant youth.
With ardent prayers for your Official and private / happiness, we are with perfect confidence and respect /Your Ecellency’s / dutiful citizens and soldiers.
Jona. BellC. Smith Junr.


Title: To John Adams from John Sinclair, 5 June 1798
From: Sinclair, John
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Whitehall 5 June 1798

You will herewith recieve, the History of the Statistical Account of Scotland, in the appendix to which, I have taken the liberty of inserting the extract of a letter I had the pleasure of recieving from you, urging me to persevere in an Undertaking, which I have at last happily accomplished. I wish much to hear, that similar enquiries took place with you, and that a Board of Agriculture was established in America, Here, the War has not interrupted such attempts, and the advantages resulting from exciting a spirit of inquiry, and of enterprize over a whole Country, can hardly be calculated. Excuse a short letter and a borrowed hand as I am on the Eve of going to Scotland, & believe me, with much truth & regard, / Your faithful & obedient servant

John Sinclair
N.B. Though a republican, I hope that you will entertain no prejudice against this paper, from its regal ornaments.


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 5 June 1798
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

Sir
Albany 5th June 1798

Your Charitable belief, as expressed in your late Answer to the Providence Address,—that Many of your Countrymen had adhered to the French from a blind Infatuation; So exactly Meets My Case, that & is so liberal, & Conciliating that I feel it a duty incumbent on Me Instead of Mingling with the Mass in Signing an address to you (however laudable the Measure) to hazard the Liberty of a More particular recantation of My late political faith in a private Letter.
Haveing formed an eairly attatchment for the French People, from the Strong impression their Civilities Made on my Mind when a Youth,& deploreing the Arbitrary powers & bigotry, which degraded them in the eyes of a free people: from the first dawn of their Revolution I Confess I have been as ardent in My Wishes for their Ultimate Success to establish their Liberties, as If France had been My Native Country.Notwithstanding I was Obliged to detest their Sanguinary and horid Measures; Yet I tried as far as possible to Cover them with a Charitable Viel, fondly hopeing, that All Would terminate to the eventual happiness & the emancipation of every oppressed Country.
Nothing Short of the promulgation of the dispatches, Could have weakened my faith: but the Viel is effectually Removed & their Subsequent Conduct to Switzerland has opened My eyes, & Convinces Me that the leaders of France, are a Corrupt unprincipel’d Sett, haveing Nothing in View, but to Gratify their personal ambition, & avarice, at the expence of the Miseries of Mankind. I ardently Pray, that One Voice, & One State will now Cement the American people to assert their dignity, & Independence, & that dayly experience Will Convince us All, of the importance of being truly Independant, (in the Utmost Latitude) of every Connection with any European Power, which Will expose Us to their future Quarils or Caprician Measures.
I am equally persuaded that an unqualified disavowal (by the Measures of Our Government) of every partiality to any Nation that may Wish to implicate us in their Views, and a Cordial & Marked disapprobation of every innovation upon Our Rights, either on Sea or On Land, from Whatever quarter it has, or May Come; Will be the Certain means of Consolidateing that Union Now so happily cementing Among us.
In short; it Seems to me—If this horid War of extirmination Continues Much Longer, We Shall be forced to withdraw Our Commerce from them All. & Let loose Our Cruizers, Indiscriminately on All, the Beligerent Power’s & however dreadfull the Alternation. We Should be safer than We are Now t  Unite every Man, & place us  on attitude of Self Deffence, & enable us in a Short time to Cover the Ocean with Our Cruizers.I take the Liberty to Inclose a Little Sopïel I Let off Yesterday. My Motives are to Cement and Unite. I trust the Sentiments will be approved by You.
I am with Profound Respect / Your Obliged
Elka. Watson Jr.


Title: From John Adams to William Prentis, 6 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Prentis, William

Gentlemen,
Philadelphia June 6 1798

I thank you for this Address. I thank you for your most zealous approbation of the Measures calculated for the preservation of Peace, and restoration of Harmony with the French Republic. War is not to be resorted to, but in pursuit of Justice and in Cases of necessity. A War with France, if just and necessary, might wean Us from fond & blind affections, which no Nation ought ever to feel towards another, as our Experience in more than one Instance abundantly testifies.
I thank you for your free declaration that with one Voice and with united hearts & hands you will rally round the Constituted Authorities of your Country.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 6 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States June 6th 1798

I nominate, Christopher Raymond Perry of Rhode Island and
Richard Valentine Morris of Newyork to be Captains in the Navy
William Turner of Virginia to be second Surgeons Mate of the United States Frigate
George Wright of New Jersey to be surgeons Mate of the ship Delaware—

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Stephen Temple, 6 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Temple, Stephen

To the Second Battalion of Militia of Prince George, in the State of Virginia
Gentlemen,Philadelphia June 6 1798

I thank you for this Address.—The Importance of Union and Action, at the present Crisis, more momentous perhaps than you, or I can foresee, must be apparent to every thinking American.
I thank you for your Assurances of your cordial Approbation of every measure I have adopted to preserve Peace and restore a good Understanding with the French Republic.
It is to be regretted that the Enthusiasm of your affection for that nation had not some bounds. Their Tryumphs were not your own. The pure Principles which governed the Commencement of their Revolution I have never been able to discover. Their entire disregard of our neutral rights, their piratical depredations on our lawfull Commerce and the marked Contempt and Insult with which our overtures for reconciliation and are rejected, have taught me that neither Innocence nor Friendship can protect Us against the demands of that inordinate Ambition and Avarice, that have tryumphed over every mere Principle and fair Character from the Beginning.
Upon our own Union depends our Security. I beg leave to assure you, that every Endeavour consistent with national Safety and Honor, has been already exerted for the Preservation of Peace.
Whenever our Country shall be driven to the last dread appeal, I have no suspicion that you will be found wanting, as Men, Citizens or Soldiers ready to hazard your Lives and fortunes in the support of our national Independence against every attack.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Rufus King, 6 June 1798
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
London June 6. 1798

The Fate of Switzerland is an instructive lesson to america; the newspaper Reports of the ruin of that brave and innocent People are so detached & imperfect, that I have thought it would be useful to obtain a connected & plain account of this afflicting Event.—I explained my wishes to Sir Francis D’Ivernois, who immediately prepared the Letter, a translation of which I have the honor to send you—This Letter is addressed to you, and the original will be forwarded by the next Opportunity—Sir Francis desires that it may be understood that he can have no Objection to the Publication of it, with his name, or in any other way that you shall judge best calculated to promote the welfare of our Country.
With the most perfect respect / and attachment / I have the Honor to be / Dear Sir / Your obt. & faithful Sert.

Rufus King


Title: To John Adams from Richard Thomas, 6 June 1798
From: Thomas, Richard
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Congress Hall June 6th 1798—

The Collector of the Port of Philadelphia having declared his intention to Resign that employment—We sue the freedom to bespeak your goodwill for a particular friend Mr Israel Whelen of this City for that Appointment—
We sometimes, in our Advocations of this kind, make our appeals to the Judgment & understanding—sometimes to the benevolent feelings of the Heart—In the present case, with propriety, we venture to appeal to both—
Mr. Whelen has by nature, a Strong, Prompt, and penetrating capacity for business,—and by habit has attain’d a clear, and acute comprehension of Accounts, and facility of Literary communication—Always a Man of Probity and honor, he has acquired great Respectability, an unlimited Mercantile Credit, nor has he sustained thro all his Vicissitude of fortune; one blemish on his native Integrity—
From Moderate , and Independence of Fortune, he by the imprudence of a Partner in Business, who trusting too implicitly in the justice of the French Government & its Agents is now Reduced to the necessity of embarking again into some new, and perhaps precarious business, for the support of a numerous family—and that too with a narrow circumscribed Capital.
It he should be so fortunate as to obtain this appointment We have not a doubt of his Ability & Integrity to discharge the trust with satisfaction to the Public, and benefit to himself.

Richard ThomasJno W. KitteraDavid MorganJohn Chapman


Title: From John Adams to James Cogswell, 7 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Cogswell, James

Gentlemen
Philadelphia June 7 1798

An Address from an association of Gentlemen of your venerable and Sacred Character, is very honourable and agreable to me.
The Advent of The Period when nations shall learn War no more, is So uncertain uncertain to Mortals, that Wisdom dictates to the Ministers of the Prince of Peace, as well as to the Ministers Agents of Nations, to be always prepared for a State of Hostility: because it is always uncertain when the Unreasonable and infatuated Leaders of Some Nation or other may compell us to take arms in Support of our dearest Rights. I know very well it is impossible that you should be wanting, in affording to Government every Aid in your Power, which may become the Ministers of Religion. Much is always in the Power of those, whose Lives are devoted to the Cause of Truth, Virtue and Piety.
your favourable sentiments of me have made a deep Impression on my Mind.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Crane, 7 June 1798
From: Crane, William
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Elizabeth Town June 7th. 1798

In the name of the Regiment of Militia of the Borough of Elizabeth, in the County of Essex, and State of New Jersey, consisting of a company of Light Horse, a company of Artillery, a company of Grenadiers, a company of Light Infantry, all completely equipped and uniformed, and eight companies of Infantry this day assembled under my command agreably to Law, for the purpose of improving themselves in Military discipline, and agreably to their request; I have the honor to inform your Excellency of their unanimous resolution, “to stand ready, at your call, with their lives and fortunes, to support the Laws, government and rights of their country against all her enemies—”
I am with the highest respect, / your Excellencies most Obedt. / humble servant—
William Crane. Lt. Col. Comdr.


Title: To John Adams from John Goulding, 7 June 1798
From: Goulding, John
To: Adams, John

May it please your Excellency
Philadelphia 7 June 1798

The man who took the liberty humbly to address your Excellency the 24th, of last month, begs leave to wait on your Excellency for an answer; with a hope that your Excellency would be graciously pleased to order him into some employment under the Government. It can be shewn to your Excellency, that his education and knowledge of accounts, would make him useful in the Naval Department, if that was your Excellency’s pleasure. He sincerely prays, that yours and its Glory may be immortal: and is, / With the Highest Respect and admiration, / Sir, / Your Excellency’s / Most Obedient and, / Most Humble Servant.

John Goulding


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Phillips, 7 June 1798
From: Phillips, Samuel,Robbins, Edward H.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
In the House of Representatives June 7. 1798

The Legislature of Massachusetts, ever anxious, and long habituated, to take an early and decided part, in whatever relates to the safety and welfare of their country, beg leave to join the united voice of your fellow citizens, in offering you a testimony of their respect & confidence.
As a native citizen of this Commonwealth, and as the supreme Executive of the government of our deliberate choice, we feel for you those sentiments of attachment and veneration, which the recollection of your long, distinguished, & successful services are calculated to excite;— and if the measures of a wise and virtuous administration, such as we believe yours to have been, can receive aid or sanction from our most decided and unequivocal approbation, our duty in expressing it will be discharged with increased satisfaction.
It is with a mixture of indignation and regret, that we learn the state of our negotiations with the French Republick. From a careful review of our relations with France, and of the unremitting efforts of the national government, to preserve & perpetuate her friendship, we might readily have believed that there could be no crisis in the progress of her political career, in which our tranquillity could have been disturbed. But amidst the collision of parties, France has lost the object of her revolution. She once fought for liberty;— she now contends for dominion; and, having declared by the voice of her Executive, that “she ought to become the model and Arbiter of Nations”, has violated the rights of every neutral people, and prostrated the governments of most of the Republicks in Europe.
Should any further attempts, either to controul the government, or subjugate the people of the United States, be the result of her inordinate ambition, the citizens of Massachusetts, will meet them with the firm & determined spirit of Freemen;— and as they have been among the first to defend, will be the last to resign the rights of national Sovereignty.
In this all important conflict, we expect the ready and zealous co-operation of the free and enlightened people of America:— and our country, having adopted every reasonable measure to avert the calamities of war, may, with humble confidence, rely upon the God of our Fathers for protection & success.
A people by whom the blessings of civil and religious liberty are enjoyed and duly appreciated, will never surrender them but with their lives. We will never forget, that our charter to this liberty, is sealed by the blood of Americans! and we pledge to you the patriotism, and all the energies of our constituents, that it shall never be violated by the sacrilegious hand of foreign power. We also most solemnly pledge ourselves, to support every measure which the government of the United States at this momentous period, may see fit to adopt, to protect the commerce and preserve the Independance of our Country.
In Senate, June 7, 1798
The foregoing address to the President of the United States was read and unanimously accepted, and thereupon Ordered that the same be signed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, & by them forwarded to the Senators and Representatives of this Commonwealth in Congress, with a request that they present the same to the President of the United States.
Sent down for concurrence

Saml. Phillips President of the SenateRead & concured
Edward H. Robbins
Speaker of the House of Representatives


Title: To John Adams from Isaac LeBaron, 8 June 1798
From: LeBaron, Isaac,Jackson, William
To: Adams, John

Sir
ante 8 June 1798

The ability, rectitude and firmness, which have distinguished your administration, and indeed every part of your conduct, in the various important public stations, assigned you by your country, would render unnecessary any assurances of support from us, inhabitants of the ancient towns of Plymouth & Kingston, were it not of consequence, to remove an imputation industriously circulated, that the people of the united States are divided from their government, and hence may fall an easy victim to that “destroying angel of republics” foreign influence and intrigue
“Enthusiastically attached to the cause of the french”, at the commencement of their revolution, we devoutly wished them success, in the establishment of a constitution of government, founded on the broad basis of equal liberty, and political happiness; but having departed from the system of self defence, having plundered, demoralized & prostrated all the countries, subdued by their arts, or their arms, and even now, with the same hostile views are contemplating new conquests; we can not but consider them, as the determined foes of religious order and social security
Regardless alike of the laws of nations, and the faith of treaties, they have in open defiance of both, wantonly captured and condemned our peaceful ships, robbed and maltreated our citizens, while pursuing their lawful business on the Ocean, and when overtures of amicable accommodation are offered, instead of retribution, they imperiously demand the payment of immense sums of money as the price of negociation, a compliance with which would compromit our neutrality.
Indignities and insults so outrageous and unprovoked, have excited in us such sentiments of disgust and resentment, as would have roused into action the independent spirit of our venerable ancestors, who braving every danger, began here a Settlement on “bare creation”, which by the wisdom of their institutions, and under the patronage of heaven, has extended itself, and attained an height of improvement, with a rapidity unknown in the annals of the world.—And whose descendents, inheriting their hardihood of character, and animated with the splendor and dignity of their enterprize & example, will repel with indignant scorn, the insolent aggressions of all the nations on the earth
Happy in the reflection, that no measures compatible with the national honor and sovereignty, have been left unessayed to avert the calamities of war, you, Sir, will be prepared to meet every event; and a government administered with so sacred a regard to the precepts of political morality, will command the aid of all virtuous citizens to the utmost extent of their powers.
Being inhabitants of towns, who derive their principal means of subsistance from the fisheries, permit us at this time, to offer the tribute of acknowledgments, for your inflexible exertion, and perseverance, in securing to the United States, this valuable branch of commerce

Isaac Le Baronand 190 other signatures


Title: From John Adams to Isaac LeBaron, 8 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: LeBaron, Isaac,Jackson, William

To the Inhabitants of the ancient Towns of Plymouth and KingstonGentlemenPhiladelphia June 8. 1798

This Address from the most ancient Settlement in New England, where, in the earlier Part of my Life, I passed so much of my time, and with so much Satisfaction; gives me great Pleasure.
I trust, We all still wish success to the French, in the Establishment of a Constitution of Government founded on the broad Basis of equal Laws and political happiness. But the system for enacting and executing equal Laws must be better understood, than it ever has been, or all our best Wishes will forever be Enthusiasm, and delusion: and the French will become Enemies of the human Race against whom all Nations will have to Unite.
When immense sums of Money are demanded as the Price of Negotiation, a compliance would not only compromise our Neutrality: but debase our Minds, corrupt our Souls, and make our own Government, in a few years as profligate as theirs. it would be the beginning of an habit in the Minds of our Government and People of submission to Insolence, Injustice and disgrace. It would lay the foundation for employing our own Money in corrupting our own Elections. This very Money would be employed in hiring venal Writers and Printers of scandal against Virtue and Panegyrick upon Vice. It would!—But I must forbear.
Inhabitants of the old Colony of Plymouth, cannot bear such Indignities. Their venerable Ancestors, who braved every danger and began a settlement on bare creation, would have not only felt disgust and Resentment but would have put their own Existence, and that of the “great Work of Plantation” they had so much at heart, at hazard, rather than have submitted to any Thing like it.
May your Fisheries, to which Nature, Usage, Law and Compact, have given you a Right, be forever preserved to your Posterity, and prospered in their with that success which Industry and Enterprize like yours will always  merit.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Roberts, 8 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Roberts, John

To the Justices, the grand and Petit Jurors and officers of Talbot County Court, and the numerous Body of the People of the County assembled at Easton, the 29. of May GentlemenPhiladelphia June 8. 1798

This unanimous Address from so respectable an Assembly of Citizens, of such various Classes and denominations, conveying to me the Sentiments which the present occasion has inspired, does me great honor.
You See, Gentlemen that neither Wisdom Moderation nor Justice nor Moderation, can Secure Us from a Participation in the War, which has agitated Europe. The rapacious Avarice and destructive Projects of those who rule in France, has made War upon Us already for years: a Warr all of one Side: a War without reciprocity.
Our Negotiations have been conducted upon public and national Principles, and Interests not upon little Projects of the private Ambition or Avarice of Individuals among the Rulers. Our Advances have been treated with unmerited Contempt. The Question now is will you reverse your Maxims, and by gratifying the Rapacity of Rulers abroad, teach your own future Rulers at home Lessons of Rapacity? The Executive Authority of your Country, you may depend upon it will be vilified, by the most scandalous Insults, by Such Rulers as long as it is upright and pure.
Peace, without Independence, according to your own happy Expression would be Vassallage.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from George Miller, 8 June 1798
From: Miller, George,Connoll, William L.
To: Adams, John

An address of the agricultural Society of Beaver Creek and Hanging Rock—Kershaw County State of South Carolina
To the the President of the united StatesSir,
June 8th. 1798

Our best wishes, and sincere desires is that you may be ever happy, & long to govern the united states, in peace; We sincerely wish no war, nor rupture to take place in this, our peacefull land, with any nation or power, whatever—Therefore, we have viewed with much satisfaction, the noble, wise & peacefull measures taken, for reconciling the unhappy differences now existing between the two republicks (america & france) & do much regret, that your grand proposals are not accepted—by the french—but perceiving that nothing remains, now but the exertions and stedfast principles of the united states, to give evidence to the world, that we disdain their inveigling designs—Therefore we as a society, profess to you & to the world, that we as true patriots to american liberty, mean to defend the same at the risque of our lives and fortunes trusting in that power, who rules all dominions, will vouchsafe to defend you and all our Respresentatives, and give understanding to govern this great & populace america—Wishing that the name of Washington, may never be forgotten in the annals of America,—Sign’d by the order of the Committee appointed for the purpose of transacting the business of sd society.
George Miller ChairmanWm. L: Connoll Secretary


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Ringgold, 8 June 1798
From: Ringgold, Samuel
To: Adams, John

To the President the Senate, and house of Representatives of the united States of America—
Washington County June 8th 1798

We the volunteer Troop of horse called the federal blues of Washington County, and state of Maryland, Commanded by Captain Samuel Ringgold—Convinced that the executive Goverment of the united states in their late attempt to settle the existing differences between the two republics, were actuated by a sincere desire to preserve peace (that first of blessings) with that Nation; and viewing the conduct of the executive Directory of France towards our envoys as highly improper make known to you our determination to support with our lives and Fortunes, all such Constitutional measures, as the Goverment of the United States, shall in their wisdom think most expedient to adopt—
Signed by order of the troop
Samuel RinggoldCaptain


Title: From John Adams to John Cropper, Jr., 9 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Cropper, John, Jr.

To the Inhabitants of the County of Accomack in the State of Virginia
GentlemenPhiladelphia June 9 1798

I pray you to accept of my Thanks for your unanimous Address, replete with sentiments truly American.
Your Conviction that your Government has manifested a most earnest and Sincere desire to preserve Peace with all Nations, particularly with the French Republic: your declaration that upon a candid review of the Conduct of your Government you can discover nothing which ought to have given Umbrage to that Republic, or which can in any wise justify her numerous Aggressions on the Persons and Properties of our Citizens, in direct violation of the Law of Nations and in contravention of her exciting Treaties with us, ought to give entire Satisfaction to the Government.
Your concern and regret, that those Efforts to maintain harmony, are likehave proved abortive are natural, and common to you & me and all our fellow Citizens, but can be of no Use. Instead of dwelling on our regrets, We must explore our Resources.
Although We may view War as particularly injurious to the Interests of our Country, Providence may intend it for our good, and We must Submit. That it is a less Evil than national Dishonour no Man of sense and Spirit will deny.
I have no hope that the French Republic Will soon return to a sense of Justice.
your promise to cooperate in whatever Measures, Government may deem conducive to the Interests, and consistent with the honor of the Nation, and your Pledge of your Lives and Fortunes, and all you hold dear upon the success of the Issue, are in the true Spirit of Men, of Freemen and of Americans, and genuine Republicans

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Stephen Paddock, 9 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Paddock, Stephen,Van Ness, William W.

To the Citizens of Hudson and its Vicinity in the County of Columbia in the State of New YorkGentlemen
Philadelphia June 9 1798

Your Declaration of the 26 of May has been presented to me as you desired by Mr Hosmer your Representative in Congress.
The present aspect of public affairs is indeed portentous; and the wounds inflicted on our country by the wanton and multiplied Aggressions of the French Republic must be felt by every American Citizen who is faithful and true. to his country Insult has been added to Injury till the Measure is full. The Reign of Terror, and Seduction which began at Paris, has been extended in Europe as far as the Grand Monarque Louis the 13th extended it, and is now attempted on this side the Atlantic.—But We should remember that England Italy and the Netherlands have often been conquered by France and that she has as often been driven from her Conquests with Ignominy.
Your Attachment to the Constitution and Approbation of the Administration are very Satisfactory , and your Confidence in me is the Councils of the Nation are very Satisfactery.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Myer, 9 June 1798
From: Myer, John,Old, Joseph
To: Adams, John

9 June 1798

Agreeable to Notification by Advertisement to the Freemen of the Town of Hamburg and its Vicinity Composing the Third Regiment of Berks County Militia in the State of Pennsylvania a Meeting of the Same Assembled at the House of Jesse Evans on Saturday June the 9th: AD 1798 And AppointedJohn Myer Esqr ChairmanJoseph Old Secretary

The Chairman having taken his Seat & the Meeting being Opened they Appointed Peter Orwig Esqr. Major Philip Strubing Captain Lewis Haring Lieutenant Henry Fister and Mr Michael Ege their Committee with instructions to report for the Consideration of this Meeting their Sentiments on the Present Situation of Our Country. The Said Committee having retired for a Short time return’d with the following Resolutions And the Same being read and fully Considered were Adopted  Viz
Resolved That the Present Situation of Affairs of the United States of America call loudly on the Citizens thereof to declare Openly to the World their intentions and Determination in the most Unequivocal Manner
Resolved That Impressed with this Idea we deem it our duty Publickly to Declare that we have the most firm reliance on and Confidence in the Wisdom Honour Integrity and firmness of the President of the United States the Senate & House of Representatives thereof
Resolved That we most Chearfully and Heartily concur in and Approve of the Measures persued by the Executive of the United States towards the Republic of France in the present unhappy Difference between the United States and that Country
Resolved That we Sincerely wish to Remain at Peace and are Seriously inclined So to be with all the World and Deem the Same to be the greatest of Blessings. But are nevertheless determined to Oppose with Manly fortitude every Nation upon Earth who Shall or may Attempt any Encroachments to Molest, Injure Hurt or to Destroy the Honour Interest or Independence of the United States. And for this we pledge our Honour Our Fortunes and our Lives
Resolved As the Joint fervent and Sincere prayer of this Meeting, that the Great Jehovah the God Gebaoth & Lord of Hosts may take under his Divine protection and into his Holy keeping and guide the President of the United States, the Senate and House of Representatives and all Rulers and Citizens thereof Confidently & firmly to rely That using the means he has Graciously bestowed on us we under his Assistance need fear no danger.
Resolved That the foregoing resolutions be Subscribed by the Chairman and Attested by the Secretary in behalf of this Meeting and be Transmitted to Joseph Heister Esqr. the Immediate Representative of this District to by him presented to the President of the United States

              John Myer ChairmanAttest Joseph Old Secretary


Title: To John Adams from John C. Herbert, 10 June 1798
From: Herbert, John C.
To: Adams, John

Sir
ante 10 June 1798

The Young Men of Alexandria, prompted by their ardent attachment to the excellent constitution of their Country, and alarmed at the dangers which menace its existence, from the unjust Aggressions of a foreign power, beg leave to address you on an Occasion so interesting to the feelings of every American Citizen. Impressed with the liveliest sense of the blessings we enjoy under the Government of our choice, a Government founded on the purest principles of republicanism, and unequalled by any other in the known World, we view with mingled Emotions of Grief, and indignation, the insidious machinations of our foreign and domestic enemies, to diminish the prosperity, and subvert the peace and Happiness of the United States. We highly appreciate the fair Inheritance we have received from our forefathers. The Enjoyment of Equal Liberty and Laws, for this they fought, bled, and Conquered, and this they have transmitted inviolate to us. In vain they met the frowns of tyrants, in vain they struggled for the establishment, and security of their independence, in vain they toiled, in vain they contended, if we their Sons want Valour to repel the Assaults of its Invaders—Never will we disgrace the glorious Atchiefments of our worthy ancestors, never will we part with our Birthright.—Rather than submit to the degradation of our national character, by accepting the proffered terms of an ignominious, and precarious peace, rather than acquiesce in the injuries, and insults our Country has been subjected to, we will vindicate the one, and defend the other, at the expence of our Fortunes, and the hazard of our Lives.
We in common with the rest of our Countrymen, deprecate the necessity of a recourse to Hostilities, but war with all its incidental ills is preferable to base submission. We applaud the policy which provides for the defence of our Coasts, and the security of our Commerce, and lament the ineffectual exertions of our Envoys at Paris to conciliate the existing differences between America, and France. We earnestly hope that all animosities resulting from a diversity of political sentimant, will be superseded by a unanimous determination to stand forth the Champions of the Constitution, and the defenders of public Liberty. Actuated by an enthusiastic veneration for the rights of Freemen, and emulous of that Spirit by which those rights were secured, we pledge ourselves faithfully to cooperate with the Constituted Authorities in any measures which may be adopted for the safety of our Country at this eventful Period—
We cannot conclude this Address, without expressing to you, Sir, our approbation of the Patriotism, Wisdom, and firmness which you have displayed, in the discharge of the arduous duties of your office. We fervently pray, that you may meet with the unanimous, and strenuous support of your Countrymen, in all your endeavours for the preservation of the Peace, and dignity of the United States. May the Great Arbiter of Nations graciously preside in all our Councils may he direct, and prosper all our undertakings, and as his protecting arm assisted our fathers in the acquisition of independence, may he ever perpetuate render successful the Efforts of their Sons for its permanent maintenance

            John C. HerbertRobert YoungPeter  JrM. McRae} Committeeplus two pages of signatures


Title: From John Adams to John C. Herbert, 10 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Herbert, John C.

To the Young Men of Alexandria in VirginiaGentlemen
Philadelphia June 10th 1798

I receive your patriotic Address with great Pleasure. I rejoice that you highly appreciate the fair Inheritance you have received from your Forefathers, the Enjoyment of equal Liberty and Laws: and have no suspicion that you will want valour, to repell the assaults of its Invaders. I agree with you that War with all its incidental ills is preferable to base submission: and applaud your Resolution to vindicate your Countrys honour at the Expence of your fortunes and hazard of your Lives. I will be very frank with you, my young Friends. I fear that your earnest hope that all Animosities resulting from a diversity of political sentiment will be superseded by an unanimous determination to stand forth the Champions of the Constitution, will be disappointed. If Animosities were indecent violent and accrimonious and Alarming under a President, repeatedly elected by an unanimous Voice were violent incident, violent, & accrimonious a perfect Unanimity under another, elected by a bare Majority may forever be despaired of. Think of this my and all its Consequences.—
Most affectionately I thank you for your Civilities to me, and for your Solemn Resolutions and pious Prayers

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Wood, 10 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Wood, James

To the Inhabitants of the City of Richmond in the State of VirginiaGentlemen
Philadelphia June 10 1798

I thank you for this Address presented to me by Mr. Clopton your Representative in Congress.
A free and equal Constitution of Government has rarely existed among Men. As almost all Mankind from the earliest accounts which remain, have deviated from the track, it is not surprizing that Foreigners in this age have not succeeded in the pursuit, especially as we knew they have all set out started wrong. The Republicks of Antiquity, and the middle Ages, while they preserved the Virtues on which alone they were founded, although continually divided in opinion, and perpetually in contest and dissentions about their internal Policy, never failed to unite against foreign Intrigues, Influence and Aggressions, a foreign War, or a prospect of it, never failed to unite them as one Man at home. The latter End of the Eighteenth Century has shewn Us that ever Republic in Europe, has lost its fundament Maxim. The Virtues are gone. Republicks founded on Crimes, & Supported by Crimes are Novelty in the Universe. No Delirium short of modern Philosophy could have ever conceived the Idea.—In virtuous Republicks, it is a Maxim sacred and fundamental, that the Will of the Majority shall be the Will of the whole. But in vicious all Republicks vicious and criminal, the Minority always resorts to foreign Influence for Aid and support, and for assistance. To overthrow and take Vengeance on the Majority. All the Republicks of former times were destroyed in this manner and all the Republicks in Europe which remained have fallen in the same manner, within a few Months. Happy Americans, if you can learn Wisdom from the Experience of others.
I am happy, to find that you appear to be aware of the Danger and determined to escape it.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James McIlroy, 10 June 1798
From: McIlroy, James,McGowan, John
To: Adams, John

To his Excellency, John Adams President of the United States of America
10 June 1798

The Subscribers, Natives of Great Britain and Ireland, and Inhabitants of the City of Albany and its Suburbs beg leave to assure you, at this political Crisis, That they are Impressed with a Strong Sense of the duties of Obedience and Support to that Government, which so benignly protects them; And that they repose a full confidence on the Integrity; firmness; and abilities that have so eminently distinguished your Administration They well know the blessing of a good energetic Government, To be of inestimable value, and they feel with as keen resentment as any, the Outrages and Insults, wantonly and daringly committed by the French Republic against the Interests, dignity, and Independance of the United States.
Permit them therefore to pledge themselves ready to support Government by a cheerful Compliance with every demand that may be made upon their property or their exertions: whilst they refrain from a more explicit offer of service at present, least it, be thought in any respect intrusive or premature—
Subscribed at Albany June 10th 1798, by us—

Jas. McIlroyGeo. ImbrieJames Lloydand 39 others


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Chadbourn, 11 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Chadbourn, Benjamin,Hovey, Ivory

To the Inhabitants of the Town of Berwick in the District of Maine.
GentlemenPhiladelphia June 11 1798

I thank you for this Address.—The Fate of our Republick is at hand.—If there is a Party in this Country, under french Influence, sufficiently numerous to stop the Wheels, or parrallize the Exertions of Government, our Republick is lost forever
Let the People of America determine.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Jedidiah Peck, 11 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Peck, Jedidiah

To the Citizens of the Town of Burlington in the County of Otsego, in the State of New York
Gentlemen
Philadelphia June 11 1798

The Vivacity of this Sprightly Address is rendered the more pleasing to me, by an uncommonly Warm uncommon Warmth of affection to me, and respect to the Government; by the pathetic terms in which you express your Grief, that Wickedness has Seperated, Friends.
Insults, thrown on your Government and your Envoys, are indeed insults to you: and your Sensibility is as amiable as it is just.—It is but right to disregard those who disregard Justice, and attempt to abuse a People because they are weak. In this Country however, those who shall try the experiment may find more strength than they imagine. Hercules has been long Since out of his Cradle.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Caleb Newbold, 11 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Newbold, Caleb,Ridgway, Israel

To the Grand Jury of the County of Burlington
Gentlemen
Philadelphia June 11. 1798

I read with Pleasure in this Address your declaration that it is an Untruth, that the People of America are divided the United States are a divided People, that they have long known and happily experienced the Blessings resulting from a Constitution founded on the Will and Consent of the People, that you admire with Gratitude the Administration of it, and, that you are determined never to see it abused, or the American name traduced with Impunity.
The best Criterion by which a Republick is to be tryed, and the most infallible Judgment of its duration is to be formed, from its Unanimity against foreign Influence and foreign Hostility. The Moment a Party is formed abandoned enough to resort to foreign Influence for support, that Moment may be considered as the commencement of the decline and fall of a Republick.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Beriah Phipps, 11 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Phipps, Beriah

To the Grand Jurors of the Body of the County of Columbia in the state of New YorkGentlemen
Philadelphia June 11 1798

I thank you, for this well written and excellent Address. The Number of Addresses, which I daily receive from my fellow Citizens in greater Numbers than I can possibly answer is the Cause of the long delay of this.
Your Indignation and Alarm are well founded. If there are Citizens capable of being made the disgraceful Instrument of counteracting the Measures of their own free Government, and of prostrating it at the feet of foreign domination, all is lost.
The most infallible Criterion to distinguish, those Republicks which can be supported and preserved from those which cannot, is the Unanimity with which they reject foreign Influence and resist foreign Hostility.
In contemplating our Government as a free representative Republic, We should always recollect that Representative Government is elective Government. And although the Philosophers of our Age, conscious that Elective Governments had from experience acquired a bad name in Europe, have been careful to give them a new one: Yet We should shall not I trust be deceived by the Change of a Name. We know that our Government, whether We call it Elective or representative, depends for its Existence on the purity of our Elections, unbiassed by foreign Influence and untainted by Corruption. Our Government has indeed, displayed a Splendid Example honourable to human Nature, because Our Elections have been pure. But the Corruption of the best Things, is the worst. If Our Elections become corrupt they will exhibit a horrid Example, disgraceful to human Nature.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Abraham Hitten, 11 June 1798
From: Hitten, Abraham
To: Adams, John

Sir
Albany June 11 1798

Being inform’d that it has been pleased for the President of the United States together With the Senate and Congrass to raise Ten thousand men for a provisional Army and having no acquaintance Which I Could apply for a Commission I thought I would take the liberty of addressing myself to your honour on the Subject
As I have Always been verry anxious to learn the Military act I would wish to take this Opertunity more then Ever to enbrace this favourable Occasion to Shew my true trust and Valour to my Country at the verry risk of my property and life and if a Certificate of my Credit and behavour Shoul’d be Necessary I Can very easily get that in Case I Should be honored with a Lieutenant Commission and I would take it as an honour to receive an Answer on this Subject.
I remain your humbel Servent

Abraham Hitten


Title: To John Adams from Josiah Bartlett, 11 June 1798
From: Bartlett, Josiah
To: Adams, John

An Address of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in ample form Assembled, at a quarterly Communication in Boston June 11, A D 1798.To the President of the United StatesSir11 June 1798

Flattery, and a discussion of political opinions are inconsistant with the principles of this Antient Fraternity; but while we are bound to Cultivate benevolence, and extend the Arm of Charity to our brethren of every clime, we feel the strongest obligations, to support the civil authority which protects us. And when the illiberal attacks of a foreign enthusiast, aided by the unfounded prejudices of his followers, are tending to embarrass the public mind with respect to the real views of our Society, we think it our duty to join in full concert with our fellow Citizens, in expressions of gratitude to the Supreme Architect of the Universe, for endowing you with that Wisdom, Patriotic Firmness and Integrity which has characterized your public conduct.
While the Independence of our country, and the operation of just and equal laws, have contributed to enlarge the sphere of social happiness, we rejoice that our Masonic Brethren, throughout the United States, have discovered by their conduct, a zeal to promote the public welfare, and that many of them have been Conspicuous for their talents and unwearied exertions. Among these your Venerable Predecessor is the most illustrious example; and the Memory of our beloved Warren, who from the Chair of this Grand Lodge, has often urged the members to the exercise of Patriotism and Philanthropy, and who Sealed his principles with his blood; shall ever animate us to a laudable imitation of his Virtues
Sincerely we deprecate the calamities of War, and have fervently wished success to every endeavour for the preservation of peace, But Sir, if we disregard the blessings of Liberty, we are unworthy to enjoy them. In vain have our Statesmen laboured, in their public Assemblies, and by the midnight taper; in vain have our mountains and valies been stained with the blood of our Heroes, if we want firmness to repel the Assaults of every presumptuous invader. And while as Citizens of a Free Republic, we engage our utmost exertions in the cause of our Country and Offer our Services to protect the fair inheritance of our Ancestors; as Masons we will cultivate the precepts of our institution, and alleviate the miseries of all, who by the fortune of War, or the ordinary occurrences of life, are the proper objects of our Attention.
instructionLong may you Continue a patron of the useful Arts, and an ornament of the present generation. May you finish your public labors, with an approving concience, and be gathered to the sepulchre of your co-patriots with the benedictions of your countrymen; and finally, may you be admitted to that Celestial Temple, where all National distinctions are lost in undissembled Friendship and Universal Peace.—

Josiah Bartlett. Grand MasterSaml. Dunn D  G MJoseph Laughton S. G. WWilliam Little J. G. WAttest Daniel Oliver Grand Secretary


Title: To John Adams from William Moulton, 11 June 1798
From: Moulton, William
To: Adams, John

Sir
State of N. York & County of Rensselaer Pittstown June 11th 1798

At this important crisis, while the sensibility of our good citizens through the union is awakened by the indignities the United States have suffered from the French government, and while they are signifying their confidence in and approbation of the measures adopted by their own Government, I hope it will not be deemed impertinent or improper in me to testify my sensibility at the nefarious aggression of the former and my entire confidence in and approbation of the latter by a tender of my services to the Executive with whom the power of making appointments is vested.
Permit me Sir to premise that I went from my Accademic studies to sea for the recovery of my health which I followed two years, before I entered the Army, which I did in the York line Holmeses Regt. In 1775. During 1776 I continued a Lieut. in Van Schaicks Regt. of Yonkers from whence I was promoted a Capt in Colo. Warners Regt. in which capacity I served until I was discharged in April 1782. I am known to Mr. Williams Representative from New York as we were in actual service together. I think the Secy. of the Treasury will recognise me as I was an Agent appointed on the part of the Army to adjust their Accompts & transacted business with him in Hartford in the years 1781 & 82.
I am with the most cordial wishes for your / personal happiness / Your Obedt. Servant
William Moulton


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Aiken, 12 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Aiken, Joseph

To the Students of Dartmouth University in the State of New HampshireGentlemen
Philadelphia June 12 1798

I thank you for your Address presented to me by Mr. Freeman your Representative in Congress.
Your modest diffidence in regard to Measures of political Practice, well becomes your Age, and the Pursuits of your Lives science and Literature which have as they ought occupied hitherto the most of your time. But it behoves you to consider well the situation of your Country at the time you are to enter on the stage of Life, and prepare yourselves for the Parts you must act.
Be assured that your Tribute of Duty and Respect, your Love, your Attachment, your Confidence are Words of prescious import, which cannot be considered by me as Words of Course, nor as Words of Art.
your The offer of your Zeal, your Activity and your Lives, to repell the Foe that would make Us slaves in Case your Government should determine it necessary to change the scene of Negotiation to the field of Battle, is very amiable and affecting. You cannot all be soldiers. Society must be supplied with the ordinary Professions and Faculties in time of War as well as in Peace. Those of you who feel an Inclination to a Life of Danger and Glory, may find Employment for all the Activity and Enterprise of your Genius, in due time.
Let me interest you, and all my other young Friends in America whether Students or Men of Business, not to be dazzled by the Splendor, or intimidated by the Horror of modern Events. Remember, that the Roman Republic was revived in the fourteenth Century. That Rienzi was as famous as the modern Heroes. That Petrarch was his Friend and Admirer. That Atheism and Blasphemy were as prevalent and fashionable then as they are now at least in Italy. Let not a young Country be ruined and the only really growing Empire in the orld, be corrupted and ruined by such Extravagances.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Robert Thomson, 12 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Thomson, Robert

To the Federal Troop of Horse, at Newton in the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey,
Gentlemen
Philadelphia June 12 1798

Accept of my Thanks for this Address presented to me by Mr. Thomps Thomson your Representative in Congress.
I rejoice with you in the cordial Testimonies of Attachment to the Federal Government and its Administration, from the different Parts of the Union. Your favourable opinion and candid Approbation, are as agreable to me, as your martial Spirit to Support your national Independence with your Lives and fortunes is glorious to yourselves. Your kind Wishes for my health are returned with Gratitude
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John M. Gill, 12 June 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Gill, John M.,Jamison, Andrew

To the Inhabitants of Washington County in the State of PennyslvaniaGentlemenPhiladelphia June 12 1798

Your Address to the President Senate and House of Representatives has been presented to me
Foreign Governments will always have grounds to believe, that there are divisions Diversities of Opinion, if not divisions into Parties in every Republican Government. Those whose Knowledge of free Governments, is Superficial, and whose Experience is young, will be very apt to Mistake these Diversities and Parties for corrupt Factions which may be Seduced, to unite with a foreign Country in opposition to the Majority in their own. The French however have not found this to happen in their Republick, and they ought to have known Us better than to give Credit to Such hopes or Suspicions here.
The true Criterion of the Soundness of a of Difference between a Sound Republic and one that is corrupted and lost, is the Virtue of the People to Sacrifice all domestic differences and Party animosities, in a cordial Union to vindicate the honor and defend the Safety of their common Country against foreign Powers. This is happily the Character of Americans: And this Address in concert with others is a Proof of it.

John Adams