Title: To John Adams from Nathaniel Hazard, 16 April 1792
From: Hazard, Nathaniel
To: Adams, John

Sir
Newyork 16th. April 1792—

I was duly honored with your Favor of 10th. March, & delayed acknowledging its Receit, fearing, I might be considered, as too prompt, & intrusive for a recent Introduction & Acquaintance.
Early in this last Summer, I was assured; that the Author of “the Defence of the american Constitutions” would be closely attacked in the Fall.  My Informant, was an intimate Friend of the Printer’s, whose Press it afterwards appeared was to be dedicated to the democratic Side, as a Ballance, to Fenno’s Aristocratic one.  The democratic Paper commenced its Operations in the Fall, but, with a Moderation, which I did not expect.  “The Recluse Man,” called out “Peter Pendulum” which was an Anticipation; by it, the Attack was unexpectedly carried into the Enemy’s Country Territories, with an Impression, which I believe, was disheartening, & made a Truce desireable, instead of a contemplated, offensive Excursion.
I have read the Notes on Virginia with Pleasure; after which, I read little more than the Introduction “to the Defence”, on which, I gave to an intimate Friend, my impartial Opinion, as to the literary Merits of both, long before I ever expected to be honored with the Acquaintance of either Writer.  I believe the former to be a Scholar; but the Science of Government, which requires a thorough Knowledge of the human Head and human Heart, is not attainable by the most laborious Study.
He who beleives the People of America, are a People sui Generis, as to private, or political Virtue, must be very young indeed.  Almost every faithful Whig, must have felt the contrary, in whatever Station placed, whether public, or private.  I endured a seven Years Exile, & sacrificed not only an acquired Competence, but the Patrimony of my Ancestors, to a zealous Belief, in the Resources, and Faith of my Country.
I esteem “The Defence” as a most valuable Epitome, of political & ethical Knowledge, which explains satisfactorily to me, the true Causes of many Facts, I have noted in my Walk thro’ Life, which appeared to me difficult to account for. The Neglect shewn to literary Men in Republics, as mentioned in the Introduction, struck me very forcibly.  Half a dozen able Pens, in a Country; are capable of causing a Revolution in public Opinion.  In 1785 Mr. Trumbull, with three or four Associates, effected it in Connecticut:  In 1786 I proposed to him to establish a Society of literary Masons, throughout the Continent, who should combine to build the Temple of Science & Virtue.  But it was thought too hazardous an Undertaking; that all the little Rogues, and great Block Heads in America would take the Alarm, and combine together.  In the same Year, Two in this State, who have recently been honored with your Notice, were almost the only Writers, who were angrily charged by a leading Antifederalist, as having been instrumental in “blackguarding the State into the Impost”. The very Words; of the disappointed State Impost Man.
I observed with much Pleasure in “The Defence,” the Error of Mankind imputed to the Head, and not to the Heart.  Authorities to support our supposed, peculiar Opinions, are very grateful.  I admire Sterne’s Philanthropy, as much as his Wit—He observed most benevolently “There is a Fund of Cullability in the human Heart”. A Discoverer of “Political Heresies” spoke so warmly and feelingly of Sterne, when I was in Philadelphia; that I told Mr. Trumbull, I would agree to spare farther Effusions, if a peaceable Line of Conduct was adhered to.
I do not recollect any Positions of the Author of “The Defence,” which I dissent from, having Reference to the Time when he wrote, & his instant Views.  I think however, there is Room, for honest Men, to mistake and misapply his Doctrines.  I believe the Constitution of the United States was meant by many of the Federalists, to be nearly analogous, to that of this State, that an aristocratic Strong Hold of the State Sovereignties in the Senate, was  meant & stipulated.  With Burke, I respect “the Compact”, both from Motives of Peace & Policy. I think his last Publication the “Appeal from the new Whigs to the old ones” contains much sound Doctrine, & deep Knowledge of Men and Things.  When the People of this Country, feel it advantageous, to give more Tone to the Executive, and less to the Senate, it would perhaps better arise from the same impressive Conviction, as induced us calmly to emerge from a State of deprecable Anarchy, to a firm well toned Government, which I ever admired & advocated.
I inclose an Extract from Burke’s last Pamphlet Page 22 which struck me forcibly on Reading, as very analogous to the Time and Circumstances of America, & explanatory of the Feelings and Views of the Author of “the Defence” when he dwelt with such imputed partial Stress, or mixed Monarchy.
The rapid Succession of calamitous Events, caused by overtrading in the Funds, has produced such a Concussion as this Country never before witnessed.  How far it will extend, or what will be the Effect of this wide spreading Ruin, it is impossible to divine.  The Secretary of the Treasury, may lay his Account for many holiday political Hosanna’s, turned into “Crucify”.  It is the Lot of Man.  Great and good Men of this Day and Country, have been unmeritedly his Precursors in this thorny Path of Trial.  His Enemies and those of the Government, say that Government should have checked the Spirit of Speculation, when it transcended the real Value of the Funds—or Stocks;—there is an Appearance of Weight in this Objection, which I wish could easily be removed. To the Assumption of the States Debts  I have always been a Friend, and esteem the National Bank, a national Benefit.
I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of the highest Esteem, and profound Respect., /  Sir /  Your most obedient & very humble Servant

Nathl. Hazard


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Willis, 16 April 1792
From: Willis, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada Aprill 16th. 1792

the defeat of our late army & Considering them subject to similar disasters led me to invent something if possible to support them in future, & I believe I may with propriety inform your honour that I have happyly Obtaind it—Sir it is A Carriage on four Wheels piked all Round mounts two Cohorns or small Cannon severl Blunderbusses &&c— Mand by ten or twelve men About the size of A Common Waggon only higher A Breast to Cover the men it may be drawn by 2 horses & made Use of as A baggage waggon till wanted for the Use intended for—that is to Cover the flanks of an Army on A line of march to form A Front & Rear Guard—with Great safety & small fatigue to Cover Reconitering parties  to Escort supplys to different Garrisons—A sergeant & ten men I am much of Opinion with one of these mooveing Batterys whold Prove Impregnable against 4 times the number of Indians or Any Other warriors without the Use of Artillery in Action the horses Are taken Out & the men under Cover Can Advance or Retreat Nearly as fast on level Ground with as without it—I have shown it to Generall Mifflin. he much Aproves of it & told me it was his Opinnion that four of them which Could be mand by 40 men whould have prevented the defeat of our late unfortunate Army—Sir if this should be thought usefull I should be happy to lay it & some others Before You that I think will be of Great benefite to the Army—
I have the honour to be with the / Greatest Respect Your Excellencys / most Obt hun Servt

Thos Willis


Title: To John Adams from John Singleton Copley, 20 April 1792
From: Copley, John Singleton
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
April 20. 1792.

By this conveyance I send a case directed for you, containing two prints of the Death of Lord Chatham framed and glaized; one of which you will find marked with your name; the other with General Washingtons name; the first, I beg you will do me the honor to accept; The other, I take the liberty to request you will present, in my name to General Washington; As the painting from which the print has been taken, has been a very popular work, in this Country and the production of an American; I trust it will not be, an unacceptable, though a small tribute, and expressive in a very feeble degree, of the respect I feel for such distinguished merit as General Washington possesses.
Mrs Copley and family unite in best regards to Mrs Adams, and your self, with your Most Obt. and faithful / Humble Sev

J. S. Copley


Title: From Sc., Merchants of Charleston to John Adams, April 1792 to May 1792
From: Charleston, Sc., Merchants of
To: Adams, John,United States Senate

					To the Honorable the President and the Honorable Members of the Senate of the United States of America.
					April—May, 1792

				The Memorial and Petition of Sundry Merchants engaged in Commerce previous to the late Revolution Humbly Sheweth.That your Memorialists chearfully concurred with their Fellow–citizens from the year 1774 in such measures as were deemed necessary to oppose the Claim of Great Britain over America, to Secure its Independence and to Establish the blessings of Liberty and the happiness now enjoyed by its Citizens—That to defray the Expences of the War, Congress as well as the State Governments found it necessary to have recourse to the Emissions of Paper money and Congress Resolved “That any person refusing to receive said Bills in payment, or obstruct and discourage the currency or circulation thereof, such person should be deemed published, and treated as an Enemy to his Country.” And afterwards by Subsequent Resolutions Congress recommended to the Legislatures of the Several States of the Union to pass Laws to make such paper Money a legal tender in all payments and agreeable thereto—such tender Lws were passed by the different States.That your Memorialists were largely concerned in Trade with the Merchants in Great Britain before the War: That the Merchants in this Country from its earliest Establishment had been in the habit of importing on Credit and disposing of those Imports payable when the Planters brought their Crops to market, whereby the Importers were always indebted to the Merchants in England and the Planters and Consumers to the Merchants here; That the Mutual Confidence was such that Instances of Bankruptcy or Suits from England were rarely known here.That when the troubles between Great Britain and America first began, large Sums were due by your Memorialists to their Correspondents; That large Sums were also due to your Memorialists in America from the Planters or Consumers of those Merchandize for which they stood indebted;—which if the war had not happened they could easily have remitted, and after payment of their debts, most of them would have had handsome Fortunes left.That the Sacrifice of a Lucrative Trade they made chearfully, and readily agreed in the first Instance to the Non–Importation Agreement. That to give Efficacy to this measure Congress Resolved in June 1775 “That no Bill of Exchange draught, or order of any Officer in the British Army or Navy, their Agents or Contractors, should be Received or Negotiated or any Money supplied them by any Person in America.” No other Bills could be procured at that time, By this Resolution together with the Non Exportation Agreement, your Memorialists were prevented from paying their debts by the Acts of their own Governments, and which was farther enforced by the British Prohibitory Act which Effectually prevented and rendered it absolutely impossible for your Memorialists to make Remittances by an Act of the British Government. And your Memorialists assert for Fact that an honest desire in Some to pay their debts and prevent the ruin of their friends, having attempted to make circuitous Remittances had their Goods seized and Confiscated by the British.That in consequence of the Tender Laws and large Circulation of paper Money, the far greater part of your Memorialists outstanding debts due to them in Specie Value were paid off in depreciated Money at different times, and in many instances they did not receive three pence in the pound. And your Memorialists received the same upon the Faith of the Public repeated by pledges, and of the Abilities of the Union to make good the Expences of the War carried on principally with the Emissions of the Paper money.That as late as September 1779. by the Circular, letter of Congress to the Citizens of America which was unanimously agreed to by that Honorable Body, your Memorialists had the strongest assurances—Of which they never entertained a doubt that the paper Money would be redeemed by the United States with Specie, having the inclination as well as the Abilities to comply with the same; And such was the Confidence of the Citizens that many Sold their property and lodged their Monies in the Public Funds.—But that by the Fourth Article of the Definitive Treaty of Peace, your Memorialists saw with Grief and Astonishment that they were to pay those debts in Sterling Money of Great Britain which the laws of their Country had obliged them to receive in depreciated Money, and they are even threatened now that they are also liable to pay the Interest during the War; Altho’ the measures of the British Government had Effectually stopped all possible means of making remittances; that by this Article of the Treaty your Memorialists are adjudged to pay that for which they never received Value, and are left a Prey, to their British Creditors.That your Memorialists entertained hopes that after the adoption of the New Constitution and the System of Funding the Public debt, they would have found themselves in Some measure indemnified of their Great Losses by some adequate provision for the redemption of the Continental Money: But to their great Mortification it was to be received only at One hundred dollars for one. That your Memorialists do no mean to Embarrass the measures of Government, but to State the peculiar Grievances they labour under to the Representatives of the Nation in full confidence that they will listen with a tender Concern to their Complaints and afford them the most ample relief the Nature of their truly Melancholy Case and the present happy Situation of their Country will admit of.That your Memorialists entertain no doubt that the Stipulation of the Fourth Article of the Treaty of which they complain could only be founded in Necessity to restore the blessings of Peace and was in fact the only Sacrifice made on the part of America: It was the price of peace.Your Memorialists humbly conceive that it has been the policy of every good Government, that when the Interest of Individuals hath been Sacrificed to the public Weal, that they should receive Compensation form the Community that benefits thereby; That in a Case similar to your Memorialists after the Conclusion of the peace Great Britain altho’ unsuccessful, has made ample Compensation not only to the Loyalists who had suffered by their Attachment to the British Government but also to the inhabitants of East Florida who Suffered in their property by the Cession of that province to Spain: Because it was the price of peace on their part.That unless some relief is extended to your Memorialists to indemnify them in some measure for the unparalleled Losses to which they are Subjected by the Treaty of Peace, many of your Memorialists will be greatly reduced in their circumstances, and the rest will be left to groan under the Misfortunes of insolvent debtors—Not by their own Acts, Not through want of Industry or prudence; but by the power of the Sovereignty of Government which rendered their ruin Inevitable—And while their fellow Citizens enjoy the blessings of the peace and the Comforts of Life; Your Memorialists will probably be doomed by the same peace to behold the happiness of others from a prison! The Widows and Orphans of those who are already fallen Victims to their Misfortunes occasioned by the Circumstances before Stated will be left in poverty and distress, Altho’ intitled by their Situation before the War to Ease and Opulence.—Your Memorialists humbly hope that from the above Representation of Facts your honorable House will be inclined to take the premises into Consideration and they trust that the peculiar hardships borne by the Merchants will awaken the Sympathy of Government. Wherefore your Memorialists humbly pray your honorable House to grant them such Relief in the premises as to your Wisdom and Justice shall seem meet and your Petitioners will ever Pray

					[60 Signatures]


Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 1 May 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 1st: May 1792

I have the honor respectfully to submit to the Senate, a Report on the petition of Samuel B. Turner, late an Ensign of the Maryland battalion of Levies, on the expedition under Major General St Clair—
With the highest Respect / I have the honor to be / Sir / Your most obedient / huml servant

H KnoxSecy of War


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 5 May 1792
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Philadelphia May 5t. 1792

I hope this will find you agreeably reposing at your pleasant Seat after a tedious and fatiguing Session—which however is not ended nor do I know when it will be.  They have agreed to Saturday next but such long speechifications as took place on the excise &c will protract the time two or three weeks.—The Senate are almost unemployed and wish for a recess, but it will hardly do for them to insist on rising at the time, and the House of Reps, will not be ready.
We heared transiently of Mrs Adam’s being not worse for journeying as far as New York. I hope she will be perfectly recovered by the change of air.
The confusion from the late failures &c seems a little to subside and Stocks rise again gradually hence I suppose money grows more plenty—
Mrs Otis Miss Smith & Miss Otis join me in kind remembrances.—
I have the honor to be / Your most humble Sert
Sam. A. Otis


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 12 May 1792
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada. May 12th. 1792

I hope this letter will find you and Mrs. Adams comfortably set down at Braintree, where your mind will have time to recover from the fatigues of a very discordant Session—There has been done however a good deal of important & useful business, which will conduce towards the great Desideratum of public order.  The provision for the Election of the President & Vice President & for the contingent Vacancy of the Chief Magistracy—the supplement to the funding System—the post office—the reform of the departments—the militia laws—the representation law—the revision of the excise—the promotion of manufactures by the additional import—the fishery law—the abolition of the limitation of military claims—the Mint law—the Coinage law—and the act relative to North western & Southern Territories are in their substance or in their influence upon the public mind of great Importance.  To perceive their Value one has only to look at them in the shape of fourteen subdivisions of the same subjects by the fourteen state legislatures.
The adjustment of other matters of an executive nature might be added to the above, & would encrease the sum of public Benefit.
The arrival of Mr. Pinckney has taken place since your departure.  I wish it had been prior to that Event. Important Advantages would have resulted from your affording him free conferences on men & things, as they were inhibited to you in Great Britain. It has however been of use that he has been & will yet be some time here, as far as regards information.  He was very attentive to the proceedings of the representives at which he was present every day—The great advantages will result from the time he spends with the Members of the legislature and with the gentlemen in the Departments I regret that he does not depart for several weeks.  Had he sailed immediately after his arrival from Charleston he might have reached London before the rising of Parliament—I do not know the Cause of his Delay.
There is a confirmation by way of the Spanish Islands of the change in the Spanish Ministry—D’Aranda for Florida Blanca, which I presume is not likely to prove any disadvantage to the U.S.
The disaster in St. Kitt’s & that Vicinity will contribute to the Scarcity of Sugar, which is taking place at the moment when that article and the Beverages into the composition of which it enters have become objects of the most extensive Use.  This last event will accelerate the quickness with which the grain & fruit distilleries were likely to be substituted for those of Molasses.  On this Subject hangs a very capital interest of the State of Massachusetts, which does more of the distilling business than all the rest of the United States.  It is become impossible that they should be employed on foreign materials and they cannot be too soon made sensible of this truth—
I have the honor to inclose you a paper on the State of the Union which it is my intention to continue monthly as in the case of the Examination of Ld. Sheffield.  My objects you will perceive are three—1st. to unfold to general View some facts, which are not generally known or of which a proper Estimation is not made by the people—2dly. To obviate incidentally or directly, objections which are made to the acts of the legislature and of the executive—& 3dly to shew foreign Nations some of their errors, in opinion and in conduct, in regard to the United States—My next number will proceed with persuasion to the Southern States & western Country and the Mercantile interest in favor of Manufactures, which I think the most formidable of our pursuits to the restricting Nations of Europe.  I have the most sanguine hopes from a temperate course of investigation upon every part of my Countrymen, and I know that if I do not attain the end of public Conviction I shall inform my own mind and correct my own Judgment by the Lumination—I shall not fail to transmit you the remainder of these papers, as the printer of the Magazine supplies me with an hundred Copies.  I shall send them regularly to my friend Col. Smith, to whom I have written copiously by ships from this port.
You will be pleased to hear, sir, that since the opening of the Pennsylvania land office nine hundred & fifty farms of 200 Acres each in our new Country have been bought of the State by ten Dutch & English Subjects—Proceedings of this Sort which give us back the funds they have bought, and which interest them to promote migration hither, will diminish our fears about the burden of paying them their Interest.  While I feel great Satisfaction in these Investments, I own they operate to increase my anxiety to strengthen & finally to settle our National Government. Such hosts of foreigners should be placed immediately under the wholesome restraints of just power—The increase of the French Emigrants, particularly of the unfortunate Colonists, has been such within a few weeks as rather to quicken rents, tho Congress has risen.
With my most respectful Compliments to Mrs. Adams—I have the honor to be, Sir, / your most obedient / & most humble Servant
Tench Coxe


Title: From Richard O’Brien to John Adams, 12 May 1792
From: O’Brien, Richard
To: Adams, John,United States Senate

					To the Honourable Senate of the united States of America
					City of Algiers May the 12th. 1792

				The Humble Petition of us the undersigning Citizens of the united States who are now Languishing prisoners at Algiers—Humbly Sheweththat we youre petitioner’s had the misfortune of being Captured nearly Seven years ago by Cruisers belonging to the Regency of Algiers while we were navigateing Vessels belonging to Citizens of the united States.that we were flattered for a Considerable time with the Expectations held up to us that we would be Redeemed from Captivity as Soon as it Could be done with propriety and Consistant to the Interest of our Country. that to effect this Redemption Mr John Lamb was Sent to Algiers on the part of the united States and that he entered into and agreement with the Regency of Algiers for our Ransom in Consequence of which the Terms were Recorded on the books of the Regency. but Mr Lamb never Returned to fulfill them by the payment of the Ransom money. Though he promised in the name of the United States to do it in foure months.that we understand that Several persons have been empowered to make inquiries whether the Ransom agreed upon by Mr Lamb might not be Reduced but all attempts of that sort have hitherto proved ineffectual. the Regency Declareing that the Contract made by the agent of the United States ought to be Dischargedthat we were for Some time Suplied with Such Sums of money as Served together with the prospect of Redemption held up to us to alliviate in Some Degree the Rigioure of our Captivity but those Suplies have Ceased for a Considerable time Dureing which we have been Reduced to the utmost Distress.that owing to the Maloncholy Situation to which we are Reduced one of us James Garnet has been Deprived of his Sences and is Confined in a Dungeon. The Rest Remain Distitute Allmost of all the Necessaries of life and in this Deplorable Situation we have Resisted any Temptations to enter into the Service of the Regency that might be hereafter attended with Repentance or Remorse. Trusting in the Justice and Humanity of Congress that we Shall never be Reduced to the Necessity of abandoning our Country & ReligionWe Humbly pray you will further consider what our Sufferings must have been Dureing that trying period of Nearly Seven years Captivity twice Surrounded with the pest other Contagious Distempers (which has Numbered Six of our Countrymen in the bills of Mortality far Distant from our Country) and families without any that prospect or assurances of ever Seeing them moreWith these Sentiments we Entreat that Some attention will be paid to our Situation and that Congress will before the whole of us perish take Such Steps towards our being Liberated as in theire Judgement Shall appeare proper and Right. and youre petitioners will ever pray and be Thankfull

					Richard OBryenJosai StephensAndw. MontgomeryAlexander ForsythJas: Lear. CathcartGeorge SmithPhilip SloanPeter LorinThs Gregory BillingsJacobens I. PanierWilliam PattersonJames GarnetJames Gull


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 15 May 1792
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada: May 15th 1792

At the closure of a long and very fatiguing Session, it may be some amusement to see the minutes of the business and I have accordingly sent them since your departure. The House would have sat longer but the Senate got out of all patience, and as usual hurried over the business, reading off bills by their titles, and three readings in swift succession, Hurrying & scolding at poor Secretary because he could not perform imposibilities & get long Bills thro the press by imprimatur. I declare I think the two or three last days of the Session worse than all the rest, and dread them accordingly. I should regret this pressure less if necessary, but tis not if Senate and House would by a joint Committee arrange the business each House would get thro nearly at the same time—now, all the business originating in Senate lies until the close of the Session when it comes back for alterations and amendments. This comes hard on the Senate, but much worse on the President of the United States—He may have the bills read indeed in the little time allowed him but certainly he has no time for deliberation
I hope this will find you & your good lady in good health. Mrs Otis Miss Smith & Miss Otis join in respects from / Sir / your most obedt. & Huml Set

Sam. A Otis


Title: To John Adams from Jan Willink, 24 May 1792
From: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam 24 May 1792

Without any of your excellency’s esteemed favors, we wish to give you in consideration whether it would not be convenient & proper to appoint a Consul here, as we are assured is in Hambg. as your Capns. may here frequent occasions for legal assistance, as Likewise Germans to settle in your Country, if your Government may find it usefull, we should be happy if one of us was appointed thereto as we should consider it, as a flattering proof of confidence.
We need not especially expose to your Excellency our manifested Zeal for the intrest of the U. S. whch. our vigilant exertions will always promote to the Utmost of our power.
We leave entirely to your excellency to judge abt. the conveniency of the subject & to act accordingly, and we have written to nobody on the matter, since we should be too sensible to an unsuccessfull sollicitation.
We beg Leave to pay our best respects to your Lady, and have the honor to be with great esteem / Sir / Your most Obed. Humble Servt.
Wilhem and Jan Willink


Title: From John Adams to Tench Coxe, May 1792
From: Adams, John
To: Coxe, Tench

Dear Sir
Quincy May  1792

The first Thing I have to communicate to you, must be an Explanation of the Date of my Letter.  The Legislature of Massachusetts, last Winter, upon a Petition of the North Parish in Braintree, Seperated it from the rest of the Town, erected it into a new one and gave it the name of Quincy.  By this Measure you See they have deprived me of my Title of “Duke of Braintree,” and made it necessary that my Friends should write me in future, as an Inhabitant of Quincy. So much for this Brimborion.
Something that interests me much more is your obliging Letter of the 12th: of this month.
I Should have been happy to have seen Mr: Pinkney before his departure: but more from individual Curiosity, than from any opinion that I could have given him any Information of importance to him.  If he has the Talent of Searching Hearts, he will not be long at a loss: if he has not no Information of mind could give it him.  The Duke of Leeds, once enquired of me very kindly after his Class Mates at Westminster School the two Mr: Pinkneys, which induces me to conclude that our new Ambassador has many powerful Old Friends in England.  Whether this is a Recommendation of him for the Office or not, I have other reasons to believe that his Family have had their Eyes fixed upon the Embassy to St: James’s for many Years, even before I was sent there, and that they contributed to limit the duration of my Commission to 3 Years in order to make way for themselves to succeed me.  I wish they may find as much honour and pleasure in it as they expected.  And that the Public may derive from it Dignity and Utility.  But knowing as I do the long Intrigue and suspecting as I do much British Influence in the appointment, were I in Any Executive Department I should take the Liberty to keep a vigilant Eye upon them.
Accept of my Thanks for your Reflections, on the State of the Union, which I have read with all the Pleasure which the Intelligence, Information, Accuracy, and Elegance of the remarks on Lord Sheffeild inspired.
There is one secret which you must be careful to keep.  Manufactures must have good Government. They cannot exist where they are, without it: much less can they be introduced where they are not.  But a great part of the People of America appear to be so determined to have no Government at all, that if you let them know the whole Truth you will excite an unmanageable party against Manufactures. Manufactures cannot live much less Thrive without honour, fidelity, punctuality, public and private faith, a sacred respect, to property and the moral obligation of promisses and contracts, virtues and habits which never did and never will generally prevail in any populous Nation, without a decissive as well as an intelligent and honest Government. The Science of political Œconomy is but a late Study and is not yet generally understood among us.  Tho I have read most of the Authors of reputation on the subject, both among the French and English, I pretend not to have digested any thing relative to it, with the precission of a Master.  But to me it appears, that the general Interests of Agriculture in particular as well as of the Nation in general will be promoted by a dis-creet and judicious Encouragement of Manufactures: and that it is only the Land Jobber, who can be benefited in the rapid rise of his Monopoly, by drawing every Labouring hand into the Wilderness to fell Trees.
The continued Accessions of Foreigners, will endanger and destroy our peace, if We know not how to govern them. They will moreover corrupt our Elections and tear us to pieces. Sufficient to the day, however, as is its own evil, and in that day and hour it always has been and I doubt not always will be given us, to provide against its dangers.
remember me affectionaly to all Friends and / believe me to be faithfully yours
(Signed) John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 10 June 1792
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia June 10th. 1792

I have the honor of your letter from the Town of Quincy, of the erection of which I was not before informed: nor did I ever hear you distinguished by the title of “Braintree” unless the tree of knowledge may be so called.
Mr Pinckney is still here.  I do not know precisely when he will depart. No ship, which he likes, is to be found in Phila. or N. York destined for England. The Sidney, of Baltimore, for Amsterdam offers to land him at Dover or Deal, and the President, of Baltimore, will sail in about six weeks for London.  I think one of those ships will carry him.
Public officers owe services to their country beyond those which are in the circle by which their official duties are bounded.  On that ground you may be assured, Sir, your intimation in regard to the commixture of a particular influence in the business first mentioned in your letter will be faithfully remembered for the public Service.  The effects of extensive pecuniary obligations to G. Britain have been more serious than all those which  our public debts to other nations have produced.  In one state they have given rise to an animosity inconvenient to the interests and not perfectly consistent with the dignity, of the United States—In another they have produced a dependence, which has, perhaps unknown to the parties, produced some dispositions no less injurious to the public weal.  Allowances must be made for these things as they are far from being of weight with a Majority of either state; and many of the debtors are persons of great Merit, either personally or politically.
I am thoroughly sensible, sir, that manufactures require good government. They help too in an improving country to support it, for every manufacturing village in the interior country is a school of regular dealing founded upon the sober rules of property and commerce in a greater degree than the separate business of the surrounding Country.  They will make friends of the substantial part of the landed interest because they will be near & good customers for their productions.  Their course is wonderful.  Iron may be considered to be as good a test of the rise of manufactures, as Mercury of heat—It has been advanced from £24. in 1787 to £35 in 1792 tho we have many more works than we then had.
The interior or midland & western Country of Pennsylvania appears to be disposed to move in the business of the next Election.  They will probably make up a ticket in which will be acceptable to such a Majority of the State as to ensure its decided Success—I do not believe it will be more favorable to national views than those on the two former occasions, and there will be more talents on the side of the State of Governments, and much more Energy.  Our federalists are out of humor tho I think in most respects without reason—No complaints are made of the rejection of any very respectable Pennsylvanian in the official Arrangements. If they have not a certainly or probability of the permanent Seat of Government, it is partly the act of our own Members.  They are relieved from Land tax, and the excise is not so high as under the State laws.  The city, which is large and will be heard, murmurs at the duties, the country in general are not fond of the debt, and wished for discrimination.  They only look at the worst Circumstances in the plan of Assumption, & forget the best. However they are possessed of property, of the means of increasing it, of industry, have a good judiciary system, are not to be disquieted on the religious subject, have good laws in regard to property and are in habits of sound and in many parts of enlightened morality.  Temperate and candid addresses have a great influence among them and whenever  men of sense, information and virtue will take the pains to inform and advise them they read with avidity, & due sobriety—
Nothing is yet said of the electoral Ticket, but I think it will be settled (in regard to the names of the Electors) pretty much in the same way as the Reps. Ticket.  I pay more attention to both these tickets than I wish to appear, because there are some such strange republicans as to maintain, that the moment a free Citizen becomes an officer of Government he ought to refrain from exercising those rights of a freeman in which they place an unlimited estimation.
I have the honor to be / with perfect respect, Sir, / your most obedt. / & most hum. Servt.

Tench Coxe


Title: To John Adams from John Ewing, 18 June 1792
From: Ewing, John
To: Adams, John

Honourable Sr.
Philada. 18 June 1792

Permit me to introduce to your Notice Mr. Samuel Miller the Son of a much esteemed Clergyman, late of Dover in the Delaware State, and formerly known to you, as I understand, there were some Connections between your Families.  He has undertaken a Tour to Boston to learn the political and ecclesiastical State of your Country, before he settles himself in a Pastoral Relation to any Church.  He is a young Gentleman of a liberal Education, an amiable moral & religious Character, modest Deportment, & promising Abilities as a Preacher.  I need say no more, to secure to him, from the V. President of the united States of America, the Attention, which his more important Business will allow.
I am with the greatest Regard for your public & private Character / honble. Sr. / your most obedt. / & very humble Servt.

John Ewing


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 25 June 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

My Dear Sir
Philadelphia June 25 1792

You will find enclosed your account, which I take the liberty to send, lest by not adverting to the state of it, some inconvenience might insue.
You are I presume aware, that Mr. Clinton is to be your Competitor at the next election.  I trust he could not have succeeded in any event, but the issue of his late election will not help his cause.  Alas! Alas!
If you have seen some of the last numbers of the National Gazette, you will have perceived that the plot thickens and that something very like a serious design to subvert the Government discloses itself. With sincere respect and attachment I remain, Dr Sr / Yr. Obed ser

A Hamilton


Title: To John Adams from Robert Heysham, 29 June 1792
From: Heysham, Robert
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philadelphia June the 29h. 1792—

I take the liberty of enclosing my account, which you will perceive is certified by Mr. Otis, and the which I pray your Excellency to certify also, it being indispensible (the law requiring it) in order to its passage through the Treasury—
I hope the departure of your Excellency and family at the season of spring, the fine weather and the long ride, has contributed to restore the Health of your Excellency and Lady the long continuance of which do me the justice to beleive is my earnest wish, and that I am with perfect respect Sir, your most obedient and very Humble Servant—

Robt. Heysham


Title: To John Adams from Jan Willink, 2 July 1792
From: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Amsterdam 2 July 1792

We have received your Excellency’s favor of 20 Apr. inclosing
22 coupons 50ƒ11002040    8001900
for whch: we credit yr: Acct in consequence of yr: desire we have purchased 2 Obl: on the United States of the of 1 June at 4 pCt.
ƒ2000 ƒ2000add 1/m intrest due6:13ƒ2006:13:

for whch: we charge yr / acct: the ballance due with this surplus we shall find by the first coupons.
in case you had occasion for Money the best means should be to send us yr. Obligations to dispose the Same, when you could draw the amount, a private Loan could not be obtained at so low an intrest at 4 pCt. and occasions too much expence and as the American houses are very mild in charging commns: this incumbrance should be too heavy for yr: Excelly for Which reason we cannot recommend this Method On the Other hand we can remit the money in dlls: When you want to Calculate on 1/2 pCt or 1 pCt frieght as can be agreed, and the premium of insurance for the Season.
We are happy to receive of Mr. Hamilton Letters in whch. he expresses his full Satisfaction on our management and our endeavours Shall never be Wanting to deserve the continuance.
We have the honor to be with great / esteem & Regard. / Dear Sir / Your Excellencies Most / Obedient Humble Servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 8 July 1792
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
ante 8 July 1792

I had the honor to receive your letter relative to the house, and have since confer’d with Mrs. Koppell on the Subject. She does not incline to take the lease off your hands, but is willing to let the house, if a satisfactory tenant shall offer, for a year after your time.  If this can be effected the rent in the interum may be saved.  I have therefore advised your Son by a note yesterday to put a bell on the door with reference to him, and have mentioned in several companies that the House will be to let. Every thing in my power to promote your convenience and interest on this occasion will be attended to.
As the franking clause in the post office act requires all persons receiving letters unfranked within their free letters to deliver them at the post office with the place from wch they came noted on them, I was under the necessity of delivering the letter for Mrs. Dobton, Mr. Adams & Brisler marked as from Boston where I presume my letter entered the post office.
I have very great satisfaction, Sir, in noticing to you a material Change in the prospects of opposition in the next election. The situation in which Mr. Clinton is placed, by the circumstances of the votes which were rejected, has attracted universal Attention.  The greater part of those I have conversed with appear to be very strongly impressed with the necessity of his resigning, and recovering the Race again, but I do not learn that there is any probability of this sort of Conduct on his part.  He owes, in his situation, much attention to personal delicacy, and much to the undisputed (even if informal) expression of the peoples sentiments, and if he so far overlooks the obligations that be upon him, as to enter upon the office I am convinced a great part of the antifederal interest will think him unfit for the office of Vice President of the United States.  I cannot believe his prospect of Success was at all probable before, but I think it much diminished by the event abovementioned.
Mr. Pinckney is to sail this day in the American Ship Ceres for Dover. A fine Vessel on her third Voyage of about 310. Tons.
It is favorable to his prospects, I think, Sir; that Europe is likely to be much disturbed. G Britain, under all circumstances existing cannot help arming, and the encreasing ardor of Ireland will render her desirous of as strong a force as she can raise & be permitted to maintain without public Murmur.  I hope in such a Conjecture we may acquire the posts and an indian peace, when we may leave Europe to itself till it shall have fought its own Battles, and untill we can destroy or repress the evil spirit, which rages at home.
With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be, / Sir; your most obedt. / & most humble Servant

Tench Coxe


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Barclay, 17 July 1792
From: Barclay, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Gibraltar 17th. July 1792

I wrote to you the 28th. of May inclosing a letter which I received from the American prisoners at Algiers—with a Petition which they requested you would lay before the Senate, I now send you a Copy of that petition which came to my hands a few days ago—
The Distracted state of the Empire of Morocco has hitherto prevented my passing to that Country, but it is probably that a short time will restore some kind of Tranquility there, either by the Event of a general Engagement, or by a Division of the Empire—At present Muley Solimon governs the Kingdom of Fez, and his brother Ischem that of Morocco.  and both are preparing to take the field.
Wishing you and Mrs. Adams all the happiness this life can afford, I remain / Dear Sir / Your Very affectionate / Humble servant

Thos Barclay


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 28 July 1792
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada. The 28th. July 1792

I am sorry to inform you that since I had the honor to write you last no offer, within my Knowlege, has been made for Mrs. Keppele’s house, tho a bill was set up on it at an early day.  I presume your Son has duly communicated this to you before.
You will see by our public prints that Pennsylvania has commenced openly its electioneering movements. Two meetings have been held in the Hall, wherein you sat in the Congress of 1776. The citizens filled it to an inconvenient degree in so warm a season.  At the first meeting the Mayor of Philada (Matthew Clarkson Esquire) was in the chair.  The debates were very animated. Mr. Lewis (a gentleman of the law late district Judge of the U.S & Attorney of the U.S.) took the lead on the affirmative side of an appointment of persons to meet the conferrers of the Counties at Lancaster for the purpose of agreeing on electors of the Chief Magistrates and on representatives in the third Congress.  Mr. Dallas, the Governors Secretary, took the lead the other way.  Mr. Bingham and some others spoke briefly—They were chiefly on the side of the measure, which was desired by the friends of the general Government. This measure was so far carried that a committee, of one person from the twelve wards of the City, was appointed, and a Majority were men of discretion & suitable for the service of selecting from the City five persons out of whom the Town might chuse two to attend the Conference at Lancaster.  On their appointment they retired and brought in five names among whom were Mr. Lewis and other suitable persons.  The consideration of these persons, and what and whether any particular instructions should be given to them was postponed  ‘till an adjourned meeting on Friday Evening.  Tho every thing had taken a course, which was satisfactory, there was considerable force—and warmth in the manner of the Speakers and in short such appearances of increasing Heat, that the Mayor is said to have absented himself from the Friday’s meeting to avoid the Chair.  Mr. Powel, who is speaker of the State Senate and represents the city in that Body, was placed in the chair.  The gentlemen, who are considered as in the system of state Politics, of whom Mr. Dallas was the principal and ardent Spokesman, came prepared for two efforts it is said: one to reject the plan of a conference—the other to introduce other names, if that plan  should still be adopted.  It is said that Mr. Dallas declaimed much about city & country, rich & poor, the aristocracy—&ca. After a great deal of discussion among a very few persons, principally Mr. Lewis, Mr. Wilson & Mr. Dallas the question of nominating conferees was tried again & decided by the Chairman in the Affirmative.  This produced a pointed address to the Chair, which turned upon his partiality in declaring the sense of the Meeting to have been expressed in favor of a conference, when it was said by the speaker (Col. Thos. Forrest) to be manifestly against it.  After some discussion the Chairman retired from his Station. The Moment was confused.  I am not acquainted with the particulars, but the issue was, that one of the Alderman, lately the Mayor of the City (John Barclay Esqr.) was placed in the Chair—The meeting became warm, and somewhat disordered—and rose without adjourning to any other time at Eleven in the Evening.  The plan of the conference is at least suspended—and things are in a train unpromising to the cause of the Government.  Another meeting is notified as intended on Monday Evening.  I am sorry to remind you of my prognostics of the Course of things on the occasion of the ensuing Elections in this State.  I hope however that some good use will be made of the Events of last week and that the friends of the general government, of Pennsylvania, and of this happy people will be roused to the great exertions, which are manifestly necessary to protect them from the miseries and crimes which ever flow from public disorder.
I wish, Sir, that this state of our affairs, so far only as your source of information, may be confidential, as I have moved, and shall continue to move by every prudent and honest method in the promotion of a good course of things; and I do not write to appear any where, more than is necessary.  The election of Representatives will take place the second Tuesday in October, that for the Chief Magistracy on the same day, I think, in Novemr. There is therefore sufficient time for prudent, & judicious measures to be adopted, if there be a force willing to carry them.—
I beg you to do me the Honor of presenting, with my most respectful Comps. to Mrs. Adams, the inclosed papers on the subject of the Silk worm. The little treatise, following the eighth page, is written by one of her own sex, and on the score of perspicuity, utility and public feeling reflects honor upon the worthy woman.  Mrs. Coxe, being in the country with four of our flock, cannot have the Honor to join her respects to mine.—
It will give you pleasure, Sir, to learn that our Revenues present a satisfactory appearance.  The returns of spirits distilled in the U.S  & of Stills for the year following the commencement of the art (tho incomplete) exhibit a Revenue of very near 300,000 Drs and the foreign Spirits will probably prove more than three times that sum.
With Sentiments of unfeigned & the highest respect, I have the Honor to be, / Sir / your most obedt. & most h. Servt.

Tench Coxe


Title: To John Adams from George Hammond, 15 August 1792
From: Hammond, George
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir,
Boston 15th August 1792

The hospitality of this place has not hitherto allowed me an opportunity of fulfilling my promise of visiting you at Braintree.  If however you are not engaged on Sunday next, and will allow me the honor of partaking of your family-dinner upon that day, I shall, with great pleasure embrace that occasion of paying my respects to you.
Be so good as to present my most respectful Compliments to Mrs Adams, and be assured that I am ever, / My dear Sir, / Your most faithful humble Servant

Geo. Hammond


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 16 August 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Augt. 16 1792

I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 4th Instant.  A warrant for 1000 dollars in your favour has issued.  If any authorisation from you had been sent to your Son or anyone else, your signature on the warrant would have been unnecessary. But as it is, it will be indispensable. Perhaps however the Treasurer may pay in expectation of it.
The Question when the Vice President entered upon the duties of his office, is open at the Treasury; though an opinion has obtained that the taking of the Oath was the Criterion.
This has been founded on two considerations—analogy to the case of the President. The Constitution requires that he shall take an oath, before he enters upon the execution of his Office he cannot enter upon the duties of it, without entering upon the execution of it, and he cant legally do the latter till he has taken the oath prescribed.  The same injunction however is not laid upon the Vice President, and therefore except by analogy resort must be had to the Second consideration namely that the taking of the Oath of Office is the legal act of aceptance and may be supposed to date the commencment of service.  But this reasoning it must be confessed is not conclusive, and therefore the opinion of the Attorney General will be taken, both as to the President and Vice President—and I presume will guide in the Adjustment.
Twenty thousand dollars have been appropriated and the advances by anticipation may reach that limit.
you forgot that Mr Clinton could feast upon what would starve another. He will not however have an opportunity of making the experiment. And I hope the starvation policy will not long continue fashionable.
your confirmation of the good disposition of New England is a source of satisfaction. I have a letter from a well informed friend in Virginia who says all the persons I converse with acknowlege that the people are prosperous & happy, and yet most of them, including even the friends of the Govt. appear to be much alarmed at a supposed sytem of policy, tending to subvert the Republican Govt. of the Country—Were ever Men more ingenious to torment themselves with phantoms?
Adieu my dear Sir, & believe me always very respectfully and affectionately Yr Obed Sert

A H


Title: To John Adams from Rev. Zabdiel Adams, 24 August 1792
From: Adams, Rev. Zabdiel
To: Adams, John

Sir—
Lunenburg August 24th 1792—

Mr: L’Abbé De Mably’s Observations upon the History of France, which you long since loaned to me, I have now sent returned by my son; & thank you for the use of them. My son has had thoughts of Studying Law; & from an Uncle of his has receeived an invitation to study with him at Halifax in Nova Scotia. Could he continue there 2 years, & then finish his Clerkship in Some office in this part of the world, & be introduced to the practice in this or some other of the united States; it would be pleasing, as it would  expence. But of this I am unn. If you are at leisure & would give him your opinion & advice relative to this matter, I shall be much obliged to you. He fluctuates in his mind between the Study of Physick & the Law. To enter either is attended with difficulty. Divinity is more within his reach; but to this he has no inclination, that I can percieve. If you will permit him to consult yourself on this subject it will be gratefully receivd by your friend & humble Servant—

Zabdiel Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Bondfield, 28 August 1792
From: Bondfield, John
To: Adams, John

Bordeaux 28 August 1792

A Ship for Philadelphia sailing to morrow gives me the opportunity to transmit you the papers of the Day too interesting not to be acceptable
The reigning Spirrit appears determin’d on a change in that part of the Constitution that delagated the Executive Power in an Hereditary Chief, The short space that has Elapst since the existence of his Power has demonstrated the Vice of that establishment tho checkt by a legitif controle too great means remaind to destroy the Harmony that ought to reign and introduce the Abuses that the Revolution tends to destroy
Monsr Lafayettes political principals appears oposed to the present leading Members he has excerted his influence to check the progress of the reigning popular Spirrit and has drawn on him the a General improbation, he is obliged to fly the thunder of the Senat is launcht against him
Accept my renew assurance of respectful Attatchment
John Bondfield


Title: To John Adams from United States Congress, 1 September 1792
From: United States Congress
To: Adams, John

				Amend the 18th. Sect. to read as follows

					September 1, 1792

				Be it further enacted, That from every seperate Mass of standard gold or silver, which shall be made into coins at the said Mint, there shall be taken, set apart by the Treasurer &, reserved in the his custody of the Treasurer thereof , a certain number of pieces, not less than three, and that once in every year the pieces to set apart & reserved shall be assayed under the inspection of the Chief Justice of the United States, the Secretary & Comptroller of the Treasury, the Secretary for the department of State and the Attorney General of the United States, (who are hereby required to attend for that purpose at the said Mint, on the last Monday in July in each year) or under the inspection of any three of them, in such manner as they or a majority of them shall direct, and in the presence of the Director, assayer & chief Coiner of the said Mint; and if it shall be found that the gold & silver so assayed, shall not be inferior to their respective standards herein before declared more than one part in one hundred & fourty four parts, the officer or officers of the said mint whom it may concern shall be held excusable; but if any greater inferiority shall appear, it shall be certified to the President of the United States, & the said officer or officers shall be deemed disqualified to hold their respective offices.

					A


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 5 September 1792
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia September 5th. 1792

I have the honor to inclose you the concluding Number of the Reflexions on the State of the Union: also a gazette of this Evening with some late accounts from France.  The Situation of that Nation and of Poland have become extremely critical, and as there was a long season of operation before the allied crowns and before the Russians, it appears highly probable, that the ensuing Campaign will decide upon the revolution of each of those Countries.
The exertions making on the subject of federal Elections from Virginia to New Jersey, both included are very great. Shocking misrepresentations and falsehoods have been circulated, tho I do not find any which respect you or the President.  There appears to be no concert among the antifederalists in regard to an opponent to you, while the federalists appear unanimous.  I was about two weeks ago in New Jersey on a short visit to Mrs. Coxe, who, with four of our little ones, has spent the Summer at her father’s.  In the vicinity a court of Nisi prius and oyer & terminer was held, and I dined two days with the Judges, Bar, and a number of the suitors, grand Jury and others. It was the opinion of every man I conversed with that New Jersey would support your Election with decision, and they believed the Opposition could not offer a name, which would not be rejected by their Electors. They are strongly attached to the Constitution and to energetic Government, and observed to me that a Jersey man who was not, could only be a fool or knave.
Our state continues very unsettled. I wish it may do better than what I had the honor to intimate in a former letter, but I really fear they will neither pursue their own nor the national Interest so closely as they should.  Great exertions however are making.  In regard to your election, I have no doubt of a Majority of our electors against all the opponents that can be set up, and the minority against you will divide its votes, if it is a large one. On this point however I can form a better opinion some time hence.—
With the highest respect, / I have the Honor to be, Sir / your most obedient / & most humble Servant

Tench Coxe


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 9 September 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

My Dear Sir
Philadelphia Sept. 9 1793 1792

I trust you are sufficiently convinced of my respect for and attachment to you to render an apology for the liberty, I am going to take unnecessary—I learnt with pain that you may not probably be here ‘till late in the session—I fear that this will give some handle to your enemies to misrepresent—And though I am persuaded you are very indifferent personally to the event of a certain election, yet I hope you are not so as it regards the cause of good Government.  The difference in that view is in my conception immense between the success of Mr Clinton or yourself; and some sacrifices of feeling are to be made.  But this is not the only relation, in which I deem your early presence here desirable.   Permit me to say it best suits the firmness and elevation of your character to meet all events, whether auspicious or otherwise, on the ground where station & duty, call you—One would not give the ill disposed the triumph of supposing that an anticipation of want of success had kept you from your post.—
You observe My Dr Sir, I speak without much menagement.  You will ascribe it to my confidence and esteem.  It is not necessary in any view to multiply, words—I forbear it—But allow me to add that it is the universal wish of your friends you should be as soon as possible at Philadelphia
I have the honor to remain very respectfully / & truly Dr Sir / Yr. friend & Obed. / Servant
A Hamilton


Title: To John Adams from John Churchman, 12 September 1792
From: Churchman, John
To: Adams, John

My Honourable Friend
Baltimore September 12th. 1792

I was requested if possible to deliver the Letter myself, which I send herewith, but as I am about setting off for Europe, I take the Liberty of sending it thro the Channel of the Post Office, it came under cover to me from Baron Vall-Travers F.R.S. & Member of several other Scientific Societies in Europe, as his Letter enclosing the enclosed is dated 15th. Feby last, it may appear that it has remained some time in my possession, be assured that I have only lately received it, for the Ship in which it came was ran aground on the Goodwin Sands by a Dutch Navigator, who left her to the mercy of the waves, she was afterwards taken into an English port, & detained a considerable time: I find this is not the first from the learned author, he says “I am uncertain of the fate of my last letter to his Excellency the Vice President dated Decemr. 8th. by Captain Rose commanding the ship Maryland & bound for George-Town.” It seems the Baron has proposed to send regularly from Europe to America (if encouraged) the most important intelligence concerning new discoveries, Inventions, & Improvements in Arts & Sciences, I have not the least doubt but he would perform any thing he would undertake with the strictest punctuality, for I can safely say he has been a faithful friend of mine, he has been indefatigueable, sparing neither pains nor expence in promoting the investigation of a little work on the Magnetic Variation which I wrote to him about.  These my poor endeavours have met with so much more encouragement than they deserve in Europe, that I am advised by some of my best Friends to visit that Quarter, to bring the principles to the test, Having been engaged in making an extensive set of Tables to reduce them to practice without the trouble of measuring Angles, or making calculations by the Mariner, on this account I wish to make a number of observations on the Western coast of Europe.  I am now within one day of the appointed time of my departure from this port for London, & as I may also go to France, it would oblige me very much to receive a line of introduction to the Marquis de Condorcet Secretary to the Academy at Paris, or any other person at pleasure there: if sent to the American Minister in London no doubt I may receive it.  Pardon the freedom I have made use of, as I apprehend such a Letter from a Physician who has said so much to the purpose on Constitutions,  or one from a Doctor who has lived to see the adoption of his own System, may have the greatest weight.  Should I be so happy as to receive this favour, it will ever be remember’d by me with gratitude, as it will give me a double satisfaction, for I shall conclude the enclosed from my foreign correspondent has arrived safe.  With the greatest sentiments of respect I hope to be permitted to make an offering of my service and esteem

John Churchman


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 25 September 1792
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Philada. Septr. 25th 1792

I have the honor to enclose you with the most sincere pleasure the proceedings of our Lancaster Conference.  The Ticket contains more firm friends to a complete execution of the powers of the General Government than any we have yet had, tho it comprehends a representation of the Citizens of an opposite sentiment.  There are few or no malignant Characters among them.  It has a great share of my good wishes upon the whole.
The electoral Ticket, if carried, will not give two antifederal Votes under any Circumstances.  I think you will have thirteen or fourteen Votes, as I know all the men and there was but one or two conferees, who favored any other Character for the office of V. President than yourself.  / With perfect respect; / I have the Honor to be, Sir / your most obedt / and most humble Servt.

Tench Coxe


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 29 September 1792
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Adams, John

Phila. Sept 29th 1792

What a sad lesson against anarchy is indeed my honored & respected friend to be learnt, in the accts fm France! St. Bartholemew with all its horrors is again passing in review & sickens & astonishes the eye—I will not repeat the dismal tale you must have it in all its particulars before this can reach you—And surely every man not devoid of good policy & humanity will join you in deprecating a mad unbalanced democracy—You observed in a late conversation that our new world, bad as it is, exhibited few or no instances of that love of blood shed which stains the conduct of the old world—Thank God it was a just observation. And altho there are uneasy, discontented, ambitious and wrong headed politicians sufficient to keep us fermenting, a principle of humanity checks their proceedings, and I hope will continue so to do—I am sure Americans will profit by the troubles of France—
Its extraordinary that this State deriving peculiarly, nay almost monopolizing the advantages of the federal government, should say and do so many things against it, yet so it is—The new representation shews how powerful the antis are, They have carried every man on their list. And altho some of them are exceeding good men the election of Finley & Smilie shews their strength. C. Thomson and Bingham were pushed for by the federalists but fell, espesially the latter very short—Their Electors will some of them be of the same cast, however I have no idea of their chusing a majority against you—With your other friends, I very much regret your absence, it gives your enimies a handle—But I hope sincerely the resolution communicated in confidence will be retracted. It would be presumption in me to suggest an argument on the subject. I cannot help saying however, that you are not merely accountable to yourself in this business, but to your Country, who wants your aid, your experience & your weight to balance her on our ocean by no means calm, & whose agitation under another Congress may be violently agitated encreased—and I flatter myself on a cool contemplation of your determination your good judgment will induce you to give it up—The gentlemen of Senate begin to assemble, Messrs. Langdon Brown & Few are here in addition to the residents—Who will be pro tem: v. Izard Langdon & Ellsworth & perhaps Johston will be contemplated—Mr Lees has retired under the weight of years & infirm health—I exceeding regret your ill health and that of Mrs Adams—Mr Jay has had a very severe illness and is far enough from well—The war seems to continue between the two great officers.—The President is here and with Mrs W seems to be in very good health & Spirits—Clymer has been amongst the Pillsbury Malcontents & was obliged to disguise himself, Claypole copied a lampoon on the subject, Clymer attempted to thrash Master Type and got the worst of it—So much for Inspector General—I hear Col. Bur declines being a judge & dont thank Mr Clinton for his promotion—The Antis are going to drop Bur & run Clinton—Indeed he seems to be a more important competitor—The List is as follows
Killem Hersler Scott
Finley Hartley Armstrong 2 Muhlenburgs Gregg Montgomry &
Gen. Erwin Fitzsimons Smilie

I am anxious about your accommodation when you get here, and the more because my house is not large & elegant—For all the purposes of comfort & convenience it is competent and Mrs Otis joins me in a sincere tender of all or such part as may best accommodate you and servants—Our family is small and it will certainly be more agreeable to have my little good wife pour out your coffee than a stranger—I hope you will contemplate this as a serious proposition, & a project that will make us very happy—Mrs O joins me in respects to your Lady & remembrances to all friends—I have the honor to be / Sir / Your most humble Ser
Sam. A. Otis


Title: To John Adams from Rufus King, 30 September 1792
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

Newyork 30. Sep. 1792

By accounts from England as late as the 23d of August we learn that on the 10th. of that month the national assembly suspended the King, removed the ministry, and took on themselves the Executive powers—they have since decreed that the primary assemblies should meet on the 26. of August, to appoint deputies to a national convention, to be convened on the 20. of Sepr. for the purpose of deciding on the forfeiture of the Crown, and prescribing the manner in which the executive powers should in future be executed—
Towards the close of the day on which the King was suspended, the mob demanded to repute the Transactions of the 20th. of June– they were opposed by 700 Swiss who were about the royal Family—the Mob prevailed, having armed themselves will cannon from the Arsenals, they massacred the swiss Guards, plundered the Palaces, overturned the Statues of their former Kings, and Effaced every Vestige of Royalty—the King & royal family early in the Tumult, escaped through a Garden to the national Assembly, from whence they were removed by a decree to the Temple, a building detached, & surrounded by a wall—the custody of the King and royal Family is given to Pétion the mayor of Paris—
We have no accounts from the army since this bloody Transaction—all accounts concur that the Austrians & Prussians would  enter France about the middle of August, so that our next intelligence will be pretty decisive respecting this Revolution conducted with so much barbarity & Ignorance.
From the state of the affairs of Poland towards the end of July, it is probably that the Poles have been impelled to abandon their Constitution, & to return under their former Government—
England it would seem is not inclined to interfere, since the parliament which stood prorogued to the last of August, has been further  prorogued (Since the Affair at Paris) to the last of November—
With the greatest Respect, I am Dear sir / Your obt. servt.

Rufus King


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 3 October 1792
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada. Octr 3d 1792

I do myself the honor to write you on the subject of your own and your Lady’s health, which I very sincerely wish may speedily be restored—
I find your competitor is to be Col. Burr altho I am convinced he will not be a very powerful one. Major Butler says the Southern States are misrepresented when classed with your opponents. He appears your warm advocate and assures me there will be no opposition in So Carolina or Georgia—Regrets your giving up your house as boarding is undignified &c—In this State Doctr. Huchinson & Secretary Dallas are very industrious in forming a party against you, but others are as industrious the other way, and from the best information in my power to obtain I think you will have a large majority.
The accounts from France exhibit a scene of horror and confusion—I hope the U. States will have wisdom enough to profit by the political lesson.
Mrs Otis joins me in very respectful remembrances to Mrs Adams, and am / Sir / Your most obedient & / most humble Sert
Sam. A. OtisMrs Izard had a daughter a week after Mrs Smiths death—


Title: From John Adams to Rufus King, 11 October 1792
From: Adams, John
To: King, Rufus

Quincy October 11 1792

I am very much obliged, Sir, by your kind Letter of the 30th of Septr, and for the important Intelligence contained in it
There is Such a Complication of Tragedy Comedy and Farce, in all the Accounts from France that it is to me, to the last degree, disgusting to attend to them in detail.  I read over the Accounts in general and then endeavour to divert my own Attention from y very Serious, which must be very melancholly reflections upon them.  It is most of all astonishing that sensible Men Should not have foreseen all that has happened. The demolition of the Royalty is so natural and necessary an Effect of their Constitution, that it can be no Surprize. It is however, matter of very Sober concern to Us, that there should have been in America from the beginning, so blind undistinguishing and enthusiastic an Admiration of every Thing that has been done by that light airy & transported People. I pretend not to any very particular Knowledge of Individual Characters or conflicting Parties in France but the Jealousy of in the Duke of Orleans, of the Noailles Family is so apparent, that it will account for most that has happened
Every virtuous and enlightened Citizen will mourn over the Misfortunes of Poland: but the Qualities necessary to erect and Support and defend a free Constitution of Government are not easily inspired into an old corrupted Nation.
The People in this Part of our Union are as cool and as easy as ever I knew them under any Government: indeed they appear to be more prosperous and more busy,  how they are at the Southward I am not very well informed.  Our Vessell, according to present Appearances, is not in immediate danger of any Sudden or Violent Storms.  The late Election, I hope will not have any dangerous Consequences in your State.
If either the Symptoms of the broke-bone fever, not wholly Subdued, or any Considerations of delicacy, or any other Thing Should prevent my Attendance in Senate at the beginning of the session, I hope to be excused.  There is commonly two or three months at the opening of Congress when little Business is done, and no important Question is decided: so that I flatter my self the senate will appoint a President for a short time and not be too severe upon me, this is entre nous.
With great Esteem I have the honor / to be, dear sir your most obt. s

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 7 November 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department, 7th. November 1792.

In obedience to the directions of the President of the United States, I have the honor to submit to the Senate & House of Representatives, the following papers on the subject of Indian affairs—To wit:
1st: A statement of the measures taken and the overtures made, to procure a Peace with the Indians North west of the Ohio—
2ndly. Information received relatively to the pacific adventures, and the dispositions of the Indians North-west of the Ohio—
3dly. A statement of the measures which have been taken to conciliate and quiet the Southern Indians—
4hly. Information received relatively to the dispositions of the Southern Indians, and the causes of the hostilities of part of the Cherokees and Creeks—
5hly. A statement of the Troops in the service of the United States—
It is humbly suggested that the public good requires, that a number of these papers be considered as confidential—
I have the honor to be, / With great respect / Your most obedt. / hume Servant.

H KnoxSecy of War.


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 8 November 1792
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia Novr. 8th. 1792

I have the honor to inclose you a list of the Votes in the city and county of Philadelphia from which it appears that the antifederal people are not as much animated upon this occasion as their leaders, and that we have more than our real proportion of votes in the city, and much more in the County.  The Boroughs are generally enlightened and federal, and vote largely in proportion in all elections, which are not great.  I feel therefore confident that 3/4 or 4/5 of the Electors of Pennsa. will be for you and against Mr. Clinton or any other person whatever that may be attempted to be run.
The same paper contains the list of the Jersey electors, in which State I think you will have an unanimous vote.  I know several of the gentlemen to be duly impressed with the importance of your re-election, and that they have abilities and inclinations to place your public & private virtues, talents, and knowlege in their proper light, if their should be occasion—
I trouble you, Sir, with more communications upon this subject than are probably convenient or agreeable to you, but my anxiety for the happy issue of this Election, and the mortification I should have felt—had Pennsylvania, been as unwise, as she lately was, have exceedingly quickened my feelings on the occasion.
With perfect and unfeigned Respect / I have the honor to be, Sir, / your most obedient / & most humble Servant

Tench Coxe


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 12 November 1792
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia Nov 12th 1792

I do myself the honor to enclose you a minute of the proceedings of Senate, the speech & answer of the Senate thereto. In addition to what appears on the journals there are official documents to evince that the hosti Southern Indians are determined to join in hostile measures against the US—And those documents evince that the Executive is doing everything possible to conciliate & be at peace. And indeed Putnum has effected this with several Western tribes—The Spaniards are doubtless instigating hostilities and McGilvery has left us—
On the subject of Electors for President & V President both parties seem very still and I presume an attack if any is made will be by sap rather than oppen assault—The two Secretaries look very sour each on the other and probably will make their partizans do so by and by—
Your friend & those of the Government are in daily & anxious expectation of seeing you here. And Mrs Otis & myself anticipate the pleasure of your company this winter—She joins in best remembrances to your lady / Your most humble Sert

Sam. A. Otis


Title: To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 15 November 1792
From: Murray, William Vans
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Philada. 15. Nov. 1792.

In taking the liberty of expressing some solicitude at your absence at the present time you will I am sure attribut the freedom to nothing short of great respect for you as well as a public sentiment which I feel to be patriotic—An opposition in moments of election must be expected by the best & most enlightened—That something like opposition has taken place with respect to the election of a Vice President you may probably have been informed—You will excuse me if I Express an wish that you were here—It seems a very general wish of your warm friends who in that wish do not imagine that the dignity of a philosophical independence would be at all wounded because the Session has actually commenced—I do assure you Sir I have lamented that just on the Eve of a most important election the chair of the Senate should be filled by a president pro tempore—The public mind is then led off from the Theory of the Office to a contemplation of a practical substitute which fills the routine without seeming to derange the theory—
Could you come, Sir, your friends I dare believe would much rejoice & consider it as a sacrifice to their wishes & hopes in the ensuing election—
I beg to be affectionately remembered by Mr. J. Q. Adams—and my most respectful compliments to Mrs. Adams.
I am Dear Sir / with every sentiment of respectful / Attachment / Yr most obt. / Sert.

W. V. Murray


Title: From John Adams to John Singleton Copley, 16 November 1792
From: Adams, John
To: Copley, John Singleton

Dear Sir
Quincy near Boston Nov.16 1792

Your polite and obliging Favour of April the 10th I duely received at this Place and I pray you to accept of my best Thanks for your very elegant and acceptable Present of a Print of the Death of Lord Chatham, a Masterpiece of the Fine Arts which does as much honour to America which produced the Artist as it does to great Britain which produced the Statesman.  Nor am I less Sensible of the honour you do me by giving me the opportunity of presenting in your name, another Copy of this Monument to Chatham’s Fame and your own, So honourable to both Countries, to the President of the United States.
As the Case Arrived in the absence of the President from Philadelphia, at his Seat at Mount Vernon, and in my absence at this place, I have not yet had an Opportunity of making the Compliments you intended: but as I shall Sett out for Philadelphia next week, I hope Soon to be able to write you more fully upon the Subject.
Mrs. Adams joins me in presenting to you and to Mrs Copeley, the kindest regards.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 26 November 1792
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia Novr 26th 1792

I do myself the honor to enclose you the minutes of the last week and to repeat my wishes to see you here as soon as possible, and as I hear Mrs Adams has quite recovered her health and that your own is restored I flatter myself those wishes will soon be gratified.  I have every day less fears of an unfavorable election of the two first officers in the Government—People seem to look with solemn astonishment at the Scenes in France & on comparison felicitate themselves on their enjoyment of peace liberty and good government—Whilst the squibbs & crackers continually let of by inflamatory malcontents bounce for a few minutes & go out in their own stench—The two houses have hardly set about business in earnest nor perhaps will they much before Chrismass. Mrs Otis joins me in respects to Mrs Adams and all friends.
I am / Sir / With esteem & respect / Your most humble Sert
Sam. A. Otis


Title: From Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to United States Congress, November 1792
From: Commissioners of the Sinking Fund
To: United States Congress

Nov. 1792

The Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate, The Chief Justice, The Secretary of State, The Secretary of the Treasury and The Attorney General respectfully report to The Congress as follows—
That pursuant to the Act intitled An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt and in conformity to Resolutions agreed upon by them and severally approved by the President of the United States they have since their last Report caused purchases of the said Debt to be made through the Agency of Samuel Meredith Treasurer of the United States and William Seton Cashier of the Bank of New York respectively to the amount of Three hundred and twenty five thousand three hundred and seventy eight dollars and sixty two Cents; for which there have been paid Two hundred and forty two thousand, Six hundred and eighty eight dollars and thirty one Cents in Specie as will more particularly appear by the several documents herewith submitted marked A, B, C.
That pursuant to the Act intitled “An Act supplementary to the Act making provision for the Debt of the United States” and in conformity to resolutions agreed upon by them and severally approved by the President of the United States they have also caused purchases of the said debt to be made through the Agency of Samuel Meredith Treasurer of the United States to the amount of Thirty eight thousand seven hundred and fourteen dollars and fifty one Cents; for which there have been paid Twenty five thousand nine hundred and sixty nine dollars and ninety six Cents in specie as will more particularly appear by the document herewith submitted marked D:—
An Abstract of the whole of which purchases is contained in the Statement E, herewith also reported amounting to Three hundred and sixty four thousand and ninety three dollars and thirteen Cents; for which there have been paid Two hundred and sixty eight thousand six hundred and fifty eight dollars and twenty seven Cents in specie.
That the said several documents marked A, B, C, D (which are submitted as part of this report) shew in detail the places where, the times when, the prices at which, and the persons of whom the purchases aforesaid have been made.
That the purchases now and heretofore reported amount together to One Million, four hundred and ninety five thousand, four hundred and fifty seven dollars and eighty nine Cents; for which there have been paid Nine hundred and sixty seven thousand, eight hundred and twenty one dollars and sixty five Cents in specie; and for which credits have been passed on the Books of the Treasury, as will be more particularly seen by the Certified Statement herewith also submitted marked F.—
On behalf of the Board—
Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Abraham Whipple, 1 December 1792
From: Whipple, Abraham
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Marietta December 1st. 1792

About two Years since by Governor St. Clair I sent a Memorial which he informs me was presented & placed on the files of the Honourable the Congress of the United states—I find by enquiry that the subject has never been considered.—
In said memorial I was particular in discribing my honest demand for the advantages the United states had received from monies loaned them & for which I have never been paid.—Also, my Changes of circumstances & situation in life in consequence of not receiving from Government an adequate compensation You will therefore excuse me if actuated from a claim to Justice & from feelings of Want, I am induced to request that the subject may be canvassed and determined on: that I may soon know whether I am to enjoy the remaining period of my life Assisted by the payment of my monies loan’d & the rewards for services; or adopt some other mode to support myself & family
I am Dear Sir / with the greatest respect / yours

Abraham Whipple


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Contee Hanson, 6 December 1792
From: Hanson, Alexander Contee
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Annapolis Decr. 6, 1792

I cannot flatter myself, that after the lapse of sixteen years, you can have any recollection of the man, who now addresses you.  In the year 1776, he had the pleasure of lodging with you, under the same roof, at Philadelphia; and he has often since reflected on the circumstance, with satisfaction—
I take the liberty of introducing to your notice Mr. Elie Valette, a young gentleman of real modesty and worth, whom the electors for this state of a President and Vice President have prevailed on to take charge of the certificate, by law directed to be transmitted to the President of the Senate of the United States.—I shall think myself obliged by any attentions, which you may be pleased to favour him with; and I beg leave to assure you, that I am, with profound veneration,
Your obedient servant
A C Hanson


Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 10 December 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War-department, December 10th 1792.

In obedience to the orders of the President of the United States, I have the honor to submit to the Senate, the copy of a letter from his Excellency the Governor of Georgia, dated the 20th of November last, with certain enclosures, relative to indian affairs.—
I have the honor to be, / Sir, / with great respect, / Your most obedt: Servt:

H KnoxSecy of War


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Priestley, 20 December 1792
From: Priestley, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Clapton. Dec 20. 1792

I feel myself much gratified, and highly honoured, by the sympathy which you express with me on account of my sufferings in the riot at Birmingham.  The same malignant spirit, fostered by our governors, is much more prevalent now than it was then, and shews itself in almost every part of the kingdom, so that I begin to fear the most serious evils from it. Nothing has yet been done towards our indemnification, tho a year and half are now almost elapsed since the event, and it is said that the officers dare not collect the little that was awarded us.
Many dissenters wish to leave a country in which they find neither protection nor redress; but they are at a loss where to go, and how to proceed.  Yesterday I received a letter from a great number of dissenters in the neighbourhood of Manchester to Mr. Vaughan, desiring his advice in the business, and yours would be considered as a very great favour. France being in an unsettled state, I think it very probably that some of my sons will be disposed to go to America; and if so, I shall follow them in due time.
A war with France is much talked of, but I cannot think that our court, tho ever so willing, will risk such a measure.  That must soon bring our affairs to a crisis.
A thank you for your very acceptable present of your three volumes, two of which were destroyed in the riot.  It is a work of great value, tho I cannot say but I now think more favourably of a pure republic than I have done. A comparison between the American and French governments some years hence will enable us to form a better judgment than we can at present.
We must not expect that Ambition or  Avarice will ever cease to influence mankind, but certainly there are fewer objects of those passions with you than with us, and therefore they cannot produce so much mischief. But indeed I am no politician, and I would gladly confine myself to my theological and philosophical pursuits, if I might be permitted to do.
With the greatest gratitude,  and respect, I am, / Dear Sir, / yours sincerely

J Priestley


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 December 1792
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Boston Decr. 22d 1792

The exertions of disappointment & of antifederalism have had little effect I congratulate you My dear sir most sincerely on the happy event—
When you left us no arrangment was made for the return of the few dollars you received of me—As I do not know what would be most convenient for you whether to forward the money or for me to draw on you I take the liberty to say now that when ever it shall be quite convenient for you, you may place the money in the hands of Mesrs: Leroy & Bayard Merchants Philadelphia or if any time hence you could more conveniently lodge it here it will be equally well for me.
With the most perfect esteem / I have the honour of being / your friend & servant
B Lincoln


Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 24 December 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Adams, John

Sir:
War Department, December 24th, 1792.

The President of the United States has directed me to submit to the Senate, the copy of a letter from his Excellency the Governor of Georgia, dated Augusta, December 5th, 1792, with an enclosure, relatively to Indian Affairs in the southern department.
I have the honor to be, sir, with perfect respect, your most obedient servant,.”
H. Knox, Secretary of War.


Title: To John Adams from His Catholic Majesty’s Commissioners, 27 December 1792
From: His Catholic Majesty’s Commissioners
To: Adams, John

Decre. 27: 1792.

His Catholic Majesty’s Commissioners request the favor of the Vice President of the U.S. Company to Dine on Saturday the 5th. Jany next at 4 oClockThe favor of an Answer is desired


Title: From Sc., Merchants of Charleston to John Adams, 1792
From: Charleston, Sc., Merchants of
To: Adams, John,United States Senate

					To the Honorable President & Members of the Senate of the United States in Congress assemble’d—
					Charleston So Carolina 8th October 1792.

				The Petition of the Subscribers, Merchants residing in Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, humbly sheweth,That by an act pass’d at the third Session of Congress, to regulate processes, in the Courts of the United States, “It is enacted that the same mode of proceedings shall be had, & the same fees exacted in each State respectively as are now us’d, or allow’d in the supreme courts of the same; whereby your petitioners are subjected to the same enormous fees & obnoxious mode of proceedings in the Court of Admiralty of the United States, in this State, as were practis’d & receiv’d in a Court of similar jurisdiction before the revolution; The Legislature of this State having never made any regulations or alterations therein; Your petitioners have annex’d hereto, a bill of costs in the said court as tax’d by the judge, a reference to which by your honorable house, they presume, will render it unnecessary for them to use any arguments to induce a reduction of such excessive costs,—Your petitioners feel themselves bound to make honorable mention of the most numerous & respectable practitioners at the bar, in this city, who have invariably, when in their power, refus’d to practice in a court, become obnoxious to all reasonable men, by the great & enormous costs to which Litigants there are made liable,—Your petitioners beg leave further to shew, that by an act pass’d at the second session of Congress, to regulate seamen in the Merchants service, Ships or Vessells & their appurtenences are made liable to actions of trivial amount, whereby it often happens that your petitioners are compell’d to submit to the most unreasonable demands as a Lesser injury, rather than suffer the detention of their Vessells; an evil which your petitioners apprehend may be remov’d without injury or loss to any one, by giving power to the Judge of the Court, to accept of other sufficient security where the sum in action does not exceed One hundred & Fifty dollars;—Your petitioners therefore pray that your honorable house will be pleas’d to pass a Law, restraining the proceedings & reducing the fees in the Court of Admiralty of the United States in this State, & admitting of other security being taken to the satisfactions of the Judge of the Court, in small & trivial causes brought by seamen or others against Vessells in the Merchants service, & Your petitioners, as in duty bound will ever pray.—

					D. DeSaussureDavid AlexanderAnd fifty-nine others


Title: From John Adams to Lot Hall, 1 January 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Hall, Lot

Philadelphia Jan. 1. 1793

Received of Lot Hall, Esq. A Packet Certified by the Electors of Vermont to contain a List of their Votes for President and Vice President of the United States

John Adams. President of the Senate of the United States


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Willard, 1 January 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Willard, Joseph

Dear Sir
Philadelphia January 1. 1793

The inclosed letter from Mr Taylor one of the Senators from Virginia, as it contains Information which may become useful to the Agriculture of the Northern Parts of America I request the favour of you to communicate it to the American Accademy of Arts and Sciences.
I am Sir with great / and Sincere Esteem, your most / obedient Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Henry Marchant, 1 January 1793
From: Marchant, Henry
To: Adams, John

Dear and Respected Sir,
Newport Jany. 1. 1793—

I give you joy of the Season; and I sincerely congratulate you and our dear Country in the support of Government and the plans that have been pursuing for the honor and political Œconomy of it, witnessed by the late Election, not only of the President and Vice President, but of the Representatives and Senators of Congress. A few Persons may make the presses groan and sweat,—may dispense much scandal, and make an appearance of almost general discontent.—If there was for a time even in New England too much silence, and the appearance of ingratitude—It was a silence of Contempt—a Brown, a Muskoe and even a Finly in such a Cause were beneath the Dignitorial Notice of an enlightened people;—and who unlike the Boors of Russia,—have Feelings—That Rivalship you early forsaw; and the Burst which threatened, have indeed been conspicuous.—but they were Bubbles burst,—and have evidenced the folly as well as the basery, and turpitude of the malicious Winds which blew them.  The noise and the sound thereof have passed away;—They are dispersed, and but for the punishment of the authors should be forgotten.
We have tried Our pumps.—the ship is tight and trim—her second suit of Sails and Rigging of the same good kind of American Federal materials are set;—She is under way, and looks up well. She has the Cheers of Her Owners, and the World for her admirers—
The funding system,—however it might rub and scratch at first wearing, grows more easy,—more popular every day.—As Temptations to fraud and Vice Subside, as the means to industry and virtue are provided, and as safety to the Rights and Property of the Citizens are perceived and enjoyed;—Murmurs and Clamors will find but a few turbulent, disconcerted, malicious envious Souls to nourish them; and they will die in their own rancorous Bosoms.
I have been guilty of a want of Duty; as I have been in your Debt ever since the receipt of yours of the 3d. of march last. I was in hopes your Return from Congress would have been thro’ the Sound. I did promise myself after being disappointed of this, a Journey to Boston, and to have seen you there, or at your Seat,—but by various Incidents I was prevented.—Well Mrs. Adams will certainly come on this Time thro’ Rhode Island.—But as I found your journey put off till later,—till a Passage by Water might have been rather disagreeable. I then concluded I would not write however, till I could say Rhode Island was grateful, New England truly Federal,—and (as I ever had faith to believe) America stedfast to first Her first principles, Her first and surest Friends and Patriots.
From the political Principles of the two first of our Electors,—hopes were concieved by the Opposition, especially at New York, that we should be equally divided. A few of us at Newport considered, whether it was safest to oppose the two first who we knew would be Candidates, and thereby if unsuccessful fasten them against us, or win thereby giving Way to their Wishes—Fully convinced that my old friend Col. Geo: Champlain of this Town would be appointed,—I was persuaded from the Esteem He is held in by all Parties, and from his Manner and Address, that he would be able to turn the doubting or hessitating minds, if there should be such in the appointment.—Against some Opinions it was agreed to have no Opposition, to their Appointment, if none was made, as we were confident there would not be, to Col. Champlain and Govr. Greene.—You must recollect Him as Govr. of this state for years during the War.—with Col. Champlain I waded thro’ our political troubles from 1784 till our adoption of the present Constitution, and He still continues a most industrious patriotick member of our Genl. Assembly, a Merchant of established Character,—No Man more independent and disinterested, And On We mean sooner or later to persuade to  Congress.
All things turn out to our Wishes.—We since learn from New York, that they had the fullest Expectations, at least of two of our Electors.—New England has given a deadly, and I think mortal Stroke to the present Junto.—Let us continue Wise, firm, vigilant and Virtuous.—and "commune together," I say my friend.—The People will not suffer you, "to retire to obscurity."
I am / most affectionately / and sincerely, / your Friend & Servt.
Hy. MarchantIf a convenient opportunity offers, I would request my Duty and Congratulations to the President.