Title: Ratification Of Tunis Treaty, 10 January 1800
From:
To: Adams, John

				John Adams Presidente degli Stati Uniti di America
					A tutti quelli a chi perveranne le presente Salute
					10 Jan. 1800

				Sicome un Trattato de Pace ed’Amicizia fu definitivamente accomodato e conchiuso, tra li Stati Uniti d’America representati da William Eaton e James Leander Cathcart Esquires Commessari specialmente deputati per tal oggetto ed illustrissimo ed Excelentissimo Il Bey ed il Gioverno di Tunis Il quale Trattato é come segue, cio é a dire … Conoscere Facciamo sapere Qualmente io John Adams Presidente degli predetti Stati Uniti, avendo visto e considerato il predetto Trattato, col’ avviso e consentimento del suo Senato, accetto, ratifico e confirmo il medisimo, ed ogni suo articolo, e clausula sicome rappresentato in questo instrumento di Ratificazione In Sede del quale io il predetto John Adams Presidente degli Stati Uniti ho fatto qui affissare il sigillo delli predetti Stati, ed ho sottoscritto il medesimo colla propria mano. Fatto nella Cittá de Philadelphia il Giorno dieci de Gennaro mille ottocento, e l’anno ventiquattro dell Independenza delli predetti Stati.


Title: To John Adams from Charles Bulfinch, 11 January 1800
From: Bulfinch, Charles
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Boston Jany. 11. 1800

I avail myself of the earliest opportunity, to have the honour of forwarding to you, a Copy of the eulogy deliverd in this town, at the request of the inhabitants, in honour of the late General Washington.
The loss which the community has sustained, is here felt with as sincere emotions, as by those who have been favourd with a personal and more intimate acquaintance with that great man.
I am, Sir / with the highest respect / your most obedt. / hum: Servt.

Charles Bulfinch


Title: To John Adams from Robert Monroe Harrison, 11 January 1800
From: Harrison, Robert Monroe
To: Adams, John

His  Excellency John Adams President of the U States ofAmerica
Newyork Jany. 11 1800

The Humble petition of Robert Harrison
Shewth
That your petitioner having been bread to the sea and a native Citizen of the United States of America recedd a Warrant as a sailing Master; and have since on board the Frigate Constellation fulfilling every particular part of the duty assighned to a sailing Master; untill and accident happened to me that Cap Truxtun thought my discharge as Indespensible Necessary from the Constellation and ordered me to Call on the secretary of the Navy which I have done by writing him Three different Letters but have never been honored with a single line from that Gentleman either to signifie my discharge or to be reinstated me again in the service; the Latter I pray your Excellency to have done for me; and not because I have nothing but my abilities to speak for me and no friends; that I should be intirely neglected and sacrificed for a thing: that Humanity Honour and every thing dictated me to do; and an action that in no way interfered with my publick Character as an officer
Captain Truxtun has discharged me from that ship not knowing my worth for I have sailed but a little time with him not more than a few days but Captain Barrow who has Commanded the ship and who I have indeared myself to by my unwearied an steady attention to the service and am Convinced there never will be an officer on board that ship who will leave the service more beloved than I am both to the officers an ships Company.
and in fact I made miself a perfect slave in the ship doing the duty of other people as well as my own; for there has generally been five or six Liutenants in that ship and seldom more than fuor to do duty and this Last Cruise myself and the first Liutenant a greater part of the time; on such a Cruise as the Last an such weather as the time to try mens abilities; when I recollect how much I have exerted myself in every manner on board that ship not Idly looking on but doing more labour than any man belonging to the Vessel while others have injoyed Themselves Contented below; have had as much thought of them and more than me who did the duty of the ship; there is men that are Liutenants in that same Vessel who upon my sacred honour Can scarce write their names Cannot take the sun for their lifes and what is more never will know for they think they are Lieuts and thats sufficient there is no need to Learn any of the duty attached to there Liutenancy; men who think of nothing but grog
These are things that make me think myself injured but not by your Excellency for I am Convinced you know nothing of it but by those men who Recommended people who were not fit to go before the mast in a merchant men I do not say this to your excellency and wood not say it to their faces and Can bring proof amongst themselves to what I say
I have wrote three Letters to Mr Stoddert where in I have explained the Cause of my discharge from the ship which Letters I wood be happy your excellency to sea; in the first Letter I sent in my Warrant at a time when I was nearly bereft of Reason and amongst a parcel of men who were to giddy for me to adieu with; but after I had got somewhat reconciled in Mind I found that I had did wrong by sending in the Warrant; and that a discharge from Cap. Truxtun were not a discharge from the Navy; but for this mistake I humbly asked your excellencys pardon and as the Last time we were in Newyork with the ship I obtained the secretary of the Navys promise for a Lieutenants Commission and belive that the Commission was made out but this misfortune happening to me in Norfolk prevented me from getting of it; and if I meet with your excellencys most Gracious pardon I hope the Warrant will Make no difference as the Commission is made out; and should you kindly have me reinstated again I pray you to send me on to the North to serve in some of the ships building there as I am well acquainted with a Man awar. That I may be of infinite service Amongst officers who have never been in a Man of War; there are ships building and fitting out for sea any of them I wood be willing to go on board of; but will not name any particular ship or place but Cheerfully go where ever I am ordered and spill the last drop of my blood in my Cuntrys service when ever Called upon if necessary; your petitioner humbly prays that your Excellency will please to have your orders signified to me by Return of post whether I am ever to be so happy as to one more serve my Cuntry or know; Believ me sir that my feeling are such that I have scarce spirits to look out of the House untill I hear from you. But your petitioner will Remain here praying for your excellencys long life and long to preside over a free and Genores people is the fervent wish and prayer of /  Sir your most obedient and /  Humble sert.

Rob Harrison
PS I hope your excellency will excuse this Letter as its wrote by a sailor and Consequently have had not the Opportunity of an education.


Title: To John Adams from John Randolph, Jr., 11 January 1800
From: Randolph, John, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Chamber of the Representatives of the U:S:
11th Jany. 24th of Independence
Known to you only as holding, in common with yourself, the honorable station of servant to the same sovereign people, & disclaiming all pretensions to make to you any application which, in in the general estimation of men, requires the preface of apology, I shall, without the circumlocution of compliment, proceed to state the cause which induces this address.
For words of a general nature, uttered on the floor of this House, addressed in my official capacity, to the Chairman of the committee of the whole, & urged with a view to effect the reduction of a military establishment, I have been grossly & publicly insulted, by two officers of the army (or Navy I know not which;) with evident intention to provoke me to a conduct which, in some sort, might justify the hostile designs which they manifestly entertained towards me; & from the execution of which, I beleive, they were only detered by the presence of several of my friends, (members of this house) who felt themselves implicated in an insult, which altho’ more particularly offered to me, was certainly leveled at all.
I am acquainted with the name of one only of these unfortunate young men; who appear to have made so false an Estimate of true dignity of character; who seem to have mistaken brutality for spirit, & an armed combination against the person of an Individual, for an indication of true courage. He was called, I think, McNight;— rank unknown;— and, to my best recollection, of the Navy— Mr. Christie, a member of this house, appeared to know him; and that Gentleman, with Capt. Campbell Smith, who, as I understood, endeavoured to deter those rash youths from their scheme, & whose conduct would evince, if indeed there were any need of proof, that the character of the man & the citizen is not incompatible with the profession of the Soldier, can give an account of the various instances of misconduct which were exhibited by the parties. Mr. Van Rennselaer, the Lieutt. Governor of N: York, Mr. Nicholson, Mr Gunn, & Mr Mason of the house of Representatives, were likewise present at these transactions.
Having stated the fact, it would be derogatory to your character, Sir, for me to point out the remedy, which it is your province to provide; nor shall I descend from the respect which I owe myself to declare what are not the considerations, which govern my conduct on this occasion. So far as they relate to this application addressed to you in a public capacity, they can only be supposed by you, to be of a public nature— & it is enough for me to state, that the independence of the Legislator, has been attacked— The majesty of the people, of which you are the principal Representative insulted— and your authority contemned. In their name, I demand that a provision commensurate with the evil be made, and which will be calculated to deter others from any future attempts to introduce the reign of Terror into our country. In addressing you in the plain language of man, I give you, Sir, the best proof that I can afford of the estimation in which I hold your office and your understanding, & I assure you with truth, that I am with respect Your fellow Citizen
(signed)

John Randolph jr.


Title: To John Adams from George Richards Minot, 13 January 1800
From: Minot, George Richards
To: Adams, John

Boston January 13th. 1800

Geo. R Minot presents his most respectful compliments to the President of The United States, and requests his acceptance of the enclosed copies of an Eulogy on the late General Washington


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 14 January 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States January 14th 1800.

I nominate Francis Hawks of North Carolina to be collector for the District of Newbern, and Inspector of the Revenue for that port, in the place of John Davis resigned.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Baptiste Rapine, 14 January 1800
From: Rapine, John Baptiste
To: Adams, John

Fort Independence on Castle Island 14th Jany 1800
My it please your Excellency,
I went on board a french Merchant Ship in Havannah bound to Nante as passenger on the eighteenth day we took an American Brigg bound to Newport the Capt: put six men with the prise Master on board of her I being a passenger had liberty likewise to go on board of the Brigg. The French Capt: ordred the prise Master on board to run in to the first French or Spanish port that he could with safety.—
Althow Sir, I am a French man I am far from approveing of the French procedings. I wished verry much to come to America haveing a Brother liveing at Baltemore. I had a secrete intention when I went on board the Brigg of taking her which I did the third day with the assistance of the three Americans that were left on board of her.—
After haveing confined the Frenchmen in the hole one of the sailors took the command of the Brigg & brough her into Newport. Before we went on shoar the Capt told me if I would kill all the Prisoners he woud. reward me & see that I was provided for.—How verry heard woud it be for me Sir in cool blood & unprovokedly to bucher my own Countrymen? No Sir, I could not harbour shuch a thought in my breast: I rather chose to be made a prisoner When we were caried on shore I was not able to speak for I could not speak English.—
I therefore was sent with the Prisoners to Castle Island May your Excellency grant the only thing I wish for which is that I may have my freedom & tarry in this healthy & fertile Country that I may proove myself a good friend to the country citizen & a good friend to America.
I am Sir your Obt. Huml Sert.

John Baptiste Rapine


Title: To John Adams from Alexander White, 15 January 1800
From: White, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington 15th. January 1800

On my return from Virginia I found in the Commissioners Office, a letter from the Secretary of the Navy dated 2d instant containing the following sentence “In a conversation with the President this morning, he mentioned to me, that he should not adopt Mr Whites advice to take for his residence one of General Washingtons houses or Mr. Carrolls, but was determined to occupy the house intended for him”
You are sensible Sir, that I have not presumed to advise the President on this subject; that I have not seen him; that I have written him but one letter, which letter simply states facts, and explains a term (by some deemed equivocal) in an Official letter;—that altho’ this letter mentions three houses, as attainable for the residence of the President, till the proper house should be finished; there is not an intimation which could lead to a preference of any one of them, Yet such was the impression made by Mr. Stodderts information on the minds of my Colleagues, that they immediately on the receipt of his letter wrote him as follows—“We are not a little surprised at the advice you mention from Mr White to the President. We hold it highly dishonourable to violate that faith which was pledged to the City Proprietors when they relinquished their property for a City—We have heretofore expressed our sentiments on this subject more at large to the President himself When it was contemplated to alter the sites of the  publick Offices; they are founded on the principles of eternal justice, and can never change, nor ought they to be deviated from, but when an absolute and inevitable necessity impels the measure.” You may believe Sir, it is an unpleasant circumstance to address you on this occasion, but when you compare the extracts above re ex’ted; with the letter which seems to have given rise to them; You must be sensible that my conduct, (to say the least) has been very unfairly stated; Yet these letters, bearing the Official stamp of the secretary of the Navy, and the Commrs will be relied on as accurate, and will I doubt not, afford ground for the exercise of much malignity,—if I am not enabled to counter-act them—for this purpose I only wish a copy of my letter written at Leesburg 13th Ulo. I most earnestly request, and cannot but flatter myself, that you will cause a copy of that letter to be transmitted to me. I am with sentiments of / the highest respect / Sir / Your most Obt Servt
Alexr. White


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 January 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

T.D. Jany. 15th. 1800.

The Secy of the Treasy respectfully reports to the P. of the U.S.
That the inclosed Letter from the Collector of the District of Baltimore and the documents therein mentioned, contain the result of the enquiry which has was instituted by the Presidents direction into the facts stated by in the petition of William Smith.
As the conduct of the petitioner  is believed to have been exceedingly injurious to the public Interest, as he has not been convicted by recd. his trial, as there appears no immediate danger to his life from confinement, & as instructions have been given for securing hi to him a humane treatment at the public expence, the Secy is of opinion that a pardon ought not at this time to be grantedAll Which


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 January 1800
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Jany. 16. 1800.

I have the honor to lay before you the letters I have prepared for Tunis and Tripoli. With the latter every thing appears to be adjusted. The Bey of Tunis demands a present of Jewels, the amount about 40,000 dollars. In his letter to you he persists in the demand. Upon a second reading and deliberate examination of Mr. Eaton’s communications, the present appears to me indispensable: our peace would be hazarded without it. Mr. Eaton observes the estimate of the jewels is high: probably the Jew prices at Tunis: and that for little more than one half the sum the whole might be procured in England. If it should appear to the President expedient to allow the Present of Jewels, I would write another letter to Mr. Eaton, authorizing him, if not to be avoided, to promise their delivery; allowing time to procure them in England, or other place in Europe.
I am writing a letter to Capt. O’Brien, which will complete all the papers to go in the Sophia, now ready to sail.
I have the honor to be with perfect respect / sir your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Cyrus Griffin, 20 January 1800
From: Griffin, Cyrus
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Wmsburg January 20th: 1800—

Understanding that an increase of Salary, will be solicited by some of the District Judges, and that the President of the United States would be written to upon the subject, if not improper I take the freedom to mention to you that my claim particularly rests upon a solid foundation: the District of Virginia is very large, the Business of the different Courts lengthy and laborious, almost equal to that of the whole Union, living very expensive, and my necessary disbursements exceeding the Salary more than five hundred dollars.
As to myself personally it may be said with truth that I have been in the Federal Service more years than any man in the United States, to the total ruin of my little patrimony.
Some time ago I did myself the honor to write to you Sir concerning the Ship Niger, and other matters; I hope and trust there was nothing offensive in the letter, as nothing of that Nature was intended, but the most profound respect and consideration with which / I am, Sir, / Your obedient Servant

Cyrus Griffin


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 20 January 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

					 Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
					United States, January 20, 1800.

In obedience to law, I transmit to Congress my annual account of the contingent fund.

					John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Willard, 21 January 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Willard, Joseph

Sir
Phyladelphia January 21. 1800

I pray you to communicate the inclosed Letter and Memorial to the American Accademy of Arts and Sciences at their ensuing meeting. Perhaps it may not be proper for me to give any Opinion on the subject, or to have any Agency in the Business but I saw nothing wrong in presenting the Papers to you which I do with pleasure as it gives me an Opportunity of repeating the Assurances of my Respect and Attachment

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Charles Bulfinch, 23 January 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Bulfinch, Charles

Sir
Philadelphia Jan 23d 1800

I thank you for a copy of Judge Minots oration, which is worthy of the great Master of composition, who conceived and pronounced it I am your obliged humble servant.


Title: To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 27 January 1800
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Cincinnati 27th Janry. 1800

I have taken the liberty to enclose to you the within request of the Gentlemen of the Bar of Hamilton County—Mr. McMillan, the object of it, I know to be a man of integrity;—much esteemed, and of considerable influence.—Of his political principles, I have learned that some doubt has been made in Philadelphia, and that the Representative has mentioned to some persons here, that an explicit declaration that he would support the Administration to be made by him, as some person in his behalf that could be depended upon, would be required in order to his being nominated. Altho’ I have ever thought it wrong to trust that Offices in the hands should be trusted to the ennemies of the Government, I doubted of Mr. Harrisons authority to say, that an express declaration that he would support the Administration, would be required of any person, and it has not even been hinted to Mr. McMillan.—Tho’ he has rather leaned towards democracy, I can say with truth that he has always been moderate, and a single Session on the Assembly has entirely removed the prejudices he had in favour of a single branch of legislation, which he openly and candidly acknowledges.
With perfect Respect I have the honor to be / Sir, &cc.

Ar. St. Clair


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Anderson, 28 January 1800
From: Anderson, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Sir,
28th January 1800

We have reciev’d from the Governor of Tennessee—an Act of the Legislature of that State—which we are requested to lay before the President of the United States—We will therefore thank you Sir, to appoint a time, when we may do ourselves the Honor of presenting it—
We are Sir, with sentiments of /  very great respect /  your most Obedt Servts.—

Jos: AndersonWm. CockeWilliam C.C. Claiborne


Title: To John Adams from Akin J. Harrison, Jr., 28 January 1800
From: Harrison, Akin J., Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
North 8th Street Jany. 28th. 1800

Permit us in the humble movement of Artists to present you with a specimen of Engraving, done in remembrance of our late illustrious and most Amiable General Washington.
His Virtues which we greatly revere, will we trust be a recommendation for your acceptance of it: we therefore particularly request, that you will set no value upon the print except in an estimate of the great, and good man, whom it commemorates, and for whom we know you have a very great deference.
We are  /  Sir, /  with much esteem /  & the most profound respect, /  your obt. humble Servants

Akin J Harrison Junr.


Title: To John Adams from Alexander White, 28 January 1800
From: White, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington 28th. January 1800

I sincerely thank you for your ready compliance with my request of the 15th. instant.
I have lived thirty nine years without a Father or Guardian, thirty four of which I have been actively engaged in business, public or private. The letters of which I sent you extracts contain the first charge of a conduct highly dishonrable on my part, that has come to my knowledge, and excited a lively sensibility Which induced me to attach a greater degree of importance to the affair than I now believe it merited; and to give you a trouble, Which I now regret: it, however, affords me the pleasure of assuring you of the high esteem in which I hold your Person and administration, and that I am with sentiments of highest respect / Sir / Your most Obt. Servt
Alexr White


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, Jr., 29 January 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy, Jr.,McHenry, James

Philadelphia Jan 29th 1800

The President of the United States refers the inclosed law of Tennessee, and letter from the Govenor, laid before him, by the Senators and Representatives of that state this day, to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of War, & requests their examination into the subject & a report of their opinion, what is in the power of the President to do for the accommodation of the people of Tennessee.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Christopher McPherson, 29 January 1800
From: McPherson, Christopher
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia Vine Street No. 163 Wednesday the 29th of January 1800

I beg leave to Call your Attention to the Annexed Copy of a Letter that I have just now delivered—
The Address mentioned therein, is a Prophecy of things, which are ready to burst forth.—
With Considerations of the highest Respect and Esteem /  I am Sir— /  Your Most Obedient Servt.

Christ. McPherson


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

Sir
T.D Jany 29 1800

At the request of Richard Soderstrom Esqr. Consul Genl. of Sweden & charged with the management of Consular business for the Danish Govr. I have the honour to transmit a second representative on behalf of Wm. Smith who is confined in Gaol at Baltimore.
I take the liberty to observe that the Collector has been requested to see that the Prisoner receives every degree of relief & comfort which humanity requires & which is consistent with his situation
I have the honour &c


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 30 January 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Sir
Phyladelphia Jan. 30. 1800

I last night recd your favour of the 19 Dec, it Should be I presume 19 Jan. The Compliments you make me on this new year, are very flattering to the Vanity of an old Man: but there is one very wicked one among them, I mean when you insinuate that intriguing Individuals, when I am no more, will join in my Eulogies to defame my Successor. When it happens if I know it I shall laugh in my grave, at least I am sure I have not been always able to keep the Gravity of my Countenance aboveground, when the same satyrical Idea has occurred to me.
I pray you not to be incredulous, when I assure you that on the 4 Oct. 1786, I had neither made an Extract nor a note nor a Memorandum upon the subject.—I had read many of the Books and made some of the observations and reflections, but none of them were ever committed to writing.—The Book would have been shorter by one half, if it had been the work of sufficient time. The French assembly of Notables on one side of me, and the Country resolves which produced Shases rebellion in the other filled my soul with such gloomy forebodings, that I felt an indispensible duty to do something to correct the Errors which threatened Such horrid Calamities. But alas! I had no Name, no Authority, no Weight and my Lucubrations have done no good that I know of. Mankind have found more amusement in Shedding blood than in reading. If the time which has been Spent in gazing at the Blood Streaming from the Guillotine in the place de Louis 15 had been Spent on reading my dry Volumes and Spreading the Doctrines of them, Mankind might have understood something of the subject.—I have come off hitherto with more abuse. Men write not upon Government with impunity. Sydney was beheaded. Harrington died in Prison distracted, and Montesquieu was banished ten years from his Country. I have no reason to complain. If you can make them of any Use, I shall be happy. You write very well in English. As to any Countenance or Encouragement from Government, that is not to be expected, at least for many years to come, for any obvious reasons.
With sincere Esteem I am, sir your most obedient

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 30 January 1800
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Department of State Jany. 30. 1800.

Not knowing the President’s determination respecting the Consulate of Madeira, the Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President a letter of the 24th instant, just received, from some respectable citizens, recommending Mr. Marien Lamar for Consul in that island.
Mr. Lamar is the nephew of the late Henry Hill Esqr. of Philadelphia, & has resided some time at Madeira, in Mr. Hill’s house of trade there established, of which he is now a principal. His uncle, Major Lamar, of the American army, lost his life in battle, in the campaign of 1777.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, January 1800
From: Lee, Charles
To: Adams, John

ca. January 1800

As the enclosed letter, purporting to be from a member of your house, and received by me on the 11th instant, relates to the Privileges of the House, which cannot,  in my opinion, be enquired into, except by the House itself, I have thought proper to submit it to your Consideration
But in as much as any no gross impropriety of Conduct on the part of persons holding commissions in the army or navy of the U.S. ought not to meet with  pass without due animedversion, I have then directed the secretaries of war and the navy to make enquiry &ca.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 4 February 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States Feb 4th. 1800

I nominate John Augustine Spotswood of Virginia, to be a Master commandant in the Navy
Jonathan Titcomb Jun. of Massachusetts, for a lieutenant in the Navy
Thomas N Gautier of North Carolina, for a lieutenant in the Navy
Godfrey Wood of Rhode Island to be a lieutenant in the Navy.
William Wells of New York to be a lieutenant in the Navy
Benjamin Harris of Maryland to be a surgeon’s mate in the Navy

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 4 February 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Feb 4th 1800.

The President of the U.S. yesterday approved & signed a Resolve, which originated in the House of Representatives, authorizing the Secretary of State to procure and transmit to the Govenor of N.C. a number of copies of the Laws of the U.S.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 5 February 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
February 5th 1800.

I nominate Simeon Theus Esqr, to be a commissioner of valuations for the first division of South Carolina, in the place of Daniel Hall who has declined. Mr. Theus is of South Carolina.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Pierre Huet de La Valinière, 5 February 1800
From: La Valinière, Pierre Huet de
To: Adams, John

					Monsieur … & Respectable President
					A. S. Sulpice District de Montreal Gouvernement de Quebec en Canada Ce 5. Fev. 1800.

				Permettez moi de vous avoüér ma faute et de la reparer ici s’il est possible.Si vous vous ressouvenez d’un Ecclesiastique que vous avez presenté vous même a Mr de Vergennes; C’est moi. je sortois des prisons d’Angleterre ou la guerre Americaine m’avoit fait retenir huit moi: j’eus l’honneur de vous en parler dans l’appartement de ce Ministre, en attendant qu’il revint du Conseil; vous futes sensible a mes malheurs, et dés que Mr de Vergennes parut Vous me presentates a lui, avec le zele d’un vrai et tendre ami, disant: Ce Monsieur est un des nôtres puisqu’il a souffert pour nous.Obligé aprés mon retour en Canada en 1785, de repartir, j’ai eté quelque mois a New-york, je n’ai pas osé vous aller voir: j’ai donc grandement manqué a mon devoir dans la seule crainte de vous être a charge. J’ai eté de la aux ilinois et suis revenu a New-york en 1790, ou la même raison, malgré mon desir, m’a fait faire la même faute: Là je mis a la Banque 1500 piastres: Puis, la langue du péïs ne m’etant pas naturelle, je pris la resolution de retourner finir mes jours en Canada: Alors la difficulté d’en retirer la rente, et sa modicité n’etant pas capable de me faire subsister; je consentis a en faire heritier Mr. de la Forest, (qui m’avoit servi de procureur jusqu’à ce tems là). a condition qu’il m’en donneroit 11. pC C’est a dire 165 doll. par an, par quartier de 41. d. 1/4.Ore Ce Monsr. qui m’a payé exactement jusqu’à son depart, m’ecrivit de Philadelphie le 14. juill. 1795: disant: j’ai laissé ma procuration generalle a Mr. Tench Coxe Commissionner of the revenüe of the United States Wallace Street, vous pouvez vous addresser a lui pour votre rente, qui sera reguliérement et ponctuellement a vos ordres &c. En consequence mondt. sieur Tench Coxe me l’a payée en effet au moins 2. années de suite; Mais ayant ayant negocié l’été dernier 2. traites sur lui pour 5. quartiers qui m’étoient dus au 1er. d’Aout 1799. Ce Monsieur, je ne sai pour quelle raison, a laissé protester les 2. traites, disant: qu’il n’a point d’argent à moi. en sorte qu’il m’a fallu rendre l’argent et payer les frais.je sais que cette matiere ne vous regarde en rien, mais la tendresse de votre coeur me fait esperer, que si l’occasion se presente, vous voudrez bien dire un mot en ma faveur. L’on m’a dit que ce Mr. Tench Coxe n’est plus Commissionner des Revenues &c—Mais qu’il est Caissier de la banque.La rente qui m’est düe n’a aucun raport aux affaires d’Etat,—je ne m’en suis jamais mêlé.j’ecris par une autre occasion a Ce Mr. Tench Coxe et lui envois copie de mon titre et de la lettre de Mr. la Forest a son depart. afin qu’il ne soit pas Lui mème suspect en me payant une rente qui m’est si legitimement düeExcusez, je vous prie la liberté que je prends; je ne merite pas de vous une reponse, qui pouroit peut être me rendre ici suspect! Je me Contente de vous dire que je n’oublierai jamais la gracieuse entrevue dont j’ai parlé cy devant.J’ai l’honneur d’être avec le respect le plus affecteux / Monsieur et Cher President / Votre tres humble et tres obeïssant / serviteur

					 P: Huet de la Valinere ptre

					Vous voyez, mon cher President que mes malheurs augmentent au lieu de diminuer. la guerre Americaine a servi de pretexte pour me faire perdre tout employ ici. La guerre Francaise me fait perdre a present tout mon Patrimoine en France, dont je n’ai pas touché un sol depuis 1787. Et Mr. Tench Coxe je ne sai pour quelle raison semble vouloir me faire perdre le produit du reste de mon argent que je croyois avoir mis en seureté a New-york


Title: From John Adams to Richard Varick, 7 February 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Varick, Richard

Sir
Philadelphia Feb 7th 1800

I have received your favor of the 28th of last month, with two copies of Mr. Morris’s oration on the death of General Washington, and I pray you to present my thanks to the common council of your city, for this obliging mark of their attention. I had before read with much pleasure this oration, and found it distinguished among the multitude of productions on this melancholly occasion, which I have read, for its judgment and candor, as well as its elegance and pathos
I have the honor to be with great respect your very humble


Title: To John Adams from Stevens Thomson Mason, 7 February 1800
From: Mason, Stevens Thomson
To: Adams, John

Sir
Phila Feby 7th 1800

I yesterday received your card of invitation for thursday next. The last Session I declined a similar invitation in terms which tho’ guarded against giving offence, would I thought have saved me the unpleasant necessity of being more explicit.
I am now constrained to say that it is, and will in future be, out of my power to accept such civilities from you.
Having read your answer to an address from some of the militia of Bath County in Virginia. I can not reconcile it to my feelings, or to a sense of duty, to hold any intercourse with a man (however great his elevation) who conceives himself justified in treating with such gross indignity a State, which has highly honored me with its confidence, and of which I feel a pride in calling myself a Citizen.

Stes. Thon. Mason


Title: To John Adams from Rev. William Walter, 7 February 1800
From: Walter, Rev. William
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston 7 Feb 1800.

Count Rumford having enclosed to me two packages which I presume contain two of his Essays I hasten to forward them that your Excellency may have the great pleasure of perusing his long promised observations on the best & most œconomical Method of preparing our common Food, a Subject of no small Importance to Society but in the Knowlege of which, he says, we are shamefully deficient.
with great Respect / I am your Excellency’s / most obedt. / & very H Servt

W Walter.


Title: From John Adams to United States House of Representatives, 7 February 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States House of Representatives

					Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
					United States, February 7, 1800.

				In consequence of your request to me, conveyed in your resolution of the 4th of this month, I directed the Secretary of State to lay before me copies of the papers intended. These copies, together with his report, I now transmit to the House of Representatives, for the consideration of the members.

					John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 10 February 1800
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the senate
Feb. 10. 1800

I nominate Charles Lee Esq Attorney General to be a Commissioner to adjust interfering Claims with the state of Georgia in the Place of Samuel Sitgreaves Esq, who cannot attend that service

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Terry Davis, 10 February 1800
From: Davis, Thomas Terry
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Philadelphia Feby 10th 1800

By the Treaty of peace between the United States and the Indian Tribes North West of the River Ohio:—The Indians by an article in that Treaty was to give up all the white persons who were then prisoners with them. This article has been illy executed on their part: For they still retain white persons who were taken prisoners by them—
I Know of one instance: And have been informed of several—
Abraham Sharpe who lives in a few miles of me in the County of Mercer State of Kentucky has a Daughter with them: all his endeavors to regain her has been in vain.Capt. John Harberson who went several times into the Indian Nation for the Children of Capt. English who were not brought to Greenville according to Treaty informs me he saw and heard of about Thirty persons, who were retained by the Indians:—He has fortunately obtained both the Children he was after but it was by Stratagem & at great Hazard. I wrote to the Secretary of War on this subject last Winter and he promised to attend to it, but I have not heard anything more about it: I fear he has forgot it. If Sir you can adopt a plan that will induce the Indians to comply with the Treaty so as to cause the dilivery of those unfortunate people you will bestow lasting favors on their friends.
Accept the assurances of esteem from / your obt. sevt.

Tho. T. Davis


Title: To John Adams from Uzal Ogden, 11 February 1800
From: Ogden, Uzal
To: Adams, John

Sir;
Newark, Feby 11, 1800.

I send you, & post, two Discourses, occasioned by the Death of General Washington, which I have taken the liberty to inscribe to you, and hope your Goodness will pardon this Freedom. It will afford me great Satisfaction, if the Discourses shall be honored with your approbation.
With great Esteem and Respect, I am, /  Sir, /  Your most obedient, hble Servant

Uzel Ogden


Title: To John Adams from John Rowlett, 12 February 1800
From: Rowlett, John
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Bank of North America 12th. Feby. 1800

Be pleased to pardon the means I adopt to introduce my subject, for I should be proud to approach you sir with all the deference due to your exalted station and character
As you have ever been considered a patron to industry and to useful performances, I take the liberty to solicit your subscription to an arduous and expensive undertaking which has already received the unanimous sanction of the Presidents and Directors of the Banks of the United States of North America and of Pennsylvania:—I had previously submitted it to the examination of these Gentlemen, for whose use it is especially calculated, and whose approbation seemed therefore, most essentially necessary to establish a confidence in the groundwork of the performance; a blank is however left, which if you Sir, will do me the honor to fill up, I can with truth assure you that the whole of my family will ever revere you as one of the principal instruments to its future prosperity
Tomorrow Sir I shall do myself the honor to call for the Prospectus &c, herewith sent,—
With fervent wishes for your happiness, /  Permit me Sir, to subscribe myself /  Your devoted humble Servant

John Rowlett


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 February 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Treasury Department February 13th 1800

The Secretary of the Treasury, respectfully submits to the President of the United States, the following Report.
That the official proceedings of John Halstead Collector of the Customs for the District of Perth Amboy in New Jersey, have for some time past appeared to be greatly deficient in point of prudence, firmness and consistency, in some instances, exceedingly negligent and remiss, in others rigorous and oppressive, and in general tending to injure the Interests of the public, both by exposing the Revenue to loss, and by rendering the Laws odious, by an offensive and improper execution.
Although the Secretary is inclined to impute much of the evil which has been experienced to imbecillity and an improper confidence in Matthias Halstead, who has been employed in the Custom House in a subordinate station, yet he cannot resist the belief, that the Collector himself has been influenced by an unwarrantable desire of increasing his official emoluments, by a course of conduct tending to expose the Citizens to pecuniary penalties.
It is with regret, that the Secretary finds himself required to represent, a recent instance of oppressive and irregular conduct in the case of the Ship Elizabeth, James Wilbur Master, the particulars of which are disclosed in the papers herewith transmitted, being Copies of proceedings before the District Judge of New Jersey on a petition for the remission of a Penalty.
As the Collector has been pointedly admonished of his duty in respect to the Government and the Citizens in a Private Letter dated February 5th. 1799, a Copy of which is herewith transmitted, as the deficiencies then reproved, remain uncorrected; as Matthias Halstead, a man of notoriously bad character, has been since continued in the incompatible Stations of Deputy Collector and Inspector, and as the debt due to the public on account of monies advanced to discharge the pensions of Invalids remains undischarged; the Secretary considers it to be his duty to represent that the public Interest requires that the said John Halstead be removed from Office.
All which is respectfully / Submitted by

Oliv. WolcottSecy. of the Treasy.


Title: To John Adams from Edward Livingston, 14 February 1800
From: Livingston, Edward
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Friday 14th. Feby. 1800

Having last week had the honor of receiving an invitation to dine with the President of the US. I laid the card among my papers under an impression that it was for this day—It was therefore with extreme regret that I found my inattention had led me into a seeming rudeness which I assure you Sir I am incapable of designedly committing—
I am very sensible Sir that I have no right to call your attention from more important concerns—but it is of no small importance to me not to be deemed wanting in that Respect which owe and with which /  I have the Honor to be /  Very sincerely Sir /  Your Mo. Obdt Serv

Edw Livingston


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

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States Feb 15th 1800

I nominate Thomas Blow of Virginia to be Surveyor and Inspector of the revenue for the port of Smithfield in that State, in the place of Copeland Parker appointed to those offices for the port of Norfolk

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Uzal Ogden, 17 February 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Ogden, Uzal

Sir
Philadelphia Feb 17th 1800.

As I received your favor of the eleventh in due season, I regret that I have not till now been able to find a time to acknowledge it.—I thank you, Sir, for your two discourses on the death of General Washington, & for your eulogium on his character. There are in it more particulars of the biography of the General, which were new to me than in any other composition I have seen upon the melancholly occasion. The Anecdote of his resignation in 1775, was unknown to me. How many reflexions has it suggested. That same year, our Massachusetts Brigadier General Ruggles was comanded, through the whole campaign, by a British Ensign. It was the war of 1755, which ended in 1760; which wholly disgusted many Americans with the British nation. Their conduct was so haughty & disdainful, that Americans could not bear it. I was then just out of college & was very desirous of a commission in our army. But when I found in what manner, our Americans were treated, I rejoiced at my dissappointment of a Captains commission. The dedication of this valuable monument to me, does me great honor & has my best thanks.
With great esteem Sir I have the honor to be your obliged & obt sert


Title: From John Adams to A. Belen, 17 February 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Belen, A.

Sir
Philadelphia Feb 17 1800

I pray you to present my thanks to the French lodge, held in this city for their obliging present, of copies of a funeral oration, delivered on the melancholly occasion of the death of their illustrious brother, Gen Washington. This exquisite morsell of eloquence, does honor to Mr. Chaudron, the orator & is one of the handsomest compliments to the memory of the General. I am also much indebted to you for the agreeable manner, in which you have communicated the favor of the Lodge to / Sir your most obedient & humble servant.


Title: To John Adams from George Meade, 18 February 1800
From: Meade, George
To: Adams, John

Sir
Tuesday Feby 18th. 1800—

The Congregation of St. Marys Chappel, West side of fourth street, between Walnut and Spruce streets, wish to be honord with the Company of the President of the United States, Mrs. Adams, and Family, a quarter before 10 OClock on Saturday next, when an Oration will be delivered, by the Revd. Mr. Carr in Commemoration of the Death of our late worthy and ever to be lamented President of the United States General Washington. The Service will begin precisely at 10 O’Clock and will be over by half past 11 OClock, that we may not interfere with the Oration to be delivered at twelve, by Major Jackson.—
I have the honor to be with respect /  Sir /  Your devoted & most Obedt. hbe ser

Geo.— Meade


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 19 February 1800
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir,
War Department Feby: 19: 1800.

The enclosed proceedings of a Court Martial in the case of Lieut: Samuel Hoffman of the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry with a letter from Major General Hamilton dated the 18th. instant, is respectfully submitted to the President of the United States.
I have the honor to be, /  with the greatest respect, /  Sir, /  your most obedt. & hble. servant

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 20 February 1800
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Department of State Feby. 20. 1800

The Secretary has the honor to lay before the President
1. Mr. Liston’s note of Feby. 2. 1800 with papers referred to relative to the rescue of three American Vessels from the hands of the British captors, and for the restoration of which he is instructed by his government to apply.
2. Mr. Liston’s note of the 4th of February, together with his project of a treaty for the reciprocal delivery of deserters; which appears to the secretary utterly inadvisable,—unless it would put an end to impressments—which Mr. Liston seemed to imagine,—while the 7th paragraph of his project expressly recognizes the right of impressing British subjects, and consequently American Citizens as at present.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 20 February 1800
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Department of State Feby. 20. 1800

The Secretary of State has the honour to lay before the President the petition of Robert Fisher of Harford County, Maryland, committed to gaol in Baltimore for theft committed in the Island of Cuba, praying a Nolle prosequi may be entered.
Governor Howard has just been here with the father of the young man who anxiously waits your decision.
On the enquiries of the Secretary, two letters were produced, one from a reputable citizen, Jesse Hollingsworth to Governor Howard—the other from Robert Smith (a lawyer) to his brother General Smith in Congress. The father says he was opposed to the application for the nolle prosequi because he was of opinion  not be found against him. The Secretary presumes the opinion of Genl. Smith rests on the ground that the offence being committed in a foreign country is not  in the Courts of the United States.
Among the persons recommending the petitioner to the President’s clemency are Samuel Walker owner of the coffee stolen, & Pearl Durker  of the vessel to which the petitioner belonged as a seaman.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Christopher McPherson, 21 February 1800
From: McPherson, Christopher
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia Vine Street No 163 Friday the 21st of February 1800

On this day three Weeks ago I did myself the Honor of writing a letter to Your Excellency, Covering an Address to His Excellency the President of the U.S. and the Honorable the Senate of the Same; which letter I handed to a Servant in waiting within the door of Your Palace.—
It being actually Necessary for me to know, positively, before the 22d. of this Month, if that letter is gone safe to hand—hath induced me to take the present liberty—And I cherish the flattering hope, my greatly Honored Sir, that your goodness will graciously gratify my Wish on this Occasion.—
With Considerations of the highest Respect & Esteem /  I am Sir /  Your Mo. Obedt. & very Hble Servant

Christ: McPherson


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

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Feb 25th 1800

I have received your favor of the 17th & thank you for the information & opinion you give me respecting a dock yard which will be considered with all others upon the same subject in due time.—I thank you too for your letter, on a name for our Country. I have never thought much on this subject, & believe it had better be in silence for the present. Americans is a very comprehensive word, & has a tendency to conciliate all the inhabitants of the continent & the islands. I was announced at St James for several months as “the American Ambassador,” but the court considering the import & tendency of the appellation, gave new orders to the guards, and they afterwards announced “Mr. Adams” only. “Fas est & ab hoste doceri.” I never was pleased with the word Columbia, or Columbians. It is a little like Gun, drum trumpet, blunderbuss and thunder. Besides I dont admire such wonderful honors to a bold navigator & successful adventurer. His name has honor enough. Americus Vesputius was a man of taste, sense & letters & deserves perhaps more than the other, though both deserved well. I should prefer the simplest name of one syllable, like France or Spain, provided it was a bold & pleasant sound. We are such an Hotch potch of people—such an omnium gatherum of English, Irish, German Dutch Sweedes, French &c that it is difficult to give a name to the Country, characteristic of the people. I would prefer to Columbia Freeland, Sageland, Wiseland Goodland, proud land or humble land, but I believe it would be best expressed at present by Woodland. I should not dislike peaceland, but the name is enough to put the people to sleep & “Bellona” which I should prefer to Columbus would raise the evil spirit. I cannot think of any name, that would suit me. Braveland would be too ostentatious & Sweetland too childish.—I hope you will not think, I am laughing at your project—far from it. It is a subject of consequence & your letter is ingenious. Sett the Ladies to studying a name, & let me know their proposals.
I am with esteem & affection yours,


Title: To John Adams from Aeneas Mackay, 25 February 1800
From: Mackay, Aeneas
To: Adams, John

May it please your Excellency.
New York 25th February 1800 No. 51 Harman’s Street 7th Ward.

Nothing but the singular & particular distresses of the unfortunate man who with diffidence makes his unhappy situation known to your Excelly. can appologies for the liberty he takes of Addressing the President of the U States. It’s a common maxim, “That necessity has no Law—and is the mother of invention”—I am Sir, a Native of Sutherlandshire N. Britain, a Highlander, bred what is called a Gentn. born of respectable parents, and embraced the Proffession of Arms at the age of eighteen; in the Winter of 1756, continued in incessant service in Peace & War, untill 1777, at New York: I was so severely afflicted with an accute Rheumatism, that owing to that Malady, & to accomodate a growing family; I quitted my beloved proffession by the Sale of my Commissions of Lieut. & Adjutant to the 52nd Regiment of Foot—Not by any means from political motives. No Sir, it was absolutely an involuntary necessitous transaction. With the money arising from the Sale of my Commissions, I became a Mercht. or, Shopekeeper here. By several unexpected & unavoidable losses & disappointments, & having to do with people who knew more of my new trade than I did, in Eight years time I was not worth one penny. Notwithstanding the greatest œcconomy, and care. I have run through a rough Gauntlent ever since Sir; in endeavouring to keep my family a little longer together, untill they are stronger, & abler to help themselves. I have had eleven Children by my present spouse. They now consist of (the Best of Wives) which I marryed in Boston, at the Blockade of that place in 1775, and four Children, three of them very young. A Boy & three Girls. Myself 63 years of Age, pureblind, & very infirm. Particularly in Wet damp Weather. I kept a small Shop previous to last Summers Sickness with a very small stock, but the dispersing of the Neighbours, & customers to the Country to evade the Fever, soon left me nothing but bare Walls. Many friends here Americans, as well as Britons, who knew me in prosperity, have often assisted me for several years past, by Donations, but Sir, these temporary reliefs, ‘tho gratifying for the moment; only serve barely from hand to mouth. I have about two years past made Application to P. Edwd, now Duke of Kent at Halifax—and by H.R. Highnesses injunction to his Brother of York, with a hope that ‘tho I had no claim upon my native Country, having sold out, yet that I certainly had a claim on humanity &c. &c. and ‘tho I had very civil answers from their Secretarys, for want of old acquaintances to push, & represent my misery, I have received not a penny benefit from those Applications—‘tho well Certifyed from most respectable men here.
Give me leave to mention sir, that Colo. Wm. Smith, and his amiable consort some years past when they lived here, were very kind to me. I for a short time attended the Colonels two little sons, when he lived on Sandy Hill, to give them Lessons in the Rudiments of an English Education—Mrs. Smith has often furnished me with the indispensible necessarys of life for my little family—I shall never forget her kindness on a very trying occasion. Unhappily for me, they removed from hence soon afterwards. The present moment is so dark and gloomy here, on account of the late Annual Visitation of Epidemic, that my old friends have got tired of my reiterated applications, and I have no resource left. Should I throw myself on the City Corporation, the Alms-house would perhaps with difficulty be my lott. I tremble at the thought Sir, not for my Bodily sufferings there, but for my fine Children, free even as yet of the little Vices of Children, and educated by their old Sire with peculiar care. As I am unfit for any hardships from my age & infirmitys I am as often as possible employed in their Tuition. I will wave Sir, the observing my having been in the Service of Great Britain, it was also the Service of this Country, at a time when the Battles & interests of both Countrys were immediately  the same.
I am therefore a peculiar Object of Charity—I did not quitt my proffession as a Vagabond and a Traitor. No Sir, I quitt with reluctance, & Tears, from the best motives, to provide for an increasing family—Of all this I have the clearest and most Authentic doccuments. I am not in the least Apprehensive that you Sir, from your Wonted Benevolence, Justice, & Superior knowledge of mankind will in any shape discriminate me, for having by chance in my youth, fell into a Millitary proffession. I quit with honour, & the Approbation, & particular countenance of great Judges my respective Commanders. It was on my side an Error in Judgement, for which I have suffered hard. I have never meddled with politics, a genuine soldier of inferior Rank has no bussiness with them. I only wanted to get clear through life, so as to be able to provide for my family—I am disappointed. I have now no Earthly permanent resource, or, prospect—I have perhaps taken an unprecedented liberty in my mode of submitting my Singularly miserable situation to your Excellency. All my family are bare footed & otherwise very bare of Cloathing. I am disqualifyed now, from availing myself of the knowledge acquired in my youth in a Millitary education, improved by a long experience. I can therefore solicit for no employ in that line. I have ventured to address you Sir. I hope the Divine protector, and disposer, of Great & Small, that has so long preserved you for the good of your country, and who has often defended me (a mere Atom) in Eminent dangers in a long course of hazardous incidents; Inspires me at this moment with fortitude in making this last effort, to extricate myself & little ones in some measure from the many calamitys attendent on our very extraordinary situation in life. And may the Supreme Being continue your Serviceable life, & induce you to Assist, a very meritorious Suffering old man—I dare say this much, and can prove the Assertion. I once wrote well Sir—This Letter was written in the Month of November last & from a timid diffidence of its propriety, it has lain by ever since. And now finally without consulting any one, even the wife of my Bosom, I venture to forward it, post paid, In the fullest confidence that I will be excused for the prolixity of this Letter, not well knowing what part of it to retain, & the incorrectness that may occur, owing to age & infirmitys.
I beg leave to Subscribe / Your Excellencys / Most Obedient & devoted / Humble ServantAneas Mackay


Title: From John Adams to A. Belen, 27 February 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Belen, A.

Sir
Philadelphia February 27th 1800

I pray you to present my thanks to the French Lodge held in this city for their obliging present of copies of a funeral oration delivered on the melancholly occasion of the Death of their Illustrious Brother General Washington. This exquisite morcell of Eloquence does honor to M.—Chaudron the Orator, & is one of the handsomest compliments to the memory of the General: I am also much indebted to you for the agreeable manner in which you have communicated the favour of
Your most obedient & humble servant
Signed

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 27 February 1800
From: Knox, Henry
To: Adams, John

Private)My dear sir
Boston February 27 1800

The unalterable respect and affection I entertain for your talents and character dissipates all apprehension of offence in addressing you on the present occasion.
My feelings as a father whose fortitude is assailed and wounded by the conduct of a thoughtless and extravagant son will I well know excite your sympathy. A son acting under the delusions of Youthful passions which hurry him headlong into errors and crimes. But one (according to the view of a Parent to partial perhaps) who possesses a good heart obscured indeed and apparently obliterated by the mists and clouds of his indulgencies. I offer no excuse for his conduct which has so lacerated the hearts of his Parents.
But if the rejection by the senate of his nomination as a lieutenant was owing principally; to the reports of a sudden affray in this Town in which he was concerned, and which by the credulity and weakness incident to human nature has been greatly exaggerated, it is only another evidence of the irresistible force of prejudice. I complain not of the decision of the Senate. It must have been the consequence of an infusion of an individual who if I conjecture aright, possesses so corrosive a mind as to exclude the excercise of all liberality.
But I cannot refrain from thinking the rejection a personal indelicacy to myself, and a species of forgetfulness and ingratitude for past services which whatever were their value were performed with integrity and zeal for the public good. But this is the nature of the animal man, and I therefore ought not to complain. The direct disgrace of my son and the reflected disgrace on myself, is an act that is established.
The great and interesting personal question is what course shall he be directed to steer? On this point I respectfully submit my thoughts.
He was a midshipman marked by the head of the nation for promotion, which has been denied him by the constitutional authority. His seniority in the grade of midshipmen still continues during the pleasure of the President, or until dismissed by a  court martial according to Law.
I have therefore strongly enjoined him to continue to act as midshipman until he shall by a course of meritorious conduct have expiated and attoned for his past offences, and that on this condition alone depends his hope of happiness
The object of this letter is, that if you shall find that I am right in the idea of his continuance as a midshipman to solicit that you would be pleased to direct the secretary of the Navy to order my son into active service instantly as such. I have taken the liberty of enclosing to the secretary to whom I am not personally known an open letter to my son, containing my directions to him
I have been here for a moment, and shall in a few days return to St Georges where if if you have the leisure and goodness to reply to this letter I shall receive it
My not making a lengthy apology for the liberty I have taken will be the strongest evidence of my confidence in your friendship and kindness
That you and your Lady may enjoy all possible happiness in this world of mutation is the sincere desire of your / respectfully affectionate friend / and humble Servant

HKnox


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 March 1800
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My dear friend
Boston March 3d: 1800

The late collector of Portsmouth Mr. Whipple has often spoken and written to me respecting his removal from Office and wished me to converse with you on the subject which I declined being persuaded of the impropriety of the measure without evidence to substantiate the facts he set up. But at last upon his admitting the Justice of his removal upon the proof adduced in the case and giving up all hope of being replaced in his office and seducing his request to the two following points on which he wished I would converse with you Sir that the complaints were from the opposers of the Government whose sourness was increased from their feeling as delinquents the opperation of good and wholesome laws of this he supposes that he has the fullest evidence. And that he was and at all times has been attached to & a lover of our Constitution and the measures of Government and in all cases has been a firm supporter of them. I was induced to say that I would so represent the matter to you.—
As far as I can Judge of his feelings from his conversation and letters he seems to be more wounded that he should be thought unfriendly to our Government than from any pecuniary considerations. His great anxiety is if possible to impress on your mind this fact.
He confesses that his friend, and associates were on the other side of the question but that he was Always in opposition to them respecting political matters.—
Remarks were made with much severity on the circumstance of his declining to sign the Address. He supposed that the enemies to our Government would boast that the addressers were made up from the dependants on him whom they were addressing from these consideration he was restrained from signing and not from want of Affection for and confidence in you as President.—
If these observations founded on his own declarations shall in any degree remove the unfavourable impressions that he is or ever has been inimical to the Government or its administration they will have the effect he wishes.
I am most sincerely / My dear sir your / friend and obedient / servantB: LincolnMy best respects to Mrs. Adam tell he that I presume that I have experienced good from bleeding for that I have almost recovered my usual good state of health—


Title: To John Adams from Department of the Treasury, 3 March 1800
From: Department of the Treasury
To: Adams, John

3 March 1800

Dr. John Adams President of the United States, his Account of Compensation ... Cr.
To Warrants on the Treasurer for the following in favor of the PresidentBy balance as P Treasury Settlement No. 10,4384,0001799Amount of his Compensation from 4th March 1799March18Warrt. No. 9402600to 3d March 1800 per Treasury Settlement No. 11,30125,000April179611100May1496904,000
June2698622,000Septr.30164, 165, & 166 of 2000 eu6,000Novr.152802,000Decr.113342,0001800.Jany.204772,000March35663,000New Account for Balance7,300Dollars29,000Dollars29,0001800.March3  By Old Account, for balance, as per Treasury Settlement No. 113017,300.Since the above Settlement to the 3d. March 1800, the President of the United States is Debited with Warrant No. 3 for Two thousand  DollarsTreasury DepartmentRegister’s Office 7th April 1800.Joseph Nourse RT


Title: To John Adams from John Williams, 3 March 1800
From: Williams, John
To: Adams, John

Honoured Sir
March the 3d: A. Dom. 1800.

The great Esteem I have for your Excellencys conspicuous, humane, & virtuous Character, emboldens me through the medium of these Lines, to introduce to you, Sir, the Bearer of this, and to recomend him to your Favour & Goodness as an Object worthy of your Patronage & Aid; for he is an honest, sober, peaceable and virtuous Person, and a firm Friend to the Government of the United States, but a present in actual Distress; he having a rising Family, & had saved by his own Industry so much, as would have enabled him to set up his Business for himself, but as it was in some respect not convenient for him at that Time; he was prevailed upon by a Certain Man (who seem’d to be in good Circumstances) to let him have the Money for a few Years upon Interest; till he might meet with a good Opportunity to set up his Trade, but alas, has been so unfortunate as to lose the whole of it, (amounting to about 500 Dolls nearly) and is not able to recover any Thing, as the Mans Effects have been seized for the Mortgagees; and as the Bearer of this has become sickly since a few Years, so that he is often unable to work at his Trade as he did formerly, so the support of him & Family becomes more precarious; but if he was enabled to set up his Trade, (as a good Opportunity offers at present) he might be enabled by keeping a Journeyman & Apprentices better to Support his Family because he would have the whole Profit of the Trade to himself; but since he has been deprived of the very Means, to do this, by having lost his hard earned Money in the aforesaid Manner; therefore, permit me Sir, humbly to intreat you in his Behalf, & lend a kind Ear to my prayer, as I trust you have the Means to save him from Misery, and be so kind as to assist him with so much Cash as would enable him to set up his Business, for  the better maintaining his Family in an honest Manner; I need not to remind you, Sir, of the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ Be ye therefore mercifull, as your Father in Heaven is mercifull; but am convinced your noble and virtuous Mind will not hesitate to comply with my humble request to relieve an honest Family from perdition, when it is in your Power to do good; for what you bestow on the Bearer of this, will not be in vain; and your Kindness will be forever thankfully acknowledged and rememberd by him, and I shall, think myself very happy if my endeavours in Behalf of the Bearer should be crowned with Success.
May the Almighty pour down upon you and your Family abundant Blessings, and all Happiness now and hereafter is the ardent wish of your Excellencys / Sincere Friend & most humble Servant
John WilliamsMinister of the Gospel near Henkel Town.
P.S. Please to excuse the incorrectness of these Lines, and after you have perused them, I would beg you to comit them to the Fire, as I would wish to keep it secret between us.


Title: To John Adams from William Marshall, 4 March 1800
From: Marshall, William
To: Adams, John

May it please your Excellency
Philada. March. 4th. 1800

The Bearer of this William Fletcher (Son to William Fletcher an honest & industrious Man and member of the associate Church in this City) has been regularly bred to the Sea and I am well informed is sober and well behaved: He is desirous to enter into the Service of the Navy as a Midshipman, if your Excellency would be pleased to give him a Commission. For this purpose I now address you whom I highly honour and for whom desire to pray to the great Ruler of Nations to continue you in the exalted Station in which he has plac’d you as a blessing to the united States.
I am M may it please your Excellency / your most obedt.

William Marshallminister of the Associate Church.


Title: To John Adams from Henry Guest, 5 March 1800
From: Guest, Henry
To: Adams, John

Honour’d Sir
Brunswick the 5 March 1800

Altho it is With Some reluctance that The Subscriber Wishes to take up a Moment of your other most ardorous time—Yet he hopes to be Excused when The following Subject is honestly Laid before your Excelency for the Good As he takes it to your Administration—
A Mr. Cooper has brought forward a proposition and Congress and Senate have Come into it to purchase a tract of Land from the Natives About Lake Superior wherein I suppose He judges there is a Valluable Mine or bed of Copper Ore.
The Secretery Mr. Pickerin has my Letter Dated 25 March Laste Wherein A Short history of that Mine is Deliniated—Perhaps through the multiplicity of his buisness he has forgot to Acquaint Your Exelency therewith. But as may be Supposed He files his papers that comes to his offices Your Command may reach it—if through any neglect My Letter has not come to his hands I Am ready to Send you a Duplicate, therof whenever your Command shall reach me.
Possibly it May prevent a Long Wild Goose Chase, after what I believe is not in being in those parts of the Upper Lakes if No amunition is Spent in the Chase it might not, be of much Consequence to the public—
Moste Devoutly Wishing Your / Excelency Health and Happyness / throughout your Period of Life / I Am Yours.
Henry Guest


Title: From John Adams to Henry Knox, 10 March 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Knox, Henry

Philadelphia March 10. 1800

I have recd the favour of your Letter of the 27th. of last month, and feel myself much interested in the subject of it. Mr Stoddert had before shewn me your Letter to him and to your son and I had consented to the Idea Suggested in them. The Navy however is a Scene of momentous responsibility to me and if a ship should be lost by any Man for whom I shall have made myself thus exclusively answerable, you know what candid constructions will be put upon your / old Friend and humble sert
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Pynchon, 11 March 1800
From: Pynchon, Stephen
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir,
Brimfield (Masstts:) Hampshire County March 11th. 1800.

Under every discouraging circumstance, the writer hereof begs leave to approach Your Excellency.—Having but little of worldly honor to recommend him—and unknown to the Character he addresses—he approaches with diffidence.—Emboldened, however, by the Consideration of possibility of success in the object of his address, he throws aside all the timidity, naturally resulting from his scituation in life, and presumes—(perhaps unpardonably) to state to the consideration of humanity, in hope of relief to that sensibility which proceeds from misfortune and wounded pride, the following facts.—
About four Years gone, unfortunately for himself, he, like many of his deluded fellow Citizens, who were eager to accumulate property without the labor of earning it, dip’d deep (for him) in that fountain of political corruption speculation, and purchased lands in the Susquehannah Country, to the Amount of 1400 dolls.—
At this period—(the beginning of business with him) he was worth,—and still is worth but little.—But as the rage for speculation ran high and many had suddenly accumulated property by it, he presumed in the folly of Youth and at the vile instigation of a Couple of Sharpers of genteel dress and manners, passing through town, to risque something—to better his Condition.—Hence the above purchase was made—his notes to the above Amount were given—and the foundation of many poignant, disagreeable feelings laid.
Under the firm belief of selling the land he had purchased, immediately—and making a little profit thereby—he made a Journey to Boston & Providence with a view to the sale.—But as one disappointment is often followed by another—so here were no purchasers.—Other lands were selling—but mine his were without a sufficient recommendation. A Knowledge that the title was involved in doubt (of which he was not apprised) was here general. The Consequence of all this was the expence of about 60 dolls—and a shamefull return home to contemplate on that folly—which laid the foundation of many disagreeable reflections—and which, he trusts, will operate in the exercise of that wisdom, which may be profitable to direct him in his future Conduct.
Immediately after the Notes were given, the unprincipled Gentlemen who recd, sold, them in different parts of the Country—and are since broken and come to nought.—
But the whole of these are discharged, excepting to the Amount of about 400 Dolls—
A payment of this sum must be made by about the first of April, or the disagreeable consequence of a suit borne. A suit would be grating to my his feelings—and wounding to his pride of Youth. To raise the sum here is impossible for him, without the friendly aid of those, whose coffers are sufficiently full to admit of a small discharge.
But who are they—and to whom can he go for the supply of his Wants?!! To his parents he feels no disposition to apply—because, in the fullness of their goodness, they have done more for him, than can be done for those who are related to them in the same degree with himself.—
Their inability to do more for him, without injustice to them, therefore pleads so powerfully against the measure of requesting parental aid—that he chooses rather to suffer the Consequence of silence, than to make the Application.—
There is another reason also which forbids the measure.—After he had discovered that the title to the land was doubtfull, and was unable to sell it—he resolved to make the best of a bad bargain—to keep it to himself to prevent the chagrin of cants—and to pay his Obligations as they became due out of his Earnings.
But his resolutions he is unable to put into execution.—Altho he has discharged the greatest part of his Obligations—apart is set still behind, and must be paid—But to whom shall he Apply for the necessary relief?—To a stranger or to his Acquaintance? To persons high in dignity, and the Officers of their Country or to those who walk in the humbler paths of human life?—Among the latter he knows of none, who are able, without injury to their business at this time of pecuniary scarcity, to gratify their humane feelings in granting relief—and is it not presumption high presumption under his present circumstances in life to approach the former???!!
In Your Excellency’s private Character he however hopes and expects to find a disposition to forgive—should his present address be veiwed in a presumptuous light.
He therefore takes the liberty—perhaps unprecedented and certainly singular to ask the relief needed—not as a gift—but a loan—to run one year 18 Months—or 2 years as Your Excellency sees fit—consistent with the idea of giving him time to raise the Money from the little personal property he has & from a strict attention to his business.—
If Your Excellency think proper to grant his request and it be consistent with public business—he begs Your Communication on the subject.—
If the relief be granted—it can be communicated by Mail for Brookfield—or there can be made to him in person on Your Excellency’s return homeward.
As he has ever resolved to hide his folly—by keeping his bargain of folly to himself—not communicating a knowledge of it to his father or nearest friend—So he trusts Your Excellency will feel no disposition to impart it to those persons to whom for his Character he feels disposed to recommend a reference. (Viz) The Honble. Mr Lyman of Springfield & the Honble. Mr. Foster of Brookfield—both Members of Congress—to whom, if consistent and convenient, he desires Application to be made.—
The profession of the Writer Sir, is law—his instruction Colo. Worthington—He was born in Springfield—and is said to be the son of Wm. Pynchon Esq—His age 28.—
With due respect to Your Excellency and the Government at the head of which Your Excellency presides, / He has the Honor to be Your / Excellency’s most Obedt. & / Humble Servant—

Stephen Pynchon—


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 March 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Philadelphia March 12th 1800

I thank you for your favor of 24th Ult. I return the letter with the oration, because they are inseperably connected. I think the latter worth printing, at least as much so, as many others on the same occasion. I return it to you to save you the trouble of again transcribing it. Since you insist upon it, I am willing to think myself young, as long as the admonitions to the contrary are not too importunate
I am &c.


Title: To John Adams from William Allen, 12 March 1800
From: Allen, William
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Providence 12 March 1800

I observe the Bill for Establishing a general Stamp Office at the Seat of Government has Passed the Hon. House of Representatives—
Notwithstanding the high responsibility necessarily attached to that Office, I have from a Critical review of my past conduct in Life, Joined to the rectitude of my intentions for the future, thought fit to offer my self as a Candidate to Conduct the Stamp Office.—I am apprized that the importance of said office with its Pecuniary advantages may draw forth a host of candidates?—But Sir when we consider that this State has not a Single Citizen in any of the Principle Departments of the Government and when it is considered the early & decided part I took in the cause of Our Country, having remained Steadfast to her Interest till the close of the War; since which I appeal to your Own knowledge of my Unshaken and Uniform Attachment to the Federal Government, not hesitating to stand forth and assert its cause in all places, and in every Stage of its Progress from the grand Convention to its Compleat establishment & Ratification—May I not under these Considerations presume with some confidence to offer my Self a Candidate?—
You have also been a Witness to the decided part I took against Our Paper Money System.—in short my Political Creed & Private Character have at all times been Open to your View.—I now Pledge the whole of my past, for my Future good conduct; and engage  to do Justice to the warmest recommendations you may please to give of me to the President of the United States.—
I beg Leave here to mention and Enclose a Copy of the Recommendation of your Late respected Brother and My Friend Mr. Nicholas Brown, Where in I was recommended to the Late President of the United States for an appointment in the Customs It was Voluntaryly Written & signed by your Brother,—afterwards by your self, Mr. Francis and Judge Howell;—Deeming it improper to present it till this State had Ratified the Constitution.—It was, however, sent on by the first Mail after that event was Announced in Providence;—By this time Colo. Ruston had reached the Seat of Government as you will perceive by the enclosed Letter from Genl: Schuyler, then a Member of the Senate;—Altho the General is not now a member of the Senate, yet his then Opinion and Wishes may have great Wait with his particular Friends.—some of the Senate, and with Genl. Hamilton, Joined with your Self Mr. Foster, Mr. Greene, & Mr. Champlin,—Would form, could I engage their Interest, a most powerfull Diversion in my favour With the President. The enclosed Letter from Genl. Schuyler I will thank you to return me after making such use of it in the Primisses as you may think Proper. I have intimated this request to Mr. Foster of the Senate who I am fully persuaded will do all in his power for me, as would his Brother Mr. Dwight Foster.—
I beg you to be persuaded Sir, that I rely with the fullest confidence On your exertion to serve me On this Occasion; should I succeed, or not, it will Deserve & receive my gratefull acknowledgements—Not knowing the Bill had passed till Late in the Day, this letter is not so correct as I could have wished.
I have the Honour to be / Sir, your Most Obt. Servt.

William Allen


Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, 12 March 1800
From: Lee, Charles
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia 12th. march 1800.

The articles of household furniture belonging to the United States in the use of the President are to be considered attached to the office of President, and for the removing of them to the city of Washington Congress has already provided by the act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States. Upon this subject I have conversed with the Secretary of the treasury who concurs in this opinion. With perfect respect I have the honor to remain sir your most obedient & hble. sert

Charles Lee


Title: To John Adams from Pseudonym: "A.B.", 14 March 1800
From: Pseudonym: “A.B.”
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada. March 14th 1800

As there is a probability that Congress may empower the President of the United States to extinguish the Indian claim to the lands where the great bed of copper Ore is on or near Lake Superior. I take the liberty though unknown to you to mention Mr. Thomas Mendenhall as a person whom I conceive might be of essential service to the United States in an Undertaking of that Nature, as few men in my opinion possess abilities better adapted to such a task than he does; he is a good Surveyor, having had considerable experience in that line: he is also a pretty good Mettalurgist, understands fluxing most kinds of Ore, & I am told is master of a secret by which he can in less than 20 minutes flux the most refractory metals minerals & tell wheather it contains a metal and what that metal is; his mechanical genious is also pretty great and his knowledge of Mills, Furnaces & Water works, acquired by actual experience. I conceive would qualify him to Superintend the erection of such buildings and MachinAry, as would be necessary for fluxing the Ore & Laminating the Copper at the Lakes.—What his abilities as a negociator may be I know not but have little doubt of their being competent as I am well assured he is a man of strict honor & Integrity and a firm federalist & I am confident his diffidence will prevent him from accepting any appointment that he would disgrace—His character may be known by applying to the President of the Penny Bank, where he is no employed—I have no other view in this information than a wish to bring into notice, abilities that, I conceive may be usefull to the publick at large
I am with the highest / respect / Your most Obt. Hmbl. Sert.

AB


Title: To John Adams from William Gillespie, 14 March 1800
From: Gillespie, William
To: Adams, John

Sir
Glasgow, N.B. March 14th. 1800

The death of your illustrious Friend and Predecessor,—the Immortal Washington,—so much and so justly bewailed in America, has neither been unfelt nor unlamented in Britain. Here also the shock was felt. Here also the Friends of Patriotism and of Liberty mourned, and here the arts have ambitiously lent their aid to immortalize that Event, which can never be forgotten—
Early interested by principle in the prosperity of that high-favoured Country, which his Courage, his Genius, and his Celebrity have contributed so much to aggrandize, I was promted by veneration for the Hero of America to employ my art in recording the honours of his name, and diffusing the knowledge of his virtues.—will he who inherits so large a portion of these, and sustains so well the honourable and arduous station of his predecessor deign to accept this small memorial, conveyed by the hands of my son Colin Gillespie, Mercht New York and citizen of the United States—
I have the honour to be / Your Excellencys very humble servt.
William Gillespie


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 March 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Philadelphia March 15th 1800

The President desires the Secretary of State to send him as soon as possible a number of sea letters and Mediteranean passes for signature, sufficient for the years consumption that this cumbrous business may be out of the way.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Truxtun, 15 March 1800
From: Truxtun, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sir
United States Ship Constellation at Sea 15th March 1800

I have the honor herewith, to transmit You, a Copy of the report of a Committee, of the house of Assembly of Jamaica—appointed to inquire into the State of that Colony—as to trade, Navigation, Culture &c, which I presume cannot be unacceptable to you.
It appears sir to me, from the various Observations I have made, in the different West India Islands—that the inhabitants cannot exist, without vast inconvenience, and almost insupportable expence—Unless a free intercourse and exchange of Commodites with the United States, be permitted by the European Governments—and the great evidence of this fact—is—the high price of articles of the first Necessity—When from any Cause, their markets are a few weeks, without American Arrivals to Supply them—added to the universal murmurs of the planters Merchants &c (particulary in the British Islands) at every prohibitory order from the Mother Country.
Mr Elit. Fitch, who I had the pleasure to be with several times, during my short stay in Jamaica, desired me to make his best Compliments to You—and to say, that he would be in New York, in the Course of the ensuing Summer.
I have the honor to be sir, with the highest Respect—Your Very Obedient and very humble servant

Thomas Truxtun


Title: From John Adams to Rev. John B. Sim, 17 March 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Sim, Rev. John B.

Sir
Philadelphia March 17. 1800

I have received your Poem in imitation of the manner of Ossian, on the Death of Washington and thank you very kindly for the Present. Among all the elegant Productions upon this mournful Event which I have Seen I know not that I have read any one with more pleasure. The Novelty and Singularity of the Idea adds much to the Merit of the beauty and Pathos of the Execution of it. I think that Ossian would acknowledge you for one of his Sons of sorry, singing the deeds of Heroes. With much Esteem I am / your Friend & Sert

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Williams, 17 March 1800
From: Williams, John
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir
March 17th. 1800.

The inclosed Letter will be handed to you by Mr. Van Flick, as the Bearer alluded to in the Letter has been taken Sick, but as Mr. Van Flick is an intimate Acquaintance & Friend of mine, & his; you may confide to him any Thing you please for the assistance of the unfortunate Person, who was to be the Bearer of the inclosed Letter, and please to excuse my Freedom in applying to you, for to assist a good Christian & a peaceable Citizen—
I remain Sir / with the profoundest Respect / Your Friend / & humble servant

John WilliamsMinister of the Gospel


Title: To John Adams from Anonymous, 19 March 1800
From: Anonymous
To: Adams, John

March 19th: 1800

The desire, Sir, of making you acquainted with what I deem’d it important you should know, made me take the liberty of making you some time past an epistolary communication under the very appropriate signature of “a friend”. The motive which induced that, urges me to ulterior communications on the same interesting subject. My profound admiration of your conduct as chief magistrate—& apprehension that if the federal opposition to you continues Mr. Jefferson will be elected, will, I trust, excuse my occupying any of that time which is always so profitably employed. Your opponents are every day becoming more bold & sanguine. General Hamilton and Mr. Wolcot are organizing their plan of supporting Mr Ellsworth, & the military & revenue officers under the direction of their respective chiefs are to be arrayed against you. The fear of your disbanding the army has of late given them much uneasiness—This measure would they know render you popular amongst the great mass of the people, & take from them a powerful engine which, directed by its General, will they think be very operative. This fear however has passed by, & Sedgewicks party do not now think you will not disband the Army previous to the election. Mr Dayton, who talks openly of opposing your election, pledges himself that Patterson Howell & Stockton will support Ellsworth—Dayton says Sedgewick answers for Messrs Strong Hitchborn and Ames—He also says that Marylad will be managed by McHenry Craik Carrol & Harper—He further says the southern States will unite the Hamilton party when they are shewn that you stand no chance of succeeding. This, Sir, is the present State & Prospect of the Party. I pray to god you may be able to frustrate their diabolical projects!
If circumstances will not shortly admit of your disbanding the 12 Regiments—which will root you in the affections of the People, or doing some other very popular measure, the men who plot against you ought to be conciliated, or they will succeed. Pray Sir do not neglect my advice because I cannot now give you my name. Those who are most near to your person are your most bitter enemies. Beware of the confidence of Cesar lest you share his fate: He had as much confidence in Brutus as you have in your Secretaries your Generals or in Dayton Sedgwick or Bayard.

Yr friend


Title: To John Adams from James F. Armstrong, 21 March 1800
From: Armstrong, James F.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton March 21st 1800

Your Excellency will excuse me for again brining my name to view in application for some appointment under the general Government—during last summer and fall there was great probability I should never more have troubled you upon this head—it now appears as if Providence would restore me again to some measure of health & strength—any office the execution of whose duties might be principally attended to within doors I trust I would be able to discharge—I beg leave therefore to offer myself as a candidate for the Stamp office, or for any other in your Excellencies appointment the duties of which I may be able to discharge & which would afford a moderate support for my little family—the publick functions of a Preacher I am unable to perform—I look not for honour or emolument—but for a barely adequate maintenance for my family—
I am with the greatest respect / Your Excellencies, / humble servant

James F. Armstrong


Title: To John Adams from Jabez Bowen, 21 March 1800
From: Bowen, Jabez
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Providence March 21st 1800

William Allen Esqr. who was a Major in the Rhode Island Regiment in the Revolutinary War, a Brave Officer and a worthy Citizen, solicits the Appointment of Stamp Master for the United States. He possesses a handsome property and has a Commission as a Brigadier in the Militia of this State.
If it should be consistent with your other Arrangments your Appointing him to that Office will much Oblige Your Excellencyes Most Obedient and verry Humb Servant.
Jabez Bowen


Title: To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 21 March 1800
From: Morse, Jedidiah
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir,
Charlestown Mar. 21. 1800

The report concerning Mr Evans, whh you intimated to me had operated in in your mind to prevent his appointment to a Chaplaincy in the army, has led me since my return to make some enquiry in respect to its probable foundation; the result has fully confirmed me in my opinion of his innocence. During his ministry at Concord nothing of the kind was alledged against him by his enemies—& he had those in his own Parish who would have known this fault, had he been addicted to it, & would not have been backward to have bro’t it forward against him. The Clergy of N Hampshire, at their last Convention, unanimously chose him, as I am credibly informed, to preach their Convention Sermon—They have had the best oppy. to know his character & wd. not have given their voice for such an appointment, had his character suffered under such a blemish—He has been much in this town, & has here some who watch him to find fault—This has never been hinted, as I have heard—I am therefore constrained to believe that he is not justly chargeable with the vice of intemperance—He has ever been a warm & I believe an upright friend to his country, & has exerted his influence and talents to support and advance its interests—He is now at liberty and disposed again to enter into her service, & I firmly believe would serve her cause with fidelity, zeal, & acceptance.— In point of talents, respectability, experience, & probable usefulness & acceptance, in the army, in my opinion he stands very far before the gentleman Mr. S——t whom you mentioned to me had been recommended for the appointment.–
If, in the organization of the army Chaplains are to be appointed, I know of no man, who is a Candidate for the office, more deserving of it, or who would fill the office to more universal acceptance than Mr Evans.–
I have delayed writing you, Sir, on the subject of the Dock, till I shall have seen Mr Humphreys who is hourly expected from the Eastward–I fin’d Boston are attempting to wrest it from us if possible, & to have it established on Noddle’s Island whh would completely ruin this town–But should it be established in this town Boston wd. be as much benefitted by it as if it were at the Island–I presume Govt. will fix on the best place on the whole & judge righteous judgment.  With the Government I am willing to rest the decision–
With best respects to Mrs Adams, I am, Sir, with / the highest respect & esteem / Your most obdt. / servt.

Jed. Morse


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 March 1800
From: Pickering, Timothy,McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department March 21st. 1800

We have had the honour in obedience to your commands maturely to consider the papers and subject referred to us in your letter dated 29 January Ultimo, and the law of Tennessee passed the 26. October 1799 and a letter from the Governor of the said State to William Cocke and Joseph Anderson Senators and William Charles Cole Claiborne Representative of the State of Tennessee in the Congress of the United States dated 9. December 1799 and have thereupon formed the following opinion.
That it appears to us, that the stipulation in the fifth article of the Treaty of Holsten made in 1791 has been mutually carried into effect by the United States and by the Cherokees, by the Second and Seventh articles of the Treaty of Tellico in 1798 which establish the road from Southwest point to Cumberland Mountain as known and used in 1798 to be the road stipulated in the Treaty of Holsten. Consequently nothing remains for the United States to demand from the Cherokees on this subject until a new agreement shall be made.
That when a proper disposition in the Cherokees shall be manifest either to cede the district of Country through which the road from the ford upon which now is proposed to pass to the present road as mentioned in the Governor’s letter, or when the Cherokees shall be willing to cede the use of a road through that district we think it will be proper to come to an agreement with them upon the subject; it being desireable to accommodate the people of Tennessee in this respect, as soon as the thing is practicable
That from Colonel Butlers letter to the Secretary of War dated the 5. February Ulto. copy of which is annexed, no encouragement can be drawn immediately to attempt to make any such arrangement with them—
We have the honor to be / with the greatest respect / Sir / Your most obedt. Servants
Timy. PickeringJames McHenry


Title: To John Adams from James Kemp, 26 March 1800
From: Kemp, James
To: Adams, John

Castle Haven, March 26. 1800

Allow me, Sir, to offer you a copy of a Sermon preached on the day of mourning for your illustrious Predecessor. Should you find leisure, amidst your numerous and important duties, to peruse this performance, I have only to request, that you will think of the parable of the poor Widow casting her mite into the treasury.
I cannot omit this opportunity, as being the only one which perhaps I may ever have, of declaring to you, the lively joy which I have experienced, at the great regard, that on all suitabe occasions you have ever expressed for the Christian Religion. Such expressions, and especially when accompanied by a conduct entirely conformable, from the first Magistrate of so great a Nation, I have indeed found by experience, to be of incalculabe benefit; particularly at a time, when such unwearied efforts were made to raise, upon the ruins of this divine and amiable system, a most profane & wide-wasting Infidelity.—
With the most sincere wishes for your health & happiness, I am / Sir / with much esteem / your humble servant.
Jas. Kemp