Title: To John Adams from William Lake, 2 January 1793
From: Lake, William
To: Adams, John

(Copy)SirFalmouth 3 January 1793

Having imparted to our mutual Friends Messrs: W. & J. Willink of Amsterdam, my wish to procure the Appointment of American Consul at this Port, they very politely presented me with the enclosed Introduction, & recommendation to your Excellency, for that purpose, the Necessity of the Appointment, I make no doubt is well known to your Excellency, as well as the general Advantage and Conveniency, which would result from it to the numerous Citizens of the United States who have occasion to touch at this Port for the Purpose of obtaining Information as to the Situation of the Different European Markets for American Produce, or otherwise, & I flatter myself the Recommendation of our above mentioned will fully Satisfy your Excellency as to the respectability of the Person for whom they Interest themselves, and his Capacity, & inclination to discharge the Duties of the Office, with Honor to himself, and every possible Attention to the Interests of the subjects of the United States, therefore I presume it needless to mention any thing further, on that Subject, than to assure that during a long residence with them, we ever Coincided in our endeavors to promote the Interest of the United States on every Occasion.
Having said thus much, I take the Liberty to Sollicit of your Excellency such an Appointment; or shou’d it remain in the Province of the Secretary of State, that you will be pleased to hand him this Letter, accompanied with Messrs: Willinks’ Recommendation, which I presume will have equal weight with him as your Excellency.
With Assurances of profound respect, I have the Honor to Subscribe myself Sir / your Excellency’s Most Obedient /  Humble Servant
Wm. Lake


Title: To John Adams from André Jean La Rocque, 2 January 1793
From: Rocque, André Jean La
To: Adams, John

					Monsieur
					New-york ce 2 janvier 1793.

				J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire, Le 8 du mois dernier, en réponse à la mienne du mois Précédent. Les objets dont je m’occupe, Sont liés à L’intéret public, et n’en Seront que plus dignes de fixer votre attention. J’espere me rendre à Philadelphie, La Semaine prochaine. Ma premiere affaire Sera de Vous présenter mon respect, aussitot que j’y Serai arrivé. Ensuite, je Vous demanderai vos bontés. Si les travaux que j’ai faits ici, Vous Paroissent favorables, à votre pays: c’est le jugement, qu’en ont porté les personnes, que j’ai consultées a New-york, et aux quelles je Suis redevable des avis, Sur les quels je me Suis dirigé. On m’a assuré que les principes, que j’invoque, et qui Sont ceux de L’Europe, Sont également ceux des principaux membres des États unis, et qu’il ne leur a manqué que l’occasion de Les appliquer. L’essay Sur le droit canon et le droit féodal, dont vous Parlez avec La modestie qui vous est naturelle, a été imprimé en 1784. J’en ai vu un exemplaire, qui avoit ete donne a Adeunet; et j’ai pensé que c’etoit à vous qu’il en etoit redevable mais, actuellement je crois me rappeller qu’il le dut à Mr Abeil Secrétaire du commerce, ou au Pere de Mr. Genet. Cet ouvrage, Monsieur, quoiqu’ écrit en 1765, posoit déja les principes, qui Seroient le fondement de Votre liberté; et qui l’eussent été aussi de la notre; Si la france avoit eu des Génies tutélaires; mais, elle manquoit de cet avantage, qui Seul a fait les Succés de votre Patrie. Dès 1789, je répétois Sans cesse à mr de Gouvion et à M Bailly, qu’il étoit impossible de dire où notre révolution S’arréteroit; parce que personne n’en etoit L’Ame: on y Savoit mettre La multitude en mouvement: elle détruit et ne rebati point. mais, ce Sujet, Si je m’y abandonnois, me meneroit trop loin. Je le quitte. Je Suis avec Respect / Monsieur / Votre tres humble / et tres obeissant Serviteur

					La Rocque


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 5 January 1793
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Boston January 5. 1793

The bearer of this Letter, Mr. D’Hauteval, is a french Gentleman from the Island of St. Domingo, where he had lately the misfortune to lose a plantation of great value, by the devastation of the insurgent negroes. He has been about two months in this town, where I have frequently had the pleasure of meeting him in Company, and where his amiable manners have entitled him to as much esteem, ás his misfortunes had claimed respect. He now proposes to spend a short time at Philadelphia, and I take the opportunity in compliance with his wishes, and at the same time as a gratification of my own, to introduce him to your acquaintance.
I am, dear Sir, your affectionate Son.
J. Q. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 5 January 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Adams, John

Confidential.
Sir.
War-department, January 5th 1793.

In obedience to the order of the President of the United States, I have the honor to submit to the Senate, a message of the Cornplanter, and New Arrow, to Major General Wayne of the 8th ultimo—The Subject of indian affairs being under the consideration of Congres, the President has conceived it proper, that they should be possessed of the message now submitted.
I have the honor to be, / Sir, / with great respect, / Your most obedt: Servt:
H KnoxSecy of War


Title: From John Adams to Frederick Bull, 7 January 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Bull, Frederick

Sir
Philadelphia Jany. 7th. 1793—

I thought I had agreed with you at Hartford that you would take my Horses from r David Bulls and send them on to N. York where I expected to hear of thier arrival in three or four days, and at an expence of four or five dollars, or at the utmost of seven or eight for this was the amount of the conversation between you and Mr. Buisler who attended me. You may judge then how much I was surprized when an account was brought to Philadelphia amounting to more than Five Pounds, of New England Lawful money, barely for riding or leading the Horses and their keeping on the road, and this surprise was not a little increased when another account arrived amounting to more than Five Pounds more for keeping the horses at Hartford; besides in this last Account, I was charged for keeping the Horses at Hartford from the 19th. of Nov. the day I set off from my own House at Quincy near Boston. It was the 25th. of Nov. that I left Mr David Bull’s House, and I have his receipt for the money I paid him for keeping the horses, till the time of my departure from his house. In short I cannot comprehend the mystery, that an expence which ought to have been four Dollars has been swelled to more than Ten Pounds, nor can I see why four days which where amply sufficient to have removed the horses to N York has been protracted to near as many weeks.
I suppose however it is too late for me to obtain complete justice without an appeal to the laws which I have neither leisure nor inclination to do. I therefore desire that either you or Mr David Bull would settle with the person who carried the Horses to N York and correct the manifest errors in both Accounts, form them both into one. Sign it, and send it to me, and I will pay what shall be justly due or necessary to be paid.
I am Sir your most obet. & humle. Sert
J A


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 16 January 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department January 16. 1793.

I have the honor to transmit herewith, persuant to the order of the Senate, of yesterday, the following documents—viz
Books, No 1 and 2, containing the current Cash Account between the United States and the Bank of the United States from the commencement of the operations of that Institution until this day.
Files A, B, C, D
A containing a series of accounts beginning the 16th of June 1792 and ending the 5th of January 1793, shewing the Cash Account of the United States with the Office of Discount and Deposit of the Bank of the United States, at Boston
B Containing a series of accounts beginning the 23d of May 1792 and ending the 5th of January 1793 shewing the cash Account of the United States with the Office of Discount and Deposit of the Bank of the United States at New York.
C Countaining a series of accounts beginning the 9th of August 1792 and ending the 5th of January 1793 shewing such similiar Accts. with the Office of Discount & Deposit at Baltimore.
D. Containing a series of accounts beginning the 9th of June and ending the 22d of December 1792 shewing similiar cash Accounts with the Office of Discount & Deposit at Charleston.
Statement E being an Abstract of the balances remaining in the several Offices of Discount and Deposit at the respective periods of the last Returns.
Statements A B and No 1, 2, 3, being Accounts of the sales of Bills on Amsterdam by the Bank of the United States and the several Offices of Discount and Deposit.
These documents fulfil the first object of the order abovementined—
Statement F Shewing the Surplus of Revneue apropriated to the purchase of the public debt.—This surplus arose at the end of the year 1790, and was appropriated by an Act of the 12th of August 1790.—
This fulfils the second object of the order as I understand its meaning.—
Statments (printed) No I. II. III. IV.
These have been heretofore presented to the House of Representatives and shew with as much detail and accuracy, as is now in the power of the Treasury, the different loans which have been made persuasant to the Acts of the 4th and 12th of August 1790, and their application, as far as it has gone—.
These loans having been contracted, in virtue of the powers communicated by both Acts, without particular reference to either, a specification of the loans made upon each is of course not practicable. This mode of proceeding was indicated 1st by an intimation from our Bankers in Holland that a distinction might prove an embarrassment (being a novelty, the reason of which would not be obvious to the money lenders), 2dly, by the consideration, that if the loans were made upon both Acts indiscriminately, their application could be regulated, as circumstances, from time to time, should render advisable.
These documents fulfil, as far as is practicable, the 3d and 4th objects of the order.
Statement G—shewing the probable unappropriated surplus of the public Revenue during the year 1792.
This fulfils, as far as can now be done, the last of the objects comprised in the order of the Senate.
But by way of explanation, I beg leave to refer to the printed Statement D, which accompanied the estimate for the service of the present year, reported to the House of Representatives, on the 14th of November last....and which is herewith transmitted.
The Books, No 1 and 2, the papers contained in the files A B C & D and those marked A B No 1, 2, 3, are originals.—They are sent, rather than transcripts, to avoid delay; as it is understood that the statements called for have reference to the deliberations of the Senate on the Bill making appropriations for the service of the current year.
I suppose it would be most agreeable to the Senate to be enabled, as soon as possible, by the receipit of the information, they have required, to proceed to a decision on that important subject.—And exposed as I am to very perplexing Dilemmas, for the want of the requisite appropriations, in consequence of arrangements which it was my duty to enter into, to be able to keep pace with the exigencies of the public service, I could not but feel a solicitude to hasten the communication.
As the Originals, which have been mentioned, are neccesary Documents of Office—I request that the Senate will be pleased to cause them to be returned, as soon as they shall have answered the purpose, for which they have been required.
With the most perfect respect, / I have the honor to be, / Sir, your Obed and humble Servant.

Alex HamiltonSect of the Treasy
   “Books Nos 1 & 2” & “Files A.B.C.D.D” were returned & are not now, to be found

   For these statements see No. 41.

   For this statement see No. 46 Page


Title: From William Moultrie to John Adams, 19 January 1793
From: Moultrie, William
To: Adams, John,United States Senate

				To the Honorable John Adams Esquire, President of the Senate of the United States in Congress Assembled,

					Charleston January 19th 1793

				The Memorial of the Officers in behalf of themselves and the Non–Commissioned Officers and Privates of the late Army of the United States now Residents in South Carolina,—ShewethYour Memorialists happy in seeing their Country possessed of Peace, and flourishing under a respectable Constitution, presume to come forward and to lay before your Honorable House, such of their Grievances as can only be remedied by your Authority—When Despotism aimed at Subjugating these (now) United States, Duty and Love to our Country, brought us into the Field as Soldiers,—We opposed the bold Invaders of our Natural Rights, We encountered and finally expelled our Enemies;—We experienced in the Arduous Struggle, Hunger, Sickness, Nakedness and Penury, We sought the general Welfare of our Country and were instrumental in obtaining it—Our Families for a great Portion of this time, were neglected, our private property ruined, Age and Infirmities encreased on us, We saw and felt, yet, patiently preserved;—At the close of the war, our Worthy Chief, who had noticed our Actions and Knew our Sufferings, assured us, that our Country would be gratefull, we should be rewarded!On this Occasion, We felt a double Pleasure, for we had done our duty, and were to receive our Reward; We had secured Peace and established Freedom in the Land, and we were, from the Assurances of Congress possessed with Pleasing Hope; of returning each to his own Home and be enabled by the Justice of that Congress to enjoy a Competency, These Hopes soon Vanished like a Dream;—Your Memorialists received Papers which carried no specific Worth, the form of Payment was indefinite, and became every day, from thence, apparently more distant, Faith was wanting and Goverment was not Possessed of Sufficient Energy, to support and establish it’s Credit, thus situated, Your Memorialists Pressed by want, destitute of Resources, many ruined, and of Course friendless, were obliged to Part with their hard Earnings at such Value as they could obtain,—Your Memorialists saw with Grief how fatal to their future Hopes, such an Act would be, Nevertheless, the Pressure of the Moment was too Great, they sunk under the weight, and were Compelled to Submit, this was not in Idea with your Memorialists when they Received what was termed a Compensation, if they, ignorant of the Power of Government in that day in it’s Resources, have been imposed on,—Now that Stability in Government is attained, Your Memorialists seek redress: for their Losses and Attendant Poverty, have not proceeded from dissipated morals, nor from any Culpability in themselves, it proceeded from the Necessities which followed them in Consequence of devoting their Whole time to the Service of their Country—Signed in behalf of the said Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates—

					Willm: MoultrieMajr General of the late Army of the United States and Chairman of the General Meeting


Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 21 January 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War–department January 21st 1793.

I have the honor respectfully to submit to the Senate, a report on the petition of Lewis Garanger
I am Sir, / with great respect, / Your most obedt: Servt:

H Knoxsecy of War


Title: From John Adams to James Hutchinson, 24 January 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Hutchinson, James,Williams, Jonathan

Gentlemen
Philadelphia January 24. 1793

I have received the Letter you did me the honour to write me on the twenty Second of this month and I pray you to present to the American Philosophical Society established at Philadelphia for promoting Useful Knowledge, my Thanks for the honour they have done me, by my Election into that Body on the Eighteenth instant.
My best acknowledgements are also due to you, Gentlemen for the polite and obliging manner in which you have communicated to me, the information of this pleasing event.
I have the honour to be / with much esteem / Gentlemen / your most obedient / and most humble servant
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 24 January 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department January 24. 1793

An order of yesterday from the House of Representatives renders it necessary that I should have recourse to the Treasurers Bank Books and the Accounts of the several Offices of Discount and Deposit which were lately transmitted to the Senate.
I request that the Senate will be pleased to cause them to be returned. After the purpose has been answered they will be sent again to the Senate for such further examination as they shall deem requisite. With perfect respect, /  I have the honor to be Sir / Your obedient & / humble servant
Alexander Hamilton


Title: To John Adams from John Montgomery, 24 January 1793
From: Montgomery, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston 24th January 1793

I having the honour to be personally acquainted With your Excellency precludes the neccessaty of troubling you With a letter of introduction from a particular Friend here therefore begs leave to take the liberty of requesting your good intervention on the subject of a Memorial of my Brother Robt, rescited this past to his Excelly Thomas Jefferson soliciting the American Consulship for the port of Alicante should you suppose his merits therin Auhenticated entitled to your respectable interference in Which presumption he trusts in your friendship as representing what may appear consistant in this business Which piece of favour and mark of distinction will make a lasting impression on him and on / Sir / Your Excelly / Obt Srvt
John Montgomery


Title: To John Adams from John Cosens Ogden, 25 January 1793
From: Ogden, John Cosens
To: Adams, John

Sir
Portsmouth Jany 25th 1793

I transmit you a copy of a Political rarity—which a very few men were degenerate enough to send for a day dedicated to the celebration of the progress of Liberty.
You who are a Lawyer & Statesman, will make those comments in your own thoughts, which may perhaps awake a care for the liberty of the press—the honor of law, and safety of the citizen. As it came from a party, at first I intended to have requested you to have laid it on the table of the Senate, among any periodical papers, which may amuse the leisure moment of its members.
"The Managers of the Civic feast present their compliments to Mr———, Ask the favor of his company to dine, on Thursday next at the Assembly room—2 O’clock, also any friend of his, (Except) the writer of a piece in a late paper, on the situation of ecclesiastical affairs in a neighbouring state, which author cannot be  permitted to Associate with the Citizens of ———."
This immerited insult, met with general reprobation—The person to whom it was sent was not yet so degenerate, as to forfeit his liberty, honor & virtue for a dinner—but referred the writers to Paine on the rights of man—and the law writers on the liberty of the press.—The Star Chamber and Inquisition court, could not dictate a bolder assault on  law & patriotism.
I do not send it, for to draw an opinion or correspondence, but, wish to lay the progress of the plunderers & enemies, of The Church in this quarter, from time to time, before the leading Laymen of this Generation—Trusting that Providence will incline the heart of some one to step forth, and examine whether there exists any just cause for complaint—and point out a mode for redress—Such an one religion, morality & America will bless forever.
I am Sir / with unalterable esteem / Your devoted servant

John Cosens Ogden


Title: From John Adams to John Singleton Copley, 27 January 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Copley, John Singleton

Dear Sir
Philadelphia January 27. 1793

I have it, at length, in my Power to inform you that I have received the two Copies of your admirable Picture of The Death of The Earl of Chatham. The Copy designed for the President of the United States I had the honour to deliver to him in Person, who requested me to make you his Compliments and present you his Thanks for your obliging Attention. Soon afterwards he desired me to transmit you the inclosed Letter, which I presume expresses more fully his Sensibility of your Politeness.
The Copy intended for me, I shall preserve with great care, both as a Token of your Friendship as a finished Monument of the Fine Arts from one of the greatest Masters and as an indubitable Proof of American Genius. Be pleased to accept of my Sincerest Thanks for it. remember me to your amiable Family and all my old Friends and believe me, with great and Sincere Esteem your Friend and / humble servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 30 January 1793
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

Philadelphia 30th Jany 1793

Mr. Gerry presents his respectful compliments to the President of the Academy of Arts and Sciences of Massachusetts & incloses him a letter from Mr. Carmichael Chargé des Affairs at the Court of Madrid, part of which was by him intended to be communicated to the Academy.


Title: From John Adams to John Trumbull, 31 January 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Trumbull, John

My dear Sir
Philadelphia January 31. 1793

Are you acquainted with the natural History of Mother Careys Chickens? I know not the Latin Name of these chattering Birds, having never consulted the Dictionaire D’Histoire naturelle, nor Buffon nor Tournefort for information concerning this important Subject: but as a Mariner I have had frequent Occasion to curse the rascally Species of Mischief makers. In the calmest Moments at Sea, they Surround the Ship, and fill the Ears of the Sailors with a mixt sound So ambiguous that you can scarcely know whether they are laughing or Scolding. The Superstitious foremast Men are So affected with their Gibberish, that they are filled with gloomy Presages of Storms and Shipwreck and every Species of bad luck: and Such is the contagious nature of these Passions that the old seamen and most experienced officers Seem in some degree infected with the general Terror.
There is a little contemptible flock of these disastrous animals about our federal Ship at this Moment, Mathew and John are here—James is at Richmond. James wrote Henrico to himself.—John, writes Cincinnatus Mirabeau, and most of the other vile abuses in the national Gazette. A sett of despicable Fugitives from Justice in Ireland whether in Case of Debt or Crime it Seems are able to disgrace the American Nation in its own Eyes as well as in the sight of Europe. But the most abominable part of the whole Story is that these people are perpetually about a Jefferson, a Madison and a Beckley.
I do not write this of my own certain knowledge but I have heard it, and have no reason to disbelieve it.—It may be a curious Clue to you but you will not compromise me, nor make any other Use of it, than to Suggest further Inquiry and more certain evidence. I have read Several of the Ecchos and the 2d. and 3d American. An infernal faction have deserved it all. your Sincere friend


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 5 February 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department February 5. 1793

By order of the President of the United States, I have the honor to transmit herewith...
I. Copies of a power given by him to the Secretary of the Treasury for the time being dated the 28th of August 1790, for the negotiation of the loans authorized by the laws of the 4th and 12th of August 1790 and of certain instructions relative thereto dated on the same day.
II. Copies of an authority founded upon the power of the President from me to William Short, Esquire, dated the 1st of September 1790, and of sundry letters from me to the said William Short, of dates from the 29th of May 1790 to the 31st of December 1792, inclusively, relating to the negotiation and application of the above-mentioned loans.
III Originals of sundry letters from William Short to me under dates from the 2d of December 1790 to the 2d of November 1st of February 1792, inclusively, relating to the same subject.
IV Copy of an authority from me to Messrs Wilhem and John Willïnks Nicholas and J Van Staphorst and Hubbard, Bankers of the United States at Amsterdam, dated the 28th of August 1790, relating to the first of the loans, made under the above mentioned Acts, and Copies of sundry letters to the said Bankers, of dates from the 28th of August 1790 to the 31st of December 1792, inclusively,
V Originals of sundry letters from the said Bankers to me of dates from the 25th of January 1790 to the 5th of November 1792.
VI Copies of sundry letters of dates from the 18th of June to the 24th of September 1792, exclusively, between G Marris and W Short, Esquires, having relation to the above subjects.
The general power from the President to the Secretary of the Treasury of the 28th. of August 1790 and the communications from William Short, Esquire, who has been the only Commissioner, would, it is presumed, have fulfilled the terms of the Resolution of the Senate of the 23d of last month; and are transmitted pursuant to the request contained in that Resolution.
But the President has been pleased to direct the transmission of the other documents also, in the supposition, that they will serve to throw light upon the general subject of that Resolution.
With perfect respect, I have the / honor to be, Sir, Your mo. Obedt and / humble Servant
Alex HamiltonSecy of the Treasry


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 5 February 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department February 5. 1793

In pursuance of the first part of the order of the Senate of the 23d of January past, I have the honor to send herewith Sundry Statements marked A, AB, B, a, D, E, F, and I beg the permission of the Senate to add the Copy of a letter dated yesterday; which served to transmit duplicates of the same documents of the House of Representatives; and which contains some explanation of them; a repetition of which here will be thereby rendered unneccessary. The document C referred to in that letter was also sent to the House of Representatives, being of considerable length, a duplicate is not yet ready; and I did not think it adviseable to detain the other papers till it was ready.
The documents now transmitted will answer the whole of the enquiry contained in the first part of the order above referred to, except what regards a distribution of the expenditures under each head of appropriation; which is in preparation and will be forwarded as soon as it can be ready.
The situation in which I am placed renders further delay absolutely neccessary to the fulfilment of the second part of the Order.
There is a point in my letter of the 16th of January to the Senate concerning which some explanation is requisite. I sated as one motive to the joint negotiation of the loans, under both Acts, "an intimation from our bankers in Holland that a distinction might prove an embarrassment, being a novelty, the reason of which would not be obvious to the money lenders." This was done from memory, without recurrance to documents, and in a degree of hurry occasioned by my anxiety for the speedy passing of the Appropriation Bill, and upon a revison proves to be not accurate. The mistake arose in the following manner.. My original idea was to maintain a separation between the two Acts. This will appear from my letter of the 26th of August 1790 to our Bankers in which I express a desire that they would endeavor to place part of the first loan upon one Act and another part upon the other Act. But they did not carry this idea into execution for the reason assigned in their answer, now before the Senate, which is that the Subdivision proposed would under the circumstances of the case tend to excite speculations and doubts among the money lenders.
But prior to the receipt of their answer I had made a further enquiry and had reflected more on the Subject. The result of my enquiry was the money lenders having been accustomed to lend on the general Credit of the Government, borrowing, with a sort of general pledge of its revenues and resources, the attempt to bottom a loan upon any particular law, might, as a novelty, occasion some hesitation and enbarrassment among them; especially as they are known to be a description of men much influenced by habit and precedent; and the conclusions from more full reflection were that the distinguishing of the loans with reference to each act might not only embarrass the business in the first Stages of negotiation, but might interfere with an application of the proceeds of the loans in the most convenient and beneficial manner, according to circumstances.
On these considerations, I abandoned my original intention, and in my first instruction to Mr. Short was silent on the point.
These different positions of the Subject in the mind, at different times, and what actually took place with regard to the first loan, produced some confusion in the recollection of facts, and led me to assign as a cause what had been only a collateral circumstance, and to ascribe to the Bankers intimations, or rather information, which I had received from other quarters.
I submit this explanation of the matter to the candor of the Senate...and have the honor to be,  with perfect respect, / Sir, your most obedt Servant
Alexande Hamilton
   For these statements see Nos. 44 & 46

   Vide No. 44.

PS I have the honor to return the original Bank Books and accounts, which were withdrawn respecting my request, that as soon as the use for them shall cease they may be returned.


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 February 1793
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Sir!
Kingston. 9 Febr. 1793.

You, who are acquainted with mÿ character, cannot favour the opinion, that I should have forgotten, the different and conspicuous marks of favour friendship and confidence, bestowed upon me since manÿ years, or be indifferent about it, how inconsiderable the sentiments of a forgotten farmer should seem to anÿ other man in your elevated station. I know, your Excellency is it not, and it is upon this persuasion, that I am bold enough, after such a long silence, to interrupt for a few minutes, your most serious occupations.
Though I considered it as a Duty, it is with a sensible pleasure, that I congratulate your Excellencÿ with the reëlection to the eminent post of Vice President of the Union by Such a distinguished majoritÿ, though a friend of Governour Clinton, being obliged bÿ Him bÿ his advices and assistance, where ever I implored it and it was in his power; all which I was indebted to your Excellencÿ’s recommendations, when I crossed the Atlantic. Anxious I waited the issue, there the clamours of some scribblers—perhaps more ignorant yet than malignant, the odious intrigues of some man, who where hungrÿ of the loaves and fishes, which theÿ insinuated that theÿ could more properly digest, and instilled a wakening crowd, that theÿ should taken a better care for their liberties, and the loud murmurs and hisses of a mob of different rang—always longing after some new and ungratefully biting the hand, who feeded and sustained it in the days of danger raised a suspicion, if the list of ungratefull Republics should not be increased with the name of that of the united states.
I am not angrÿ, that men of principles and character honour Governour Clinton with their suffrage. He is it worth in my opinion and I believe it consistent with a high degree of esteem for the virtues, merits and abilities of Mr Adams—It is not necessarÿ. Some times it maÿ be dangerous to trust the highest offices, uninterrupted, to the same man, but to rob a man of his character—to abuse him with  scurrilities. Induce and falsify his principles, is detestable. I love him, who dares encounter his man in an open field, and trÿ, if he may over-power him, but who stabs him in the darkness is a monster.
No man, whoknows, what I wrote, what I penacted in the defence of the liberties and Independence of the United States all wel as of Netherland, who knows, what I left, will doubt, if I am a Republican, and you Sir! will allow, that it is not presumption, if I think to understand Mr. Adams defence of the Constitution as wel as the largest number of our Americans. however if your Excellency had not altered his mind, so as I flattered myself to know it, I cannot detect that sett of alarming doctines, as some wished to inculcate us. but it is unworthÿ of us both—to staÿ longer on this topic. Accept Sir! mÿ warmest congratulations upon this glorious event, and permit me, to join with them those of Mrs. v. d. kemp. that your wel-wishers maÿ receive everÿ daÿ fresh proofs to strengthen them in the high opinion, theÿ conceived of Mr. Adams, and that Envÿ, who scarce shall be convert, maÿ openlÿ re-echo your prayses, though she detest your Success in Silence is our ardent wish—
I amused myself  this winter with the works of N.. Machiavel, and believe the time not lost, with I spent in it. Often he is instructif, and many of our modern politicians could learn a great deal of sound reasoning by this so universallÿ damn’d Italian—with you, I think, that he rather is inclining to a democratic form of government, than an abetter of anÿ other.
Never I saw Davila—nor the discourses upon it—with both I should desire to peruse—for all—if the last are the Productions of your Excell: however—The author may be, who he will, if your Excellencÿ think them worth mÿ attention, be so kind, and procure me them—perhaps they are not of that Bulk, that they cannot be conveyed to Kingston by the post—and there shall always be an oppurtunity of returning them.
How do I pity the Poor Louis XVI—at present perhaps beheaded bÿ a judgment of a set of unworthÿ man!—Petion, I know, is it Danton, Manuel, Robespierre, Condorcet man, who salluttory would have delineated—quicunque impudices, adulter, ganes &c—Our sentiments of the first French constitution were nearly the same, and I am proud enough of flattering myself, that there shall not be a great disparitÿ in our opinion on the actual situation of French—Before I often despiseth the King, pitied him, after he carried violently from Versailles, and considered him, after the departure of Fayette as a devoted victim. His conduct was weak, imprudent, perhaps false treacherous his views—and then the loss of the crown was a condigne punishment—but he was not Charles the I—I wish, that the French People may be free, maÿ acquire a sound constitution, and be a mirror and example for other European Nations—but, without such a constitution their seeming gigantic power will crumble in pieces, her present successes will then contribute to its fall, and the Enthusiastic valour will sink so low under true courage, as it was elevated above it at their first distresses—perhaps at the first capital check and a Lieut. Gen. Egalité, if his heart and head are better moulded than his Father—the late Duc. D’ Orleans—may become a Monk—God forbids that I should wish it—but all these consequences shall be unavoidable, if theÿ cannot get a good Constitution. Not yet I am an adept to their levelling System—yea, I scrupple not to declare, that, to this moment I am unable to form me an idea of the consistencÿ of such a Government upon their principles for 6 ÿears—24 millions citisens—all free, all equal—and however, some of these as Citisen Philip Eglaite—having large possessions than some millions of his Brother-Citisens sans culottes, and spending in one prodigal dinner more, as would sustain thousands of them for a week!
If this produces a serious laugh—a contemtable should come up, if he enticed the secret cabinet of the Ferdinands—the Fredrics—the Willems and Wilhelmina’s—some moments I wish me there, but then it should be as an Public Minister—otherwise I was not safe—Let your frend than rather staÿ on his farm—there is no danger, in working—in improving it—here we are beloved, esteemed, and health and contentment is our lot; this can be made more joÿful, if the worthÿ and the brave honour us with their esteem, if your Excellencÿ disdains not to preserve me that place in his frendship, which I enjoyed before—and in that confidence, I dare venture my respectable complements to Mrs Adams, and am, with the highest considerations of respect and esteem, / Sir! / your Excellency’s most obed. sert. & obliged frend

Fr. Ad. Van der Kemp


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 14 February 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department Feby. 14th. 1793

I have the honor to transmit herewith in further pursuance of the order of the Senate of the 23rd January past, three several statements marked A. B. C—
A being a general account of Revenue and appropriation; exhibiting on one side all the Income of the United States, except from the proceeds of Loans foreign & domestic; to the end of the year 1792, on the other the respective amounts of all the appropriations which have been made by law to the same period.—
B being a general account of appropriations and expenditures to the same end of the year 1792. This statement takes up the excess of the appropriations beyond the Expenditure to the end of the year 1791 as contained in the account of receipts and expenditures reported to the house of Representatives during the present Session, and, including all the subsequent appropriations and expenditures to the end of 1792, shews the balance unsatified of each head of appropriation.
C being an explanatory statement for the purpose of shewing a conformity between the aggregate of the balances of appropriations unsatified and the balance of the Public Income beyond the public expenditure to the end of the year 1792; as represented in the statement B heretofore reported.—
It will be observed that the most considerable item among the balances of appropriation is interest on the public debt amounting to 1,395,824 Dollars & 65 cents. This happens in three ways— 1. The interest on the foreign part of the debt has been paid in Europe out of the proceeds of the loans—the sum paid will consequently require to be replaced out of the domestic funds and will operate as if an equal sum had been transferred here by drafts...2d. The payment of interest to certain States upon the difference between this quotas of the assumed debt and the sums subscribed upon the first loan has been suspended in consequence of the opening of the second loan to avoid a double payment of interest, first to the States and next to subscribers; which might otherwise happen.. 3rd. There is a part of the public debt which has continued in a form that has not entitled the holders under the existing laws to receive interest either as subscribers or non subscribers.
There are certain arrears of interest on the part of the debt intitled to interest which did not come into the accounts of the year 1792.
This balance of interest however will be a real future expenditure as indeed will be the case with regard to most of the other balances of appropriations.—There will be surpluses—but these surpluses cannot exceed, if they equal, the sum mentioned in my letter of the 4th. instant to the house of Representatives.—
With perfect Respect / I have the honor to be / Sir / your most obedt Servant

 Alex HamiltonSecy of the Treasy


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 18 February 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sr
Treasury Department February 18 1793

I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of sundry communications lately made to the House of Representatives, containing further information on subjects which appear to have been objects of inquiry before the Senate.
I add the copy of the Treasurer’s last quarterly account heretofore omitted.
With perfect respect / I have the honor to be Sir / Your most Obedient / & humble St

A Hamilton


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 18 February 1793
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Chesterfield Street Monday 18 Feb. 1793

The bearer of ths letter is the reverend Mr Toulmyn of Devonshire a worthy dissenting minister & an excellent and good man & of abilities loved & esteemed by his congregation in so much that many of them accompany him, in this banishment from his country, from attachment and regard to his principles & upright conduct. his Situation is render’d disagreeable inconvient & dangerous from the severity of the times, persecuting the dissenters as levellers republicans & enemies of the present government, witness the outrages & atrocious acts committed at Birmingham, & prove the falsity of the assertions.The Dissenters have always been the support & friends of the Hanover family at the risque of their lives & fortunes.
I intreat your assistance & protection for this Gentleman & his companions as wanting your attention & regard.
I know your disposition will provoke you to every good advice & kind office which will comfort them in their distress & melancholy remembrance of quiting all the charities of fathers brothers relations & friends never to meet more! however the great loss to this country of good valuable men to yours it will be an acquisition of talents virtue & wisdom.
I am concerned to say it but most probably if these persons find refuge & succeed in their undertaking it will induce others to follow their example to the great detriment of this unhappy country. one of Priestleys sons is established in France another has been obliged to leave a company he was in partnership lest they sould be injured by the connection!
The press is much restrained & watched many printers under prosecution for slight ungarded expressions & others for imprudent & foolish words. Such is the state of this country at present how long it will succeed with these principles is uncertain The war probably will not strengthen the hands of government at home but will confirm the convention tho perhaps it may be cemented with some blood.that your happy country may long enjoy liberty wch they have procured for themsleves is my most sincere an earnest prayer & I rejoice that they have evinced that a nation united cannot be conquer’d by Despots.
I remain Dear Sir with great regard / yours most faithfully
T Brand Hollis.


Title: From Library Company of Philadelphia to John Adams, 18 February 1793
From: Library Company of Philadelphia
To: Adams, John,United States Senate

				To the Senate of the United States

					February 18, 1793

				The Petition of the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia and of the Trustees of the Loganian Library Respectfully ShewethThat annual importations of Books are necessary for the use of the respective institutions committed to their care which by the present revenue Laws of the United States are subject to the same Duties as those imported for sale.That whatever promotes the general extension of literature deserves the countenance and protection of Government, is one of the Maxims of Freedom, and hence in some countries, by active Bounties and in others by exemptions from pecuniary impositions public libraries have been rendered public benefits.—It is only the last mentioned of these favours which your petitioners solicit with the greater confidence from a consideration of the prosperous state of the Revenues and from a persuasion that the Legislature of the Union are sensible that in the encouragement of learning they contribute to the preservation of Liberty and Happiness.—Your petitioners therefore respectfully pray that a Law may be passed exempting from any Duty or Impost Books imported for these and all other similar Institutions.

					Directors of the Library Company of Philada.Samuel PowelThomas ParkeWm BinghamJohn KaighnRichard WellsJosiah HewesJoseph PaschallBenjn RushW: RawleMordecai LewisTrustees of the Loganian LibrarySamuel PowelGeo: LoganWm BinghamThomas ParkeRichard WellsJohn KaighnJosiah HewesJoseph PaschallJas Smith jrJames LoganBenjn RushW: RawleMordecai Lewis


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Chew, Sr., 19 February 1793
From: Chew, Benjamin, Sr.
To: Adams, John

19 Feb. 1793

Mr. Chew requests the Honor of Mr. The Vice Presdt. of the United States his Company to Dinner on Tuesday the 19th of February  the  at 4—o’clock. Apology. The favor of an answer is desired.


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Priestley, 23 February 1793
From: Priestley, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Clapton  Feb. 23. 1793

Such is the situation of this country, that I fear I shall be too troublesome in recommending to your notice dissenters that are disposed to emigrate and settle on your continent. This letter will be delivered to you by two young men of good character, and fine spirit, the sons of Mr. G. Humphreys, a fellow sufferer with me in theRiot in Birmingham. Many men will also find it necessary to look out for an asylum either in France or with you; and at present America will generally be prefered to France. Two of my sons are in the number, and they will wait upon you in a few months, and if they get a settlement, I shall be happy to follow them. I can give you but an imperfect idea of the violence of the Church and King, parts in the country, especially with respect to myself, who since the death of Dr. Price, am the most anxious of all the dissenters.
I shall take the liberty to give you a line by my son, and in the mean time subscribe myself, with my best respects to Mrs Adams, / Dear Sir, /  yours sincerely
J. Priestly


Title: From Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to United States House of Representatives, 25 February 1793
From: Commissioners of the Sinking Fund
To: United States House of Representatives

Sir:
Philadelphia, February 25, 1793.

In pursuance of a resolution of the House of Representatives, bearing date the 19th day of this instant, we lay before them a copy of the journal of our Board, and a statement of the purchases made since our last report to Congress.
We have the honor, sir, to be, your most obedient servants,
JOHN ADAMS,TH. JEFFERSON,ALEXANDER HAMILTON,EDM. RANDOLPHinternal address: “To the Speaker of the House of Representatives.”


Title: To John Adams from John Trumbull, 25 February 1793
From: Trumbull, John
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Hartford Feby. 25th. 1793.

You will easily believe that none of your Friends rejoice more heartily than myself, in the Decided Majority, which has secured your Re-election. In  spite of calumny, art & intrigue, you have the firm support of Ten States. I congratulate you on the event, but still more congratulate my Country. For nothing can be more favorable to our future prospects than to find, that one of the firmest friends of an efficient government in the states, is so generally supported against all the efforts of Faction, & the exertions of the Demagogues of Anarchy.
I had the honor of yours of the 31st. Ulto. It contains a hint admirably suited to humorous, & I hope useful Satire. I shall probably make use of it in that way. I have made some enquiries concerning the certainty of the facts, and the nature of the non-descript Animals, which are Satisfactory on both points. I have never written in the Echo. It is the production of some young Geniuses in this vicinity, whom I am pleased to encourage & patronize. The American is wholly mine. I undertook it for the purpose of communicating to the public some important facts, of which they were generally ignorant, at least in their quarter. I have reason to believe the Essays have made some impression. Col. Wadsworth can probably furnish you with all the numbers, if you have not seen them. You may trust him as an open & sincere friend.
We hear the Secretary of State is about to resign. Can he no longer "Ride in the whirlwind and direct the Storm," which himself has raised? Or does he hope to return in the more formidable character of a Senator or Representative hereafter? Or has the President been so irritated by the illiberal abuse, which the Faction have, with so little policy, poured out against him, as to hint the propriety of retiring from office?
Hamilton at present appears to triumph over his Enemies. Is there any danger that the next Congress will overthrow any of the present measures of Government. Will even the Leaders of the Opposition dare to vote in Congress in conformity with the virulent attacks, they make in the Gazettes? I was pleased to see, that on the Petition of the late Army, they were left alone on bare ground.
In this part of the union, all is Peace, tranquillity & satisfaction. The Citizens & Citesses of Boston, their civic feasts & Liberty-stump, are only matter of merriment. Indeed the Jest is grown stale, and we are already tired with laughing at them.
You see Sir, that I have nothing to communicate, & have made this mostly a letter of Enquiry. You will answer as many of my catechetical Questions, as in your Wisdom you shall judge proper—And in the mean time believe me to be with the greatest   / Your most Obedt. Servt.

John Trumbull


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 27 February 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department February 27 1793

I have the honor to transmit herewith at as early a period, as the possession of the necessary returns, have enabled me, sundry statements of the salaries, fees, emoluments, &c of persons holding civil offices under the United States, pursuant to an order of the Senate of the 7th of May last, and to be / with perfect Respect / & Esteem, / Sir / Your Obedt Servt

Alexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 27 February 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Adams, John

War Dept. 27th Feby 1793

The Secy for the Dept of War, to whom was referred the resolution of the legislature of Massachusetts, on the Petition of Chas Knowles & others, late regimental pay masters & agents of the State’s quota of the Continental army
Respectfully Reports,
That the report hereunto annexed, was made the 25 day of May 1790, upon the application of some of the petitioners. But it now appears that it is the opinion of the Legislature of Masss., which originally established the compensation, that the petitioners ought to receive a further sum. Upon the fullest investigation of this Subject it appears, that the compensation  actually received was utterly inadequate to the risk, time & trouble of distributing the certificates to the individuals of the Regiments, to which the Petitioners had been attached.
If the opinion of the Legislature of Massachusetts should have a decisive weight upon the subject, it would be necessary by law, to authorize such further allowance as should be equal to the Sum of one per cent allowed by the board of Treasury, to the Agents who did not belong to the line of any particular State. But it is highly questionable whether such allowance would not involve applications from all the Agents who received a sum inferior to the said one per cent, formerly allowed by the Treasury.
It would seem proper, however, whether any additional allowances be made or not to Agents who heretofore received certificates from the said State, that an allowance should be authorized to Ebenezer Storer, whom the said Legislature represents as not having received any consideration for his services
All which &c.


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 28 February 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Treasury Department February 28th. 1793.

I have the honor to transmit to you a return of the Exports of the United States for one Year ending on the 30th: day of September 1792, exhibiting the Quantity of the various Articles thereof exported to the home dominions, and to the Colonial Dominions of all the foreign Nations with whom the United States have commercial intercourse.—
I have the honor to be, / With perfect Respect, / Sir—  / Your most Obedient, / and most humble Servant

Alexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasy


Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, February 1793
From: Williams, Jonathan
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Philadelphia February 1793.

The inclosed memoir has received no other publicity than a reading before the Philosophical Society and a few Copies I had Struck off for particular distribution: I shall think myself honoured by your acceptance of one Copy.
Permit me also to avail myself of your Influence with the Academy of Arts and Sciences and Humane Society in Boston, to make one acceptable to each of these Institutions, when you return thither.
I have the honor to be /with perfect Respect & Deference /Sir Your most obedient & /most humble Servant
Jon. Williams


Title: From John Adams to Jan Willink, 1 March 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem

Gentlemen
Philadelphia March 1. 1793

I have recd your favour of the 19th. of October 1792 informing me that my Number 1026 is entitled to the Premium of one Thousand Guilders. This Sum, together with the amount of all the Coupons inclosed I pray you to ship for me by the first good vessel for Boston, to the address of the Honorable Cotton Tufts Esqr of Weymouth near Boston, either in Spanish or Portugal Gold or in Spanish milled Dollars. Let it be insured however, if you please. There are Coupons of 50 Guilders and of 40 each
I have also recd your Letter relative to the office of Consul: but I had two years ago interceded with The President in behalf of Mr James Greenleaf. I have nevertheless communicated to The President and to Mr Jefferson our Sentiments on the subject, with Such Recommendations as my Esteem and regard for you naturally dictated. The Inclination here is so strong however, especially in the Senate in favour of native Americans, that I believe Mr Greenleaf whose Character and Connections here are respectable that I believe Mr Gr he will be appointed.
Your Recommendation of Mr Blake for Falmouth did not reach me, till several Days after the President had nominated Mr Fox, and I had pronounced the advice and Consent of the Senate, to his Appointment. His application therefore was too late.
We are in dayly and anxious Expectation of important News from Europe and your opinions of the Probabilities of Peace or War between England and France, and concerning the Part which Holland will take will be very agreable to, Gentlemen / your very humble and obedient / Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 1 March 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia Mar. 1. 1793.

In consequence of the information I received from you on the first Wednesday in January that the list of votes for President & Vice President were received at the seat of government from all the states except that of Kentucky, I sent a special messenger to the District judge of Kentucky for the list of the votes of that state lodged in his custody, and by the return of the messenger received yesterday the inclosed letter for you, which he informs me contains the list. I have only to observe that tho’ the term between the first Wednesday of January, and the second Wednesday in February was obviously insufficient at this season for the performance of the journey yet the law made it my indispensable duty to send the messenger.
I have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem & respect Sir /  Your most obedt. / & most humble sert.

Th: Jefferson


Title: From John Adams to John Sinclair, 2 March 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Sinclair, John

Sir,
Philadelphia, March 2. 1793.

I received the letter you did me the honour to write me last summer, with your projects of a Natural History of Sheep, and a Survey of Scotland.
You could not have made a wiser choice. The natural history of that animal, so useful to man, must be very useful as well as very curious: and a detail of particulars relative to your native country, must be interesting to all, but especially to the inhabitants of it.
You are apprehensive that you and I shall not meet again, and not without reason. Yet I assure you, a voyage to this country, and a journey through it, might be made in as short a time very nearly as you required for your tour of Europe; and you will find beauty and fame at least, though not much power. This is the only rising country in the world, and it rises with a rapidity that outstrips all calculation. I wonder that travellers are not more inquisitive after it.
Europe discovers a disposition to try over again the old experiment of elective governments: but they will find that giving them the name of representative governments, will not prevent them from having the same effect upon the emulation and ambition of the human heart which they ever had.
We, in this country, enjoy a delicious tranquillity at present, and if your European fermentations should not disturb us, shall continue to be happy.
If you, Sir John, will do us the honour to come and see us, you will be treated with a cordial civility, notwithstanding your title; and no man will be more happy to receive you than, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to John Trumbull, 10 March 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Trumbull, John

Sunday. March 10. 1793

Mr Adams’s regards to Mr Trumbull and asks the favour of his Company to Spend the Evening at Mr David Bulls. As Mr A. must go out in the Morning with the stage he cannot have any other opportunity of seeing Mr Trumbull and he should long regret the necessity of passing through Hartford without it.


Title: From John Adams to John Trumbull, 11 March 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Trumbull, John

My Dear Friend
Hartford March 11, 17939 o Clock in the Morning.

I am indebted to Mr. Frederick Bull for keeping a pair of Horses last fall and for storing a Chaise, Harness, Saddle and Bridle for me, through the winter. Inclosed are twenty Dollars, in a Bank Bill which I must beg the favour of you to apply to the payment of his demand.
And will you be so good as to Subscribe The Vice President for the Hartford Paper, and get the Printer to address it to him at Quincy, near Boston.
We are on the Point of Departure, and / in haste I wish you a pleasant / Summer, a long life and a wise / and witty Old Age.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Trumbull, 18 March 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Trumbull, John

Dear Sir
Quincy March 18. 1793

On Saturday night, Mr. John Quincy Adams my Son, and no doubt your friend, brought me from Boston your letter of the 25th. of Feb. returned by the Pact. from Philadelphia. I thank you Sir for your friendly congratulations, which with Some others contribute, not a little to animate me, under the dull Aspect of jolting journeys and tedious sessions which in my old Age would otherwise be rather gloomy.
The young  Gentn, above named I wish to introduce to your Friendship and Correspondence. He has letterary Talents in Prose and verse, of which if I should express my real opinion I should be Suspected of Partiality. You may employ him to advantage in some of your patriotic Designs.—I have no Small Desire to See the Use you make of the hint as you call it. The American I hope will persue in his own time and in his own way,  he cannot fail to do genl. great good is come into  this State already from Hartford.,
The Secretary of State, I am inclined to think will not resign. Hamilton has hitherto tryumphed over his Ennemies, and will continue to do so: nor is there any danger that the next Congress will overturn any of the present measures of Government. The Leaders in opposition will dare to vote as they please because they know they shall be in a minority: but if they Saw they were to be responsible for overturning a system which has so fecklessly procured so Brilliant a Prosperity, they would shrink with terror from the danger of it. These are my humble opinions—valiant, quantum value support.
I left a Letter for you with Mr. Daniel Ball in which I requested you to have my name subscribed for the Hartford Paper—I now request to subscribe for both the papers, that which contains the Echo and that which contains the American. I should be glad to have Sent to my Son in Boston for me, all the Echoes and all The Americans; These Productions have been now read and have had a greater effect in this state than I was aware of. The Epistle to the Echo was written by the youth whom I just now recommend to your Patronage. He is rising into Business at the Bar and into fame in the letterary World, if not in the political, though I fear that in this he will too soon be conspicious. Politicks are bred in his bone. His Father when he begot him, had I dare say, some Political Project in his head, though he was never a Politician.
I am commencing my Agricultural Career for the season in which I shall have as much Pleasure as all your Law, Politicks, Wit and Fame will procure you though not so much profit. It is very fortunate for me that I have a little farm and that I love it ardentlly for without both, I shall soon Sink under the Weight of dull Care.
Adieu, may the Muses be propitious and /  the Temple of Themis productive.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 March 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Quincy, near Boston March 19. 1793

Your letter of the 9. ult. has been a circuit to Philadelphia and returned to me, only on Saturday last. Your friendly Congratulations, on a late Re election, are very obliging. I am as well as you, and have been these Eighteen years a Friend of Governor Clinton: but, although I feel no Resentment at his consenting to stand a Candidate for the office I held, I cannot but regret that he yields his Name and Influence, in so many other particulars, to a Faction, who are in opposition to the national Constitution as well as Administration: and whose Notions of Government can produce nothing but Anarchy if their Weakness was not happily an Antidote to their pernicious tendency.
I know not that your time could have been better employed than in reading Machiavel, whose Writings contain a great deal of Wisdom, though it is unfortunately mixed with too much Wickedness. His abominable Maxims are in no danger of perverting your principles. The French have adopted his Maxim that it is necessary to destroy a numerous nobility, when the design is to introduce a free Government, but their Example has not converted me to a faith in his Doctrine. I think they will repent of it.
Davila is an Italian Historian of the civil Wars of France at the Time of the Reformation: The Discourses may afford you some Amusement: but I have not a set of them in my Possession, nor in my power. The General sentiments are very similar to that of the Defense of the American Constitutions. The drift of them seems to be to shew the Necessity of a Balance in a free Constitution, from the Principle of Emulation which is natural to Man, which is universal in every Man, and which is the source of so many Virtues and so many Vices. Emulation will forever divide every Nation into two Parties, the strongest of which will always tyrannize, over the Weakest if the Constitution does not provide a third Power to mediate between them. The Clamour which has been raised against those Discourses is as foolish and as groundless as many other Clamours.
The French Revolution is every day furnishing the World with fresh Proofs of the Necessity of Checks and Ballances. Unlimited Power is as dangerous in many as in one. Divine Vengeance will mark with horror the People, who in this enlightened Age, will in spight of Reason and Experience, persist obstinately in their crude projects of Simple Governments of any sort. I have no Idea of any greater Wickedness, than an Attempt to govern Societies by single assemblies. France will be a shambles of Carnage till she gets cured of this wicked and stupid Fanaticism.
I have no personal Obligations to the King of France: on the Contrary he suffered his Name to be used, by his Minister Virgennes and his base flatterer Franklin, to my Destruction if it had been in his or their Power. I am nevertheless deeply sensible of his Friendship to my Country, and every Vein of my heart Sympathizes with him and his Family in their afflictions.
The national Convention of France, have given a Testimony to my Integrity and Penetration, which I never expected to see and which I will indulge the Vanity of boasting of. “The United States of America will hardly credit it; the support which the ancient French Court had afforded them to recover their Independence was only the Fruit of base Speculation; their Glory offended its ambitious Views, and the Ambassadors bore the criminal orders of stopping the Career of their Prosperity.” This Paragraph of the official Letter to the President of the United States is a Panegyric upon me and a Satyr upon Franklin which few Americans will understand, and many well endeavour to suppress. The Virginia Faction will understand this too well, to allow it to be digested by Americans, if they can prevent it.
My Family joins in kind regards to you and yours
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 5 April 1793
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada. April 5th. 1793.

Tho I suppose that some recent arrivals in the ports at S.E. of Philadelphia will give you the conformation of the report of war between G Britain & France I do myself the honor to mention to you the foundation on which it rests here.
A Philada. ship arrived yesterday from Lisbon, when the Captn. Saw in the hands of Mr John Balkely, our principal American house, a letter from Mr. Fenwick the consul of the U.S at Bordeaux informing him that France had declared war against Britain, Holland & Russia. A British packet was missing & was supposed to be taken. Forty sail of French Vessels were fitting out with arms &ca. intended as was supposed for privateers.
From Norfolk a paper has been recd. which contains an official order of L. Greenville to M. Chairvelin  to depart from G Britain in eight days. The enclosed paper  containing it.
A letter from J. Eustatias states that the writer (a well known Merchant) had recd. advices from London of the 7th. July  by which it appeared that Mr. Chairvelin had recd. orders from the Government of France to depart from England without taking leave unless he should be immediately recd. in quality of "Minister of the French Republic" by the Court of London—
There seems to be no doubt therefore of a war between France & Britain.—
A circumstance of very great importance is often beenthe subject of private Conversations here at this  time. It is remembered by some that it was mentioned at some past time, that the U.S., either entertaining ideas of commencing hostilities against Britain to regain the ports, or apprehending that their tenureof Reports might, in some way, produce a war, instructed their minister to confer with the french Government on the subject of the Guarrantee of our possessions & of the french Islands, which the treaty of Alliance contains: or that our minister at the Court of France had in some way manner a conference on the subject of that guarrantee with the Count de Vergennes in such way as to bring up to him this Question—"If the U.S. in the course of the measures they may adopt to obtain the posts should be involved in a war with Britain will France consider herself bound by the Article of guarrantee to join in the war. It is said the answer was in the Negative. I do not mean, Sir, to affirm any thing about this important fact, but I take the liberty to ask of you confidentially or otherwise, as you may think proper, such information as you possess in relation to this story—I conclude that if there be truth in it, you must have knowledge of it in some way or another—
I think the general wish of the people in this quarter is for peace. The friends of war are not many at this time nor are they earnest. The friends of peace are very numerous, decided, in general temperate, in some instances vehement. The Presidents instructions are that no letter be sent him to be recd. later than the 15th. instant at Mount Vernon—We expect him on the 20th.
We have no news yet of Mr. Genest, but he is hourly expected—
What can be said in case of an Attack on the french Islands & a requisition to perform the obligations the french may consider as incidental to their guarrantee of men.
What will be said by Britain & Holland if we permit french privateers, with prizes taken from those nations, to be brought into our ports as the treaty of commerce seems to render probable, and if we refuse to British & Dutch privateers the same privilege, which the treaty appears to restrain us from granting to them.
Should the course of the morning produce any further intelligence, I shall not fail to add it to this letter—
With great Respect, I have the honor / to be, Sir, / your most obedient / & most humble Servant—
Tench CoxeAnother account from Lisbon says that war was declared by France at Paris on the 8th. of Feb. against Britain Russia, & Holland & that an embargo had been previously laid on all British, Russian & Dutch Vessels in the French ports—The war is considered as certain.


Title: To John Adams from William MacCreery, 5 April 1793
From: MacCreery, William
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Paris 5 April 1793

I address’d a few lines to you from Nantes in Februrary last, informing you the object of my present voyage & future intentions. The events which have since taken place in consquce. of the war becoming general in Europe, and a civil War kindled in this Country, renders the prosecution of my plan not only difficult, but dangerous—for altho’ I have not heard of the least violence offered to any traveller, I should not like to risk being in a village or Country place when an insurrection has or is likely to take place.
The various plans formd during the Winter by the friends of the old government, have commenced their operation for some weeks past—every thing seem’d favorable to them—their schemes in Brittany were deep & well formed—Dumourier carried on his plott without suspicion—the Nation was much out of humor with the Convention for many unjust & unwise acts that they had made, particularly in prosecuting a foreign War—in putting the King to Death, in suffering the crimes of the 2 & 3d Septr. to go unpunished—& in delaying so long the main object of their mission viz—the formation of a new constitution—In this Capital the antirepublicans are extremely numero—usand at this moment they are certain that Dumourier & the Austrians will have possession of it in eight Days—that the English will make a decent in Brittany & complete the counter-revolution in that quarter—& in short, that the Republic is at an end.
Notwithstanding all this, I am of opinion that Dumourier will be defeated in his plan—& that the insurrection in Brittany will in a short time be entirely done away—In support of the latter opinion I have this moment recd. a letter from my Friend Mr. Dobree of Nantes, who is by no means a man of either a sanguine or sanguinary Character, & I shall quote you a paragraph of his letter dated the 30 March. "Our National Guard is all spirit, and altho’ continually on foot shews the greatest activity & courage; be assured that we shall get over all this—we want help, & altho’ not a neighbour is yet come to our relief, if put to the shift we will do without them." This revolt of the Peasants is owing to the imigrants, nobles & clergy, who have (cheifly the latter) introduced themselves privately into the Country this last Winter, & wrought up their minds to that state of enthusiasm which has rendered them so formidable. That this Country will long remain a Republic is with me a matter of some doubt—but that it will be brought back to the old form, which is the wish & aim of a great many here, is what I can not think possible—In which ever manner they chuse to Govern themselves, I hope we as a Nation will always be in amity with them—And altho’ it be our mutual interest that we remain neuter, I hope no other power may be permitted tacitly to prevent us from bringing the produce of our Soil into these Ports—Depend upon it that a commerce with this country may at all times be extremely advantageous to our citizens—& particularly at this moment, when our wheat, flour, Rice Tobo., Indigo, Fish, Oil, Whalebone & Pottash bear some double, some trebble their former Prices, & the french Goods are none of them raised more than half of that proportion. I also wish that the Citizens of this Country were permitted a free intercourse with us—At this moment if that was the case, all the Vessels we coud send here woud be fill’d with men & merchandise—& mostly active good Citizens, fond of peace & industry.
Herewith I send you some news papers, having accidentally met with a Gentleman bound to Philada.
With sentiments of much respect & sincere attachment / I remain / Dear Sir / Your very Obt Servt
Will MacCreery


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 16 April 1793
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada. April 16. 1793

I had lately the honor to write you a letter on a point, which continues  to be interesting.
We are now certainly to expect the Arrival of the new french Minister in a very short time, and it is a matter of consequence to our peace, that we should get through the business which he may bring up in consequence of the present State of things in Europe without differences. It would oblige me very much and could not but serve the Untied States, if you would be so kind as to communicate to me your general ideas on the present State of things, and your cautionary ideas on particular points, which appear to you of more or less danger. The Spirit of the Treaties with the French, the circumstances under which they were made, any cotemporary important facts, the manner in which any point or points have been subsequently explained, viewed or acted upon by France, the effect of their revolutional measures upon the Treaties according to the established law of Nations & the authorities on which opinions on this last point are grounded—particularly the French Writers, are matters on which it would highly oblige me, Sir, if you would favor me with your Sentiments. They shall be either confidential or otherwise as you shall be pleased to desire. It is of great importance that they should be possessed by the time of Mr. Genests arrival—
We have not any further intelligence in relation to matters in Europe except that the state of Ireland is explained by some late arrivals here. The Catholics, it is said, are much composed by the resolutions of Mr. Hobart, but the other dissenters, those in the North, are yet warm for a reform of the commons so as to let them in completely, for an abolition of the Corporation &  test acts, and for admission to the Judiciary—
Produce, ships, and freights are much advanced by the war in Europe, and there are great appearances of valuable emigrants with money and arts—
Mrs. Adams will do me the honor of accepting my most respectful Compliments.
I have the Honor to be, sir, /your most obedient /& most humble Servant
Tench Coxe
A letter from Canada indicates that Lord Dorchester is incomplete.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 17 April 1793
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada. April 17th 1793

I suppose by this time sober hill is in great glory, at least if your spring has been forward in any measure as ours has.  And when we compare our peaceful Towns & happy villages with the garrisons & wasted fields of Europe we ought to bless God who has divided us by 1000 leagues of water.  But the question occurs will this distance from that great awful & distressed Theatre of human misery & carnage prevent our embroiling ourselves in their quarrels? I think it will.  I think there is a spirit of neutrality predominant as well in our government as our people.  Indeed if a new French minister comes with new & strange requisitions from France we may be perplexed; but never can be so destitute of prudence as to engage.  Pressed with a heavy debt incurred in the late war, & burdened with a present Indian war, we may we must be excused. And tis reported here I don’t know  with what truth that Mr Pickney has declared the determination of the U States to remain in a state of neutrality. All persons with whom I converse seem of opinion that we shall act the wise part by such conduct.
The people of the US are generally shockd at the murder of Lewis 16th.  I really supposed you would turn out not a true prophet, when you predicted that Egaulite will would be so bloody.  Is thy servant a dog that he should do this great wickedness? Yes.—He’s a d—P—  But I want words to express my abhorrence of such a set of miscreants—And a day is coming when the solemn question will sound like thunder in their ears “Had  Zimri peace who slew his master?”  Yes “there is some chosen curse red with uncommon wrath,” ready to fall on this wicked nation.  But I gladly turn my eyes from so deplorable a prospect and Felicitate you upon the peaceful & flourish state of our own Country.  The President returned this day from mount Vernon, he ask’d after you & family.  Looks quite young & easy.  Says the Country looks finely &c.  I cannot find any probability of a Congress before the time appointed by Constitution.  Which I presume you do not regret.
So Mr G made no head against the golden calf—I am of opinion Aaron fell in with the natural propensities of human nature in general as well as that of the circumcised race in particular.  We find mankind in all ages setting up these images, and crying, Here are thy Gods!—There’s a mystery however in this business—Unless the unanimity is from an intention  in Tommys or George’s friend, to keep every other candidate from view. Your son enjoys a good share of health, tho we do not see him so often as we wish.  I sent you by water to the care of my son a copy of the journals and laws of the last Session.  I will as usual deliver any copies called for by your order—I presume you have the papers regularly or I will transmit them.
The Treasury find it a more facile method of business to have my Clerks accts made out quarterly, I have accordingly made up Robt  Heyshams and John Otis accounts to 31st March inclusive, which shall thank you to sign and return to me, having advanced them the money.  Mrs Otis joins me in kind rememberances to yourself Lady & family.  I am / Sir / your most huml Sert

Sam. A. Otis


Title: To John Adams from Jan Willink, 22 April 1793
From: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam 22d April 1793

The Secretary of State having requested us to forward to him a Note of the several payments which we have made on Account of the United States, by the directions of their several Ministers and other Agents in Europe, we accordingly furnish him with the same, and as many of the said payments were made by Order of your Excellency for which we have no receipts, we have particularized each of that description in the Margin of the said Note, and we herewith hand your Excellency a List thereof, that you may, if neccessary, explain to the Secretary the purposes for which the said Sums were received, which will be a justification sufficient for us—
We had the honor to inform your Excellency on the 19 October last that Your obligation No. 1026 was drawn a prize of, & we now Credit you for the same, say for
-- ƒ1000..0..0And also for 4 coupons each ƒ50}due March last350..0..0Being in all to yr Exls. Credit—ƒ1350..0..0And we Debit you for an obligationin the Loan of 1st June of 4 per CentSay  No. 428—at 96 per Ct..—ƒ960..0————P Mo: Interest26..13—In all to your Excells. Debitƒ986.13. 0Of all of which you will be pleased to take due note, We shall be at all times happy to shew ourselves with sincere Esteem / Sir Your mo: obedt. & hble Servt.

Wilhem & Jan Willink


Title: From John Adams to George Washington, 24 April 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Quincy April 24. 1793

Captain Johnof Harvard in the Massachusetts, has been recommended to me, by so many respectable characters, and in such handsome terms, that I cannot refuse his request of a Line to the President of the United States in his favour. He has the merit of long and early Services, though he is said to have been lately unfortunate. As his application is entirely out of my Department, and to a Judge of his Pretentions both accurate and impartial I wish this Address from me, like all other in Similar Cases, to be considered, as entirely Submitted to the Wisdom of the President to whom I have the honor to be, /  with the highest Esteem and the Strictest attachment /the most humble & obedient servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Tench Coxe, 25 April 1793
From: Adams, John
To: Coxe, Tench

Dear Sir
Quincy April 25, 1793

I have received your Favours of April the 5th and 16th upon Subjects of great moment.
The Instruction of Congress which you mention to their Minister at Versailles I dont remember to have Seen. Some Account of it and of the Comte de Virgennes’s answer to it, I once had: but as both the Instruction and the Answer are perfectly known to the Secretary of State and consequently will be known to the President I must be excused from relating from Memory Such a private Consultation at Such a distance of time. Indeed I think the Anecdote of no Consequence, except for the Purposes of mere Popularity. The great Questions of American Policy, respecting the Reception of Mr Genet and the fulfillment of the Treaty may be determined upon Principles more Solid and indisputable.
The Question you bring into view concerning the Reception of Mr Genet, can be decided only by the President. I have no Constitutional Voice in it. I therefore protest against taking any side in it or having my name or opinions quoted about it. Whatever I write must be in Confidence.
A Sovereign Nation, whether represented by an hereditary King or an Elective President, is not obliged to receive a public Minister from any, but another Sovereign Nation. The Question is whether the National Convention, when they appointed Mr Genet were entrusted by the Nation with its Sovereign Authority? Whether they were empowered to destroy the Monarchy and put to Death the Monarch? There is now at least a Pretender to the Throne in the Person of Louis the 17th. under the Regency of Monsieur. Is it certain that the Nation are on the side of the assembly, or of Louis the 17th under the regency of Monsieur? If this is certain in the Mind of the President, he will decide accordingly.
The American Ministers Franklin, Deane and Lee, waited from December 1776 to February 1778 unreceived, unacknowledged, in Obscurity, at Paris. The American Minister at the Hague, waited from the 19th of April 1781 to the 19th of April 1782 before he was acknowledged. Where then is the Necessity of haste? To decide this question a Man should read over our Treaties with Holland, Prussia, and England as well as that with France, and consider that all these are belligerent Powers and that We have obligations to fullfill towards them all. He should also have before him all the Dispatches from Mr Morris, Mr Pinkney Mr Short Mr Charmichael and Mr Humphries. None of these have I seen. The Reception or Delay of receiving Mr Genet, will lead to Political Consequences, of immense magnitude which no Man can pretend to foresee. Are We to go to War with Germany Prussia, Holland England, Spain, Portugal and Italy added to Louis the 17th and his Regent Monsieur, because Monsieur Egalite, or the Mountain, or Mr Paine or Mr Condorcet would have us? Where is our Trade to go? all to France? and all to be taken?
A Neutrality, absolute total Neutrality is our only hope. As to the Warranty of the West Indies, and the Articles excluding the Enemies of France from our Ports, reading is not necessary to instruct us what to do. If you wish to read you may look into Vattell and the Abby de Mablys Principles of Negotiation: but it cannot be necessary to be very learned.
Treaties always Suppose, that the State of Things in both Nations will remain nearly the same, and the Interests of both Parties not essentially changed: not that one Party will turn the World upside down. any total Change of Interests made by the Act of God, or by the Act of one of the Parties will discharge the other from all moral obligation to fullfill the Treaty. Was it Suspected by Martal, when our Treaty was made with France that she could ever treat her Islands as she has done and declare War as one against all the Maritime Powers, and thereby render it impossible for us to fullfill the Warranty, or for her to preserve the Islands.
It is to me a mere Question of Fear: are We afraid to offend the Mountain? I own I am: but at the same time I confess I am afraid to offend Louis 17th and his Friends & allies. These Ideas are committed to your inviolable Secrecy. I expect they will not be regarded, and that our imprudent Country must be Saved by Interpretations of Providence, against the Effects of her own Enthusiasm.
I am, Sir with much Esteem
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Trumbull, 27 April 1793
From: Trumbull, John
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Hartford April 27th. 1793

I enclose to you, Frederic Bull’s Account & Receipt. It was with difficulty, & not till I had called on him four or five times, that I could persuade him to exhibit it. He said he had no account against you, & did not want any of your money. He was irritated by the stories told him by Mr. Pease, the Post-rider, who called on you for payment at Philadelphia. It seems that Pease thought You did not treat him with all that attention, deference & respect, which in these times of equality, are certainly due from a Vice President to a Post-rider—and made his report accordingly. Bull’s Account is charged extravagantly high. But he insisted on receiving all or nothing—I thought it best to pay it, to avoid further altercation with a Man of so peculiar a temper.
I have not yet been able to procure a set of the Echos—The Painter keeps only one set of this News-papers, which he binds in a most unportable volume. However I imagine you must have seen most of those, that related to Political subjects—for the Writers have often echoed the most trivial & insignificant productions.
You have probably seen in Hudson & Goodwin’s Paper, a political Essay, entitled, The Versifier. This is written by my Friend, the Doctor, who accompanied me in my Journey to Philadelphia. He is a Writer of the most excentric Genius, but many of his political productions have had very important effects on the policy of the of this State. If you have received Fenno’s Gazette regularly, you must have seen what use has been made of the hint, concerning a certain extraordinary kind of Chickens. The piece must, I think, have some effect, as it has attracted so much notice, as to be reprinted in other Papers.
We boast that Mankind are governed by reason—but I consider it as the greatest of all possible mistakes. Men chuse their Party & form theie resolutions, by the influence of their Passions, their feelings, their Interests, or their connections. After this, they employ their reasoning powers in inventing arguments to vindicate their conduct, & justify their choice. Statesmen, Orators, & poets, all address themselves to the passions of mankind—to their irritability, their pride, their fears, & their superstition. An affecting incident will often be of more consequence, than forty laboured Essays. The Death of Louis, the most humane & benevolent, tho’ far enough from being the greatest or wisest of the Kings of France (for had he been either he would have avoided his fate) will for a time have more effect to prevent Americans from adopting the whims of Democratic distraction, than all your Volumes of mathematical demonstration on the Subject of Government—And it will be sometime before you have another civic feast at Boston.
Satirists apply to the feelings of Indignation & contempt, which last might without impropriety be called a passion, as its effects are as sudden, as violent, & more permanent than those of fear or anger. Shall I own to You, that when I could divest myself of the vanity of an Author, & consider myself only as one of the human race, & so liable to my average of general degradation in the scale of Beings, I have been mortified & ashamed at the success of some of my own satirical productions, as well as those written by others. I have often seen that a well-timed stroke of humor against a measure proposed, or a lucky burlesque nickname fixed on an influential man, have had more effect in destroying the influence of the man, or preventing the success of the measure, than if all the reason ever bestowed on mankind had been distilled in an alembic into Alchohol, & given in proper doses to the Legislature, or the People.
I had the pleasure of receiving your Son, on his return from Europe, when he called on me at Hartford. I was much pleased with his observations on the policy & literature of the countries, in which he had travelled, & thought him a Son, altogether worthy of such a Father. If you have half as good an opinion of Yourself, as you Great Folks commonly have, You will know how to appreciate the value of this Compliment. The Poem addressed to the Authors of the Echo, was noticed by us all, as composed in a Style & taste, very much Superior to the general cast of American, & especially Bostonian Poetry. For if we may judge from their publications, a fondness for the most inflated Bombast, both in prose & poetry, distinguishes the taste of your Citizens, from those of any other populous Town, in the United States. I am sure no Editor of a Magazine or News-paper, in Connecticut, New York, or Philadelphia, would disgrace his press, by the publication of such frothy nonsense, as at Boston, is often printed & applauded. Your Son may do very great service among them, not only by correcting their false opinion of Politics, but by altering their ridiculous taste in Literature. I shall be happy in improving any future opportunities of cultivating his acquaintance, and continuing what I may call an Hereditary Friendship, to which you will please to inform him, that I conceive I have a legal Title.
I have been very much out of health for several weeks, from turns of a bilious Cholic, attended by a low, irregular fever, which for a great part of the time, has confined me to my house. But I have no right to complain of being an Invalid. A Boy who had no more sense than to learn to read at two years of age, began to make rhymes at four, Study Virgil, Tully, Horace, Homer, the Greek testament, & enter as a Member of the University at seven, & spend all his days afterwards in a studious & sedentary way, employing all the intervals from his professions business in reading and scribbling Poetry & Politics, must expect to be an Old Man at Forty. I am rather better at present, & mean next week to set out on a journey to the Springs at New Lebanon. If I find riding of service, I shall probably continue it thro’ the Summer—& I wish to pay a visit to my Friends in & near Boston, where I have not been Since the Year 1781—But in the present state of my health, I can promise nothing, & must depend on future contingences.
I hope Mrs. Adams has recovered from her illness, & request you to present to her my best wishes & Compliment—I need not assure You with what Respect I am / Your most Obedt. Servant
John Trumbull


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 6 May 1793
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada. May 6 1793

I have this moment the honor of your letter of the 25th. Ultimo the Subject of which shall be treated as you direct. It is however very satisfactory to me to know your sentiments. My Judgment is that we may honorably avoid the evil of engaging. My hopes are that we shall. Yet I am not without fears of the reverse, from feelings, accident & ingenuity all of which offord chances against us—No Country was ever more interested to maintain peace & avoid war by the good which the one, and the fatal ills which the other must produce.
Our advices from Europe are most serious, but as they come thro New York they will reach your seat before this letter can—The counter-revolution is not believed, but the dissasters to the french Arms receive a considerable degree of Credit.
Mr. Noailles, Mr. Tallon (both of the late constituant assembly) and about 140 other passengers, gentlemen tradesman &ca—have arrived in our three last regular British Traders, some of them persons of considerable property—the fruits of peace—
Mr. Genet is not arrived from Charleston. We have some doings in that quarter, which are not yet understood. They may be less unpleasing perhaps when explained—
The post just going admits only of my assuring you Sir, of the perfect respect—with which I have the honor to be / Sir, / your most obedient / & most humble Servt.
Tenche Coxe


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 9 May 1793
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada May 9. 1793

I had the honor to write to you very hastily by the post following the receipt of your letter. I was entirely unacquainted with the degree in which the present state of things might have been formerly brought before you, but having heard the point mentioned (on which I took the liberty to ask your recollection) it appeared to be of so much consequence, that I was very anxious to know whether it had ever come in your way. My having recd. the letter you did me the honor to write, upon that (or any other matters mentioned in it) is known only to myself and in pursuance of your directions will continue so. It is very extraordinary, that it has not yet been found practicable to ascertain what did occur.
Mr. Ganet is not yet arrived, but he must be very soon here. My opinion is that he will be received, at least as Minister from the Government de facto, and that the Treaty is likely to be considered as in force notwithstanding any alterations which may have taken place in France, and the suggestions founded on actual alterations in the situations of contracting parties. These things I beg leave however to express confidentially and with no decision. The Sentiments of those who have conferred upon the last of these subjects probably are not the same. I should suppose numbers were as nearly divided as the Case will admit—I only conjecture.
Mr. Fallon, late Atty. Genl. of France under the old Government, Visct. Noailles, two other respectable french Emigrants & the Son of an eminent German physician in London have landed here from that city. They hold a large property: it is said 3,000,000 livres, and they say if they like the footing of property and other appearances of things here they mean to remain. Noailles’s accounts, as I understand confidentially, are that the U.S. are highly appreciated by the Government of Britain in a military and civil view—and that they are desirous of our remaining at peace. The English are much so here, as far as one can judge from appearances. We have no Symptoms yet of any popular desire or expectation of our engaging, in France—It is possible Mr. Genet may have some arrangements to propose, that may tend to unite the two countries more closely, and may produce inconvenient Jealousies in Britain; Spain; Holld. and Portugal. But disordered as things are in the civil line, if the military affairs of France wore a brighter face, we cannot desire a closer connexion. Indeed my personal opinion is against close connexions, of any kind & with any Nation, which do not result from the natural Current of the business of the day, or some actual political necessity in our affairs.
I wish to see this extensive country find itself more & more together in the present moment, and particularly that it should put itself into good order for internal industry, and resource—You will find, Sir, in the enclosed Gazette a little sketch of a plan calculated to that End, which I prepared about the time of Col. Smiths arrival, being convinced from his accounts that the peace of Europe was at an End. Tho I did not and do not at this time, fear that we shall engage, yet it appeared adviseable to extend the reflexions to that Contingency. I have sent a copy to Mr. Ames with a request that he will get it published in Boston. The Exemplification in Pennsylvania was to give it more point and a chance of being carried into execution. I am told Watertown in Massachusetts is well adapted to such a plan—also Taunton & the falls of Merrimack, to each of which I have procured copies to be conveyed.—
We have a rumor of the Capture of Tobago by the British. If so Mr. Genet’s ground of requisition will be extended—I do not wish this report mentioned however, as fame seems to have more false Tongues than usual.
I have the honor to be with perfect Respect, Sir, / your most obedient / & most humble Servant

Tenche CoxeThe Capture of Tobago is confirmed, and is generally believed to have taken place.


Title: To John Adams from Elie Vallette, 9 May 1793
From: Vallette, Elie
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Baltimore May 9th: 1793.

When I had the Honor of presenting you the Voice of Maryland on your late re-election to the Vice Presidency of the United States, I neglected to avail myself of that oppertunity to effect what was a principal inducement to go to Philadelphia. My object Sir was an appointment as Clerk in the Treasury Department. Fate has at an early age given me the Duties of a Son, Brother, Husband, & father to discharge, and as the Indulgence of my Private affections do not Constitute the whole of my wishes, but accuated also by a Principle to exercise the Public, you will at once Judge how mortifying my Situation must be, when I tell you I am incapable of doing either. Unhappily bereaved of a tender & worthy father at an age when Education could not be applied. I am left with that Scanty portion that falls to the Lott of the Unfortunate.—But having been brought up under a Merchant eminent in his profession, I hope I may be found equal to the task I sollicit. Some advantages I have also derived from having been employed in Several offices in the State, one of which I am now employed in, namely the Supervisors, but from the small Salary annexed to it, I am desirous of seeking in Philadelphia, what I cannot find here  If with and If these qualifications & Testimonials of Good Conduct will procure your friendship so far as to mention me to the Commissioner of the Revenue or where else you may chose to apply, you will do an inexpressable Kindness & be the means of making more than one happy. I am not ignorant of the liberty I am using, but so many powerfull reasons impells me to take it. Penury staring me in the face, friends falling off, these with tenthousand Circumstances incident to the unfortunate makes me wave the Impropriety & trust to your known Benevolence.—If you deign to Reply, I shall receive your letter either under Cover to the Supervisor of the State, George Gale Esqr. or myself.
I have the Honor to be / With the greatest Respect & Esteem / sir. / Yr. Very Ob Servt.
Elie Vallette