Title: To John Adams from Jeremy Belknap, 19 September 1789
From: Belknap, Jeremy
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Boston Sepr 19 1789

Your last favor of the 24th July should not have been so long without a reply had I not supposed that your attention must be so employed by the great national business as to leave you no leisure for a Correspondence with me—Indeed had the Occasion been pressing I might have taken advantage of your very obliging offer, to propose Questions to you; but as another time would do as well for me I thought it decent to wait till the adjournment of Congress might render it more agreeable to you—
The kind acception which my first Vol of the History of NHamp has met with & the earnest solicitation of my numerous friends have prevailed with me to attempt another Volume, which I should have begun sooner had my situation & Circumstances permitted—I am now engaged in it—& When I come to speak of the late times that we have passed through I shall very probably have some Questions to ask you.—One occurs to me now—The Seizure of the Fort & Stores in NH in Decr 1774 was in consequence of a Prohibition of exporting Ammunition from Great Brittain—& I have a Copy of a private Letter from a Gentn: in Office on the other side of the Question wh says "Positive proof was had from Holland that military stores to the amount of £400,000 sterlg were actually ordered and purchased from North America & were shipped to various ports among the Islands & on the Continent. This caused an alarm, Col Lee of Marblehead it is said actually received a proportion & dispersed them, He has reimbursed himself by the £800 voted to pay their minute Men, which was raised on Credit. This is truly the secret history of all the business."
If this is fact I think you must have known it and I should be glad you would (if it be proper) give me some accte of the Transaction or if this should lead to any other Information I could wish to have it. You observe that many false facts are imposed on Historians & "the world"—I am fully sensible there is great danger here—& therefore will endeavor to guard against it—& how can I do this better than by enquiring as far as possible into both sides of a contriversy—& of those persons who were in the secrets of both parties?
Another of your observations strikes me very forcibly "some of the most important Characters are best imperfectly known, & many empty Characters displayed in great Pomp—all this I am sure will happen in our history"—The reason that I take such particular notice of this—is that I have been for some years preparing for a biographical History of America &c a Collection of the lives of the eminent Characters which have appeared on our Stage—Ab inito—a specimen of what this work will be I have given in the Lives of Govr Winthrop, Sir Fred Georges—Capt John Smith & Friend Wm Penn which have been published in the Columbian Magazine—I am daily making Collections for the prosecution of the Work but the completion of the NH histy must be made before I can go about this in earnest—When I do I shall probably give you some further Trouble with my Questions—Bernard & Hutchinson must make a part of the Group—With respect to the latter I wish to know how he passed his last days in England—I think they must have been extreely dark & dismal.
I can give you one piece of Information which I doubt not will be agreeable. The Clergy in this Town have agreed to preach on the subject of "paying tribute & custom to whom tribute & custom are due" or a Gospel duty—and particularly necessary at this Time when our new Government is just put in motion—& is administered in such a manner as to be "a terror to evil doers & a praise to them that do well”—Some of us have already spoken on the subject & (excepting that it was not a very agreeable Entertainment to the Ladies, as being rather out of their sphere) I have the pleasure to find that our discourses are approved by the judicious—I am just setting out on a Journey as far as Portsmo & shall as Oppertunity presents recommend this subject to my Brethren in the maritime towns—
Adieu my dear Sir May Heaven preserve you for a long time on Our amens & blessing to your Country—& when assaulted by the envenomed darts of MaliceHic Murus aheneus estoNil conscire sibi—
I am with great respect Sir / yr much obliged & most / hble servt
Jere Belknap


Title: To John Adams from James Sullivan, 20 September 1789
From: Sullivan, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston 20th Sepr 1789

I have the honor to enclose You the paper of tomorrow. the french intelligence will make it Valuable to you the officers of the fleet here appear to feel Exceedingly for their Country.
I am with the highest / sentiments of respect your / Most Hble Srvt
Ja Sullivan


Title: From John Adams to Stephen Higginson, 21 September 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Higginson, Stephen

Sir
New York Septr 21, 1789

Your favor of August 10th was duly received and immediately communicated with several other letters on the same subject to the President. His determination which will be made on the best principles and from the purest motives, as well as the most universal information, for he receives letters and makes inquiries from all quarters, we shall soon know. Altho’ it is not probable to me that Mr Lowell will be the judge, yet if it should be otherwise, I apprehend your fears of an appointment to the place of Chief Justice of the State are not founded—Mr Hancock is not of a character strong enough to venture on such a nomination and his Council would not consent to the appointment, if he did. It would have an happy effect if all the judges of the national Supreme Court, would be taken from the chief parties of the several states. The Superiority of the national government would in this way be decidedly acknowledged. All the judges of the states would look up to the national bench as their ultimate object.—As there is great danger of collisions between the national and state judiciaries if the state judges are men possessed of larger portions of the people’s confidence than the national Judges, the latter will become unpopular. This however is a subject which cannot be very accurately assurtained. It is easy to determine who a C Justice is. But not so easy to say who has most of the public confidence. The morals of the nation and perfection of the constitution; The national character, public credit, private confidence, public liberty, private property: every thing that is sacred, precious or dear, depends so much upon these judges, that the President will choose I presume with caution. In Massachusetts happily there are several among whom he cannot make a wrong choice. The majority of the Senators and representatives from that State have recommended Lowell.—
Your "Ideas of revenue and commerce" I should be glad to receive, as well as any other information relative to the affairs of This Nation, whose welfare is near my heart, Tho’ it is not probable it will ever be in my power to do it much service. My own opinions of what is necessary to be done, to secure the liberty, and promote the prosperity of this Country if not singular, have too small a number of supporters to be of much use: May heaven grant that tragedies and calamities may not in time convince Americans, when it is too late, that they have missed the tide in the affairs of men. Democratical powers equally with Aristocratical powers pushed to extremeties, necessarily produce a feudal system. This Country has already been very over the brink within a short space of seeing hostile armies commanded by factious leaders encamped on every great mountain and defended by a Barons castle. And if more pains and care than any disposition for has yet appeared are not taken to limit and adjust our national government, to raise it decidedly above the state government, and to prevent collisions of sovereignties, we may yet be not so far removed from a scene of feudal anarchy as we imagine. Thus you see I begin to be a croaker, though the character is not natural to me.

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Sullivan, 21 September 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Sullivan, James

Sir
New York Sept 21. 1789

Your letter of the 23 of July remains unanswered. There is in the United States and the regions to the southward of it a body of people, possessed of too much of the public confidence who are desperately in debt, and therefore determined all or any government, which shall have power to compel them to pay. Untill the property possessed by some of these men shall change hands, no government will be consistent in this Country. Trial by jury by the judicial bill and by the amendments to this constitution, already passed I imagine is secured to the utmost of your wishes.
The exorbitance of the power of the crown as it was exercised in this Country before the revolution was not generally complained of—It was the authority claimed by Parliament, and the attempt to increase the power of the crown and to diminish and annihilate the power of our legislatures which gave the alarm. The legal perogatives of the crown were asserted and contended for by Mr. Otis Mr. Thatcher and Mr. S. Adams in speeches and writings constantly, as essential to the protection of the rights of the people, and the liberties of the subject.
Whatever there is of danger in England at present from the power of the crown, arises not from its having an overballance, but it arises from the Aristocracy’s having an overballance. The truth of fact is, that the people on one side and the crown on the other are each of them singly weaker than the Aristocracy: and as power increases like a snow ball, by rolling, if the influence of that Aristocracy should increase much farther so strong an union will be formed between the people and the crown in opposition to it, that the King will be absolute. If a few leading characters among the great landholder’s were united as they were by the late Coalition administration, the Constitution would be overturned. King and people both would be prisoners to an oligarchic Junto. King and people would then unite to pull it down, as they did.—
You hope that our limbs will gain strength by time. Indeed they will. But what limbs? Will the weak ones gain, and the strong ones loose? This would be contrary to nature and experience. The strong arm by constant exercise grows stronger, and draws the juices and nutrition from the weaker. If at our first setting out the executive power is not a counterpoise to the legislative; and if in the legislature, there be not a mediating power, sufficient at all times to decide the disputes between the poor and the rich; we shall not have law, nor consequently liberty nor property. The older we grow the more those ideas of equilibrium to which we were born and bred will wear out of the minds of the people, and Barons wars of a thousand years may be the miserable fate of America, as it has been of Europe. A little longer delay might have exibited the feudal scene in America. Hancock encamped upon Beacon Hill, and Lincoln on Pens hill the one entitled Duke of Tremontown and the other Duke of the Blue hills. Washington encamped on mount Vernon and Henry on some other hillock. Clinton on one side of Hudsons river and Yates or a Livingston on the other. Pushing to  extremities either Democratical or Aristocratical powers without attending to a ballance, produces a feudal system as naturally and necessarily, as the collision of flint and steel produces fire.
I may expose myself to abuse and misrepresentations by such sentiments as these: but I have uniformly entertained them, and hence will discover who is in the right. I have run the gauntlet too long among libels, halters, axes daggers, cannonballs and pistol bullet, in the service of this people, to be at this age afraid of their injustice. Those who wish for anarchy and civil war will not easily gain me over to their party. I am sir & & &
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 22 September 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Tufts, Cotton

Dear Sir
New York Septr. 22d. 1789

Inclosed is a letter from Mr Robert Henry. Let me beg of you to see if the notes are to be found, and to send them to me. One of the Ryans is now in Vermont as Mr Henry tells me. Should be obliged to you if you would let me know, what minutes you find about the affair in my books.I have not heard a word from my farm or garden, since Mrs A. left it. did the grass grow or not.
I communicated your letter to the President concerning the candidates at Newbury Port, and several others on the same subject. But the confidence of the people alias popularity carried it by the help of strong recommendations from your govenor.
When am I to wish you joy?
J Adams


Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 23 September 1789
From: Knox, Henry,Knox, Lucy Flucker
To: Adams, John

Wednesday the 23th September 1789

General and Mrs Knox have the honor to accept with great respect the invitation of the Vice President and his Lady for Thursday the 1st of October


Title: From John Adams to George Walton, 25 September 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Walton, George

Dear Sir
New York Septr 25 17’89

The duplicate via Charle’s town of your letter of the thirteenth of August, never reached my hand till a day or two before the nomination took place to the office of Judge of the district of, Georgia. As I had the pleasure and advantage of a particular acquaintance with yourself, and the misfortune to know nothing at all, but by a very distant and general reputation of the gentlemen nominated, I should have been ill qualified, to make an impartial decision between the candidates. I feel upon all occasions I own a particular pleasure in the appointment to office of Gentlemen who are now well affected to the national Constitution who had some experience in life before the revolution and took an active part in the course and conduct of it.
Union peace and liberty to North America, are the objects to which I have devoted my life and I believe them to be as dear to you as to me. I reckon among my friends all who are in the communion of such sentiments: tho’ they may differ in this opinion of the means of obtaining these ends. I will not say that an energetic government is the only means: but I will hazzard an opinion that a well ordered, a well ballanced, a judiciously limited government is indespensably necessary to the preservation of all or either of those blessings. If the poor are to domineer over the rich, or the rich over the poor, we shall never enjoy the happiness of good government: and without an intermediate power sufficiently elevated and independent, to controul each of the contending parties in its excesses, one or the other will forever tyrannize. Gentlemen who had some experience before the revolution and recollect the general fabric of the government under which they were born and educated and who are not too much carried away by contemporary popular politics are generally of this opinion: But whether prejudice will not prevail over reason passion over judgment and declamation over  inquiry is yet to be determined.
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Richard Puller, 27 September 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Puller, Richard,Puller, Charles

Gentlemen
New York Septr. 27 1789

When I had my audience of leave of his Britannic Majesty, orders given to the master of the ceremonies Sir Clement Cotterell Dormer, to pay me the sum of money that was customarily given by His Majesty to ministers Plenipotentiaries from powers in amity with his court upon like occasions. But as my departure was earlier than Sir Clement could receive the money from the Treasury he desired me name my banker that he might know where to pay the money, as soon as he should receive it. I accordingly named the house of Messrs. Conde & Puller in broad street buildings; presuming that the money was in your hands I drew a bill of three Hundred Pounds about a year ago upon your house, and sent with the first sett a letter of advice informing you of all the  and pointing out another for you to apply to for the money in case Sir Clement should not have paid you. But it now appears that the first of the sett and the letter of advice were lost at sea in the ship which carried them. The second of the sett arrived but without the letter of advice, which amidst a multiplicity of cares I had neglected and consequently came back protested and occasioned me a loss of about thirty or thirty five guineas for interest and damages. I am now determined not to loose my present, for if I should give it up, it would do no honor to his Majesty nor service to the nation, but would only be swallowed up, by some speculating clerk—I therefore request the favor of you to apply to Sir Clement Cotterell Dormer for the money, who will readily pay it. As soon as you have received it you will please to write me, or if any difficulty is made about it let me know that and I can easily find a way to make a noise about it to the discomfiture of those who may be in fault. When the money is in your hands please to order for me as good a gold snuff box with the Kings picture as can be made for an hundred pounds, as good a gold watch as can be made for fifty and send me these insured, and the rest in Cash insured or bills of exchange. The rest will be employed in another manner here for the honor of his Majesty

J AdamsUpon second thought you may send the remainder after pay for the box, and watch, in two silver servers and four silver candlesticks with the Kings arms upon them
J Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Sullivan, 27 September 1789
From: Sullivan, John
To: Adams, John

My good old Friend,
Durham September 27th 1789

Being informed by Judge Livermore that Mr Pickering and myself are nominated for this District; may I ask the favor of your influence in my behalf; you know both our standing in the Law Department, & know that he never had the preference there given him; you know the part I took in the American Contest, and cannot be ignorant that he refused from the commencement of Hostilities untill 1780 to join in our Councils, or Act with us in any of our measures:
If all other things are equal I know your friendship for those who risqued every thing in the American Cause will have its due weight on your Excellencys mind & I flatter myself lead you to Espouse the side of him who now is and ever has been your Excellencys most devoted servant

Jno Sullivan


Title: To John Adams from Hezekiah Welch, 29 September 1789
From: Welch, Hezekiah
To: Adams, John

Sr
Boston Sept 29 1789

I make bold to wright a fue Lines to you again I Beleave you forgot me when General Lincoln was appointed Corlector for the Port of Boston or you whould have Spoke one word for me my Nescessity Obliges me to put you in mind of me a gain I was a Continental Officer during the hole of the war and Behav’d as an Officer as will appear by  the Books most part of the time had three son’s with me, when Peace took Place I had a Balla due me for my Servis near a Eleven Hundred Dollers which through Nesessety I was Oblige’d to Dispose of for four & eight Pence in the Pound am now Living upon that which will Last but a Little time should allways be happy to be doing for my Famely and as the times are hard at Preasent more so with Aged Sea Faring men I have maide Bold to wright to the President a fue Lines acquainting him with my Situation but he Sr is a Stranger to me but so Good so Great a man I know he will always Regaid the Petitions of the Necessitous, Any Recommendaton which may be wanting can be furnished by my Brother Saml Adams who is Liut Govenour of this Common Wealth and by a Number of other Gentlemen if Necessary I should take it very Kind Sr if you will be so good as to speak to Genaral Lincoln on my Accomt as his Return from the Treaty, or if in your Power you whould think of me, Excuse me Sr for Troubling you on my accout but Sr Necessity Obiges me to it / and am Sr your most Obedint / Servant at Command

Hez Welch


Title: To John Adams from Joseph François Louis Deschamps, 29 September 1789
From: Deschamps, Joseph François Louis
To: Adams, John

					Monsieur
					Cadiz Le 29. Sepbre: 1789

				Il m’a été informé que je dois m’adressér a Vre Excellençe; Je le fais avéc confiançe. C’est au sujet de deux balles de Lainages qui furent chargées a Londres pour mon compte sous la marque PSD No 1 & 2. Sur le Nre La Concorde, qui Fut pris par un de vos Corsaires dans sa traversée venant içy: ce Nre, était Neutre, ainsi que moi etant Français; attestation que Je remis du consul de ma Nation; Çelle de la facture  qui monte L Sterlins 820:4s:8d.; et le connaissement en ma faveur a monsieur Franklin a Paris pour les reclamer; Je reçeus la reponçe suivante.“a challiot prés Paris le 9: Deçembre 1777:Mr. Monsr Franklin m’a remis comme Deputé du congrés pour L’Espagne, la lettre quil a reçeu de Vous relativement aux Marchandises appartenantes a vous prises par un de nos Corsaires.J’ay l’honneur de vous avertir la dessus, que la copie de tous les papiers sur cette affaire a été expedié au congrés, et que vous pouvés comptér Sur leur Justiçe. Je vous envoye au meme temps une lettre adressée a tous Nos Capitaines et Commandants, que Je vous prie de Vouloir bien montrér a tous Ceux qui Viendront dans vos ports. Vous Aurés la bonté d’etre persuade Mr. qu’il n’y a rien plus contraire aux Intentions du Congrés que de faire tort, ou de le souffrir d’etre Fait au sujet des nations neutres.J’ay l’honneur d’etre avéc la consideration la plus Distinguée Monsr. vre tres Humble & tres obt Sr: Arthur Lee”Faites moi la Graçe Vre Exce de me dire comment le Congrés a reglé cet objet afin que je puisse me conformér a çe que Je la prie de me faire l’honneur de me prescrire.J’ay Celui D’etre avéc Respect / Monsieur / de Votre Excellençe / Le tres Humble et tres  / Obeissant serviteur.

					Cre: Deschamps


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 30 September 1789
From: Tudor, William, Sr.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Boston 30 Sept. 1789

Your letter of 18th. I received last Evening & it was particularly acceptable as I had experienced much Uneasiness from the Time which had intervened since your last Favour. Notwithstanding your kind Hint at the Close of it, I was chagrined, greatly so, by reading the Paper of this Morning. Not, because I was not named as a Judge, for I think the Judges from this State are well selected & I know their Pretensions in various Respects better founded than any I could lay claim to—But the Appointment of the Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, has disappointed me. The Man Who has obtained that Place has been built up a very handsome Estate in Consequence of his Agency for most of the Refugees who had Debts due to them in this Country, & which most lucrative Employment he got by the Sollicitations of his Father while he continued in England as a Refugee. I never heard of any Attachment or Services shewn by his Family to this Country, but something very different the public Acts of this Commonwealth attest to.—
But my Humiliation is forgot in the Assurance of the Continuence of your Friendship, & I have now only to regret the occasioning you Trouble in my behalf; & that I ever wrote a Line on the Subject to the President. Blessed is the Man who never expecteth for he shall never be disappointed. This Beatitude in future I will make my own, & thus I bid adieu to the Subject forever.
It is singular that Massachusetts should continue "Nothing" from a Want of System & Union in her Delegates. And what is still more disgraceful that Her paltry Policy, & debasing Œconomy should withhold a Compensation for the Noblest Services of her ablest Citizens. Had the Vice President been born on the other Side the Potomac, how greatly would his Foreign services & American Merits have been estimated! As he belongs to New England, it is to be left to Posterity to do Justice to his Character, his Talents & his unparalleled Negotiations. And with such a glorious future Prospect, a Man ought to be content to be a Beggar—say the ungrateful, the Envious & the Miserly.
I am most truly yours
Wm Tudor


Title: To John Adams from Marston Watson, 30 September 1789
From: Watson, Marston
To: Adams, John

Sir
Marblehead Sepr. 30 1789

A Fish Club of Gentlemen in this Town bearing Strong Sentiments of Esteem & respect for your private Character, and with all others of your Countrymen cannot but admire the lustre of your public Negociations while in Europe, & the more, as they feel Indebted for your good Service to their branch of business;—therefore hope that they may be Indulg’d to offer with Propriety, attendant on their Sincere Expressions of Gratitude, a few Quintals of their best Table fish—wch. they have requested me to procure & transmit to you,—in whose behalf I am, with grateful Esteem / Your Excellency’s / most humble servt.

Marston Watson


Title: To John Adams from Pieter Johan van Berckel, 1 October 1789
From: van Berckel, Pieter Johan
To: Adams, John

Hanover Square Oct. 1. 1789

Mr. Van Berckel presents his respectfull Compliments to Mr. Adams, & regrets extremely, that he Cannot have the honour of dining with Him to day, having been indisposed for some time, & not being well enough to venture out this day.


Title: To John Adams from James Sullivan, 2 October 1789
From: Sullivan, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston 2d October 1789

I have to acknowledge the honor of receiving yours of the 17th & 21st instant
In my Letter of the 18th of Agust, I suggested to your consideration, the idea of encreasing the circulating medium of the United States, by some kind of paper Credit. I hinted that I believed, the duties, and import, Established, would call for more cash than is in circulation within the Union, and that there was no instance in any Country where one half of their medium passes through the public treasury annually. In your obliging answer, you reply, that the money, as soon as received into the treasury, will be again paid to the creditors of Government, and so be passed immediately into circulation. And that the States are destitute of that Credit which is necessary to the support of a proper currency. These positions may be both true, but I am by no means convinced of the certainty of the one last mentioned, provided the government is administred with firmness moderation and prudence.
I have been in the Country upon business where money would have appeared if there had been any, and do assure you, that since my first introduction into the world, I never new so much complaint, or saw so much foundation for complaining. Our Common people have more money than the peasants of other Countries, but you know Sir, that their Leaders in the revolution engaged that they should have more. Their habits of expenditure cannot be suddenly changed without great convulsions, and perhaps civil war. It is no easy task to learn to bear poverty with patience but I only mean this as an apology for having troubled you on the subject, and urge the matter no further: Time decides upon all things.
I have read with great pleasure yours of the 21st., wherein you mention with great strength of expression, your determination to urge with integrity, those political principles which tend to give Government a proper balance, and consequently to secure to the people, those rights, for which all good governments are instituted. I believe the people are too sensible of your services to treat you ill, and that your fellow citizens are too much enlightened to persecute a real friend. If your are ever injured, it will be by those, who from a real regard to the principles of despotism abhor every one who took an active part in the late revolution, or by them who have no idea of government, but as it affords them wealth and emolument. These will court you while you are in power to serve them, but the moment your old friends, and the real People at large shall be induced to neglect you, these men will fatten on the triumph.
I might complain of being used not so well as I think I had aught to expect; I engaged early in defense of my Countrys freedom, God knows it was on the purest, and most disinterested principles. I spent the prime of my life in Legislative, and Judicial, Capacities with no Emolument but paper money. I have, while there, been threatened with halters, gaols, &c., by men who are now in the warm Embraces of Government. When the People by an unhappy combination of circumstances were exceedingly oppressed, and a number of them run mad, I took those healing measures on our small scale, which Necker is taking in the great world: and Established without shedding blood by the civil arms, peace, and tranquility. For I believe that in all civil commotions, the less blood there is shed by the civil authority, the more lasting the succeeding peace will be. When the Constitution of the United States was submitted to the Consideration of the people, notwithstanding the  fervor which then reigned, I was honest enough to express my wishes for such amendments as I considered essentially necessary to guard those rights which my Countrymen have bled to preserve, and for no other amendments than what Congress have agreed to, but for this, I find myself neglected by the national government, as I do not want an office for the Emolument of it, so I can make myself very happy with the esteem and love of the people in private life.
Your ideas of an equipoise of powers in civil Government are always entertaining, and instructive to me, and I am generally cautious of expressing opinions to one, on whom the Learned world looks with so much respect as they do on you, but out of respect to you, I will venture to offer a few observations.
All writers upon civil government agree, that there naturally exists three powers, which in a free Government can never be united in one man, or in one body of men: that such a Constitution as these writers speak of ever existed, complete in all its parts I have yet to learn. The Europeans pretend that their orders of nobility Aristocratic bodies forming one balance of the three powers, but it appears to me, that the nobility in every kingdom in Europe are an artificial, and not a natural branch of government, and that the people at large, while they suffer much by, & derive no other benefit from them, than what arises from the wars between them and the sovereign power: without any regard in either for the rights of the people.
When the United States declared themselves Independent, they became separate sovereignties: and according to Montesque, and other writers, the people were both sovereign, and subjects. Their magistrates were their ministers to Execute the Laws, while the body of the people were the supreme legislatures.
Upon the adoption of the General Government, a part of this Sovereignty was yielded, but the several states yet possess a great share of that Sovereignty, over the subjects, and property they held before.
In the departments of the General Government I cannot find any provision expressly made for the three great powers so much talked of. The President under certain advisory checks, holds the Executive Power; the Senate, and House, under the Check of the President’s negative hold the Legislative Authority. The Senate is said to be a substitute for an aristocratic body, but while the two Houses of the Legislature, in the several states choose the Senators, they are still but the representatives of the People though introduced by a sort of double refinement in election.
An Aristocracy, as I conceive of it, must be independent both of Sovereign and People, hence it follows that a Democracy cannot admit the appearance of an Aristocratic body. When I say an Aristocracy is independent of the sovereign and the People, I mean that they are so, as to their future existence and duration.
The supreme Judicial holds that office during good behaviour, which is a tenure quite incompatible with the ideas of an Aristocracy, but this tenure, however pompous it may sound, when cooly examined will be found to be no more than a tenancy at will. And what is worse it depends upon the legislative branch for existence. Though the judges are appointed by the Supreme Executive, during good behaviour; and their salaries irrevocably fixed by the Legislature, yet they may be impeached by the House, and tried and removed by the Senate. Therefore should there ever be a time, when the President, House and Senate, shall agree upon a law for changing the Constitution, and the judges shall refuse to carry it into Execution, they may be removed by one branch of the Legislative power, and their seats filled with men who will act in consort with the other powers of State. Then where is the Counterpoise which is so much talked of? It may be answered that the judges will have integrity and firmness enough to do right. That no doubt is the case with the Present Bench, nor is there Danger of a violation of the Constitution in the Present age. But these observations if they have any weight, may be used to prove all Constitutional checks, and balances to be unnecessary.
The method taken by all the Governments that I know any thing about to support themselves, and counterpoise their systems, is to rob the People of their Wealth, their liberty, and their understanding, and to press them down with standing armies, and all this under pretense of defending them from a foreign power, which could not make them more unhappy, even by a Conquest. But this can never be made the case in America, because the People have got a habit of understanding their own interests, and cannot lose the use of arms.
But I am by no means aware, that the insufficiency of the Judicial, to counterpoise the other powers of Government in the plan adopted by the People of the United States, can ever become dangerous. The constitution has made as I conceive full provision in this case. The existence of the states with uncontroullable, and sovereign powers in some things, is preserved and guarenteed by the General Government and are necessary to the election of Presidt, vice President, and Senators. The legislature of each hath certain honor, rights, and privileges which they will jealously defend, and their very Existence as Sovereign states depends upon the preservation of the balance of the new general Government. To these I look as the most powerful checks, and contemplate them as possessing all the power necessary both to Counterpoise the Union, and to defend the people against the encroachments which may in future ages be attempted upon their liberty.
This species of balance may no doubt be attended with all the evils which you mention as flowing from the encampment of great men, in the various parts of the Continent, but there can be no way to prevent it, unless by the mode of European Governments, that is to rob the people of the power of acting at all, for nature has irrevocably established it, that where man has the power of doing good, he has the power of doing evil. You must therefore rob the people of the power of free agency, or they may do wrong.
In a government where the people have any share of freedom, and profess any quantity of property, the beam of balance will be always vibrating, and will turn more, or less according to the agitation of the surrounding atmosphere, or other accidents. This flows forever from the imperfection of man, and must for the sake of the rights of numan nature, be born in the political, as we bear storms, and tempests, in the natural world.
The dependence I have for peace and good order, is in the wise administration of all our governments, and in the intelligence and goodness of my Countrymen. They possess property, and hope for more, and have given full evidence of their wishing for a government to protect man in the enjoyment of it. They have indeed unhappily fallen into such mistakes and irregularities, as will essentially injure them, but I believe their habits are quite averse to the frequent repetition of them.
Should the Americans ever become ignorant, poor, and undisciplined, a strong state may be erected on the ruins of freedom, but I believe they never will. Should such a government succeed, it will wan voluptious, arrogant, arbitrary, and cruel, and finally like the Roman, & other empires will die of wounds received from its own hands.
Should there ever be an unhappy controversy between the general government, and the particular states, a division of the whole into two or more states will be the probable Consequence, when the northern states will contend still for freedom, but how long they will hold a free constitution, the Century in which the controversy shall take place may determine.
At present we can be in no danger while the general government is administred with impartiality, moderation, and prudence. An attempt to alter the constitution or to infringe the rights of the particular states, would undoubtedly kindle a fire to be quenched only with blood.
I do not give you the trouble of reading this, supposing you would be instructed by it, or that any thing I can write will be entertaining to you: but I wish you to believe that I am fully convinced, that the happiness of a people, depends much upon the principles of the Government under which they live, and that I am firmly of opinion, that the United Independence of America must be preserved by Moderation, Prudence, & Virtue, as certainly as it was acquired by Wisdom, Valour and firmness.
I have the honor to be / with sentiments of the highest / respect your most obedient / and most humble Servt.
Ja. Sullivan


Title: To John Adams from William Cushing, 16 October 1789
From: Cushing, William
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Middletown Octo. 16. Friday Eveng  at Mr. Parson’s the Sheriff’s. 1789

I have this moment been informed of your arrival in town, & should instantly have done myself the honor of waiting on you, were it not that I have been confined to house a day or two with an extreme bad cold, which makes it unsafe for me to venture out in the Evening; If I should be deprived of the pleasure of Seeing you here, by reason of your early departure in the morning (as I understand you intend out Early) I shall do myself the pleasure of calling on you at Braintree as I go to Cambridge Court week after next. I should have Set out hence day before yesterday for Taunton Court, had I not been detained by this Cold. With the highest Esteem I am Sir your humble Servt.
Wm Cushing


Title: From John Adams to William Cushing, 17 October 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Cushing, William

Dear Sir
Middleton Octr. 17. 1789

When I received your Letter of Yesterday it was too late to go out, or I should have instantly waited on you at Mr Parsons’s. this Morning I set out so early that it would be uncivil to oblige You to rise otherwise I would call on you before We go.—
I hope to have the Pleasure to see you at Braintree or Cambridge.
Give me leave to congratulate you on your appointment to the national Bench, and to hope that you will soon give me an Opportunity to see You and Mrs Cushing at New York. I am / with great Regard, Sir yours

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Brand Hollis, 28 October 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Hollis, Thomas Brand

DEAR SIR,Boston, October 28, 1789.

It was not till the last evening that I had the pleasure of your favour, with the pamphlets. They were sent to New-York, but had not arrived when I left it. Mrs. A. has sent the letter back to me. Accept of my thanks for the kindness.
This town has been wholly employed in civilities to the president for some days, and greater demonstrations of confidence and affection are not, cannot be given, in your quarter of the globe to their adored crowned heads.
I wrote to you, my dear friend, a year ago, by a vessel which was lost at sea, and have been much mortified that I have not been able to write to you oftener. But we are men of business here, whether we will or no; and so many things that give us only trouble crowd in upon us, that we have little time left for those which would afford us pleasure.
My country has assigned me a station, which requires constant attention and painful labour: but I shall go through it with cheerfulness, provided my health can be preserved in it. There is a satisfaction in living with our beloved chief, and so many of our venerable patriots, that no other country, and no other office in this country, could afford me.
What is your opinion of the struggle in France? Will it terminate happily? Will they be able to form a consitution? You know that in my political creed, the word liberty is not the thing; nor is resentment, revenge, and rage, a constitution, nor the means of obtaining one. Revolutions perhaps can never be effected without them: but men should always be careful to distinguish an unfortunate concomitant of the means from the means themselves: and especially not to mistake the means for the end.
My most cordial regards to all our friends, and believe me to be ever yours,
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Department of the Treasury, 28 October 1789 to 22 April 1792
From: Department of the Treasury
To: Adams, John

United States to the Vice President
Dollars1789.28. Octr. Warrant signed by the secretary of the Treasury. 2. Decr. Entered in the Registers office. 10. Decr. Indorsed by me for100013 Nov. Warrant signed By the secretary of the Treasury. 2. Decr. Entered in the Registers office. 10 Der. Indorsed by me for20001790Jan 210001790Feb.1000May 17.1000July 9500Aug. 250071000Septr. 241000Nov. 2010001791.March 4.1000April 271000April 30.1000Oct. 201000Decr. 2410001792Feb. 7.1000April1000April 221000


Title: From John Adams to John Adams, 28 October 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Boston, October 28, 1789.

It was not till the last evening that I had the pleasure of your favour, with the pamphlets. They were sent to New-York, but had not arrived when I left it. Mrs. A. has sent the letter back to me. Accept of my thanks for the kindness.This town has been wholly employed in civilities to the president for some days, and greater demonstrations of confidence I

and affection are not, cannot be given, in your quarter of the globe to their adored crowned heads.I wrote to you, my dear friend, a year ago, by a vessel which was lost at sea, and have been much mortified that I have not been able to write to you oftener. But we are men of business here, whether we will or no; and so many things that give us only trouble crowd in upon us, that we have little time left for those which would afford us pleasure.My country has assigned me a station, which requires constant attention and painful labour: but I shall go through it with cheerfulness, provided my health can be preserved in it. There is a satisfaction in living with our beloved chief, and so many of our venerable patriots, that no other country, and no other office in this country, could afford me.What is your opinion of the struggle in France? Will it terminate happily? Will they be able to form a consitution? You know that in my political creed, the word liberty is not the thing; nor is resentment, revenge, and rage, a constitution, nor the means of obtaining one. Revolutions perhaps can never be effected without them: but men should always be careful to distinguish an unfortunate concomitant of the means from the means themselves: and especially not to mistake the means for the end.My most cordial regards to all our friends, and believe me to be ever yours,

					John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Marston Watson, 7 November 1789
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Marston

Sir
Braintree November 7. 1789

The Letter you did me the honor to write me, on the thirtieth of September, has been to New York; and from thence transmitted to this place; but it never reached my hand, till the night before last. The Sentiments of Esteem for my private Character, expressed by Gentlemen who are probably Strangers to me, are very obliging: & the approbation of my possible Conduct abroad, lays me under Still greater Obligations.
The Fisheries are so essential to the Commerce and naval power of this Nation, that it is astonishing that any one Citizen Should have been found, indifferent about them. But it is certain that, at a Time, when there were Reasons to expect that more than one foreign nation would endeavour to deprive us of them, there were many Americans indifferent, and not a few even disposed to give them away.—A knowledge of this was the first and strongest motive with me to embark for Europe a first and a Second time.—after all however, the final Presentation of the Fisheries was owing to Causes so Providential that I can never look back upon them without Reverence and Emotion. Your approbation, Sir and that of your Friends of the Part I acted in that Negotiation, give me great Pleasure
The Present of four Boxes of Fish, has been received in my absence by my Family; and is in every point of View very acceptable to me. As an amateur I shall regale myself and my Friends: as a Well wisher to the Trade I shall endeavour to make the Dish fashionable at New York: and I pray You and your Companions to accept of my Sincere Thanks, for the favour, and my best Wishes for their Pleasure Profit and Prosperity, in the Prosecution of the Fisheries. May you and they live to see a Commerce and a naval Power growing out of your Occupations, which shall render this, the first and most respectable of maritime Nations. I am, Sir with my best Compliments to your Friends and much Esteem for / yourself your most obedient and most / humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from George Walton, 7 November 1789
From: Walton, George
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Augusta, 7 November, 1789.

You have my thanks for the letter which you did me the favor to write to me on the 25th. of september last; and while I express some small disappointment on the subject of it, I beg leave to give you the assurance of a chearful acquiescence. I know that disappointment has often been the cause of opposition and faction: but I trust that I have made a better estimate of men, and of the blessings of society and good Government, than to suffer myself to be governed by its influence. As a proof of this I take the liberty of repeating my application, in the same line, and to the same persons, for employment under the general Government.—Report says, at this place, that Mr. Rutledge has declined accepting the appointment as one of the associate Judges; and the policy of diffusing the appointments will, no doubt, continue to operate. In this view I stand upon the same ground as Mr. Rutledge did; and with respect to pretensions, if they do not evidence themselves, they ought not to be attended to. In any event your approbation will console me.
The sentiments you express upon the general principles of Government, and of the present condition of America, are perfectly satisfactory to my mind; and, as to office, I have felt, perhaps, too confident on that foundation: but I can truly assure you, that, since the 1st. day of July 1776, my conduct, in every station in life, has corresponded with the result of that great question which you so ably and faithfully developed on that day—a scene which has ever been present to my mind. It was then that I felt the strongest attachments; and they have never departed from me.
Should any principle, dangerous to the present views of future welfare, be generated in this quarter, or any thing otherwise eventful present itself, I will take an early occasion of communicating with you; and should you feel it justifiable to withdraw your attention from the engagements of your situation, and somtimes write to me, I shall be particularly obliged: for in truth, Sir, / I am, with the greatest respect and / esteem, / Your most obedient Servant,
Geo Walton.Colonel Gunn, who is now with me and very well, desires his respectful compliments.
I have just heard that Mr. Drayton, of South-Carolina, is recommended. I am not acquainted with him: but the fact is, that, altho a native, he was a british subject, and  a british judge, during the whole Revolution. What idea will be formed of Justice, if such men are preferred?—


Title: To John Adams from Charles William Frederic Dumas, 15 November 1789
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

					Monsieur
					La haie 15e. Nov. 1789

				Après avoir présenté à Votre Excellence, dan une précédente, l’expression de mes sentimens sur son élevation au Poste éminent qu’Elle occupe, permettez, Monsieur, qu’en les confirmant j’y ajoute aujourd’hui de nouvelles félicitations sur les dignes Coopérateurs au bien public, qu’Elle vient d’acquérir par la nomination aux Postes éminents de Secretaire d’Etat, Chef de Justice, & Trésorier genl., de personnages d’un mérite aussi grand, & universellement applaudis, que le sont Leurs Exces. MM. Th. Jefferson, Jn. Jay, & Al. Hamilton.—Mon coeur, comprimé par tout ce que je vois se passer autour de moi en Europe, se dilate à l’idée d’une Administration,  telle que le sera celle de la Confédération Américaine entre des mains si sages & si habiles. Vous ferez honte, Messieurs, &, s. p. à Dieu, la leçon la plus salutaire, à cette Europe; j’ose le prédire.—Dans ce moment, j’apprends que le Département de la Guerre est pareillement rempli par S.E. Mr. le Genl. Knox; & je differe de finir la présente, pour le mander à Mr. Luzac, a fin qu’il l’ajoute au reste que je lui ai déjà comuniqué.—Dieu le bénisse aussi avec touts les autres, le Législatif, l’exécutif, la judiciaire, le maritime, tout le peuple Américain, madame votre Epouse, … famille, & votre Excellence, de qui je suis avec le plus respectueux attachement, le très-humble, & très-obéissant servit.

					Cwf Dumas


Title: To John Adams from Hendrik Fagel, 30 November 1789
From: Fagel, Hendrik
To: Adams, John

					Monsieúr.
					a la Haÿe ce 30 novembre 1789

				La lettre, dont vous m’avés honoré le 26 Maÿ m’est bien parvenue dans son temps, avec le second, et troisieme tome de votre Oúvrage, qué je desirois beaucoúp d’avoir, a caúse de son contenú interessant,. La maniere, dont vous avés developpé vos principes súr la meilleúre forme de gouvernement ne peut etre qu’approuvée generalement, et il seroit a soúhaiter, qu’il pút etre súivi par tout, mais les circonstances ne permettent pas toujoúrs de le mettre en exécution. J’ai appris avec ún veritable plaisir, Monsieúr, qué le nouveaú gouvernement voús a choisi, comme Vice-President, dont j’ai l’honneúr de vous Feliciter. Soús votre sage direction, et celui de Votre Illustre Chef, on ne peút, qué bien augurer poúr la Republiqué des Etats Unis, à laquelle je souhaite toúte sorte de bonheúr et de prosperité, avec la conservation de la paix, quí vous convient, aússi bien qu’a noús. Dieú veuille nous l’accorder longtemps.Notre ami commún, Dr Maclaine a eté trés sensible a Votre souvenir. Il  vous donnera lui meme de ses nouvelles, Il ne me reste, qué de vous assúrer de la haute estime, et de l’attachement respectúeux, avec lequél j’ai l’honneúr d’etre, / Monsieúr / Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteúr

					H. Fagel


Title: Memorandum Concerning Negotiations with the Emperor of Morocco, 3 December 1789
From: Adams, John
To:

3 Dec. 1789

On the 28th. Day of June 1786 Mr. Barclay concluded a Treaty with the Emperor of Morocco.—
On the 1st and 25th. Days of January 1787 the said Treaty was conditionally ratified by Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson,—under whose Direction the Negociations for it were placed by Congress, and conducted by Mr. Barclay.—
On the 18th. Day of July 1787 the said Treaty was finally ratified by Congress.—
On the 23d. Day of July 1787 Congress wrote a Letter to the Emperor, and transmitted it together with their Ratification to Mr. Jefferson; and Mr. Jay wrote at the same Time to Tahar Fennish the Emperor’s Minister, thanking him for his Civilities to Mr. Barclay &c:—
Mr. Barclay before he left Morocco, appointed Don Francisco Chiappe Agent at Morocco, Don Joseph Chiappe at Mogadore, and Don Gulielmo Chiappe at Tangier, subject to the Pleasure of Congress.—
On the 23d. of July 1787 Congress confirmed these appointments.—
On the 24th of July 1787 Mr. Jay wrote to Mr. Jefferson, informing him that it was the Pleasure of Congress, that their Ministers at Versailles and London should regularly correspond with those Agents.—
On the 26th. July 1787 Mr. Jay wrote in like manner to Mr. Carmichael.—
Mr. Jefferson enclosed among other Papers in his Letter of 23d. May 1788, a Copy of a Declaration of 23d. February 1788 of the Emperor in Favor of the Americans, distinguishing between the English and them, and granting them for three Years the Privilege of paying in his Ports only 5 percent Duty on the Importation of their Merchandizes. These Papers arrived the 31st. of July, and were communicated to Congress the 1st. August 1788.—
On the 29th. May 1788 Mr. Jay received a Letter from Mr. Barclay, dated 27th. of same Month, mentioning his having received the like Intelligence from Joseph Chiappe; and on the same day Mr. Jay communicated it to Congress.—
In a letter of the 5th. November 1788, which arrived in May 1789, Mr. Charmichael transmitted the following papers, Vizt.
Copies of two Letters from Francisco Chiappe to him of 20th. August and 5th. October 1788, conveying the Emperor’s Assurances of Amity &c.—
A Letter from Francisco Chiappe to the President of Congress of 20th. August 1788, informing that his Letter of 23d. July 1787 and the Ratification of the Treaty had been received by the Emperor of Morocco.—
A Letter from the Emperor of Morocco to Congress of 17th.—August 1788, enclosing Copies of Letters he had written to the Bashas of Tunis and Tripoli in Favor of the United States.—
On the 20th. July 1789 Mr. Jay received a letter from Mr. Barclay of that Date, mentioning that the present would be a favorable juncture to attempt to form Treaties with the Porte, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, and enclosing the following Papers, Vizt.
A letter to him from Joseph Chiappe of 28th. March 1789 complaining of his silence, and mentioning the commercial a Advantages the Americans enjoy in the Emperor’s Dominions.—
Copy of a Letter from Francisco to Joseph Chiappe of 12th. February, together with Joseph’s Answer of 24th. February 1789, respecting the Indulgence granted for three years by the Emperor to such Americans as trade to his Ports, of only paying half Duties on their Importations.—
Two Letters from Guiseppe Chiappe of 25th. April and 18th. July 1789 to the President of Congress, complaining of no late Advices having been received from the United States, intimating the Expediency of more Attention, stating the Case of Captain Proctor, who had been taken by the Emperor’s Cruisers, and released by his Majestys Orders, and mentioning the Emperor’s Enquiries relative to our Ports &c:


Title: To John Adams from Jan Willink, 8 December 1789
From: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam 8 Decemb. 1789

Shortly after we had the pleasure of paying you our respects under date of the 30 April, we were honored with your Letter of 2 Decemb. A.P.; for its Contents we pray you to be assured of our Sincere thanks, & to do us the Justice to believe that we shall with pleasure embrace every Opportunity that may present for cultivating our private Correspondence, that you express such a desire of Continuing.—
We have as yet only been enabled to send the first Volume of your Defence of the American Government to the several Gentlemen as desired, instead of receiving the compleat sett from Mr: Dilly, we have only reced the first & third Volumes; on which we addressed him, requesting to be furnished with the Second Volume that we might comply with your directions without delay, in reply he informed us that fifty Copies of that volume were Shipp’d us per the Margaretha in Septr. 87. & that as he cou’d not find the Captns. receipt for the parcell, he presumed it had been transmitted us, We immediately made enquiry of the Ships broker who informed us that she arrived here the 5 Oct: 87, but that he cou’d get no intelligence of any such parcell having been on board, which we wrote Mr. Dilly desiring he wou’d send us fifty other Copies, as it is not natural to suppose that you shou’d suffer through any neglect or omission of his, for had he given us proper Information in due time of the Shipping, we shou’d have taken the necessary care to have made application for them on the Vessels arrival, he now informs us in reply to this, that he can say nothing further respecting the Books, but that he will write you Concerning them, in which case you will now be enabled to give him a reply.
The present Political Situation of Europe renders it rather difficult to ground any Opinion on the future events that may arise, we hope nothing will tend to involve our Republick into a War, the blessings of Peace are invaluable at all times, but especially when we see them at the greatest distance, at least they are rendered the more to them, because the impossibility of enjoying them is greater.—
We are highly gratified to observe that the chief offices under your new Government, are filled by such Characters as give universal Satisfaction, & shall be truely happy to learn the Continuation of such Steps, as will procure a great degree of respectability to your Executive, as well as Legislative authority.—
Our Ladies consider themselves particularly obliged by your kind remembrance of them, & have requested to join us in best respects to you & Mrs: Adams.—
With assurances of our Sincere respect & Esteem, we have the honor to Subscribe ourselves / Sir / Your most obdt: & Hble Servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink
Mr. Dilly never wrote us the least word at the time of his Shipping the Copies of the second Volume, thus it was not in our power to have made inquiry respecting them till we reced information of the Transaction.


Title: To John Adams from John Kean, 14 December 1789
From: Kean, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
New York Decemr: 14th: 1789—

In conformity to your request I have the honor to mention such circumstances as came to my knowledge relative to the Gun powder taken by the South Carolinians in 1775—I have not my papers with me therefore cannot be precise as to the day—but think it was in the month of May 1775 that parties of the Militia in the Southern part of So. Carolina were ordered to watch for the arrival of a vessel at Tybee (the entrance of the Port of Savannah) said to be loaded with Gun powder and other articles for the Indian trade; Georgia not having at that time associated with the other Colonies altho a very strong party of Whigs then existed in it—This party also were on the watch for the same vessel—immediately on her getting into Tybee Sound she was boarded by both parties—after a short time a division of the Gun powder was made & the part which fell to the share of Carolina was sent to Beaufort—from thence Lieut. Doharty & myself were ordered with a party of Militia to escort the Gun powder to Charleston this I think was in June—we proceeded until we came within about 25 Miles of Charleston by water where we were met by a party of the Charleston artillery with orders to put the gunpowder on board a small vessel laying in a creek at North Edisto which was effected and this is the gunpowder I have always understood that arrived very opportunely at the Camp before Boston—
The other parcel was taken from a vessel lying off Augustine bar—the manner of which was as follows—The Council of Safety despatched a fast sailing Sloop under the command of Captn. Semprere accompanied by Captns. Tufts, Hatter and several others by the inland navagation to Beaufort where they were reinforced by a party of the Militia—(volunteers)—they went to Sea over Port royal bar & found the vessel had arrived a day or two before—a guard of British soldiers were on board—some had gone up with a part of the Cargoe to Augustine & were hourly expected back again—the vessel was also armed—I think the number of soldiers onboard from the best information were 12 or 14 they were disarmed—the guns of the vessel spiked—about 15 or 20,000 pounds of Gun power put on board the sloop which arrived safely at Beaufort—this I think was in August 1775—it was expected Mr Tonyn the British governor of East Florida would have attempted to have retaken it—to prevent which a company of the new raised troops and two or three companies of Militia from Charleston were ordered to join the country Militia to defend it—but he contented himself with sending to Charleston Bar to intercept the Sloop at that point—while she was conducted safely by the inland passage—some of this powder might have also been sent northwardly and I think Ramsay mentions in his Revolution of So. Carolina that it was—
With great respect / I have the honor to be / Sir / Yr. Obt. Servant
John Kean


Title: To John Adams from William Smith, 14 December 1789
From: Smith, William
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Boston. 14th Decr. 1789.

By direction of the Boston Marine Society, I have the honor to forward you by the Honble. Mr. Otis a Certificate of your Admission as a Member of that Society the 6th of November 1788.
I am with Respect Yr H Servt.
Wm Smith.


Title: To John Adams from James Lovell, 19 December 1789
From: Lovell, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston Decr. 19th. 1789

Though I know of your extreme Delicacy as to any Interference in the executive Affairs of the USs. yet to you I must apply; for, Heaven & Secretary Jackson know I may be chagrined in an Attempt to address the President.
I am in Dread least an Action should take place which will renew Vigor of the Opponents & damp the Spirits of the Friends of Government: And, it will be out of Time to await the Motions of a deliberate legislature.
The enclosed Copy of a letter will explain my Dread. If it appears well-founded and of sufficient Importance to call for a speedy Remedy, a very mild but efficacious one may be suggested. The President may see the circular instructions of Octr. 31st. and advise that it be immediately followed by another stating the Point "To appear, upon Review, to be of such a Kind as to need, perhaps, Legislative Attention;" and therefore proposing to the Collectors to stay all Proceedings therein "Till they hear again from the Treasury.
I am totally rong in my Conceptions of the Business, or else it may be expected that one single Suit commenced in each of the States would produce a Multitude of News paper Suggestions of a very unpleasant Sort both respecting the General Government and its new Law Courts.
Am I consummately impudent in this application? Whatever may be your Judgement of it, you may be assured I will attribute so much of that Charge to myself as to keep my Doings herein a profound Secret.
I am endeavoring to break the Neck of some Enemies to the French Consulate here. You must know I admire that Institution, because by the Kings Ordinances it’s Chancery has all the Spirit & Essence of our Jury of Equals.
The Herald enclosed proclaims my first Onset, as the Printer of it did not feel my sly Knock at his licentiousness so sensibly as to refuse me the Use of his Types.
Here, I am aground; for, as your Lady has all my Regards, what have I left for you? The Jus Mairti must relieve me. Demand you Quantum from the Bone of your Bone or as RTP Esquire would quaintly gallicize it—from that Bonne of You Bon.
James Lovell


Title: To John Adams from Henry Marchant, 19 December 1789
From: Marchant, Henry
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Newport State of Rhode Island Decr. 19th. 1789

Yours of the 17th. of Sepr. I have been honored with.—I truly esteem myself so by every mark of Your Attention—Your unexpected Visit to Boston prevented an Answer sooner—My Concern as a Friend to my Country is awakened at the Account You gave of some disagreeable symptoms attending your Breast upon close Attention, and in publick Speaking. How We can spare You from the first I scarce can tell—But you must somewhat abate in the Severity of it—As to the latter Reading &c, I would advise that You let one of the Clerks do all the publick Reading, even every Motion made.—I know many Explanations and Observations Opinions &c. &c. must be expected from the Chair; but You have a peculiar Faculty of speaking multum in parvo—
I was very glad to find upon my Return that my Family had found out your Son:—He had taken up Lodging and could not be tempted to release them. His very agreable Manners and Improvements rendered Him too entertaining to cause any Regret, but that of His too suddenly leaving the Town—We hope Mr. Adams and His, will never pass Us without Notice—
You must be right, and I stand corrected as to the Time of the Prediction &c. I heretofore alluded to—It must have been,—I well remember it was at Philadelphia—The Matter, and the Effect of it, as it struck my Mind, and to all Appearance every Member present I never can forget.—I have mentioned it a hundred Times, tho’ not the Author, save to a very few—
You may remember when I had the Honor of seeing you at New-York last Sept.—I informed You Our Assembly had been called specially, after I left Newport.—that it boded no good;—and I was confident the Govr had been induced to it, by His Friends who were alarmed at what might take Place in the New House at Octr sessions,—and therefore were determined by some Means or other, if possible, to raise some Difficulty in Their Way:—It turned out so.—The special Assembly, (at which I arrived in Time to be mortified with their Conduct)—directed Town-Meetings to be called to give their new Members Instructions—Those New members had been appointed in Consequence of the Alteration which had greatly taken place in the Minds of the People as to the Paper Money System: But the People still not so much relenting in their Opposition to the new Constitution did indeed instruct their Members agt. a Convention—Upon Consultation out of the House, we found most of the New Members would have wished giving a vote for a Convention, if the Disposition of the People had been any way flattering, of Success in a Convention—This not being the case, it was thought prudent, the members should conduct agreeably to their Instructions, thereby to continue their Credit with their Constituents, till They might be induced to more favourable Sentiments of the new Constitution—With this Opinion the old Federal Members politically coincided. Our Assembly again sits the second Monday of January—The Ground is considerably changed since the Instructions given last October, The Amendments have been sent forth by Congress, And North Carolina by a very large Majority have acceeded to that Union for which I sincerely give You Joy.
What effect those Circumstances may have we cannot positively conclude. We have been often deceived in Our Hopes, and I do not wish to be sanguine—As to interested Motives, I know of none of much importance, that we can advance to Our Country Members that have not been already urged, that will operate till the next Fall upon Them—While Our merchantile Interests on the fifteenth of January will be in a most deplorable State—it has been an unhappy Circumstance hitherto, that nothing could be done by which the merchantile and Country Interests should be affected at the same time,—and unless the merchantile interest is indulged till next fall, they must suffer and severly too, at least nine Months before the Country Interests can be much affected—This however upon the Supposition that there should not be a voluntary giving up of former Sentiments, or the Measures of Congress should not prove sufficient Inducements to lead our People to a Spirit of Condescension—
I was at New Haven the beginning of Novr. when I placed my Son under President Stiles, in the second Year—I arrived then two Hours after His Excellency The President, had left the Town on his Return to New-York—
I hope you have refreshed your Body and Spirits by Your journey; and that you found Mrs. Adams & Family well—Be pleased to present my Respects & Compliments—
I am most truly / Your old and / sincere friend
Hy: Marchant


Title: To John Adams from John Paul Jones, 20 December 1789
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Amsterdam Decr. 20. 1789.

The within documents, from my Friend the Count de Segur Minister Plenipotentiary of France at St. Petersburg, will shew you in some degree my Reasons for leaving Russia, and the danger to which I have been exposed by the mean subterfuges and dark intrigues of asiatic jealousy and malice. —Your former Friendship for me, which I remember with particular pleasure and have always been ambitious to merit, will I am certain be exerted in the use you will make of the three Peices I now send you, for my justification in the Eyes of my Friends in America, whose good opinion is dearer to me than any thing else.—I wrote to the Empress from Warsaw in the beginning of October, and sent her Majesty a Copy of my journal; which will shew her how much she has been deceived by the account she had of our Maritime operations last Campagne. I can prove to the World at large that I have been treated unjustly, but I shall remain silent at least till I know the fate of my Journal.
It has long been my intention to offer you my Bust, as a mark of the respect and attachment I naturally feel for your virtues and Talents. If you do me the honor to accept it, I will order it to be immediately forwarded to you from Paris.
I intend to remain in Europe till after the opening of the next Campaigne, and perhaps longer, before I return to America. From the troubles in Brabant, the preparations now making in Prissia and in this Country &c. I conclude that Peace is yet a distant object, and that the Baltic will witness warmer work than it has yet done. On the death of Admiral Greig, I was last Year call’d from the Black Sea, by the Empress, to command a Squadron in the Baltic &c. This set the invention of all my Enemys and Rivals at work, and the event has proved that the Empress cannot always do as she pleases: I do not therefore expect to be call’d again into Action.
Present I pray you my respectful compliments to Mrs. Adams, & believe me to be, with sincere Attachment, /Dear Sir, /  Your most obedient /and most humble Servant

JPaul JonesMy address is under cover
"A Messieurs N. & J. van Staphorst
& Hubbard à Amsterdam."

N.B. Mr. Jefferson will inform you about my Mission to Demmarc. I received there great politeness, & fine Words. That Business may soon be concluded, when America shall have created a respectable Marine.


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Higginson, 21 December 1789
From: Higginson, Stephen
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston Decr. 21: 1789

I intended myself the honor of a little conversation with you, before you went to Congress, as to the trade of this State. We are suffering very much for want of a proper inspection of Our exports. That We now have, under the State Laws, is, as to most articles, worse than none—It serves to conceal & encourage Frauds of every kind in preparing our exports for market. We surely can supplant Ireland in every open market, with our Beef, pork & Butter; & we can vie with the British in the various kinds of pickled fish, at any foreign port, where we are admitted. In every instance, where the Shipper has been personally attentive to have these articles well put up, we have had the preference, both on account of the quality & price; but, very few of our exporters are good Judges of these goods themselves, & fewer still can find time for such attention.—I know of no way of getting our exports into good repute abroad, but by a strict inspection of them; & to Effect this, there must be a system with a responsible man of good character & information at the head of it, in each State. Let him be answerable to the Shipper who sustains any loss by having bad goods delivered him, that have passed inspection, or being branded by an inspector—Let him have the power to appoint & remove persons under him, & oblige him to give large Security when he enters into office.
He will then take care, that none but faithful men & such as can give him ample Security shall act under him.
Every one then will feel a responsibility; & their interest will induce them all to do their duty. The fees which are now paid to no purpose by the Trade, are nearly sufficient for the purposes. Our exports are such as call for more than common care in fitting them for market; but the attempts made by the State to regulate them have done more hurt than good. The towns appoint such, & as many as they please, without any regard to character or qualifications; & we can hire, for the fees, the brands of many officers, or obtain their certificates for goods which they have never seen.—Our Beef, pork, Butter, pot & pearl ashes, pickled fish of various kinds, flax Seed & lumbers, constitute a large proportion of our exports in value, as well as in bulk; & all these articles require inspection.—This must be made as responsible & a respectable department or nothing can be effected. Governments cannot find proper men in every seaport in this state for inspectors but a good principal residing here can; nor can the trade bear the expense & loss of time, which must attend our having only one place of inspection. Every facility shd. be given, & every expense saved to the exporter; but the regulation of exports should be such as will give safety & confidence to the shipper, as to the quality, & tend to bring them into good repute abroad.—
I can not but consider your revenue system as very defective, without such a responsible man at the head of a large district. Every petty collector in our out ports now feels quite independent, having no one within 300 miles that can call his conduct in question; and I am sure that ten times the amount of the salary proper for such an officer will this year be lost, for want of his influence, care & inspection. But this defect I think will soon be remedied—and it will be seen by so many, & the loss to the public will be so evident to all who attend to the Subject, that I am persuaded Comptrollers or inspectors of instructions of districts will be appointed.—I should think that one man of ability & activity—well acquainted with our Commerce in all its branches might be sufficient for the N. E States.
We suffer very much in this state from the unequal trade we now have with the British. They take from us in our vessels, even in their home ports, only such articles as they can not do without; & in their Colonies They will not admit us with any thing on any terms. Our oil is loaded by them with an enormous duty when in their own bottoms, & prohibited in ours; & yet theirs is the best now that we can find for the most valuable kind. We are totally deprived if the intercourse we had with their islands, Newfoundland Canada & Nova Scotia; they are not permitted to draw from us, even in their bottoms, the supplies they want, except in times of uncommon scarcity, or some particular articles, which They can no where else get without great trouble & expence. But they have nearly the same advantages in Our ports, they used to enjoy. Other foreigners do but little interfere with them in carrying our exports to market; &, they as yet can vie with us, & must have a large share in that branch, the tonnage &c. notwithstanding. This inequality ought not to continue, but the difficulty is how to remove it. Should we at once adopt a resentful, restrictive System, the effect may be to increase the Evil. We may lose their markets for ashes flax seed & white oil &c., which would injure the trade of this State very much; without gaining any thing to balance it; for we could not much profit by their being excluded our carrying trade, as we now pursue that branch as far as we have the means, or think it for our interest. The Government of the union has now so much the appearance of respectability & efficiency, the British may be brought, perhaps by wise & prudent measures to view it as meriting attention, & to have some respect for its movements & decissions. I should hope more from open & calm negotiation than retaliation.—If we exclude them as carriers, we must tempt others by high freights to carry our produce. The northern States alone cannot for a number years carry off all the produce of America, unless the Business be made much more productive, to call our main efforts & attention that way; & this can not be done without causing a great alarm & much uneasiness in the southern States.—The NE States, & particularly this feel chiefly the weight of the British restrictions—the others never had much intercourse with Nova Scotia NLand or Canada; & their exports to maintain are not affected like ours.—As the carrying business is a great object with the British, we may gain somewhat by negotiation, as an equivalent for their enjoying it, & in this the Southern states may feel & go along with us. But if we attempt in the first instance to restrain the British, our southern friends may get alarmed, and leave us without support; & should we succeed in drawing them into our Views, we may both be disappointed in the effect produced upon the British.—I feel the necessity of having a more equal & reputable trade with the British; but I am not yet satisfied that we can either compel or conciliate them to more reciprocal terms—The latter however at present is, in my mind, more eligible & promising.—
I have taken the liberty of suggesting to you in a hasty manner these loose Ideas for your consideration. If they prove of no use, nor throw any new light upon the subject, you will excuse the manner when assured the intention is good.—
With much respect I have the honour to be / Sir your most hume Servt.
Stephen Higginson


Title: To John Adams from Jabez Bowen, 28 December 1789
From: Bowen, Jabez
To: Adams, John

Sir
Providence Decmr 28. 1789

I Congratulate you on the accession of No. Carolina to the general Government. our Antis are Thunderstruck at the News more especially as the Majority was so large. I have waited several Days to find out what they intend to do wheather to agree to Call a Convention or stand out longer; in hopes that something would Turn up to perplex the New Government. They are not well agreed among themselves. But the Heads of the party lately proposed (at one of Their Night Meetings) that the Duties on all Goods Imported should be put verry low (say one pr Cent.) and That our Ports should be opened to all the World (or in other words that Rd Island should be the St Estatia of the North. The Consequences of such a proceedure can be better seen by you Sir than by me—and I have no Idea that Congress will suffer such a set of people to remain impune in the verry middle of their Territory.
Our Genl. Assembly meets on the second Monday of January, when we shall muster all our Forces to procure a Vote for a State Convention. if we fail ’tis proposed by the most Respectable Inhabitants of the Towns of Newport, Providence, Bricker&c to seperate from the State Government provided  Congress will protect us, and we wish to know thro some safe medium whether This Idea meets the approbation of Congress, or wheather some different mode will be adopted to Oblige us to submit. When 49 parts out of 50, is for the Adoption, and one half of the 50th part are of the same mind I hope and Intreat that Congress will not think of Restricting our Trade, as that will but Distress the Federal Town, and will be well pleasing to our Antis. in a word we shall be happy to fall in with any measures that will be adopted by Congress for the Compleating the Union. if Congress would Answer the Letter Received from this State before your Adjournment and State in short the necessity that there was of their committing the Consideration of the Federal Government to the People in the way prescribed by The Grand Convention and by the Old Congress and perhaps hint that it was necessary that something should be done before the first of April it might bring some of them to consider of the necessity of Acting soon on the Business—
I fully intended to have seen you when at Boston but was prevented by Indisposition, please to present Mrs Bowen’s & my Comps to Mrs Adams—
I remain with the highest Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt. & verry Humb Servant
Jabez Bowen
P.S. in a Letter to the President I lately asked the Question about our seperation. it may not be amis to let him know that I have wrote to you on the same subject &c—


Title: Memorandum, 1789
From: Adams, John
To:

ca. 1789

President.Vice-President.Mr. Langdon1.Mr. Dalton & Lady2Mr. Wingate1.Mr. Strong1Mr. Johnson & Lady2Mr. Elmer1Mr. Elsworth1Mr. Patterson1Mr. Morris1Mr. Bassett1Mr. Maclay1Mr. Read1Mr. Carroll1Mr. Lee1Mr. Henry1Mr. Fen & Lady2.
Mr. Izard & Lady2Mr. Gunn & Lady2
Minister of France &}2Mr. Jay & Miss. Levingston2Madme. de BrahanThe Board of Treasy5Minister of Spain1Govr. Clinton & Lady2Genl. Knox & Lady2Mr. Chs. Thomson & Lady2.
Quœre. Would it have been proper to include Sir J. Temple, the Swedish & Dutch Consuls, in the above list?


Title: To John Adams from Aedanus Burke, 1789
From: Burke, Aedanus
To: Adams, John

1789

Mr. Burke presents his Compliments to the Vice=President and is sorry he cannot do himself the honor of dining with him, having been previously engaged—


Title: To John Adams from George Clymer, 1789
From: Clymer, George
To: Adams, John

Saturday 1789

Mr. Clymer’s respectful compliments to the Vice president is sorry he cannot have the honor of dining with him on Thursday being engaged on that day—


Title: To John Adams from Peter Silvester, 1789 to 1790
From: Silvester, Peter
To: Adams, John

Monday 12 O’Clock—1789-1790

Mr. Silvester presents his most respectful compliments to the Vice President and acknowledges the receipt of his kind Invitation to dine with him on Fryday next But begs he would be so kind as to excuse him as Silvester is holding himself ready to return home as soon as he can consistantly after Thursday next—


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Tudor Tucker, 1789 to 1797
From: Tucker, Thomas Tudor
To: Adams, John

1789-1797

Mr. Tucker presents his Compliments to the Vice-President, & will do himself the Honor of waiting on him on Thursday next.


Title: To John Adams from Gasparo Soderini, 1 January 1790
From: Soderini, Gasparo
To: Adams, John

Sir
Venice January the first of 1790

However since long time that I received your orders notwithstanding the distance of the situation justified my direction in it; and I have the honor to include the answer of the Bolonian University to the other of Cambridge.  Your Excellency be pleased to grant me the permission to seize this happy opportunity in order to confirm You the sentiments of my esteem and respect, to wish You and your worthy Family all the happiness and blessings that I would for myself; and to assure your Excellency that wathever occasion could arrive in wich, I could shew You my obedience and consideration will be a real pleasure to my heart.
I have the honour to be /  Your Excellency /  Your Most obbedient and respectful /  Servant
Soderini


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 4 January 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					United-States  January 4th 1790

Whenever there shall be a sufficient number of the two Houses of Congress assembled to proceed to business, I request to be informed of it. And also at what time and place it will be convenient for Congress that I should meet them, in order to make some oral communications at the commencement of their Session— I have the honor to be / Sir / your most humble Servant

				Signed)
					G. Washington


Title: To John Adams from Charles Puller, 6 January 1790
From: Puller, Charles,Puller, Richard
To: Adams, John

Sir
London 6 January 1790

We are duly favoured with Your Letter of the 27th September last which We take the Opportunity of the first Packet to answer & to acquaint You what We thought You must have known before this Time, that Soon after Your departure Sir Clement Cotterell paid us agreable to Your directions the Sum of Three Hundred Pounds being the usual present deducting fifteen pCt. as the Customary allowance to Him for the Business passing through His Hands & We accordingly in the Account We settled with Messr. W & J Willink & N & J van Staphorst of Amsterdam of the Monies paid You passed the sum of Two Hundred & fifty five Pounds to their Credit on the 4th. April 1788 which Accounts We supposed You would have been acquainted with & We therefore having no Money belonging to You in Our Hands were surprised when Your draft for £300 was presented to us with out any Letter of Advice & We wrote to Our Friends Messr. Willink to have their directions about it but they answered that they did not know at all on what Account said draft was drawn & could give no orders about it.  This Explanation We imagine will clear up the Business to Your Satisfaction & We must therefore wait further directions from Your relative to the Snuff Box & other things & We beg leave to assure You We shall be always happy in any opportunity of being Serviceable to You here. We have the Honor to remain always / Sir / Your most obedient humble servants
C & R Puller


Title: To John Adams from Dr. John Jeffries, 7 January 1790
From: Jeffries, Dr. John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston, 7 Jany. 1790—

I lately received a pacquet from Dr. Bancroft, containing the inclosed for you.
By the date &c of the Doctor’s to me, it appears that it was designed for me at Rathbone Place, London; but not being seasonably to meet me there, has been forwarded by a friend, the latter end of October last.—
The Doctor likewise mentions two Volumes said to accompany it;—but these, the friend who forwarded the Packet, informs me were not sent with it; nor have I upon enquiry been able to get any information about them, further than that they were not sent.—
Were it not for this circumstance; and that it is possible, the Letter may contain some other matter than respecting myself, I would not, (after so many personal intrusions, honoured with as many indulgencies from you) have added this to the many and important obligations I owe you & yours.
As I intend improving the earliest good opportunity for England, it renders it improbable I shall again have the honour of paying personally my respects to you or Lady,—will you permit me in improving this, to renew my most grateful acknowledgements for the professional confidence, and the honourable friendship you afforded me in London; and to assure you that I did at that time, and ever shall lament, that my abilities and every other pretension on my part, were so very little worthy of it.—
My dear Mrs. J. who is now in the straw, (having blessed me with a Son) laments even more than myself, that she can not have the pleasure of paying her respects to Mrs. Adams—we unitedly tender her our best and most respectful wishes.
If she should visit this part of the Continent before we leave it, it will afford us singular satisfaction, to have the pleasure of seeing her.—
If, Sir, supported as you are, by such able and more important friends on both sides the Atlantick, there should be anything in which I can in any way be useful to you or any friend of yours, I shall be made happy in proving the obligation I owe you, and tho I may not presume more will engage for fidelity and attention.—
With my most cordial congratulations for the honourable situation which you so deservedly hold; and best wishes that you may succeed to the next, whenever Providence may make it eligible. I request to subscribe, as I feel, your obliged, affectionate friend, and very respectful humble servant
J: Jeffries


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 7 January 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 7, 1790

				A quorum of the House of Representatives have assembled, and are ready to proceed to business.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 7 January 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 7, 1790

				The House of Representatives have appointed Messrs. Gilman, Ames, and Seney, a committee, on their part, to wait on the President of the United States.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 7 January 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					January 7, 1790

				The House of Representatives have resolved, that two Chaplains, of different denominations, be appointed to Congress for the present session, one by each House, who shall interchange weekly.


Title: To John Adams from Pierce Butler, 9 January 1790
From: Butler, Pierce
To: Adams, John

Sir.
New York January the 9th. 1790—

I feel very sensibly the impropriety of Your Address to me in Senate yesterday.  As it was a very indellicate departure from the line of Your Official duty, I did expect that You woud, while in the Chair, have made at least the same Apology You did out of it. Namely, that You meant me no offence. The strong desire I have of promoting and preserving harmony in that branch of the Legislature induces me to take no further notice of it at this time; but if ever any thing Similar to it takes place again, I shall in justification of my own feelings, and of the Situation in which I stand on that floor, be under a necessity of personally resenting it.
I am / Sir / Yr Humble Servant

P Butler


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 January 1790
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Sir!
Kingston 9. Jan 1790.

The Bearer of these Letters Mr. S. T. G. Mappa, late Commander of the armed citisens in the Province of Holland, was one of the most distinguished caracters of the Dutch Patriots. His abilities in different re Spects—his manners—his braverÿ & knowledge—his Sacrifices wil entitle him to your Excellencÿ’s protection. there the manÿ obligations with which your Excellency was pleased to honour me Since Several years makes me so bold to recommend this Gentleman in your Excels: favourable acquaintance.
There he cannot be presented by the Dutch Minister to the President, I dare implore for this worthÿ and amiable man—your Excellencÿ’s introduction. being persuaded, that no Sooner Mr. Mappa wil deplayed his talents, of you Excellency wil have pardoned before my the temerity of my troubleSome petitions
I am with highest Sentiments of respect and eSteem / Sir! / Your must obedent and / obliged Servant
Fr Ad vander Kemp


Title: From John Adams to George Washington, 11 January 1790
From: Adams, John,United States Senate
To: Washington, George

Sir.
United States In Senate January. 11th. 1790

Address of the Senate of the United States to the President of the United States in answer to his Speech—
We the Senate of the United States return our thanks for your Speech delivered to both Houses of Congress. The accession of the State of North Carolina to the Constitution of the United States gives us much pleasure; and we offer you our congratulations on that event, which at the same time adds strength to our Union, and affords a proof that the more the Constitution has been considered the more the goodness of it has appeared. The information which we have received that the measures of the last Session have been as satisfactory to our Constituents as we had reason to expect from the difficulty of the work in which we were engaged—will afford us much consolation and encouragement in resuming our deliberations in the present Session for the public good; and every exertion on our part shall be made to realize and secure to our Country those blessings which a gracious Providence has placed within her reach.—
We are persuaded that one of the most effectual means of preserving peace, is to be prepared for War; and our attention shall be directed to the objects of common defence and to the adoption of such plans as shall appear the most likely to prevent our dependence on other countries for essential supplies.—In the arrangements to be made respecting the establishment of such Troops as may be deemed indispensable, we shall with pleasure provide for the comfortable support of the Officers and Soldiers, with a due regard to œconomy—We regret that the pacific measures adopted by Government with regard to certain hostile Tribes of Indians, have not been attended with the beneficial effects towards the Inhabitants of our Southern and Western Frontiers, which we had reason to hope; and we shall chearfully co-operate in providing the most effectual means for their protection, and if necessary for the punishment of Aggressors.—The uniformity of Currency and of its Weights and Measures, the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad, and the exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home; the facilitating the communication between the distant parts of our country by means of the Post-Office and Post-Roads, a provision for the support of the Department of foreign affairs, and a uniform rule of naturalization by which Foreigners may be admitted to the rights of Citizens are objects which shall receive such early attention as their respective importance requires.—Literature and Science are essential to the preservation of a free Constitution the measures of Government should therefore be calculated to strengthen the confidence that is due to that important truth.—Agriculture, Commerce, and Manufactures forming the Basis of the Wealth and strength of our confederated Republic, must be the frequent subject of our deliberation; and shall be advanced by all proper means in our power.—Public credit being an object of great importance, we shall chearfully cooperate in all proper measures for its support.—Proper attention shall be given to such papers and estimates as you may be pleased to lay before us. Our cares and efforts shall be directed to the wellfare of our Country and we have the most perfect dependence upon your co-operating with us on all occasions in such measures as will insure to our Fellow-Citizens, the blessings, which they have a right to expect from a free, efficient and equal Government—
(signed)
John Adams. {Vice President  of the United States  and President of the Senate}


Title: To John Adams from Rev. George Duffield, 20 January 1790
From: Duffield, Rev. George
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philada: Jany: 20. 1790

From the knowledge I have formerly had of your benevolent disposition, & steady attention to the public good, I am encouraged to request your attention to a matter, which, if it answer the Inventor’s expectation, may be of great use in printing public securities &c, & entitle the author of the Invention to the notice of Congress.—Mr. Francis Bailey, a printer in this City, & the bearer of this letter, has, as he apprehends, devised a manner of printing, which it will be next to impossible to counterfeit, of which, he, if admitted, will more fully inform you.—What the Invention is I do not know. But with respect to Mr. Bailey; I have been long intimately acquainted with him; & know him to be a man of great integrity; & I think, I may safely say, universally esteemed by his acquaintance for his honesty & uprightness.  & has been a uniform, steady friend to his Country,—If his Invention be found worthy of encouragement, if I might presume so far, I would entreat your Interest in his favour, in any application, which, consistent with you Idea of propriety, he may make to Congress on that head.
I am, with the most sincere esteem / Honoured Sir, / Your most obedient / humble Servant
Geo Duffield


Title: To John Adams from Thomas McKean, 20 January 1790
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philadelphia January 20th. 1790.

This will be handed to you by Mr. Francis Bailey, printer of the Freemans Journal in this city.  I esteem him as an intelligent, ingenious & honest man.  He has lately invented a simple method of making ornaments, devices and eventypes for securities, certificates and other public papers, which cannot possibly be counterfeited.
As soon as his invention shall be made known, it can be used by any printer, and no patent could secure him much benefit from it: He therefore hopes for employment from Congress in the line of his business so long as he may deserve it, as the only reward for his discovery.  With this view he goes to New-York, and requests me to do him the honor of introducing him to you, and solliciting your patronage.  Your countenance and recommendation will oblidge an industrious & worthy character.
Be pleased to make my compliments acceptable to Mrs. Adams, Colo: & Mrs. Smith, and permit me to subscribe myself, what with great sincerity I am, / Sir, Your most obedient humble servant

Tho M:Kean