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

Sir
Quincy Aug 16th 1799

Inclosed is a request of Dr Amos Windship to be a surgeon in one of our vessels of war. I was in the year 1779 near three months for the most part on board the Alliance Captain Sanders in which Dr Windship was surgeon. I well remember that this gentlemen appeared to me of a humane disposition & attentive to the health of the people. If there is any opportunity I have no objection to his appointment, if you know of none. I have known little of him since 1779.


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 16 August 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 16 Augt. 1799

I had the honour to receive your letter of the 10th of August inst. and shall cause the name of Dr. David King to be entered among the candidates for medical appointments, and his recommendations to be filed.
I have the honour to be / with the greatest respect, Sir, / your most obt & most hble St—

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 August 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Philadelphia Augt. 16. 1799

I inclose a letter from B. H. Phillips the Consul of the U. States at Curacao, which with the three papers accompanying it, exhibit the shameless conduct of the Governor and Council of that Island, in the protection of French pirates, & in their rigorous punishment of Americans for acting in their own defence when assailed by those murderers. The fact not least remarkable is, that a Dutch frigate in the harbour should salute the French privateer Trois Amis coming in with her piratical death-flag flying and her prize the American schooner Nautilus, whose master, Captain Dixon, with four of his crew, those pirates had murdered. That the Governor and Council should not notice this and other piracies is to be accounted for partly on the ground that they are more or less concerned in the privateers: of this at least there are strong suspicions.—I have sent the duplicate of the same papers to Mr. Van Polaner. He will probably think it expedient to write to the Governor and Council. I will also have copies prepared to send to Mr. Murray; presuming you will direct a representation to be made to the Batavian Government—if it should exist until a letter can reach the Hague.
It is most unfortunate that when the interdiction of commerce with the French Islands took place, it was not allowed (as was proposed) to be extended at your discretion to the Spanish, Dutch, Danish & Swedish ports: It would have compelled the timid or corrupt governments of those places to have given no shelter to French pirates, and millions of American property would thereby have been saved.
It seems probable that the secret expedition preparing in England is destined to restore the Stadtholder, and it will probably succeed. This would produce a reform in the Dutch Colonial governments. Denmark & Sweden may also be now disposed to venture to exclude French privateers from their West India Islands. And it appears to me an object of such magnitude as to authorise the sending of temporary minister to both those courts for this single object. Mr. Smith, prior to his leaving the U. States, and since his arrival at Lisbon, has expressed his earnest desire not to be left to languish there; but that if possible he might be permitted to visit the northern courts of Europe. He would be extremely happy to execute such a mission as is above suggested, which would occasion no charge but for his bare expences. He would have time to visit Copenhagen & Stockholm before, from the present aspect of affairs, he could be ordered to Constantinople.—The idea is respectfully submitted, by, sir, / your most obt. and most h’ble servt.
Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 August 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Philadelphia Augt. 16. 1799.

Upon the receipt of your letter inclosing the letter and deposition of Capt. Ebenr. Giles of Beverly, I turned to some communications I had some time before received from Captain Truxtun, in which he had, and I still think justly, ascribed the beating given to Giles on board the British frigate Daphne, to his own extremely improper and insolent behaviour. This I think will appear from the details in the inclosed letter to Captain Giles, which I have taken from Capt. Truxtun’s communications, and which I judged proper to be sent to him, to silence his complaints. And because he will probably have been busy in propagating his own misrepresentations, to increase causeless irritations, I have addressed a copy of my letter to Giles, to Mr. Goodhue, to hand to the Insurance office in Salem.
Under the circumstances mentioned, it seemed to me wholly unnecessary to apply to Mr. Liston, upon Giles’s complaint.
If you approve of the course I have taken in this matter, you will have the goodness to seal the two letters, to be forwarded in the mail.
I have the honor to be, / with great respect, / sir your obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


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

Sir,
Navy Department 16 August 1799

Agreeably to your Letter of 12th instant, I have the honor to enclose a Warrant for Mr. George Barrell, which requires your signature.—He is ordered to join the Congress Capt. Sever—
I have the honor to be, / with the greatest respect, & / Esteem, sir, your most obed hbl servt.

Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from David Tappan, 17 August 1799
From: Tappan, David
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Cambridge—Aug. 17. 1799

I beg leave to present you with two setts of discourses on our late national Fast, the authors of which are among our first clergymen for piety, patriotism, & usefulness. Having read these sermons with much pleasure, I expressed to the writers a wish, that they might be presented to our beloved Chief Magistrate. They felt themselves restrained by modesty & delicacy from directly offering them to his acceptance; but requested me to present them in my own name, & appeared delighted with the opportunity of thus testifying their respect to Him, & of contributing in the least degree to comfort & strengthen him amidst the duties & trials of his arduous station. I feel a double satisfaction in thus introducing two of my worthy friends to your notice, & offering a new tribute of regard to our common political Head.
I am, Sir, with great respect / your most humble servt.

D. Tappan.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 August 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Philadelphia Aug. 17. 1799

I have the honour to enclose a Letter from the Honble. Richard Bland Lee Esquire of Virginia, presenting himself as a Candidate in case a vacancy should occur for the appointment of Commissioner for the City of Washington.
It would be superfluous if not improper in me, to offer any observations on this application, as the President is perfectly acquainted with Mr. Lee’s character & pretensions
I have the honour to be with / perfect respect / Sir, / your most obedt. Sert.

Oliv Wolcott.


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

Sir.
War Department 19 Augt. 1799

The inclosed letters No. 1 relative to the fortifications at Baltimore, exhibit the whole proceedings with the naval Committee of that City. The schedule No. 2. the monies which have been expended on the different harbours of the United States, with the several appropriations and the balance still in the treasury.
You will perceive from these letters, that by my first engagement with the naval Committee in July 1798, I was to advance to them, 20,000 Dollars (which has been done) they they engaging on their part to complete a fort agreeably to a plan and estimate furnished by Major Tousard; that I found myself contrained to enter into a new engagement (the 15 July 1799) according to the plan & estimate of Mr. Fonciu, a man of real knowledge as an Engineer, which will require 39,938 34/100 whereof the United States are to advance 28,975, additional.
In the Committees address to the Citizens of Baltimore, which is dated the 22d of July 1799, it is stated “we were informed by the Secretary of War, that the finances of the United States did not admit of a larger appropriation than 20,000 towards the fortifications to be erected near our City”, and they do not say in any other part of their address that more had been promised, altho, the new engagement had preceded their address.
I can only regret the want of  precision in the committee, which induced the statement made by them, as they were not authorised to make it from any thing to be found in my letters; and that Genl. Smith had not taken the trouble to have consulted the gentlemen and my letters, which would have enabled them to have corrected their error, and releived him from his patriotic feelings on the occasion, and from supposing that 20,000 Dollars only had been alotted to the defence of Baltimore.
I observed in my letter of the 7th July 1798 to the Committee, “that the means which may be applied to this object will not exceed 20,000 Dollars” This was not like saying, “that the finances of the United States did not admit of a larger appropriation &c” The fact was I considered this sum adequate to finish the Batteries and erect a small fort to protect them, and supposed the Engineer would not have reported to me, as requisite works to require a greater expenditure.
There has been expended and advanced for the defence of the harbour of Baltimore 34,405 60/100, and by engagement intend into the 15 July ulto, made previous to their address as before noticed, there is promised an additional sum of 28,975 Dolls making a total of 63,380 60/100.
I flatter myself you will be of opinion, that Baltimore has not been neglected, but has had full justice in every point of view.
With respect to the Harbour of Boston. It is necessary to observe, that there remained  in the Treasury of the appropriations on the 10th instant, 115,784 55/100 out of which the following sums are to be satisfied.
   For Baltimore   28,975For Wilmington Cape Farr}N. Carolina9,166
Ocacock8,000
New Yorksay15,000Rhode Island say15,000Portsmouth N.H.say2,000
Fort Mifflinsay10,00088,141  Remains  27,643I do not give the sums carried out to Rhode Island, New York, Portsmouth Fort Mifflin & Ocacock, as the precise amounts that may be wanted. Less may do for some of them, and perhaps more may be required for all. I have omitted Norfolk in Virginia entirely, having no satisfactory data, to go upon.
At all events it is my intention to render the defences on Castle Island respectable, and to extend the defen works to such other points as shall appear indispensible to the protection of the City of Boston. I must however wait to hear from the Engineer, who is engaged in examining the Harbour, and who is instructed to report upon the necessary works and furnish the estimates. I do not suppose that 27,000 Dollars will be sufficient; we shall however have enough, to go on with such works as may be necessary, there and elsewhere till next Session of Congress, when a further appropriation can be obtained.
With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir. / Yyour most obt & / most hble st.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from William Moubray, 20 August 1799
From: Moubray, William
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Custom House St: Mary’s Georgia 20 Augt. 1799.

The Affairs of my Family calling me to move to Charleston South Carolina, I beg Leave to resign the Office of Collector of the Customs for this District, which I had the Honor of receiving from your Excellency.—
Should it ever again fall to my Lot, to have the honor of being Employed in the Service of my Country, it shall still be my utmost Ambition to execute my duty with Fidelity and Impartiality.—If I am so happy as to attain the Approbation of the Departments to whom I am accountable, for the short time I have been in Office, it will to me be a lasting Satisfaction.
I have the Honor to be, with the highest Respect, / Sir, / Your Devoted and / most Obedient Servant

Will. MoubrayCollector of the Customs


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 August 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Navy Department 21 August 1799

I do myself the honor to enclose a Letter to Joseph Whitmore, covering his Warrant as a Sailing Master in the Navy, which will require your signature, should you think fit that the Appointment should be made.
He is well recommended by the letters enclosed—and is wanted for the ship Warren.
I have the honor to be, with the / greatest respect & esteem, sir, / your most obedt. servt.

Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 August 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 21. August 1799.

Capt Barry & Capt Murray, both sailed from Hampton roads on the 13th. Inst—the former on a short cruise on the coast—the latter on the cruise mentioned in my letter of the 14. Inst. Capt Talbott had not then arrived at Norfolk, tho’ he had been out 16 only Days—but this is not surprizing, considering the Winds which have prevailed. I sent a fast sailing Pilot boat from hence on the 2nd. of August to Norfolk, for Capt Barron, & she did not get there ‘till the 13th.—Barron however got on board of the Constellation the 18th.—& has now the Command of that Vessel—She is also to cruise on the coast, until about the 20th. Septr.—
The John Adams of Charleston, Capt Cross—of 32 Guns, will I have reason to beleive, be ready to sail the 5th. Septr. I sent by the mail of yesterday, his orders, to proceed direct to Cayenne; there to remain until further orders, unless driven away by a superior force, in which case, to Join McNeill at Surrinam.
The Ship Baltimore, under repairs at Norfolk, will be ready in a short time, & I beleive it will be proper to send her to Curricoa—The rest of the Vessels nearly ready it will I presume be right to divide between St. Domingo, & Guadaloupe.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir Yr. most / Obed. Servt.

Ben Stoddert.


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

Sir
Quincy Aug 22d 1799

I have received your favor of the 16th and have sent the inclosed letters from you, one to Mr. Goodhue & the other to Capt Giles by the post under my frank as well as yours.


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

Sir
Quincy Aug 22d 1799

I thank you for your favor of the 14th. I am very well satisfied to send Capt. Barry with the envoys, & with all the arrangements you have made of the navy. Your letter to Capt. Truxton communicated the appointment of Talbot & his rank, with all possible delicacy, both towards them & me. Inclosed is a letter from Mr. Sheafe, communicating the information of the launching of the Congress on the 15th. I hope this ship will be got to sea with all possible dispatch, having just confidence in Capt. Sever & great hopes of his success.


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

Sir
Quincy August 22d 1799

Inclosed is a letter from Mr Senator Foster, recommending Dr Mason of Newport. Another from Mr Cabot, one from Dr. Tappan & another to him from Dr. Osgood, recommending the Rev. Mr. Samuel Sargeant to be a chaplain. Tappan & Osgood are divines of the highest characters among us. Mr Sargeant appears very worthy.


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

Sir
Quincy August 22d 1799

I have received your favor of the 17th, incloseing a letter from R. B. Lee Esqr. requesting an appointment as commissioner of the federal city, in case of a vacancy. The pretensions of this honorable & worthy candidate will be weighed with all others, whenever such an appointment shall become necessary.


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

Sir
Quincy Aug 22d 1799

Inclosed is a letter from Gen Lincoln, incloseing a certificate from the marine society in favor of Capt Dagget & a letter from Benjamin Allen to him, recommending Mathew Tilton to be keeper of the light at Gay Head.


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Barrell, 23 August 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Barrell, Joseph

Sir
Quincy Aug 23d 1799

Please to seal the inclosed, after you have read it, & send it to your nephew
With much esteem


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

Sir
Quincy Aug 23d 1799

I have read all the papers inclosed in yours of the 14th & now return them as I received them. The conduct of Col. Hawkins appears in an agreeable point of light & you may express to him if you please, my satisfaction in the conduct & issue of the business.
Inclosed is a duplicate from Mr. De Grasse.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 23 August 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Aug 23d 1799

I have signed the warrant for Mr. George Barrell to be a midshipman & inclosed it to his uncle Joseph Barrell Esqr. to be transmitted to him. This in answer to your favor of the 16th.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 23 August 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Aug 23d 1799

My thoughts and feelings are exactly in union with yours, expressed in your favor of the 17th. I would propose that our envoys be landed at Lisbon & take an overland journey to Paris, through Madrid. This will give them an opportunity of gaining much information, useful to their Country. In this case, the frigate may take Mr. Smith & carry him to Constantinople, or the envoys may be landed at Bilboa or Besserabia. The frigate in either case, may cruize & take up the envoys on their return at Lisbon or Bilboa, or we can send another vessel for them to any place. It will be total ruin to any of our frigates, to lye in French harbors all winter. I hope our envoys will not be long in negotiation. Their instructions will be precise & they may be as categorical as they please.
I am with great regard.


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

Sir,
Department of State Philaa. Augt. 23. 1799.

I inclose a letter addressed to you by Mr. Murray, which came to hand this morning under cover from Mr. King.
The draught of instructions preparing agreeable to your directions for the Envoys to the French Republic, will be ready in two or three days to submit to the consideration of the Heads of Departments.
Judge Ellsworth was here when I recd. your letter on this subject; and I wrote without delay to Governor Davie.
Yesterday the alarm of the yellow fever increased so much, that many of the inhabitants are removing; and some of the public offices preparing to leave the city.
I am with great respect / Sir, your obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 23 August 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department. 23 August 1799.

I have the honor to enclose a letter Just recd. from Capt Little, who writes like a man of Spirit & enterprize—and such I have no doubt, he will turn out to be.
The object of Our arrangement with Toussant was to come in for a share with the British, of the Trade of St. Domingo—The British seem intirely excluded—& indeed our own Vessels from British Islands are denied admittance—Ships belonging to the French, which were not to be suffered to enter the Ports, now sail under the protection of our Consul. I wish it may not turn out that we are no match for the French in the kind of game that seems now playing at St. Domingo.
I have enclosed copy of the Instructions given to Capt Perry—but it seems necessary that something should be said about these armed Vessels from France, they may affect to be subservient to the views of Toussant—but I imagine their object is to get Coffee &ca from Rigauds part of the Island, because it is cheap there—& that they will pay little respect to our flag, when they have an opportunity of taking a prize.
Col Pickering is to furnish me with a copy of the agreement with Toussant, which I have never seen,—and I contemplate that it will be proper to send additional Instructions on the subject of the Vessels from France, by the Herald—which I will do myself the honor to enclose to you.
I have no letters from McNeill since the surrender of Surrinam to the British—a letter from S Smith Baltimore, mentions that he has behaved Nobly.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / Sir Yr. Most Obed. Servt.

Ben Stoddert.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 24 August 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy Aug 24th 1799

I have received your favor of the 16th & read the letter of Mr B. H. Phillips, our consul at Curacao of 20th July, & the papers inclosed with it, which I now return. It is right to communicate these documents to Mr. Van Polaner & to Mr Murray, and to remonstrate in clear language to the government, of the Batavian government against the partiality of the govenor & councils & the scandalous conduct of the Frigate. But still I think we have something to do to teach our own American seamen & especially Captains, more discretion. At such a time & in such a place, the sailors ought to have had more prudence, than to have gone on Sunday or any other day into Nanny houses or dance houses with French sailors, & the Captains ought to have known, that it was their duty to apply to the government of the place, to surpress riots, rather than go & join in them in person, though in order to surpress them—If any legal evidence can be produced to prove, that the govenor & council are more or less concerned in the privateers, it would be a ground of very serious representations to their superiors.
I think it & always thought it unfortunate, that when the authority was given to interdict commerce with the French islands, it was not extended to others, especially Dutch. I mention these in particular, because the interested character & the humiliated condition, in which they were known to be, should have suggested the necessity of the measure. The motives & reasons however for adding the Spaniards, Sweeds & Danes were not much less.
If an expedition to restore the Stadtholder is undertaken in concert with the king of Prussia, it may succeed, if without him, it is more uncertain. I make no dependence on any such probable events. By the way, some weeks ago you gave me encouragement to expect a letter from our minister at Berlin, which you had received. In the multiplicity of business, you have omitted it. I wish to see it, as soon as possible. If at the future session, Congress should authorise the suspension of commerce with Swedish & Danish islands as well as Dutch I should think it worth while to send a minister to those courts. But I will not promise, it shall be Mr Smith. In my opinion he ought to go to Constantinople.
I have the honor to be / Sir your most obedient servt.


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Mathias Gérard de Rayneval, 24 August 1799
From: Rayneval, Joseph Mathias Gérard de
To: Adams, John

					Monsieur;
					Paris ce 6. fructidor an 7, 24 août 1799.

				Puis-je me flatter que vous n’avez pas entiérement perdu le souvenir des raports qui ont existé entre nous? c’est dans cet espoir que je prends la liberté de vous interrompre un instant dans les travaux importants dont vous êtes chargé. L’objet de ma lettre est de vous prier de protéger une reclamation que j’ai déja faite auprès du Congrès, et dont Mr. V. Dupont veut bien poursuivre la décision. Pour ne pas vous ennuyer du détail de cette affaire, je m’en raporte entiérement à cequil Vous exposera soit de vive voix ou par écrit. Je suis convaincu d’avance, Monsieur, que Vous reconnoitrez la justice de ma demande, et que vous ne dédaignerez pas de Lappuyer. Ce sera une faveur pour laquelle je conserverai toute ma vie la reconnoissance la plus vive, et que rien ne pourra égaler que la  considération avec laquelle j’ai lhonneur d’être, / Monsieur, / Votre très-humble et très-obèissant Serviteur

					Gerard Rayneval


Title: To John Adams from Arthur Fenner, 27 August 1799
From: Fenner, Arthur
To: Adams, John

Sir
Providence 27 Aug 1799.

Being informed that a Naval Hospital is to be established at Newport take the liberty of recommending to your Notice Doctor Mason of that Town as Chief Physician. From the best information I can obtain, believe him to be a Gentleman well qualified for the Appointment.
I have the Honõr to be / Your Obt Friend

Arthur Fenner.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 28 August 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Aug 28th 1799

I have signed the commission for Joseph Whitmore, to be sailing master in the navy & have sent it in your letter to him, as requested in your favor of the 21st. I return his letter & recommendation—I thank you for the details in your other favor of the 21st, which are very agreeable to me. Curacao, Cayenne & Surrinam must be watched with great care.
Inclosed is a letter from the supervisor of Rhode Island Mr. Jn. Dexter, recommending his son to be a midshipman. His name is Daniel Singer Dexter 2d.
I have received your favor also of the 22d with copy of your letter to Mr Constable, in which the facts are candidly & handsomely stated, as far as I am accquainted with them. I return the papers inclosed in that. I dont recollect instances of resignations in the British or French service or Dutch or Spanish or Austrian or Prussian or Russian for the reason that a junior officer has been appointed over a Senior. In this case however, the Junior officer resigns, because he cannot be appointed over his senior.
With great regard.


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 28 August 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Trenton, War Department 28 Augt. 1799

I have the honour to inclose the Copy of a letter from Mr. Jonathan Waldo, respecting the application of monies for the improvement of the defences of Salem, and an alteration in the name of the Fort, with my answer. The circumstances and time did not seem to admit of a previous communication to you had it been considered necessary in such a case. Generally forts have been named by the Engineers who constructed them or by the general commanding in the District, and often without the previous concurrence of the Secretary of War.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir, / Your most obt & / Most hble st.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 28 August 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Navy Department 28 August 1799

I do myself the honor to enclose a letter to Capt Sever, covering Warrants for John Lee, Samuel Folson, John Varnum, Saml. W. Cushing, Thomas Homan, Henry Wadsworth, &  Woodward, to be Midshipmen in the Navy:. which will require your signature, should you think fit that the Appointments should be made. They are all wanted for the Congress & have been selected & recommended by Capt. Sever.
I have the honor to be, with / the greatest respect & esteem, / sir, your most obed. hble servt.

Ben Stoddert


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 29 August 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy Aug 29th 1799

I received last night, your favor of the 23d. I am very glad to be informed, that the instructions for the envoys will be prepared in a few days, & that you have written to Mr Davie What think you of our envoys landing at Lisbon, & the frigate that carries them, takeing Mr. Smith to Constantinople, or cruising on the Spanish coast or in the Mediteranean? I am not for delaying the negotiation with the Turks or any other measure, on account of the negotiation with France. In my opinion, the charm is broken. It has been broken from the moment the invasion of England was laid aside. That project raised & supported with infinite artifice, kept up the terror & frenzy of the world, but it is over & can never be again excited
I had like to have said that the alarm of the yellow fever gives me more uneasiness than any other alarm. The dispute of the commissioners under the 6th Art. gives me much concern. I shall write you in a few days on that subject. My mind is made up thus far. The treaty, as far as it depends on me, shall be executed with candor & good faith. No unworthy artifice or chicanery shall be practised on my part. No not though the consequence should be the payment of all the demands. We must however do our utmost to obtain an explanation, that may shelter our country from injustice.
I am Sir with great respect


Title: To John Adams from Daniel Morrow, 29 August 1799
From: Morrow, Daniel
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir
Monmouth August 29—1799

when I view you as a father of a Great people, and as Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States of America, I flatter myself you will deign to hear me for a moment, and in your wisdom give me a suitable answer. I have a Son Sir, a youth of about Seventeen years of age, who Inconsiderately Enlisted into the United States Company of artillerists (Commanded by Capt. Amos Stoddard,) a youth whos constitution is Illy Calculated for that Service, and whos heart is almost broken to view the Consequences of his Enlistment, his mother an aged woman driven almost to distraction, whos Gray hairs must go down to the Grave in Sorrow, unless the Releas of her Son Can be obtained. I do not wish Sir by the Releas of my Son to Injure the Servic of my Country, all I ask and my pettition to you Sir is, that you would Grant the Releas of my Son upon my furnishing a man to Supply his place, better Calculated for a Soldier, and the Service then my Son is, which I have offered to do, but Capt. Stoddard Saith he has not the authority to make the Exchange, but has no objection, if you Sir, will Deign answer my Request & Give me Information thereof, I shall view it as the happyest moment of my life, for you will thereby Restore to health and happyness the Aged Compannion of my youth, and my last days Shall be happier then my first—
permit me Sir to Subscribe myself / your most obedient Humble Servt.

Daniel Morrow


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 30 August 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy Aug 30th 1799

 Regretting with you on every account, public & private, the prevalence of the fever, I cannot but approve of the removal of the public offices to Trenton.
Inclosed is a letter from Hugh McAlister, complaining of Mr Simmons & incloseing a certificate from Capt Irvine & another from Mr. Simmons himself. You will please to enquire & satisfy yourself, that justice is done. The original certificate you will preserve with care.


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 30 August 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy Aug 30th 1799

Inclosed is a letter from Gen Lincoln with several inclosures, recommending persons for keeper of the light house at Gay head. I believe the Generals ideas are just on this subject, & pray you to decide among all the candidates. Capt Dagget I am confident will only exercise the office by some other.


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 August 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Trenton. War Department 31 Augt. 1799.

I have the honour to submit for your approbation the inclosed list for promotions and appointments in the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry, and request if approved your authority to announce to the several candidates their respective appointments—I also submit the recommendations of those who are nominated as second Lieutenants.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, / Your most & / most hbe st.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 31 August 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Navy Department 31 August 1799

Ebenezer Bushnell of Lebanon in Connecticut, is recommended, is recommended by Mr. Swift of Windham—and by Mr Wolcott, as a very deserving man, and well qualified to be a purser in the Navy. A purser is wanted for a ship at Baltimore—and another for one building at New London.
I have the honor to enclose a letter to him, covering a Warrant, which will require your signature, if you approve of his appointment
I have the honor to be with the highest respect / and esteem, sir / Your most obed. hble servant,

Ben Stoddert


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 2 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy Aug Sept 2d 1799

Inclosed is a letter from fourteen of the most respectable gentlemen in Rhode island, recommending Dr Isaac Sentor to be surgeon and physician of a naval hospital at New–port. You will please to preserve it & consider it with all others on a like subject.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 2 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy Sept 2d 1799

Inclosed is a petition of George Schaffer Daniel Swarts, Henry Stahler, Christian Rhodes & Henry Shafford for a pardon of their crimes to which is subjoined a petition in their favor signed by many. I pray you to consider this with a number of others I sent you sometime ago & say whether I ought to give any answer.


Title: To John Adams from Robert Greenleaf, 2 September 1799
From: Greenleaf, Robert
To: Adams, John

Sir—
East Greenwich the 2 Septr. 1799

Although I feel myself not altogether a perfect stranger to your Person & greatness of Character, yet an idea formed in my mind that my person or character might not be within your recolection, (it being some years since you have seen me in person,) creates within my breast no considerable degree of diffidence as to addressing you by letter; I cannot but fear & entertain a supposition, that the great freedom & extreem liberty I now take, may be (& perhaps very justly,) considered by you, much too great a one, more especially, when you come to a knowledge of the subject.— Being for some time out of employment, owing to the late misfortunes of my Brother James, whose particular circumstances I presume you are acquainted with, I have long had a desire to enter into the service of the Navy of the United States, in the capacity of Purser on board some one of the Ships in the service of the United States; with that idea, I have been assiduous in my exertions to procure such an establishment, but as yet without success; my particular friend & neighbour, Ray Greene Esqr, one of the Senators in Congress, gave me a Letter for that purpose to the Secretary of the Navy, in order to get me the appointment of Purser on board the Ship General Greene Capt. Perry, now lying in Newport harbour; but truely unfortunately for me, reached the Secretary too late, the vacancy being filled up before my letter reached him— Other repeated applications I have made for the Pursers birth on board of other Ships belonging to the Navy; I have at last however rather than be unemployed, accepted of the Stewards birth on board of the Ship General Greene, which sails in a few days.— The principal object of this Letter however, was to solicit your influence with the Secretary of the Navy, in recommending me to him by Letter, or otherwise in my absence, as a person capable of the duties of a Purser to one of the Ships now building in New York or other places, for the service of the United States.— As to my particular Character & capability of the office which I now solicit, I refer you if you should think it necessary, to my Brother Daniel, or cousin Thomas Greenleaf who can give you every information respecting me. I have Sir a Wife & family who look up to me for support & assistance, which circumstance I conceive & sincerely hope, may be an apology sufficient in your candid mind, for the great trouble which I now give you.—
With the profoundest sentiment of respect, believe me Sir, your well  & most Obedt, / Huml, Servt,

Robert Greenleaf


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 2 September 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Trenton. War Department 2d Sepr. 1799

In May last I issued a notification in the news papers, requiring officers absent on furlough or otherwise in certain of the States, to report themselves to Major General Hamilton. It appears by a letter from the General dated the 28th Ulto, that this measure has not produced its effect, and that a more decisive and stronger one is absolutely necessary. I have therefore issued the inclosed notification to officers of the 1. 2. 3. & 4th. Regiments of Infantry, and 1 Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, who are absent from their regiments, and directed him to report to me the names of all those who do not comply with the same, to the end, that such proceedings may be had respecting them, as the President may judge proper.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir, / your most obt. & most / hble st.

James McHenry


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

Sir
Navy Department. 3. September 1799.

I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter just recd. from Capt Fletcher.—Capt Little of the Boston, ought to have arrived at Cape Francois, at the date of this letter. Capt Perry in the Genl Greene will be directed to proceed thither from Rhode Island, and when they are joined by Capt Talbot which will be about the 10h. of Octor.—our force will certainly be sufficient to protect that Trade. I wish it may turn out to be worth the cost
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem sir Yr. most Obed /  sert.

Ben Stoddert


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 4 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept 4th 1799

I have signed the commissions for Lee, Folsom Varnum Cushing, Homan, Wadsworth & Woodward to be midshipman, and sent them in your letter to Capt James Sever, as you proposed in your favor of 28 ult.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 4 September 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sept. 4th 1799

Observations on the draught of Instructions to Oliver Ellsworth, William Richeson Davie, and William Vans Murray Esq. Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States to the French Republic.
In considering what Instructions ought to be delivered to our ministers, all reference to the policy of the measure of renewing negociations is necessarily excluded. If we consent to treat, especially, if as in the present case, the overtures are made on our part, it is particularly incumbent to manifest sincerity of intention by demanding nothing unusual or degrading—in the event of a rupture of the negociation, it will be necessary for the government of the United States, to evince to the world, that the failure has not been owing to any want of prudence or moderation on their part.
On these grounds it is my opinion, that we must rest satisfied, if France will consent to refer our claims on account of illegal & irregular captures and condemnations in general terms, to the arbitration of a Board of Commissioners and will engage to pay or secure the sums which may be awarded.—If we insist on unconditional indemnity for any description of captures authorized by the Laws of France, it will be justly said, that such concessions are unusual or rather without precedent in public Treaties, between independent European Nations.—I am at the same time of opinion, that no restitutions or reparations to France, ought to be stipulated, except in the form of deductions from sums which may be awarded to the United States;—if this point can be attained, it will be a tacit acknowledgement of aggression, at least in degree, on the part of France, and as direct a concession as is to be expected.
On the subject of the proposed commercial regulations the following observations occur.
Folio 17 Ar. V. The French government will not agree to limit the rate of Tonnage duties & charges on American Vessells in French Ports, unless we agree to a reciprocal stipulation—such an engagement is deemed inexpedient.
Fol. 17 & 18. In the discussions relative to the Colony Trade the French Government will naturally enquire into the nature of our arrangements with St. Domingo.—To enable the Envoys to make suitable and correct explanations on this subject, they ought to be furnished with Copies of the instructions to Doct. Stevens, and with the papers exchanged with Mr. Liston & General Maitland; but under special injunctions not to communicate Copies nor permit them to be taken, nor left in France when the negociation is terminated. In my opinion if France will not allow us a Trade with her Colonies, on the terms which may be agreed in respect to the Parent State, we ought to be silent on the subject. In no event ought we to allow a price for this permission by agreeing to the payment of extra duties; nor ought we to stipulate any thing like what is contained in the last clause of the third Article of our Treaty with the United Netherlands—Such an engagement would be a species of guarranty of the Colony system. It is sufficient for the United States to engage generally to treat foreign nations with justice and friendship, we are under no obligation to come under special engagements to support systems opposed to our national Interests.
Folio 19. Ar. VI. The article restraining France from imposing Export Duties, in a certain manner, will be objected to, & ought not to be insisted on by the United States:—if in matters of Trade we are treated as well as other foreign nations we ought to be satisfied.
Folo. 20. Article VII. The 24th Section of the Collection Law, land the Act providing for the mitigation of fines penalties & forfeitures, compleatly secure effectual & prompt remedies for the case mentioned in this Article. As from the nature of things, the Governments of the two Countries must be exclusive Judges of the cases which require relief, & as a stipulation by Treaty, might occasion disputes, it is deemed expedient to omit the proposed Article.
Folio 21. Ar. VIII. Such a provision would be unusual and it will be frequently a matter of dispute whether a particular allowance ought to be considered as a drawback or bounty.—The allowance made by the United States to Vessells employed in the Cod Fishery, is partly a bounty, and partly a draw back.
Folio 23. Ar. XIV. It is believed that the 32d and 60th Sections of the Collection Law contain liberal provisions on the subject of this Article, some of which would be repealed by such a stipulation as is proposed:—the public Credit and resources of the United States principally depend on the punctual collection of the duties of Customs—the nature of the imports into the United States is such as to render illicit practises more easy by foreigners in our parts, than by Americans in foreign parts—For these and the reasons mentioned in respect to Ar. VII. it is believed, that we ought not to consent to any relaxation of the rules established by Law: the 26th Article of the late Treaty is free from objection.
Folio 25. Ar. XIX. It is believed that both Nations ought to leave the whole subject of Consuls precisely on the footing in which it is placed by the law & usages of friendly Nations. That there ought to be no encouragement held out of a future Consular Convention & particularly that the jurisdiction of our Admiralty Courts as such or by any act ought not to be impaired, as would be the case by the renewal of the stipulation in the 7th Article of the late Consular Convention.
Folio 26. Article XX. Whatever article of this nature is proposed to France, must be immediately offered to England:—we have refused to give up Deserters to England unless they would give us satisfaction on the subject of impressing Seamen.—I think the point deserves very serious consideration and that the instructions should be peremptory to agree to no article different from what will be offered to Mr. Liston.
Folio 27. Ar. XXI. In my opinion no person ought to be delivered up for offences not committed within the territorial jurisdiction of the two Countries—The Laws of the United States expressly provide for the punishment of Murder committed on the High Seas in foreign as well as American Vessells; and untill Nations shall generally admit, that the jurisdiction exclusively follows the Flag of a Vessell, it does not appear to be fit to impair the jurisdiction of the Courts of the United States;—if any thing is proposed in respect to the crime of Murder committed on the High Seas, it ought to be by way of addition to XVI Article.
Folio 28.—Article XXIII. This subject appears to my mind the most important as well as the most difficult to adjust of any which will probably arise in the proposed negociation.—It is a settled principle that Treaties are entitled to precedence according to their respective dates;—where two Treaties are in collision, the stipulations in the first are to be executed.—We have now no Treaty with France and we cannot with good faith derogate from the precedence which the Treaty with Great Britain has acquired.—By the 24 and 25th articles of the Treaty of 1794, certain privelidges are granted to British public & private Vessells of War, which are denied to other nations.—The parties have moreover agreed that while they continue in Amity neither of them, will in future make any Treaty that shall be inconsistent, with the 24th and 25th Articles.—This engagement must be deemed commensurate with the duration of the Treaty—if no substitute for the 12th article shall be negociated, the articles abovementioned will cease to operate at the expiration of two years after the present war,—if a substitute shall be agreed upon, the said articles will remain in force for twelve years computed from the day on which the ratifications were exchanged; the binding force however of these obligations may at the option of Great Britain and the United States, be further continued, by an article to be negociated, pursuant to the last Article of the existing Treaty.
The preferences formerly enjoyed by France by her Treaty which has been declared no longer obligatory and which are now secured to Great Britain are of the greatest importance to the two Nations:—France will make every exertion to regain the advantages she has lost, and any violation of the spirit of our engagement with Great Britain, will be pointedly resented by that nation.
It is my decided opinion, that we are not only precluded from granting to France equal privelidges with Great Britain, during the remainder of the present War, but also, that we are precluded during the time which the 24th & 25th Articles of the Treaty with Great Britain may remain in force, from stipulating in favour of any other Nation, privelidges which by the possibility of events, may derogate from the advantages actually secured to Great Britain at the date of the Treaty, or which may be acquired during its continuance. It is evident that the whole value of these Articles depends upon their priority; & we have promised Great Britain, that during the existance of our Treaty, we will do nothing to impair the chances in favour of her priority.
This construction of the article, which is sincerely believed to be correct, gives to the United States great advantages, which ought to be carefully improved—Whenever there is a general War in Europe, we may expect to find England & France engaged on opposite sides. In such an event, it must always be the interest of the United States to keep the scene of contention as far distant as possible.—It is desireable to preserve as equal and impartial a system with both nations as possible—but if preferences must be given in the admission of public ships of War & Privateers into our Ports, it is the Interest of the United States, that they should be granted to Great Britain rather than France—The vicinity of the British Admiralty Courts of Nova Scotia, Bermuda, the Bahama Islands, & generally the West Indies, the maxims of their Maritime Law, and the apprehension of loosing their Seamen will keep British Vessells & Privateers from frequenting our Ports; and thus the operation of the Treaty & other causes, will preserve us from unwelcome and dangerous Visitors.—
It is therefore proposed, that the ministers should be positively injoined not to renew the stipulations contained in the 17th & 22d Articles of the late Commercial Treaty with France, upon any other condition than an express declaration, that neither at the present nor any future time, shall the said articles be construed to derogate from the whole or any clause of the 24th & 25th Articles of the Treaty of Amity Commerce & Navigation between the United States & his Britannic Majesty, concluded at London on the 19th day of Nov 1794.—A general saving of the obligations contained in prior Treaties, will not for the reasons abovementioned answer the purpose;—the saving must be special, so that in respect to these Articles, a Treaty of subsequent date with Great Britain, if such a one should be negociated, during the period limited for the duration of the existing Treaty, would controul the corresponding articles in the Treaty now proposed to be negociated with France.
It is possible that France may strenuously object to any recognition of the Treaty with Great Britain; in that case, she must rest contented with such a general stipulation in favour of her public & private ships, as is contained in the 8th. article of our Treaty with Spain. If the ground now proposed is taken and preserved, it will be in the power of the United States, when the present engagement with Great Britain shall have expired, to impart equal advantages to France and Great Britain, or what would be still better, to reserve the power of concluding the Ships & Privateers of both nations at pleasure.
Folio 33. Ar. XXV—If it be possible to avoid conceeding that Provisions may become contraband, when not bound to a place actually invested or blockaded, it ought to be done, especially as Great Britain has attempted to pin a most injurious construction upon the 18th article of the Treaty of 1794.—If the article is insisted on, it ought to be formed in the precise terms of the article of our Treaty with Great Britain, and if possible an explanation added, that provisions shall be deemed contraband only, when evidently destined to supply an invading Army or hostile Fleet, though in places not actually invested or blockaded.
Folio 41. Article XXIX.—It is much doubted whether this article ought to be retained; it will only bind the United States, the government of which will never engage in unnecessary hostility with France—We may expect much injury from Cruizers in the West Indies, and it may be ruinous to wait the tardy operation of French decrees, before we use our own means to obtain security or redress. Though the principle of the proposed article is good, it is impossible not to regard the particular character of the Nation with which we treat—a stipulation of the kind proposed cannot but be dangerous in a Treaty with France—At any rate the overtures ought to come from them.
The foregoing observations are the result of the most critical attention which I have been able to give to the subject, since I recd. the draught of instructions last evening—Many of the articles usual in Treaties, not inconsistent with the principles laid down, will I presume be inserted by the Ministers, and need not be detailed—The following points ought in my opinion to be ultimata.
1st. That an article be inserted for establishing a Board with suitable powers, to hear and determine the claims of our Citizens for losses sustained by illegal and irregular Captures & seizures of Property, and binding France to pay or secure the sums which may be awarded.
2nd. That the Treaties and Consular Convention declared to be no longer obligatory by Act of Congress, be not in whole or in part revived by the new Treaty, but that all the engagements to which the United States are to become parties be specified in the new Treaty.
3d. That no guarranty of the whole or any part of the dominions of France be stipulated, nor any engagement made in the nature of an Alliance.
4th. That no aid or Loan be promised in any form whatever.
5th. That no engagement be made inconsistent with the obligations of any prior Treaty, & in case the engagements of the 17th & 22d Articles of the late Commercial Treaty with France, shall be reinserted, that there be a special saving of the rights acquired by Great Britain under the 24 and 25th articles of the Treaty of 1794. as herein before mentioned, or the duration of the said Articles expressly limited to two years after the expiration of the present war with England.
6th. That there be no stipulation made, by granting powers to Consuls or otherwise, under colour of which tribunals can be established, within our jurisdiction, or personal privelidges claimed by French Citizens, incompatible with the compleat soveireignty of the United States, in matters of policy, commerce and Government.
7th. That the duration of the proposed Treaty be limited to Twelve years, from the day of the exchange of the ratifications with the exceptions proposed in the draught herein referred to.
Submitted respectfully by
Oliv. Wolcott


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 4 September 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Trenton War Department 4th Augt. Sept. 1799.

I have the honour to inclose you a letter from Major General Pinckney dated the 12 of Augt. ulto containing a request, that Mr. Pierre Gaillard, may be appointed the eighth first Lieutenant in the room of Mr. Charles Boyle who has refused to accept.
With the greatest respect I have the honour to be, Sir, / Your most obt / & most hble st.

James McHenry


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 5 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept 5 1799

I enclose you a letter from McNeil of August 1st & 3d with two inclosures.


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 5 September 1799
From: Yznardi, Joseph, Sr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Cadiz 5th. September 1799

This is the second time I have taken the liberty of trespassing on your Excellency’s time & with due reverence have now to repeat my request that you will have the goodness to listen to the Justice of my cause.
In case the false rumours that have been circulated & publish’d against me by my rivals & enemys should have in any degree alter’d the good opinion I meritted of your Excellency, in the discharge of my Office I confide in your rectitude & the dignity of your elevated character to suspend in such case your opinion until its deem’d necessary my personal appearance in America, which I am ready to do abandoning my family & will present myself before your Excellency or any other Tribunal with an entire confidence that by this method I shall fully satisfy the charges against me, & finally silence the unjust accusations of my persecutors.
In the interval I have to beseech your Excellency will have the bounty to examine the inclosed certificates in my favor from the chiefs in this City as well all the Merchants of respectability which I have been induced to send, from a confidence I have meritted what they have had the goodness to assert—
I could expatiate on this subject with unquestionable Justice but know your Excellencys character & rectitude too well to deem it necessary, & the injurys I have received is the most laudable apology I can offer your Excellency for the liberty I now take, & which I hope will not be considerd presuming this just defence of my injurd honor & let me only be permitted to add that I am, & shall ever be with the profoundest sentiments of Respect & Esteem— / Your Excellencys / Most Obliged / & Most Obedt. / huml. Servt.

Josef Iznardy


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 September 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Navy Department 5 September 1799

Having no Blank Commissions and Warrants with yr Signature on hand, I do myself the honor to enclose forty of each for your signature—
I have the honor to be with / the greatest respect & esteem, / sir, your most obed hbl servant

Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 September 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Trenton. 5th. Septr. 1799.

A Gentleman of Maryland, not long from France, where he was a Prisoner, but after a time was suffered to go at large, mentioned to me last night, that a Colo. Hickbourn had lately arrived at New York from France & had gone on to Boston, where he has connexions—that he was supposed by the Americans in France to be an Instrument of the French Govt.—and that tho’ he was ordered to leave France in 24 hours, this did not restrain his credit with his Countrymen there, who believed it to be a thing concerted, in order to procure him a better reception in his own Country.
I have thought it my Duty to mention the information as I recd it.
I have the honor to be—with the / highest respect & esteem sir Yr. most / Obed. Servt.

Ben Stoddert.


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 7 September 1799
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir,
New York Sepr 7. 1799

General Wilkinson, who has been some weeks in this City, in consequence of an invitation having for object the readjustment of our Western Military affairs, is about to make a journey to Braintree to pay his respects to you. On such an occasion, I hope it will not be thought improper that I should address you on the subject of this officer; since what I shall say will accord with what I know to be the views of General Washington and with what I have reason to believe has been already suggested to you, with his support, by the Secretary of War.
You are apprised, Sir, that General Wilkinson served with distinction in our revolutionary war, and acquired in it the rank of Brigadier General—that for many years since that war he has been in the military service of the Government with the same rank, in which rank he for some time had the chief command of the army—That he has also served with distinction, in this latter period, General Wayne, who was not his friend, has, upon in one instance within my knowlege, very amply testified.
The decided impression on my mind as the result of all that I have heard or known of this Officer, is, that he is eminently qualified as to talents, is brave enterprising active and diligent, warmly animated by the genuine spirit of his profession and devoted to it. The recent communications between us have satisfied me more than ever that he is well entitled to the character I have just given of him.
So circumstanced and so qualified,  all military usage and analogy give the General a very strong claim to promotion. His sensibility would suffer with reason, if he has it not, and it would require more than usual patriotism and magnanimity to preserve him from discontent and disgust.
I, as well as others, have heard hard things said of the General, but I have never myself seen the shadow of proof, and I have been myself too much the victim of obloquy, to listen to detraction unsupported by facts—
Permit me to add, that I hold no thing so unsafe in public affairs as half confidence—that in my opinion to employ a man in delicate and important stations, and to act towards him so as to convince him that he is not trusted and is not to receive the common share of public reward, is the most effectual way that can be adopted to make him unfaithful:—while, if we only allow him a well-informed ambition, his fidelity may be assured by letting him see that it will best advance the interest of his ambition.
In hazarding these remarks I do not mean to present to you observations which could possibly escape your own reflections; but merely to indicate the manner of viewing the subject which determines my judgment that it is both right and expedient to promote General Wilkinson to the rank of Major General in the present army.
Should the matter appear to you in the same light, I submit whether it will not be proper previously to unsterdand with General Wilkinson, that he must it may happen in the event that General Knox may be called into the army with a priority to him. For this there are many reasons which will occur to you without being mentioned, and I may without impropriety add that it will meet the ideas of General Washington.
In the course of his conversations with me the General Wilkinson has stated that important advantages might result from the appointment of leading characters at the Natches and elsewhere on the Western Waters as officers in the Eventual army;—calling them immediately into service with a title to the emoluments of their grades.
I have not had time to reflect so maturely on the proposition as to have formed a definitive opinion of its expediency—But it strikes me in a very agreeable manner & accordingly I offer it to your consideration. The arguments in its favour will not require to be specified in order to be appreciated by you. It is obviously a powerful means of conciliating the inhabitants, in the quarter to which it applies, and of rending them auxiliary in case of need to our military operations. It is presumed they may be provisionally embodied under the leaders who may be selected.
I will make no apology for the liberty I take by this letter. The solitariness of the example will I trust evince that it is not my wish to travel out of the regular and ordinary road of communication.
With high respect and / true esteem I have the honor / to be sir / Your obedient servt

Alex Hamilton


Title: To John Adams from Md., Citizens of Baltimore, 7 September 1799
From: Baltimore, Md., Citizens of
To: Adams, John

Sir
 September 7th. 1799.

We The members of a society in the city of Baltimore think it our duty as becoming Good citizens to address you in a manner becoming our attitude in life (The society is composed of minor citizens from the age of 15 to 26) Who now addres you.
Father & Fellow Citizen hear us for our cause is good not that we wish to assume the conduct of any party Influenced by a wim, But from a true love of our Country. We consider all impartially
Oh, Thou who art at the head of affairs overlooking the conduct of our piratical enemies in so Torpid a state. Behold our Trade upon the rack, Our enterprising citizens and mariners spirits damped (by the intrigues of the haughty & Imperious powers of France and Great Britain,) Citizens whose trade gives life & Spirit to our country. We ought to Say arise Fathers Stretch forth thine arms in defence of our injured Commerce.
Why should our Trade be under the influence of a power that once had & held us in bondage or be Influenced by her conduct
Why do we only look at the violators of all that is sacred with so Torpid an Eye. No instead of Looking we should say in the words of Simphronius, Rise fathers rise & revenge your slaughtered citizens or share their fate
Behold our able mariners once sailing the Ocean in peace but now ed by a nation who appears as if they came hot from hell. Violating nationally the sacred rites of God, & the honnorable negotiations of Men
Behold our farmers once steady at plough but now, according to times at Politics & electioneering. Every thing out of its former orbit, Our insurance companies approaching near their capitols our citizens falling from prosperous Tare to mean bankruptacy. Our mariners unemployed on shore our ships that once bore and honnorable part in commerce now harrassed at Sea by the contending powers of Europe; Take heed else we fall. We all remain True friends / To our country Lovers of / Liberty and sworn enemies to oppression— / Signed in behalf of the Society

A——n. L——g Jnr.Secretary & Speaker


Title: From John Adams to Daniel Greenleaf, 9 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Greenleaf, Daniel,Greenleaf, Elizabeth

Sept 9th 1799

The President of the United States, & lady requests the Pleasure of Mr & Mrs. D. Greenleafs Company to Dine, on friday next, at two o’clock.

An answer is requested.


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 9 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy Sept 9th 1799

I have no objection to the promotions or appointments proposed in your list, inclosed in your favor of 31st August. I return you all the papers.


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 9 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy Sept 9th 1799

Inclosed is a letter from Col Loame Baldwin, a respectable character as I suppose you know, recommending Mr. Samuel Sargeant to be chaplain
I approve of the notification, copy of which is inclosed in your favor of 2d of this month.

J. A.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 9 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy Sept 9th. 1799

Inclosed is a letter from Commissioners Scott & White. Whether the address in question, is one I sent you sometime ago or another, which may be comeing, I know not. In all things relative to the federal city, I rely much on your advice, aided by Messrs McHenry Stoddert & Lee.
With much respect &c.
Inclosed also is a letter from Mr Daniel Pettibone which ought to have been addressed to you.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept 9th. 1799

I thank you for yours of the 3d and Capt Fletchers letter inclosed in it. I wish as you do that the trade to St Domingo may turn out to be worth the cost To speak in the style of a Frenchman I have never felt any very sublime enthusiasm on that subject. If ten merchantmen are expected at St Domingo from France it is ten thousand pitties that our cruisers have not authority to avail themselves of them and their cargoes—Toussaints armed vessells with Dr Steevens’s passport! what can they be cruising for in the Bite? Is it to intercept supplies to Rigaud? Have they passports from Col. Maitland too? Multa desunt desiderata. The Arrett for the discouragement of trade to St Domingo as Fletcher marks it you did not inclose nor the proclamation for the suspension of pyracy.
I am dear Sir yours

NB I am somewhat concerned about Capt Little. One of the bravest men in one of the finest ships in the world I am afraid has been driven out to sea, as the circumstances of the time would have it, without a proper complement of seamen & with few marines. Yet we did right to hasten him away and oblige him to go.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept 9th 1799

The blank commission inclosed in yours of 2d I return with my signature, that you may fill it with Capt Geddes, if you persist in your opinion concerning him. The gentlemen who recommend him, are respectable & I know of nothing to excite a question concerning the validity of their testimonies.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir,
Quincy Sept 9th 1799

I have signed the commission for Mr. Ebenezer Bushnell of Lebanon, & sent it on in your letter to him, inclosed in yours of the 31st Aug. to

J.A.


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 10 September 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Trenton Sept. 10. 1799.

I have but just time to inclose the draught of instructions. I have some papers to forward respecting these, which shall go by to-morrows mail: if I wait longer now I shall miss the post of this day.
I am most respectfully / sir your obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


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

Sir.
War Department Trenton 11 Sepr. 1799.

I have the honour to inclose, the proceedings and sentence, of a general court martial, held at Loftus’s heights, on the 11th day of April last, by order of Brigadier General Wilkinson.
At this Court Lieutenant Jacob Kreemer, of the first Regiment of Infantry, was tried and sentenced.
The sentence conformably to the 18 section of “an act to ascertain and fix the military establishment of the United States” is laid before you, for your directions, whether the same, shall be carried into execution or otherwise, as you shall judge proper.
Permit me to observe, that you have before you, the proceedings and sentence in the case of Andrew Anderson, a soldier tried at Fort Sargent on the Mississippi, on the 22 day of Novmbr. 1798, by order of General Wilkinson, on a charge of deserting his post, and aiding and assisting two prisoners to make their escape from confinement, when he was centinel and had charge of them, and losing his arms, and accoutrements.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir, / your most obt & / most hble Servt

James McHenry


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

Sir
Department of State Trenton, 11th Septr. 1799

I have the honor to transmit, in a packet accompanying this letter, fifty Mediterranean passports, for your signature, and to be, / With perfect respect, / Your most obed. servt.

Timothy Pickering


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

(private)
Sir,Trenton Sept. 11. 1799.

The general alarm of the yellow fever in Philadelphia, occasioned the removal of the public offices to this place. This has caused some delay in finishing the draught of instructions for the envoys to the French Republic, which I had the honor of transmitting you yesterday: the draught having been previously examined, altered & amended, conformably to the opinions of the Heads of Departments.
I now inclose some papers relating to the subject, which want of time prevented my forwarding yesterday.
Of the three leading points which were fixed before your departure from Philadelphia, we have ventured to propose a deviation in one only; that respecting the rôle d’equipage. For however clear in our own minds is the right of American citizens to a full indemnification for captures & condemnations for want of that document, after much deliberation, we thought if France would submit that and other questions to a board impartially constituted, as proposed in the draught; or in secret declarations or stipulations agree to the specific rules of adjudications therein detailed; that the people of America might think the negociation ought not to be frustrated, as it might be, by making such a concession an ultimatum.—We thought; indeed, that the captures of our vessels because their cargoes were produced or fabricated in the British dominions, perfectly unjustifiable, and a case more unexceptionable, if made an ultimatum. But if France agrees to the rules of adjudication, or to the mode of constituting a board of commissioners, as now proposed, we conceived that the United States would be satisfied.
I propose to send a copy of the draught of instructions to Mr. Ellsworth, and to invite his observations upon them: as it is important that he should be satisfied. And if want of time should prevent a second transmission of the instructions to you (which however I think will not be the case) may I take the liberty of proposing, if your judgement should not be definitively made up on particular points, that we may, if Mr. Ellsworth should desire it, and we all concur in opinion with him, make alterations in the draught? Provided that none of the ultimata be varied, except that which prescribes the mode of organizing the board of commissioners.
On the 26th ult. I received the inclosed private letter from Mr. Murray, dated the 18th of June. The “very portentous scene” which by his advices from Paris “appeared to be opening there,” doubtless referred to what the news-papers have called “another explosion.” The dismission of Freilhard from the Directory, and the forced resignation of la Reveiliere la Peaux, and Merlin, which with the other proceedings of the two Councils, demonstrate that the Dictatorial power of the Directory is overturned, have suggested to the Heads of Departments some doubts of the expediency of an immediate departure of the envoys.
The men lately in power, who gave the assurances you required, relative to the mission, being ousted in a manner indicative of a revolution in the public mind, and, according to Mr. Murray’s letter, the threats, now first uttered by the military, of a king, show such instability and uncertainty in the government of France, and are ominous if such further & essential changes, probably at no great distance, as made it appear to us a duty to submit to your consideration, the question of a temporary suspension of the mission to that country; where a state of things, and that final result which you long since foresaw and predicted, appear to be rapidly advancing. Such a suspension would seem to us to place the U. States in a more commanding situation, and enable the President to give such a turn to the mission as the impending changes should in his opinion demand.
Or if a revival of the system of terror should first take place, which the last arrival of intelligence at New-York now shows to be probable; still the question of suspending the mission seems to the Heads of Departments to merit serious consideration. It is an undoubted fact, that the character of the late change at Paris has been purely Jacobinical: the clubs are again opened; and the Jacobins are every where active to electrify the people.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, sir, / your most obedient servt.
Timothy Pickering


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

Sir,
Navy Department 11 September 1799

I do myself the honor to enclose a letter to Capt Tryon, covering Warrants for Loudon Baley, Sailing Master, Joseph Dorr, George Tryon, Owen Tudor & Matthew Talcott, for Midshipmen: which will require your signature should you think fit, that the appointments should be made. These Gentlemen, are wanted for the Connecticut, & have been named to me by Capt. Tryon.
I have the honor to be, / with the greatest respect & esteem / sir, your most obed. hble servant

Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from Asale Harris, 12 September 1799
From: Harris, Asale
To: Adams, John

Sir
Port Royal Jamaica September 12th 1799 On Board of his Britannaic Majestys Ship Carnatic Commanded By John Loraing Esqu

We Address our Selves to you As we are Natives of the United States of America their Bread & Born under our National Independence federal Constitution the Bill of Rights Sir we Humbley pertition to you to Consider our present Situation Being Impressed on Board of his Britannaic Majestys ship Sir as we have a Groing Navy of our own our Assistance is as Much wanted in our own Country Navy as that of his Britannaic Majestys Sir their is Great Number of americans in this Jamaica Squdron But Cannot Get No address from Mr. Savage our Deptuy Counsil at Kngston Som of ous hath Sent our portection to him & after he Keep them 8 mounths we aplied to him for them again he Gave up one & Said that he had Lost the others & Likewise Said that he was Not authorised By Congress for Such Business theirfore he Could Do Nothing Concerning the Matter and if we wanted any Assistance we Must send to America for it, for Which We think it our Duty’s to inform you of as we Can Certaifi any officer what ever that we was Born in america. & as we Never sailed under other Coulors But the american Coulours it is hard for ous to Be Doomed to Servie the English for which We have No right theirfore Sir we hope that you will be pleased to take this in Conceidration As we are in Great want of assistance in our Necessitous Circumstances Sir we hope that you Will Be pleased to interpose your Good office to free ous from the English Navy here is Numbers of others on Board of this Ship that is not mentioned here these following Names are present Now at the Writen of this—Asale Harris John Lorain Samuel Churchell Jamaway White Edward Turner Andrew Lipet Abraham Putman John Carter William Bishop all of the above mentioned Can produce proof that they are Natives of the united States of america.
Sir your Most obedient & Humble Servant

Asale Harris


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

Sir
Navy Depart 12 Septr. 1799

I have the honor to enclose a letter Just recd. from Capt. Tingey.
I have the honor to be / With the highest respect & esteem / sir Yr most Obed Sert.

Ben Stoddert


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

Sir
Quincy Sept 13th 1799

Inclosed are letters from Major McFarland, a meritorious old officer & as I have always understood an amiable, irreproachable character, though unfortunate & in distress. I pray you to attend to this thing, as soon as possible & if any thing is wanting to procure him a patent, to inform him or me of it, as soon as possible, for he has no time to loose


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 September 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Trenton 13. Septr. 1799

I am honored with your letter of the 4 Inst, and cannot but lament that the accomodations to be obtained here, are very far inferior to such as would be suitable for the President of the United States. Indeed I am afraid none could be obtained which would not be extremely inconvenient & disagreeable to both Mrs. Adams & yourself. Yet having no motive unconnected with your honor & that of the Government I hope you will pardon my freedom, in adhereing to my wish that you would Join the officers here, before the Departure of the Mission to France— or if that should be suspended; that you would not give the order for the suspension, before your arrival here: Col Pickering has addressed a letter to you on this subject with the concurrence of the other Departments. If you should be determined on the measure, nothing will be lost by delaying to take it, for a month, for I am sure the Comrs will not sooner than that time be ready to sail, & Mr Davie who will leave North Carolina the 20. Septr: could not be stopped much short of Trenton, if you were to give orders for stopping him. On the other hand, if you should consider the measure as a questionable one, you might a month hence decide it, with the advantage of the lights which all the advices to be recd. for a month, which may be very important, might throw on the subject. Whether it be decided to suspend the mission, or otherwise, the decision may & will be important.  It will be a great measure either way, & will be attended with consequences in proportion to its magnitude. All the solemnity possible, should perhaps be given to the decision. Genl. Washington, one of the most attentive Men in the World to the manner of doing things, owed a  great proportion of his celebrity to this circumstance. It appears to me, that the decision measure in question would be better supported throughout the Country, if it be taken when you are surrounded by the officers of Govt. & the Ministers; Even if it should be against their unanimous advice.
I sill state as briefly as I can other reasons which influence my wishes, on the subject of your coming to Trenton.
I have never entertained the opinion prevalent with many persons, that we could not during the present War in Europe maintain Peace with both France & England—tho’ I believe it will be a difficult matter. There are already indications that England looks at us with a Jaundiced Eye, arising in part perhaps from the effort to Treat with France—in part from the representations made by their Comrs. & their minister, on the subject of the commission under the 6th: Article of the Treaty. No doubt their Comrs. have for a long time been prejudiced & soured, & have in some instances, acted as if it was their desire to plunge the two nations into War—Our own I believe have been actuated by pure views—but the difference between them on almost every question, has been so wide that it is difficult to conceive that both sides could have been rational, & at the same time possess a desire to bring the business to a Just conclusion. Mr. Liston, mild & reasonable as he may appear on other subjects, has not been so on this—and Mr Rich who is to return to England in the Packet has written a letter to our Comrs. sufficiently indicative of a mind highly irritated.
We have a right to make Peace with France without asking the permission of England—and we are not to submit to unreasonable & unjust constructions of the Treaty for fear of her resentment. It is our inclination & our policy, to yield to no injustice, & to do none. Acting on this system, if England insists on a quarrel, however we may lament the Calamity, we need not fear the result, if our own People are satisfied that the government has acted in all instances right. But, amicable & candid explanations are due to England & to ourselves—I should presume it would be very proper to assure her immediately, that to obtain Peace with France, we would sacrifice no Just right of England:—and that a fair & candid representation of the true grounds of difference between the Commissioners should be immediately furnished to Mr. King, with assurances of the sincere desire of the Government to execute Justly the Treaty according to its true meaning—perhaps it might be found that some constructions of our Commissioners might be yielded, & that England might be told on what fair ground we could meet her.
Col Pickering is certainly too much occupied with the business of his Department to find time to understand this subject so well as our Commissioners & the Attorney General must do, and it has therefore appeared to me that the best course would be to call these gentlemen—at least the Attorney General to the seat of Government to prepare the representation, which should afterwards be pruned by the heads of Departments of every thing like acrimony & of any argument if any such found admittance, calculated to confute, rather than to convince.—Thus corrected, it might be submitted to the President. Now, it seems to me, that this course could not be adopted without the direction of the President—nor indeed so well executed, without his presence, and I think the Peace of the Country may depend upon taking the true ground now, & upon promptly carrying into effect the proper measures to prevent a misunderstanding, where it is so much our Interest to be understood.
The great number of captures & condemnations at Providence & Jamaica, of our Vessels have produced a sourness among the best of our Merchants, which will increase. If they arise from the avarice & inequity of the Judges without any agency on the part of Government, they would cease on a representation of the injury. If they are countenanced by the Government, they would probably cease & reparation be made, if misrepresentations and prejudices are removed—at all events it is degrading to our Government, to suffer them to continue, without an effort to prevent them.
On the subject of the mission to France—your Character is know throughout the whole of the Country; the Gentn. who fill the great offices more immediately connected with the President, however high their merit, & however respected where known, not having before acted on the great Theatre in conspicuous stations, are not enough known to inspire the same degree of confidence—and it may not be believed, that the Instructions to the Ministers will wear exactly the same complexion if you are at Quincy when they are delivered, as they would have done, had you been on the spot.
As to the considerations, which I meant as more immediately relating to yourself, I have been apprehensive that artful designing men, might make such use of your absence from the seat of Government when things so important to restore Peace with one country & to preserve it with another were transacting, as to make your next election less honorable than it would otherwise be.
I have thus Sir, in a very tedious letter indulged myself in great freedoms. I have given my opinions with candor, but with great diffidence, for I am sensible that I am but a poor politician. I hope you will not think the trouble of an answer, at all necessary. Whatever course you take, my inclination will prompt me to think right, & my duty to support. I will however observe, that if you should come to Trenton by the 10. of October, it will be in time to see the Ministers, should they proceed on the mission—in one month later, it will be safe to go to Phila. where I presume you would choose to be, about that time.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / Sir Yr. most Obedt. Servt.
Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from Gilbert Blane, 13 September 1799
From: Blane, Gilbert
To: Adams, John

London 13th. Sepr. 1799

Dr: Blane requests the President of the United States of America to do him the Honor of accepting a copy of a book which accompanies this.
Besides the general matter of this work, interesting to maritime and commercial nations, the Prevention and cure of the yellow Fever are more particularly treated, of, as may be discovered from the Index and the subjoined letter to Mr: King which Dr. Blane sincerely hopes may be found of use to the United States.


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

Sir
Treasury Department Trenton, September 13th. 1799.

I have the honour to acknowledge your favour of August 30th refering it to me to report on the applications for the appointment of Keeper of the Light House on Gay Head.
The Candidates are Ebenezer Skiff, Matthew Tilton, Silas Daggett, Thomas West, Noah Pease and Nathaniel Mayhew.
I have the honour to enclose all the recommendations, with two Letters from General Lincoln dated August 20th & 29th.—My opinion formed upon a careful perusal of these paper, is that Ebenezer Skiff is entitled to the preference—Perhaps however I have fallen into a mistake for want of full information of the characters of the Gentlemen who have signed the recommendations, in which case the President will correct me.
The Salary which I take the liberty to propose for the Keeper is Two hundred Dollars per Annum from the time the House is lighted.
I have the honour to be / with perfect respect / Sir / Your obedient Servant

            Oliv Wolcott.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 14 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept 14th 1799

I received last night, your favor of the 5. The gentleman you mention is a native of Boston and well known. I shall make no observations on his character. None of the suspicions  of the Americans in France; which the Gentleman of Maryland mentioned to you, will surprize the federalists in this quarter. But the popularity of the French has so dwindled away that no impression can be made to any great effect in their favor. The nomination of envoys to treat has been taken away so many praetexts from some, and given such opportunities for others “to back out” as my waggoners express themselves, that the French government at least has few advocates left. Hitchbourn is a man of talents but of such mysterious enigmatical & incomprehensible conduct that no party seems to have much confidence in him, though he is supposed to be inveterate in opposition to federal men & measures.


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 18 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy Sept 18th 1799

I received last night your favor of the 11, & have read the sentence of the court martial against Lieutenant Jacob Kreemer of the first regiment of infantry & have no hesitation in confirming the sentence that he be dismissed from the service of the US


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 18 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy Sept 18 1799

In answer to your favor of the 7th. I consent with pleasure to the appointment of Thomas Pinckney Jun. a lieutenant in the 1st regiment of Artillerists & Engineers. Gen. Pinckneys letter I return.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept 18th 1799

I received last night your favor of the 11, & have signed the commissions & Warrants inclosed, which I now return to you


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept 18th 1799

You never send me a letter from Capt Tingey, but you give me a high entertainment & the best details of the conduct of an active intelligent & vigilant officer—His letter of 19th of Aug &c inclosed in yours of the 12th of this month received last night I return.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Ellsworth, 18 September 1799
From: Ellsworth, Oliver
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Hartford Sepr. 18. 1799—

If the present convulsion in France, and the sumptoms of a greater change at hand, should induce you, as many seem to expect, to postpone for a short time, the mission to that country, I wish for the earliest notice of it. The Circuit Court here in this State and Vermont, fell thro’ last spring from the indisposition of Judge Chase, and must now fall thro’ again from the indisposition of Judge Cushing, unless I attend them. I am begining the Court here, and should proceed on to Vermont, if I was sure of not being called on in the mean time to embark—It is, Sir, my duty to obey, not advise, I do not therefore, offer my own opinion, and have only to hope that you will not disapprove of the method I take to learn the spediest intimation of yours.—
I have the honor to be, / Sir, / with the highest respect, / your obedient humble servant

Oliver Ellsworth


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 September 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department Trenton Septemr. 18. 1799.

I have the honor to transmit a letter from John Huges Esquire Commissioner for the first Division of South Carolina resigning his appointment—Jacob Read Esquire Senator of the State recommends Doctor Robert Pringle as a Gentleman well qualified—I take the liberty to submit his name, to be inserted, if the President pleases in the enclosed Commission.
If the President will be pleased to direct notice to be given to General Lincoln of the person who may be appointed Keeper of the Gay Head light House—it may save some time which will be useful—the Building is understood to be finished.
I have the honor to be / with great respect / sir . Your Obed. Servant
Oliv. Wolcott


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

privateSirQuincy Sept 19th. 1799

On the 17th at night, I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 11th, & have given it that attention, which the great importance of its contents deserves. On the subject of rôle d’equipage, I feel a strong reluctance to any relaxation of the peremptory demand, we agreed on before I left Philadelphia, & Gen. Marshall’s observations are very just, yet it may be wiser to leave it to the discretion of the envoys, under the limitations suggested, & I shall acquiesce in the opinion of the heads of departments. I am glad you have sent a copy to the Chief Justice. I had several long conversations with him last winter on the whole subject. He appears to me to agree most perfectly in sentiment with me upon every point of our policy, towards France and England, & this policy was founded only in perfect purity of moral sentiment, natural equity & christian faith towards both nations. I am therefore under no hesitation, in the propriety of sending the draught to him, nor in consenting, that if want of time should prevent a second transmission of the instructions to me, that the heads of departments in concert with him, may make alterations in the draught within the limitations you propose. Indeed Mr. Elsworth is so great a master of business, & his colleagues are so intelligent, that I should not be afraid to allow them a greater latitude of discretion, if it were not unfair, to lay upon them alone, the burthen, & the dangerous responsibility that may accompany this business
That portentous scenes are opened in France is past a doubt. The directors who sent us the assurances are for what we know all removed. The new ones we know nothing of. Barras we have no reason to believe very friendly to us. Sieyes we have reason to fear is unfriendly. The “threats by the military of a king”, which Mr. Murray mentions are to me no solid indications of a restoration. That every comet, which has appeared, will return I have no doubt, but the period of its revolution is very difficult to calculate. The system of terror will revive, if the terrorists can find means to revive it. These means imply money to pay cloath, feed & arm soldiers on one hand, & timidity & dejection enough in their domestic ennemies, to submit to their exactions & cruelties. These are all problems to us, to all Europe & probably to the French themselves. There is one observation which appears to me of great importance. The reign of terror has ever appeared, the most disposed to accomodate with us. This is humiliating enough; but it is not our fault. It is not very clear to me what our inferences ought to be from this fact. Neither the royalists, nor the Aristocrats, nor the priesthood, have ever discovered the least complaisance for us. It is an awful question to me what chance we should have if our embassador should have to treat at a congress for a general pacification. Should we not have more to fear from the secret jealousy of every power than even from France & Spain?
With great anxiety upon this whole subject & with much respect for you I remain

P.S I return Mr Murrays letter & will soon write more directly concerning the draught.


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 20 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy Sept 20th. 1799

The inclosed letter from Daniel Morrow I pray you to consider & if possible gratify the parents by accepting a substitute.


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

Sir
Quincy Sept 20th 1799

Inclosed is a letter from Joseph Covachich at Barcelona requesting to be consul at Marseilles which you will please to file among other applications to be considered in due time
I am Sir &c.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept 20th 1799

Inclosed is a request from Edward Brewer, to be an officer in the army or marines. The certificates and recommendations are from good authority. I pray you to make him a Lieutenant of Marines. He will be likely to recruit for you as fast as any man.


Title: To John Adams from John Warren, 20 September 1799
From: Warren, John
To: Adams, John

Boston 20th Septr. 1799

This may certify that Doctr Moses Baker has for some years past, been a reputable practitioner of Physic and Surgery in the Town of Canton, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and that from my knowledge of his ample qualification for the duties of his profession and the high esteem, in which he has ever been held in the place of his residence I have no hesitation in declaring it as my opinion that no man wou’d more faithfully and satisfactorily discharge the office of a Surgeon in the army of the United States.
John Warren


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy Sept 21st 1799

Sometime between the 10th & fifteenth of October, I shall join you at Trenton & will suspend, till that time, the ultimate determination concerning the instructions. I pray you to write to the Attorney General to meet us. We must be all together to determine all the principles of our negotiations with France & England.
I have been obliged to sail for Europe in the middle of winter once, & on the 17 of November at another time. Any day between the 20 & 30 of October is as good a time to embark for Europe as any part of the year. If our envoys are delayed so long at least it will be no misfortune.
I am with great regard.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, Jr., 21 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy, Jr.,Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Gentlemen
Quincy Sept 21st 1799

I pray you to write me no letters to reach Quincy or Boston after the 29th. On next Monday sennight, I shall set out for Trenton and reach it at latest by the 15 of Oct. I also request that you would write to the Attorney Gen. & the American commissioners to meet us all at Trenton, at as early a day after the 15th as you shall judge proper. I also desire that all this may be kept as secret as possible, that my journey may meet as little interuption as possible. I shall come alone. Mrs. A will follow me soon enough to go with me to Philadelphia
With great regard Gen. your humble servant—


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 21 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept 21st 1799

I have read over and over again your letter of the 13th. I regret extreamly another blunder, of the post office, by which it has been sent to the Southward, & returned to me only last night. You needed not to have apologized for its length. There is not a word in it to spare. You may not write me any more letters, which are to reach Quincy or Boston, after the 29th of Sept. I will be at Trenton by the 10th, 12th or at latest 15 of October; if no fatal accident prevents. Mrs. Adams, although she is determined to risk her life by one more journey to Philadelphia, will not come with me. She will come after me—so that I shall want no extraordinary accommodations I can & will put up with my private Secretary & two domesticks only at the first tavern or first private house I can find. I shall desire the attendence of the Attorney General & the American commissioners as soon as possible at Trenton after the 12 or 15 of Oct.
I have only one favor to beg & that is, that a certain election may be wholly laid out of this question & all others. I know the people of America so well & the light in which I stand in their eyes, that no alternative will ever be left to me, but to be a President of three votes or no president at all & the difference in my estimation is not worth three farthing.
With a strong attachment to you I am


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 21 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy 21st Sept. 1799

I return you all the papers inclosed in yours of the 13th, & I pray you to acquaint Ebenezer Skiff & Gen. Lincoln that Ebenezer Skiff is appointed Keeper of the light house at Gay head.With great regard