Title: To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 13 November 1800
From: Dexter, Samuel
To: Adams, John

War Department 13th November 1800

In obedience to the order of the President of the United States, the Secretary of War respectfully represents to him
That the only matters relating to his department which appear deserving of notice in the speech of the President at the opening of the next Session of Congress are that the Country is now amply supplied with military stores of every description, except that more Cannon and Small arms than are now on hand might be necessary in case of a War; and that such now is the improved and perfect state of the manufacture of those articles, and of all things appertaining to the use of them, that a sufficient number could be made in the Country in a short time, and of as good a quality as any manufactured in Europe. Perhaps some legislative encouragement to the Artists employed in these manufactures ought to be given, permanently to establish these important and necessary arts in our Country. In these respects the United States are well prepared for War, and it might be useful to let the Governments of European Nations know it by mentioning it to the Legislature.
The Secretary further represents
That the fortifying of Ports and Harbors is yet incomplete and the Science of Fortification less understood than any other part of the military Art. The Appropriations for these purposes are expended, and more money is indispensably necessary.
All which is respectfully submitted.


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 14 November 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

Dear Sir
Washington Nov. 14. 1800

I have recd with great pleasure your favour of the fifth. Of the Book which my Enemy has written you shall hear more, hereafter. My Character Shall not lie under that load. I will not write in Newspapers nor in Pamphlets, while I am in my present Station, against that Pamphlet. Personal Injuries! I cry you mercy, what personal Injuries? Is making his Nephew a Captain a personal Injury? Is making his Relation a Lt in the Navy a personal Injury? Is making his Brother L Stevens Consul General at St Domingo a personal Injury? Ask Captn. Little and Captain Talbot how many dollars he has made? But the Scene of Infidelity and Treachery which that Book contains must be laid open Some time or other. Is making him first Major General and Inspector General, a personal Injury.—I know not when where or to whom I ever Said he was of a British Party. If I ever did it must have been to my confidential Ministers and has he betrayed them to betray me and then betrayed both. Every Englishman & Scotchman in America that I knew of allways puffed him as an Idol and an oracle.
His intemperate Abuse of the mission to France and that of all his Adorers I could never Account for but by Supposing they were too partial to Britain.—I never Said he was destitute of moral Principle—I never Said it of any Man. I never believed it of the worst Wretch that was ever hanged at Tyburn or broken on a Wheel at the Place de Greve.
I pray you to consider this as in perfect Confidence—I beg you to write me frequently. I am indeed / affectionately your Friend

J. A.


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 19 November 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

Dr. Sir
Washington Nov. 19. 1800

In your late Letter you intimate that a certain Gentleman is not a Friend to the present Administration nor to those measures which will be necessary. I am anxious to be informed more particularly of the extent of your meaning. I always lived in friendship with him. He always visited me, till the British Treaty. Since that he has estranged himself. It can be nothing personal that I know of. What part of my Administration is it that he dislikes? and what necessary measures will he oppose? I have Such an Opinion of his general disposition that I Should be very Sorry if he Should take a mistaken turn. Can you Suppose it possible that he wishes a War with Britain? or that he desires to Subvert the present Constitution? What is or will be his System? I know he is in Correspondence with a Gentn. at N. York, who is Said to be intended by the Demos. for V. P. Does he wish for any thing more than a Change of Men? It is true that a Year must run out before he comes upon the stage, and nobody knows what a Year may bring forth. You may depend upon / Your old Friend

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Richard Salter, Jr., 20 November 1800
From: Salter, Richard, Jr.
To: Adams, John

May it please your Excellency
Boston Novr: 20th: 1800

To hear me on A subject relative to the distresses of my Friends now in our common Prison at Boston, I address you in behalf of them, their Parents, Friends, & Connections; & as A Brother to them all, but in particular to one who has suffered before his arrival to his Country more than I could suppose this mortal Flesh could bear, & who is still in distress with his Family & Connections, being confined for the term of time of Six Months, & pay A fine of Two hundred Dollars—The fine I think nothing of when compared with the time of Imprissonment to which he is sentenced, and as I am satisfied that if they have been guiltey of any error, or have transgressed the Laws of their Country, wherin such punishment ought to be inflicted; That they repent earnestly for it, & as they expect forgiveness from their heavenly Father so have they a right to expect it from the Father of their Country, therfore they have looked to you with that degree of Pitey which they have looked to their heavenly Father for, & at the Back of whitch Petition the Character of our Friends is Certified by respectable Gentn:, which I think is sufficient to satisfy you, that it was by no ill desighn they did as they have done, but only in preservation of their own Lives—It was well proved that Captn: Lamb, threatned Leaving them on shore among the Natives, & Beat them very much, also throwing my Brother John Salter who was first Officer of the Ship, forward amongst the men; which was A very disaggreeable situation for A Chief Officer to be in, & an improper one for an Officer of A Commissioned vessell Sailing under the American Flagg; my Brother had allowed him by his aggreement with the owners & Captn:, A State Room for his own use & Benefitt, & it was  to be taken from him without his consent, and  he had an Inclination to give it up on his homeward bound passage, the owners were to allow him Ten or Twelve Guineas for the use of it—My wish is to State to you what my Brother sufferd before his arrival here. Instead of being confined to his State Room as he ought to be if A Dangerous man, or suspended from Dutey as an incapable one, he was thrown forward among the men, some time after A Mutiny arose on Ship Board, he was considerd the Instigator of it, Captn: Lambs wrath was inflicted upon him the moment he layed his hands on him he put him in Irons, fed him upon Bread & water, & Confined him in A Sail Room Lined with Tin for Six Months, & A Shift of Cloaths were allowed part of the time once A Fortnight, & part only once A Month, so that before his arrival at Canton he had the Scurvey to A terrible degree, & his hair was all matted together, that in fact his person became more filthey than other ways, on his arrival at Canton he was sent home in Irons with the Crew for Trial, where he arrived & found his friends supporting his Family, & himself without A Farthing to help it, but considerd  himself as an additional  what must be his feelings when comparing  present situation of affairs to what it was before he enterd on Ship Board, after having all his property taken from him even his Instruments Clothing &c., loosing his Two years pay with many Purquisitts, & Still to be kept from providing for his Family; his situation is truly distressing, & calls loudly for your Pitey, which I hope will be granted; & permit me to / Subscribe myself most Respectfully / Your obedt. humble servt.
Richard Salter Jr
PS since writing the above, five of the Crew which were try’d at Providence with the same Charges against them have been cleared—


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Allyne Otis, 21 November 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Otis, Samuel Allyne

Novr 21st 1800

The President asks the favour of the Secretary of the Senate to furnish him with an Attested Copy of the Presidents Message to the senate of the 18 of February 1799, nominating William Vans Murray to be Minister Plenitentiary to the French Republick, and a Copy of the communication accompanying it.
Also an Attested Copy of the Presidents Message of the 25 of Feb. 1799. nominating Oliver Elsworth and other Ministers to the French Republick.


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 21 November 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Washington Nov. 21st 1800

The President presents his kind regards to Gen Marshall, & requests the favor of him to look into the dispatches of Gen. Pinckney, which gave an account of his rejection by the Executive directory & of Mr. Barras’s speech to Mr. Monroe on his taking leave & mark the day when that news was first received. It must have been in the month of march 1797. The President wishes to be furnished with this date as exactly as may be.


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 22 November 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives
November 22d. 1800.

Immediately after the adjournment of Congress, at their last session in Philadelphia, I gave directions, in compliance with the laws for the removal of the public offices, records and property. These directions have been executed and the public officers have since resided and conducted the ordinary business of the government in this place.
I congratulate the people of the United States on the assembling of Congress at the permanent seat of their government, & I congratulate you, Gentlemen, on the prospect of a residence not to be changed. Although there is cause to apprehend that accomodations are not now so compleat, as might be wished, yet there is great reason to beleive, that this inconvenience will cease with the present session.
It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble for the first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the supreme ruler of the universe & imploring his blessing. May this territory be the residence of virtue & happiness. In this city may that piety and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that constancy & self government which adorned the great character, whose name it bears, be for ever held in veneration. How and throughout our country, may simple manners, pure morals and true religion flourish forever.
It is with you, gentlemen, to consider whether the local powers over the district of Columbia, vested by the constitution in the congress of the United States, shall be immediately exercised. If in your opinion this important trust ought now to be executed, you cannot fail while performing it, to take into view the future probable situation of the territory, for the happiness of which, you are about to provide. You will consider it, as the capital of a great nation, advancing with unexampled rapidity in arts in commerce in wealth & in population, and possessing within itself those energies and resources, which if not thrown away or lamentably misdirected, secure to it a long course of prosperity & self government.
In compliance with a law of the last session of Congress, the officers & soldiers of the temporary army, have been discharged. It affords real pleasure to recollect, the honorable testimony they gave, of the patriotic motives, which brought them into the service of their country, by the readiness and regularity, with which they returned to the station of private citizens.
It is in every point of view of such primary importance, to carry the laws into prompt & faithful execution, & to render that part of the administration of justice, which the constitution & laws devolve on the federal courts, as convenient to the people, as may consist with their present circumstances, that I can not omit once more to recommend to your serious consideration, the judiciary system of the United States. No subject is more interesting than this to the public happiness, & to none can those improvements, which may have been suggested by experience, be more beneficially applied.
A treaty of Amity & commerce with the king of Prussia has been concluded & ratified. The ratifications have been exchanged, & I have directed the treaty to be promulgated by proclamation.
The difficulties, which suspended the execution of the 6th article of our treaty of Amity, commerce & navigation with Great Britain, have not yet been removed. The negotiation on this subject is still depending. As it must be for the interest & honor of both nations to adjust this difference with good faith, I indulge confidently the expectation, that the sincere endeavors of the government of the United States to bring it to an amicable termination, will not be disappointed.
The Envoys extraordinary & ministers plenipotentiary from the United States to France were received by the first Consul with the respect due to their character & three persons with equal powers were appointed to treat with them. Although at the date of the last official intelligence, the negotiation had not terminated, yet it is to be hoped that our efforts to effect an accomodation will at length meet with a success proportioned to the sincerity, with which they have been so often repeated
While our best endeavors, for the preservation of harmony with all nations, will continue to be used, the experience of the world, our own experience admonish us of the insecurity of trusting too confidently to their success. We cannot, without committing a dangerous imprudence, abandon those measures of self protection, which are adapted to our situation, & to which, notwithstanding our pacific policy, the violence & injustice of others may again compel us to resort. While our vast extent of sea coast, the commercial & agricultural habits of our people, the great capital they will continue to trust on the ocean, suggest the system of defence, which will be most beneficial to ourselves;—Our distance from Europe & our resources for maratime strength will enable us to employ it with effect. Seasonable & systematic arrangements, so far as our resources will justify for a navy, adapted to defensive war & which may, in case of necessity, be quickly brought into use, seem to be as much recommended by a wise & true œconomy, as by a just regard for our future tranquility, for the safety of our shores & for the protection of our property, committed to the ocean. The present navy of the United States, called suddenly into existence, by a great national exigency, has raised us in our own esteem & by the protection, afforded to our commerce, has effected to the extent of our expectations, the objects for which it was created.
In connection with a navy, ought to be contemplated, the fortification of some of our principal seaports & harbors. A variety of considerations, which will readily suggest themselves urge an attention to this measure of precaution. To give security to our principal ports, considerable sums have already been expended, but the works remain incomplete. It is for Congress to determine, whether additional appropriations shall be made, in order to render competent, to the intended purposes, the fortifications, which have been commenced.
The manufacture of arms, within the United States, still invites the attention of the national legislature. At a considerable expence to the public, this manufactory has been brought to such a state of maturity, as with continued encouragement, will supersede the necessity of future importations for foreign countries.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives
I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations, necessary for the ensuing year, together with an account of the public revenue & expenditure, to a late period, to be laid before you. I observe with much satisfaction, that the product of the revenue, during the present year, has been more considerable, than during any former equal period. This result affords conclusive evidence, of the great resources of this country & of the wisdom & efficiency of the measures, which have been adopted by Congress, for the protection of commerce & preservation of public credit.
Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives
As one of the grand community of nations, our attention is irresistably drawn to the important scenes, which surround us. If they have exhibited an uncommon portion of calamity, it is the province of humanity to deplore & of wisdom to avoid the causes, which may have produced it. If turning our eyes homeward, we find reason to rejoice at the prospect, which presents itself, if we perceive the interior of our country prosperous, free and happy, if all enjoy in safety, under the protection of laws, emanating only from the general will, the fruits of their own labor, we ought to fortify & cling to those institutions, which have been the source of such real felicity & resist with unabating perseverance, the progress of those dangerous innovations, which may diminish their influence.
To your patriotism, gentlemen, has been confided, the honorable duty of guarding the public interests, & while the past is to your country, a sure pledge, that it will be faithfully discharged, permit me to assure you, that your labors to promote the general happiness, will receive from me the most zealous cooperation.


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 24 November 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir
Washington November 24. 1800

I received, last week your friendly private Letter of the tenth—The assurance of the continuance of your friendship was unnecessary for me, because I have never had a doubt of it—But others invent and report as they please. They have preserved hitherto, however more delicacy to wards the friendship between you and me than any other.
The last Mission to France, and the consequent dismission of the twelve Regiments, although an essential branch of my System of Policy, has been to those who have been intriguing and labouring for an Army of fifty thousand Men, an impardonable fault. If, by their folly they have thrown themselves on their backs and Jacobins should walk over their bellies, as military Gentlemen express promotions over their heads, who should they blame but themselves?
Among the very few Truths in a late Pamphlet there is one that I shall ever acknowledge with pleasure, viz. that the principal Merit of the negotiation for Peace was Mr Jays. I wish you would permit our Historical Society to print the Papers you drew up on that occasion.
I often Say that when my Confidence in Mr Jay shall cease, I must give up the Cause of Confidence and renounce it with all Men.
With great Truth and regard I am / now and ever Shall be, your friend / and humble Servant.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from United States Senate, 25 November 1800
From: United States Senate
To: Adams, John

To the President of the United States.
Sir

Impressed with the important truth, that the hearts of Rulers and People are in the hand of the Almighty: the Senate of the United States most cordially join in your invocations for appropriate blessings upon the Government and People of this Union.
We meet you, Sir, and the other Branch of the National Legislature, in the City, which is honored by the name of our late Hero and Sage, the illustrious Washington, with Sensations and emotions, which exceed our power of description.
While we congratulate ourselves on the convention of the Legislature at the permanent seat of Government; and ardently hope that permanence and Stability may be communicated as well to the Government itself, as to its Seat; our minds are irresistibly led to deplore the death of him, who bore so honorable and efficient a part in the establishment of both. Great indeed would have been our gratification, if his sum of earthly happiness had been compleated, by seeing the Government thus peaceably convened at this place:—But we derive consolation from a belief that the moment in which we were destined to experience the loss we deplore, was fixed by that Being whose counsels cannot err; and from a hope, that since in this seat of Government which bears his name, his earthly remains will be deposited; the members of Congress, and all who inhabit the City, with these memorials before them, will retain his virtues in lively recollection, and make his patriotism, morals and piety, models for imitation.—And permit us to add, Sir, that it is not among the least of our consolations; that you, who have been his companion and friend, from the dawning of our national existence, and trained in the same school of exertion to effect our Independence, are still preserved, by a Gracious Providence, in health and activity, to exercise the functions of Chief Magistrate.
The question whether the local powers over the district of Columbia, vested by the Constitution in the Congress of the United States; shall be immediately exercised, is of great importance, and in deliberating upon it, we shall naturally be led to weigh the attending circumstances and every probably consequence of the measures which may be proposed.
The several subjects for Legislative consideration, contained in your Speech to both Houses of Congress, shall receive from the Senate all the attention, which they can give, when contemplating those objects both in respect to their national importance, and the additional weight that is given them by your recommendation.
We deprecate with you, Sir, all Spirit of innovation from whatever quarter it may arise, which may impair the sacred bond that connects the different parts of the Empire; and we trust, that under the protection of Divine Providence, the wisdom and virtue of the Citizens of the United States will deliver our national compact unimpaired to a grateful posterity.
From past experience, it is impossible for the Senate of the United States to doubt of your zealous co-operation with the Legislature in every effort to promote the general happiness and tranquility of the Union.
Accept, Sir, our warmest wishes for your health and happiness.


Title: To John Adams from Uzal Ogden, 26 November 1800
From: Ogden, Uzal
To: Adams, John

Sir;
Newyork, Nov. 26, 1800.

I send you by this day’s post, a Pamphlet published yesterday, entitled “a Letter to Major General Alexander Hamilton” &c.; signed, “a Citizen.” I hope the Publication will be honored with your approbation, and be of public utility. It was certainly written with the best Views, tho’ in great haste, in less than thirty years. I wish it could Speedily be reprinted, and circulated through these States. With great Esteem and Respect, I am, / Sir, / Your Sincere Friend,

Uzal Odgen


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 26 November 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Senate
City of Washington Nov. 26 1800

For this excellent address, so respectful to the memory of my illustrious predecessor, which I receive from the Senate of the United States, at this time, and in this place, with peculiar satisfaction, I pray you to accept of my unfeigned acknowledgments.—With you I ardently hope, that permanence and stability will be communicated as well to the government itself, as to its beautiful and commodious seat. With you, I deplore the death of that hero & sage, who bore so honorable and efficient a part in the establishment of both. Great indeed would have been my gratification, if his sum of earthly happiness had been compleated by seeing the government thus peaceably convened at this place, himself at its head. But while we submit to the decisions of heaven, whose councils are inscrutable to us, we cannot but hope, that the members of Congress, the officers of government & all who inhabit the city or the Country will retain his virtues in lively recollection & make his patriotism, morals and piety, models for imitation
I thank you, Gentlemen for your assurance that the several subjects for Legislative consideration, recommended in my communication, to both houses, shall receive from the Senate, a deliberate and candid attention
With you, Gentlemen, I sincerely deprecate all spirit of innovation, which may weaken the sacred bond, that connects the different parts of the this nation and government; & with you I trust that under the protection of divine providence, the wisdom & virtue of our citizens, will deliver our national compact unimpaired, to a free, prosperous happy & grateful posterity. To this end it is my fervent prayer, that in this city, the fountains of wisdom may be always open, & the streams of eloquence forever flow. Here may the youth of this extensive Country, forever look up without disappointment, not only to  the monuments & memorials of the dead, but to the examples of the living, in the members of Congress & officers of government, for finished models of all those virtues, graces, talents and accomplishments which constitute the dignity of human nature, & lay the only foundation for the prosperity or duration of Empires.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 26 November 1800
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Sir:
					November 26, 1800.

				The House of Representatives have received with great respect the communication which you have been pleased to make to the two Houses of Congress at the commencement of the present session.

The final establishment of the seat of National Government, which has now taken place, within the District of Columbia is an event of no small importance in the political transactions of our country, and we cordially unite our wishes with yours that this Territory may be the residence of happiness and virtue.

Nor can we on this occasion omit to express a hope that the spirit which animated the great founder of this city may descend to future generations, and that the wisdom, magnanimity, and steadiness which marked the events of his public life may be imitated in all succeeding ages.

A consideration of those powers which have been vested in Congress over the District of Columbia will not escape our attention, nor shall we forget that in exercising these powers a regard must be had to those events which will necessarily attend the capital of America.

The cheerfulness and regularity with which the officers and soldiers of the temporary army have returned to the condition of private citizens is a testimony clear and conclusive of the purity of those motives which induced them to engage in the public service, and will remain a proof on all future occasions that an army of soldiers drawn from the citizens of our country deserve our confidence and respect.

No subject can be more important than that of the judiciary, which you have again recommended to our consideration, and it shall receive our early and deliberate attention.

The Constitution of the United States having confided the management of our foreign negotiations to the control of the Executive power, we cheerfully submit to its decisions on this important subject; and in respect to the negotiations now pending with France, we sincerely hope that the final result may prove as fortunate to our country as the most ardent mind can wish.

So long as a predatory war is carried on against our commerce we should sacrifice the interests and disappoint the expectations of our constituents should we for a moment relax that system of maritime defense which has resulted in such beneficial effects. At this period it is confidently believed that few persons can be found within the United States who do not admit that a navy, well organized, must constitute the natural and efficient defense of this country against all foreign hostility.

The progress which has been made in the manufacture of arms leaves no doubt that the public patronage has already placed this country beyond all necessary dependence on foreign markets for an article so indispensable for defense, and gives us assurances that, under the encouragement which Government will continue to extend to this important object, we shall soon rival foreign countries not only in the number but in the quality of arms completed from our own manufactories.

Few events could have been more pleasing to our constituents than that great and rapid increase of revenue which has arisen from permanent taxes. Whilst this event explains the great and increasing resources of our country, it carries along with it a proof which can not be resisted that those measures of maritime defense which were calculated to meet our enemy upon the ocean, and which have produced such extensive protection to our commerce, were founded in wisdom and policy. The mind must, in our opinion, be insensible to the plainest truths which can not discern the elevated ground on which this policy has placed our country. That national spirit which alone could vindicate our common rights has been roused, and those latent energies which had not been fully known were unfolded and brought into view, and our fellow-citizens were prepared to meet every event which national honor or national security could render necessary. Nor have its effects been much less important in other respects.

Whilst many of the nations of the earth have been impoverished and depopulated by internal commotions and national contests, our internal peace has not been materially impaired; our commerce has extended, under the protection of our infant Navy, to every part of the globe; wealth has flowed without intermission into our seaports, and the labors of the husbandman have been rewarded by a ready market for the productions of the soil.
Be assured, sir, that the various and important subjects recommended to our consideration shall receive our early and deliberate attention; and, confident of your cooperation in every measure which may be calculated to promote the general interest, we shall endeavor on our part to testify by our industry and dispatch the zeal and sincerity with which we regard the public good


Title: From John Adams to Charles Prentiss, 3 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Prentiss, Charles

Sir
Washington December 3. 1800

I recd in due time your favour of the 20th of November and thank you for the Pamphlet inclosed.——It is a subject of too much delicacy for me to Say much upon at present. The Letter to which it is an Answer can never be fully Answered but by one Person, and his hands are tied. The Facts necessary to place the whole in a true light are known only to Sir your / Obliged and obedient servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 3 December 1800
From: Dexter, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Decr. 3d. 1800

Finding neither you nor Mr. Shaw, I take the liberty of enclosing for your consideration a letter from Gen. Wilkinson & another from the united brethren. Perhaps the legislature ought to originate the business referred to by the General; I mean it would be better policy perhaps, tho’ existing laws are I think already sufficient. I see no objection to the charitable views of the united brethren.
You once honored me by asking my opinion as to a secretary of War. Mr. Paine of Vermont would make a very able & attentive one, or any thing else, except a dancing master.
I have the honor to be with / great esteem & affection, Sir, / Your very hb. servt.
Saml. Dexter


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 4 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Dexter, Samuel

Dear Sir
Washington Dec 4th 1800.

I inclose a letter from Mr. Baldwin the Senator of this days date & a printed report with some manuscript notes on it of Mr. Baldwin, I pray you to give immediate attention to this whole subject & make a report upon it. I should be glad also to converse with you on the same thing as soon as possible.
With great esteem


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 8 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States Dec. 8 1800

I nominate the folowing gentlemen to the respective offices affixed to their names
Henry Hammond Consul of the United States for the port of Cape Francois
David Hopkins Marshall for the District of Maryland
John Marshall a Commissioner in the room of Timothy Pickering under the 1st Section of the “Act for an amicable settlement of limits, with the State of Georgia
William Clark Chief Justice of the Indiana territory. Henry Vanderburg second Judge & John Griffin third Judge of the same territory
William Heth Collector for the district of Petersburg in VirginiaWilliam Davies, Collector for the District of Richmond
William S. Smith Surveyor for the District of New York & Inspector of the Revenue for the several ports within the District of New York.
Claud Thompson, Collector for the District of Brunswick in Georgia & Inspector of the Revenue for the said port of Brunswick
James McConnell, Inspector of the Revenue for the port of Louisville & Collector for the District of Louisville.
Jonas Clark Inspector of the Revenue for the port of Kennebunk in the State of Massachusetts.
Richard Hunewell Surveyor for the District of Portland & Falmouth in the State of Massachusetts—also Inspector of the Revenue for the several ports within the District of Portland and Falmouth.
William Davies Collector for the district of Norfolk& Portsmouth, Vira.
Joseph Hamilton Davies Attorney for the District of Kentucky in the place of William Clarke promoted
Barthw. Dandridge Consul for the Southern District of St Domingo to include Aux Cayes & Jeremico.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 9 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States December 9th 1800

I nominate His Excellency Arthur St Clair to be governor of the territory of the United States North West of the river Ohio for three years commencing from the end of his last appointment. At the same time I transmit you a number of petitions and other documents relative to this nomination.
Solomon Sibley Esqr of the said territory to be a member of the Legislative council of the said territory to fill the vacancy occasioned by Henry Vanderburgh late a member of said council, falling into the Indiana territory.
Aquila Giles to be Marshal of the district of N. York for four years to commence from the twenty second of this month when his present commission expires.
Samuel Bradford of Massachusetts to be Marshall for the District of Massachusetts for four years to commence from the expiration of his present period which will happen on the twenty second day of December currunt.
Robert Hays of Tennessee to be Marshal for the District of Tennessee for four years to commence from the twentieth of February next when his present period expires.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 11 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States Dec. 11th 1800.

I nominate Carleton Walker to be Naval officer of the District of Wilmington North Carolina in the place of John Walker who has resigned

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Harrison Gray Otis, 12 December 1800
From: Otis, Harrison Gray
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Decemr 12. 1800—

The inclosed letter has been submitted to my perusal by my friend Mr Rutledge. Presuming it may be satisfactory to you to know that Genl Pinkney and the Federalists in So: Carolina adhered with honor to your interest, an I have taken the liberty to borrow it from him and send it to you, with a request that it maybe returned to my lodgings this afternoon as Mr R will have occasion to reply to it—I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / yr most obedt Servt

H. G. Otis


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 December 1800
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 12 Dec. 1800.

With reluctance I Should interrupt your Excellency’s occupations, in the persuasion, that my correspondence can not atone for your devoting to it one Single moment of your pretious time, did duty not oblige me, to consider you now as a Father, whose inestimable loss maÿ be only by them be appreciated, whose heart and hopes can be compared with yours. What can I Saÿ, afflicted Father! to assuage your grief? Language is inadequate to lessen the pangs of that Silent and eloquent Sorrow—within whose limits your Excell. exalted Station and unshaken firmness must have controuled your afflictions. In can place me Self in your Situation; a Secret horror penetrates, Shakes mine whole frame, I Shudder at the conception of this ideal danger—and See even Religion Sufferring the payment of this involuntary tribut to nature, before She administers comfort.
Your great mind will Soon have invoked her adsistance, and fixed your attention upon those Supereminent blessings—which remain in your possession—upon the arduous duties of the Chief of a great, independent nation. A Son, following your illustrius example, esteemed, andmired in Europe, Shining in his juvenile years with unborrowed Splendour is your glorÿ, and the best part of Columbia’s children considers You as their Father—the preserver of their peace, and prosperity: with confidence I rank me Self amongst them, longing for the arrival of that happy moment that I may congratulate my family—my friends and fellow-citisens with your continued Presidency—when Your Excellency will, once more, condescend, to accept, with your accustomed kindness, my cordial and respectful compliments.
Permit me, to reiterate my protestations of the highest consideration and respect—with which / I am / Sir! / Your Excellency’s—most obedient / and devoted Servt.

Fr. Adr. vanderkemp.


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 13 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

Dear Sir
Washington Decr 13. 1800

Thank you for your favour of 30 Nov. No reply will be made while I am a public Man—Perhaps none will ever be made. But I make no Promises. Before this Letter reaches you, the duration of my Station, to which you apply Such Sublime Epithets that I dare not repeat them, will be ascertained to your Satisfaction as it is now to mine.
If nothing flew on Eagles Wings as Said or done by me, but what had been really Said or done, I Should have less to complain of. Among a million of Repute, one was circulated far and wide and believed by thousands, that General Pinckney had imported from England four pretty Girls two of them for my Use and two for his own. Now I declare upon my honor, if this is true Gen. Pinckney has kept them all four to himself and cheated me of my two. But to be Serious.
The Election of Mr Jefferson is not So wonderfull to me, as that of Mr Burr. That he should have the Same Number of Votes with Mr Jefferson, Shews the astonishing force and Energy of Party Spirit. Mr Hamilton has carried his Eggs to a fine Markett. The very Man the very two Men, of all the World, that he was most jealous of, are now placed over him.
I am anxious for two Men in Massachusetts Lincoln and Eustis for both of whom I have long had a great regard. They will have Power to do much good and I hope they will have the Judgment and the Will. Otherwise their Elections will be unhappy. I am, dear Sir / Yours

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 14 December 1800
From: Tudor, William, Sr.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Boston 14 Decr. 1800

There are two sets of Persons here who appear particularly anxious to learn the Result of the Presidential Election. The Hamilton Faction shew much Exultation at the Appearance of Mr. Pinckney keeping an equal Pace with the Man they hate, on the Road they constructed for the New England Electors to pursue. Those Electors, at least those of Massachusetts, are desirous to know whether their Timidity will not eventually place at the Helm, a Man, whom Ninety nine in a hundred of all the Inhabitants of the United States, would wonder to find thus prematurely advanced. Be it as it may, if the Union is to last, that absurd Article of the Constitution must be corrected, which leaves it to a Contingency, whether the People shall have the Sovereign Magistrate they prefer, or that a secondary Officer shall defeat their Intentions, by becoming a Chief, in Consequence of an Operation, in wording A Section of the Constitution, which an artful Party, may, at every Election, avail themselves, to get in their Idol or their Idiot. If South Carolina acts fairly all Things may yet go well, & the People, at least this Eastern Division of them, continue to enjoy the Administration of a Man, who they are proud of; & whose Popularity has increased, is increasing, & I trust, will not be diminished.
I have been writing a Pamphlet for your Amusement next Summer, provided I should not throw it into the Fire, in a fit of Dislike, this Winter. It goes to prove that our Government is an elective, monarchic, Republic: That any Thing less, would have been neither safe, nor beneficial for such a heterogeneous Country as that of the United States. And that its chief Defect is the short Duration of the Presidency, and the executive Controul of the Senate in certain Cases; And that if there is not a Remedy found for both those Evils, it requires no very great Share of conjectural Sagacity to pronounce, that either the Government will be weakened by the Intrigues or Tumults of Jarring Factions, or that a Division of the United States will enevitably ensue.
But to what Purpose is it to anticipate Mischiefs, or reason in Prevention of them? Must they not be felt, & deeply too, before an effectual Remedy can be applied?
If I intrude on your important Hours, recollect, that you have bid me write frequently: And each Letter gives me a fresh Occasion to repeat the Assurance of my high Respect, Esteem & Duty.

Wm Tudor


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 15 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States December 15th 1800.

I transmit to the Senate for their consideration & decision, a convention both in English and French, between the United States of America, & the French Republic, signed at Paris on the thirtieth day of September last, by the respective plenipotentiaries of the two powers. I also transmit to the Senate, three manuscript volumes containing the journal of our envoys.

John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 18 December 1800
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Cambridge 18th Decr 1800

I received yesterday from Mr Lee, the letter enclosed, & being fully convinced, that he is an object of persecution, as well on account of his open & manly disapprobation of the measures of a certain party, as well as of his uniform and warm attachment to your administration, an indispensable requisite in my opinion for every candidate of office, I feel myself under an obligation of justice to make this communication. the objection stated by his opponents to his appointment, that he is a native of Halifax, when the facts in his letter are considered, appears to me full evidence of their want of a solid argument to counteract his pretensions: more especially, when it is well known that of his numerous relations in this state many are respectable freeholders, that his Grand father was a judge in the County of Worcester, that he has been naturalized and a resident in the state nearly twenty years, that his father for advocating our cause, was persecuted at Halifax—that he married a daughter of Colo Palfrey, who in the revolutionary war acquitted himself with great Honor & With the full approbation of Congress & General Washington, as Paymaster General of the Army, and that he is every way qualified, as a man of sense, vertue, honor & attachment to the constitution & Government of the U States, for the office he applies for. there is one circumstance which perhaps is peculiar to Mr Lee and may deserve consideration, he has, during the suspension of the intercourse with France, refused several lucrative offers, lest they should interfere with this appointment, & has thus in a great measure rested on it, the welfare of an amiable wife & family.
I feel very anxious for the issue of the present election: God grant it may continue yourself in the chair, & Mr Jefferson in his present station, for I think the peace & welfare of the Country will be best promoted thereby.
And now Sir permit me with great sincerity, to express my condolence, in which Mrs Gerry very sincerely joins, to yourself Lady & family, on the late melancholy bereavement which you have experienced: such events are above the controul of mortals, & admit of no relief, but what results from a perfect acquiescence in the dispensations of divine providence.
I have the honor to remain dear / Sir with perfect respect & / attachment your sincere / friend & obedt Servt

E Gerry


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 19 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir
Washington Decr. 19 1800

Mr Elsworth afflicted with the Gravel and the Gout in his kidneys and intending to pass the Winter in the south of France after a few Weeks in England, has resigned his office of Chief Justice, and I have nominated you to your old station. This is as independent of the Inconstancy of the People, as it is of the Will of a President. In the future Administration of our Country the firmest Security We can have against the Effects of visionary Schemes or fluctuating Theories, will be in a solid Judiciary; and nothing will cheer the hopes of the best Men so much as your Acceptance of this appointment. You have now a great Opportunity to render a most signal service to your Country. I therefore pray you most earnestly to consider of it, seriously and Accept it. You may very properly resign the short Remainder of your Gubernatorial Period, and Mr Van Renselaer may discharge the Duties. I had no permission from you to take this Step, but it appeared to me that Providence had thrown in my Way an Opportunity not only of marking to the Public, the Spot, where, in my Opinion the greatest Mass of Worth remained collected in one Individual but of furnishing my Country with the best Security, its Inhabitants afforded, against the increasing dissolution of Morals.
With unabated Friendship, and the highest Esteem / and respect, I am, dear sir yours,

John AdamsYour Commission will soon follow this Letter.


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 December 1800
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Sir!
Olden barneveld 19 Dec. 1800—

The Sensible pleasure, received from your Excell:s favour of the 25th Dec. with which I was honoured quite unexpected, induces me to a rescription. I hope, this will not be consider’d as abusing your Excell. condescendence, in devoting few moments of your precious time to an old client, who may boast of your Excell. esteem, continued in different Situations of life Since twenty years. Maÿ I not, without vanity, consider this as a valid motive for Self-approbation? there it reflects on me a part of your original grandeur and excellence, without any regard of your eminent rank on this vast Continent—Sensible that an unbiassed Posteritÿ will paÿ her homage to the truth, that the Presidency did not bestow upon you So much lustre, as She received from your administration. But alas! what a paltrÿ recompense are her repeated applauses, her warmest gratitude! to balance your unrelented exertions for the Public good of millions, the Sacrifices of a beloved retirement, and domestic happiness—to balance the calumny’s of intriguing Individuals, who howewer—when you are no more, will join in your Eulogies, to deningrate       deprecate  your Successors.
I am not an unbeliever—and nevertheless it approaches the verÿ borders of incredulity, that your Excell: performed that immense work in less than 15 months—not at Quincÿ, but at the court of St. James—watching everÿ Step of this jealous Cabinet, and promoting with an all-observing assiduity, the grand Intrest of your Countrÿ. I cannot but Suppose, that your Excell: had longe Since collected a properly arranged quantity of materials from ancient and modern Historÿ—because their gathering from the original Sources—in that Short interval—Should have required the activity of anÿ man.
Last winter I perused this work again, comparing its principal facts with the Original Roman and Greek historians, and discover’d only verÿ few and triffling inaccuracies—Non ego paucis offender macelis—Gibbon Montesquieu Self are not without them. It was beyond my power to perform the Same task with respect to the middle age—having in vain requested mÿ friends adsistance, and the remnants of mÿ Librarÿ not being Sufficientlÿ adapted for this purpose, I undertook this task with a view, and once if mÿ health and unwearied cares for the Subsistance of my family Shall allow me more leisure, I hope to resume it again, to bring your Excellent Defence in the form of the Theses of Erastus or the Aphorisms of Hippocrates, joining to each of them the proper authorities, who might be consulted.
A plan of a Similar nature would in my opinion, if wel executed, and protected bÿ government, become of an immense use for America: The genteel youth would be instructed—on a general form—in the Solid principles of a good Government, and imbibe in its earlier years an ardent predilection for them. This introduced would lead the waÿ to try the Same with regard to a criminal and civil code—common in all cases to all Americans, by which partial prejudices and animosities would insensibly Subside—local intrest and ambition be bereaved of its principal Spur, and foreign influence effectuallÿ curbed, and the whole mass of Americans consolidated into one undivided People. O Adams! may Our Country owe you—who Steered us Sure through a boisterous sea—more dangerous yet by Brittish and French Hurricanes—who preserved America’s neutrality—honor—and Independence untainted—this Supereminent blessing, then our Political Edifice would be compleated—decorated—impregnable.
Truth can never be the looser in being attacked: the more ingenious—the more daring the opponents are, the more its lustre will brighten: Sometimes nevertheless the welfare of the weaker part of mankind will require, to expose false or captious reasonings and adulterate facts, only brought forward to obstruct her influence. If Tom Payne is not better acquainted with the Classics and the times of the middle age, than he was with the Oriental languages and—Ecclesiastical historÿ his opposition will be verÿ despicable; but he, if he is hired, can not want able adsistants, who maÿ cover the hideouseness of the Phantom with a colouring, that blinds the eyes of the mob.
If it is worth a replÿ and not beyond my power—an indifferent apologÿ being more injurious to truth than the most violent libel against it—I Should be obliged to make use of the English Language, trusting, that Some of mÿ frends would be honour’d in the correction of the grammatical part. The Dutch or French Language would be more convenient for me, but Subjected to greater difficulties. A County press would not be adequate for the transaction: i think it presumptive one may be found at Albanÿ or N. York. I must trÿ, If I can not procure me the answer from the press by Sheets—It might happen, and this would remove all difficulties, that another—better adapted to this undertaking, Shall charge him Self with the honour of your champion, under your Excell:s more immediate inspection, in which desireable evenement I Should rejoice—when it could afford me the Satisfaction, to communicate all what I could collect to load your Antagonist with confusion.
I am Surprised, how it can be a matter of discussion, if there Shall be a leap ÿear or no—there it Seems me to be an unavoidable consequence of the adopting the new Style: there Gregorÿ the xiii according the calculations of Aloÿsius decreed, that the first years of the three following centuries after the year 1600—viz. 17—18—1900 Should not be laps-years—The wise man in our State, of whom the Smallest part are acquainted with Aloysius, and execrate with all their heart Gregorÿ, as the Antichrist, are at Albany in a horrid bustle about this matter.
Will you Excellency excuse this long letter, for which I can make no atonement, as by my ardent wishes for your uninterrupted prosperity and happiness and encreasing glorÿ, by my fervent praÿers, that you long yet maÿ be preserved, for this countrÿ, then I Solemnly promise you not to vex you Soon with a new intrusion.
Permit me alone, to recommend me to your Excell: kind and So much honoured remembrance, and allow me to attest, that I am with Sentiments of the highest consideration and respect / Sir! / Your Excellency’s most humble / and most obed: St.

Fr. Adr. vanderkemp


Title: To John Adams from Winthrop Sargent, 20 December 1800
From: Sargent, Winthrop
To: Adams, John

Most respected Sir
Mississippi Territory Decr. 20th. 1800

I take Leave to enclose unto you the Copy of a petition from many worthy Characters of this Country and which as their Solicitation I have forwarded to the honourable Senate and house of representatives through the President and the Speaker—
It is the Desire of the petiences that a Copy should be transmitted unto you Sir which I flatter myself will apologize for my so presuming—
with every sentiment / of respect / I am always Sir / your devoted Servant
Winthrop Sargent


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 22 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Washington Decr 18 22. 1800

I nominate the following List of Gentlemen for Promotions and Appointments in the Army of the United States.
Cavalry2d: Lieutt.William Tharp1st. Lieutt.vice Simmons, dismissedArtillerists and EngineersMajor of the First Regiment, Lewis Tousard. Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the Second RegimentFirst Regiment.Captain Moses PorterMajor   vice Tousard, promotedLieutenantJonathan RobesonCaptain   " Rowan, deceased"Henry Muhlenberg"    " Porter, promoted" Theophilus Elmer"   " Littlefield, resignedRobins Chamberlain,  LieutenantSecond RegimentCaptn.William MacRea,Major,vice Hoops, resignedLieutt.William Steele,Captain,vice Cochran, ""Alexander D. Pope," ," MacRea, promoted"John W. Levingston," ," Bishop, dismissedInfantryFirst Regiment2d: Lieutt. Eli B. Clemson,1st. Lieutt.vice Davidson, resigned"
 Samuel Clinton,  " " Blake, "James Rhea,  Second Lieutenant
2d: Lieutt. James Rhea,  1st Lieutt.vice Peyton, resigned.Second Regiment1st. Lieutt.Archibald Gray,Captain,vice Shaumburg, Division Quarter Master."Rezin Webster," ," Miller, resd:2d Lieutt.Peter Shiras,1st. Lieutt.," Allison, deceased"Thomas Porter," ," Webster, promotedThird RegimentCaptain Zebulon Pike,  Major, vice Kersey, deceased
1st Lieutt.William P. Smith,  Captain, " Pike, promoted
" Hugh McCall," ," Marks, dismissed
" William Scott," ," Steele, decd:
"
 William R. Boote," ," Rickard, resignedFourth Regiment1st Lieutt. Hartman Leitheiser, Captain, vice Brock, resd.
" John Wallington," ," Gibson, resd.
" Francis Johnston," , " Taylor, resd.
2d. Lieutt. James Love,  1st Lieut, " Leitheiser, promd.
" Thomas Eastland," ," Wallington, "
" James Desha," ," Johnston, "

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 22 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States Dec. 22d 1800

In conformity with your request, in your resolution of the 19th of this month, I transmit you the instructions given to our late envoys, Extraordinary, & Ministers plenipotentiary to the French Republic.
It is my request to the Senate, that these instructions may be considered in strict confidence, & returned to me, as soon as the Senate shall have made all the use of them, they may judge necessary.

John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 23 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States Dec. 23d. 1800

I nominate John Ellis and Adam Bingaman of Adams county—Alexander Montgomery & John Stampley of Pickering county & Flood McGrew of Washington County to be members of the legislative council in the Missisippi territory.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 24 December 1800
From: Malcom, Samuel B.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Newyork decr: 24th 1800

Understanding from General Giles that the Term of his Commission as Marshall for this district is expired, and that he is desirous of being Continued in this office, I am induced from a strong personal friendship for this Gentleman as well as a Conviction of his Integrity and Ability to take the liberty of recommending him to Your particular notice—I will not disguise that long since I have heard insinuations (which have since been traced to malice and personal dislike) perferred against him–the former predicated upon a scrupulous discharge of duty, the latter because he was too industrious a federal man–his best recommendation however will be found from an enquiry of the proper Officers of his conduct during the last four years of his Continuance in this office—Having taken an early part in the Revolution he forfeited the advantage of any private profession—
With respectful Compliments to your Lady I have the / honor to Remain Your Ob. Hble Sert

Saml: B Malcome


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 25 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

Dear Sir
Washington Dec 25 1800

It is plain from Mr. Hamiltons pamphlet & from all the writings against the negotiation with France that neither that gentleman nor his fellow laborers in the great work of detraction have ever known the rise and progress of the measures they have successfully misrepresented & abused. In order to correct the public opinion, I inclose you authenticated copies of the messages, which I pray you to have printed in the commercial gazette & if you please in the collections of the historical society
Yours as usual


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 25 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

Dear Sir
Washington Decr 25. 1800

I had last night, yours of the 24th.—The Anxiety of the two Setts of Persons you mention is eer this time relieved. Perhaps it may have been Succeeded by another. The Plan of bringing in Mr Pinckney by tacking him to my shoulder as a Rider, has not only been defeated but two opposite Characters have been brought in, with Splendid Tryumph. If 99 in 100 would have wonderd at the premature Advancement of Mr P. as you Suppose, will they wonder less at the rapid Advancement of Mr B.—I account for this Event in my own Way.—Burr is one of my well born. His Birth has buoyed him up as inflamable Air forces up a Balloon.—He is a Son of Mr Burr a President of Princeton Colledge and a grandson of Dr Edwards of North Hampton who was afterwards President of the Same Colledge: both of them very able and popular Champions of Calvinism, who lived and died in the highest Esteem Admiration, Love and Veneration of all the orthodox religious sects through the Continent, especially the Presbyterians of New England N. York N. Jersey Pennsylvania and Maryland. This immense number of Tongues has been constantly employed in Sounding the Praise of the Reasoning Powers, the Talents and the Eloquence of Col. Burr. Mr Thatcher a few days ago reminded me of a Conversation between him and me, about Eight years ago in a Stage Coach. Speaking of Coll Burr, I gave him the above Account of his origin and his fame and Said that I Should not be Surprized, if these Causes should make him President of the United States in ten years time.
Although I Said I Should not be Surprised, I was mistaken, I am Surprized.
The South Carolina Gentlemen, I mean the Mr Pinckneys Mr Rutledge &c have Acted fairly and honourably: but the State has not been within their Influence and I have been all along of Opinion that the Majority of that State was essentially against Us. The final Result, having been long expected was not a disappointment to me.
The Pamphlet you have been writing I pray you to preserve for my Sake. I know it will be valuable and have a great desire to see it.—I Shall Soon have leisure enough to accompany you, in any of your ingenious Speculations. I Shall Soon be where Ennui plouvera pleuvia a grossis gouttes.
My Hours are of no importance, except such as are employed in reading your Letters and in some other Occupations of a similar nature. The more you write me the better.
I am, with much Esteem, yor huml

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 28 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Washington Dec. 28. 1800

I had last night your letter of the 12th. the friendly Sentiments of which have tenderly affected me. The Affliction in my family from the melancholly death of a once beloved Son, has been very great, and has required the Consolations of Religion as well as Phylosophy to enable Us to Support it. The Perspects of that unfortunate youth were once pleasing and promising: but have been cutt off and a Wife and two very young Children are left with their Grandparents to bewail a fate which neither could avert, and to which all ought in patience to submit.—I have two Sons left, whose Conduct is worthy of their Education and Connections. I pray that their Lives may be Spared and their Characters respected.
Before this reaches you, the News will be familiar to you, that after the third of March, I am to be a private Citizen and your Brother Farmer. I Shall leave the State with its Coffers full, and the fair prospect of peace with all the World Smiling in its face, its Commerce flourishing, its Navy glorious, its Agriculture uncommonly productive and lucrative. Oh my Country,! May peace be within thy Walls and Prosperity within thy Palaces.
With great Esteem I am as usual your very / humble Servant and real Well Wisher

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thorowgood Smith, 29 December 1800
From: Smith, Thorowgood
To: Adams, John

Sir
Baltimore Decemr. 29th, 1800

The Death of my worthy Friend Gustavos Scott Esqr. has, I am informed, occasioned a vacancy in the Board of Commissioners of the Federal City, as such I beg leave to offer myself to your Excellency as a Candidate to fill said Vacancy.—The slight knowledge you may have of me, if any, will hardly justify the liberty I am now taking; but having some thoughts of settling myself in the City, and under an impression that I could render some Service in the Duties required as a Commissioner, I have with the advice of some my Friends in this place, presumed to solicit the appointment.—With respect to me & my Character, I beg leave to refer you to William Hindman Esqr. & Colo: Howard of the Senate, one of which Genl. will have the Honor to hand you this.—
With sentiments of great respect I have the Honor to be your Excellencys— / Mo. Obedt. Hble Servt.

Thorowgd. Smith


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 29 December 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Treasury Department December 29. 1800

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully represents to the President of the United States.
That the account of the President of the United States—stands charged in the Books of the Treasury with fourteen thousand dollars advanced by Warrants of the Secretary in pursuance of the Act of March 2d. 1797.— for the purpose of closing which account, the Secretary transmits the draft of an Instrument, which being signed by the President, will become the voucher for an Official statement by the accounting Officers of the Treasury.All which is most respectfully / Submitted by,

Oliv. WolcottScrty of the Treasy


Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 30 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Gerry, Elbridge

Dear Sir
Washington Dec 30th 1800

I have received your favor of the 18th. It has been an invariable usage these twelve years, for the President to answer no letters of solicitation or recommendation to office, but with you in full confidence I will say that it is uncertain whether I shall appoint any consuls to France. Mr. Lee is represented to me as a jacobin, who was very busy in a late election, in the town of Roxbury on the wrong side His pretensions however shall be considered with all others, impartially, if I should make any appointments.
Your anxiety for the issue of the election is by this time allayed. How mighty a power is the spirit of party! How decisive and unanimous it is! 73 for Mr Jefferson & 70 for Mr Burr. May the peace and welfare of the Country be promoted, by this result. But I see not the way, as yet. In the Case of Mr Jefferson, there is nothing wonderful; but Mr Burrs good fortune surpasses all ordinary rules & exceeds that of Bonaparte. All the old patriots, all the splendid talents, the long experience, both of feds & antifeds, must be subjected to the humiliation of seeing this dexterous gentleman, rise like a balloon, filled with inflamable air, over their heads & this is not the worst. What a discouragement to all virtuous exertion & what an encouragement to party intrigue & corruption? What course is it we steer and to what harbor are we bound? Say, man of wisdom & experience, for I am wholly at a loss.
I thank you Sir & Mrs Gerry for your kind condolence with us in our affliction, under a very melancholly & distressing bereavent. I thank the Supream that I have yet two sons, who will give me some consolation, by a perseverance in those habits of virtue and industry, which they have hitherto presumed. There is nothing more to be said, but let the eternal will be done
With great regard I have the honor to be, Sir / your obliged friend & obedient sert


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 30 December 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States December 30th 1800

I nominate Lewis Tousard Lieutenant Colonel of Artillerists & Engineers to be Inspector of Artillery under the Act of July 16th 1798

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 31 December 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Decr. 31st. 1800

Inclosd are two copies of the laws of the Mississipi territory enacted subsequent to the 30th. of June 1799. They have not yet been laid before Congress.
With the highest respect / I remain your obedt. Servt

J Marshall


Title: To John Adams from James Monroe, 1800
From: Monroe, James
To: Adams, John

Sir

It wod. give me great pleasure to have it in my power, on yr. arrival at the seat of govt. of this Commonwealth, to pay you the attention to wch. yr. office in titles you to. But you have in that office made an attack on me, to deny to by wch. you attempted to injure my character in the estimation of my countrymen. This attack too was the more extraordinary because it was unprovoked by me, unconnected with the subject before you, and respecting transactions wh. took place preceded yr. appointment to yr. present office; of course, at a time, when I was not responsible to you, nor you to the publick for my conduct. Under such circumstances, I cannot otherwise than consider, any attention from me to you, without some previous & suitable explanation on yr. part, subscribing to the unjust Insinuation you made against me, as being highly improper on mine. It is nevertheless much my wish to pay you that attention provided it can be done on terms that will justify me to my own feelings, as well as to the judgmt. of an enlightened community in so doing, to myself, to you, and the publick (the object of this theirfore is to invite you, to make such an explanation on the above subject, as will obviate this difficulty, and enable me to perform an office, wh. in that case wod. be an agreeable one, because it wod. exempt me from any improper imputation)—
Your own conscience of the injury done me on that occasion, will to a generous mind suggest the proper redress, and I can assure you that I shall meet that a spirit of conciliation on yr. part with a like temper on mine.


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Hamilton, Alexander

Page 4. Mr. Adams is no doubt under great Obligations to Mr. Hamilton, for “not denying to him Patriotism, and Integrity and even Talents of a certain kind”
It is to be Sure an awfull a calamity to Mr A. that the solidity of his understanding should have been brought into question, with Mr H. although it were upon gro false grounds were So false or or Spurious reportswere So Spurious.
The Report, that Mr A favoured the Inlistment of our Troops annually, or for Short periods, rather than for the term of the war, proved the Imbecility of all the wisest Men in Congress, as much as that of Mr A. But in fact the Imbecility was and Still is in Mr Hamilton. Without Inlistments annually We could have had no Inlistments at all. An handfull of Redemptioners might have been obtained for Life in Some of the middle and Southern States and one quarter of an handfull of Sotts and Vagabonds, who by loosing all Character could procure no subsistence at home, might have Inlisted in the Northern States: But not one Single regiment of that description could have been found in all New England. At what time, General washington began to recommend Inlistments, during the war, is not remembered. Mr A. advocated annual Inlistments no longer than all his Colleagues from New England and all the assemblies of New England and all his Correspondents, who were all the principal Men of that Country were of the same opinion. An Army must be had to restrain the ennemy from ravaging the Country and that Army must come from New England chiefly. None adequate to the Service could be obtained but by Inlistments for more definite Periods than the duration of the War. Mr A never had any Objection to the Inlistment of as many as could be obtained, for the war. He only contended that this mode must not be the exclusive one. Mr H. is too young to know much of the difficulties the Congresses had for the four first years, to overcome. The questions concerning the Pay of Officers and Soldiers, concerning the Articles of War and the Periods of Inlistments, were embarrassed by obstinate Prejudices and invincible Prejudices Habits among the people, inflamd and fomentd by democratic Writers as licentious and disorganizing as this pamphlet of Mr H.—Mr A rejoiced when the Time arrived, that Men could be obtained during the War, as much as any Man. Before that time, Mr A.,the delegates and Assemblies of New England knew infinitely better than General Washington or his Aid, what could be done among their neighbours and what could not. He The General was right to recommend Inlistments during the War, and they were right to comply with his recommendation as soon as it could be done with safety to their Country, and no sooner.General Washington never assumed the Character of perpetual Dictator—. That Pretension was reserved for one of his Aids.
Mr Hamiltons Letter
Page 4th Mr. Adams is no doubt under obligations to Mr. Hamilton, for “not denying to him patriotism and integrity and even talents of a certain kind.”
It is to be sure a calamity to Mr. Adams, that the solidity of his understanding should have been brought into question with Mr. Hamilton, although it was upon false grounds, or spurious reports. The report that Mr. Adams favored the inlistment of our troops, annually or for short periods, rather than for the term of the war, proved the imbecility of all the wisest men in Congress, as much as that of Mr. Adams. But in fact the imbecility was and still is in Mr. Hamilton. Without inlistments annually, we could have had no inlistments at all. An handfull of redemptioners might have been obtained for life, in some of the middle and Southern States, and one quarter of an handfull of sotts and vagabonds, who by loosing all character, could procure no subsistence at home, might have inlisted in the Northern States – but not one single regiment of that description could have been found in all New England. At what time Gen. Washington began to recommend inlistments during the war, is not remembered Mr. Adams advocated annual inlistments no longer than all his colleagues and all the assemblies of New England; and all his correspondents, who were all the principal men of that Country, were of the same opinion. An army must be had to restrain the ennemy from ravaging the country, and that army must come from N. England chiefly. None adequate to the service could be obtained, but by inlistments for more definite periods, than the duration of the war. Mr Adams never had any objection to the inlistment of as many as could be obtained for the war. He only contended that this mode must not be the exclusive one
Mr. Hamilton is too young to know, much of the difficulties the Congresses had for the four first years to overcome. The questions concerning the pay of officers and soldiers – the articles of war and the periods of inlistments were embarrassed by obstinate prejudices and invincible habits among the people, inflamed and fomented by democratic writers, as licentious and disorganizing, as this pamphlet of Mr. H. Mr. Adams rejoiced, when the time arrived, that men could be obtained during the war, as much as any man. Before that time Mr. Adams, the delegates and assemblies of N. England knew infinitely better, than Gen Washington or his aid, what could be done among their neigbors and what could not. The General was right to recommend inlistments, during the war, and they were right to comply with his recommendation, as soon as it could be done with safety to their Country and no sooner.
Gen. Washington never assumed the character of perpetual dictator—that pretension was reserved for one of his aids