Title: To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 8 July 1799
From: Talbot, Silas
To: Adams, John

Sir,
On Board the Ship Constitution 8th. July 1799

Since my Letter of the 3d. in answer to your Excellency’s favor of the 1st: Inst. I took the Liberty in a note to suggest, whether it might not be deemed best as the ship Constitution was now ready for sea, Except as to her number of men, to have that compliment made up out of the Boston. I also then ment to convey an Idea that I had been authorised by the Secretary of the Navy, to pospone the Boston’s Shipping men untill the Constitution should be manned. Mr. Stoddert also Observed that he was informed that Captain Little had begun shiping his men, But which he hop’d was not true, and which he could hardly believe, as he had not given directions to that Effect, But added that he had that day forwarded on directions to Captain Little relative to Shiping of men but with directions not to make use of them to interfear with entering of men for the Constitution; Mr. Stoddert further Observed that I must be the Judge, and if I thought it best to prohibit Captain Little from recruiting of Men untill the Constitution was manned. I was to do so. In answer to this Letter from Mr Secretary I informed him, that the Rendezvouse for the Boston had been Opened about the same time as that for the Constitution, that as they had progressd so fare I did not think it advisable to exercise the power he had given me to stop entering men for the Boston, more especially as the men Shiped for the Boston, might be turned over to the Constitution, if She should be first ready for Sea. as soon as I told him also that from information from Captain Little and the Committee, it did appear that the Boston would be ready for Sea as soon as the Constitution, considering all the disadvantages under which I Laboured having the Ship mored at a great distance from town, and her having all that could well be moved taken on Shore at a Considerable distance and which could not fail of taking up much wast of time to bring back again.
Least your excellency may not have received or fully comprehended these matters from my note not then having Leasure to State them as I could have wished, I have thought it best to explain—
Sir, the Constitution is now ready for Sea, except a small deficency of men, her stores are all on Board, her sails are bent and nothing of consiquence is wanting but about thirty Seamen & 18 Marines, which last was to have been furnished from the Marine Corps. But I dont Learn that any are coming on.
I must beg leave to Observe that if the Boston is ready for Sea like the Constitution. But which by the way I doubt very much. It appears to me best that one of the Ship should be immediately manned complete out of the other so that one of them, might proceed to Sea as soon as the Men could be quartered & the returns made out for the Secretary. It is my opinion Sir, that in such case that the Ship Left behind would not be Longer detained for Men, than both would be if no such draft took place, for I think it more than Likely, that one rendezvouse would Ship quite as many as Both perhaps something more, for they now keepe playing between both. from all that I can Learn there is now two enters for the Constitution to one for the Boston and that probably the Constitution will have her crew on Board as soon as the Boston if Both remain in Port—As the Secretary appeared very desierous that the Constitution should be at Sea by the tenth of this Month, I have thought it my duty to make the foregoing observations to your Excellency, as time would not permit me to write to the Secretary and receive his answer before the period would arrive which was named for the Sailing of the Ship, that if any important Service was contemplated for the Ship, she might be ready to act as near the time as possible, no exertion of which I have been able to make has been omitted to forward her equipment; and tho circumstansis has made it impossible for me to continue in the Ship with reputation, yet my Zeal to have her furnished for Sea, has not in the least abated to this moment, because the good of the Service required as I conceived, that the change in the Ship commander should not occasion any delay in the Ships Sailing. If it was desirable that the Ship Should be on her Cruise Immediately—
I have received information that Captain Harker of New York is otherwise engaged and therefore cannot come on Board the Constitution I have directed Lt. Collins to come on Board, and if you Should be pleased to approve and Commission Mr. Boss who is now on Board, the Constitution will then have four Lieuts. to wit Lts. Hull Hamilton Collins & Boss, the three first are now in Service and Commissioned, the Last named is not—
I have the honor to be with the most / perfect respect / Sir / your Obedient humble / Servant

Silas Talbot,


Title: From John Adams to Silas Talbot, 8 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Talbot, Silas

Sir
Quincy July 8th 1799

I have this moment received your favor of this days date by Mr Tarbell & had before received your note.—I can give no answer to any of your propositions nor determine any thing concerning officers or men untill I know who is to command the Constitution. Your refusal to accept the commission has ruined all my designs. It was altogether unexpected to me. I know not the facts at present with precision enough to decide between your pretensions & those of Capt Truxton. If I must appoint Capt. Little I must appoint all his officers or at least consult him which of them to take with him & which to remove from the Constitution. If I should appoint Sever I must do the same. I know of no other Captain at hand. In short I see no possibility of getting the constitution to sea unless you go in her under a fortnight or three weeks—if so soon. If she must remain in harbor so long, it will be better to send the Boston to sea & compleat her crew out of the Constitution. But in this case I cannot appoint Little to the command of the constitution. It will be impossible for me to arrange any thing without a personal conference with you. If you would accept the commission, altered so as to leave the question of rank undecided to be determined hereafter by a council of officers, this should be done. Assurances have been given you as I understand by Mr. Stoddert, that you should not be ordered to serve with Truxton without absolute necessity. These assurances I am willing to confirm.—I am however fully of opinion that I must see you before I can do any thing. If you cannot come here I would meet you any where—but it will take time & trouble to concert time & place so that I believe you had better come here if you can tomorrow morning as early as possible or next day or leave it till Thursday.
I have this day forwarded to Capt Little his sailing orders & instructions received only this morning from the Secretary of the Navy. If he is compleatly ready in all other respects I am willing to fill up his compliment from the constitution. But the service on which the Constitution is ordered is at least as pressing & perhaps more so than the other.
I have the honor to be with great esteem / your humble servant


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 8 July 1799
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Cambridge 8th July 1799

In your letter of december 15th, referring to General Marshall’s journal, You are pleased to observe, “that my seperate, & secret conferences with Talleyrand, & my advocating a stipulation for a loan, to be paid after the war, will do no good to me or to the public,” & that “Pinckney & Martial will attest to the correctness of this journal, & will be beleived.”
My conferences with Mr. Talleyrand were on the 28th of october, & 17th of december 1797, & on the 4, 6th & 7th of Feby, & 1st of march 1798: these were all my conferences with him, previously to the receipt of his last letter to the envoys. Beside these, there were several attempts of Mr. Talleyrand, which failed. On the 30th of decr, when he dined with me, he proposed the 5th of January for an interveiw: I called on him, & he was with the directory. He afterwards appointed the 20th, I attended, & he was then with the directory. Again, he proposed the 24th, I went, waited some time, & finding him much engaged, left the office without seeing him. The 2d of feby. was then mentioned, I called, and he was not at his office. On the 3d, he sent his secretary to me, we agreed on the 4th, & then met.
If my conferences are complained of, because they were seperate, the other envoys were the cause thereof. In the dispatches of all the envoys, of the 8th of Novr 1797, it is stated, “that General Pinckney, & General Martial expressed their opinions, that not being acquainted with Mr. Talleyrand, they could not with propriety call on him; but that according to the custom of France, he might expect this of Mr. Gerry, from a previous acquaintance in America. This Mr. Gerry reluctantly complied with &c.” Again, on the 30th of December, when Mr. Talleyrand as before stated expressed a wish to see me on the 5th of January, “in order to make some communication,” I noted the particulars & soon after imparted them to my colleagues, informing them, “that the conference, proposed by Mr. Talleyrand, was a measure which I could not accede to, unless sanctioned by them; that if they conceived no injury could result from it, & that it may give the envoys some information which might be useful, I would meet the minister, otherwise, I must decline it, let the consequences be what they may to myself; since good intentions are not all that is expected of negotiators, who are often calumniated, for measures truly meritorious.” These were my words to the other envoys, & they sanctioned the meeting—Every attempt to meet the minister, between the 5th of January, & the 2d of Feby having failed, I wrote a line to General Pinckney, informing him, that it was again proposed, I should call on Mr. Talleyrand on that day, & that I wished to confer with him & General Martial on the subject. He answered by letter marked A, of the same date. We all met, & I desired the other envoys to express their opinions on the subject, because if they tho’t it best I would excuse myself immediately: or, if not, I wished to know how to conduct in case of new propositions. We all agreed, that I ought to go, & were decisive against a loan. On my return that day from the Bureau, without seeing the minister, I met him near General Pinckney’s hotel, whose footman attending me, and knowing Mr. Talleyrand, stopped my coachman, and informed me, that the minister, had just passed on his way to the Bureau. But wishing not to see him, I ordered my coachman to stop at General Pinckney’s and informed him, that “I had escaped an interveiw, than which, nothing could be more disagreable to me.”
On the 1st of march, the last of the days of the conferences mentioned, the secretary of Mr. Talleyrand calling on me said, that the minister wished to see me. I waited on him, & he stated, that Mr. Rutledge had delivered him a letter from the American ministers of the 27th of February, requesting an interveiw, & that he had appointed the 2d of march for that purpose, but that he would confer with me on the subject, if I preferred it, then. I answered no, I preferred a conference in company with my colleagues, I wished however as we were together, he would think of a proposition, which I then made Vizt. “that he should give us his ideas of the general principles of a treaty, such as France desired, & I would propose to my colleagues, that we should return him a counter project. But he declined it instantly, saying, it would give the directory unnecessary trouble: that if the proposition of a loan was adjusted, every thing else would be accomodated without difficulty; & thus we parted—Every thing that passed at these interveiws, except those of the 4th, 6th, & 7th of February, relative to my treating seperately, was immediately communicated to the other envoys: & the October & December conferences were published.—It must be evident then, that if any blame results from my conferences, because they were separate, it attaches to my colleagues.
With respect to the conferences which were secret, they were the inevitable consequences of those which were seperate.
On the 4th of February, when Mr. Talleyrand informed me, that he had something of vast importance to communicate to me, it was impossible for me to divine what it was, or whether it respected the United States; their government, the envoys generally, or myself in particular. The first reflections which occurred to me, were, that either the impediments to our being accredited, would be communicated, & knowing them, the envoys would be able to remove them: or, that this was an artifice of the minister, to obtain from me the refusal of his proposition of secrecy, & then to charge me, with having defeated the negotiation. In either veiw of the subject, it was necessary to consent to secrecy. The principal secretary of the minister’s bureau, had on the 30th of December, when they both dined with me, declared that he thot it would be impossible to reconcile the directory to Genl. Pinckney, that it would be acting the part of a good citizen for him to remove the obstruction by quitting France, which he could justify to his government, & that then General Martial & myself may carry on the negotiation. I told him instantly, this was impossible, & he, shrugging, dropped the subject. All which was the next day communicated to the other Envoys, & I did not expect ever to hear such another proposition.
The proposition of secrecy did not relate meerly to my colleagues, as has been represented by Mr. Pickering, it was general: & they were immediately informed, that proposals of an extraordinary nature had been secretely made to me, that I should communicate them, when at liberty to do it, & that in the interim, they may be quite easy, for that I had rejected them. But on the supposition, there had been on foot, a stratagem, for causing, by false information, an arrest of all or any of the Envoys; or which was not impossible, that they were in danger of being massacred; or that such an attempt on their government was contemplated; or that by a deep artifice, it was intended to encrease the animosities of the two republics against each other, & to produce a declaration of war; what could be said in justification of a minister who had refused confidential information for defeating such measures? and if none of them had existed, it might have been said they did exist & that I refused amicable means for counteracting them—numerous other circumstances might have rendered unwarrantable, a refusal of information, merely, because it was confidential. Indeed, I beleive, no minister ever did, or ever would refuse it under such circumstances; for no injury did, or could possibly result from the secrecy of my conference, & advantages might have been taken of a refusal, to throw the blame of a War on the American Government. It must be evident, therefore, that if any imputation results from the secrecy of the conference, it also rests on the other Envoys, who gave rise to them.
Since your return, sir, you have informed me, if I recollect rightly, that General Martial, in his journal has stated, that I advocated a loan generally. But I cannot think he meant this, as there was not the least pretext for such an assertion. It would be such a flagrant violation of truth, so directly contrary to all the documents of the embassy, & to my well known conduct in France, as induces me to suppose he never intended to make such an impression, it would indeed be repugnant to his own conviction, and to common sense; for he knew, that in regard to the war between France & G. Britain, I consider’d the United States in so many respects, as being embarked with the latter; that I conceived the overthrow of her government, as involving that of our own; that I was ardently desirous of preserving peace, on just & honorable terms, with all the belligerent powers, & with none more so than with G. Britain; & that I was always of opinion, a loan to France during the war, would immediately involve us in one with G. Britain. I shall only therefore consider, what is quoted from you letter “that my advocating a stipulation for a loan to be paid after the war, will do no good to me or the publick” & that Pickney & Martial will attest to the correctness of this journal & will be beleived.” I know very well, that when parties run high, as they lately have in the U. States, each is disposed to beleive it’s own advocates, & this often in opposition to conviction itself. But every candid man, I think, will beleive the facts I shall state, confirmed as they are by my general conduct: & opposed, as they will be, to the gloss & color, of art, & sophistry.
On the 25th of February Mr. Talleyrand, by his secretary, desired I would consult the other envoys, & inform him, whether we would consent to a loan after the war? This he said had never been before proposed, or, on the part of the U. States objected to; & if we would meet Mr. Talleyrand on this ground, he would propose it to the directory; but could not say, what their opinion would be on the subject. I informed him, that the measure had never to my knowledge occurred to any of us; that I could not say what would be the result, but that in compliance with Mr. Talleyrand’s request, I would communicate it to the other Envoys. This I did on the evening of the 25th, & in a long conversation, General Pinckney and General Martial expressed their opinions to this effect:
That it was not certain, the proposition if approved by us would be acceptable to the directory, as they knew nothing of the matter.
That the proposition, if made by us, would be a surrender of our independence.
That we had no powers, & that such a loan would not be acceptable to our government, or ratified by it.
That, if adopted, it would produce a civil war.
That it would, in effect, be a loan for the war, because on the faith of its stipulation, money would be borrowed, & applyed to the war.
That the object of that government, was not to form a treaty, but only to amuse us, till the event of the expedition to England could be known.
And That they were averse from any more informal negotiations.
They were therefore for rejecting the proposition mentioned.
In regard to the first point, I was of opinion, that any measure, if wise & salutary, which should be adopted by us & rejected by the directory, would place them in the wrong: but that if a measure, of an opposite nature, should be rejected by us, no disadvantage could arise, from it’s being also disagreable to the directory: moreover, that there could be no doubt, the proposition was from Mr. Talleyrand, as it came thro his confidential secretary, the only person admitted in some of my secret conferences with the minister: and that the probability was, Mr. Talleyrand would not have ventured to make the proposition, unless he had consulted the directory: therefore that the certainty or uncertainty of the directory’s conduct on the occasion, ought not to affect our decision.
The second objection, relative to the surrender of our independence, being involved in our making such a proposition, appeared to me novel. The proposition had been made by Mr. Talleyrand, as a ground of accommodation, & he considered it as an act of reciprocity, for the loan made to us by France, in our revolutionary war. I conceived therefore, that if we had power, it was a meer question of policy, whether we should accede, or not accede to the loan, which determined in either way, would not be a surrender of our independence, or in any degree effect it. That even the offer by us of such a loan, which was not proposed, would not so much wear the aspect of an involuntary act, as our consenting to one, if proposed by the directory; but that the mode was of little consequence, & I presumed would be so considered by the directory. That I was as much averse from every kind of loan, as either of my colleagues; but that having to deal with a government, which regarded power, more than principle, the question was, which of two evils was the least, a loan when peace should be established, or the hazard of a war? That if our Government had given us powers to make such a loan, they had decided this point; otherwise the dicision rested with them. That in the latter case, I was for stating the matter to our Government, & for giving it an opportunity to grant or refuse the power: & I offered immediately to return to America, if the other Envoys would remain at Paris, and to propose, if the power in question should be granted, that another person should be sent in my stead, or that they should finish the treaty.
In regard to the third point, that we had no powers, & that such a loan would not be ratified by our Government; my opinion was, that our powers were ambiguous. The Envoys were particularly instructed in regard to the claims of our citizens “not to stipulate that they should be assumed by the U. States, as a loan to the French Government”: & also “That no aid be stipulated in favour of France, during the present war.” But as there was not a word in the instructions, respecting a loan after the war, it was not manifest, from them, either that the Government would object to or sanction such a loan, if adopted by the envoys as a necessary measure of accommodation, and altho the last mentioned instruction, “that no aid be stipulated during the War,” might by some be viewed in the light of a negative pregnant, and be supposed to imply that such an aid might be stipulated after the war, it nevertheless appeared probable to me, that had our Government contemplated a loan after the war, mention would have been made of it. I regretted my not having been able to see the President & receive information on this head, & several others; & conceived that our powers & instructions ought to be well examined. That if it should appear we had power to make such a loan, we had no reason to doubt if adopted by us of its ratification by our Government; & that, if we had not power, we ought not to assume it. In a subsequent conference, General Pinckney enquired of me, whether, if I was negotiating, I would agree to a loan after the war, & I answered no, I would not without further instructions.
In regard to the 4th point, a civil war, my opinion was, that if a loan, to take place with peace, should be proposed to us, & our rejection of it should bring on a war with France, it would tend more to produce a civil war in the U. States, than the consent of our Government to such a loan. It appeared to me, that our citizens having claims for 20, or 30 millions of dollars, would, in the event of a war, lose the prospect of recovering them, & impute the loss to the refusal of an act of reciprocity, as the proposed loan was called. They & the citizens in general might suppose, that our Government could not have lost much, if any thing, by lending France after the war, 5, 6, or even 10 millions of dollars; that if notwithstanding the immense resources of France, there was any risque from such a loan, they would calculate it, & consider the loss of a million or two of dollars in this way, as trifling, compared with the incalculable evils resulting from a war. Amongst these there would probably class, the loss of 20 or 30 millions of dollars due to our citizens, an additional public debt of 2, 3, or 400 millions of dollars, a ruined commerce, violent political parties, & injuries not to be repaired in half a century. Indeed all that was said, in regard to this, on either side, was but conjecture. With respect to the 5th point, that a loan to take place with the peace, would in effect be a loan for the war, I observed that in case of such a proposition, even if our powers should be deemed adequate, & the measure elegible, I could never consent to it, unless expressed in such terms, as to preclude the possibility of negotiating the loan, during the war. That it should contain an express condition to be null & void, should it hereafter appear that such use had been made of the stipulation before the peace & that on these terms, I would never consent to such a loan, unless it became part of a treaty, in which all our just claims should be established, as well as other matters relative to the negotiation.
In regard to the 6th point, I conceived, that whatever our sentiments were, we ought not to conduct on the principle, that the French government was insincere in its proposals for peace, because this would preclude all negotiation, & we never could agree on any terms. That the French Government could have no object in amusing us, during her expedition against G. Britain; for the U. States, if immediately at war with France, could not assist G. Britain, so as to affect, in the minutest degree, the expedition against it. And if revenge was her object, she might pursue it against the United States, after the issue of her expedition against the British was known; as a peace or conquest would probably be the result; unless a new coalition should be formed against France that if the United States, in case of a war, contemplated a defensive or anyother treaty with G. Britain, this should be formed before the commencement of the war, for after it, the motive on the part of G.B. would be diminished: That should they form a treaty to their wishes, with the British government, necessity or the plea of it, may produce a seperate peace, as in the case of the late coalition, & we ought therefore to calculate our defence, on our own resources. That of these, the government was the best judge, as well as of the policy of accelerating or retarding the war. And that if the directory meant to amuse us, we ought so to conduct, as to make their intentions manifest.
With respect to informal negotiations, I stated my aversion from them. That they had been to me a source of vexation & trouble. That this was a proposition directly from the minister, by his confidential Secretary, which I was desired to communicate to them, seeing they had not met Mr. Talleyrand themselves, & that in my doing this, I had discharged my duty. On the 26th Mr. Talleyrands private secretary called, & said the minister entertained hopes that we should meet on the ground of a loan after the war, & enquired, whether I had conferred with my colleagues on the subject & what was the result? I answered yes, & it did not appear to us, that our powers were adequate. He was struck with the information, changed color, & said, “then I fear the matter is at an end.” In the evening I communicated this to my colleagues, & we agreed to send in a letter to the minister requesting a conference. General Pinckney then desired to know, whether, when we had seen Mr. Talleyrand, I would sign the letter, requiring our passports. I answered, that I could better determine this after the interveiw, that we were sent to make peace, and I was determined not to quit the object, whilst there were hopes of accomplishing it. That the proposition of a loan, after the war was a new one, and this interveiw would probably inform us of the nature of it. General Martial wished to know, if the minister should state a proposition of the kind mentioned, what answer we were to give him, & said, he & General Pinckney were decidedly for an answer, that we had no powers. I told him, I chose to consider the powers thoroughly, before I gave this answer. That we might say to the minister, this being a new proposition, should be considered by us, & that he should soon receive our answer. General Martial said, that he & General Pinckney, forming a majority had a right to determine the question. I replyed, that if they were desirous of giving the answer they proposed, immediately, I would not object to the measure; provided, they would take on themselves the responsibility of their decision: but that it was a matter of such moment, & our powers on this head were so equivocal, that I would not risk a war, which might turn on this answer, without a further veiw of the subject. Gen. Martial then stated a supposition, that Mr. Talleyrand should not mention a loan after the war, but for the war, I answered, that this point was inalterably decided, we had agreed not to listen to it, & should inform him the measure was impracticable. He then stated another difficulty, if a loan was proposed after the war, how could we ascertain, whether it was intended to be used for raising money before the peace, seeing we could not make this enquiry without compromitting ourselves, to accede to a loan after the war, if not so to be used. I answered I did not wish to compromit him, or myself, either, that we might draw from Mr. Talleyrand, an explanation, if requisite, of his proposition in various ways, one of which might be by saying we understood it, to be a loan not to be used in any way, directly or indirectly, before the peace: & I further observed, that there did not appear to be much difficulty in ascertaining his object, without compromitting ourselves in the least. We then drafted the letter to Mr. Talleyrand for a conference, & parted.
That letter was followed by two conferences, between the Envoys & minister, & a suspension by us all, of our letter demanding passports: it being stated at the conclusion of the last conference, which formed a part of our dispatches, “that two of us would return immediately to receive the instructions of our Government, if that would be agreable to the directory; if it was not, we would wait some time in expectation of receiving instructions.”
And here, it may be necessary to remark, that on the evening preceeding the 22d of Feby when General Marshal & myself had agreed to visit Madam Villette, at her country seat, he informed me, that the letter to Mr. Talleyrand, demanding our passports, was ready, & proposed that we should sign it, & leave it with General Pinckney. I answered, that this was an unexpected proposition, that he knew we had engaged to go the next day to Villette, 30 or 40 miles distant, that on delivery of that letter to Mr. Talleyrand, our passports would probably be sent to us, with an order to depart immediately, that my baggage was unpacked, & my bills were unpaid, that a day or two, at least would be requisite for these matters, but that I would send an apology to Madam Villette, would prepare immediately to leave the city, & would then sign the letter. This he declined, & preferred a postponement of the signature ‘till our return. Soon after this, the proposition of a loan was made, to take place at the peace.
It may be proper, further to remark, that the Envoys, after their first conference with Mr. Talleyrand of the 2d of March, met, & the question being, what answer we should make to him on the 6th, the time proposed for our second meeting of him, I made this proposition, which was agreed to, delivered by General Pinckney in my words, & published with our dispatches: Vizt. “That we had considered with the most serious attention, the conversation we had had the honor of holding with him, a few days  past; that the proposition he had suggested Appeared to us to be substantially the same with those which had been made, by Mr. X, & Mr. Y, & also to Mr. Gerry with an intention that they should be communicated to his colleagues—That we considered it, as a proposition, that the United States should furnish aid to France, to be used during the present war, that altho it was unusual to declare instructions, yet we would declare to him, that in addition to its being a measure amounting to a declaration of war against Great Britain, we were expressly forbidden by our instructions, to take such a step.”
From the facts it must be evident.
That I was uniformly, & decidedly against a loan during the war, for these amongst other reasons, that it was expressly against our instructions, & would amount to a declaration of war against G. Britain.
That it was impossible for me to have advocated a loan after the war; because our powers being ambiguous, I did not conceive we were authorized to make it. For this reason, the ambiguity of our powers I was against an affirmative or negative answer to the proposition for a loan, or a declaration that we had, or had not powers: if to be avoided. That my object was, to refer the question of the loan after the war to our Government for decision, & by the mode of doing this, to prevent a war: or if it should take place, to deprive the directory of any pretext, of it’s being more disposed, than the Envoys, to a reconciliation.
That I was ready to sign the letter for demanding our passports, when it was first proposed, or on condition of my being indulged a short time, a day or two only to prepare for departing from France, but that when the proposition was renewed, in the midst of our debates relative to a loan after the war, I was for postponing that letter, untill we had finished the matter then before us. & that finally we all agreed to postpone the demand of our passports, in expectation of receiving instructions—This I presume will expose some unfair insinuations, said to have been made, in regard to my not signing the letter for passports.
It will be observed, that I was particularly attentive in France, to measures for preventing national divisions, or an increase of them. Unanimity I considered, as a rock of salvation, because if by diplomatic artifices, a quarter or third of our citizens could be rendered dissatisfied with the administration, it would so distract & weaken our public councils, & operations, as to render us an easy prey to enemies; against whom, our wonted unanimity could always oppose an effectual barrier.
Having lately received from Mr. Pickering, a statement of my account, & thinking it, in several instance, unjust, I shall submit it, with some remarks thereon, to your consideration, in a few days.
I have the honor to remain Dear sir, / with every sentiment of respectful attachment, / your most obedient & most huml. / sert.
E Gerry


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 July 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 8 July 1799

I have the honour to submit the Proceedings of a Court Martial on Joseph Perkins, a private in Capn. Ingersols company; also a letter from Major General Hamilton dated the 3d July inst; with two forms, one a pardon, and the other a warrant of execution.
With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, / your most ob. & hble. st.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 9 July 1799
From: Talbot, Silas
To: Adams, John

Sir
On board the Constitution Frigate 9th. July 1799

The foregoing sheets contain exact copies (as I believe) of my Commission in the Navy the last War, an Official notice of my Appointment under the present form of Goverment, the letter of Suspension of my pay as Captain, and some Correspondence between the Honorable the Secretary of the Navy & myself on the subject of Seniority—But considerable conversation has taken place Between the Secretary and myself on that subject, at which times, I gave him to understand that neither my honor, or reputation would permit me to be commanded by Captain Truxton, because he was in fact a Junior Officer, but at the same time I told him, that I had no desire to give him, the President or any Captain in the Navy, the least uneasiness that he had my consent, to strike my name from the list of appointments, if it should be found necessary or convenient, and I must now Observe to your excellency, that Notwithstanding I have got the Command, of so fine a Ship as the Constitution yet I will freely relinquish my present Station and retire to private life, if there is a desire from Political or any other motives whatever, to place Captain Truxton over me, and I shall be silent on the Occasion—But at the same time I cannot sacrifice, the little reputation I have in the world, as an Officer, by accepting a Commission, that would inevitably compel me to Yield, that grade or relative rank which no Officer can do, and preserve his Honor, in or out of Service. I am free to grant that Captain Truxton has much merit—and I trust that I have some small share also—he has bravely engaged; and Captured an Enemy’s Frigate Somewhat near his own force, this was certainly a briliant action, for which he Justly deserves; & and has received great praise.—I have done some things, that were perhaps thought at the time, equally clever, and if the rules of Delicacy would Allow a detail of them, they might easily brought to View, and I should glory in the Comparison
I have the honor to be with the most / perfect respect / Sir, your Obededient Servant

Silas Talbot


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy July 10 1799

I have sent all the papers inclosed in yours of the 2d to Capt. Little. If however I should see Capt Little before he sails, I know not but I might with propriety, communicate to him some idea of his destination, because the reason you assign, for concealing his instructions, has ceased by the publication of the proclamation, relative to the trade of St Domingo
I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy July 10th 1799

With Mr. Davis’s report of the 8th I enclose all the papers relative to the complaint of Mr Liston against Capt Laskey & Capt Mugford & am Sir your most obedient
I return also Carnots pamphlet.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy July 10th 1799

I have received your two favors of the 3d. The constitution shall not be delayed by me. If Talbot cannot go, I will appoint Sever. Tis a choice of difficulties. Unpopularity, censure and reproach must attend every thing I do. Talbot in my opinion ought to rank from his appointment by Gen. Washington, but whether I shall risk a declaration of this opinion or risk an equal & more just censure, by his dismission & the appointment of an officer who is a stranger to the ship, officers & men, is not yet determined. I have signed & sent the commissions to Capt Little


Title: To John Adams from Jacob Van Buskirk, 10 July 1799
From: Van Buskirk, Jacob
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Northampton July 10th: 1799.

Whereas Philip Desh and Jacob Kline, both Mauungy Township, in the County of Northampton, and State of Pennsylvania having been some time Ago apprehended and Committed to the Goal of Philadelphia, for Treason, and are still there confined, and Whereas the said Philip Desh, and Jacob Kline, and their Wives and Children, having so earnestly requested of us the Subscribers to Petition his Excellency, in order to know if Relief could be had, that the Presioners might be Admitted on Bail, untill next Court. Should it be the Openion of his Excellency; that this could be done, and would grant relief, so that they be Liberated, it would be an Obligation, conferred on them, that will never be forgotten—And the Subscribers would be Willing to enter Bail, for any amount that would be Demanded, to deliver the Presioners next Court to be held at Philadelphia for the District of Pennsylvania—And Remain his Excellency’s / Most humble and Obedient Servants.—
Jacob Van BuskirkJohn V: Buskirkfollowed by 14 other names


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 11 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy July 11th 1799

I rejoice in the information that the reports propagated of Indian depredations in the North Western territory are destitute of foundation.—The letters from Christopher McPherson I return to you inclosed. It would not perhaps be proper for you or me to answer him. But a man of his stamp may be of more consequence than we may apprehend. If you think it worth while to communicate the letter to the collector or any other person of confidence you will please to do so.
A democratic Aristocracy I suppose means a government of demagogues, Cleons & Clodius’s, Wat Tylers, Jack Straws, Massianellos & Rienze’s, which I agree with Mr McPherson in thinking rather worse than Aristocratical Aristocracies. The news from Ellicot is also agreeable.


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 11 July 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State July 11. 1799.

You will recollect that John Scotchler presented to you a second petition, praying a remission of his fine. I desired Mr. Davis, the District Attorney of Massachusetts, to enquire into the truth of the petitioners allegations. His answer of the 29th ult. induced me to think that you would be inclined to forgive him. That answer with the draught of a pardon are now submitted to your consideration.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 11 July 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Philadelphia July 11. 1799.

Messrs. Willings & Francis of this city have undertaken to prepare a fast sailing vessel, of a moderate size, to go to the Isle of France, with a cargo estimated to defray the expence of the voyage, in order to carry thither a suitable person as the agent of the United States, to propose a renewal of our commercial intercourse with that Island.—They have brought to me a very pointed recommendation of Mr. Samuel S. Cooper for the Agent in this affair, which I have the honor to inclose. Mr. Cooper speaks French, and is a gentleman of education.
I inclose also the draught of a passport for the vessel and agent, which I hope will meet your approbation. But if you think any alteration necessary, permit me to request that your Secretary may make a fair copy to be signed by you and returned to my office; as by the time of its arrival I expect the vessel will be ready for sea.
I am with great respect, sir, / your most obt. servant

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 11 July 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

(private)Sir,Philaa. July 11. 1799.

When I took the liberty of referring you to Mr. Jacob Lewis for information relative to the Isle of Frances, I presumed he might communicate something useful, because he would not, I conceived, have any interrested motive to deviate from facts: But when I learnt that he had returned home to Boston with his family, I thought it fortunate.—I had seen a letter from an American at the Isle of France, declaring that Lewis used to cover French property, for a reward of 5 ½ per cent.—This matter cannot now be investigated, in this country—perhaps decided proofs of transactions of the kind cannot, be any where obtained.—Seeing, however, that he has quitted his consulate, it seems to me expedient not to let him return thither in that capacity. Should the intercourse be renewed, and American free from suspicion & of better talents & education may be found to succeed him. He has come home, after a short absence, with an immense property—which he says is his own: it is not easy to imagine how he acquired it. When he was appointed consul, he was going a voyage to Hamburg merely as the master of a ship. But 5 ½ per cent, and similar acts may account for it.—A brother of his is engaged at Bourdeaux in privateering. Jacob Lewis reprobated his conduct, when applying himself for the consulate. Mr. Sewall of Marblehead but faintly recommended him—Genl. Shepherd did the same—I had then nothing to oppose to their remarks: Yet it is a truth, that I could not then divest myself of doubts of his meriting the public confidence: But I had no facts on which to ground an objection—and a Consul was wanted.
I have thought it my duty in a private letter, to suggest the above: and am / with great respect, / sir your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Isaac Stephens, 11 July 1799
From: Stephens, Isaac
To: Adams, John

Boston July the 11th 1799

To your Excelency and Honorable president Adams Sir when Distress wrings the Soul Measures May become Expedient which might Be unjustifiable this Must be my apoligy for again addressing you on the Subject of My Long Captivity in algiers—
Sir I am Not out of Hopes yet as in algiers although a Long time in algiers Still we had hopes of a Redemption
Honored Sir be pleased if posable to think on a forlorn hope Some More Light houses is to be Built and Horspitles as I have a Certificate from Congress that thair is a proability of Horspitles to be Bult and that Such persons as My Silf might have a Comfortable asylum Honored Sir I Due Not ask for great appointments Some thing Small to Keep me from Sinking to the Bottom Sir be pleased to think on me a Very Small matter I put No Dependence on general Lincoln for in about Six months he was very Coll. as to you Letter you was So good as to give me he has So many sail makers for Such Beaths that I stand No Chance. I had the Happiness to see your person at the oration the 4th of July May your health Continue and my good wishes to your family.
A Relived Life I wish for So Long in algiers this I write as face to face I have Moved into Boston—
from your Most obedint and Humble Servent
Isaac Stephens


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 11 July 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Treasury Department July 11th. 1799.—

I have the honour to enclose the petition of John Sylvester, with a Report signed by the Secretaries of the Departments—The Attorney General being absent in Virginia, could not be consulted without a considerable delay.—
I have the honour to be / with the greatest deference / Sir, / your mo. obedt. servt.

Oliv. Wolcott Enclosure
                                                July 5. 1799
In pursuance of the direction of the President of the United States, communicated to the Secretary of the Treasury on the 15th of June 1799, the undersigned respectfully submit the following Report—
That the Petitioner John Sylvester of Massachusetts, was convicted in February last, before the Supreme Court of the said State, of the crime of uttering a counterfeit Note of the Bank of Massachusetts and was sentenced to Stand in the Pillory and be publickly whipped, which punishment has be inflicted—
That in June 1799, the said John Sylvester was also convicted at the Circuit Court of the United States, held at Boston, of the crime of uttering or passing two altered or counterfeit Bills of the Bank of the United States, payable at one of the Offices of Discount & Deposit of the said Bank, for which Offence he was sentenced to be imprisoned for twelve months and to pay a fine of one hundred Dollars with costs of prosecution.
The petitioner represents, that the forged Bank Notes, uttered or passed by him were received for a valuable consideration of a stranger who absconded before the fraud was discovered, and he prays, that in consideration of the punishment which he has received and his consent to serve in the Navy of the United States for such time as may be prescribed, that his crime may be pardoned and the sentence of the Circuit Court above mentioned, be discharged.
The Crime committed by the petitioner is defined by a statute passed June 27t 1798 to be felony, punishable by imprisonment at hard labour for a period not less than three years, nor more than ten years, or by imprisonment, not exceeding ten years and by fine not exceeding five thousand Dollars saving nevertheless the jurisdiction of the Courts of the individual States under the Laws thereof, which in several of the States have declared the said Offence, punishable with Death.
As by the sentence of the Circuit Court, the measure of punishment is far less considerable, than the Law would have authorized; as it may be presumed, the punishment suffered under the conviction before the State Court has already operated a considerable mitigation in favor of the petitioner; as the Crime is of a dangerous tendency and as the tender of service in the Navy cannot be accepted consistently with public policy, we are respectfully of opinion, that a pardon ought not to be granted—
All which is submitted / to the consideration of the / President of the United / States—
Timothy Pickering.Oliv. Wolcott.James McHenry.Ben Stoddert


Title: From John Adams to Silas Talbot, 12 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Talbot, Silas

Sir
Quincy July 12th 1799

As it is of importance, that the constitution should sail on her cruize as soon as possible, you are hereby authorized and directed to require the service of any marines to repair on board, without loss of time, till your compliment is as full as you think necessary.
I am Sir your humble servant


Title: To John Adams from David Leonard Barnes, 12 July 1799
From: Barnes, David Leonard
To: Adams, John

Sir
Providence July 12th 1799—

The merit of the inclosed Oration deliver’d by the learned & eloquent President of the College in this place, will I trust be a sufficient apology for the liberty taken in transmitting it by
Your most Obedient / And very Humble Servant

David Leonard Barnes


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 12 July 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 12 July 1799

I have had the honour to receive, this morning, your letter of the 7th of July inst.
It is very certain, Sir, that nothing was more remote from my thoughts, than to bring into comparison, the relative importance of the Navy and Army; and I believe, I shall never take the liberty, to call upon you to decide, what I flatter myself, it is impossible can ever happen, any dispute between Mr Stoddert and myself, or any other person on the subject. It is strongly impressed upon my mind, that both army and Navy establishments, are essential to the present and future interests and greatness of the United States. We must run the risk of their commanders, proving blessings or curses, from their genius, as all other nations have done before us.
According to the lights, in which I have viewed the plan for supplying the army, it does not appear to me to require, the sanction of any act of Congress. It is only a system, to execute powers actually given, or incidental to given powers. If it is otherwise, this department, and the Navy department ever since their existence have been offending against law. I shall however consider the question, and as closely as possible the plan, and submit it formally to the Secretary of the treasury and secretary of State for their mature opinions.
With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be Sir, / Your most obt. / & hble St—
James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 12 July 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Philadelphia July 12. 1799.

There has been much noise made by the presses and persons devoted to France, about some letters of Mr. Liston to the Governors of the Canadas. Mr. Liston has handed me his original draughts of the letters referred to, which are copying, and which copies I will transmit to you to-morrow: you will see that they are quite harmless; and therefore, notwithstanding the threat of publishing them, the Aurora will doubtless withhold them; as the views of its editor & his patrons will be much better promoted by insinuations and hints, leading the readers to conjecture terrible evils, than by exhibiting the whole truth.
If Mr. Liston was not betrayed by Tripps the bearer of his letters, then a robbery was committed by those who seized them, broke the seals, and delivered them, as it is said, to Chief Justice McKean. It was doubtless an outrage on the rights of a foreign minister which the Government should endeavour to punish. Mr. Liston’s name, in his own hand, was on the face of the letters.
Yesterday I received a short letter from Genl. Maitland, dated on board the Camilla, at Sea, July 2d, Latitude 35. N. Long. 68 W.—covering a letter to Mr. Liston, in which he says he gives full details of the affairs of St. Domingo; and therefore refers me to it for information.
Mr. Liston having gone to New-York, I sent the letter thither to his friend, with a request to forward it by express, if Mr. Liston should have left that city: and I wrote to Mr. Liston, desiring him to communicate to me the contents, with the least possible delay.
Dr. Stevens must be assured of the tranquillity of St. Domingo, as he has sent for his wife and children, who embark next Sunday.
I am, with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 12 July 1799.

I am honored with your letter of the 5th Inst enclosing two letters from Captain Talbot—I cannot express the mortification they have given me—
I fear Captain Talbot has not met with much Candour in his intercourse with the World, or he would not have urged as one of his reasons for declining the Service, a Suspicion of my want of confidence in him directly in the teeth of my whole Correspondence with him, and the uniform Opinion I have constantly delivered of him whenever his name has been mentioned.—Indeed, nothing but a strong Conviction of his worth could justify the infinite pains I have taken to retain him in the Service—
I now do myself the honor to lay before you, all the letters which have passed between him and me on the subject of his rank—This I should have done before, but I saw that an early decision of the question of rank would deprive the service of either Talbott or Truxton—and I hoped that after having been a little while in Service and after acquiring some Glory and when time and circumstances had a little blunted this the edge of his feelings, that Talbott might bring himself to submit to a decision against him, and in the mean time I had determined to take every Step consistent with the good of the service to save him from the mortification of being subjected to the Command of Truxton, a circumstance indeed which I hoped might always be avoided—
If it had been possible to have avoided sending him a Commission, I would not have done it, but I supposed it improper that he should go to sea without a Commission, and I could find no trace of his ever having received one—
I could only send him one to rank from his last appointment with a letter saying expressly that it was not to affect his claim to superior rank, but that that point must Rest as his Correspondence & mine had placed it—to be determined by the President—
This I cannot think a violation of the terms upon which he agreed to take the Constitution, nor do I think that this is the proper time for him to decline the Command of her—
I never understood that Talbott expected Your determination as to the rank would be made before he proceeded to Sea—Had this been understood, the Stipulation that he was not to receive orders from any Officer besides Barry & Nicholson, would have been unnecessary But since no good can be produced by delay, if you Sir can make up your mind on a View of the papers enclosed which contain every thing I can Say on the subject, the determination might as well be made at once—If it should be in Truxtons favor, Talbott I presume will decline—if in Talbotts, Truxton will quit the Service—It is a consolation however to know that the Safety of the United States depends not on the Services of either of those Gentlemen—good men will not be wanting to Serve their Country—
I mention not with a view to influence your Judgement for indeed I am not partial to Truxton at the expense of Talbott but lest you should desire to know that I have laid the whole of this business before the heads of Departments & the Attorney General before he went to Virginia and that all concurred with me in opinion, that the Act of Selection in 1796 of the three officers to be continued in Service, had Settled the question of rank—that the three Officers then deranged because the Laws would no longer admit the continuance of Six, were as completely out of the Service as if they had never been in it, and can now derive no Title to rank but from their appointment in 1798—In 1798 you were under no obligation except from a consideration of their merit to appoint either Talbott, Dale or SeverIf either had turned out to be a worthless Character he might have been neglected with great propriety and it would have required no Act of dismission to have kept him out of the Service—
Mr. Wolcott & Mr. McHenry mention that in 1798 when the second nomination was made of Talbott Dale & Sever, this Subject was  discussed with Mr Tracy & other Senators, who at first Saw no occasion for the nomination, as these Gentlemen had been before appointed, but that upon a reference to the Acts of Congress to provide a Naval Armament and the Supplement to that Act, they concurred in the propriety and the necessity of the measure.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem Sir Yr. Most / Obed. Servt.

Ben Stoddert.The Acts of Congress alluded to, passed the 27 May 1794—& the 20. April 1796.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 July 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Navy Department 12th. July 1799

If Capt. Talbott persists in declining the Command of the Constitution—I presume Capt. Sever will be quite equal to that service. For my own part, I have thought very highly of him, from his correspondence, and Capt. Murray informs me, that there was hardly a Vessel in our service, where better discipline was kept up than in the Herald, which he attributed in a great degree, to the good Regulations Sever had established while he had the command
Preble I beleive to be a very able Officer, but he is young in Commission. Yet if you prefer him, I see no objection to his taking the command of the Constitution for the present Cruise. At the end of it, it would be necessary, to exchange him for an older Captain.—As the Officer, commanding so fine a Ship, ought to have a separate command with many Vessels under him—this could not be the case with Preble but no Inconvenience could be experienced during the Contemplated Cruize with Barry—If Sever takes the Command I suppose he could retain it.—
So much delay will be occasioned by the Change of the Captain that it will be difficult to get the Ship to Norfolk as soon as the expedition from thence ought to Commence, to afford a prospect of the return of the Ships in full time to prepare for Winter Operations in the West Indies. Every days delay will add to the risk—As I do not know what arrangements You may have made about a Commander I can attempt none, further than the Suggestions I have already made—I will take the liberty to add that any Captain you think proper to order on this service may take the Instructions which Talbott has received & proceed as quickly as possible to Norfolk—
On the subject of Lieuts I enclose a list of all about Boston now in the Constitution & in the power of the Commander to call into service, standing on the list in the order in which they rank—Cordis I hope will not be called on—Lt. Beale I think ought not to be employed in that Ship—Lieut. Davidson of the Herald by this time I presume at Boston is said to be an excellent Officer—The Commanding Officer surely can select out of these, four or five Lts. fit for the Constitution.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem Sir Yr. Most / Obed Servt.

Ben StoddertLieutenants at & near Boston.
Richd. Beale}have been on board the ConstitutionIsaac HullJohn Blake CordisJoseph Strout—at Salem
Robt. W. Hamilton—BostonJohn Cruft—doJohn Davidson—doPeter Talman—doSamuel Parker—PortlandJoseph SaundersBostonHenry Jackson KnoxDo.John Collin—Do.


Title: To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 12 July 1799
From: Talbot, Silas
To: Adams, John

Sir
Ship Constitution 12th July. 1799

Premit me to request the favour of your Excellency to grant Docr. St Medard a Warrent as Surgeon in the Navy of the United States. I had not the smalest conception untill this moment, that he had remaind untill this day without one, or otherwise should have apply’d for one yesterday, the Docter has ben in the Constitution ever since last December, and his long experience in his profession in our service the last War, Renders him as I am informd, perfectly well quallified for the Station he now holds, and of which I trust he will have the honour to explain to your satisfaction
I have the honor to be / with perfect respect / Sir / Your Huml Servt.

Silas Talbot


Title: To John Adams from David Grieve, 12 July 1799
From: Grieve, David
To: Adams, John

Respected Friend,
New Bedford Massachusetts ca. 12 July 1799

As a friend, and benefactor to thy Country, I wish to inform thee, that I have constructed a Small Boat that will (by the force of the stream acting upon machinery attached to it) go up a River against the entire force of the current, thus much we know from actual experiment. And I verely believe that a Boat carrying from fifty to one hundred tons, and navigated with two or three men may be made to go down from fort Pit, to New Orleans in the Spring, and return again in Autumn, the freshets at that Season will facilitate the assent of the Boat. My engagements at present are such that it is not in my power, to make an experiment upon a large scale upon a sutable River. This makes me solicitous to make known the principle in order that some person may make tryal, and if it is found to answer the end proposed, it may be made of imediate use to our Country. If fortunately this should excite a desire in thee to know more of the subject, my friend, L. Williams Esquire MC—who has seen the moddle in operation will be pleased to explain the principle to thee. Thinking the knowledge of a discovery which bids fair to become of very great use to our in land, navegation would give thee pleasure. I have ventured to address thee, And hope if there is anything improper in my haveing done so, those will have the goodness to pardon me. I am with Sentiments of esteem and respect thy Assuerd Friend,

David Grieve


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy July 13th 1799

I have received your letter of the 6th & have examined the list of officers & read all the recommendations. In the fourteenth regiment I think John Hastings must be appointed Capt and if he refuses Beale.
I am glad to find the gentlemen on the list have so good recommendations. I own however I have some doubts whether, Beale and Shaw have not superior pretensions to Mackay, notwithstanding the vehemence of Mr Sedgwicks recommendation. The number of foreigners introduced into our army, to the exclusion of natives, I believe of superior merit, is too great
Non tali auxilio
Nec defensoribus istis, tempus egit.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 13 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy July 13th 1799

I enclose a letter from Joshua Lamson soliciting an appointment, as consul or Vice consul at Trieste. Mr. Lamson has been handsomely recommended to me. I pray you to record him as a candidate for enquiry.


Title: From John Adams to Silas Talbot, 13 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Talbot, Silas

Sir
Quincy July 13th 1799

If it is your opinion upon consulting Dr. St Medard that Dr. Blake can be spared without inconvenience, you have my consent to give him leave of absence for this cruize.


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 July 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 13 July 1799

I have had the honour, to receive your letter of the 5th inst., inclosing two letters dated the 10th of August 1798 and 2d May last, to you, from Ensign David Fero, relative to his sentence by a general court martial, which sat at the camp near Natches.
You direct me to inform you, if I have any official information on the subject, and to report my opinion, what is proper to be done.
In my letter of the 1st ulto. which inclosed the proceedings to you in this case, after detailing the, conduct of the court martial, and  the practice of the Courts of law in each State (so far as I could make myself acquainted with them) in the cases of persons standing mute, and stating, that altho’ the law, and usage of the several States, when persons criminally charged stood mute, appeared to vary, yet that it was beleived all the States had provided for the punishments of such persons, and that they were not permitted to shelter themselves under their own contumacy: I added “If irregularities or improprieties are exhibited, upon the face of the proceedings of the Court, which in your judgment ought to preclude, acting upon the sentence, presented, it yet appears to me, that from the testimony of witnesses, entitled to credit, sufficient proof is shewn, of insubordinate, and ungentlemanly, conduct in Ensign Fero; that yielding to his obstinacy in refusing to plead, would have pernicious effects, and that under all circumstances, the President in virtue of his plenary powers, should forthwith dismiss this officer the service.
Your answer dated the 13th of June concludes in these words, “altho’ I do not see my way clear, to confirm the sentence of the court martial, I have no scruple to conform to your opinion and dismiss Ensign David Fero the service.”
A letter has already been written to Mr. Fero, informing him of your pleasure, and that he be considered no longer an officer, nor entitled to pay or emoluments as such—Which was inclosed in a letter to Capn Guion directing him to deliver the letter to the Ensign with his own hand.
I take the liberty to mention, that the letters you inclosed from Mr. Fero do not appear to contain any thing, to create a wish that my letter to him, was recalled, and are the only additional papers I have seen on the subject.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir / your most ob. St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 13 July 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State July 13. 1799.

I have the honor to inclose copies of three letters from Mr. Liston, copied from his rough draughts which on the 8th instant he put into my hands, supposing them to be the letters which report said had been taken in Bucks County in this State from the man to whom Mr. Liston had entrusted them, and which in my letter of yesterday I said would be forwarded to-day. This morning the Aurora has published a duplicate of the letter to President Russell, dated May 6th. and another to the same gentleman dated the 23d of May. I take the liberty to inclose the Aurora; from which it would appear that the originals of Mr. Liston’s letters have been forwarded to you.—This outrage on the British Government, in violating the seals of its acrredited minister to the U. States, knowing them to be his, because his signature was on the superscription, seems to merit the notice of our own.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, / Sir, / your most obt. Servt.

Timothy Pickering.


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 13 July 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Philaa. July 13. 1799

By the southern mail of this day I have received the inclosed letter from James Seagrove, late superintendant of Indian affairs for the Creek nation, with Methlogy’s speech and his answer. I have also the honour to inclose the copy of a letter I have just written to Mr. Seagrove on the subject.—What Methlogy says of Colo. Hawkins’s conduct at the close of the conference, I doubt not is utterly void of truth, like the other parts of his story.—Mr. Seagrove might have ventured to say something in support of Colo. Hawkins and his Deputy Timothy Barnard: but probably he felt some degree of displeasure with Hawkins, by whom he was superceded: that is, Hawkins consented to reside in the Indian country, which Seagrove refused to do, and was consequently removed. Barnard was Seagrove’s most trusty deputy among the Creeks; and his agency and his letters to Seagrove proved him to be a diligent, able & faithful deputy.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, sir, / your most obt. servant

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 July 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Treasury Department. July 13th. 1799.

I have the honour to transmit a Letter dated April 8th. 1799 from Nathl. Burwell Esqr. one of the Commissioners of Virginia.—This Letter was received in due season, after the date.—By the operation of a late Law of the State, a new appointment is now necessary.—I have no reason to doubt that Mr. William Fleet is a suitable character to fill the vacancy.—
I have the honour to be / very respectfully, Sir, / your mo. obedt. servt.

Oliv Wolcott


Title: From John Adams to Peter St. Medard, 14 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Medard, Peter St.

Sir.
Quincy July 14th: 1799

I request you to act as surgeon on board the constitution as you have done from the 17th of December last. I shall write this day to the Secretary of the Navy to send you a commission in form to meet you at Norfolk
I am Sir with great esteem your humble servt.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 15 July 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department. 15. July 1799.

I now do myself the honor to enclose letters from Capt Tingey—who appears to be a Judicious, attentive, active officer. I wish his commission was of older date.
The Merrimack, Capt Brown, must have joined him very soon after the date of his last letter—she might have joined him before.—The Pickering sailed from New York, to join him, the 27. June—and the Delaware is now proceeding down the Delaware for that station also—These five Vessels will be enough to keep in check the Privateers of Guadaloupe, until we can send more—The Scanmel has sailed from hence, to join McNeile at Surrinam, and as soon as the Insurgente can be got from Norfolk, which I hope will be by the 10. August, she will be sent to Cayenne—to assist in keeping in port the Privateers from that place—.
The George Washington, Fletcher, will be at Cape Francois in full time to protect our Trade to St. Domingo—The Boston I hoped might also be got there by the 1st. of August—but I find by late letters that she will be delayed longer than my expectations, grounded on the information of the Committee & the Captain. The Eagle, of 14 Guns is at New Castle—& the Richmond of 16 Guns at New York—The Richmond will be out this week, & the  Eagle next—I think one must go to St. Domingo, & the other to Guadaloupe—
The Baltimore is at Norfolk. & must  undergo repairs, & get a New Crew before she can sail again—The Herald must be at Boston before this—as she is totally unfit for the service, & is calculated for nothing but to spend money & ruin the reputation of her officers, I have instructed Mr Higginson to sell her—& am sending a very fine Brig from Norfolk, to take her military stores & officers.
I fear the delay of the Constitution may retard ’till too late, the enterprize to the Coasts of France & Spain.
I have been so much disappointed in my calculations on the ship built in Connecticut—the Adams at New York—& The two Baltimore ships, that I can venture another conjecture when they will sail.
The Genl. Greene, & the two Brigs from Charleston, still remain at the Havanna—The John Adams Capt Cross, at Charleston, is recruiting, but I have no information when she will be ready for Sea—
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir yr most  / Obedt. Servt.

Ben Stoddert


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 16 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

				The President of the United States to ———, Senator for the State of ———.

					United States, July 16, 1798.

				Certain matters touching the public good, requiring that the session of the Senate, for Executive business, should be continued, and that the members thereof should convene on Tuesday, the 17th day fo July, inst., you are desired to attend at the Senate Chamber, in Philadelphia, on that day, at ten o’clock in the forenoon, then and there to receive and deliberate on such communications as shall be made to you on my part.

					John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 17 July 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 17th July 1799

I have the honor to enclose, agreeably to a request contained in a letter from Mr Shaw of the 9th instant, the regulations for the government of the Navy together with my report on the naval establishment.
I have the honor to be, with / the greatest respect and esteem / Sir, / Your most Obd. Hb. St.

Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 July 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 18 July 1799

I have the honour to submit the inclosed list of names of candidates recommended to fill vacancies in the 6th Regiment, and to be with the greatest respect, /  Sir / Your most obt. / & hble St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 July 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State July 18. 1799.

The unfortunate mistake referred to in Mr. Liston’s letter of the 13th to Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, has induced me to reprint your proclamation for opening the trade with St. Domingo, and to subjoin an extract of Mr. Liston’s letter, to put into the hands of as many of the Collectors as are within reach, prior to the first of August.—General Maitland’s letter to me of the 23d of May and the 5th article agreed on here with him & Mr. Liston, demonstrate the correctness of the proclamation in declaring the opening of the ports to apply to Cape Francois and Port Au Prince,—not to the ports of the U. States; & Genl. Maitland’s letter of July 2d to Mr. Liston (of which a copy is inclosed) show’s how the mistake arose; while it is not a little surprizing that Dr. Stevens should have formed a construction so erroneous.
I have the honor to be / Sir, with great respect, / your most obt. servt.
Timothy Pickering


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 19 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Quincy. July 19. 1799.

I agree with you, in your opinion expressed in your favour of the 12th, that both an Army and Navy Establishment is essential to the present and future Interests & Greatness of the United States and that We must run the Risks which other Nations have run.
It appeared to me that Offices were created and salaries made necessary in the Plan for supplying the Army, which would require the Interposition of Congress. But if the Powers already given to Administration are sufficient I am satisfied. I wish only that the heads of departments may be satisfied and that no Embarrassments may be brought upon them, which they are not previously Apprised of.

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Private
Quincy July 19, 1799

I have recd your private Letter of the 11th. which contains matter of importance, but unnecessary to be considered and answered particularly by me, because I have in another Letter written this morning referred the whole Subject to your final decision.
The manual Exercise of Writing has become almost as painfull to me, as a blow upon the Elbow or the Knee, which induces me to Spare almost every unnecessary Word

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy July 19th 1799

I have received your favor of the 11th & have read Mr. Davis’s letter inclosed in it of June 29th. My own opinion coincideing with yours & his, I have signed & now inclose the pardon of John Scotchar, not however without some serious apprehensions of the consequences of tenderness, for cases of such dangerous example.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy July 19th 1799

I have received your private letter of the 11th, which contains matter of importance, but unnecessary to be considered & answered particularly by me, because I have in another letter, written this morning, referred the whole subject to your final decision.
The manual exercise of writeing has become almost as painful to me, as a blow upon the elbow, or the knee, which induces me to spare almost every unnecessary word.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy July 19th 1799

Inclosed is a letter from his Excellency Gov. Miflin, copy of one from Chief Justice McKean to him & two letters of Mr Liston. You will restore these letters to Mr. Liston & inform him of the circumstances. Inclosed is my answer to Gov. Miflin which I pray you to seal & to send. Since I received this letter from the Govenor I have received yours of July 12th upon the same subject.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 19 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy July 19th. 1799

I received your letter of July fourth by Mr. Hudson, & immediately signed & delivered his commission & sent him down to the Ship. The ship has been three days detained by dead calms & contrary winds. She has fallen down as far as she could & will sail at the first fair breeze.


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir.
Quincy July 19th 1799

I have received the opinion of the heads of departments in the case of John Sylvester dated 5th. & agree in their opinion that John Sylvester ought not to be pardoned.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 20 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy July 20th 1799

I have your favor of the 13th received only last night. I sent you lately Mr. Listons two letters with one from Govenor Miflin & a copy from chief justice McKean. I will not comment on the letters of Mr. Liston nor examine whether all his sentiments are just or politick. But I heartily reprobate the outrage on the British government in violating the seals of its accredited minister to the United States & am desirous of takeing such notice of it, as the respect we owe not only to the government of G Britain but to ourselves demands. I pray you therefore to refer this business to the Attorney of the district in the absence of the Attorney General with instructions to make a diligent enquiry & strictly to prosecute the persons he may find guilty of any breach of the law of nations or the land. The publication of these letters is a crime in somebody I know not whom.


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy July 20th 1799

I return the commission signed, which you sent me in your letter of the 18th. I have left it in blank, that you may fill it, as you may find necessary or expedient. The recommendation of Mr Fleet is satisfactory. But I should be sorry that Mr. Burwell should be displeased if his election should fail.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 July 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Treasury Department, July 20th. 1799

I have the honour to transmit a letter dated the 15th. instant, from William Payne Esquire, advising of his resignation of the Office of Commissioner of Direct Tax for the tenth Division in the State of Virginia, and recommending Augustine J. Smith Esquire, as his successor.—
Having no reason to doubt that Mr. Smith is a suitable character to fill the vacancy, I enclose a blank commission for the President’s signature, in case he shall see fit to direct the appointment to be made.—
I have the honour to be / very respectfully / Sir, / your mo. obedt. servt.

Oliv Wolcott.


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 22 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy July 22d 1799

On Saturday Dr. Waterhouse made me a visit & introduced Dr Lyman Spalding whose appearance justifys the character given him in the inclosed letter. I believe we shall not find a more proper appointment.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 22 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy July 22d 1799

I have received your favor of the 13th, incloseing Mr. Seagroves talks with Methlogy, his letter to you & your answer, all which I return. The Indian attack upon Hawkins is probably as injurious as that lately of the Tennessee assembly. Mr. Seagroves answer is very clever & your answer to him is very proper.—The Indians do not always discover that honesty & sincerity, which some philosophers of modern origin so often boast of, as disgraceing civil society. The prospect of war seems to have excited speculating dispositions in some of the Indians, and Methlogys account of the information, he received from a Spanish officer, is probably fictitious


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 22 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy July 22d 1799

Inclosed is a letter or petition from the Indian proprietors of Gay head, recommending Mr. Nathaniel Mayhew to be keeper of the light house, which I pray you to file and consider with all other applications on the same subject.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 22 July 1799
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir
Hingham July 22d: 1799

The Revd. Mr. Evens call to tender his services as a Chaplain to the troops now raising—In that Character he passed thro our long Contest with Great Britain to great acceptance. He joined my family during the seige of York town I not only became atteached to him as a friend, but as a Gentleman well qualified & disposed to discharge with fidelity the duties of his station. I think him now Equallified and that his exertions would be laudable
I am my dear sir with the highest / esteem your affectionate friend / & Obedient servant

B Lincoln


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 July 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 22 July 1799

I received this morning the inclosed letter from Major General Hamilton dated the 17th July Inst. recommending Ths. y. How of Trenton, in N. Jersey, to the Office of 2d. Lieutenant in the 11th United States Regiment of Infantry.
Knowing the inadequacy of the salaries allowed to officers in subordinate stations, and how difficult it is to secure the services of persons properly qualified to fill them, I should think the circumstances stated by General Hamilton would justify the appointment.
With the greatest respect I have the honour to be, Sir, / your most obt & hble st.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 July 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 22 July 1799

Major General Pinckney advises on the 28th June ulto. “I have this moment received accounts from Mr. Seagrove at St. Mary’s that the Creeks are disposed to prevent the running of the line between the U.S. and the Floridas, notwithstanding they had consented to it by the treaty of Colerain. The talk of one of the Indian Chiefs to him, and his answer is now copying to be sent you, but I do not think they can be furnished by this post. It is suggested that the discontent and commotion among the Indians is occasioned and fomented by a French officer in the Spanish service.
To this I immediately replied on the 16 July inst. having seen in the Georgia newspapers, the talk of the Indian and answer by Mr. Seagrove, “Mr. Seagrove is a sensible man, but he is much engaged in business, particularly in trading with the Creek nations, over whom he wishes to preserve an influence, and he is not a friend to Col. Hawkings. From the latter I have received advices, which induce me to believe that no disturbances will take place, nor any opposition be given to the running of the line by the Creeks.”
Since writing this, I have received a letter from the General dated the 2d inst. and the papers No. 1, 2, 3, all of which are inclosed.
I do not think we have anything serious to apprehend on the Creek frontier; notwithstanding the Generals precautions may be perfectly proper.
With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir your obt. and hble. st.

James McHenry


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 23 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy July 23d 1799

I am so continually entertained with applications to be chaplains & surgeons, that I pray you to give me some idea of your designs upon this important subject. Inclosed is a letter from Dr. Blake. Be so good as to send me a list of the twelve candidates to be Surgeons of Col Rice’s regiment. Are we to appoint regimental surgeons or only hospital surgeons?


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 23 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy July 23d 1799

I return the recommendations inclosed in your letter of 18th, received last night & agree to the list of appointments.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 23 July 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy July 23d 1799

I had last night your favor of 18th. The misapprehension of Dr Steephens is to me altogether unaccountable—but I presume Mr. Listons letter will correct the error of Gen. Maitland. Lest the copy you have sent to the collector should miscarry I have sent one of your declarations to Gen Lincoln.