Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 12 August 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Aug 12th. 1800

I send you the copy of a letter transmitted to this department by the Chevallier de Yrujo.
Your letter of the 31st. of July, inclosing one addressed to yourself personally, by the minister of his Catholic Majesty, was received on the 9th inst., & I have, in conformity with your wish, consulted with the Secretary of war on the means proper to be usd on the occasion. He will write to Colo. Hawkins requesting him to continue his endeavors to detach the endeavors from Bowles, & to suppress his party. Those endeavors have already been usd, & I believe successfully. A friendly deputation from the creek nation, with pacific objects, has visited the Seminoles, & it is hop’d will be too powerful for the mischief makers. Their endeavors will be aided by the recapture of St. Marks, an event mentioned by Colo. Hawkins in a letter of the 20th. of July. A Mr. Gilabert, who exercises the power of government at Pensacola in the absence of the governor who commands the expedition against Bowles, expresses his satisfaction at the friendly conduct of the United States, & I shoud conceive from his letters to Mr. Hawkins, that he neither expected nor wishd for thes efforts on our part than such as have been already made. It does not appear to me that the Spaniards require any military aid: nor do I suppose they woud be willing to receive it. A body of American troops in either of the Floridas would excite very much their jealousy, especially when no specific requisition for them has been made & when their own force is entirely competent to the object.
The Spanish Minister would appear to suspect that Bowles is supported by the British government. Altho that suspicion may have some appearances in its support, yet I am strongly inclined to believe the fact to be otherwise. Mr. Liston calld on me the other day in his passage through this city & read me part of a letter receiv’d by the last packet from Lord Grenville, requesting him to give the most positive assurances to the American government that the British government gave no aid support or direction to Bowles, nor did he act in any means whatever by their authority. Unless some strong counter testimony existed I should suppose these assurances deservd credit. I shall write a letter to the Chevallier conforming to your instructions.
I have also received your two letters one of the 31st. of July returning the dispatches from our ministers at Paris & the other of the 1st. of August concerning the dispatche from Mr. King No. 67.
If the payment of a sum in gross, in lieu of what might be awarded under the 6th— article of our treaty with Britain, should be decided on, there will certainly be much difficulty in estimating its amount; nor will it be possible to say precisely what its amount should be. We may conjecture & can only conjecture what seem, on our construction of the article, ought to be awarded against us; but when we recollect the extravagant pretensions of a majority of the board of commissioners, & that however the persons may be changd, yet the majority must continue to be constituted in a manner unfavorable to the United States, we shall come to apprehend that, tho those pretensions may in part be receded from, Yet sums will be awarded against us, exceeding what justice & a sound impartial construction of the article, woud warrant. Under these circumstances it would I think be the real interest of the United States to pay, perhaps something more than we believe to be really due, rather than risk the arbitration.
The claims of the British creditors woud not by such a compact be extinguishd as against American debtors. Our courts would still be open to them & their rights woud be the same as heretofore, but their claim against the American nation for those debts which had been lost or diminshd by impediments created by the different states woud be extinguishd by the new compact & the receipt on the part of their government of the stipulated satisfaction for such claims.
I doubt whether under such an arrangement it woud be necessary to obtain an assignment of the claim of the creditors— but if this be required, it may be done.
France I believe woud have no just cause to complain of such a transaction.
With the most respectful attachment / I remain Sir your obedt. Servt.

J Marshall


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 13 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Aug 13 1800

In answer to yours of the 2d I have agreed to the appointment of Major David Hopkins to be Marshall of Maryland, according to the advice of Mr Stoddert, although it was a great disappointment & mortification to me to loose the only opportunity I shall ever have of testifying to the world, the high opinion I have of the merits of a great majistrate, by the appointment of his son to an office for which he is fully qualified & accomplished.—I agree with you, that a letter should be written to the government of Guadaloupe, remonstrating against the treatment of Daniel Tripe & another sailor, & holding up the idea of retaliation—I agree too, that complaints should be made through Mr. Humphreys to the Spanish court, of the violation of their treaty in the case of Gregoire & Pickard of Boston. I return Mr. Sitgreaves letter received in yours of Aug 2d.
With cordial esteem


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 13 August 1800
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Navy Department 13 Aug. 1800

I am honored with your letter of the 31 ult—and have in consequence directed a remittance to be made to Docr. Putnam of 10000 dollars towards the purchase of ground for a Ship yard & a Dock yard at Charleston.
On the subject of the Purchase of the 47 1/2 acres of ground at Charleston, for a Ship yard and a Dock yard, I beg leave to observe that there has been no special appropriation for the purchase of ground for Navy yards, nor for erecting Wharves; but as the Laws direct Six 74 gun ships to be built, and it being impossible to build them without suitable Wharves, and as it would be a waste of the Public money to erect Wharves on private property, it has been presumed that a reasonable construction of the Law, would justify the purchase of a sufficient quantity of ground for a Building yard—Under this idea, I stated to Congress, during the last Session, when called upon to designate the Objects on which the money appropriated for the building the 74 gun ships, would be expended in the course of the present year:—that 200,000 Dollars would be laid out in the purchase of ground for Navy yards, & in the erection of Wharves. It was after giving this information which appeared to be satisfactory, that I had the honor to make my report to you, Sir, on this particular subject—which I now take the liberty again to enclose.
I observe that the order contained in your letter, includes both the objects of a Building yard & a Dock yard; but as it is supposed that 10 acres, where the price of ground is high, may be sufficient for a Building yard, & that 14 will be more than sufficient for a Dock yard, I take the liberty to suggest for your consideration whether under the circumstance of their being no special appropriation for building yards—and the additional circumstance that 200000 Dollars is the largest sum which has been represented to Congress, as necessary to expend in the purchase of ground for building yards & Wharves, it may not be best to confine the purchase to be made at Charleston, to a smaller quantity of ground than 47 acres, which I fear will cost at the very least 50,000 Dolls—& the expence of a Wharf where the Channel is so distant from the shore will be nearly as much more.
Enclosed is a plat of the whole 47 1/2 acres—The dotted lines describe 24 1/2 acres, represented by Mr. Humphreys as sufficient for both a building yard & a Dock yard; but it certainly was his opinion that the whole 47 1/2 acres would do still better.—I am clearly of the same opinion, & would not now trouble you on the subject, were it not for my apprehensions that doubts might arise, whether the expenditure of so much money, under the circumstances stated, might be proper—The heads of Departments concur in the opinion that there is reason for these apprehensions & advise me to submit the subject again to your consideration.
That no more time, however, may be lost, and there has already been too much delay, occasioned by indisposition since my receipt of the Act passed by the Legislature of Massachusetts, I have now the honor to enclose two Letters for Docr. Putnam—one directing a purchase of the whole 47 1/2 acres—& the othe the purchase of only 24 1/2 acres.
Should it be your ultimate decision, that the largest quantity shall be purchased, Mr Shaw will be so good as to enclose the plat in that letter—& send it to Docr Putnam—or in the other letter, if you should judge it to be best to purchase only the smallest quantity.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / Sir Yr. Most Obed Srvt.

Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 14 August 1800
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Cambridge 14th August 1800

I observe by the news papers, that the meeting of the academy of arts & sciences, is to be at this place on the 20th instant; & Mrs Gerry & myself shall be very happy to have the honor of your company to dine with us on that day, with your Lady & family: a request which we suggested to Mrs Adams, on saturday last, when she honored Mrs Gerry with a visit, & which she was so obliging as to promise to communicate.
Be pleased with your Lady, to accept our best respects, to present our regard, to such of your family as are at Quincy, & to be always assured of the / sincere esteem & attachment of / dear Sir your most obedt / Sevt

E Gerry


Title: From John Adams to Nathan Mayo, 15 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Mayo, Nathan

To the Inhabitants of a part of the County of Edgcombe who assembled on the fourth of July 1800 for the purpose of commemorating the birth day of American Independence.
Gentlemen
Quincy August 15. 1800

I received, last night, and have read with Serious concern, mingled with lively Sentiments of gratitude your  animated Address.
As, from the nature of our Government the Choice of the first Magistrates, will generaly fall on Men advanced in years, We ought to be prepared to expect frequent Changes of Persons from Accidents Infirmities and death, if not from Election: but it is to be presumed that the good Sense and Integrity of the People which the Constitution Supposes, will indicate Characters and Principles, which may continue the Spirit of an Administration which has been foundSalutaryand Satisfactory to the Nation, when Persons must be changed.
I would cannot give up the hope, that, to be active in fault finding and clamorous against wise Laws and just measures of Government, is not to be most popular. When Popularity becomes so corrupt, if it cannot be corrected, all is lost.
For Forty Years my Mind has been So entirely occupied and engrossed with public Cares that I have not been able to attend to give much Attention to any Thing else. Whatever Advantages  this Country may have derived from my feeble Efforts I wish they had been much greater and less disputable: if any disadvantages have resulted from them, I hope they will be pardoned as the Effect of involuntary Error. For I will be bold to Say No Man ever Served this Country with purer Intentions or from more disinterested motives. You may rely upon this, that as on the one hand I never shall love War, or seek it, for the pleasure profit or honor of it: so on the other, I shall never consent to avoid it, but upon honourable terms.
Very far, am I from thinking your determination desperate, to risk your Lives and fortunes in support of your constitutional rights and Priviledges.  II perceive no disposition in the American People to go to War with each other: and all no foreign Hostilities that can be apprehended, in a just and necessary Cause have any terrors for me, or you, or me.
Your fervent Prayer for the long Continuance of my days can be requited only shall be accompanied by mine for the much longer continuance of your Laws Liberties Porsperity And felicity.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy August 15th 1800

I received but last night your favor of the 4th. The papers containing applications & recommendations for the collectorship of the port of Louisville in Kentucky I have read & agree with you that Mr James McConnel appears to be the person most suitable to receive the appointment to succeed Col. Richard Taylor resigned & you may send him a commission accordingly. I return all these papers & with them a commission to the present Secretary of State to be a commissioner under the act for an amicable setlement of limits with the State of Georgia signed


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 16 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Dexter, Samuel

Dear Sir
Quincy Aug 16th 1800

Last night I received your favor of the 7 & it has given me much concern The Court Martial or some of them should have given a hint, if they suspected insanity. Lt Colo. Hamtramcks opinion has so much weight, that I am very glad you resolved to postpone acting upon the warrant, untill you could hear father. I now not only pray you to suspend the execution, but to cancel the warrant. Let the man remain under arrest for the present. To pardon him immediately might injure the service.
With great regard &c


Title: To John Adams from Barnabas Bidwell, 16 August 1800
From: Bidwell, Barnabas
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Stockbridge, August 16th: 1800

By various arts of indirect attack, since the Recess of Congress, considerable impression has been here made, on many well-disposed but warm minds, against the French Negociation and more especially the Dissmission of the late Secretary Pickering. Several of your friends, who admire “the sublime policy, which pursues, as its chief end, the restoration of peace abroad, and the cultivation of Americanism at home”,  (A written request to insert the Georgetown Address, with your answer, in the Paper published in this Town, has been refused. The New London Address and answer have been also refused, tho some others have been inserted—) have determined to counteract this influence. That we may do it most effectually, it is our wish to obtain as authoritive information of the cause of the Ex-Secretary’s Dissmission, as is communicated to the public. Without ceremony, and destitute of any other apology, than what arises from the occasion, I take the liberty to state the subject to Yourself; and, if it has been judged proper to explain the grounds of the Dissmission, further than the transaction speaks for itself, I should be exceedingly happy to become possessed of the explanation, not for my own satisfaction; for I am perfectly satisfied, and should be indeed, if I did not see sufficient reasons for the removal; but for the sake of being better able to counteract injurious impressions, which are spreading from this quarter, among not only the good people in this vicinity and the members of our State Legislature, but also into the neighbouring States, Connecticut, NewYork & Vermont.
A consciousness of friendly intentions, and a full persuasion, that the  Dissmission alluded to, as well as the wise and independent measure of Paccification, to which it is supposed to have some relation, requires only to be well understood, in order to be generally and cordially approved & admired, induce me to make this application. If it is indiscreet, I trust to your candour to pardon the indiscretion of an obscure but sincere friend. Far is it from my wish to tread on forbidden ground, by prying into any secret of state. My only object is to attain all attainable means of vindicating, from misrepresentation & obloquy, measures of administration, in which I most cordially rejoice. I have the honour to be, with sentiments of veneration and esteem, / Sir, tho personally unknown, your friend & humble Servant,

Barnabas Bidwell


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 16 August 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Aug. 16th. 1800

I have transmited to Major Hopkins a commission as Marshal for the district of Maryland. This step was taken with reluctance because your preference seem’d to be in favor of Mr. Chace.
The petition of Isaac Williams with the accompanying documents was, in conformity with your direction laid before the heads of departments & by their unanimous opinion the fines are remited. I have inclosd his pardon to the marshal for the district of Connecticut.
Mr. Wagner has transmited to Mr. Wild his papers with instructions which when complied with, will authorize the issuing of an amended patent. I have written to Mr. King as you directed, requesting him to present, if he shoud deem it adviseable, to his Britannic Majesty the congratulations of the President & Government of the United States on his fortunate escape from the meditated blow of an assassin, and I have also requested him to purchase the jewels for the Bey of Tunis. I wait only for your decision respecting  the stipulation proposd of a sum in gross in lieu of the claims of the British creditors on the government of the United States to prepare a letter to him on that subject also. In such a letter the ultimate sum should your opinion be that such an agreement may be entred into, must be mentiond. I stated to you that the secretaries with whom I had consulted on this subject were all of opinion that it woud be adviseable to give five milion of dollars in satisfaction of all claims under the 6th. article of our treaty. Mr. Lee to whom I also spoke on the subject seemd to think that sum too considerable. Without doubt Mr. King will make that best possible bargain & therefore it is only for us to make the best possible bargain state the ultimatum. If you will favor me with your directions on this subject I will immediately prepare & transmit for your consideration a letter respecting it.
I inclose you the copy of a letter which I sent yesterday to the Chevallier de Yrujo. Since its date the secretary of war has shown me dispatches from Colo. Hawkins stating that an expedition is about to be carried on by the creeks aided by some American troops for the purpose of punishing & reducing to a quiet & orderly behavior some indians who have carried on an expedition against & done some mischief to the Spanish settlements.
I am Sir with the most respectful attachment / Your Obedt. Servt

J Marshall


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy Aug 18 1800

Inclosed is a letter from John Frederick William Stintt as he says a Prussian requesting to be sett at liberty. If you see no impropriety in it, you may write to the commander of the castle to examine into the facts, & if he finds them true, sett the man free.
With great regard


Title: To John Adams from Joshua Johnson, 18 August 1800
From: Johnson, Joshua
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Washington 18 August 1800

I have not been inattentive to your request, to make inquiry of the Price of Hay, Straw, Oates & Wood, for the first, I can obtain for you at 7/6 the long Hundred deliverable at your Stables; Starw is scarce, I have not met with anyone who will ingage to serve you with it; The Country People ask 3/9 per Bushel for Oates tho the Crop is large and some has been bought at 3/— at which price I presume for Cash & bought in small quantities a good many might be obtained; For Wood 4 1/2$. is demanded. I am of opinion this might be obtained at that price for money one half Oak & the other Hickory, but if it was now bought I do not see any place of security for to deposit it
The Stable & Coach House is finished, the Builder tells me that the Loft will hold about Eight Tons of Hay, should you incline to have it laid in any time before the first of October it shall be done on your signifying it to be your wish, as shall any thing also in which I have the power to serve you in
Politicks run high in this State, tho from all the information I can obtain every thing will be streight.
The Presidents House progresses, but not so fast as I could wish; Many private Buildings has reared up their Heads since you was here & many more is began, a few Years blest with a steady Goverment will find a different Trace on the appearance of this City. If you have any Accounts from Berlin do me the favor to say how Mr. & Mrs. Adams Health was—
Mrs. Johnson & the Family unite in their Affectionate respects to Mrs. Adams & yourself
With sincere esteem I am / Dear Sir / Your obliged & Affectionate Servt.

Joshua Johnson


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 21 August 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department Washington, August 21st. 1800.

Enclosed I have the honor or transmitting for your consideration—three letters of this date from the Commissioner of the Revenue, recommending the following persons as fit characters to be appointed Keepers of Light Houses.
John Shackleford, to be Keeper of the Light House on North Island in the State of South Carolina—vice John Berbant deceased; at a Salary of Dollars 333. 33/100. per Annum.
David Allen, to be Keeper of the Light House on Clark’s Point in the State of Massachusetts; at a Salary of 150. Dollars, per Annum.
Isam Clay, to be Keeper of the Light House on Tybee Island in the State of Georgia; at a Salary of 300 Dollars per Annum.—
I have the Honor to be / with the highest / respect Sir / Your obedient Servant

            Oliv. Wolcott.


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 22 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Aug 22d 1800

I received last night your favor of the 12 & I am very happy to find that a correspondence upon terms of friendship & good humor has at length taken place between the office of State & the Spanish minister. I am entirely of your opinion, & approve of all you have done. The diclaration of Mr. Liston & Lord Grenville are to me satisfactory.
If the relation between American debtors & British creditors should not be left open to the latter to recover their just does in all cases where any thing can be recovered I should hope that a less sum than a million sterling would suffice. I agree however with you & the heads of departments that it is better to pay more than we conjecture is due than go through all the trouble & run all the risk of the arbitration. I think with you that an assignment of the claims would give more trouble than profit—yet some mouths might be stopped by such a stipulation. I must be of little consequence
With great esteem &c


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 23 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy August 23d 1800

Inclosed is a letter from Mr. Thatcher another from Mr. Parker & a certificate of a number of respectable men recommending Mr. James Fosdick of Portland to be Surveyor in the place of Col Lunt deceased. You will please to file these with all other papers you may receive relative to the same to the same subject & consider them all together. I know not that the circumstances of the relation between Mr. Fosdick & the collector ought to be an objection though no doubt it will be a popular one
with great esteem &c.


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 23 August 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Aug. 23d. 1800

I receivd by yesterdays mail your two letters of the 11th inst. & that which coverd the duplicates of the letter to the Prince Regent of Portugal which will be sent by the first opportunity.
Instructions to Mr. King respecting an agreement for a sum in gross in compensation for the claims of British Creditors under the 6th. article of our treaty of amity with Britain are prepard & will if approvd, be transmited to him. I understand your opinion to be that the explanatory articles if attainable, are preferd to any other mode of accomodating the differences which produced the dissolution of the board lately siting at Philadelphia, & that the next most eligible mode is the substitution of a sum in gross as compensation for the claims of the creditors on the United States. On this idea the letter to Mr. King is drawn. For many reasons I am myself decidedly of the same opinion & I believe there is with respect to it, no difference among the heads of departments.
I showd Mr. Dexter your letter expressing your wish that the Governors of Georgia Tenessee & the Mississipi territory shoud be written to, requesting them to use all the means they possess to comply with the engagements of the United States to Spain. The last inteligence from Colo. Hawkins which has been communicated to you in letters you had not receivd on the 11th. of August, induces us to beleive that the measures taken already by the United States, in aid of the force employd by Spain, will have completely effected the object for which that force was employd. Under this impression it is supposd most adviseable to defer writing the letters to the Governors until further information reaches us, or until your further opinion shall be receivd.
I am happy that the orders given respecting the Land wich meet your approbation.
I inclose you the copy of a letter just receivd from Mr. King. The new York papers will give you a still more full account of the affairs of Italy. The letter was receivd last night.
I am Sir with very much respect / Your Obedt. Servt.
J Marshall


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 23 August 1800
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir!
Olden barneveld 23 Aug. 1800.

Since long I received not a more Sensible pleasure, as when I Saw me favoured with your approbation on my lucubrations I desire no more, and prepare it immediately for the press—The difficulty Shall be to find a Printer. I perused many years ago Ubbo Emmius—and read it again with attention before I brought my matereals in order. if I have Succeeding in Spreading Some new light on Some parts of hists after this great war, I might be Satsfied.
My reward shall be great if it does Some good—The reign of infatuation Shall pass—and tho’ I consider it more and more as a Philanthropic reverie to enlighten the bulk of the Nation—the multitude remaining every where the Same and tho I have experienced that American virtue and good Sense had been overrated—yet we are not Sank So low that a deadly infection had Spread through every limb, corrumpere et corrumpi Seculum nondum vocatur—however I consider that we owe our Safety more to the mediocritÿ of Talents of our rulers, then to our intrinsic virture—they are too weak to move in these exalted Spheres. I Should really imagine, that Washington could have enslaved the Americans, if theÿ tamely Shall Submit to and continue their Rulers.
Inclosed draft induced me to an direct answer—which otherwise would have been postponed.
Nottwithstanding our degraded Situation in the Union—the Numbers of respectable Citizens, who revere your virtues and consider you as entitled to their warmest gratitude increases from time to time—while he—pardon—in your frend! one single instance—a comparison—becomes despised and detested by many—who ranked amongs his adorers.
Permit me to assure you that, with a lively Sense of the favours you honoured me with, I remain with the Sincerest Sentiments of affectionate esteem and the highest consideration / Dear Sir! your most ob. and obliged St
Fr. Adr. van derkemp.


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Aug 24 1800

The inclosed letter from Judge Bradbury, recommending Capt. Joseph Titcomb of Portland to be Surveyor in the place of Col Lunt deceased. I pray you to file with the testimonies in favor of Mr Fosdick, which I sent you yesterday & all others
With high regard &


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 25 August 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Aug. 25th. 1800

When I forwarded the last dispatches from our envoys in Paris I omited unintentionally to transmit with them the decrees which accompanied them & which I now enclose.
The state of the negotiation on the 17th. of May, considerd in connection with the subsequent military operations of the Armies, & with the impression which will probably be made by the New York election, gives the appearance of truth to the intelegence in the papers from St. Sebastians. We ought not to be surprizd if we see our envoys in the course of the next month without a treaty. This produces a critical state of things which ought to be contemplated in time.
The question whether hostilities against France, with the exception of their West india privatiers, ought to be continued, if on their part a change of conduct shall be manifest, is of serious & interesting magnitude & is to be viewd in a variety of aspects.
I inclose you also dispatches just receivd from the isle of France which exhibit a state of things at that place essentially different from what had been supposd.
I have receivd your letter of the 15th. of Aug. respecting the consulate at Madeira. As you do not approve entirely of Mr. Lamar I certainly shall not commission him for the present. I will make the necessary inquiries for an American by birth & have no doubt that one can be found who is fit for the office. It is only on failing to find such a person that I think my self authorizd by you to appoint Mr. Lamar. I find among the names which have been formerly presented for that office to this department a Mr. Terry I believe a Spaniard who is very strongly recommended by Mr. Smith our minister at Lisbon, a Mr. Baretto a native of Madeira who is also strongly recommended, a Mr. John Leonard a native, I beleive, of New York or New Jersey & a Mr. Henry Preble recommended for Marseilles & Cadiz particularly, but who has made a general application & will probably be pleased with an appointment to Madeira. The application of Mr. Leonard was strongly supported but as it was made in 1799 he may possibly have turnd his attention to other objects.
I am Sir with the highest respect / Your obedt. Servt
J Marshall


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 26 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy August 26th 1800

I received last night your letter of the 16. I am well satisfied with all its contents. The only thing, which requires any observation from me is, the proposed instruction to Mr. King. As far as I am able to form a conjecture, five millions of dollars are more than sufficient, provided the British creditors are left at liberty to prosecute in our courts and recover all the debts, which are now recoverable. I agree however with the heads of department, that it is better to engage to pay by installments or otherwise, as may be agreed the whole sum, than be puzled & teazed with a new board & two or three years of incessant wrangles. I should be for instructing Mr King to obtain the lowest sum possible, but to go as far as five millions rather than fail. I wish Mr. King to be furnished with as many reasons as can be thought of, for reducing the sum. I pray you to prepare a letter to Mr. King as soon as possible; & as we are all so well agreed in all the principles, I do not think it necessary to transmit it to me. Lay it before the heads of departments, & if they approve of it, I certainly shall not disapprove it & you may send it if opportunity occurs without further advice from me.—Whether it will be adviseable to stipulate for a transfer to the United States of such claims, as the British government shall think fit to discharge in consequence of this arrangement I wish you to consider. I believe it will occasion more trouble & expence too than profit.
Yours &c


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 26 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy August 26th 1800

Mrs Nabby Sylvester, the signer of the inclosed petition, came to me this morning to present it. She has the appearance of a virtuous & discreet woman. Left as she is with an helpless family of children, among whom is a pair of twins very young, she seems to me to be an object of compassion & of charity. I know not whether the law authorizes me to grant her request. The fine is yet in the hands of the Marshall & if it can be remitted and applied to her use I would chearfully do it. I ask your advice and if you please you may take the opinions of the other Gentlemen.
With great regard &c.


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 26 August 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Aug. 26th 1800

I receivd this morning your letter of the 18th. returning the complaint of the Swedish chargé d’affaires & immediately wrote to Mr. King such a letter as you say you approve of.
I inclose you a letter from the Governor of the Indiana territory respecting the appointment of Judges. The opinion that the laws of the old territory do not operate in the new, whether well or ill founded furnishes a strong argument in favor of making there appointments at an earlier date than had been contemplated.
I recollect a conversation with you on this subject at this place & that you then expressd a determination to appoint Mr. William Clarke the present attorney for the United States in Kentucky, first Judge. I believe there is no cause for altering this determination.
Governor Harrison takes a strong interest in the appointment of Major Henry Vanderburgh as one of the Judges. In addition to his letters he has in several private conversations given me personal assurances of his high opinion of this gentleman. It is probable that a more eligible appointment can not be made.
I send you also some recommendations of young Mr. Griffin. With the late Judge Blair you are acquainted. Mr. Andrews whose name is subjoind to that of Mr. Blair is one of the professors in the University of William & Mary & is a gentleman of acknowledgd worth. I send you also some recommendations of Mr. Claiborne the brother of the member from Tenessee.
I am Sir with the utmost respect & attachment / Your Obedt.

            J Marshall.


Title: From John Adams to Barnabas Bidwell, 27 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Bidwell, Barnabas

Sir
Quincy August 27. 1800

I have recd your favour of the 16th and thank you for the Information it contains
A very little reflection I think must convince a Gentleman of your Information that it would be altogether improper for me to enter into any Conversation or Correspondence relative to the late Changes in Administration. If a President of the United States has not Authority enough to change his own Secretaries, he is no longer fit for his Office. If he must enter into a Controversy in Pamphlets and Newspapers in vindication of his Measures he would have employment enough for his whole Life and must neglect the Business and Duties of his Station.
Let those who have renounced, all of a Sudden that System of Neutrality for which they contended for ten years, justify themselves if they can. I am / Sir very respectfully

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Rev. John Eliot, 27 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Eliot, Rev. John

Sir
Quincy August 27. 1800

I received in due time, and ought to have Sooner answered your favour of the first of this month, informing me that I was unanimously elected a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society at their last meeting.
The Objects of that Institution are of great Importance and very laudable, and the Exertions of the Members have done them much honor
I pray you Sir to present to the Society my respects and best Thanks for the honour they have done me, in admitting me into their Number, a favour which I accept with pleasure.
If any Opportunity should occur to me of aiding their Endeavours, I shall embrace it with great Satisfaction
Accept sir of my Acknowledgments for the obliging manner in which you have communicated this Act of the society to, sir / your most obedient and very humble / servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 27 August 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Aug. 27th. 1800

I transmit you some dispatches lately receivd from the Judge of the Kentucky district. I hope the resistance he mentions to the execution of the judgements of the court of the United States exists no longer.
I inclose you also two letters from Mr. Yznardi & a copy of one to him from Don Urquijo.
I can scarcely believe that our envoys have embarkd for the Hague. Mountflorence I shoud think must have been mistaken.
The letter of Don Urquijo merits some attention. The conduct of the Spanish government towards that of the United States has furnishd cause for complaints much more serious & extensive than have ever been made. To me it seems that compensation for every American vessel condemnd by the french consular courts in the dominions of Spain is justly demandable from the Spanish government & that it is not yet too late to make the demand.
I am Sir with respectful attachment / Your Obedt. Servt.

J Marshall


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 30 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy August 30 1800

I received last night your favor of the 23d. My ideas are perfectly conformable to yours in your instructions to Mr. King, as you state them to me. The explanatory articles, if attainable, are preferable to any other mode. The next most eligible is the substitution of a sum in gross. That sum to be as small as can be agreed to or will be agreed to by the British government. But to agree to five millions of dollars rather, than fail of explanations and substitution both, and be compelled to agree to a new board & all their delays and altercations.—The proposed letters to the Govenors of Georgia, Tennessee & Missisippi, will I presume be unnecessary. Mr. Kings letter of the 5th of July is a melancholy picture of Britain. Alas how different from that held up to view in this country twelve months ago, to frighten me from sending to France. However Mr. King is somewhat of a croaker at times. He is apt to be depressed, by what he thinks, a train of unfortunate events. There is enough however of likeness in his drawing to give great spirits & a high tone to the French. It will be our destiny, for what I know, republicans as we are, to fight the French republic alone. I cannot account for the long delay of our Envoys. We cannot depart from our honor nor violate our faith, to please the heroick consul
With very great esteem &c.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 30 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy Aug. 30th 1800

I rejoice that Captain Truxton is gone to Guadaloupe. But what shall we do with Capt Talbot & the constitution? Your orders to Capt Little, I will transmit to him by the first opportunity. His officers are all appointed & commissioned. This in answer to your favor of the 21st
from your most obedient


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 30 August 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Aug 30th 1800

Enclosed is a letter from Mr. Sam Freeman of Falmouth, in favor of Mr. Joseph Titcomb, but although Mr. Freeman is a very respectable man, & I doubt not Mr. Titcomb is so too, I still am of opinion in favor of Col Hunnewell for the office of Surveyor, for reasons mentioned in a former letter
I am with sincere esteem


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 August 1800
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department. 30 August 1800.

The Law requiring that the sentence of a Court Martial, for the dismission of a comd. officer, shall not be executed until approved of by the President of the United States, I have the honor to enclose for your consideration, the proceedings of a Court on Lt. Marner, of the Frigate Adams.
The charges imply a degree of insubordination which cannot be tolerated in the Navy, without producing anarchy on board of our ships—and the sentence of the Court appears to me to be Just.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem, Sir Yr. most / Obed. Servt.
Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from George Little, 1 September 1800
From: Little, George
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir—
Boston 1 Sept: 1800

A letter of the 11th of August; which I inclose to you, from the Secretary of the Navy, Ordered Liutt. Clough to join the Boston, and mentioned that the President would appoint, and commission all officers to supply the several vacancies. I therefore waited on you, and recommended Mr. Burr, who had served 12 months on board the Boston, whom you was pleased to commission as a Lieutenant—
This day, a Mr Potter, has waited on me with orders from the Secretary to join the Boston, as a Lieutenant. The compliment of Lieutenants is already full, provided Lieutt. Clough joins the Ship in four days from the date, which he has promised to do—I have / The honor to be your / Most Obedient Huml. / Sert.

            Geo: Little

NB I will thank the President to reinclose the Secretaries letter after having read it.—


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 September 1800
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 1 Sept. 1800—

Long time since I should have acknowledged your favour of 12 March had I not hesitated, to interrupt your Excellency’s dignified retirement. To continue, however, in Silence could Seem, that I undervalued the honor, of your Excellency’s condescending, in communicating with me his ideas about a Subject, intended, to promote the Public good. Encouraged by your Excell: flattering opinion, I hazarded to offer it for Publication, but it was rejected—the diction being too incorrect, or I must engage, to take 250 Copies—This my circumstances would not allow.
In vain I made another trial to enlighten and oblige mÿ countrymen—but mÿ talent, unhappily, is to week for success—in this Language—and too few Americans are adepts in the Dutch or french Languages, to undertake it in one of them.
I endeavored to translate Luzac’s Socrates—and offered as a Specimen his Dedication to the President of the Massachusetts Academÿ of Sciences—with a view to make the Americans better acquainted with the Character of His Son—but I failed in the attempt; at least, it was never returned—neither published; having I requested—to have it before corrected.
If truth could ever be the object of vanity, then I might be vain, that my opinion of our illustrious President have so long, and so nicely coincided with the Sentiments of that eminent Politician, who Sway’d so many years, before the last unhappÿ fanatical convulsions of the deluded nations of the antient continent, the judgment of the best and most enlightened part of Europe. Since Longe, are his words, in his last letter, I have not be honor’d with any mark of remembrance by that eminent man with whom you are blessed as your President, I cannot conceive what may have occasioned his Silence. Be so kind, if you write Him yet some times, to pay Him my respectful compliments, and assure his Excellency of my highest esteem.
Luzac is a victim of his integrity—he scorned to accept 2000 florins per annum as a compensation for the loss of his office, declaming, that he wished not to feed on the Spirits of his countrÿ, when he could not deserve well of it in the office with which he was entrusted.
I have been so free as to declare to my frend, that the President honoured him with his continued esteem, and Spoke of him in His letters with the warmest admiration: and in this I am persuaded I did only justice to your Sentiments.
Can your Excell: who is convinced of my disinterested attachment to his person, with any propriety, dissipate the excruciating pangs about the future election? Is it so doubtful? more and more your prophesying prospects concerning America are verefying—may her Sons—in time—be wise enough—to choose—what may be—afterwards be obtruded to them! I remember the Saying of the Respectable  Nic: Witzen at amst. in 1745 or 6—advising—at that period—to elect a Stadholder, at present you have it in your power—to choose, and prescribe what conditions you please—in few years the rabble will give you one—against your will—without anÿ conditions—this was verified in 1748.
I dare not importune your Excell with any reveries about Europe; if my fears may be annihilated, and my wishes, for America’s uninterrupted prosperitÿ and unsullied Independence under your firm and wise administration, accomplished, I shall not consider meself totally unhappy in my retirement.
Permit me, to recommend me and my family to your Excell: remembrance, and assure you, that I remain with Sentiments of the highest respect and veneration / Sir! / Your most ob. humble Sert.

Fr. Adr. vanderkemp.


Title: From John Adams to George Little, 2 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Little, George

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 2d 1800

In answer to your letter of yesterday by Lt Potter, I can only say that you shall be at liberty to take which you please of the two Lieutenants. If Mr. Clough should not join you in four days from yesterday, according to his promise, you may take Mr. Potter in his place if you chose to do so. But I will not break in upon your arrangement. I return you Mr. Stoddert’s letter as you desire
With sincere esteem I am Sir your hum Ser


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 September 1800
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir!
Olden barneveld. 2 Sept. 1800

I Shall make no apologÿ for mÿ Sudden rescript to your favor of Aug. 15th. The high glee, in which I am, and my usual contentment requires only little fuel to rise to an uncommon pitch of joÿ, compells me to working—tho a beautiful fair daÿ—and work enough in the garden to perform—but Adams! The garden shall remain, when either of us—when both shall be no more. Why then should I bereave meself of the pleasure of conversing with you—in Letters—these my circumstances Do not permit me, to See you. How few know what friendship is! It Seldom I presume grows in American Soil, and how cold is hospitality—generous benevolence, when compared with this affection. I believe, I could die for a friend—and placed mÿ life and liberty in jeopardy—in that famous criminal process in 1781 in making meself responsible for a friend—tho I was honorably acquitted. De Gyzelaer was then mÿ firm friend. Jean Luzae mÿ counsellor—while the Latter alone approved my plan to brave and whether the Storm—notwithstanding Capellen’s and La Vaugesion advised to retire to France. I was triumphant and humbled my enemies. To a friend we may boast without being vain, and may even acknowledge weeknesses without a blush. I can not, I Scorn; to love by halves. Mÿ frankness maÿ offend—my Sincerity commonly expiates its blunders—how pleasant to unbosom himself—without Suspicion—without precaution—without necessity of pondering a word—or trying a thought at a touch-stone. Is it not nearly thirty years—that you honoured me with your attention, and condescended after a while to become my friend? I have not one at this Side the Atlantic—and in Europe—they dwindle away—and I remain—to bewail their loss. What endears you more to me, that you remained—mÿ friend—without ceremony—as Embassador—Vice-President—President—and Private Citisen. Mÿ friend—when persecuted—when in affluence—when expatriated—when retired—on a Small pittance in the western woods.
But I forget, that I must answer your Letter. We have heartily laughed at the mistake—not caused by us. Presumtively—the Bearer of the Letters to Utica—not to look them, put the one in the other and delivered them in that Situation in the post-office—I can not explain it in another manner—It is nearly impossible, that I can have done it. The Seal, which I cut from your Letter had been actually inclosed in mÿ Letter—and Secured by a Second wafer. The case was it had dropped on the floor—and was found, after the Letter was Sealed—when I put it in and Secured it with another wafer. But I rejoÿ at this mistake, there you approve my Dear Betsey’s Scribbling—She is an excellent Girl—tho educated in the woods—there you have given me a key—to a part of the Chronique Scandaleuse—Manÿ years ago I heard you blamed—in a mixed circle, when I defended warmly your cause, and was at last approved of by Gen. Platt. My task was more difficult, as the contents of the journal to Jakson—were vented at parts of the Embassador’s dispatches. I defended you by precedents—of the first Statesmen—Van Neuningen, Beverning—D’avaux—D’elltrady and Chesterfield—had I then known, that it was from a careless journal to a friend—how would I have triumphed—you see—Sir! How good it would be—had you written Memoirs of your Life, and permitted their perusal to your friend.
Gyzelaer deserves fully the high distinction, with which he is honoured by you—He is a man of exalted worth—Every mark of your esteem towards Him shall be a lasting memorial to his renown—and dearer to Him above any former distinctions – offered by flatterÿ and Interestedness—Your reasons in Leaving my friend’s Luzae Eulogÿ—to his own deeds are too Solid to attempt a replÿ—and the abuse—in the French Academies—in similar cases, justifies—perhaps—your Academy. It is however my opinion—there are means—to make a Selection without hurting the feelings of the friends of any Individual.
I never dream’d much less heard of or received a Diploma as an Academician. To you—I scrupple not to confess—that I Shall be gratified with distinction—when I maÿ again call you my Resident. However, I should be more flattered, could I promise myself—that I should be more useful to your Academy—as I have been to the Philosophical Society, Since my election. This winter—or fall perhaps—shall be devoted in retouching my Achaic Sketch after I have received Gen. Platt’s and Chief Justice Kent’s Remarks upon it. It is pityful, that I can not write more correctly—Some of my approved Sketches would be otherwise published. Now, I Suppose, it is in vain, to try it more.
If the majority of the Spanyards are resolved to remain independent, the cause Shall be driven home—and if now Austria and Prussia do not make effectual preparations—to drive Him from the North of Germany, they deserve their fate, and Shall be trampled upon, ere long, bÿ Bonaparte.
Fear had thus far never been mine greatest foible—Mÿ apprehensions originate from that I know not enough the Americans—if they are united—if they will be independent, I care neither Bonaparte nor old England—nor united Europe—but—if divided—a less force than either of them could muster, would Subjugate them. It is my opinion, that Gr. Brittain—to use a Phraseologÿ of our President, could do us the greatest harm—but—it is again opinion—that—if they are wise, they will rather cajole us, and their interest is—as our Natural ally—to be our firm friends—and cement thro all possible ways—the mutual connexions with one another: Sooner or later—if Gr. Britt. Survives this violent paroxysm—it must naturally decay and fall—with will happen—if I prognosticate well, rather from intrinsic than extraneous cases—then America would be a Save asylum for millions of them—and at that Epoque, perhaps not far removed—America Shall become the centre of the civilised world—and Europe—in its turn—become a dreary wilderness.
Was I young—without family—I would cross the Atlantic and enlisten in Spain—if previously—I had some solid prospect—that the majority of Spain would struggle to obtain the palm of victory—It is unquestionably within their reach—But—my Dear friend! if by Providence they are doomed to destruction—or to destroy another, no mortal aid can save them—and foolishness will put her stamp on the measures of both sides. Thus far the Spanyards appear to have acted—with firmness—with providence—with zeal—but I know not enough of it—to guess with plausibility at the issue.
That you, Dear Sir! remain my frend, is flattering to my ambition and makes it needless to recommend my further.  Nevertheless I maÿ add a request, to remember me to Mrs Adams—and assure her that I am with the Sincerest esteem / your obliged friend,
Fr. Adr. vanderkemp
P. S. My name is Francis Adriaan not Frederic—this a goremoin the case of a  Diploma.


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 3 September 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Septr. 3d. 1800

I have receivd your letter respecting Mr. Nortons claim and shall observe your instructions.
There appears to be considerable delicacy in engaging in the support of a claim founded on provisions furnishd the British army during our revolution War.
I inclose you a letter from Mr. Wilkins to Mr. Harrison & from Mr. Harrison to me recommending a Mr. Hollingsworth as a Judge in the Indiana territory
I am Sir with the most respectful attachment / Your obedt. Servt
J Marshall


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 5 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 5th 1800

I hope as you do, that the resistance to the execution of the judgment of the courts of the United States in Kentucky, as represented by Judge Harry Innis, exists no longer. I return you all the papers. Mounflorence’s information was, that our envoys “were ready to depart for Havre De Grace, where they intended to embark for the Hague.” This was probably given out by the French to conceal something from the public. What that some thing was you may conjecture as well as I. They would not be anxious to conceal a settlement to mutual satisfaction. I agree with you, that very serious tho friendly remonstrances ought to be made to Spain. I can even go as far as you & demand compensation for every American vessel condemned by the French consular courts in the dominions of Spain. I return all the papers relative to this subject
With sincere esteem &c.


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 5 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 5th 1800

In answer to your favor of August 27 I consent to the appointment of Edward Pennington to be first mate, Donard Rimbley to be second mate & Richard Hrabowski to be third mate of the Revenue Cutter on the South Carolina station. I return you all the papers inclosed in yours. Enclosed also is a letter from Paul Dudley Sargeant proposing to be Surveyor of Portland. Although this gentleman commanded a regiment last war I still think Col Hunnewell’s pretensions on the whole superior. With sincere esteem &c.


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 6 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 6 1800

I transmit you a letter from William Wetmore Esqr. of Castine in the District of Maine, to be filed & considered in time & in case. Mr. Whetmore is one of the remaining characters, whom I knew as a student in a Barristers office, when I was at the bar. What other applications may be presented I know not.
With sincere regard


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 6th 1800

The inclosed letter from Dr Bartleet of Charleston, offering himself a candidate for a medical appointment in case; I transmit to you, because I believe the law has committed the medical marine Establishment to your care. If I am mistaken in this, you will please to give this letter & its inclosures to Mr. Stoddert. Dr. Bartleet is as worthy & respectable character as any we have. Last night I received the inclosed letter from Gen Knox recommending Mr Thomas B. Wait, as a suitable character for Surveyor of Portland in the place of Lunt.
With sincere regard,


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 6 September 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Septr 6th. 1800

I receivd last night your letter of the 26th—of August.
The more I think on the proposition of giving a gross sum in lieu of the claims of the British creditors on the government of the United States, the more difficulty appears to me to attend the subject. On the one side I am convincd that the sum we shall be under the necessity of giving, if we come to any agreement, must be more considerable than is really due, & on the other I am equally well persuaded, that any commissioners, with the majority against us, unrestrained by previous explanatory articles, will award against us a still larger sum than any we will submit to give. Under these circumstances it appears to me that the most eligible mode of proceeding is to press for the explanatory articles, but if they be totally unattainable to agree on the gross sum, if such an agreement can be made without exceeding the limits you have prescribd. I have prepard a letter to Mr. King which has been approvd by the heads of departments & in conformity with your direction will be immediately dispatchd to him.
I will also order a copy to be made for your consideration. I send you a copy of a note receivd from Mr. Liston. Tho no particular expressions in it may be deemd exceptionable, yet the whole together, has the an appearance of discontent and initation, which I think he ought not to have permited himself to have manifested. I regret very much that I cannot submit to your consideration; before it is transmited, my answer to this letter; but it seems to me, that an answer ought not to be delayd until your sentiments respecting it can be obtained. Under this conviction & in the hope that the answer will not be dissatisfactory to you, I have written a letter to Mr. Liston of which I inclose you a copy.
The enormous abuses & injuries our commerce has sustaind from the lawless depredations of privatiers fited out or mand in the ports of Spain, & the manifest violations of the law of nations & of our treaty which the consular tribunals tribunals of France have been allowed to commit in Spain that country, seem to me to require from the United States a very serious remonstrance. As my view of this subject may be as well considerd in the form of a letter to Mr. Humphries as any other I am preparing one which when finishd I will transmit to you.
I have just receivd a letter from Mr. Stevens stating the entire pacification of the south of St. Domingo & inclosing a letter to him from Genl. Toussaint expressing the Generals wish that our commerce may now be extended to that south part of that the island. The heads of departments are all of opinion that this should be done. If you entertain the same opinion it will I presume be necessary to issue a proclamation notifying this regulation. I have inclosd you a proclamation for your consideration.
If this commerce shoud be extended Mr. B. Dandridge a young gentleman of very considerable merit, who was first secretary to Mr. Murray & afterwards to Mr. King & is now a merchant in Alexandria applies for a consulate.
I am Sir with the most respectful attachment / Your obedt. Servt
J Marshall


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 6 September 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Washington Septr. 6th 1800

I receivd a few days past: a letter from the chevallier de Yrujo complaining that the Marshal for the district of New York, says he has no authority to deliver up the vessel capturd by Capt. Talbot in the Puerto Plata.
I have taken measures which will I presume occasion the delivery of this vessel, unless, under the idea that the government has no right to interpose, so far as the captors are interested, Capt. Talbot shoud refuse (as I conjecture his agent must already have done), to submit to the decision of the executive.
I cannot beleive that Capt. Talbot will act so indiscreetly: but as in this I may be disappointed, it becomes necessary to consider the situation in which his refusal will place the subject, & to decide provisionally on the course which, in that event, it will be proper to pursue.
If the Executive of the United States cannot restore a vessel capturd by a national ship, in violation of the law of nations, it is easy to perceive how much inconvenience may result from such defect of power. Cause of war may be given by those who, of all others, are, perhaps, most apt to give it, & that department of the government, under whose orders they are placd, will be unable to correct the mischief.
On the other hand, as there is an inchoate interest in the captors, there is some doubt concerning the right of the executive to affect this interest, & much delicacy in exercising it. It is only in plain cases such as I take this to be, that the exercise of such a right, was ever unquestionable, woud be recommended.
Sir William Scott, I observe lays it down as law that, in England, there is a right in the captors to proceed with the prosecution of the vessel, against the will of the crown. He does not however state any case in which such proceedings have been had.
Shoud this point be contested, I must request your instructions in the case. To me it seems inadviseable that the executive shoud decide absolutely on the question, & that it woud be proper to submit it to the court. To obtain their judgement respecting it I know of no mode more proper than to request the attorney for the district to enter immediately on the record the directions given him from this department to dismiss the prosecution, & the claim of the captors to proceed  leaving it to the court to decide, whether, in such a state of things, further proceedings can or cannot be maintaind. Shoud the court determine to proceed & the capture shoud afterwards be decided to have been unlawful, and without probable cause, I presume Capt. Talbot will have no pretext for applying to the United States to be reimbursd any damages which may be awarded against him.
I cannot doubt Sir the acquiescence of Capt. Talbot under the decision made by the executive, but it is necessary to prepare for a state of things which, tho not probable, is entirely possible.
I am Sir with the most perfect respect & attachment / Your obedt. Servt.

J Marshall


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 8 September 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Septr. 8th 1800

The papers from Govr. St. Clair have been read by the heads of departments & are now returnd.
On receiving your letter respecting the consulate in the island of Madeira I wrote to Mr. Bayard who I found had on a former occasion recommended in very strong terms for a different consulate, a Mr. Leonard, & have receivd an answer from him which I now transmit to you. I transmit with it a certificate from Don Lewis Roderigues Villares who has something to do with the government of Madeira, conceiving that you woud wish to see these papers before you decide absolutely respecting Mr. Pintard
Shoud you decide on removing that gentleman I am persuaded that a more proper successor than Mr. Lamar coud not be selected. He is a Native American, born in Maryland. His long establishd commerce with Madeira & the high respectability of his house enable him to be of more service to the Americans trading to that island than perhaps any other person who coud be appointed.
I have directed a copy of a letter prepard to Mr. Humphries to be inclosd to you. The list of condemnations in Spain transmited by Mr. Young who has acted under Mr. Humphries shows that the depredations complaind of even in Europe have been immense.
If you will please to suggest such alterations as you may wish in the letter (provided you are of opinion that such a letter representation ought to be made to the court of Madrid) I will immediately make them—if you approve the letter as it is I will on being informd of your determination forward a duplicate & triplicate to Mr. Humphries. That now transmited to you Mr. Shaw may have an opportunity of sending by the way of Boston.
In the Genl. Green came passengers the Adjutant Genl. & the comissary of the Army of the North from St. Domingo. They spoke of having dispatches for our government but passd through this place without seeing me & I have not since heard of them.
I am Sir with the highest respect / Your Obedt. Servt.

J Marshall


Title: To John Adams from William Simmons, 8 September 1800
From: Simmons, William
To: Adams, John

Honor’d Sir
City of Washington Sepr. 8th 1800

I take the liberty of addressing you on a subject which from its nature I trust from your known goodness will appologize for the intrusion.—I have a Brother who entered the service of The United States as a Lieutenant of Cavalry at the age of nineteen, in the Year 1797, He was shortly after ordered to proceed to the Frontiers of the State of Tennessee where he continued to do duty near two years, during the latter part of that period he unfortunately fell into excesses too common in the Army, and contracted a number of enemies,— the subsequent events were his arrest and trial in the City of Philadelphia,—The proceedings of the Court martial I am informed by The Secretary of War were forwarded for your decision. To enter minutely into the Subject would be intruding too much on your time—I shall therefore confine myself to some points in which I think my brother has been in some measure placed in a disadvantageous situation. His trial took place seven or eight hundred miles distant from where the acts are said to have been committed with which he is charged, and eighteen months after the time had elapsed, He has had no evidences on his part nor permission granted to obtain them. The defence handed by him to the Court & which accompanies the proceedings of the Court, will more particularly State the other objections & by which it was hoped that the Court would have granted a Suspension of the Trial to enable him to bring forward his Witnesses. Should the decisions of the Court be unfavorable to my brother & be approved by you, Sir, it must tend to the utter ruin of a Young Man who from inexperience & youth may have been guilty of excesses, & who, if you should be pleased to pardon by disapproving The proceedings of the Court would by his future conduct make amends for the past.—I am led to be thus sanguine as to his future from what has been his conduct since his return from the State of Tennessee; and since his appointment of Pay master. He has been entrusted in that capacity with large sums of Public Monies, & continues so to this time. His conduct has been uniformly proper and his accounts correct—I mention this circumstance to shew the confidence reposed in him after the circumstances under which he was arrested were known. Under the impression of his future conduct I ask for him your forgiveness Sir, it will relieve from the utmost distress an Aged Mother & a numerous family of Sisters & brothers, who have heretofore supported unblemished Characters, and never experienced any disgrace—
With unfeign’d respect / I am &c.

              W. S.
              Wm: Simmons


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 9 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 9 1800

Mr Stevens’s letter inclosed in yours of the 30th seems to require a proclamation to open the trade between the United States & the ports of St Domingo which were lately in the possession of Rigaud, & I am ready to agree to it whenever you & the heads of department shall be satisfied. Mr. Mitchell of Charleston promises great things, & he may be able to perform them, for any thing that I know. But I have no intimation that Mr. Boudinot will resign & I can promise no office beforehand. It has been the constant usage, now twelve years, for the President to answer no letters of sollicitation or recommendation for office. I know of no coins of gold better executed, than our Eagles nor of silver, than our dollars. The motto of the hotel de Valentinois in which I lived at Passy was, si sta bene, non se move. If you stand well, stand still. The epitaph Stava ben ma por stare meglio sto qui, I was well, but by taking too much physick to be better, lo here I lie, is a good admonition. I will not be answerable for the correctness of my Italian, but you see I have an idle morning or I should not write you this common place I return you Mr Humphries letter & inclose that of Mr John H. Mitchell & that of Mr. Stevens.
With sincere regard &c.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 9th 1800

I have read the proceeding against Lt. Mariner of the frigate Adams, inclosed in your favor of the 30 Aug, & upon due consideration of the whole, have approved of the justice sentence of the Court martial. I cannot however omit to express my anxiety, that so much irregularity should have occurred, as I fear from too much indulgence in the harbor of St Kitts. I pray you to impress upon all our commanders, without alluding to this case in particular, the necessity of keeping at sea as much as possible.
With sincere regard &c.


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 9 September 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Septr. 9th. 1800

I now send you a copy of the letter transmited to Mr. King—I wrote him also privately stating the best opinion here to be that not more than two milion of Dollars coud justly be chargeable to the United States under the treaty
I am Sir with the highest respect / Your Obedt. Servt.

J Marshall


Title: From John Adams to John Trumbull, 10 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Trumbull, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Septr. 10. 1800

I thank you for your favour of the 4th. Porcupines Gazette and Fenno’s Gazette, from the moment of the Mission to France, aided, countenanced and encouraged by Soidisant fœderalists in Boston New York and Phyladelphia, have done more to Shuffle the Cards into the hands of the Jacobin Leaders than all the Acts of Administration and all the Policy of opposition from the Commencement of the Government.
After the House of Representatives had unequivocally and unanimously applauded that measure as they did in their address in answer to the Speech at the opening of the last session of Congress, it is Arrogance, Presumption and Inconsistency without a parrallel, in any to say as they continue to do in the Newspapers that the Federalists, disapprove it. The Jacobins infer from this disapprobation, designs in such fœderalists, which they are not prepared to avow. These fœderalists may yet have their fill of fighting. They may see our Envoys without Peace, but if they do what has been lost? certainly nothing, unless it be the Influence of some of the fœderalists, by their own imprudent and disorganizing opposition and Clamour. Much time has been gained. If the election of a fœderal President is lost by it, they who performed the Exploit with be the greatest Loosers. They must take the Consequences. They will attempt to throw the blame of it on me: but they will not Succeed. They have recorded their own Intemperance and Indiscretion in Characters too legible and too public. For myself, Age, Infirmities, family Misfortunes have conspired, with the Unreasonable Conduct of Jacobins and insolent Fœderalists, to make me too indifferent to whatever can happen.
I am as ever your affectionate / Friend

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 11 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Dexter, Samuel

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 11 1800

Enclosed is a letter from General L. R. Morris, recommending John Cook Esqr to be a Capt in the second regiment of Artillery. Mr. Cook had his education to the law under Mr Chipman the Senator. It is possible he may make one the instructors in your military academy
With sincere regard &c


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 11 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept. 11 1800

Enclosed is a letter from General Peleg Wadsworth of Portland, recommending Thomas Baker Wait to be surveyor & inspector in the place of James Lunt. You know as well as I the respectability of this recommendation
With sincere regard &c


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 11 September 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department Washington, September 11th. 1800

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your several Letters dated August 15th, 23rd. 24th, 25th. 26th. 27th, & 30th. and have applied to the Secretary of State for Commissions to Richard Hunnewell Esqr to be Surveyor and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Portland.
On the petition of Mrs. Sylvester, I take the liberty to observe, that as her Husband John Sylvester, has expiated his offence, by suffering the punishment and paying the fine imposed by Judgment of Court, he is not at this time an object of Pardon, and of course that the prayer of her Petition cannot be granted—in this opinion which is given without reference to the question, whether under other circumstances a Pardon might with propriety be granted, the heads of Departments have concurred.
The last Post from Norfolk brought the afflicting intelligence of the death of Colonel Otway Byrd, the Collector for that District—by this event the public are deprived of a valuable Officer, and a numerous family of their guide and Protector—Several Candidates for the Office have already appeared, but as it is of great and increasing importance that the vacancy should be properly supplied, I have concluded it best to delay transmitting the papers for a short time, under an expectation of obtaining further information.—I have the honour to be / with perfect respect / Sir / Your Obedient Servant

Oliv. Wolcott.


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 12 September 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Septr. 12th. 1800

Your letter of the 2d. inst. returning the dispatches from our envoys of the 17th. of May, is just receivd. I now perceive that my having omited to accompany those dispatches with a letter requires an apology.
After decyphering it, I had been engagd with the heads of departments until it became necessary to forward the package immediately to you, or to lose a mail which I was not inclind to do, & on that account, only inclosd the papers themselves, intending to write the next day.
Mr. Yznardi is here but as yet has made me no communications
I am Sir with every sentiment of respect / Your obedt. Servt.

J Marshall


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

Sir.
Treasury Department. Washington Sept. 13. 1800.

In compliance with my engagements, I have now the honour to inform the President that the following persons have become Candidates for the Office of Collector of the Customs for the district of Norfolk in Virginia, vacant by the decease of Colo. Otway Byrd, viz.
William Davies, at present Collector of the Customs for the District of Richmond.
James Gibbons, at present Surveyor of the Customs for the port of Petersburgh, and Inspector of the Revenue for the 4th. Survey in Virginia.
Laurence Muse, Collector of the Customs for the district of Tappahannock.
Philemon Gatewood, Naval Officer for the district of Norfolk.
Francis S. Taylor, formerly Deputy Collector for the district of Norfolk.
Miles King.
Benjamin Pollard.—
William Chowning, and
Thomas Matthews.—
To the documents which have been adduced on the present occasion, I have taken the liberty to add several, which were before in my possession, with the view of illustrating the pretensions and characters of the several candidates.
Although the five Candidates first named, are all respectable men, who would probably execute the office in a satisfactory manner, yet I venture to suggest that the public interest will be best promoted by the appointment of Colo. William Davies.
This Gentleman served in the Army during the late War, with reputation, and I believe, at one time commanded a regiment—He afterwards held important and confidential trusts under the State of Virginia. He was the agent of the State for advocating the settlement of the accounts of the State, before the Board of Commissioners; and for talents, information, firmness, diligence, and integrity, has been long distinguished and universally known throughout Virginia
The Port of Norfolk is of great importance, being the principal Port of Virginia, where the services of an efficient character, such as Colo. Davies will be necessary to prevent great abuses.—In the representation which I have given of the superior pretensions of this gentleman, the Secretary of State concurs, and I have reason to believe that the same sentiments are entertained by the Attorney General
I am bound however, to mention that the claims of Major James Gibbon, are highly meritorious: he was one of the Officers who led the forlorn hope to the attack of Stoney Point–the Journals of Congress of the 26th. of July 1779, will shew the sense of that body, of his bravery on that occasion, and he has since executed his offices under the present Government, in a satisfactory manner.
I have the honour to be / with great respect / Sir, / your mo. obedt. servt.

Oliv Wolcott


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 14th 1800.

Yesterday Mr. D Leonard Jarvis called on me to present me the inclosed letter from himself dated the 10th and the enclosed statement in print of the claim of the Rhode Island brigade. All the consolation I could give him, after reading over his representation with some care, was a promise to enclose it to you with my recommendation to you to give it a candid & impartial consideration & if you should be of opinion that any favor could be extended to him, consistant with the public service, I was sure your disposition was humane & generous enough to do it, & it would be very agreeable to me. But that in causes of this kind, it would be very improper for me to interpose between the officers of the Treasury and private individuals, unless in very clear, strong and extraordinary cases
He appeared to be well satisfied that I should enclose the papers to you and seemed to think that was all he could reasonably ask of me.
With sincere esteem and regard &c.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Pinckney, 16 September 1800
From: Pinckney, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Charleston, 16 Septr. 1800

I have the honor of transmitting herewith a Charleston Gazette; containing a letter, copied from a Baltimore newspaper; to which your signature is subscribed.—Conscious as I am that I never, either directly or indirectly, by myself or by my friends, have been concerned in any british intrigue, or connected with british influence:—knowing that my nomination to the english Mission was not only unsolicited, but was unknown to myself or my immediate friends until announced to me officially by Mr. Jefferson, then secretary of State:—believing as I do that no improper influence preponderated in the mind of the Officer by whom I was nominated, I take the liberty of making this appeal to your Justice, requesting that, if the letter, which has been published as yours; be a forgery; an immediate and explicit declaration of this fact may be promulgated: but if the contrary should be the case, I equally rely upon your justice to explain how far You consider my brother & myself to have been justly obnoxious to the suspicions which you appear to have entertained at the time the letter was written, together with the basis of such suspicion.—
While a due regard to our best property; reputation impels me to urge this claim on your Justice, I intreat You, Sir, to consider me as not intentionally deviating from a due respect for your private virtues or derogating from the consideration to which in your official capacity You are justly inititled
I have the honor to be, / Sir, / Your respectful & obedt Servt.,

Thomas Pinckney
PS. With the view of counteracting the immediate effect which the publication of this letter was obviously intended to produce in our State elections, I have inserted in the Charleston Gazette a letter of which the inclosed is a copy.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 16 September 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Treasury Department Washington Sept. 16. 1800.

I have the honour to transmit several applications and recommendations in favour of Miles King, Francis Taylor, W. H. Macon, Thomas Tinsley, James Gibbon, Abraham Archer, and W. Bentley, as Candidates for the Office of Collector of the district of Norfolk—
I perceive nothing in these documents, which induces me to vary the representation which I had the honour to make on this subject, on the 13th: instant.—
I have the honour to be / with great respect / Sir, / your mo. obedt. servt.

            Oliv. Wolcott


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 17 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 17 1800

I agree entirely with your sentiments relative to explanations with the British government & a gross sum, and am happy to learn that you have prepared a letter to Mr. King, according to the principles understood between us, which has been approved by the heads of department. This letter may be sent without further advice from me. Mr. Liston apparently had un peu de l’heumeur when he wrote his note of the 25 of August. Your letter in answer to it is very proper. This gentlemans conduct on the whole has been wise and agreeable. I return the proclamation for opening the trade with St Domingo signed. I know Mr. Dandridge so well that I am very willing you should give him a consulate
With sincere attachment &c


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 17 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 17 1800

In consequence of the information, transmitted in your letter of the 6, I think it most equitable to suspend the removal of Mr. Pintard for the present. I am glad to find that Mr. Lamar is a native American & now agree with you that whenever Mr. M Pintard must be removed, a more proper person cannot probably be selected, than Mr. Lamar. I have read with care your letter to Mr. Humphries, & find it so well conceived considered & expressed that I have directed Mr. Shaw to send it from Boston. The duplicate and triplicate you may convey whenever you find opportunities. I return the papers respecting Pintard
With great respect &c.


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 17 September 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Septr. 17th. 1800

I have receivd your several letters of the 4th. & 5th. inst.
It is certainly wise to contemplate the event of our envoys returning without a treaty, but it will very much depend on the inteligence & assurances they may bring, what course sound policy will direct the United States to pursue. I am greatly disposd to think that the present government is much inclind to correct, at least in part, the follies of the past. Of these none were perhaps more conspicuous or more injurious to the french nation than their haughty & hostile conduct to neutrals. Considerable retrograde steps in this respect have already been taken & I expect the same course will be continued. Shoud this expectation not be disappointed there will be security—at least a reasonable prospect of it—for the future—& there will exist no cause of war, but to obtain compensation for past injuries. This I am persuaded will not be deemd a sufficient motive for such a measure.
I inclose you commissions for the three Judges of the Indiana territory. If you shoud be disinclind to the appointment of Mr. Griffin you will be pleasd to retain the commission made out for him & signify to me the name of the person you prefer. Another commission shall immediately be forwarded. If Mr. Griffin is a young man of competent talents I shoud not think his age an objection—I am not however acquainted personally with him, tho I know & respect his family.
When I left Richmond to fill the office to which your were pleasd to call me there was some private business which very much requird my personal attention & which remains undone. It will be a considerable inconvenience & perhaps injury to me if it is not completed this fall. I therefore propose, if it is not disagreeable to you to be in Richmond for a fortnight about the first of october. That time will I trust enable me to do transact some private affairs which I cannot commit to others & which are interesting to me.
I am Sir with the most respectful attachment / your obedt

J Marshall


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 September 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department Washington Sept. 17. 1800.

I have the honour to transmit a Letter, which I have this morning received from Colo. Carrington, in favour of Francis S. Taylor, a Candidate for the Office of Collector of Norfolk; and also two Letters from Col. Carrington, in favour of Major James Gibbon another candidate for the same office.
I have the honour to be / with the greatest respect / Sir, / your mo. obedt. Servt.

Oliv Wolcott


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 18 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 18 1800

I received last night & have read this morning the copy of your letter to Mr. King inclosed in your favor of the 9th. I know not how the subject could have been better digested. An idea has occurred to me, which I wish you would consider. Ought not something to be said to Mr. King about the other board, that I mean in London. We understand it no doubt all along, that those commissioners are to proceed & their awards to be payed. But should not something be expressed concerning it, in this new arrangement, whether by explanations or a composition for a gross sum. Can it be stipulated that the gross sum, if that should be accepted should be paid in whole or in part to American claimants before the board in London, in satisfaction of awards in their favor. These perhaps would loan the money to government & receive certificates in interest, as the merchants have for ships. I only hint the thing for consideration–am not much satisfied with it
With great regard &c


Title: To John Adams from Daniel Bedinger, 18 September 1800
From: Bedinger, Daniel
To: Adams, John

85.Sir,
Shepherds town Septer. 18th. 1800

About the commencement of the last Session of Congress I resigned my office of Surveyor of the Port of Norfolk and Portsmouth &ca. I was induced to take this step in consequence of its having been suggested to me (by a member of Congress—Mr. Parker) that my political Creed was considered by administration, as an insuperable bar to every thing like promotion in the Custom house: and that I was doomed to remain a steping block, over which others were to mount into officers of superior dignity to mine. But from many circumstances which have lately transpired, I am inclined to think that my information was incorrect—and that the said suggestion conveys an improper reflexion upon those to whom it belongs to appoint to office. I therefore again beg leave to present myself as a candidate for the Office of Collector for the District of Norfolk & Portsmouth, which Office I understand is now vacant.
But that there may be no mistake with respect to my Politics, permit me Sir to observe that at all times when matters of general concern to the United States were pending I thought for myself, but at the same time I endeavoured to form honest opinions. Truth was ever the object of my researches, and if it has sometimes happened that I was bewildered in the pursuit or may not have gone with the Current of other mens opinions—such conduct I hope will not be imputed to me as a Crime. I thought I was right & acted accordingly. In short Sir, I certainly am a Democrat, and prize my rights as a free Citizen above all other considerations. I can however declare with the greatest truth that my political opinions never gave an improper bias to my official conduct, or caused me for a moment to forget my duty—or the real interests of that country, to the service of which the choisest days of my life have been most faithfully devoted.
When the office in question was last vacant I took the liberty of Stating to you (in my letter of the 7th. of Septr. 1797) my pretensions fully—to which I think it unnecessary to add any thing farther except the enclosed copy of a Certificate from the late Governor of Virginia, which I beg leave to lay before you
I am Sir with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most obt. / & most Hble. Sevt.
Daniel Bedinger


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 20 1800

The letter you sent me is from Mr. Murray of the 1 of May at Paris. I return it inclosed to you, that you may consider the recommendation of Mr. Dan. Murray of Anapolis his relation, who is a midshipman on board the insurgent. If this young gentlemans merits will justify his promotion, of which you are better judge than I can be, my disposition to consent to it need not be doubted.
With great regard, &c


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Septr. 20. 1800.

I have recd your favour of the 11th. I hope We have not made a mistake in Appointing Col. Hunnewell.
On the Petition of Mrs Sylvester I am of the same opinion with you and your Colleagues.
I had read with real Grief in the Papers, the account of the Death of Col. Otway Bird. The Character I read of him at the time of his appointment to the Collector, convinces me that the public has Sustained a great loss in him. It is of great importance that a suitable successor should be found and We ought to avail our Selves of all the Information that a deliberate and dilligent Inquiry can furnish before We proceed to an Appointment.
Col Marshall and Mr Lee I hope will give Us all the light they can.
With great regard &c

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 20 1800

It is high time for me to request, that you would seriously revolve in your thoughts, the subject of communications, both of intelligence and advice, to be made to Congress, at the opening of the approaching session, and favor me with your sentiments upon the whole subject, as soon as possible. I shall leave this place on Monday the 13th of October. No letters should be directed to me here, which are to arrive after that day.
With great esteem &c.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Pseudonym: "An Old Soldier and a Firm Federalist", 20 September 1800
From: Pseudonym: “An Old Soldier and a Firm Federalist”
To: Adams, John

May It Pleas Your Exelency—
September 20 1800

Sir being A Solder In the Last War and Since An Observer of the Rigulations of the Amarican Army I Wish to Make Some few Observations or statements that Are In My Wiek Sence of Consiqunece.
In the first Place the Army Doubtless Is Made Up of the Lower Class of Mankind & Always Will Be for the following Reasons Viz— If It Happen that A Man of Tallents Enlists Into the Service He stands but A Small Chance for preferment for Instance A Capt: Should by Chance to GitaGood Orderly Serjent Every Way Quallified for A Commission he Can Never Obtain It for he Says he Suits Me he Does his Duty to My sattisfaction I Cannot Spare him he Is puntual to Obey My Orders In Every particular he Does his Duty with Elertness he Attends to the Dissipline of My Commpany In Short he Is Every way Quallified for his Station or a More Important One which he Cannot Obtain for the Captain Say he Wont Recommend him for fear of Loosing him By the Same Reasons A Good Soldier Cannot Obtain a Non Commisoned officers post But Must Serve his Term of Engagement As A privet Let his Qullifications Be What they Will. A poor Encouragement for Good Men To Engage In the Service But So It Is & So it Will be As Long As Undissaplined Men Git Appointid Into office You Sir May think I Meddle With What Does Not Concern Me But Experance & Observation has long taught What I Now Am hinting At—So I Subscribe My Self / With Esteem your humble Servant

An old Soldir and A firm federalist
NB Many More Observations Might be Brought forward But A hint to the Wise Is Sufficiant. The Old Soldier wishes Your Exelency Might When At Leasure peruse this Letter With Candir and think On the Disigreeable feeling of a Non Comod: officer to have A Man of No better tallents than himself In No Way & Not half Eaquel In Millitary Tactics placed In office Over him


Title: To John Adams from John Avery, 24 September 1800
From: Avery, John,Avery, Samuel,Avery, David
To: Adams, John

Honoured President
Sir,
Datd. at Preston September 24th. AD 1800

We the under Signd did on or about the 30th of October last pay into the Treasury of the United States thirty four Dollars for the obtainment of a Patent right of a Machine for Cuting and Heading Nales and likewise the moddle and drawings requisit in Such Casses With an asureance from the Seccretary of a Patent if attainable delivered at the Post office in Norwich (Connecticut) in a Short time or the money returnd at that place—Whereas We have not receivd nither Patent nor Money nor information respecting the matter. We take the libberty to Write to Your Honr. for a patent if attainable if not for the money returnd at the place above mentiond.
from your Honours, most obedient and Humble Servants
John AverySamuel AveryDavid Avery