Title: To John Adams from Harrison Gray Otis, 21 February 1799
From: Otis, Harrison Gray
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Feby 21—1799

The idea suggested by you last evening, that you may possibly think it expedient to appoint a Secretary of Legation to the embassy to Paris, induces me to say that if upon reflection such a measure should finally be adopted, and no person occurs to you as likely to accept the appointment whose experience and qualifications should not give him superior pretensions; I should be glad of it, if it could be accompanied with a provisional appointment to succeed the Minister at the Hague in the event of his being receiv’d at Paris.—While on the one hand such an arrangement would be agreeable to me as affording an occasion to demonstrate my attachment to your administration, and my regard to your views and objects, on the other, a preference of any other person would be no cause of disappointment; but in any event I shall presume to rely, that this offer of my services will not be communicated to any person, as it would not have been made but for the intimation given in your own conversation—
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / Sir / yr most obedt Servt

H. G. Otis


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Sayre, 21 February 1799
From: Sayre, Stephen
To: Adams, John

Sir
Phila 21 Feby. 1799

I was at your House, this morning, not to ask a favour, or to make an offer of my services: but it was my wish, had you given me a few moments audience, to have removed some improper impressions, which I know too well have, long since, been made in your mind.
I can not suffer the President of the United States to continue, in the Error, that my life has been full of mistery & intrigue—I must remove such unfavourable Ideas, unless you deny me opportunity.
To do this, in one Letter is not to be expected—But be assured Sir; that I have, in my possession, proofs more than sufficient to demonstrate, that my whole life has been mark’d, by one continued, & uniform system of honesty, honor, & simplicity of manners. I can call upon some of the first characters, in this country, now living, who will, unitedly, confirm this declaration.
Be good enough to read, with patience, how I have conducted myself in the various changes of situation & circumstances—I state nothing but facts—those facts I can prove, by evidence, not to be question’d—When I was about 21 years of age, I was appointed a Captain of a Company by the officers of the county not thro’ favouritism of the Governor—& tho’ one of the youngest Captains, both as to age & Commission the Governor offer’d me a majority, thro’ the united wishes of my superior officers, to serve the succeeding year—I prefer’d the business of a Merchant—was some time after connected with the Gentleman who had taught me that business; & was sent to England by him—there, I form’d a Copartnership with the Agent of Massachusetts—some time after his death, I became a Banker—married an Heiress—the daughter of one of the twelve Judges, & cheif of the Common Pleas—was elected one of the Sherriffs of London—and by an honest policy, had so united the several parties, then in opposition, to the american War that I became dangerous to the administration—at least they thought so—Is there any mistery in all this? If I strengthen’d the opposition, by uniting Lord Chatham to Lord Rockingham, & uniting them to the Leading men in the City, & thereby kept the weight of the City, & County of Middlesex in the scale; it may be call’d, honest activity—but it had neither mistery or intrigue in it—While I thus could make myself useful to them: the greatest men shew’d me the greatest attention—When the Government bent down their heavy arm, & changed my situation, I knew the world too well to suppose myself any longer useful. I had to lament the loss of fortune—the loss of friends, & high expectations; and had no other consolation, than that of having endeavour’d to render service to my native Country.
When I retired to France in Feby. 1777, with a design of coming to America, the Comrs. requested me to attend Mr Arthur Lee, one of the said Comrs to Berlin.
While, left there, waiting for their answer as to some Contracts, meant to be finish’d with that Court—and which were neglected: owing to the violent disputes among the Comrs. I employ’d my time, in pressing the King to form some fix’d system, for neutral ships, & to take the lead in it—This I can show you by Letters from his Minister—and tho Frederic would not lead, he promised to follow & this very system & all its consequences originated from myself—tho’ you may have been inform’d that I am not singular in perseverence, I have the sole merit of pursuing the object, till Kings assumed it—And is there any great mistery in bringing Kings and Ministers into a measure, so clearly for their Interest?
I am with great respect yours &c
Stephen Sayre


Title: From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 22 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Dalton, Tristram

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Feb 22d 1799

I must beg your pardon for neglecting to answer your friendly letters for which I am obliged to you
If congress moves the publick offices must all move as the law now stands. But all the prophets could not foresee what will happen in a year. I suppose the government will move. If there is any thing in particular that you have in view I pray you to indicate it. My disposition is so good that it is a mortification to me that I have not been able to serve you.
My regards to Mrs. Dalton and the Family. Mrs. Adams I fear is not so well as she had been for some time. The story of her being here was I suppose only state trick

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 22 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Murray, Judith Sargent Stevens

Dear Mrs. Murray
Philadelphia Feb 22d 1799

I am so deeply indebted to you for elegant letters and charming addresses that I expect to be obliged to take advantage of the bankrupt law if ever one should be passed.
In answer to your last letter I can only say that I know of no vacancy in which your brother can be employed at present. If you or your friend have any particular thing in view, I pray you to mention it and it shall be maturely considered.
Your sympathy, Madam, with my dear Mrs. Adams is very affecting to me. Alass! The melancholy hours I suffer on her account are beyond all description. May you & Mr Murray long continue to enjoy uninterupted health.
With great esteem I am / Madam your most obed sert.

John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 22 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Sir
Philadelphia Feb 22d. 1799

I have just received your favor of the 20th of Jan. & am sensibly touched with the remembrance of our learned & ingenious friend whom I saw at the red Lyon in Leyden I thank you for his poems.
Whether you will find purchasers for the edition of his juvenile poems you meditate I cannot say. My Countrymen I fear do not sufficiently attend to Greek & Latin after they leave College, perhaps not there
I am with esteem &c

J Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 25 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
February 25. 1799

The Proposition of a fresh Negotiation with France, in Consequence of Advances made by the French Government, has excited so general an Attention and so much Conversation, as to have given occasion to many manifestations of the public opinion from which it appears to me, that a new modification of the Embassy, will give more general Satisfaction to the Legislature and to the Nation and perhaps better answer the Purposes We have in View
It is upon this supposition and with this Expectation that I now nominate
Oliver Elsworth Esqr Chief Justice of the United States
Patrick Henry Esqr late Governor of Virginia and
William Vans Murray Esqr our Minister Resident at the Hague
To be Envoys Extraordinary—and Ministers Plenipotentiary to the French Republick with full Powers to discuss and settle, by a Treaty all Controversies between the United States and France.
It is not intended that the two former of these Gentlemen Shall embark for Europe untill they shall have received from the Executive Directory, Assurances, Signified by their Secretary of foreign Relations, that they shall be received in Character, that they shall enjoy all the Prerogatives attached to that Character by the Law of Nations, and that a Minister or Ministers of equall Powers shall be appointed & commissioned to treat with them

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to New Jersey Legislature, 26 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: New Jersey Legislature

To the Legislature of the State of New JerseyGentlemen
Phyladelphia February 26 1799

I thank you for your Address of the Twentieth of this Month, transmitted according to your request by your worthy Governor and presented to me by your senators and Representatives in Congress.
The Conduct of France towards the United States which you describe with such Energy of Language and Dignity of sentiment is capable of no Justification Extenuation or Apology, that I can imagine: and not only rendered necessary all the Measures of Defence which have been adopted, but would have justified more open and declared Hostilities. Every War however that would might be just, may not always be necessary. We have hitherto proceeded no farther than We have been compelled by indispensable Necessity: and if the Conduct of France should render a further Prosecution of Hostilities unnecessary they will not be further prosecuted. At present however We ought not to unstring a Bow or relax a Fibre.
The Insult and Outrage committed against our national Flagg, by a superiour Force in the service of another Power, I have always imputed to the Indiscretion of a particular officer, and have hitherto no reason to doubt but that officer and all others in the same service if any there should be who want the Lessen  stand in need of the Lesson will be taught a different Conduct in future by their sovereign. Your approbation of my Conduct on that occasion does me great honor.
Every Testimonial I receive from New Jersey comes to me with a particular Recommendation. The Honor of this Address from the Legislature, deserves my particular Special Acknowledgments, and your  kind Wishes for my health and Happiness, are returned reciprocated by mine for yours with great sincerity

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Philip Van Cortlandt, 27 February 1799
From: Van Cortlandt, Philip
To: Adams, John

Honored Sir,
Philadelphia 27 Feby 1799

Since my personal application to you Mr Lawrence and Mr Watson senators from the State of New York have writen & spoken to Mr McHenry in favour of my Application for a Commission in the Army.—I take the liberty of mentioning to you that I am still desirous of an appointment & if you are pleased to give me one I trust my conduct will ever secure honor to myself & the approbation of my country.—
I am Honored Sir / with Esteem / Your Obedient Servant

P v: Cortlandt


Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 28 February 1799
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington. 28th Febry. 1799

I was, Yesterday, honored with the receit of your highly-valued Favor of the 22nd. Instant for which be pleased to accept my most grateful Acknowledgment—
You condescend to apologize for not answering my late letters. Had I supposed that you would have taken that trouble as often as I took the liberty to address you, it would have been less frequent: for, at the times of my writing, I regretted the loss of yours, in opening & looking them over, which would be taken from concerns of infinitely great magnitude. Reliance on confirmed Friendship may have led me too often to trespass in this way.
You are now so obliging, Sir, as to give me leave to indicate any particular thing I have in View, relative to a public Office—
In my last, which was under the 5th of the present month, I went further, in this respect, than, I then feared, was altogether proper. The sanguine assurances, received by the Inhabitants of George Town, that it was more than probable the public Offices would be removed from Philadelphia to that place, in the Spring, and that Congress might be induced to pass a law for the holding their next Session with them, occasioned my being so particular in that letter—
I was deemed criminal for doubting as the Intelligence came from Mr. Stoddert and Judge Craik—
The Consequence of these removals from Philadelphia, whenever they may be, will, I suppose, be the resignation of some Officers, who will not incline to follow Congress.
Alarmed at the critical Situation of our Country, I deem it the Duty of every Friend to Government to come forth, and tender his Services, whereever they can be applied to the best advantage. A private Station is not now the Post of Honor.
Impressed with these sentiments, and firmly attached to the present System of Administration, I am ready to devote my future days in the Support, and Execution, of their measures, in any Office, which you, Sir, may think worthy my acceptance, and within my capacity to conduct.
I have heretofore taken the freedom to mention the Mint—and Post Establishments—in case of a Vacancy in either of them. Availing myself of Your Goodness, I now beg leave to add—that if such an Event should happen in the Offices of the Commissioner of the Revenue—the Comptroller or Auditor of the Treasury, the appointment thereto would be acceptable.
I do not, at present, calculate on any such Vacancy, only as it is within the Chapter of Accidents—
Should any Opening take place, and I be called to an Office, I would remove to the Seat of Government, be it where it may—
Should it remove to this District, agreeably to the existing Law, I should be happy—If any adverse Measure should prevent this Step, I would not tarry here—altho’ the Climate is the best that I have experienced—
In the mean time, and until a vacancy at the Seat of Government should happen, if there should be one in the Board of Commissioners of this City, I would accept that—Altho’ the Affairs of it are perplexed, and Business nearly paralized—by means of Speculators—of there very frequently wanting a Board, Mr. White being absent with his family considerable portions of the Year, and Mr. Scot being sick—And by the Discords that prevail among the Gentlemen, when they make a Board—
I know myself free from prejudice—and partiality—
My Wish—Sir—is to obtain a permanent Office, at the Seat of Government—I conclude this Subject with asking pardon for the liberties I have taken relative to it—and thanking you for the friendly expressions in Your Letter—
It is with great Grief Mrs. Dalton & I learn that Mrs. Adams is not so well, as she hath been for some time.
We had not heard the Story of her being in Philadelphia—but should have rejoyced to have found it so in fact, and in Health. We earnestly pray that this inestimable Blessing may soon be restored to her—and that You, and all her Friends, may enjoy her Life, for many Years, in uninterrupted felicity—
With our Daughters, we ask the favor of having our respectful regards made acceptable to her—and that You will be pleased to receive them Yourself—
I am, with perfect Esteem, / And unfeigned Affection, / Sir Your much obliged, / and most obedient hble Servant
Tristram Dalton


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 1 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
March 1. 1799

I nominate Joshua Head of Massachusetts to be Collector of the District of Waldoborough and Inspector of the Revenue for the Same Port in the Place of Waterman Thomas Superceeded

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 1 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
March 1. 1799

I nominate the following Gentlemen to be Officers in the Army

First Regiment of Infantry—Lieutt. Jacob Kreemer Captain vice Harrison resigned...1. June 1798.do.Daniel Bisselldittovice Gaines... ditto... 1. January 1799.do.Charles Hydedittoin pursuance of the Act of 16 July 1798.do.John MichaeldittodittoEnsign Robert TorransLieutenant.vice Kreemer promoted...1. June. 1798 do. Yelverton Peytondittovice Bissell ditto...1. January 1799do.John W Thompsondittovice Hyde dittodo. Merriwether Lewis ditto  vice Michael dittodo.John Alexander Davidsondittoin pursuance of Act of 26. July 1798.do. George Stall  ditto  ditto.Philemon Charles Blake.MarylandEnsignMoses HookMassachusettsditto.Joseph Hawley Dwightdittoditto  Joshua S. Rogers  Rhode Island dittoRanna CossetVermontditto.Andrew Van Wort  New Yorkditto.Thomas Jno. LawrenceNew Jerseyditto Peter RobinsonDelaware   dittoEli. B ClemsonPennsylvaniaditto
Second Regiment of InfantryLieut. Peter Shoemaker Captain in pursuance of the Act of 16. July 1798do.Jesse Lukensdittoditto—EnsignJames RichmondLieutenantvice Martin resignedJune 1798.do.David Thompson    dittovice Shoemaker promoteddo. John McClarey    dittovice Lukens dittodo.Samuel Allisondittoin pursuance of the Act of 16. July 1798do.George Callenderdittoditto
Zebulon M. PikeNew JerseyEnsignNathan Heald    MassachusettsEnsignWilliam Laidlie   New YorkdittoJohn WilsonPennsylvania   ditto.James Dillditto   ditto.Peter ShirasdittodittoThomas PorterdittodittoBenjamin BulletdittodittoSeymour Rannix Virginiaditto
Third Regiment of Infantry.Lieut.John BowyerCaptain vice Thomas Lewis resigned14 Januy. 1799do.Aaron Greggdittoin pursuance of the Act of the 16 July 1798.do.  John Steele  dittoditto—Ensign   David Fero  Lieutenant vice Shanklin resigned 3 October 1798do. George Strother  dittovice Bowsyer promoted14. January 1799.do.William Scottdittovice Gregg promoted   do.William R Bootedittovice Steele ditto—do.Jacob Wilsondittoin pursuance of Act of 16. July 1798do.Peter P. Schuyler of the 2ddittoditto
     Samuel Lane   MarylandEnsign.Jonathan Freeman.N HampshiredittoPatrick McCartyVirginiadittoMatthew Arbuckle  dittodittoJohn HortonGeorgiadittoJohn SaxonSouth CarolinadittoWilliam TaylordittodittoJames RyanNorth Carolinaditto
Fourth Regiment of InfantryLieutenant.Peter Grayson  Captainvice Preston resigned—31. July. 1798.do. Jonathan Taylordittoin pursuance of Act of 16 July 1798do.Robert Purdy     dittoditto.—  EnsignRichard ChandlerLieutenantvice Grayson promoted 31. July 1798. ditto George Salmon  ditto  vice Taylor promoteddittoJohn Campbellditto vice Purdy ditto    ditto James Bomer  ditto  in pursuance of the Act of 16. July 1798dittoJohn Hainesdittoditto

Samuel McGuireVirginiaEnsignThomas Blackburn  dittodittoDaniel NewnanNorth CarolinadittoJames LovedittodittoThomas Eastland KentuckydittoJames DeshaTennesseeditto.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 2 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate of the United States.
March 2. 1799.

I inclose the copy of a letter of the 6th ult. from Governor St. Clair, and the copy of the certificate therein mentioned, of the nomination of ten persons, of whom five are to be selected to constitute the Legislative Council for the Territory Northwest of the River Ohio. I have accordingly selected, and now nominate, Jacob Burnet, James Findlay, Henry Vanderburg, Robert Oliver and David Vance to be the members of the Legislative Council of the Territory of the United States Northwest of the River Ohio.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 2 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
March 2. 1799

I nominate the following Gentlemen for Offices in the Army

Infantry.—Lieutenant ColonelNathan RiceMassachusettsRichard HunnewelldittoMajorWilliam JonesMassachusetts.CaptainsPhineas AshmunMassachusettsJoseph Peirce Junr.dittoArthur LithgowdittoJonathan AndrewsRhode IslandGeorge WoodwardVermontPhilip CortlandNew YorkWalter K. ColeNew JerseyJames Read    PennsylvaniaBenjamin Gibbs Junr.dittoJames AshmandittoValentine BrothersMarylandJohn W. HacketdittoJonathan HodgsondittoNathaniel HenryVirginiaLieutenantsSamuel MackeyMassachusettsBenjamin Beale Junr.dittoCharles P. PhelpsdittoEdmund Soper   dittoDaniel BissellVermontIsaac PutnamVermontJames SmithNew YorkRichard Baldwin dittoGeorge M. OgdenNew JerseyThomas SwearingenPennsylvaniaCromwell PiercedittoHenry Westcott dittoNelson WadedittoLewis HowarddittoJames Battel  DelawareWilliam SavinMarylandCharles ClemmentsdittoVan BennetVirginiaFelix WiltondittoEnsignsSeth Bannister  MassachusettsSamuel Winter Church dittoChristopher Whipple Rhode IslandJohn W. BrownsonVermontWilliam Morrow PennsylvaniaJabez CaldwellDelawareJohn AdlumMarylandEdward Ford  dittoCharles McCallisterVirginiaJohn HeiskelldittoMarcus CombsdittoWillis Wells JunrdittoCavalryCaptainsCharles F MercerVirginiavice Laurence Lewis declinedJames BurnSouth Carolina

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 2 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives
March 2. 1799

Judging it of importance to the Public that the Legislative should be informed of the gradual Progress of their maritime Resources I transmit to Congress a statement of the Vessells with their Tonnage, Warlike force and Compliment of Men to which Commissions as private armed Vessells have been given issued, Since the Ninth day of July last

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Daniel Morgan, 3 March 1799
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
March 3d. 1799.

It is with extreem regret that I leave Philedelphia without waiting on you, to apologize for not attending on you agreably to your polite and friendly Invitations, to thank you for the many Instances of civility and Attention I have received from you, and to assure you of my sincere respect and Attachment, but such is the situation of my health that I have been confined several days, and now set out in a hurry, rather doubting whether I may reach my family—
At all events, I believe this my last Journey to Phila—Tis probable I may never have the honor to see you again, I wish you health and happiness, and that your Merits and Virtues may be rewarded in this world & the next—
I beg the honor, when you see Mrs. Adams that you mention to her the sincere respect of an old Soldier—
With real Attachment I’ve the honor to be, Sir, / your very Obdt Sert.

Danl. Morgan—


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 3d: 1799

I have been duly honoured with your favour of the 19th Ulto. mentioning the nomination of Mr. Murray to be Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Republic.—
With the writer of the letter, which I did myself the honour to enclose in my last to you, I truly observed that I had never held any correspondence;—and I only knew him in his public mission from this Country to the Barbary States, the functions of which he discharged at that time with ability and propriety.—I have indeed, lately, heard of a letter that has been published, which he wrote to Mr. Baldwin, filled with abuse of this Government and its Administration: But I have never met with it in any of the Papers whch. I take
As you have had more opportunities of knowing this man’s character than have fallen to me, I have no doubt but you have formed a just estimate of him—and as I had no other desire than to be useful, in transmitting any sentiments you might wish to convey—I shall, impressed with your observations, take no notice of his letter.—
I sincerely pray, that in the discharge of these arduous and important duties committed to you, your health may be unimpaired, and that you may long live to enjoy those blessings which must flow to our Country, if we should be so happy as to pass this critical period in an honourable and dignified manner, without being involved in the horrors and calamities of War.—
Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Lewis (late Miss Custis) thank you for your kind remembrance of them, and offer their best respects to you,—at the same time that they unite with me in every good wish for the perfect restoration of health to Mrs. Adams
With sentiments of very great respect, I have the honor to be / Sir / Your Most Obedt. & Most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Fast Day Proclamation, 6 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To:

BY THE PRESIDENT Of the United States of America.A Proclamation.
6 March 1799

As no truth is more clearly taught in the volume of inspiration, nor any more fully demonstrated by the experience of all ages, than that a deep sense and a due acknowledgment of the governing providence of a Supreme Being and of the accountableness of men to Him as the searcher of hearts and righteous distributor of rewards and punishments, are conducive, equally, to the happiness and rectitude of individuals and to the well being of communities; as it is, also, most reasonable in itself, that men who are made capable of social acts and relations, who owe their improvements to the social state, and who derive their enjoyments from it, should, as a society, make their acknowledgments of dependance and obligation to Him who hath endued them with these capacities, and elevated them in the scale of existence, by these distinctions; as it is, likewise, a plain dictate of duty, and a strong sentiment of nature, that in circumstances of great urgency and seasons of imminent danger, earnest and particular supplications should be made to Him who is able to defend or to destroy; as, moreover, the most precious interests of the people of the United States are still held in jeopardy, by the hostile designs and insidious arts of a foreign nation, as well as by the dissemination among them of those principles subversive of the foundations of all religious, moral and social obligations, that have produced incalculable mischief and misery in other countries; and as, in fine, the observance of special seasons for public religious solemnities, is happily calculated to avert the evils which we ought to deprecate, and to excite to the performance of the duties which we ought to discharge,—by calling and fixing the attention of the people at large to the momentous truths already recited, by affording opportunity to teach and inculcate them, by animating devotion and giving to it the character of a national act:—For these reasons, I have thought proper to recommend, and I do hereby recommend accordingly, that Thursday, the 25th day of April next, be observed, throughout the United States of America, as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer—That the citizens, on that day, abstaining as far as may be from their secular occupations, devote the time to the sacred duties of religion, in public and in private: That they call to mind our numerous offences against the most High GOD, confess them before him with the sincerest penitence, implore his pardoning mercy, through the great Mediator and Redeemer, for our past transgressions, and that, through the grace of his Holy Spirit, we may be disposed and enabled to yield a more suitable obedience to his righteous requisitions in time to come: That he would interpose to arrest the progress of that impiety and licentiousness in principle and practice, so offensive to himself and so ruinous to mankind: That he would make us deeply sensible that “righteousness exalteth a nation, but that sin is the reproach of any people”: That he would turn us from our transgressions and turn his displeasure from us: That he would withhold us from unreasonable discontent,—from disunion, faction, sedition and insurrection: That he would preserve our country from the desolating sword: That he would save our cities and towns from a repetition of those awful pestilential visitations under which they have lately suffered so severely, and that the health of our inhabitants, generally, may be precious in his sight: That he would favour us with fruitful seasons, and so bless the labors of the husbandman as that there may be food in abundance for man and beast: That he would prosper our commerce, manufactures, and fisheries and give success to the people in all their lawful industry and enterprize: That he would smile on our colleges, academies, schools and seminaries of learning, and make them nurseries of sound science, morals and religion: That he would bless all magistrates from the highest to the lowest, give them the true spirit of their station, make them a terror to evil doers and a praise to them that do well: That he would preside over the councils of the nation at this critical period, enlighten them to a just discernment of the public interest, and save them from mistake, division and discord: That he would succeed our preparations for defence, and bless our armaments by land and by sea: That he would put an end to the effusion of human blood, and the accumulation of human misery, among the contending nations of the earth, by disposing them to justice, to equity, to benevolence and to peace: And that he would extend the blessings of knowledge, of true liberty, and of pure and undefiled religion, throughout the world.
And I do, also, recommend that with these acts of humiliation, penitence and prayer, fervent thanksgiving to the author of all good be united, for the countless favors which he is still continuing to the people of the United States, and which render their condition as a nation eminently happy, when compared with the lot of others.
Given under my hand and the seal of the United States of America, at the city of Philadelphia, this sixth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine and of the Independence of the said States the twenty-third.

John Adams.By the President,Timothy Pickering,Secretary of State


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 9 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

March 9 1799

The President of the United States requests the Company of the Secretary of State, with the Heads of Departments, tomorrow Evening at Six of OClock and requests the Secretary to bring with him a Copy of the Instructions to our late Envoys to France.


Title: Points Receiving the President’s Assent, 11 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To:

11 March 1799

Points which, on the 11th of March, 1799, received the President’s assent, as ultimata.
1. That France should stipulate to indemnify the citizens of the United States for the spoliations committed on their commerce by the armed vessels and citizens of France, and by the adjudication of her courts in prize causes.
2. That as the vessels of the United States were not bound by treaty to have on board what the French call a rôle d’equipage, all captures and condemnations of American vessels and property for want of a rôle d’equipage, be considered as unlawful and null; and that in submitting to a board of commissioners, who may be appointed to adjust mutual claims, all those arising from captures and condemnations for want of the rôle d’equipage, be expressly excepted, as not admitting of any dispute, but for which compensation shall be made by France, the only question concerning them being the amount of the damages sustained by American citizens, to be ascertained in the manner to be agreed on.
3. That the United States will not stipulate to guarantee any part of the dominions of France.


Title: To John Adams from William Hunt, 11 March 1799
From: Hunt, William
To: Adams, John

Sir
Watertown March 11th 1799

Impressed with lively emotions of gratitude, for the nomination of my Son Charles as an Ensign in the Army of the United States;  I could wish, if possible, to have him transposed to one of the perminent Regiments, if at any time the goverment should see fit to disband the new raised troops, that his remaining in service may be more sure, as he is desireous of the Army.
I hope that I shall not obtrude too much upon National favor, if I earnestly call your attention to one other of my Sons (viz) Thomas Hunt, a youth of fourteen years of age, remarkably healthy, has been continually at School and may be well fited to enter College at our next commencement.
At his time of life no one can recommend him but myself. I wish him to be registered as a midshipman on board the Frigate building at Portsmouth, with the same commander, where Judge Dana’s son has an appointment. I am led from the Judge’s information to solicit the brevet or warrant for the purpose
I am with sentiments of great respect & / Esteem your Excellencies most humble / Servt

William Hunt


Title: To John Adams from Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 11 March 1799
From: Murray, Judith Sargent Stevens
To: Adams, John

Sire
Boston Franklin Place March 11th 1799

Glowing with gratitude for your last condescending favour, it is beyond my ability to preserve that respectful silence, which would, perhaps, best become me. Accept, Sire, such thanks as are proper for me to give, and for you to receive: and may that august Executive, who hath delegated to you a portion of his authority, long preserve you, in your illustrious career, and continue you a rich, and inestimable blessing, to this infant Nation. Greatly do we need the protecting care of such a Father, and immeasurably Courteous, is that divine arrangement, which proportioned your abilities, to our exigencies.
I drop the tear of respectful commiseration, over your pathetic exclamation, relative to the continued indisposition of your most excellent Lady! I had been informed her health was perfectly restored, and a paragraph in a philadelphia paper, led me to conceive she had joined you at the seat of government my regrets upon the occasion, correspond with the magnitude of those sorrows, which assail the bosom, of him to whom the prosperity of United Columbia is principally committed. May the existence and health of her whom you so justly love, and admire, be right precious in the sight of him, with whom are the issues of life and of death.
Your benevolent wishes respecting Mr Murray, and myself, are received with respectful, and affectionate gratitude.
I did not, Sire, solicit you for my brother, his appointment to the government of the Mississippi Territory is, as far as I am informed, fully commensurate with his wishes. I presumed to approach you in behalf of my friend, and kinsman, Mr Epes Sargent, now resident in Hampstead, in the State of New Hampshire, who hath deserved well of our government, and whose merit, and pretensions, I asseyed to sketch, in the letter which I did myself the honour to address to you, up the 13th of August last. General Hamilton, now in Philadelphia, with the honourable Mr Wolcott, and other officers of the Treasury, will, I presume, stand forth, ready Vouchers for the talents, punctuality, and respectability, of Mr Sargent.
Placed at a distance from my kinsman, I cannot immediately consult him, but as you condescend to permit me to reurge my suit, after receiving instructions from him, I will, should it be necessary, submit them to your consideration.
I am, / Sire, / With the utmost esteem, admiration, and respect. / your most obedient / and very humble servant

J. Sargent Murray


Title: Proclamation on Insurrection in Pennsylvania, 12 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To:

Proclamation concerning the Insurrection in Pennsylvania12 March, 1799.

Whereas, combinations to defeat the execution of the law for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses within the United States, have existed in the counties of Northampton, Montgomery, and Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania, and have proceeded in a manner subversive of the just authority of the government, by misrepresentations to render the laws odious, be deterring the officers of the United States to forbear the execution of their functions, and by openly threatening their lives: And whereas, the endeavors of the well-affected citizens, as well as of the executive officers, to conciliate a compliance with those laws, have failed of success, and certain persons in the county of Northampton, aforesaid, have been hardy enough to perpetrate certain acts, which, I am advised, amount to treason, being overt acts of levying war against the United States, the said persons, exceeding one hundred in number, and, armed and arrayed in a warlike manner, having, on the seventh day of the present month of March, proceeded to the house of Abraham Lovering, in the town of Bethlehem, and there compelled William Nicholas, Marshal of the United States, and for the district of Pennsylvania, to desist from the execution of certain legal processes in his hands to be executed, and having compelled him to discharge and set at liberty certain persons whom he had arrested by virtue of a criminal process, duly issued for offences against the United States, and having impeded and prevented the commissioners and assessors, in conformity with the laws aforesaid, in the county of Northampton aforesaid, by threats of personal injury, from executing the said laws, avowing as the motive of these illegal and treasonable proceedings an intention to prevent, by force of arms, the execution of the said laws, and to withstand by open violence the lawful authority of the government of the United States. And whereas, by the Constitution and laws of the United States, I am authorized, whenever the laws of the United States shall be opposed, or the execution thereof obstructed, in any State, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by powers vested in the marshal, to call forth military force to suppress such combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed; and I have accordingly determined so to do, under the solemn conviction that the essential interests of the United States demand it. Wherefore I, John Adams, President of the United States, do hereby command all persons being insurgents as aforesaid, and all others whom it may concern, on or before Monday next, being the eighteenth day of this present month, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes. And I do, moreover, warn all persons whomsoever, against aiding, abetting, or comforting the perpetrators of the aforesaid treasonable acts, and I do require all officers and others, good and faithful citizens, according to their respective duties and the laws of the land, to exert their utmost endeavors to prevent and suppress such dangerous and unlawful proceedings.
In testimony whereof, &c.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Parker, 12 March 1799
From: Parker, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Sir
Mettinghous near Bungay Suffolk Mar 12th 1799

I presume the name of Dr Gales will revive the recollection of me both at Paris & Amsterdam. In the latter place I was favour’d with a copy from your original miniature painting of General Washington
I will not take up any of your Excellencys time in apologizing for the introduction of Mr Redout of London when I assure you this gentlemans character would not disgrace any recommendation
His interest both in America & Britain confirm his attachment to both countries & as a friend to mankind I know he cannot be better recommended to your Excellencys regard
I cannot close this letter without adding my cordial wishes that to every domestick satisfaction may be superadded an ample return for your unintermitting exertions on the public account
I have the honor to be / with great respect / Your Excellencys much obliged & / obedient Servant

Joseph Parker


Title: To John Adams from Daniel Story, 13 March 1799
From: Story, Daniel
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philadelphia March 13th: 1799

Assured that every degree of progress made in civilization, morality and religion will be pleasing to you, I have taken the Liberty to present the enclosed, which shows the state of Society and Religion in Marietta and its Vicinity—
The necessity of leaving the City, early tomorrow morning deprives me of the pleasure of waiting upon you in Person.—
With sentiments of the greatest esteem and respect, / I am, / Sir, / your most obedient / and very humble Servant

Daniel Story


Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, 14 March 1799
From: Lee, Charles
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 14th. March 1799.

The enclosed from my friend Marshall on Wednesday last was received by me, and it is with no small pleasure I find his opinion correspondent with my own respecting the Appointment of Murray. You will perceive from the date that the subsequent modification of the embassy was not known to him when he wrote. His letter being entirely of a private nature I should not have sent to you, but that I presume it will afford you satisfaction to know that a measure which excited so much agitation here, has met the approbation of so good a judge as Mr. Marshall.
Nothing new has been heard concerning the insurgents since you left the city. The report of the Marshall agrees substantially with the letters & affidavit which were shewn to you by the Secretary of State on Monday evening.
Wishing you a safe journey I have the honor to remain with the greatest esteem very respectfully Sir your most obedient hble servt

Charles Lee


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 16 March 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir,
War Department 16 March 1799.

I have this moment received the inclosed letter and list of persons proposed for military appointments from Major General Pinckney, and take the liberty to request, if the names should be approved of that it may be returned as soon as convenient, with authority to announce to the persons therein named their appointments and to make alterations therein should any intervening information or circumstances appear to render the same proper. It would also serve to facilitate the completion of the army lists to be authorised to select fit persons, and to signify to them their appointments, for the three Lieutenants to be added to each Regiment. As these officers under the new organization may be the Pay-Master, Qt. Master, and Adjutant of each Regiment it is essential to the service that they should be appointed with as little delay as possible. There are also vacancies in the army, in consequence of non-acceptances resignations &c daily occurring; you will judge whether the Secy. of War ought to be allowed a discretionary power to act in such cases by filling up the vacancies
On looking over the list inclosed, I find that some of the persons named in it, have been appointed as mentioned in General Pinckney’s letter.
All necessary arrangements have been made and are making to subdue the insurrection. I have issued orders to draw five companies of the regular army to the scene of insurrection and for the volunteer companies to be in readiness to march at the shortest notice. I employ the former to produce an impression favourable to the volunteer force, which is alone intended to give due efficacy to the laws, and to render it less necessary to call out a great member of the latter.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir / your most obt & hble St.
James McHenry
I request the letter from Gen Pinckney & list to be returned there having been no time to take copies of either without losing the mail of to-day.


Title: To John Adams from John Bird, 18 March 1799
From: Bird, John
To: Adams, John

The Memorial and Petition of John Bird—most respectfully and humbly ShewethNew Haven March 18th: 1799.

That your Memorialist and Petitioner came from London to America early in the Year 1794 to endeavour to recover Debts due to him at that time to the Amount of upward of Five Thousand Pounds—and that he has not been able (by all his exertions) to recover 5 per Ct. in real value, but has been obliged to labour hard for a very scanty Living, since he was upwards of 50 Years of Age (tho’ not ever before incised to bodily labour) Therefore humbly prays your Excellency will be so kind as to take his hard Case into Consideration (and more especially as he is now deprived of all means of further Subsistance by a fatal Paralytic–Stroke on his left side which has Rendered him incapable of every kind of labour to procure the necessaries of Life) by an Appointment in some of the public Offices in Connecticut, as he is yet capable of any duty requisite in Writing and Accompts, and to be employed in the Supervisor’s Office would be most eligible if attainable; As he has been employed in said Office from August 1793 till July 1797 (consequently best acquainted with the Business as Coll. Chester can certify) with a very small Salary, Further he humbly thinks himself entitled (in a degree) to beg some relief, as America must have saved so much Money in the Country as his Merchandice Amounted to; And at this time the Debts justly due to him in Connecticut & Philadelphia amount to upwards of Twelve Thousand Pounds, which he humbly submits to the wise Consideration of all good Men, And he is very willing to employ the short remainder of his Life diligently in any reasonable Employment adequate to his capacity & abilities, and that he was accounted one of the best Writers & Accomptants in this State and especially in Bookkeeping & Merchants Accompts—Even some Employment would be prefer’d much rather than Nothing to do, having always been accustomed to Business and an active Life hitherto, Therefore begs your Excellency’s Assistance, And your Creator as in Duty bound shall ever &c.

John Bird


Title: To John Adams from Moses Blackly, 19 March 1799
From: Blackly, Moses
To: Adams, John

The President of the United States
 sir
Huntington Suffolk County N. York March 19th AD 1799

An address from the well disposed Citizens of this County was forwarded to you last fall being Myself Secretary of the Meeting & never having recieved any Information concerning the said address causes me to believe it has never been recieved—
I am your Excellencys / most Obedient Servant

Moses Blackly


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 19 March 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State March 19. 1799.

I have the honor to enclose General Pinckney’s letter of the 27th ulto. and the information which he communicated relative to the persons & papers which arrived at Charleston in the ship Minerva, Capt. Kramp, from Hamburg.—The mulattoes, instead of being agents of the Directory, probably consider the French government as hostile to the interest of the people of colour and the blacks of St. Domingo: That a jealousy exists in the French government of the designs of those people is evident; and some passages in Bonnet’s letter confirm the apprehensions of the blacks that the French intend reducing them again to a state of Slavery. Of the three letters from Bonnet, Pinchinat & Barbault Royer, I have given copies to Dr. Stevens, who embarked the 17th for Cape Francois.
It has been intimated to me that Mr. Snow Consul at Canton did not mean to stay there. James Reid  of New Hampshire (son of General Reid, who was a Colonel in the N. Hampshire line of the army in our revolution-war) is desirous of succeeding Mr. Snow, and in the mean time of being appointed Vice-Consul. Mr. Gilman recommends him in the inclosed letter, and I expect Mr. Stoddert’s to accompany it. If you approve of Mr. Reid, you will be pleased to sign the blank commission inclosed. I will take the liberty to observe, that formerly, when Major Samuel Shaw of Boston was Consul, Captain Randal was vice-consul of the U. States at Canton.
I have the honour to be / sir, with great respect, / your obedt. servant

Timothy PickeringPapers inclosed
1. list of papers found in the brig Minerva
2. 4 examinations, of the four men made prisoners
3. 3 letters—Bonnet’s—Barbault Royer’s—and Pinchinot’s.
4. letter from Genl. Pinckney.
5. N. Gilman’s letter


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 March 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State March 21. 1799.

I have just received the inclosed from Mr. Stoddert relative to Mr. James Reid, who desires to be appointed vice-Consul for Canton, as mentioned in my last; and have the honor to be with great respect / sir you most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Elisha Boudinot, 25 March 1799
From: Boudinot, Elisha
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Newark 25 March 1799

I was, as one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of this State, holding a circuit court in the County of Morris—At the breaking up of the court, the grand Jury requested that I would forward to the President, the inclosed address—at first I thought it was giving you too much trouble, but the friends to Government, in the County, urged the propriety of it, as coming from that County in a particular manner; and that it would be attended with good effects in the County at large: I therefore promised to comply with their Request, and hope it will apologize to you sir, for the liberty I have taken.
I pray that the time may shortly arrive when addresses will not be necessary to manifest the attachment of the People to their own government—But whilst the enemies of good order are by their slanders endeavoring to render the Seat of the Chief Majestrate as uneasy as possible—it certainly behoves its friends to convince Him, that he does not stand alone but that every good Man is ready to support him, with their lives & fortunes
I have the honor to be / sir / With the greatest Respect & / Esteem / Your most Obt. Sert

Elisha Boudinot


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 March 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 26 March 1799.

I have the honor to enclose copies of a correspondence Just recd, between Capt Truxtun, & Genl. Desfourneaux—Truxtun expected to get the Insurgents to Sea, about the 3d. March; having a good prospect of picking up Men enough from the Islands, to Man her.
The Newspapers give an accot. of Barrys having captured a French privateer, & recaptured an English Armed Ship—and of the two Cutters under the Command of Decatur, having taken a privateer of 12 Guns—But I have recd. no official information of these captures.
My latest letters from the West Indies, are from Murray—the 3d of March—He speaks generally of the great protection afforded to our Commerce by the Armed Ships; but assigns good reasons for believing that Guadaloupe is, & will be, supplied, in spite of our Laws, by American Vessels.
Althõ it is not within my Department, I take the liberty to mention; because I am sure it will afford you pleasure; that there seems to be every probability, that the Insurrection in Northampton will be subdued without Bloodshed—a number of the prisoners who were rescued out of the hands of the Marshal, have delivered themselves up, at Philadelphia—and I believe those who appeared in Arms, will at Bethlehem, will not resist the Marshal, supported as he is to be, by about 200 horse, who are to proceed with him, in two or three Days.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr most Obedt. Servt.
Ben Stoddert.


Title: Memorandum by Elbridge Gerry of a Conversation with JA, 26 March 1799
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To:

March 26 1799

In a conference with the President of the U.S. at his house on a visit three days after his arrival he informed me that soon after his speech to Congress at the opening of the last session he required of Mr Pickering a copy of my despatches in order to send them to Congress. That after waiting a proper time he sent again to the Secretary for them. That he applied a third time & pressed their being sent. That the Secretary excused himself on account of the frequent interruptions of his office, for not having sent them & promised to do it soon. That the Public & Congress being at last very impatient, the President sent his principle Secretary for them, & soon after received them from the Secretary of state, with information that he proposed to make a report on them. That the President in answer said, he did not himself stand in need of a report, neither did he suppose the Senate or House required it, but that the Secretary on the Saturday Evening after the President had communicated to Congress my despatches, made the report which the President read to his utter astonishment. That he read it a second time & his astonishment was not abated. That he took his pen and erased whole pages and clauses & connecting it in other respects, ordered the Secretary to copy it as it then stood. That the Secretary kept him up a great part of that night & returning again on Sunday Evening urged the reinstating the clauses struck out. That the President spent a considerable part of the night on the matter & finally positively refused to do it & declared that he would never sanction such injustice calumnies & falsehoods. The President further informed me, that on the day he sent in the Report, he received from the Secretary Mr. Murrays letter relative to the disposition of the French Directory to negotiate with the U. States. That he noted the time of receiving the letter, & that he would not have sent in Pickerings Report had he received Mr Murrays letter first. That, when he received Mr Murrays letter, he reflected on the subject & considered that to consult the Heads of Department would be to defeat his own intention Nominate a Minister to negotiate with France, for that Pickering with two other Heads of Department would he now be against the nomination, & would immediately intrigue with Members of Congress to raise a clamor against nomination it. That the President therefore concluded to make the nomination without consulting any one, which he accordingly did. And that he considered the nomination as the best justification that could be made of any conduct. That there evidently was a design in the hand of Col. Hamilton S. Higginson G Cabot Theos. Parsons & some others. to run me down; but that I had done nothing to fear. That he was willing himself to use the Country for defence to Militia, not thinking such an Army as were provided by Congress necessary & that he wished to apply the expence of the Army to increase the Navy. That he nevertheless had consented to the Army establishments because Congress were in favor of them, but that he thought Hamilton & a Party were endeavoring to get an Army on foot to give Hamilton the command of it & thus to proclaim a Regal Government, Col Hamilton at the Head of it & prepare the way as a Province of Great Britain.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 March 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 27. March 1799.

By the Brig Norfolk, Capt Williams, I have letters from Capt Truxtun, of the 6th. March—The Insurgents had not proceeded on a Cruise, but was nearly ready
I have also recd. a letter from Capt Decatur, of the 5th. March—He had just captured a small French schooner, of one 9 pound Gun—& 26 Men.
The papers of which the enclosed are copies, were sent by Truxtun, who continues to speak of the great attention our Vessels experience from the British Officers.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr Most Obed Servt.

Ben Stoddert.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 28 March 1799
From: Cooper, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston March 28th. 1799

I find that Mr. Lovell is the only Man in Boston capable of decyphering intricate papers. I have conversed with him upon the subject & shown him the method in which the figures are placed. He despairs of being able to find a Key to the papers, but will nevertheless wait upon your Excellency to see if there is a possibility of obtaining a Key by which he can decypher them.
I am with great respect / Your Excellency’s most Obed / humble servt.

Saml. Cooper


Title: From John Adams to Charles Lee, 29 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Charles

PrivateSir
Quincy March 29th 1799

Esteeming very highly the opinion & character of your friend General Marshall, I thank you for inclosing his letter of the 3d of March in yours of the 14th which I have received.
The nomination of Murray has had one good effect at least It has shown to every observing & thinking man, the real strength or weakness of the constitution, & where one part of that weakness resides It has also produced a display of the real spirit of the parties in this country, & the objects they have in view. To me, it has laid open characters. Some of these will do well to study a little more maturely the spirit of their stations—but vanity has no limits—arrogance shall be made to feel a curb. If any one entertains the idea that because I am a president of three votes only, I am in the power of a party, they shall find that I am no more so, than the constitution forces upon me. If combinations of senators, generals & heads of department shall be formed such as I cannot resist and measures are demanded of me that I cannot adopt, my remedy is plain and certain. I will try my own strength at resistance first however. This is free and entre nous
I am with much esteem your most obedient

J Adams


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 29 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy March 29. 1799

I have received, in your favour of the 16th. Major General Pinckneys List, arranged in concert with Governor Davie. This List has my Approbation and you may announce as soon as possible, to the Persons their Appointments.
I expect that all the vacancies in the Army be first communicated to me and the Candidates with their recommendations be transmitted to me, before Commissions are sent them or appointments announced to them.
Inclosed is a Letter from Benjamin Beale Junr which I request you to consider. He cannot accept a Lieutenancy and I cannot blame him. His Age, Education, Travels, Manners and irreproachable Character, merit a Captaincy if any one is vacant.
Mr Hastings has been with me—I wish you to examine his Recommendations and weigh his Pretentions. He is a warlike looking officer an served the whole Revolutionary War.
Major Lillie also has been here. His Merits must be attended to. There is also a Mr Burbeck, who must be provided for in the Artillery. He has Talents and Experience which no other Man in the United States possesses, in Compositions which are important in that Line of service. A soldier from his Birth he shall be so till his Death if it descends on, sir your most / obt

John AdamsI return Gen. Pinckneys Letter and List. I desire too that Mr Barons Commission as Captain of Artillery be sent him immediately. The New England officers, I am told are impatient for their Commissions. I desire that all the Commissions may be sent to the officers throughout the states without loss of time.
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 29 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy March 29th. 1799.

Inclosed is a recommendation from Gen. Thayer one of our Massachusetts Senators of Mr. Augustus Hunt, to be an officer. By his personal appearance he will make a very handsome & a well made stout lieutenant, you may put him on the list accordingly, if you please. &c I am &c.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 29 March 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy March 29. 1799

Mr Stodderts recommendation of Mr James Reid of New Hampshire to be Vice Consul at Canton, inclosed in your Letter of the 21. and returned in this, is sufficient for my satisfaction, provided you know of no other candidate of greater merit, or Superiour qualifications. You may therefore make out his Commission as soon as you please. I have the honor to be, Sir, your / most obedient

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 30 March 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State March 30. 1799.

I have the honor to inclose three draughts of a letter to the Queen of Portugal, in answer to hers of the 12th of October last, now inclosed, which the Chevalier de Freire handed to me since your departure, with an open copy of which he has favoured me with the inclosed translation; stating the birth of a grandson.
The Chevalier about the time of your departure was going to wait on you to mention that he had received from his court leave of absence from the United States; and that he proposed to embark with his family the latter end of April or beginning of May. He has desired me to communicate this information to you.
None of the armed insurgents who rescued the Marshal’s prisoners having surrendered themselves, the troops will next week march to Northampton & the adjoining counties in Pennsylvania.
I have the honor to be with great respect, / sir your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 1 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy April 1st 1799.

I return inclosed the commission for Mr. Reid & General Pinckneys letter with all the papers attending it. Though the information obtained from the prisoners at Charleston is not very material, the gentleman who wrote the intelligence from Hamburgh deserves praise, because the mystery assumed by the mulattoes &c gave just cause of suspicion.
The congregation of negroes and mulattoes at the isle of Aix gives rise to many conjectures. Are the French weary of negroes & mulattoes in France? Are they meditating designs against negro liberty in the East & West Indies, which they are afraid will be penetrated in Europe by the blacks and communicated to their fellows? or are they planning a predatory expedition upon the sea coast of Georgia or South or North Carolina? I own myself inclined to the suspicion of Gen Pinckney that the last is at least one of their schemes.
This is the day of our great election. Mighty efforts are making as it is reported by the Anties to change the senators & govenor, & some fears are entertained for some of the senators, who are commissioners of the land tax. But I see no dangerous symptoms. The public mind appears to be quiet in general & satisfied with the state of things.
I am &c.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 1 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy April 1st 1799

Mr. Samuel Cooper came out with a packet from the consul at Gibralter. My son and Mr. Shaw have taken the tedious pains to copy them. No man in Boston is found to undertake to decypher them. I hope you will find one in Philadelphia. Mr. Lovel the naval officer, who was much occupied in congress formerly in cyphering & decyphering, came out to see them; but despairs of being able to make a key. These numbers may contain much treason & they may be as empty as the tubs & bucketts at Charlestown. I thought it best to keep the copies from abroad for the present.
I have the honor to be, Sir your most humble servant


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 2 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy April 2d 1799

I received yesterday, your favor of 25th March, & thank you for the letter inclosed in it to Gen Lincoln.
I am glad to learn that the discontents in Northampton are not increasing. I wish the expence of marching a force against the malcontents could be laid upon them alone.—Our elections are supposed to have gone very well.—much better than had been feared and expected. In a violent snowstorm, this is written by Sir, your most humble


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Harrison, 2 April 1799
From: Harrison, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Chittend. April 2nd. 1799

As your Curiosity may be awakened by the novelty and singularity of the Address herewith presented. I will for your endeavour excellency’s reflections in some leisure hour endeavour to satisfy our curiosity by a cursory, yet true, but Brief account of the Person and Family with a sketch of his Life and his earnest request. I was born on the 26th day of April 1756 in a Village called Norton in the County of Derby in England of honest and reputable Parents. My Father had a small patrimonal Inheritance and having a liberal education he was chosen Master of the Free School in that Place which was endowed with a good Salary and many Perquisites which enabled him to bring up his Family in a little Higher stile than what was there called a Mediocrity. In the same Village was a Boarding school kept by a Gentleman of emminent abilities in all the Arts and Sciences except Writing in which my Father excelled almost every Master then in the Country for the joint benefit of the Receptors and Pupils they used to join in their Instructions which caused the Gentry from different Counties to send their Sons to Norton for Instruction In which Schools I received, mine untill I had attained my Sixteenth Year during that Time I made considerable proficiency in reading, Writing, Mathematicks History and Geography, and had some knowledge of Algebra and Astronomy and Classics with the Additional pleasure of associating with Young Gentlemen of good Fortune, Birth and breeding from various Parts of the Kingdom with several of whom I expected to go to the University at Cambridge as soon as I attained my seventeenth Year. And there complete our Education: But in ’71 Sir Francis Bernard who had lately returned from America and his Lady with a Young lady their daughter came to Norton to Visit a relation they had there and proposed to tarry some time in the Place which induced them to place the Young Lady under the Tuition of my Father, who in consequence formed an accquaintance with the Governor and his Lady who expatiated so largely on the priveledges and Liberties and Customs and Soil and Climate of America Particularly the North West Part of Massachusetts Bay and the Opportunity which a Gentleman might have of increasing his Fortune in that Country; My Father having before a strong preposession in Favour of the Americans in their opposition to the tyrannical Laws which had been enacted against the devoted colonies thereupon Concluded to sell his Estate with most of his Effects and remove to America in which proposal he was supported by his whole family which then Consisted of himself his 2nd Wife myself and one Brother my own Mamma having been dead some Years Likewise two Sons my Father had had by his second Wife and accordingly we set out in the beginning of November in a stage to London in order to embark for America here Fortune first began to shew her frowning Face for my Fathers Estate had been turned into Cash and in this expensive City we were obliged to tarry until the 8th of February expecting to embark every Week but were hindred untill the time mentioned and without any Employment which caused great expence without any income However we then sailed for America in the Ship Thomas Capt. Callahan bound to Boston and arrived there on the 2d day of April 1772. It was my Father’s determination in coming to America that my Brother and I should become Farmers as Viewing the occupation most Friendly to Independence and Affluence and he still proposed to follow his former occupation of teaching a School he had recommendatory letters from sundry Gentlemen of our former Vicinity accompanied with some from Govr. Barnard to Govr. Hutchinson. Mr. John Bernard Colo. Partridge and some other Gentlemen who were then in Office in Massachusetts. But as Fortune had begun to Frown at London its frowns in Boston were repeated for my Father was taken sick in Wings lane where he had placed our temporary Quarters and my Brother and myself neither of us being accquainted with Labour got no employment which was another severe blow upon my Fathers Fortune he was attended by the Dr. afterwards Honble. Genl. Warren so that he recovered and was enabled some time in June to prosecute his Journey to Lanesborough in the County of Berkshire the place of his destination where he procured Places for my Brother and myself to learn the Occupation of Farmers when he returned to Boston from thence to Roxbury where he taught a school near Major Mayo’s on Jamaica Plain.
I accordingly went to Lanesborough where I arrivedat Lanesborough in July and commenced Farmer with Nehemiah Bull Esqr. and staid with him untill I had learnt to perform all sorts of the Farming Business. which were followed in that Country I staid with that Gentleman untill the Autumn of 1774 when I engaged in a Military Life by joining a Regiment of Minute men who were forming for the defence of the suffering Liberties of america I entered upon the principles of pure Patriotism having from my Infancy imbibed a just discrimination of the Nature  and end of Goverment as my Father Used to exercise his Pupils when studying Geography in the investigation of the Different forms which had and then did Exist among different Nations (and particularly the Constitutional Powers of the then Parliament towards the Colonies of America and by making true Observations on the folly and confusion of Anarchy).  But to return from this digression of my narrative and not to enlarge my Father came to Lanesborough with his Family in June 1775 after engaging in the Cause of America in Lexington Battle of notable Memory: But through A series of sickness and Crossing Providences he had become so destitute of property that he was unable to purchase a Farm therefore had recourse to former occupation for the support of himself and Family which had increased to two more Children who were Born in Roxbury. In January 1776 tidings came to Lanesborough of the defeat of Genl. Montgomeries Army in attempting to storm Quebec and I engaged in Capt. Halls company of Volunteers as a Clerk but a Clerk not being allowed I went as a soldier to reinforce the Beseigers of the City and we joined Colo. Seth Warners Regt of Green mountain Boys our hardships which we suffered in this Severe march in the most inclement season of the Coldest winter I ever had then seen would have been recorded in the Annals of Carthage as more glorious than any exploit which ever attended Hannibal in crossing the Alpine Mountains but sufferings did not end here for after our Arrival before the Fortress the Small pox made such dreadful havoc in our Company by the Death of our Captain the sickness of the other officers the Care of the Company was place upon me which heavy Charge I acquitted to the Approbation of my Colo. who offered me a Lt’s Commission if I would engage again but as we had to retreat before the British Troops when the Garrison was reinforced we covered the rear almost without Provisions I served without any pay nearly two Months after our Term of engagement had expired and returned to Lanesborough in July, and in the following Autumn I engaged as a Serjeant in Capt. Wheelers Co. Col. Hyde’s Regiment to reinforce Genl. Gates at Ticonderoga after Arnold had been defeated on Lake Champlain—In April 1777 I went again a Serjeant with Capt. J. Barnes Colo. Rosses Regiment to Saratoga and in Scouting explored the then Uninhabited shores of Hudsons River almost to its Northern source suffering amazing hardships from bad weather and scarcity of Provisions. I returned home when discharged and went again as a Serjt. with Capt. Newel Colo. Simonds Regt to stop the progress of the British Troops after Genl. St. Clair had evacuated Ticonderoga and had the satisfaction to belong to party who took the first Prisoners from the Enemy After they had gotten the Possession of that important Fortress. After which I returned home, and again in August I went with Capt. Wheeler, a Serjt. In Colo. Simonds Regiment and had for one of my Cotemporary Serjeants Danl Buck who almost by my side had the good Fortune to Lose an Arm and I had the Ill one of nearly ruining the remainder of one of the healthiest of Constitutions in the memorable and glorious Battle of Bennington where we compleatly Defeated the Enemy in two sucesive actions: But the Loss of Serjeant Bucks Arm was the cause of his rising to Affluence by attending to a Professional Study and a Pension and he hath since had the Honour to represent this State in the Honble. House of Representatives in Congress while I fear that the Loss of my Health must bring me to penury and Distress. But my services and sufferings did not terminate at Bennington I went again a Serjeant with Leiut Farnam in Colo Simond’s Regt. and our party had the Pleasure of taking I think about 40 Prisoners from the Landing at Lake George when Genl Gates and Burgoyne were at stillwater. In 1778 in July I egaged as a Soldier in a Detachment of Genl. Fellow’s Brigade commanded by Peter Porter Capt. Comdt. I served but a Little time in that capacity for the commander finding in me an accomplishment which was wanting in his Officers who were selected from different parts of the Country exempted me from Soldiers Duty to do Writing & as his Clerk from which by Genl. Stark’s consent I was appointed Quarter Master for that and another Detachment from Genl Danielson’s Brigade and in November we were honorably discharged by Genl. Stark though our Term of engagement did not expire till January 1779—But I will not tire your Excellency’s patience by informing you of too many small affairs But will mention that my Father Lost the sight of Both his Eyes by two heavy Strokes of Providence so that he never Saw the Light for upwards of 12 years. that I married a Young woman of a reputable Family and removed to Chittenden in the County of Rutland Vermont in 1783 after having Lost much in Time and expence by Sickness and Paying the Physician and here I have suffered fresh hardships in removing my Family into a Wilderness almost without Inhabitant and having had to go 17 Miles to a Mill to get our grain Ground for to make our Bread 7 Miles for Hay to keep a Few Cattle through the Winter Yet by the Blessing of Providence I have undergone them and am still alive though my strenght and health are impaired I am in Possession of a small House and Barn and about Two thousand Acres of Land but what shall I say now I am in Debt and have not ability to pay and the circumstance of my creditors is such that they do not want land and money I have not any For I have been sick and cannot here I can say in the words of Dr. Walls
‘My Farm it lies unfenc’d untill’d
And desolation spread my field
But this is not the Worst For our Honble General Assembly did grant a Tax upon land which is levied and every Acre of my Land, my House my Barn my all are sold to pay the Tax my all for my Family must inevitably suffer unless by some unseen Providence I am enabled to raise a Sum sufficient for the Purpose, and my Creditors begin to Sue and Some have got out execution against me and to Goal I must go and leave a loving Wife with seven Children in suffering Misery without Divine Mercy should interpose s I have tried all the means in my Power to get the money which would now relieve me what I once thought a Paltry Pittance but now the contrast comes between these and my Juvenile years: did I then think that man was so subject to mutation; ‘Tis so in Time, but in Eternity his state is Fix’d—I now must inform your Excellency that I have received news from England of the Death of one of my near relations who has left me a Legacy but it will not come seasonably enough for my Relief for the redemption of my all my Land is out the 5th of June and part of it in May—Now Sir my request is this But dare I ask it! Ask it from one I never saw, and from a President of so large an Empire Dear Sir I will my all’s at stake I can but be denied and then tis gone forever. Sir I ask this favor not as Reward for past services, not for my precious Health which now is gone, blasted in suffering hardships for my Country I say my Country though but an adopted not a free born son my Family my offspring must be vagrants if I do now ask, I will, tis this, this small request I make tis small for you grant but large for me to have. Dear Sir I’ve land to sell and Can you Condesend to buy enough of me for to relieve me, Two hundred Dollars worth will pay my Taxes, and My Debts I cannot get that sum here and I must suffer without it. Or will you be pleased to lend me that sum untill I can replace it. I will pay it with Interest as soon as ever I am able to sell some land, I can sell now upon Credit but will not save me Forty dollars will pay my Taxes with the rest for which it is sold one Hundred and sixty more will satisfy my Creditors with my necessities and I do assure you Sir those debts were Contracted for necessaries not Luxuries or extravagancies. Or Will you be pleased to suffer me to be your Factor for I can not work: but I can still attend a store; Goods of some kinds will sell here for Potash, Horses or Cattle, or Grain in their season, which carried to the Hudson will sell again, or have you not some place I might Fill in some small office under Goverment whereby I might receive some small reward for service But I shall grow delirious and will stop Begging of you dear President to condescend so much as to write to me an answer to this my request and whether you can comply with it or not—and dear sir If you do you will make happy eight miserable yet dutiful subjects: But if providence shall so frown upon me that you cannot grant my request I shall have this consolation in my Misery that I have tried the dernier resort the last stone excuse me sir I could get as it turned and I cannot receive the appellation of not trying to provide for my own especially those of my own House so that I do not deny the faith and am not worse than an Infidel. Therefore dear sir do excuse me in this piece of presumptuous Freedom with your excellency and beg that you would after you have answered this burn it and I will continue to pray for you while God is pleased to Give me strength and subscribe my self your humble servant

Saml. Harrison Enclosure

                            Sir
                            Chittenden April 2nd. 1799

Amidst the vast number of Addresses which are presented to you from every quarter. Can your excellency condescend to stoop so very low as to receive one from a person of the most obscure station, who is an Inhabitant of Chittenden, in the County Rutland, and state of Vermont. And by his retired situation is secluded from the notice of the political World, yet not altogether destitute of political Information.—Sir while viewing with profound astonishment the wonders which are crouding themselves into this present aera, I am led through an amazing Labyrinth of surprizing contemplation, and cannot help adoring the superintending Providence of an Ifinite, almighty & holy God, who governs thi world according to his own pleasure, and will finally glorify himself in the Fate of Nations by raising up one, and pulling down another, untill the Lord Jesus shall by his holy spirit subdue all Nations unto Himself. And in Viewing the progress of these rising States an& contemplating the contrast between the first settlers and present Inhabitants of this extensive Union I cannot help admiring how wonderfully God has been pleased to raise up a Number of admirable Characters in this Western Hemisphere which in some Future Historic Page will so far outvie the Portraits of an Alexander of Macedon, a Ceasar or a Pompey of Rome, or even an Alfred or a Henry of England, a Charlemaigne or Louis of France, a Charles of Sweden a Peter of Russia, or a Frederick of Prussia with all the other Train of Eastern Worthies—As the Sun in his Meridian Glory outshines the smallest Star in the remotest Constellation or as light itself outshines the darkness. And amongst these beautiful Luminaries which have enlightened our Horizon the Name of John Adams will be one of the most conspicuous: whether it be viewed on a firm patriotic and steady opposition to the Arbitary exertions of A Parent State to subjugate a Free and loyal people and compel them to Taxation with out a Representation; Or in laboring with the most unwearied diligence in Foreign Courts for the Welfare of this Country: But most particularly in Presiding with the most distinguishing assiduity, over this Young, growing and extensive Nation. (And yet A Believer in the Christian and revealed religion) in a most critical Time and While the Eyes of the whole world of unbelievers have been watching for his halting, and upon their Principles, Sacrificing to Avarice or Ambition those precious Liberties which have been so dearly purchased with the Blood and treasures of the Sons of Freedom, wherein they have been most gloriously disappointed (for our Constitutional priviledges are yet inviolated) and have found in this One Man are found the Various though united Characters of a staunch Patriot, a delightful & humane Citizen, an Useful Instructor, an Able Negociator, a Wise Legislator, A Prudent, Kind, noble, generous, Undaunted yet Conciliatory and much Beloved President, and still more! a Candid, Pious, humble and benevolent Christian; which truly is the Highest Stile of Man. Permit me Sir to assure you that it is with the utmost pleasure I have as an unoticed spectator beheld in Your writings (especially in your last Proclamation for a Fast) a submissive dependance in an invisible agent for skill pray you may safely guide the Precious Bark (of Government) now under Your Direction with safety through the Various and tremendous Storms which have been & still are blowing upon the boisterous Ocean of European Politics and by skillful efforts evading the Charybdis into which they are perpetually plunging and yet steering Clear of the Scylla on which they are as often striking: And Especially in your firm spirited and decisive conduct with the present Government of France, although that great Nation had been our Friend and Generous Ally through an arduous and tragicall conflict and had by the pattern of America engaged in a Cause of Freedom and in some measure had secured their priveledges they should relapse back into a worse Tyranny than that from which they had been extricated and by establishing infidelity as law could with the most flagrant impunity tolerate the most licentuous and inhuman Conduct, and commit the most daring and attrocious crimes and even outdo ancient Rome in their abominable exactions from the suffering Inhabitants of their newly acquired and blood-stained Territories they could treat Commissioners of Peace with shameful neglect yea even Contempt and other indignities too numerous and extravagant to mention. Sir your firm while generous opposition to their opprobrious menaces has at Times enkindled in my breast the patriotic Fire and feelings of the Year Seventy five, although by a Series of sufferings in subsequent Campaigns in the Defence of American Rights with succesive hardships which I have endured in Settling a new Country my health and Constitution are very much debilitated. It is with regrett I mention that there are some few persons here who are disaffected to the firm administration of a Constitutional Government and oppose present Measures, yet when I consider that the Opposition is confined to three particular Classes, Viz. The Infidels who approve French principles. The disappointed who chuse none but their own & The Anarchists who wish not for any: each of which have their Origin in Pride, Pique, and Self interest. And not from true Patriotism or any Virtuous Principle, as I cannot reclaim I must therefore condemn the enemies of our Government, because they are actuated by Base Motives—And I can assure your Excellency that your former and present services With your steady adherence to our Constititution have gained my approbation not only as an individual, but are likewise approved by almost every other well informed and religious person within the small Circle of my Acquaintance and Connections Who love our President because he loves his God; and our God; his Country, and our Country; his Constitution, and our Constitution.—And notwithstanding sedition has been sown on these Mountains, Yet be assured dear Sir it will never take root the salubrity of our Air and Luxuriance of our Soil will not admit its poisonous growth and if it should chance to sprout it would will be nipt in the Bud by the assiduous Culture of the sons of patriotic Freedom, who will not heed opprobious Terms as Stamp Acts, alien and Sedition Bills But said named Acts with all others when Constitutionally enacted will meet with support untill Constitutionally repealed from the enlightened and rational Green Mountain Boys—My Dear President I will not any longer tire your Patience by my Prolixity But will beg that the Almighty God and superintendant of the Universe may still preserve you and give you that Wisdom and Fortitude which are necessary for you in your important station that you may yet do more honour to yourself to your Country and to the Christian Religion and that through the Merits of Jesus Christ you may be received hereafter into the Glorious mansions of Eternal Rest and receive that blessed sentence form the Eternal Judge Well done good and faithful Servant enter into the Joy of thy Lord which is daily the earnest prayer of your most unworthy /though unknown—/Yet humble Servant / and dutiful Subject

                            Saml. Harrison


Title: From John Adams to Elisha Boudinot, 3 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Boudinot, Elisha

Sir
Quincy April 3d 1799

I received yesterday your favor of the 25th of March inclosing an address from the grand jury of Morris county.
Accept of my thanks for the obliging manner in which you have communicated this address to me & I ask the favor of you to send my answer to the foreman of the jury.
With much esteem I have the / honor to be Sir your most humble / servant


Title: From John Adams to Elisha Boudinot, 3 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Boudinot, Elisha

To the Grand Jury, of the County of Morris, in the state of New Jersey
Gentlemen
Quincy April 3. 1799

Your obliging Address, at the Circuit Court of the State, in the March term of this year has been transmitted to me, by Elisha Boudinot Esqr one of the Justices of your Supreme Court, according to your request.
The Indignation you express at combinations to resist the operation of the Laws, is evincive of the dispositions of good citizens, and does you much honor. That Infatuation, which alone can excite Citizens to rise in Arms against Taxes laid, with in consideration of the necessities of the State, and with great deliberation, by their own representatives, and which induces an obvious necessity of raising more taxes in order to defray the Expence of suppressing their own presumptuous folly, is indeed Surprizing. That the Laws must be obeyed in a Government of Laws, is an all important Lesson: for what can be more destructive of Liberty and property, than Government without Law, whether in one, few or many. Insurrection itself is Government assumed, and without Law, tho partial and temporary and without right.
While the door is not closed by any foreign compact, or by obvious Principles of Policy or Justice it will always by me, be held open, from a sense of my Duty for an accommodation of differences with any and all Nations, however powerful, insidious or dangerous they may be supposed to be, unless I could see a probable prospect of rendering them less so by our Interference. Dangers to the Peace, Rights and Liberties of Mankind arising from their corruptions and divisions, are too numerous for us  to be controuled by Us, who, from our situation, have, of all Nations, the least colourable Pretentions to assume the ballance and the rod. If We are forced into the Scale, it will be against our Inclination and Judgment, and however light We may be thought to be, We will weigh as heavy as We can.
The End of every War is Peace. Your Approbation gives me great pleasure. Whenever We have Ennemies it will be their own fault, and they will be under no necessity of continuing Ennemies longer than they choose.
In the present Crisis, however, We ought to continue, with unabated Ardor, all our Preparations and Operations of Defence.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 3 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy April 3d 1799.

Inclosed is a petition from Scotchar again. I request that yourself & the Attorney General would consider it & give me your opinions whether it can be granted.
I hope the easterly winds, which terminated in a furious storm of snow, have brought into some port or other, some good news from Europe or the West Indies.
I have the honor to be Sir your very humble servant.


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 3 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy April 3. 1799

I received yesterday your favour of 25 Marche and thank you for the Letter inclosed in it to Gen Lincoln.
I am glad to learn that the discontents in Northampton are not increasing. I wish the Expence of marching a force against the Malcontents could be laid upon them alone—Our Elections are supposed to have gone very well—Much better than had been feared and expected.
In a violent Snow Storm, this is written by, Sir your most humble

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Winthrop Sargent, 4 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Sargent, Winthrop

Sir
Quincy April 4th 1799.

I have received your letter of the 8th of Jany. inclosing an address from the inhabitants of the Mississippi territory, which is very acceptable and pleasing to me.
For the polite manner in which you communicated this kind attention of your fellow citizens to me, I pray you to accept my thanks.
The situation, in which your country has placed you, is at present of great importance to its interest and safety & I doubt not your conduct in it, will be marked with that zeal industry, œconomy integrity & ability, which have always attended your course through life.
With great esteem I have the honor to be Sir / your most obedient servant


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 4 April 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Philadelphia April 4. 1799.

Yesterday General Maitland and Colonel Grant arrived here in a sloop of war from England, which they left the 6th of February. Their business respects St. Domingo. I have not yet seen them. Yesterday afternoon Mr. Liston sent me a packet of letters brought by them, one of which for you I have the honor to inclose. Several of Mr. King’s I am decyphering, the contents of which I will transmit as soon as possible.
I am with great respect / sir, your most obt. servt.

Timothy PickeringP.S. This morning commenced the march of Genl. Macpherson with the militia and volunteer horse of this city and some country troops of horse—The march of several companies of regular troops supersede the employment of the volunteer infantry.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 4 April 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Treasury Department April 4th: 1799

I have the honour to transmit a Letter from Andrew Barrett Esqr. one of the Commissioners for the State of Delaware, resigning his office.—The Candidates are Elijah Barratt & John Vining Esqrs. Mr. Barratt is recommended by the Board of Commissioners, and by Mr. Bayard the Representative of the State in Congress.—I, therefore, take the liberty to submit to the President the expediency of inserting his name in the blank Commission herewith inclosed.—
By the decease of Comfort Sage Esqr. the offices of surveyor & Inspector for the Port of Middletown in Connecticut have become vacant.—The Collector, Mr. Whittlesey, & Nehemiah and Elijah Hubbard Esqrs., all men of character, recommend Lamberton Cooper for the appointments.—I do not know Mr. Cooper, but believe that entire confidence may be placed in the recommendations.—
I also transmit the petition of Edward Gilbert for a Pardon—The district Attorney, Mr. Troup, Mr. Beckman, Mr. Houston, & General Hamilton concur in recommending the Petitioner as a suitable object of mercy, & considering how much he has already suffered, I perceive no injury likely to attend the public service if the request should be granted.—A blank pardon has been prepared which is submitted.
I have the satisfaction to inform the President that the business of the Treasury is proceeding with success, & without interruption, except the partial opposition in Pennsylvania, which will, I presume be soon subdued.
I have the honor to be, / with perfect respect, Sir, / your most obedt. servt.

            Oliv: Wolcott


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 5 April 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 5 April 1799.

I had the honour to inform you in my letter of the 16th of March ulto. that I had issued orders, to draw five companies of the regular army to the, scene of insurrection, and for the volunteer companies of Pennsylvania, to be in readiness to march at the shortest notice. I  flattered myself, at the time of issuing this order, that the two volunteer companies of horse, of Philadelphia (if complete) would have sufficed, with the aforesaid force of regulars, to have put down the Insurrection. Finding however that these two companies, whose services had been relied upon, could turn out about 60 men only, and that the opposition in Northampton &c. had assumed a more threatening aspect, I conceived it necessary, to submit to the heads of department, and Attorney General, the expediency of my calling upon the Governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, to hold in readiness to march against the insurgents, a respectable body of militia.
Besides the propriety of having in a state of preparation, a body of men sufficient to give effectual and instant aid to the troops actively employed to subdue the insurrection, I considered it essential to the peaceable accomplishment of this object, that the deluded people should be deprived of any hope of succeeding in their attempts by resistance.
In conformity with the opinion of these gentlemen, a letters was written to the Governor of Pennsylvania, requesting him to hold in readiness to march on or before the 28th of March Ulto. 9 troops of Cavalry, and a similar letter to the Governor of Jersey, requesting him to hold in readiness 8 companies of cavalry, copies of which letters are inclosed marked No. 1.
Advice being received, that the regular troops consisting of a detachment under Capn. Henry, drawn from New York, and Brunswick; a company under Capn. Shoemaker, ordered from Frederick town, Maryland; and a company from Carlisle Pennsylvania, had, notwithstanding the state of the roads, reached their first points of rendezvous, these were followed, upon the 3d instant, by a company of Artillerists with two 3 pounders from Fort Mifflin, and upon the 4th instant, by two volunteer and four militia troops of horse from this City. There are also in motion, two other troops of militia horse of Pennsylvania, and above 100 regular troops from Windsor in Vermont, (the march of the latter being directed to Eastown in Northampton County); the whole making a force of about 600, and commanded by Brigadier General Macpherson. Inclosed is a copy of his instructions (No 2) which I request may be returned to me, as I have no other, and they are not yet made known in the office.
The accounts from the scene of insurrection, have of late been so various and unsatisfactory, as to leave it in doubt, whether, those persons who have opposed the execution of the laws, intend to submit to them, or resist by arms the force sent into their country. I incline to believe, that the appearance of this force, and a knowledge of that which is held in readiness to march, will be productive of their submission. I calculate also, that the determination to compel obedience to the laws, in this first effort to prevent the land and house tax being carried into operation, will have a salutary and extensive influence over several portions of the people, who stood ready for revolt, had this insurrection been considered as an ebullition that would subside, if left to itself. It appears to me, that it was important, in the present perturbed state of things, that government, should shew its arm stretched out, and ready to correct or punish those who might justly deserve its punishment.
Judge Peters informed me, late last night yesterday afternoon and (the first notice I had of his intentions) that he proposed setting out this morning, to assist in the arrest of the offenders, at the scene of insurrection, and last night requested a letter to the Commander of the troops. I furnished him accordingly with one of which the inclosed (No. 3) is a copy.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir / your most ob & hbl St

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 5 April 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State April 5. 1799.

Mr. King’s letters brought by General Maitland, & which I have now decyphered, exhibit the tenor of his conversations with the British ministry concerning the commerce of St. Domingo. It is plain that they contemplate the independence of that French colony, as a very possible—or rather, a very probable event. They have considered its effects upon the future condition of their own colonies in the West–Indies; and viewing those effects as inevitable, are only solicitous to postpone them to as distant a period as possible. Hence their anxiety to fix some restraints on the commerce with St. Domingo. But Mr. King’s objections to their propositions, and their desire to act in concert with the United States, induced them finally to leave the question open, to be decided here; and Mr. Liston is vested with full powers to concert with the government the arrangements which may be mutually advantageous.—I had this forenoon a conversation with Mr. Liston and General Maitland, which closed with my desiring them to state their ideas in writing, on the restraints they shall think necessary and practicable. I shall see them again to-morrow. As soon as any plan shall be digested, I will do myself the honor to forward it. In the mean time, copies will be made of Mr. King’s communications, and transmitted, probably by next Monday’s post.—The British Government evidently calculate on our enjoying the chief commerce of St. Domingo. I hope, and am inclined to believe, that there will be no insuperable obstacles to an agreement on terms mutually satisfactory. Their fears are of the poison of French principles among the blacks in their own Islands; and they observe that we have equal cause for apprehension in respect to our southern states: and as I understand them, the main object of imposing some restraints on the commerce with St. Domingo, is to guard against that evil. They think at the same time, that Great Britain & the U. States may very easily and justly enjoy that commerce exclusively of all other nations.
A packet containing some commissions for your signature, accompanies this letter.
I am with great respect / sir, your most obt. servant
Timothy Pickering

P.S. I inclose a copy of the last letter recd. from Colo. Humphreys, and of one from Mr. King, allied to it.