Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 6 April 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 6 April 1799

I have the honor to enclose copies of letters this Day recd. from Capt. Murray,—being the only information I have recd. for several Days past, from our Vessels in the West Indies.
Barry has a considerable force under his Command at Dominica—and I am mortified to find, that so late as the 18th March, no part of it had Visited Curacoa; a place particularly pointed out to his attention by his Instructions—& where it appears by Murrays letters, much good might have been done.
The City Troops of Horse marched towards Northampton, on Thursday last—We hear nothing to lead to an opinion, that there will be any opposition.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr. most Obedt. Servt.
Ben Stoddert


Title: From John Adams to Winthrop Sargent, 7 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Sargent, Winthrop

Sir
Quincy April 7. 1799

I have received your Letter of the Eighth of January inclosing an Address from the Inhabitants of the Missisippy Territory, which is very acceptable an pleasing to me.
For the polite manner in which you communicated this kind attention of your fellow Citizens to me, I pray you to accept my Thanks.
The situation in which your Country has placed you, is at present of great Importance to its Interest and Safety, and I doubt not your Conduct in it will be marked with that Zeal, Industry, Œconomy Integrity and Ability which have always attended your course through Life. With great Esteem I have the Honor to be, Sir your most obedient servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 7 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

(copied)
Sir
Quincy April 7th 1799.

I have received your favor of 28 ult. & have signed the commission to Lieut. Haswell, and sent it on with the letter to Mr. JC. Jones.
I return you the copies of Capt. Truxtons correspondence with Gen. Desfourneaux, which is conducted on our part with dignity and propriety. Excepting perhaps that the respect to French property on board neutral vessels & to unarmed French vessels might as well have been concealed.
I thank you for your comfortable opinion, that the insurrection in Northhampton will be surpressed without bloodshed. No intelligence could be so agreeable to me.
I am, Sir, your most obedient


Title: To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 7 April 1799
From: Murray, William Vans
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
The Hague 7th: April 1799.

As Mr. Rand, a good American, sails in a lettre of Marque from the Texel direct for Boston, I take the liberty of sending some gazettes, which remain of those which I could not consistently with an eye to postage, send through the Secretary of State. They may amuse you after the labours of Philadelphia, & contribute to brush away those public cares which ought not to follow you in the tranquil scenes of Braintree. Home ought to be to you sir what conscience is to the moral state—quiet—an asylum, when providence permits honourable activity to rest, its all the thousand comforts which it so liberally has bestow’d, when it gives a taste for domestic enjoyments. Mrs. Adams too Sir has recovered from a dangerous illness—& this, I hope unobtrusive preaching of mine, will find you in your garden where if you please you can indulge a hearty laugh at an unordained preacher, or feel actually cheered in the knowledge that there are thousands who though distrust, enter into the solicitude of your life & would assuage them! Never did I need this sort of sympathy so much as I have done last Autumn, & all winter—& a terrible winter, physically, it has been!—So dark so extensive a cloud seemed to, I believe did, crushing the civilized world that it really almost broke my spirits down. All seemed in the political world, as in the natural, Torpor—that numbness which is believed to prove the approaches of dissolution in the natural or moral world—Action alone seemed wanting—It came at last.
When the rigours of winter began to relax, the French crossed the Rhine, & in Swisserland & Italy began their operations—The Imperial army under the archduke Charles show’d that they were alert—Two great & bloody battles in Suabia, (Stockat, the last, on 25th March) decidedly dispersed this dark cloud & broke the charm—I do now believe Sir the charm is broken—Every where the Austrians are absolutely triumphant. In Swisserland & in Italy & on the Rhine—for the French must recross the Rhine—Their force is so disunited & broken to pieces & the place of the campaign is so destroy’d! Those things are infinitely interesting both relatively to the U.S. & to the Independence of nations & the happiness of society & to Liberty itself. Great disunion in France, great discontent & corrosion in the military may be daily expected to produce some great movement. I have no conception that the affiliated country will remain tranquil—
One of the last evenings that I had the honour of seeing you sir, you recommended the Dictionnaire Historique and show’d me a volume. In order to find the short account of Rienzi—as we were talking of the views of all Tribune sort of pretenders—I found the full history at a sale not long since & got it, as you may remember books at sales are bare, for a mere nothing—This however detracted not from the pleasure I had in reading the work & as you first mentioned this Liberty man to me I have ventured to put it among the papers, as, if you never saw the work, it will amuse you exceedingly this summer.
I enjoy the benefit & pleasure of a very regular correspondence with Mr. Adams at Berlin—He is well. I lately saw in a newspaper the safe arrival of Mr. T.B. Adams announced—By him I sent some papers of an interesting character but have not heard of them since. With my most respectful compliments & good wishes to Mrs. Adams I beg you sir to accept the assurances of the perfect respect & attachment / with which I have the honour / to be faithfully yr. ob. st. / &c
Wm. V. Murray


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 8 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy April 8th 1799

Inclosed are letters from Mr. Otis and Mr. Parkman, recommending Mr. William Williams to be a Capt. which I pray you to file and record for consideration.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 8 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy April 8th 1799

I return you the three letters to the Queen of Portugal signed, which were inclosed in your favor of the 20th of March.
From an accquaintance, which I have ever considered as a friendship, with the Chevalier De Freire for thirteen or fourteen years, and from the pleasure I always received from his society, I regrett very much his departure from the United States. Whatever civilities or presents have been offered to ministers of his rank from other powers upon takeing leave, as to the Count de Moutier and Mr. Hammond for examples, I wish may be shewn to him. In whatever country he may be I wish to him & his lady every prosperity.
I have the / honor to be Sir your humble servant


Title: From John Adams to Winthrop Sargent, 8 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Sargent, Winthrop

PrivateDear SirQuincy April 8th 1799

I have received your friendly private letter of the 8th of January, and thank you for the interesting sentiments it contains.
The most acceptable service you can render to me & indeed the only service that I can at present imagine, will be a continuance of your activity, patience and ability, in the very important public station you now hold.
I congratulate you very sincerely on your marriage, & wish you every domestick felicity, as well as every publick honor, which your past services have wanted.
I thank you for the strawberry seeds, which shall be planted in the Garden at Quincy, though I have little hopes they will there succeed as they did in yours.
I am Sir with much esteem / your friend


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 8 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy April 8th 1799.

I forgot in my letter of this day to acknowledge the receipt of yours of 27 Ult. The attention our vessels experience from the British officers is very agreeable.
The sentiment of Beauvarlet, that it is incumbent on all Europe to unite for the purpose of checking the progress of the United States, no doubt he thought very profound. It is true, there is an European jealousy against America, but we have one fortunate resource—One half of Europe is always pitted against the other, & in the last resort, we can join ourselves with one moiety or other. Britain & France United against America! This will not happen as long as Britains power revenue and being, depends so much on American commerce.
I am Sir your humble Servant


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 8 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy April 8th 1799

Inclosed is a letter from Chief justice Dana. I pray you to send him for his son a commission or warrant as a midshipman by the name of Edmund Trowbridge Dana, & to assure him that he shall be put under Capt. Sever on board his frigate.
I am &c.


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

Sir.
War Department 8 April 1799.

I have been honoured with your letter dated the 29th of March ulto. which was received on the 6th inst. It brought me Majr. Genl. Pinckney’s letter of the 10th of February, his list for appointments for North Carolina, and two letters of the 25th & 28th of March, addressed to you by Benjn. Beale junr. soliciting an appointment in the army. The list and these letters were all the papers contained in your dispatch. It also conveyed to me your approbation of the list, with orders, that I should announce, as soon as possible, to the persons therein named, their respective appointments. I shall immediately make the necessary communications to these gentlemen.
You are pleased to inform me that Mr Hastings has been with you, and wish me to examine his recommendations, and weigh his pretensions. If, as I am led to believe Mr Hastings looks to a Majority, it may be proper to mention, that there is no vacancy of this grade in either of the new Regiments which have been officered from the State of Massachusetts.
I had entertained a doubt, which I expressed to you, before your leaving Philadelphia, whether the act passed the 3d of March ulto intitled an act authorising the President of the United States to fill certain vacancies in the army and navy, could be construed to intend appointments to offices which had never been filled.
The act is in the words following: Be it enacted &c. “that the President of the United States shall be, and he is hereby authorised to make appointments, to fill any vacancies in the army and navy, which may have happened during the present session of the Senate.”
It would appear, from your order relative to commissioning Mr Baron, a Captain in the Battalion authorised to be raised and added to the 2d. Regiment of Artillerists & Engineers, by an act passed also on the 3d. of March ulto, that the offices thereby created, are to be considered, within the meaning of the act aforesaid, and therefore proper to be filled. I shall in conformity with this opinion, make out, as soon as possible, a list of names, including Mr. Barons, to complete the Battalion, for your approbation.
There will be required for this Battalion. 1 Major, 4 Captains and 8 Lieutenants.
You mention Major Lillie, and add, “that his merits must be attended to”. If Major Lillie is now, what he was formerly, when I knew him in the army, I have no scruples in saying, that he is deserving of the grade of Major: but what he is now, with your opportunities you will be best able to ascertain.
It must not however be wholly overlooked, that one Major for this corps, has been taken from Watertown near Boston, and that two Majors, for the same corps, may be thought more than the proportion due to any one State. On the other hand, the rule of apportioning officers to new corps, among the States, according to their representation, cannot be always adhered to, without material injury to the service. It is not therefore to be expected that it will be invariably observed.
While on this subject it is proper to suggest, that Jonathan Williams, of this City, whom I have employed, in several matters relative to the artillery service, appears to me better qualified than any person that has come under my view to fill the office of Inspector, of Artillery; an office which agreeably to Law, must be filled by an officer taken from the corps of artillerists and Engineers. I do not know that this gentleman could be induced to accept of a Captaincy of Artillery, with this additional office; but if he does not, and cannot be appointed a Major, with a view to filling the Office, I shall, knowing his usefulness, greatly regret the circumstance.
I had also thought of Capn. Wadsworth, for this office; but I find that he is too much engaged in inspecting muskets under Mr. Wolcotts contracts to be of any use to me were he to be appointed.
I presume from the manner in which you speak of Mr. Burbeck that he is every way intitled to an appointment in the artillery; he will of course be placed in such station as you may be pleased to direct.
By a statement made to you on the 8th of Septr. ulto by Col Perkins who had commanded Castle Island, he presents John Burbeck as second Lieutenant and gunner, and as having a wish to serve in the same station, and recommends him “as very capable of the rank of Lieutenant”.
I am sorry the New England officers are impatient for their commissions.
You will recollect that the nominations for the Regiment, whose officers were to be drawn from Connecticut, did not come to my hands till a few days before they were appointed, and that it is little more than a month since their appointment. You will also remember, it was intended by you and the General Officers, that the officers last appointed of the new Regiments, should not be affected in their relative rank, by being from that cause, considered junior to those first appointed; but that all the officers of the additional Regiments should be deemed to have the same pretensions, until an ulterior regulation of the General officers, should assign to each their relative station; and that the officers, from the three Southern States, are yet to be appointed.
Was a partial issue of Commissions to take place at this moment, or before the whole of the 12 Regiments were officered, I should apprehend, the measure might excite improper expectations of priority in those first possessed of their commissions, and occasion serious complaints from those whose commissions were necessarily postponed. These and other considerations induced me to address a letter to the officers who have been appointed, of which the inclosed is a copy.
The gentlemen appointed have no just reason to complain. The office could not have issued in so short a time, so many commissions, without interfering materially with infinitely more essential business. Allow me to mention an instance in point where a number of Commissions for New Regiments or Corps, were also required to be issued. The officers for the army directed to be raised March the 5th 1792. were not commissioned for twelve months after they had been appointed. I do not learn that this delay occasioned any uneasiness among the officers then appointed, and I cannot discover a cause for uneasiness or complaint in the officers now appointed, particularly as there has yet been no avoidable delay.
I have received a letter from Brigadeer General Macpherson dated the 6th inst. of which the inclosed is a copy. There is also subjoined his proclamation to the people of the Counties in insurrections.
The recruiting service for the New Regiments has not yet commenced; but I expect it will very soon, at least partially. As soon as the papers exhibiting the measures taken by the Department of War and Majr Gen. Hamilton, to put it in activity, can be copied I shall have the honour to transmit them.
I have the honour to be, Sir, with the greatest respect / your ob & hble st.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 8 April 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State April 8. 1799

I have the honor to inclose copies of Mr. Kings letters of the 10th & 16th of January last, with the inclosure in the former; and to be with great respect, / your most obt. servant
Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 8 April 1799
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Adams, John

Sir
Cincinnati 8th. April 1799

I have taken the liberty to send you some Observations I made upon a Letter of Mr. Nicholas to his freind in Virginia.—They have been delayed a great while beyond what was intended by a disapointment the printer met with in getting paper; but I flatter myself they are not too late, yet to do some good, and if they have that effect, and are not disaproved of by You, I shall not repent the undertaking—
With great Respect, I have the honor to be / Sir, / your obedient Servant

Ar. St. Clair


Title: To John Adams from John Sinclair, 8 April 1799
From: Sinclair, John
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
London 15 Parliament Street 8 April 1799

Permit me to request your acceptance of the inclosed. It may furnish some hints to those who build new Towns in America. I am on the eve of setting out for Scotland, so excuse a short letter, and believe me, with much respect & regard, / Your faithful & obt Servant

John Sinclair
N.B. a change has taken place at the Board of Agriculture, at the last annual Election, in consequence of which Lord Somerville was chosen President by a Majority of one. It was carried by the Cabinet Ministers, and other official members, who had never attended, & as it is only to be considered as a stroke of political resentment, for having differed with Ministers in parliament (for the members unanimously voted me their thanks, as soon as the Board reassembled) I give myself no concern about it, and continue as much disposed to promote the interest of the Board as ever. It has induced me however, to resolve in future, to pay more attention to the management of my own private affairs, & less to public matters, than I have done for some years past.—


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 April 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Depart. 8 April 1799.

I take the liberty to enclose the Aurora, because it contains an address from Genl. McPherson—& one from a German Clergyman, to the Insurgents.
The Accounts from Northampton, are that the People are very much alarmed; & that there is not the least shew of resistance—
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir yr. most obed Serv.

Ben Stoddert.


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

Sir
Quincy April 10th 1799

Capt. Samuel Parker yesterday brought me the inclosed letters from Gen. Knox and Mr. Daniel Davis. Capt. Parker is so genteel a man that I think you may send him a commission as lieutenant immediately provided there is room for him. I should be glad to know by return of post your determination.
I am Sir your most obedient


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 11 April 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir,
War Department, April 11. 1799.

I have the honor to enclose a copy of the last letter which I have received from Brigadier General Macpherson dated the 8th. instant, with a list of persons made prisoners or who had voluntarily surrendered to Justice.
I also enclose an original letter to the Attorney General from a Mr. B. Reeder, dated near Morgan Town 22nd. March ultimo. I request the latter may be returned.—
With the highest respect, / I have the honor to be, Sir, / Your most obedt. servant,

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 April 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department, 11th. April 1799.

I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Capt Truxtun of the 16h. March, with the late correspondence between him & Genl. Des fourneaux.
With respect to the Schooner taken by him—his course should have been, to have sent her to America—or, if he could not spare men to navigate her, he should have laid her up at St. Kitts, until his own return. The Laws, & his Instructions, direct him sufficiently on this point. He creates his own difficulties by his over zeal. I shall by the Brig Norfolk, to sail from hence on Sunday, endeavour to put a stop to these efforts, to increase improperly, our Navy.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / Sir Yr. most obed. Servt.

Ben Stoddert


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

Sir
Quincy April 13. 1799

Last night I recd your favour of the 5th. The Proceedings detailed in it, appear to have been well considered and prudently pursued: But the Sordid Spirit, which produced this as well as the former Insurrection in Pennsylvania, and which have given So much trouble to the Government, Anxiety to the Nation and burden on the Treasury, ought to excite more general Indignation than they have done. I return all the Papers and pray you to keep me informed of the Progress of the Business
Inclosed is a Letter from Major Badlam and Mr H. G. Otis recommending Mr Benjamin Bass Leeds to be a Lieutenant, for which I believe he is well qualified.
I wish that a Plan may be considered for numbering the Regiments and arranging the Rank of the Lt. Colonells Commandants and sent to me, for my Consideration. I think the best Way will be to determine the Rank of the Lt Colonells and Number the Regiments at first according to the Number which designates the Rank of their commanding Officer. This will be a good Precedent to get rid of the Practice which has too long prevailed, of beginning at one Extremity of the Union and proceeding to the other.
I am, Sir your most obedient

John Adams


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

Sir
Quincy April 13th: 1799

I regret that I cannot have an oppertunity of receiving General Maitland, and Colo. Grant and conversing with them on several subjects of Importance.
They will I hope & presume communicate to you all that will be necessary for us to know, relative to a Certain Topick, but I wish to know their sentiments concerning Surrinam Curracoa &c—and the neutral Ports that harbour Privateers, Caienna too & even Cuba are subjects of Speculation in certain Cases that are very supposeable—
I hope Mr. Kings public Dispatches to you were written in better Spirits than his private letter to me. You will please to return it to me. Mr. King you know was at times a little subject to croaking—I fear however in this case he has too much reason. The People in Europe see little difference between the new & the Old State of things. The highest and the lowest of Mankind are desperately corrupt and wicked and the middling people are almost destroyed.
I am Sir Your Most humble &c


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy April 13. 1799

I recd yesterday your favour of the 4th. and am so well satisfied with the Recommendations of Mr Elijah Barrett of Cambden Kent County, in the State of Delaware, as to be very willing to sign his Commission: but unluckily the Blank Commission which you intended to send was not inclosed.
The recommendations of Lamberton Cooper to be surveyor and Inspector for the Port of Middleton, in Connecticutt, in the Place of General Sage deceased, are also satisfactory: But no blank Commission was inclosed with the Papers, in your Letter.
The Pardon of Edward Gilbert, is signed and inclosed.
The Information that the Business of the Treasury is proceeding with Success and without Interruption is very agreable. The detestable opposition in Pennsylvania however partial, ought to excite more Indignation, than it does.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your most / obedient

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 13 April 1799
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington 13th April. 1799

I am informed that Colonel Fitzgerald, Collector at Alexandria, Virginia, has mentioned his intention to resign that Office, this Spring—
Among the names of the Candidates, who may offer to fill this Vacancy, whenever it may happen, You will, probably, see that of Thomas Porter, whose recommendations will bring him into View—
He is a Native of Danvers in Massachusetts—has resided more than fourteen years in Alexandria—and is beloved by its Inhabitants—
Sure, Sir—that, at all times, you are desirous of the fullest information relative to Characters, who offer for public Service, I trust, you will pardon the Liberty I now take, in saying—that I knew Mr Porter before I came to this Place, and, since, have been intimately acquainted with him—
I believe him to be a Gentleman of strict Integrity—and nice Honor. His Abilities are good—
His appointment to the Collector’s Birth in Alexandria, would, in my opinion, be not only promotive of the Public Interest, but highly gratifying to the Gentlemen in Trade there.
With every Sentiment of Regard / I am— / Sir— / Your most obedient / and obliged humble Servant

Tristram Dalton


Title: To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 13 April 1799
From: Murray, William Vans
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
The Hague 13. April 1799.

I have just seen in a newspaper your Messages of the 18 & 25th. Feby last.—An unexpected honour always makes a man of any candour look into himself, and the examination terminates as it begins, in grateful feelings towards him who confers it—And in those tumultuous emotions in which apprehension has a greater share than hope. You Sir to whom I have been long known will do me justice in so viewing my mind when I saw that you had so highly distinguished me by your confidence!—A better principle I hope than vanity leads me to indulge in all the sensibility which I feel on this flattering occasion. You will allow me to say also that the new modification of the first message by the second gave me many tranquillising reflexions:—For while I saw that your kindness & good opinions—of which I have the deepest sense!—had hazarded a little in the first, my mind was really relieved from a weight, when I saw, particularly, the name of Mr. Ellsworth, & of Mr. Henry, whom I have the pleasure of knowing but by character. My vanity could not be hurt because my little star, raised by you Sir into a higher station, became merged when in contact with these luminaries; and my spirits, generally higher than my ambition, became supported by the addition of such strength to the commission.
The accuracy of that combining estimate of the affairs, then existing, & clearly approaching, of Europe, which doubtless contributed Sir to lead You to the resolution of meeting France once more, if she please, will I trust be demonstrated by the events! The war has re-commenced & all things which have yet occurred since are highly favourable to negociation, because all things, every thing, have been disastrous to the Government & nation from whom justice is to be had—Such a temper as misfortunes inspire must be favourable to a people whose conduct has risen from the  intoxication of success & victory. The great basis however is in the respect taught by the vigor & solidity of the Government & its measures.
I have the honour to be with / affectionate gratitude / & the highest respect / faithfully / Dear Sir / yr mo. ob. hble servt. / &c &c

W. V. Murray


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy April 14. 1799

Inclosed is a Letter from Major Jackson, which I pray you to consider, and to send Mr Titcombs Pay and Rations accordingly, if the Law will allow it. He is a promising and deserving young Man, fit for an Ensign.
Inclosed also is a Letter from Major Lillie, which deserves your consideration. Burbeck is a Sewell that We must not loose and Lillie I think must be made a Major. I have seen him and enquired about him and find no good Cause to pass him by.
Inclosed also is a Letter from Phillip Delano.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your very humble servant.

P.S. Benjamin Beale Junr you may positively set down for a Captain of Horse or Artillery or Infantry. The first I should prefer, as he does. He is well qualified for the second.

J.A.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy April 14th: 1799—

Last night I received your favour of the 5th: The Blank Commissions inclosed I return signed. I also return Mr. King’s and Mr. Humphreys Letters.
I am anxious to receive the Result of the Conference with Mr. Liston, Gen. Maitland & Colo. Grant and their written propositions—
I have the honor to be, Sir / Your very humble Servt.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Adams, 15 April 1799
From: Adams, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
Claghymill April 15 1799

I hope you will pardon the Trouble I give you in thus Adressing you: But a Reliance on your good Nature, from your exalted Situation in Life and publick Caractar, with the Nature of this Address, will: I hope plead my Excuse—
I have been informed that my Wifes Brother Samuel Miller, a Cabinet maker or House Carpenter; Died in Philadelphia sometime past; And whether he made a will or not I cannot tell: But my Wife is Sister to the Aforsd: Samuel Miller, and is the nearest Heir to his Effects; real and personal; I am also informed that An Anne Martha Miller (who is only the Deceasd: Saml: Millers Aunts Daughter) has sworn herself nearest Heir, And has sent a power of Attorney to her Brother Benjamin Miller in Order to get the produce of Samls: Estate &c: Now Sir my humble request is that you will be so good as to Dispose of the Effects (According to the Custom of the Country) untill I send your Worship proper Credentials, to Convince you that I am the right Heir Right of my wife, Who is living. I mean and intend (god willing) to trouble your Presidentship with a Power of Attorney for the Transacting this Business; which I hope you will deign to Accept; And Admit you will vouchsafe so to do, you will gain the Blessing of a large Family, who are honest: tho’, in Indigent circumstances; And I am Sir with due Defference, your Most Humbl And Obedient Servt.

Alexr. Adms
P:S; I am informed that the Aforsd: Martha Miller has sworn herself to be Mother of the Deceasd, Saml: Miller. If so I humbly presume you Sir; of your  usual distribution of Equity will please to consider the Matter and merrits Accordingly—
N.B. I am intruding too far: a Child is in Contemplation which Compells me to it. I had a Son who was Employed by A Barney Connor or Oconnor, last season, at or in Philadelphia and me not hearing from him as usual, keeps me in suspence, As to his Existance, therefore your goodness in Ordering any of your Domomesticks to make enquiry about him, will be doing Justice to a Distressed Parent, and will add Consolation to him. Admit he is dead and that your worship can find Any acct: of it; be so good as to take his Effects into your Hands untill I can Assure you that I am the Just  to them: Sir your deigning to take Any Notice of this Shall be Acknowledged with the greatest Gratitude as before by sir yours as before And Admit the thing I Advert to will Afford you Recompence please to Pay your  and you will Oblige your Devoted Humble Servt.

Alexr. Adams

Admit you deign to take the foregoing into your Consideration please to Direct Alexr. Adams: Claghy Ballymoney Ireland


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 April 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Treasury Department. April 15th. 1799.

By the decease of Robert Chesley, the offices of Surveyor and Inspector of the Port of St. Mary’s in the district of Nanjemoy in the State of Maryland, have become vacant.
The names of Robert Chesley, son of the deceased, and William Hebb, are presented in the papers which I have the honour to enclose.—The weight of recommendation by Col. Howard of the Senate, Charles Caroll of Carrollton Esqr. & Col. Forrest, appears to me, to be in favour of Mr. Chesley; I have therefore, the honour to submit his name to the Presidents consideration.—
I believe that no further opposition will be made to the Laws in Northampton County; & I have nothing important to communicate from any quarter.—
I have the honour to be / with perfect respect, Sir, / your mo. obedt. humble Servt:
Oliv Wolcott


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 16 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy April 16th: 1799.

I received yesterday your favour of the 6th. and thank you for Captain Murray’s letters.
I am also mortified to find that Barry has not given more attention to Curacoa. We must think of Surrinam and all the Dutch Possessions or we shall repent the Oversight.
I am happy to learn that there is nothing to lead to an opinion that there will be any opposition in Northampton.
I thank you for yours of the 8th and its inclosures. The people of Northampton have reason to be alarmed, and I wish their reasonable alarms may alter their sentiments.
Inclosed is a letter from John Bowman to me an entire stranger, although it seems by his letter he married a Daughter of an Old Friend of mine. I pray you to consider this letter and answer it.—
I have the honor to be / Sir &c.


Title: To John Adams from Patrick Henry, 16 April 1799
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Adams, John

Sir:
Charlotte County, April 16, 1799.

Your favor of the 26th ultimo did not reach me till two days ago. I have been confined for several weeks by a severe indisposition, and am still so sick as scarcely to be able to write this.
My advanced age and increasing debility compel me to abandon every idea of serving my country, where the scene of operation is so far distant, and her interests call for incessant and long-continued exertion. Conscious as I am of my inability to discharge the duties of envoy, &c. to France, to which by the commission you send me, I am called, I herewith return it.
I cannot, however, forbear expressing on this occasion, the high sense I entertain of the honor done me by the President and Senate in the appointment. And I beg you, sir, to present me to them in terms of the most dutiful regard, assuring them that this mark of their confidence in me, at a crisis so eventful, is an agreeable and flattering proof o their consideration toward me, and that nothing short of an absolute necessity could induce me to withhold my little aid from an administration, whose ability, patriotism, and virtue, deserve the gratitude and reverence of all their fellow-citizens.
With sentiments of very high regard, &c.,
P. Henry


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 April 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department. 16 April 1799.

I have the honor to enclose a letter from J C Jones, Chairman of the Committee for building a Ship at Boston; recommending Capt George Little, for the Command of that Ship.
Presuming that you Sir, will think it proper to indulge the Committee at Boston, as has been the case in all similar instances, with the selection of the officers—I take the liberty to enclose in the letter for Mr Jones, a commission for Capt Little; giving him rank from the 4t. March, which is as much as can be done with propriety.
If this meets with your approbation, the letter may go on to Mr Jones—Otherwise it may be returned to me. I have the honor to be with the highest respect & esteem, Sir Yr most Obedt Servt.

Ben Stoddert.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 17 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy April 17th 1799

I received yesterday your favor of the 8th with Mr. Kings letters of 10th and 16th of January, with the inclosure in the former.
These papers I have read with more than common interest and anxiety, & however sanguine I may be in my disposition, or prone to determine my judgment on the first view of a subject, in this case, I must own myself puzzled & in doubt. The whole affair leads to the independence of the West Indies islands, & although I may be mistaken, it appears to me, that independence is the worst & most dangerous condition, they can be in for the United States. They would be less dangerous, under the government of England, France, Spain or Holland all together, and least of all, under the same powers in parcells & divisions, as they are now. This opinion however is liable to so much uncertainty, that no great dependence can be placed upon it.
Upon the projects proposed by the British Ministry, a great number of questions arise. Will not the projected, partial, limited & restrained independence of St Domingo, excite alarms & jealousies in Spain & Holland such as will attach them & subject them more entirely to France, & in Denmark & Sweden so as to make them more timid, if not more complaisant to France? Will it not involve us in a more inveterate and durable hostility with France, Spain & Holland, & subject us more to the policy of Britain, than will be consistent with our interest or honor? These questions may all be useless, because the independence of St Domingo & consequently of all the other islands in the West Indies, & of the Spanish, Dutch & Portugese possessions on the continent, may be brought about, without our interference & indeed in opposition to all that we can do to prevent it.
The project of a joint company is certainly liable to all the objections which occurred to Mr. King, & although the English government would meet with no difficulty, we should certainly find it very difficult to manage.
My own ideas are these. 1. That it would be most prudent for us to have nothing to do in the business. 2 that if we should meddle, we had better leave the independence of the island compleat & total in commerce as well as legislation to the people who assert it, the inhabitants of the island. 3d. that if this is not the sense of the English, we had better leave the whole management of the affair to them. 4th. that if they think fit, they may stipulate that we shall have a right to acceed to the treaty they make, when we can, within a certain period of one, two, or three years. 5. that we should acceed to it, provided the senate advise & consent as soon as it shall be determined that no negociation with France is likely to take place with effect. 6. that we remain faithfull to our promise, to open our commerce with the island, as soon as privateering shall cease. 7th. Although these are my prevailing opinions & inclinations, I am by no means fixed in them or bigotted to them. 8th. I wish you to consult the heads of department upon all these points, & if any other principles are more agreeable to them & you, I shall be disposed to concur in any rational expedient which can be reconciled to justice & sound policy, which may be concerted with Mr. Liston.
I have the honor to be, Sir your most / humble Servant


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 17 April 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
philadelphia April 17. 1799.

With my letter concerning Mr. Jones, the candidate for the Consulate of New-Orleans, I intended to transmit a Commission, that if it seemed to you expedient to appoint him, his commission might be signed and returned, seeing he will very soon depart for that country. I have now the honor to inclose it.
I inclose also a copy of a note received this day from Mr. Liston, announcing that the loan of the 24 cannon & the shot, for South Carolina, is by his Britannic Majesty converted into a transfer of the property. I have handed to the Secretary his obligation, on behalf of the UStates, to restore them.
We have nearly concluded our conferences with Mr. Liston & General Maitland, on the subject of St. Domingo; and to-morrow or next day I will transmit the result.
I am most respectfully, Sir, / your obt. Servt.
Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 18 April 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 18 April 1799

I am honored with your letter of the 10th. on the subject of Mr Parker: and there being room for Lieutenants, I have this Day forwarded to him a commission.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir Yr. most / Obed Servt

Ben Stoddert


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

Sir
Quincy April 19th 1799

Inclosed is a letter from Dr. Thomas Ruston, which I pray you to consider, & send for Dr. Ruston & converse with him on the subject of the navy lands he offers.
I have the honor to be Sir your very humble / servant.


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 19 April 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 19th April 1799

I enclose the proceedings of a General Court Martial held at Fort Sargent on the Mississippi, on thursday the 22nd day of November 1798 by order of Brigadeir General Wilkinson. At this court Andrew Anderson, a soldier, was tried on a charge of deserting his post, on the night of the 31st of October 1798, and aiding and assisting two prisoners to make their escape from confinement at Fort Sargent, when he was Centinel and had charge of them, and losing his arms and accoutrements
The prisoner plead guilty of deserting his post, going away with those that had been prisoners, and losing his arms and accoutrements, but not guilty of aiding and assisting the escape of the prisoners from the place of confinement
After examining witnesses, in addition to the party’s confession by his plea, the Court found him guilty of a breach of the first article of the sixth section of the rules and articles of War, and sentenced him to be hanged by the neck, to Death, two thirds of the Court concurring therein.
The proceedings and sentence of the Court which extends to the loss of life, are laid before you, agreeably to the 18th section of an act passed the 3rd of May 1796 entitled “an act to ascertain and fix the military establishment of the United States” for your direction to carry the same into execution, or otherwise, as you shall judge proper.
Well placed examples often have a very beneficial influence in military service, and, perhaps, the flagrancy, and complication of the crimes, of the object of reference, renders him as deserving of punishment as any that can offer.
I also enclose the proceedings and sentence of a general court Martial, held at Detroit by order of Lt Colonel Strong on the 22nd of August, and continued by adjournment until the 10th. of September 1798. At this Court Casper Wright (supposed a soldier) and Sergeant Tisdale Atwood were severally tried on charges of desertion and sentenced to be shot to death.
Casper Wright plead guilty, and the Court appear to have immediately, without the examination of any witnesses proceeded to sentence him.
Sergeant Tisdale Atwood plead guilty of attempting to desert; the Court proceeded to the examination of witnesses and afterwards passed sentence.
In neither of the two latter cases do the proceedings of the Court exhibit that two thirds of the Court concurred in the sentences, as appears to be indispensable by the 8th article of the appendix to the rules and articles of War.
In Sergeant Tisdale’s case, the Court, in a legal view, were, perhaps, irregular in receiving a plea which does not go to the general issue.
A Lieutenant Colonel, as such, not even when invested with the command of a Detachment, or post, is not, according to the best opinions, by the rules and articles of War, empowered to order a General Court Martial, and the proceedings exhibit no delegated authority given to him by general Wilkinson for this purpose.
I have thought it proper to present the impressions upon my mind relative to the Court at Detroit. The proceedings and sentences are, however presented for your final directions.
I enclose forms of pardon ready for your signature in all the cases now laid before you, and an order, or direction for causing the sentence of the Court, in the case of Andrew Anderson to be carried into execution.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest / respect, Sir, your Most Ardent, Humble Servt

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 April 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 19. April 1799.

In letters to Capt Barry, by Capt Tingey dated the 16 March, He was directed to send Nicholson to Boston without delay, and Fletcher in the George Washington, to Rhode Island. It was supposed that by the time these Vessels could arrive, our Coast might require some attention. By a letter Just recd. from Barry, a copy of which I do myself the honor to enclose, it appears probable, that both Barry & Nicholson may leave the Islands on their return, before the rect of my letters.
I fear these Gentlemen will return without an increase of reputation. Barry no doubt is brave, and well qualified to fight a single Ship— Poor Nicholson, is not allowed to rank so high in the Public estimation—Our Navy at this time, when its character is to form, ought to be commanded by Men who, not satisfied with escaping censure, will be unhappy if they do not recieve, & merit, praise.—By men who have talents & activity, as well as Spirit, to assist a Judicious arrangement for the employment of the force under their command, or to cure the defects of a bad one. I hope & believe, there are several such men in the Service.
I have taken measures to procure the material parts of the Frames of the six 74 Gun Ships, from Georgia—And as soon as the moulds are prepared, which have been in hand for two months past, measures must be taken for the rest of the timber. It is not expected that any thing more can be done towards these ships in the present year, than to prepare the materials—After this is done, the timber may be left to Season, or be put together, as the exigency of our affairs may require.
In this view of the subject, the Services of Captains to attend to the building of the Ships, cannot be essentially necessary in the present year—But as it might be agreeable employment for Nicholson, I wish, if you sir do not disapprove, put him upon that Duty on his arrival. In this case, either Talbot, or Sever, might take the Constitution. But in order that there may be no delay, & that every proper arrangement may be made to dispatch the ship, on a cruise as soon as possible after her arrival, it is necessary that I should know your pleasure on the subject, before she does arrive.—with every exertion, she may possibly remain a full month in port, as she will require some repairs, & must get a new Crew.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr. most Obed. Serv.

Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 April 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 19. April 1799.

I am honored with your letter of the 19th. April—and in consequence have enclosed in a letter for Capt Parker, his commission as a Lieutenant in the Navy, which requires your signature.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir yr. most / Obed Sevt.

Ben Stoddert


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

Sir
Quincy April 22d 1799

I received your favor of the 12th only on the 20th. Gen. Dickerson introduced to me at Philadelphia Mr. Evan Jones, whose appearance deportment, & conversation were such as might be expected from a brother of that family—such as might be expected from Gen Dickerson’s recommendation. I am perfectly satisfyed that you should give him a commission as consul, provided you think it can be done without injustice or indecorum to Mr Polluck.
I am Sir, your most obedient & / humble servant


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 22 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy April 22d 1799

I return you the correspondence, between Truxton & Desfourneaux, inclosed in yours of the 11th. which I received on the 20th.
I wish all the other officers had as much zeal as Truxton. What has become of them? We hear nothing of any but Decatur, Truxton & Murray.
If you correct Truxtons ardor a little, as you ought to do, I pray you to do it very gently and with great delicacy. I would not have it damped for the world.
The weather has been three days so cold as to retard the circulations of the blood.
I am Sir / your most obedient humble servant


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

Sir.
War Department 22d April. 1799

I had the honour to receive this morning two letters from you dated the 13th and 14th of April inst with the papers to which they refer.
You wish that a plan may be considered for numbering the Regiments and arranging the rank of the Lt. Colonels and sent to you for consideration.
With respect to numbering the Regiments, I observe
It being proper to commence the recruiting service, in detail, or without waiting till the appointment of officers from all the States could take place, and indispensable, as the buttons for each Regiment, required to be numbered, to fix upon a principle for numbering them, which could no ways affect or have influence upon the question of the relative rank of their respective Lt. Colonels.
In settling this principle which was to extend to the whole 16 Regiments, (and which could not be delayed without great injury to the service until the Lt. Colonels of all should be appointed) I have been governed by geographical ideas, according to the order which was adopted last war when the army faced the sea board. This rule appeared to me as good as any other and less liable to criticism.
The result is, that the two Regiments to be raised in Georgia the Carolinas Tenessee & Kentucky will be numbered 5 & 6. That of which Wm. Bently is Lt. Colonel commandant No. 7. That of which Ths. Parker is Lt. Colonel No. 8. That of which Josias C. Hall is Lt. Colonel No. 9. That of which Ths. Moore is Lt. Col. No. 10. That of which Aron Ogden is Lt. Col. No. 11. That of which Wm. S. Smith is Lt. Col. No. 12. That of which Timothy Taylor is Lt. Col. No. 13. That of which N Rice is Lt Col. No. 14. That of which Richard Hunnewell is Lt. Col. No. 15. That which is to comprehend the companies to be raised in New Hampshire Vermont and Rhode Island No. 16.
It also appeard proper to adopt a rule, whatever it might be, for the commencement of the numbering of the Regiments which would be permanently convenient, and in future cases would have a consistent effect. This would not have been the case, if the relative rank of the first commandants of the Regiments was to govern. When Regiment No. 1. (for example) lost its commandant by promotion, death, resignation or dismission, his successor would be the junior of all the Lt. Colonels, and the Regiment would either lose its station, originally acquired by the accidental rank of its commandant, or it would retain it, in contradiction of that rule, though its new commandant was the junior of the whole number. If to obviate this incongruity, the Commandants, were all removed, so that No. 2 might become No. 1. the dislocation would be attended with injurious effects. All the advantages to be derived from the attachment and confidence of officers and soldiers to their particular commander would frequently be lost in the midst of a campaign, and the discipline of all the corps could not fail to suffer amidst so changing a scene. If the troops moreover were employed in different armies in extreme parts of the U.S. the commandants would be almost constantly itinerant, passing from one army to another.
It was for these and like reasons that I was induced to adopt a principle for numbering the Regiments which while it had the sanction of last war created no delay to the recruiting service, and left the relative rank of the Lt. Colonels to be hereafter settled. With the
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 April 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War department April 22d. 1799.

I have the honor to enclose you the Copy of a letter from General Macpherson dated the 18 April & which was received on the 20. instant and also a Copy of my answer thereto—
I have the honor to be / with the greatest respect / Your obedient Servant
James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 23 April 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 23 April. 1799.

I had not time yesterday, without losing the benefit of the mail, which you know closes at 12 o’clock A.M, to say any thing on the subject of Major Jacksons letter. I now take the liberty to observe, that the appointment of Mr. Pearson to be a Cadet by Capn. Gates, was altogether improper, and the attempt to draw pay for him, after my letter to Majr Jackson of the 27th Ulto. at least equally so.
Capn. Gates, by his recruiting instructions, which he was bound to observe, had not even power to promise a recruit, that he should be appointed, upon joining his Regiment, a non-commissioned officer: how then could he suppose, that he had power to appoint a cadet, an intermediary officer, between a sergeant and Lieutenant, and intitled to higher pay than a sergeant.
The fact is, if Captains are to be permitted to play the parts of Presidents, and Generals, every thing respecting the Service, must run into confusion. My letter to Major Jackson, of which he sent you an extract, had in view to check this practice, and at the same time to express to him, that what had been done, would be no otherwise countenanced, than by considering Mr. Titcomb, as a candidate, as soon as it would be proper to increase the number of Cadets.
After this answer Major Jackson, should have forborn further interference, and had he a thousand times written to me, upon the subject, had no right to conclude from my silence, that I had determined to sanction, what was so highly improper.
It is your opinion that Mr. Titcomb is a promising young man. I have therefore directed a warrant to be made out for him, as Cadet in the 2d Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, and shall transmit the same to Majr. Gen. Hamilton, as a proper channel, to be forwarded to him.
To avoid like mistakes in future I have had inserted in the revised recruiting instructions the following article. vz.
“Commandants of Regiments, corps or companies, cannot appoint cadets. They may be recommended through the Commander in Chief, the Inspector General, or General Commanding a seperate army, to the Secry. of war, and if approved of, warrants of appointment will issue in due form.”
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir / your most obt / & very hbl St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 23 April 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Philadelphia April 23. 1799.

Yesterday I was honoured with your letter of the 13th. General Maitland’s departure this morning for St. Domingo, left me no opportunity of conversing with him on the interesting questions you suggest. However, his & Mr. Liston’s powers respect St. Domingo alone.
We did not until last Saturday (the 20th) finish our discussions on the arrangements to be adopted respecting St. Domingo: the result I have now the honour to inclose. We regretted that the pressure of the business in the opinion of Mr. Liston & General Maitland as well as of my colleagues & myself, prevented a previous submission of the proposed arrangements to your consideration & decision. We have given the subject the best examination in our power, and we believed the interests of the U. States would be better secured and promoted than by any separate and independent arrangements of the United States. But I have informed Mr. Liston & General Maitland, that they were to consider the propositions which were the result of our discussions, as expressive of our opinions only, & as finally subject to your decision, to approve or reject them. This is perfectly understood by them. I have expressed the same thing in my letter to Doctor Stevens, of which a copy is inclosed, and which I put into the hands of General Maitland to read, before I sealed and committed it to his care; & with which he was perfectly satisfied. In writing yesterday to Mr. King I expressed the same idea to him.
Under all these circumstances, and the strong apprehensions entertained by General Maitland of mischief from any longer detention, we flatter ourselves that you will not disapprove of our consenting to his immediate departure.
I have the honor to be, / with great respect, / sir your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering.List of papers inclosed
1. First sketch of regulations recd. from Mr. Liston & General Maitland
2. A paper illustrating the same
3. Observations of the Secretary of State on the above two papers—approved by all the Heads of Departments & Attorney General
4. Second Sketch, or Heads of Regulations to be proposed to General Toussaint—and the Substance of the Understanding between the two Governments.
5. Heads of regulations & Points understood by the two Governments, as finally settled on the 20th instant.
6. Copy of a letter of instructions to Dr. Stevens, dated the 22d instant.
7. Copy of a letter to Rufus King Esq.


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Willard, 23 April 1799
From: Willard, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Cambridge April 23. 1799

I hoped to have had the honor, before this time, of paying my respects to you at your Seat in Quincy, but have been unavoidably prevented. I am very happy to hear that you enjoy good health. May Heaven long preserve it; and preserve a life invaluable to the United States!
Will you permit me, Sir, to recommend to your favorable notice, for an Office in the military line, Mr William Amherst Barron, one of the Tutors of the College? Application has been made, in his behalf, for a Captaincy in the Army, and I understand, in the Artillery Line, if there be an opening.—I pretend not to military skill, and therefore my judgment, respecting his talents for such an office, cannot be justly considered equal to that of one, who having the same knowledge of the man, has a vastly superior knowledge of the requisites for the post; but, from my acquaintance with Mr Barron, since his residence here in the office of a Tutor, which is almost six years, I cannot but look upon him, considering his firmness and resolution, and his talents natural and acquired, as being well calculated for such a Station. His knowledge of the Mathematics and of Natural Philosophy would peculiarly fit him for the Artillery department.
His Father was a brave Officer, in actual service in the Militia, in the French war which commenced in 1755. He highly distinguished himself at the head of a company, in the recapture of Newfoundland by Col. William Amherst, in marching up a high hill, and dislodging a large party of the French, very advantageously posted; for which act of bravery, he was, by the recommendation of Col. Amherst, rewarded by a Captaincy on the British establishment. The Son, I think, inherits the Father’s spirit.
I hope, Sir, you will not consider this letter as obtrusive. I am sensible, such applications are delicate points, and I never wish to meddle with things improper: However, I am sure your goodness and candor will induce you to pardon me, if I have erred.
It gives me great pleasure to hear that your Lady is in a good state of health: I sincerely pray for its continuance.
I have the honor of subscribing, / with sentiments of the highest respect & veneration, / Sir, / your most obedient servant

Joseph Willard


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 April 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department, 24th April 1799.

I have sent a comt. of surgeons mate of the Genl. Greene, to Doctr. Metcalf of Providence. I will write to Mr Bowman, on the subject of his Island, & will also endeavour to get information from others. A great many persons offer land containing the live Oak in Georgia; and each also describes his property as best suited for the purposes of Government.—from the information I have as yet obtained, there is very little, if any, worth the Public attention.
The Ship Connecticut building at Middleton on Connecticut River, will be launched about the 18th of May. It is necessary to appoint Lieutenants, that the Recruiting Service may commence, to prevent any detention for want of men. Capt Tyson, the Commander, recommends in very strong terms Andrew McCombe & John May as Lieutenants—and James Wells as Surgeon. I have also recd information from other sources, that these are well qualified men; and I do myself the honor to enclose commissions which will require your signature, if they meet with your approbation. The commissions are in the letter to Capt Tyson, which may go on immediately to Middleton Wethersfield.
I hope Capt McNeill, who was sent from Prince Ruperts Bay, about the last of Feby, for Surrinam, will convoy safe, all our merchant Vessels at that place—I understand their Cargoes are of immense value. Had Nicholsons Character been such as to have inspired confidence, a Division of our Vessels might have been sent to cruise in that quarter, to great advantage—the next best thing was thought to be, to put so much of the force under the Command of Barry, as to afford him the power of sending detachments, where–ever they could be useful. I hope his next letters will give the information that he has sent other Vessels besides McNeill to Surrinam.
I have the honor to be / With the highest respect & / esteem Sir Yr. Most / Obed Servt.

Ben Stoddert


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 25 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy April 25th 1799

I return signed, the blank commission, intended for Mr Jones to be consul at New Orleans.
I return to you, Mr. Liston’s note of the 10th of April. I consider this handsome present of his Brittanic majesty, as a testimony of his friendship to the United States, & I request you to communicate through Mr. Liston, the thanks of the American government for this mark of his majestys confidence in its sentiments.
Judge Peters’s letter of the 13th is returned in this. I hope by this time there are more signs of contrition among the ignorant and deluded disturbers of our peace.
I am Sir your most obedient


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 25 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy April 25th 1799.

I return the two blank commissions, signed & am satisfyed with the recommendations of Robert Chesley to succeed his father.
If a real reformation should take place in Northhampton county in consequence of a consciencious conviction of their crime & error, it would be happy; but a cessation of opposition from fear only, may last no longer than the terror.
I am Sir your most obedient Servant


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 26 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy April 26. 1799

I return the two blank Commissions, signed and am satisfied with the recommendations of Robert Chesley, to succeed his Father.
If a real reformation should take place in Northampton County, in consequence of a consciencious Conviction of their Error & Crime it would be happy: but a cessation of opposition from fear only, may last no longer than the terror.
I am, Sir your most obt.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Harrison, 26 April 1799
From: Harrison, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir
Chittenden County of Rutland Vermont April 26th. 1799

Will you once more condescend to receive from your unknown Servant a few lines as an apology for the two papers sent to your Excellency and Dated the 2nd of April Instant. One of them containing an Address to your Excellency the other a Brief Narration of the Life with the request of the Writer— Although Sir I would wish to avoid the Imputation of being called a person of Ostentation, Yet, I must as one Apology premise, That I have been a professor of the Christian Religion and a member of the Congregational Church of Christ in Pittsford for upwards of Fourteen Years which Church consisteth of Members from the Towns (or rather Plantations) of Pittsford Philadelphia and Chittenden, who generally meet once in the week time commonly on Friday for Religious Conference and Prayer— whose conversation before and after Religious Exercises often turns upon the present state of America the conduct of Government &c. After such conversation though unknown to any of them I made bold to intrude upon your patience and convey their Sentiments (with my own) in my own Language to your Excellency— And Sir, although I think I am not an enthusiast, Yet as an apology to the Narration and Request I must beg leave to mention the following Facts— Sir you must be sensible by the Stile and incoherence of the embarrasment of my situation— therefore Sir though I abhor a Pharasaical Hypocrisy Yet I must inform you of this circumstance. After I had been praying to almighty God for his assistance Grace the outpouring of his Spirit upon our Nation for his special Grace to be bestowed upon our President in his important station for wisdom, and Fortitude and True Piety still to abide with him &c when I had addrest the throne of Grace for the above with other favours I begged of him to open a door in providence to relieve me from the temporal difficulties with which I am so much embarrased. When I was impelled against my Pride, and Will to make my Case known to your Excellency and beg your Assistance to extricate me from my external difficulties not as an Alms but as a Loan lent to the Lord which as his steward if he is pleased to give me ability I will promise to repay— I will not inform your excellency of the perturbation of my mind the controversy between reason and Understanding which fought against the impulse for a long time but the impulse at length prevailed— And Sir my situation is really destresing and is occasioned by a complication of difficulties which I could enumerate but shall omit at present, but will repeat that it is nether extravagance nor gaming or Gluttony or drunkeness which have involved me in this perplexity— Therefore Dear Sir do be pleased to write to me and inclose a Bank Note which may enable me to settle my Taxes and my honest debts and I will repair to your Excellency and secure you with property to the Amount thereof and wait your further commands— pray Sir excuse my importunity my impertinence and imprudence and do! pray do! grant my request! and lay me under the most lasting obligations of Gratitude by saving an Innocent Family of Children from Ruin and Infamy and I shall still as I daily do pray for you and will still remain Your most obedient / and humble Servant

Saml. Harrison


Title: To John Adams from Jonathan James Maund, 26 April 1799
From: Maund, Jonathan James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Nomony Hall 26th April, 1799.

It is with great pleasure I address to you the Information that on Wednesday General Henry Lee was elected the Representative in Congress for this District by a Majority of 32 Votes: Of General Marshall’s Election I presume you will be informed previous to the Receipt of my Letter the Communication being direct from Richmond to the General Post office; Of the Elections on the Post Road Information will reach the Seat of Government equally as soon as I shall hear from thence but it may not be unpleasing to You Sir to be inform’d That in Two Districts over the Mountain I think I can rely on this Information that if Mr Machir is not reelected that Mr Haymond will be chosen which will be an Alteration of Men not Measures, and that in the Botetourt District Colo. Hancock will be successful against Colo. Trigg, We entertain great Fears as to the Fauquier Election where General Blackwell opposes Mr. Nicholas, and We have Doubts that as Messrs. Page and Pendleton are of the same Politics are Opponents and live in different Counties in the Frederick District that Colo. Smith their Opponent in sentiment may be elected: however We believe and hope that the Representation from Virginia will consist not only of Marshall, Lee, Evans and Powell, but also Machir Hancock Page and Bentley and perhaps Blackwell. This District is compos’d of the five lower Counties between the Potomak and Rappahannock Rivers, General Lee resides in this County Westmoreland, Doctor Jones in Northumberland and the Votes of the Freeholders were
General Lee  Doctor JonesKing George10562Westmoreland  233   47Richmond82135Northumberland 106   218Lancaster92124The pernicious and destructive Measures adopted by the Majority of our State Legislature at their last session were equally alarming and portentous with the Tempest which shakes our Dwellings and dissipates our Commerce, but that Tempest sometimes scourges before it the Lazy Elements which otherwise would stagnate into Pestilence: The Legislative Tempest of this State for a Time shook our Hopes and blotted our fair prospects of united Prosperity Peace and Happiness, but it banish’d that inexpressible Stupor and Supineness which heretofore seem’d to have absorb’d all the Faculties of the Friends to Government and it’s Administration; for they foresaw nothing, remedied nothing, profitted by no Events, form’d no plans listen’d to no Information, executed no Designs, neglected the most necessary Arrangements, defied (instead of destroying) the most dangerous Intrigues, and permitted, the most favourable Moments to escape unimprovd. The Assumption of paramount powers by the State to the General Government and Their Appeal to the People of Virginia offer’d the Alternative of Destruction or Exertion; The friends of Government were rous’d from their Lethargy and Providence has crown’d those Exertions with Success
I have lately seen a Letter from Colo. Patrick Henry to my friend General Lee wherein Colo. Henry thanks him for his Exertions the Last session, and informs Genl. Lee that he is a Candidate for the House of Delegates at the ensuing Session. The Day of Election for Members to the State and Congressional Legislature was the same and all important to the General Happiness of America and peculiar safety of Virginia was the 24th of April—99—It is not saying too much when I observe that in the Legislature of Virginia the presence and exertions of Colo. Henry are in themselves a Host, but at present no accurate Judgment can be form’d as to the Conduct which will be pursued at their next Session, the most we can do is to hope for the best.
Permit me Sir to present my most respectful Compliments to your Lady and my kindest remembrance to Mr. T. B. Adams.
I have the Honor to offer you my sincere Wishes for your Health and Happiness, to congratulate you on the progress daily making in fixing the Affections of the people of America upon Union as the “Rock of their political Salvation” and to assure You Sir of the most profound Respect and Esteem of
Your Obedt. & Oblig’d Hble Servt.
Jno. Jas. Maund


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 27 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy April 27th 1799

I have signed the commission for Lieutenant Parker which was inclosed in your favor of the 19th & sent it to him with your letter & its inclosures.
Your other favor of 19th contains matter of more importance. I own that the Navy has not afforded to our commerce that compleat protection which might have been expected from it, considering the vast inferiority of all the French force, both of public & private ships in the West Indies. Although I would never hurt the feelings of officers or excite questions, which might affect their reputations, or move suspicions without necessity. Yet I am prepared to agree to your arangement for Nicholson. I am not yet prepared to say whether Talbot or Sever or some other ought to be appointed to command the Constitution. Talbot I am told was not bred a seaman though an excellent officer. I apprehend that ship wants an officer of compleat nautical skill.
I am, Sir, your most obedient


Title: To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 27 April 1799
From: Malcom, Samuel B.
To: Adams, John

Sir
New York April, 27th 1799—

It was to be presumed that the many Victims which have already fall’n sacrafices to the rage of speculation, would have by this time corrected that immoral and unfortunate infatuation of the people of this Country—Experience however has lately demonstrated to me the fallacy of my conjectures and my wishes—To prove this I take the liberty to inform you of a Subject which at present agitates our Citizens, and which may become an object of general political importance
During the late session of our Legislature, application was made and granted for an act to incorporate a certain Society for the declared purpose of furnishing this City with Water, for Culinary and other purposes; the necessity of this measure was being obvious to all, the applicants took advantage of this impression, and under the specious pretext of their declared object, beguiled our unwary Legislators out of a Charter, which authorizes them to raise two millions of dollars—The application of this enormous fund was contemplated merely for the above purposes, but the scheme not being understood the act (brought forward by Coll: Burr.) was so modified that it may be directed to any purpose of speculation—In fact I am advised that the charter is so undefined as to render the bringing in of one Gallon of Water daily consistent with their obligation. The anxiety of men to Subscribe for shares was so remarkable, that the whole amount was subscribed  for in two days. The Chancellor and his friends, are the great holders of shares this is for the purpose of insuring to them the direction of the fund—A Bank and an Insurance Company will I am Confident be established,—the Eight per Cent stock of the U:S: in consequence of this business has fallen below par, and I am informed will continue to depreciate for a time—What is to be the issue and result of this enterprize, I confess I am unable to imagine—considering into whose possession this fund is now lodged. I feel some apprehensions grounded on Fauchet’s intercepted dispatches—with a little money he has declared his schemes might have been carried into execution. Talleyrand we also know wants “beaucoup d’argent,” whether the Chancellor and Coll: Burr. are disposed to make them a Loan in lieu of Tribute I cannot say.
Our Elections for members of senate and assembly commence on Monday next, and I am happy to state my anticipations of our making a federal return. I am not however too sanguine—The fast day was scrupulously observed by all denominations. With my most respectful compliments to your Lady I remain your obt: Humble Sert

Saml: B Malcom


Title: To John Adams from Uriah Forrest, 28 April 1799
From: Forrest, Uriah
To: Adams, John

(copied)Dear Sir
Georgetown Maryland 28th April 1799

I feel how improper it is in so inconsiderable an individual as I am, to be intruding on your Time; much less, obtruding opinions and advice. I shall however, hazard your censure, and be guilty of the impropriety which stares me in the Face.
I feel how much the happiness of this Country depends on the confidence the people have in the Government; and I feel that Yourself must be the Rallying point of confidence. The Public sentiment is very much against your being so much away from the Seat of Governt.; from a conviction that, when you are there, the Public vessel will be properly steered; and, that these critical Times, require an experienced Pilot. The People Elected You to administer the Goverment—They did not Elect your officers—Nor do they (however much they respect them) think them equal to Govern, without your Presence and control. In a Country like ours, when the People get divided into Parties, as we have become; there will always be found Men on the Governing side, not satisfied with their proper share of Power, and whom, getting yielded to them, more than is their due; increase in their own consequence and claims, until they fancy themselves exclusively entitled to direct. Are we free from such Characters? Are there not even in the soundest States in the Union, Men (of influence & fair fame, not at all Tinctured with Jacobinism, but filled with a certain kind of ambition), who beleive, that with some other person as Chief Majistrate, they would have more power than with the Present? I hope the Influence of such men, have not reached any of the departments of Government. I speak the truth when I say, that your real friends wish you to be with Your officers, because the Public impression is, that the Government will be better Conducted.
I have sincerely regretted Mrs. Adams’s indisposition, and now as sincerely rejoice to learn she has recovered.—You will not think of bringing her into Philadelphia, though it would give the great Pleasure to hear you were about going to take her, to some healthy situation in the Neighbourhood of it. I wish the time had arrived for you to remove here, where I am sure Mrs. Adams would be very much benefited, by the healthyness of the situation. I hope you will pardon this liberty; I can have no motive that is personal to myself—I feel as every man ought to feel for Public Happiness—I beleive, that the seeds of more than two Parties in this Country, have been scatter’d—but I trust they will not sprout. I am sure it is in your power alone to prevent their Growth—and I must add, that you owe to the Public to Prevent it—In thus adding, I am not unmindful of the great debt which the public owe to you.
I have the honor to be with real respect and Esteem / Your most obed sert

Uriah Forrest


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

Sir
Quincy 29th April 1799

Inclosed is a letter from Mr Thatcher, member of congress recommending Major Joseph Savage to be a lieutenant Col commandant of the second regiment of Artillerists & engineers. You will please to consider this when you consider other applications for the same vacancy
I am Sir your servant


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 29 April 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy April 29th 1799

I enclose for your consideration, letters from Mr Reed member of congress, Doc Orr and Doc Dunbar recommending Mr Oliver Dunbar to be a surgeons mate. Their testimonials are respectable, and if you have no objection to the young gentlemen’s appointment there is none on the part of your humble servant


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 April 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 29. April 1799.

To complete the organization of the Regiment to be raised in Pennsylvania and commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Moore will require One Captain, and five Lieutenants.
The enclosed recommendations have induced me to present for your consideration the following names of Gentlemen to fill the said Offices—
Robert Westcott of Philadelphia... Captain
Alexander McNair of Allegany... Lieutenants
Paul Weitzell of Northumberland... ditto
Joseph Knox of Shippensburg... ditto
David Offley of Philadelphia... ditto
Samuel N Franklin of Phila.... ditto
I have the honor to be / with the greatest respect / Sir Your obedient Servant.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 April 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 29 April 1799.

I have now the honour to submit to you, in conformity with your desire, the result of my reflexions, upon the most proper principles for regulating the relative rank of the field officers of the twelve additional regiments.
It will always be prudent, when no special reasons dictate a deviation, to adopt for cases of this kind, a rule which steers clear, of comparisons of personal merit (as far as practicable) and avoids the danger, of wounding the pride of any of the parties concerned. With this observation in view, and not being aware of any special reasons that recommend a different course, I am of opinion, that, as to all such of the field officers, who have served in the revolutionary army of the United States, it will be adviseable, among those, now of equal grade, to let their relative rank at the close of that war govern. This rule, corresponding with military prepossessions, will be most likely to be satisfactory to all.
As to those, who may have served, in the regular army or levies, since the revolution, and who have been deranged or disbanded, they should be prefered (other things being equal) to men who have not seen any service.
As to those, who may not have served in the army or levies, considerations of personal merit, and weight of character can alone decide, or the decision in such cases may be determined by lot.
If these principles, which are consentanious with rules established by this department in 1791 for like purposes, should meet your approbation, I shall throw them into a proper form to be carried into effect by the appropriate organs of the army.
I take the liberty to mention in this place, another point, connected with this subject: vz. A general rule for promotions in the army, liable to exceptions in favour of extraordinary service or merit only.
After considerable reflexion, I am disposed to recommend the rule for promotion proposed by Lt. General Washington, in his letter to the Secretary of war, dated, Philadelphia the 13th of December ulto. namely “That all officers shall rise in the Regiments to which they respectively belong up to the rank of Major inclusively. that afterwards they shall rise in the line of the army at large, with the limitation, however, that the officers of Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry, shall be confined to their respective corps, until they shall attain the rank of Colonel.”
By the word corps, as used here, is to be understood, not a Regiment, but the whole body, or the aggregate Regiments composing each description of troops.
This rule I propose should apply to the additional Regiments, as soon as the promotion to the field officers, or the Regiments are completely officered and organised.
A moments hesitation intervened as to the propriety of the universal application of this rule, from the situation of the four Regiments of the old establishment. The existing rights of senior Captains in these Regiments, as established by former usage, vz, that promotion, shall be regimentally up to and no higher than the grade of Captain and afterwards in the line of the army, will certainly be affected by this rule: But the inconvenience, it appears necessary to encounter, will perhaps be softened to the feelings of the four oldest Captains, intitled at present to the first vacant majorities, as these would occur in any of the four Regiments, by distributing them, among the four Regiments, so as to offer the first chances to each of these old Captains.
There cannot, with propriety or order be two rules, one for the old and another for the new regiments. That which is here proposed, will, I am satisfied, after a little time operate favourably every where and give equal chances.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most obt / & hble. Servt.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from John Lillie, 30 April 1799
From: Lillie, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Milton 30th April 1799

The trouble I have given you of interesting yourself in my behalf for the appointment I requested in the Army of the United States, fills a mind with gratitude, who was once a Soldier, and whose heart, I hope will ever be the seat of sensibility and consideration. I think the Secretary of War must be misinformed respecting the appointments of Officers in Massachusetts, and from my own knowledge, there is but one (and he is a Subaltern) between Boston and Rhode Island, in those five large & respectable Counties. Viz Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, Dukes and Barnstable.
In order to do justice to your good opinion & recommendation of me as a Military character, I can only say, Sir, that
If my services in the action, and assisting, in the retreat from Long Island! If with six Men, in a small Boat, after Governors Island had been abandoned by our Army, I went over, unspiked the Cannon, fired upon the Roebuck Ship of 44 Gun’s, which lay under the Battery; obliged her to slip her Cables, and retire to Staten Island; by which means, we were enabled to go over in the night with 100 Men, and brought over all the Cannon and stores to N York.
If the service performed by me in assisting with two twelve pounders only (in the open Field) in cannonading the Frigate Rose laying in the East River (Commanded by Comodore Wallis) and obliged her to move from her Moorings.
If by assisting in the defence of Chatterdons Hill with two six pounders, in the front of our Army at the white Plains with General McDougal, four hours, in the presence of the whole British Army.
If on our retreat through the Mire of New Jersey in rains & tempestuous weather, Bootless & scarcely a Shoe, when the Soldiers were so disheartned, that a whole Brigade of Militia, to which I was annexed, deserted me in one night, and left my Artillery without protection, except a small Band of veterans, which with some address I prevailed upon to stay by me.
If on that memorable, that most important night for America, I did my part at Trentown in taking the Corps of Hessians! which may almost be said, sealed the Independence of our Country! If in the advance of our little shatterd Army at the attack on Princetown; almost barefooted marchd over the frozen ground, where the brave General Mercer fell within six feet of my side in the first of the action.
If at Chadsford, on the river Brandywine, I sustained the heat of the battle, and brought off my Artillery safe!
If on that dark, dismal Night, with General Wayne at the Paoli on the Lancaster Road, (on the recollection of this sad catastrophy the Eye of humanity must ever weep) our detachment being about 1200 Men; 300 of which was Massacreed in one hour, by a party of 2000 commanded by General Gray; I brought off my Artillery, through rocky Fields and Woods, after once having been surrounded by the Enemy, of which they afterwards boasted, in their public prints I had surrendered to them in the combat! If being in the front of the Colum with General Wayne, on the attack at Germantown, and pursued the Enemy ‘till we were ordered to halt, I supported the character of a Soldier through the day! If on that melting Sunday at Monmouth, (in addition to my other duties) I took the first prisoner by single combat, a Serjeant of Grenadiers with his Arms, and brought him to General Lee, from whom we obtained the earliest information, of the Enemy’s force & position!
If at the close of nine year’s service (as far as I know my own Heart & actions) I sheathed a Sword without being tarnished with dishonor; that had been the Companion of my toils during that period! If by still retaining an inflexible attachment to my Country, its Constitution and its Law’s, and still have a zeal to defend it against all its Enemies! If there is any merit in those small transactions, I only claim my little share; having only done my duty on the theatre of the late War! If those circumstances be real, then, you will not blush, at having given me your approbation, & confidence, for a recommendation as far as it has already extended! And be assured, Sir, it will at all times be my ambition to merit your good opinion and that of my Country.
I am Sir with the greatest respect your most obedient humble servant

John Lillie


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

Sir,
Department of State April 30. 1799.

I have the honor to inclose a letter from Patrick Henry Esqr. declining the appointment of an envoy to France. I now inclose a letter from Judge Ellsworth, which I have reserved for this expected event: and am, with great respect, / Sir, your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 April 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 30. April 1799.

I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from our Consul at the Havanna, to the Secty of State. It shews that a state of things which you have long foreseen, is commencing in the West Indies; & forebodes that the American Commerce may have more to apprehend from unauthorized Piracy, than any other. The spot upon which these Fellows have fixed themselves lies about sixty miles from the Havanna & fifteen from the Bay of Matanzes, & appears to be well calculated for the annoyance of our whole Trade to Spanish America. One Frigate & two or three smaller Vessels with a land force of 300 men would probably be sufficient to inflict such examplary punishment as might for a long time check attempts at similar establishments. Capt Perry in the General Greene of 32 Guns, will be prepared to sail from Newport, in about 12 Days—in five Days, I must send his cruising Instructions, to proceed to the Havanna, taking under his command two Vessels of inferior force, from Charleston.—and I shall direct him to pay such attention to the Pirates, as will at least check their depredations. Several of our Vessels will shortly be in from the West Indies, & may be soon prepared to Join Perry, or to proceed on any other enterprize.
Col. Pickering will write to the Governor of the Havanna, by Capt Perry—and if he will not pursue the proper measures to dislodge these Pirates from the Territory of Spain, I suppose they will hardly consider Offensive, any measures in our power to take, for that purpose.—It would be much more reasonable, that the American Government, should hold that of Spain, responsible for the outrages committed on our Commerce or Citizens, by these People.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem Sir yr most Obed Serv

Ben Stoddert.


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

Sir
Quincy May 1st 1799

I received your favor of the 23d & have read all the papers inclosed with attention & much satisfaction. With the No 3. observations &c I was particularly pleased.
I can see no rational objection to any of the seven articles ultimately signed by all the heads of department unless it be the 6th. When I first read this I was apprehensive that some embarassment would might soon arise in consequence of it. We have given our word that the commerce should be opened by proclamation as soon as privateering should be suppressed in the island & the fullfillment of our promise may be claimed. But on further consideration I hope & presume that Gen Maitland will settle this point without any difficulty to us. I am very glad that you did not obtain detain Gen Maitland till you could hear from me. Upon the whole I think the negotiation has been conducted with caution & prudence & the result has my fullest approbation
I am Sir your most obedient & huml sert


Title: To John Adams from Henry Guest, 1 May 1799
From: Guest, Henry
To: Adams, John

Honored Sir
Brunswick th. 1 May 1799

I Addressed A Lettr. to you the 2 Day of February Last But With some reluctance As I thought Your time then was more necessarily imployd On the subject of shething Our Rising Navy With Leather—As I Apprehend you are Now a Little more at Leisure I take the Liberty to Lay this Matter More fully before you Which is Enclosed in this—I thought it propper to Publish it first in Claypools Philada. paper But he Did not print it Corect Which induced me to republish it As Within. But as I am Doubtfull of its Reaching Boston is One reason of this being Sent to your inspection and if it is judgeed of public Utillity Could wish it propperly published thier—as I Am fully of Oppinion the Gentelmen of that City are Generly of Superior understanding Persevering and interprising in All Kind of Machnism But in that Case it May be Necessary that My Name and place of Aboad is Left With the printer in Boston.
Sir, Since your time is thus far Assumed be pleased to Give a Moment More. It Will be Necessary for the public to form magiziens for powder—There is Not Instences Wanting When propper rods have Been Affixed to buildings That they have nevertheless been Struck by Lighning—How to prevent Any Mischief therefrom I Am of Oppinion I Can Make Leather a non Electric and Secure the Grain from being Cracked by the heat of the Sun A roof Can be Made So tight As to Defey the rain or Even Snow to penetrate it And I would Venture its Lasting Against the Iron teeth of time—This thought I Allso Laid before the Philosophic Society in Philada But alas had it Come from A Franklin perhaps it Would have been Attended too—
I have Matters of More Consequence then the Above to Lay before You But Am Affraid I have Alredy too far trespassed in these. You Will I hope forgive this trespass and place it to A the Good intent of An Old Man that hartily Wishes you health and A Long and Happy Guidance of Our Public Affairs—Who With pleasure and truth Subscribs himself / Sir / Your Most / Huml. Servt.

Henry Guest—P.S it Will be found that there is More hides Sent out of Our Country this year then Would Cover the bottoms of All the Vessels belonging to the United States


Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, 2 May 1799
From: Lee, Charles
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia 2 May 1799

I have this morning received letters from Virginia which contain very pleasing information concerning the elections in Virginia. that state Gen. Marshall Gen Lee Col Powell, Mr. Robert Page, Mr. Parker are certainly elected into Congress. Of Mr. Evans, Mr. Hancock and Mr. Goode no doubt is entertained, but complete accounts of the votes had not been received—These gentlemen are all federalists.
Strong hopes are entertained of a federal successor to Mr Machir who has declined. Mr. Nicholas is said to be re-elected by a small majority. relative to the remaining nine election districts I am not particularly informed; yet it is not very improbable that a majority of the representatives from Virginia may be right; for I believe in every district there is a trial of strength.
An amendment as far as my information extends has also been made in the State legislature. Mr. Henry will serve if elected.
The circuit court is engaged in the trial of Fries for treason which was commenced yesterday. Mr. Rawle requested he might be assisted by Mr. Sitgreaves in the prosecution for treason assigning for a reason that he had been with the army, had acquired a knowledge of particulars relative to the insurrection, and having resided in that district of country was acquaintd with the parties & witnesses. I told him that I saw no objection to his request. Mr. Sitgreaves is Consequently his colleague in these prosecutions. Under these circumstances I have declined taking any part in the business, as well because it has been made unnecessary, as that there may be no appearance of persecution or oppression on the part of the United States, & I hope my conduct will receive your approbation.
With perfect respect I have /  the honor to remain your /  Most obedient humble servant

Charles Lee


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 May 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department. 3d. May 1799

I do myself the honor to enclose a letter from Mr Jones; Chareman of the Committee for building the Boston Frigate, recommending Doctr Vinton for the appointment of Surgeon to that ship:—and also, a letter to Mr Jones, containing a commission for Doctr. Vinton, which will require your signature if you think proper that the appointment should be made.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem, sir Yr. most Obed. / servt.
Ben Stoddert.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 4 May 1799
From: Malcom, Samuel B.
To: Adams, John

Sir
New York May 4th 1799.

Some few days past I took the liberty to mention my anticipations respecting an Election then pending for Members to Compose our State Legislature: this is now determined, and the issue Known, it exceeds all that my most sanguine expectations could have imagined—Nyork again takes its rank among the most federal States—
To account for this revolution of sentiment it must be observed, that for two years past our Legislature have invariable manifested a disposition hostile to the general government and destructive of the best interests of our community—this latter influence has been understood and severely felt,—to it we ascribe the exertions which were unexampled for the promotion of federal men to our Councils—Merchants, Lawyers, respectable Tradesmen all Suspended for three days, their avocations during which we had litterally Speaking an Electioneering Campaign—not one anti- could be elected, even Coll: Burr, with all his address, intrigue and talents has fall’n short of the meanest of his Competitors—
The great object of the demo’s was to affect if possible the next Choice of a federal President—the scheme Contemplated was to Subdivide our Great districts, so as to insure three or four Electors at least—this we had great Cause to apprehend would have been executed had they Succeeded—
you will have heard of the Election of General Marshall & Mr. Powell of Virginia—a general Blackwell Vice of Mr. Nicolas we also understand has taken place and four more expected—at our next Election you may rely upon the removal of E: Levingston—No foreign Intelligence—with my most respectful Compliments to your Lady I have / the honor to remain / your Obt. Hble Sert

Saml. B Malcom