Title: To John Adams from Ebenezer Breed, 24 September 1800
From: Breed, Ebenezer
To: Adams, John

His Excellency John Adams President of the United States.
Charlestown Sept. 24. 1800

The Subscriber Ebenezer Breed humbly represents, that he is proprietor of about half the Land lying in the Town of Charlestown, which has lately been fixed upon by the Government of the United States, as the most eligible & convenient place within this Commonwealth for the purpose of a Dock & Navy Yard.
That on the representation of Aaron Putnam Esquire, as agent for the United States, in that behalf, the Legislature of this Commonwealth, (as your Excellency undoubtedly well knows) did at their last session pass an act, authorizing the agent, or agents, of the United States to purchase in their behalf, the land aforesaid, for the purpose aforesaid, and in case of a disagreement between said agent, & the owners of said Land, as to the price thereof, providing by the act aforesaid, a very summary mode of determining its value.—Pursuant to that act of the Legislature, the said Putnam in quality of Agent as aforesaid, did at the last Court of General Sessions of the Peace, in the County of Middlesex, lodge a petition in that behalf, whereupon the said Court have decreed, that a Jury should be summoned to appraise said Land, in order that the United States might have an opportunity to purchase, & hold the same, if they choose so to do, in conformity to the Law aforesaid.
Now your Petitioner begs leave most humbly to represent, that although he professes to feel as much zeal, as any of his fellow citizens for the interest, and welfare, of the United States, and as much dispos’d to contribute liberally to its safety, and protection, yet in justice to himself, and family he cannot submit to the process alluded to, without stating for the consideration of your Excellency the manifest injuries, and inconveniences, to which he is likely thereby to be subjected.
For this purpose he would humbly state, that your Petitioner is owner of about Twenty three Acres of the Land in question, that he has been the owner thereof about Twenty years, that he originally purchas’d it with a view to the almost incalculable profits that might arise therefrom; by reason of its proximity to a large metropolis, and from the natural growth of the town in which it lies, and that he has always intended it should descend undiminish’d to his posterity.
Independent of these considerations he would also state, that the land aforesaid, now is, and for many years has been to him, a source of great income, and emolument, that the ground contains an almost inexaustible body of the finest Clay, which together with the other produce thereof, has for a long time past, yielded him upwards of Fifteen Hundred Dollars annually, free from expence or deduction.
That to take from him this estate on any terms would be to derange his whole system of life, and compel him at an advanced age to make new arrangements in business.
Under all these circumstances your petitioner would humbly pray, that your Excellency (having as he presumes competent authority in the premises) would if consistent with the views of Government, divert the attention of their Agent from the Land above refered to, and fix on some other spot for the intended establishment, which might be not less convenient to Government and certainly less injurious to him.
Your Petitioner is not insensible that the Act of the Legislature of Massachusetts relating to this subject, hath provided a mode of determining the price of Lands in such cases, which in most instances would undoubtedly operate fairly & equitably. But your Petitioner humbly conceives that Twelve Men, taken promiscuously from Country towns, where lands are of little comparative value, would hardly be able, & dispos’d to enter into all the feelings & views of the owner of the property in question, so far as to do ample & compleat justice to his claims. He would therefore humbly pray your Excellency, that if his estate cannot be preserved in him, consistently with the exigencies of Government, the Agent for this business may be instructed to treat with your Petitioner on fair & liberal terms, and not persist in the process he has commenced.
To convince your Excellency however that the process alluded to should not be receiv’d as a captious or unaccommodating disposition on the part of your Petitioner, he would humbly represent, that the same terms on which the Agent himself hath dispos’d of his estate for the purpose contemplated, have never been offer’d to him, but that an estimation lower at least by Seventy per Cent than the one adopted by himself has alone been propos’d to him.
Your Petitioner is aware that the extreme anxiety of the People of Charlestown in general to have the establishment contemplated fixed in that town, may have induced them to make certain representations tending to create a belief in the mind of your Excellency, that the view of your Petitioner is exorbitant, and extortionary. He however begs leave to assure your Excellency, that his representations are sincere, & correct, and his designs fair, & honorable.
And he does confidently presume, that your Excellency will not consider it unreasonable, that he should object against a mode of appraisement, which must in any event be obligatory on him, and which even after a decision will be still submitted to the option of Government.
Such a rule of estimation your Petitioner would most unhesitatingly have consider’d severe, & unequal, had he not been inform’d by the Agent above mentioned, on the authority of a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, that unless the appraisement of the Jury should be very moderate, so as to come within the limits of a certain appropriation, the extent of which is unknown to your Petitioner, Government would not be holden eventually to take the estates. The immediate hazard, & inconvenience resulting to your Petitioner from this circumstance is, that many people in Charlestown, who calculate highly on the advantage to be derived to them, from the proposed establishment, may be disposed to depreciate the reputed value of the estate in question.
On the whole if it would not be too great an interruption to your Excellency’s engagements, on subjects of a higher public nature, your Petitioner would humbly solicit an opportunity for a personal conference relative to the premises.
Relying with perfect confidence on your Excellency’s rectitude, and benevolence, He is with profound Respect your Excellency’s most humble servant.

Ebenr. Breed


Title: To John Adams from Rufus King, 24 September 1800
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

Sir
London Sep. 24. 1800

Overtures, and some direct propositions on the subject of Peace have been made between England & France, as well as between the latter and Austria. indeed it seems that certain preliminaries, not yet entirely disclosed, were signed on the 29. of July at Paris by Count St. Julien on the part of the Emperor, & the disavowal of which at Vienna, has produced the stipulated notice from France that has put and end to the armistice—
We are now told that the negotiation will again fail to terminate the war, that the Emperor has placed himself at the head of his Army on the Danube, and that we may daily expect accounts of new Battles—Whatever may be the consequences, of this deplorable condition of Europe, to its principal States, I am mistaken if it does not revive a strong motive on the part of France, to bring to a conclusion the negotiation with our Envoys, whose continuance at Paris strengthens the hope of a satisfactory summation of their mission. Popular tumults occasioned by the dearness of Provisions have lately manifested themselves as well in London as in the chief cities of the interior of the Country; but the presence of the military has overawed the populace, and as the harvest has been plentiful it is hoped that the Provisions & especially bread will soon be attainable at a more moderate price. That food will be cheap while rents and Taxes are so highs is a prophecy in which I cannot believe— with / perfect respect and attachment I am Sir yr. ob. & faithful sert
Rufus King


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 24 September 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Septr. 24th. 1800

I inclose you the last letter from Mr. Adams our Minister at Berlin. The subject on which it treats is a very interesting one.
At the same time I receivd from him another letter of an earlier date in which was transmited a certificate of the exchange of the ratifications of our treaty with Prussia.
I send you by this days mail a letter prepard to Mr. King. If you conceive that no such letter should be sent it may at once be suppressd. If you wish any changes in that now transmited I will on receiving your wish immediately obey it. If the letter as sent is satisfactory to you I must ask the favor of you to let Mr. Shaw forward it to Mr. King.
The vessel taken in Puerto Plata has been deliverd to the order of the Spanish Minister. I am Sir with the most respectful attachment / your obedt.

J Marshall


Title: To John Adams from John Trumbull, 24 September 1800
From: Trumbull, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Hartford Septr. 24th: 1800

In my last, I asserted that Connecticut would continue firm against all efforts of the present factions. Our Freemen’s Meetings are now past; & notwithstanding evry exertion of our Jacobins, their expectations have been wholly disappointed. We are not ripe for revolutions, but are generally decisive adherents to our present governments & our antient institutions.
The facts & observations contained in your Letter of the 10th: instant, I have long known to be true. But whatever clamour was made a few months since, by a certain description of federalists, on account of some acts of the Administration, it has generally subsided among us. It had no influence on the suffrages of the freemen, & I believe will have as little on the choice of our Electors.
As to our Jacobins, however they may sometimes for political reasons extol those measures of your Administration, which they hoped would cause a fatal division among the federalists, however some of them may wish to impress You with a favorable opinion of the “correctness of their judgment” &c, every Man among them is desirous of change; for it is only under a change, that they hope to attain that weight of influence at which they so long have aimed, & those promotions to office, for which their Leaders have so long panted in vain.—Yet the Candidate of their Party is not with many of them, the Man of their wishes. They are jealous of that the cautious timidity of his temper, & his love of general popularity, might lead him,  in office, rather to favour that Party who now oppose his election, than to adopt decided measures to promote all the designs, & satisfy the personal expectations of his own. Some of them, at least in a neighbouring State, cast their eye on a Man, equal in talents, desperate in fortunes, & far superior in activity & the arts of intrigue. Whether a weak confidence in their strength may induce them to risque a division of their votes, must be left to the decision of Time, the universal Arbitrator in dubious cases.
Triumphant predictions of the fate of the next Election, though previous to the choice of the Electors, continue to be made on all sides. I see no rational ground of discouragement; though I agree that should the Federal Party fail of success, it will be wholly owing to the causes You mention.
I expect to be at Newhaven, during the sessions of our General Assembly next month, & hope either there, or at Hartford, to have the pleasure of seeing You on your Journey to the seat of Government.
With the most affectionate Respect / I am as ever / Your most Obedt. Servt.
John Trumbull


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 25 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 25th 1800

I have received your favor of the 15th. Privateers manned by Spaniards with French commissions are intollerable. Remonstrances ought to be made to the Spanish govenors & to the Court of Madrid in a serious tone.—The Warren is arrived in Nantaskett Road, but I have nothing from any officer. The Captain, Col. Pickerings nephew, Newman is dead. I know not the character of the ship.
If our ships lye in harbor or suffer their people to make frolicks on shore, they infallibly take fevers. The least debauchery or even intemperance on shore, never fails to give them fevers & they have not prudence or fortitude enough to keep out of bad houses & vicious courses if they are allowed to sleep one night on shoar. I am extreamly sorry to learn the indisposition of Mr. Dexter but hope your next will inform one of his health.
Very respectfully


Title: To John Adams from John Harris, 25 September 1800
From: Harris, John
To: Adams, John

His Excellency John Adams President of the United StatesCharlestown September 25th. 1800

The petition of John Harris, humbly sheweth, that he is owner of about seven acres of land lying south on Charles River, with flats before the same, which together with sundry other parcels of land in Charlestown, has lately been chosen by the agent for the United States, as the most eligible spot whereon to establish a Dock &d Navy yard.—That the said agent professing to have exercised without effect, all due & proper means for the purpose of obtaining from your petitioner a conveyance of the land aforesaid for a fair & reasonable compensation, hath for the purpose of compelling a sale thereof commenced a process, which by an act of the legislature of the commonwealth is in such case particularly provided—
Your petitioner apprehending, that, by virtue of the process referred to, if rigidly pursued, his land may ultimately be taken from him without his consent, & for a very inadequate compensation, begs leave hereby to represent, for the consideration of your Excellency, sundry circumstances tending to shew the peculiar hardship of his condition in this behalf, & to beseech your Excellencie’s interference for his relief.—
Your petitioner would therefore state, that he had long since determined to lay out the land in question into house lots, and had prepared a plan for that purpose, which herewith is submitted for inspection.—That by prosecuting this plan he had calculated, as he believes with good authority, not only to dispose of the property by sales to individuals for a much larger sum, than could be expected therefrom by a sale in the aggregate, but also thereby to have rendered much more saleable & valuable his other adjacent Estate—Indeed your petitioner believes he does not exaggerate, when he states that from the offers which have already been made to him for several lots, & also on a fair comparison of his own land nearly adjoining, of which there have lately been sales, he has every reason to think that he might soon realize from sales of his own, Thirty Thousand dollars, were he permitted to pursue his project without interruption, & to dispose of his estate deliberately—
Under these circumstances, your petitioner cannot but entertain an apprehension, that either he must be made to suffer great injury & loss, by such an appraisement as is contended for by the agent of the United States, or, that government will be holden to pay for it, a much larger sum, than it is probably worth to them for the purpose contemplated.—
Your petitioner thinks it not improbable that the above statement may very much militate with the representations on this subject, which may perhaps have been heretofore made to your Excellency, by some of the inhabitants of Charlestown—He trusts however that even his own declarations will not fail of producing in the mind of your Excellency their effect.—Altho’ they may stand in competition with those of men so highly & warmly interested in the question; especially when he shall have explained the nature of their views & wishes.—For this purpose he would humbly suggest that the  inhabitants of Charlestown in general have calculated largely on the advantages to be derived to that town from the proposed establishment, and having been informed by Aaron Putnam Esqr., as agent for government, that so desirable an object could not be effected, unless the lands could be procured at a very low & moderate price, it is not very surprizing, that they should be disposed, by undervaluing the lands in question, to bring them within the limits of certain appropriations provided by government for the purchase, or, that in their zeal to subserve their own & the interest of the public, they should in some measure disregard the rights & interests of a few individuals.—
To convince your Excellency of the truth of the above suggestion, your petitioner would furthermore state, that the lands referred to have once been  appraised (not however with the consent of your petitioner) by a committee of seven men, chosen by the town at a meeting holden for that purpose, & that their estimation was considered so low & inadequate, even by the agent himself, that, for a piece of land belonging to him, appraised as aforesaid at 1650 dollars he has since, as your petitioner verily believes, received the sum of 3000 dollars, & that for another piece of land belonging to Mr. Larkin in like manner appraised, the said agent hath since allow’d him 100 per Cent in addition to the sum of appraisement—
Under these circumstances your Petitioner conceives he has but little authority to expect an equitable compensation for his property, if to be determined by a Jury, who cannot by any possibility duly estimate his prospects, & whose opinions must necessarily be very much exposed to the controul of a multitude of men, eagerly opposed to him in interest.—
On the whole he begs leave to declare in the most serious & solemn manner, that the only purpose of the present application is, if possible, to prevent the necessity of disposing of his estate to Government, on any terms which he believes, they can think expedient to offer for it; & with this view he would moreover humbly suggest an opinion, that by avoiding his land, & fixing on a spot in its vicinity the Government might be accomodated on much easier & cheaper terms, than could be reasonably expected from him.—
Presuming most confidently that your Excellency, as constitutional guardian of the rights of the community, will protect him from the injury complained of, he submits his case with great defference & respect—and, if not too great an interruption to Your Excellency’s engagements on subjects of a higher public nature, would humbly solicit a personal conference relative to the premises.—

John Harris


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

Sir
Washington Septr. 26th. 1800

I inclose you a permit which as been solicited for the brig Amazon to carry several passengers to France.I am Sir with the highest respect &c / Your obedt. Servt.
J Marshall


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 27 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

(copy)
Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 27th 1800.

I received yesterday the inclosed letter, sent up from Boston, with several others and large packets, which appear to be only newspapers. This is duplicate of N. 244 from Mr. Humphries at Madrid, dated 29 July & Aug 1. Talleyrands reply to the French minister, “in the present state of the negociation, between the US & France, you may inform Mr. Humphry’s that he shall not long have occasion to complain of any more robberies (brigandages,) committed under the name of privateering.” This sentiment favors your idea in your letter of the 17th. that the present French government is much inclined to correct, at least in part, the follies of the past. Enclosed is a private letter to me from Mr. King of 28 July, which may reflect some light upon the disposition of the French government about that time. They might be courting or flattering the northern powers into an armed neutrality.—The Envoys, when they come will I hope be able to clear away all doubts & shew us plainly both our duty & our interest. I return you the three parchments signed as commissions for Clark, Vandeburgh & Griffin to be judges in the Indiana territory. I wish you a pleasant tour to Richmond but I pray you to give such orders that if dispatches should arrive from our envoys they may be kept as secret as the grave till the Senate meets. On monday the 13 Oct. I shall sett off from this place. Letters should not be sent to me, to reach this place or Boston after that day. I pray you to turn your reflections to the subject of communications to be made to Congress by the president, at the opening of the session, & give me your sentiments, as soon as possible in writing. The constitution requires that he should give both information & counsel
I am Sir with a sincere attacht


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 27 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 27 1800

Enclosed is a letter of the 20th from Dr Leib together with a petition from Philip Desh & Abraham Shants for pardons. A certificate of physicians and other citizens accompany the petition. Refer this to the Attorney Gen. & let me know your opinions.
With great regard.


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 28 1800

I have carefully read all the applications & recommendations for the office of collector of Norfolk & although the list of candidates is numerous and their pretensions respectable I think I discover sufficient reasons in the papers to concur with you in opinion that Col William Davis ought to be appointed and pray you to send him a commission accordingly. His letters have a strong character of sense & worth & Gen Marshalls & Mr. Lee’s opinions in corroberation of yours have their weight. Major James Gibbons merits are indeed very great but I think his qualifications cannot be equal.
I return you all the papers.
I am Sir with great regard


Title: To John Adams from Lewis Richard Morris, 28 September 1800
From: Morris, Lewis Richard
To: Adams, John

Sir—
Vermont—Springfield 28th: Septr: 1800—

I took the liberty some weeks since to trouble you with a letter in favor of John Cook Esquire of Rutland in this State, who solicits a Company in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers. I must pray your pardon for again troubling you on this subject—but I omitted to mention in my former letter—that Captn: Hyde of the 1st: Regt. of Infantry—and Lieutt: Leonard of the second Regt. of Artillery are the only Officers now in service from Vermont—Lieutt Leonard Williams now of the 2d: Regt of Artillery was nominated to the Senate as of Vermont—when he really belonged to Waltham in Massachusetts—this can be accounted for from his having resided several years in this State—permit me Sir to add that upwards of two hundred Men have been recruited from Vermont for the Regiments now in service, these considerations will have such weight in your mind as they merit—I cannot but believe that a few Officers well selected from the interior of New England will be advantageous to the recruiting service—
I have the honor to be— / with the highest— / Respect & Esteem— / Sir— / your most obedt: servt.,

L R Morris


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 30 September 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Dexter, Samuel

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 30th 1800.

The letter of Mr. King to me of Aug the 11 with Bells weekly advertiser messenger of Aug 10. I enclose to you because Gen Marshall I suppose will be absent. I pray you to communicate it to the other Gentlemen. If the negotiation is terminated upon the stated points, the object is no doubt our U.S. election; but time will shew that they are directed by superficial advisers. Instead of operating in favor of their man, it will work against him. It is very probable they will send a minister or ministers here, & it behoves us to consider how we shall receive him.
There can be no question in America or at least with the Executive authority of government, whether we shall preserve our treaty with Britain with good faith. It is impossible we should violate it, because impossibile est quod jure impossible. I send you also a letter from Mr. Gore of Aug 8 & a triplicate from Mr King of 28 July. I will thank you to return me these letters
With much respect &c.


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

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 30th 1800

It is high time for me to request that you would seriously revolve in your own  thoughts, the subject of communications both of intelligence & 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 13 of Oct. No letters should be directed to me here which are to arrive after that day
With great esteem


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

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 30 1800

The enclosed letter from Mr. William Rogers of N York, requesting to be Consul at Bourdeaux I pray you to file with others, aiming at the same object.
I am Sir with much respect,


Title: To John Adams from Ebenezer Breed, 1 October 1800
From: Breed, Ebenezer,Harris, John
To: Adams, John

His Excellency John Adams President of the United States
Charlestown Octo. 1. 1800

Having understood from the Messinger charg’d with the presentation of our address the other day, that your Excellency entertain’d certain sentiments unfavorable, not only to our pretensions, in relation to the particular object in question, but also highly injurious to our Characters, as men of honor, & honnesty, we conceive it not only our priviledge, but our duty to solicit a further explanation.
Our statement with respect to the circumstances attending the sale of Doctor Putnams Land, we understood was more particularly the subject of your Excellency’s reprehension. If therefore we are able to show the fairness of authority on which our representation as to that part of the business was founded, we humbly presume that without attempting to enforce other parts of our statement, we shall have given your Excellency some cause to discredit the various suggestions which we are sensible must have been made to our prejudice. For this purpose we beg leave to reassert that a certain piece of Land belonging to Mr. Putnam, as alluded to in our several petitions, was actually apprais’d by the Towns Committee at Sixteen Hundred and Fifty Dollars, (as will be seen by the Town Clerks Certificate which is enclosed) & the consideration subsequently acknowledged by his deed on record, appears to be Three Thousand, as p the Certificate of the Register of Deeds which is also enclos’d.
Without a comment on this fact, we cheerfully submit to the candid consideration of your Excellency, if we have been guilty of a libel on the Character of Mr. Putnam, or if indeed we suggested any thing respecting him, which a sense of injury might not excuse, or which every principle of self defence would not indeed absolutely justify.
Here also in defence of our reputation, it is but our duty to declare, that all those suggestions are most false, & scandelous, which may have tended to create in the mind of your Excellency, a belief, that the measures we have thought proper to pursue on the present occasion, orriginated from political views of any kind, or that we have been actuated by any other view than has arisen from a recognition of our rights, & a disposition to preserve them.
It is moreover but justice to our counsel to remark, that neither of them were consulted till the very day before the trial at Concord, & that whatever might be their political sentiments, their talents as Lawyers was all we requir’d, and all they engaged to exert. If there were any Jacobins amongst the Justices to whom the Petition was refered, they escaped our notice & at any rate were never spoken to, much less consulted by us with respect to the business before them.
On the whole Sir, we have no hesitance to conjecture the source whence yr. Excellency seems to have deriv’d certain most unfounded opinions relative to these several topics, but we are happy to believe, they will be readily dismiss’d, when at some future period their fallacy shall be most clearly detected & exposed.—With much Respect / Sir We are your Most Obedient Servants

Eben. Breed—John Harris—


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 1 October 1800
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir
New York October 1. 1800

The time which has elapsed since my letter of the first of August last was delivered to you precludes the further expectation of an answer.
From this silence, I will draw no inference; nor will I presume to judge of the fitness of silence on such an occasion, on the part of the Chief Magistrate of a Republic, towards a citizen, who without a stain has discharged so many important public trusts.
But thus much I will affirm, that by whomsoever a charge of the kind mentioned in the my former letter may, at any time, have been made or insinuated against me, it is a base wicked and cruel calumny; destitute even of a plausible pretext to excuse the folly or mask the depravity which must have dictated it.
With due respect I have the / honor to be Sir / Your obedt servt

A Hamilton


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 1 October 1800
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Richmond October 1st. 1800

I have receivd you three letters of the 17th. & your letter of the 18th. of Septr., & am very happy that the dispatches to Mr. King & Mr. Humphries have your approbation.
If without increasing the sum, the payments can be made as you suggest, I think it woud be a desirable stipulation. There can, as it appears to me at present, be no objection to stating the proposition to Mr. King, & requesting him to make the best of it which circumstances will admit.
Some private letter state the Portsmouth to have saild & others that she was stopd as she was about to sail. The inteligence thus receivd is mere conjecture & not in any manner to be relied onI am Sir with the most respectful attachment / Your Obedt. Servt.
J Marshall


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 2 October 1800
From: Dexter, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir;
War Department, 2d October 1800.

I am, this moment honored with your favor of the 23d. instt. The matters of Business therein mentioned shall be duly attended to. Ill health has taken me off from business some weeks, and prevented the List of Officers being forwarded. I presume it is now too late and shall present it to you here.
Enclosed is a Letter, which came to this Office under cover from a Mr. Murray.
I have the Honor to be, / Sir, / With profound respect & perfect–esteem, / Your faithful Servant
Saml. Dexter


Title: To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 2 October 1800
From: Talbot, Silas
To: Adams, John

Sir
U S Frigate Constitution Boston 2nd: Octr. 1800.

Your Excellency will doubtless remember that in the representation I made to your last year of service preformed by me in the revolutionary war, I Omitted a considerable part which I might have related with intention to have it made up by a copy of a certificate I had received from Major General Gates under whose Orders I acted one whole year—You may also remember Sir that I informed you I had wrote to my Son George Washington Talbot to forward a Copy of the said Certificate. But I have since learned that he could not lay his hands on it the paper in question, and therefore no copy was forwarded to you as I expected. This Omission was owing to my Son’s not being very conversant with my papers. I myself however had no difficulty in finding it, when I was at home the other day.
And I beg leave now to enclose you both the Original, and Copy for your information you should have,, and if agreeable to your honor, I could wish the Copy to be annexed to the statement—I made, and that Mr. Shaw would be—so obligeing as to enclose to me the Original again
I have the honor to be /  with the most Perfect respect /  Sir, Your Obedt. Humble Sert.

Silas Talbot


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 3 October 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Sep Oct 3d 1800

I have received last night your letter of 24 Sept. I return you Mr. Adams’s letter of 28th of June. The question whether neutral ships shall protect ennemies property is indeed important. It is of so much importance that if the principle of free ships free goods were once really established & honestly observed, it would put an end forever to all maratime war & render all military navies useless. However desirable this may be to humanity, how much soever philosophy may approve it and christianity desire it, I am clearly convinced it will never take place. The dominant power on the ocean will forever trample on it. The French would despise it more than any nation in the world, if they had the maratime superiority of power & the Prussians next to them. We must treat the subject with great attention and if all other nations will agree to it we will. But while one holds out, we shall be the dupes if we agree to it. Sweden & Denmark—Russia & Prussia might form a rope of sand, but no dependance can be placed on such a maratime coalition. We must however treat the subject with great respect. If you have received a certificate that the ratifications of the treaty with Prussia are exchanged should not a proclamation issue as usual to publish it? I have read with some care & great pleasure your letter to Mr. King of 20. Sept. I think it very proper that such a letter should be sent & I am so fully satisfied with the representations & reasonings in it that I shall give it to Gen. Lincoln the Collector of Boston to be sent by the first opportunity to London.
I am Sir with very great regard.


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 4 October 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy October 4. 1800

Enclosed is a Letter from Mr Daniel Bedinger, with a Certificate in his favour from Governor Wood.
I Suppose the Letter comes too late but that if it had arrived earlier it would have made no Alteration in your Judgment or mine.
Neither Mr Parker nor any other Person ever had authority from me to Say that any Mans political Creed, would be an insuperable Bar to promotion. No Such rule has ever been adopted. Political Principles and Discretion will always be considered with all other qualifications and well weighed in all Appointments. But no Such monopolizing and contracted and illiberal System as that alledged to have been expressed by Mr Parker was ever adopted by me.
Washington appointed a multitude of Democrats and Jacobins of deepest die. I have been more cautious in this respect: but there is danger of proscribing under imputations of Democray, Some of the ablest most influential and best Characters in the Union.
Enclosed is a Letter from William Cobb requesting to be Collector at Portland. I Send you these Letters that they may be filed in your Office with others relative to the Same Subjects.
I am Sir with very great / regard &c

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Pseudonym: "Verax", 4 October 1800
From: Pseudonym: “Verax”
To: Adams, John

					Baltimore Thursday Evening 4th: October & near 6. o Clock

				Wth: pain Sir, I transmitt the Inclosure, & my certain, & Fix’d opinion, That The Jacobin Town of Baltimore will do Honor to its Creed, be perfectly Consistent, & Return Genl. Sam: Smith, to Congress, this Night—By a Majority of Some Hundred votes—!!! To morrow you may hear further from me—But at present, I have not more to add, than That His Triumphall Car is Already Gone up to The Husting, & The Mall, our present Govenors, (HUZZA FOR EQUALITY) have Just Given Orders to Illuminate the City!!! I have not vanity to even wish to be suppos’d to Think Wth. The Great Lord Mansfield—But I will say; I will not Illuminate!& Apostrophasing His Elegant Language—& His Spirit I will Say—Fiat Justitiæ, Erumient Cælum!& If Illuminating My House Contrary to my Principles, would Save It, I would despise the Subterfuge.& yet this is Liberty!!!—“Withhold from Laughing”—& as my Communications may now End, I need not now Say more, Than that I am In every Instance, Since your accession, / Your warm Friend— / Firm Supporter & Admirer—

					Verax


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

Dear Sir
Quincy Oct. 5. 1800

Enclosed is a Memorial from a respectable Merchant in Boston Mr Babcock. Mr Lewis has a similar request before you.
Can We do any Thing in either Case or is it worth while to send another Agent to negotiate with the Isle of France?

J AdamsEnclosed is the Permit signed for the Brig. Amazon to carry Passengers to France, sent me in yours of 26. septr.


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

Dear Sir
Quincy Oct 5 1800.

Enclosed are some packets of Newspapers &c received from Mr. Smith & a private letter to you which I dared not open. I am for sending half a dozen frigates into the Mediteranean
With great esteem &c.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 5 October 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy Oct 5 1800

Enclosed is a letter from Samuel Wales requesting an appointment in the Marines. A certificate in his favor signed by many respectable characters in Bridgewater is also inclosed much in his favor. From the knowledge I have of him & his connections I believe him a good appointment if there are any vacances


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

Dear Sir
Quincy Oct 5 1800.

The enclosed letter from Gen Lee recommending in very strong terms Mr King for collector in place of M Col Byrd came to me but yesterday, & consequently too late I suppose to answer any purpose, but to be filed with the rest & considered on some future occasion


Title: To John Adams from St. George Tucker, 5 October 1800
From: Tucker, St. George
To: Adams, John

Sir
Fredericksburg in Virginia, Octo: 5th. 1800.

One who is personally unknown to you, and to whose Character you are probably equally a stranger, considers it both a Right, and a Duty to communicate to you, as chief Magistrate of the United States, a circumstance from which it seems presumable that the honor, the dignity, and integrity of the national character have been committed by persons holding honorable Commissions under the Authority of the United States.
I dined yesterday at the house of a respectable Gentleman of this town in company with Mr. John Fenton Mercer, a native of this place, and a midshipman belonging to the United States’ Ship Baltimore commanded by Capt. William Cowper, who has lately returned to the United States in a prize taken and sent in, (as I understand) by the Enterprise Capt. Shaw. The Conversation among other subjects turn’d upon the mode of life he had been lately engaged in, when he related the following extraordinary Facts.
That the French Brigantine Esperance, an unarmed Merchant vessel, was some months past taken by the Baltimore, and afterwards sent into Virginia and condemned in the Admiralty Court at Williamsburg. That previous to sending a prize Master on board the Brigantine, a boat was sent on board with a parcel of Muskets and Cutlasses, to be put on board the prize, and then, Mr. John McFarlane, Master’s–Mate on board the Baltimore was sent on board the Brigantine to take charge of her as prize master, and the Arms were sent back on board the Baltimore. That this was done, that Mr. McFarlane and those who went on board with him might be able to swear that they found Arms on board the Brigantine when they first went on board. Thus he has since seen Mr. McFarlane, who congratulated him on the success of the expedient to obtain the Condemnation of the prize, as she would not have been condemned if he had not positively sworne, that he found Arms on board the Briganatine, when he went on board to take charge of her.
Mr. Mercer said, that he has reason to believe that this was by no means the only Instance of such a practice; that it was generally done where there could be a doubt whether the prize was armed or not; and that he has reason to believe that the same thing is generally practiced in the American Navy to evade the Act of Congress Which does not subject unarmed vessels to Capture and Condemnation. He spoke respectfully of Capt. Cowper and Mr. McFarlane, and seemed willing to excuse both, upon the ground that the thing was generally done in the navy, from the motives abovementioned.
Prompted by the consideration that facts of this nature are not more easy in the Commission, than difficult in the Detection, I have resolved to give you that Information, which probably Accident only could ever render obtainable.
I am unacquainted with Mr. Mercer; his family is very respectable; his Education I hear has been liberal; the Station he holds in the American navy entitles his declarations to respect; and the manner in which they were made left no room for doubt in the breast of any person present that they were well founded. He added, that if called upon he was ready to depose to the Truth of them.
Should you deem it necessary to make any inquiries respecting the writer of this Letter, the Secretary of State, or the Attorney General will be able to satisfy them.
I am / With due Consideration & respect, / Sir, / Your obedt. Servn.

S: G: Tucker.Of Williamburg, Virginia.


Title: To John Adams from J. Gibbon, 6 October 1800
From: Gibbon, J.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Petersbg. Virga. Octr. 6th. 1800

Under the circumstance of your want of a personall knowledge of me (tho I am to hope not of my pretensions), it becomes proper that I should appologize to you for thus deviating from the usuall mode of application for appointt.
I do it Sir under an impression, that you will not ascribe an improper motive to it, and that it is necessary that I make some appology for a very hasty letter (dictated by the occasion) wch. I wrote you from the City of Washington on the same subject—arriving late in the evening of the day on wch. the pretensions of the candidates for the vacancy at Norfolk were forwarded to you. I had doubts if some letters wch. arrived after that period, could have been forwarded to you in time and having intimate relation to me, were of course believed to be usefull; altho I had rather rested my pretensions upon publick documents, at this as any preceeding period.—
I have Sir, often solicited a change of station, finding that the emoluments resulting from what I now occupy very inadequate to my family, wch. is large, and not less so to the stations themselves, arrising, I apprehend entirely from the situation it has been my lott to be placed in—
I shall not I trust be consider’d a dissatisfied servant of the publick, when it is known, that I had served nearly the whole of the war, and have been from motives of policy denied (the commutation) what every other officer received as a compensation for his services;—I have been now nine Years engag’d in the Civill line, under very inauspicious circumstances as it regards emoluments, and I trust at least with approbation of my conduct—
I am appriz’d Sir, that some stress has been laid on my being provided for by existing appts. This, the annuall returns of emolument at the treasury, will speak for in a more ample manner than is necessary to trouble you with a detail of—The candidates in the present case I am inform’d of, and it wou’d ill become me to detract from their pretensions as competitors—one of those (Coll. Davies) of this town is already provided for in the appt. to the district of Richmond (the duties of wch. are perform’d by deputy) and which it has been suppos’d, will when Congress meet, dissolve again into its fomer state, under one Collector, Combining the districts of Bermuda Hundred & City point—and is surmis’d as a reason? why this gentleman, may, now be preferr’d—I belive Sir my information may be relied on, that if such a change should be contemplated it will neither be, with the solicitation, nor approbation of the merchants who are there interested, and to whom the publick have already paid so much defference as to give them the office for their accomodation—
This gentleman being a man of fortune with a small family, can have little to interest him, in an appointment like this, unless indeed it is to serve some friend, who may supply his place as a substitute—With me Sir, it must be very different, as every public duty committed to me will be performed under my own immediate inspection—my habits lead to this—
I am not unaware of the importance of what I am soliciting, I have some knowledge of the duty, resulting from that I have heretofore performed and I will assert that I shou’d very reluctantly expose myself to a station of such responsibility did I think myself inadequate to the charge—
I have Sir been in some degree induc’d to trouble you with this letter, from hearing that it was probable you wou’d not act upon the appointment untill your arrivall at the City—not having the advantage which a personall knowledge is sometimes calculated to produce; my pretensions will rest solely upon such documents as will have appear’d in my behalf; in any event I shall be satisfied with the result being flatterd to hope, I shall not be entirely disapprov’d by you Sir from such testimony; and that altho I may be mortified by disappointment, my character will suffer no dimminution with the public—
I shall hope to be excus’d for thus troubling you, out of the usuall course of things of this sort, but Sir as I owe much to my friends who have interested themselves on This and former occasions and something to myself I owe much to your station and character / And Am Most Reply. Yr Obt. Servt.

J Gibbon


Title: To John Adams from J. Lewis, 6 October 1800
From: Lewis, J.
To: Adams, John

Isle of France
John Adams—President of the United States—Dorchester October 6th. 1800

When I had the honor of a conferance with you the Other day, relative to a Negociation with the french Colonies East of the Cape of Good Hope, I understood it wou’d be proper for me to address you in writing, & thus to Communicate my sentiments & opinion, respecting the subject in question—In consequence of the suggestion, I have now to make the propos’d communication, in which I hope I may be permited in connection with a concern of a public Nature, to suggest some curcumstances more particularly relative to myself.
On the 5th day of July last, I presented a petition to the Secretary of State, praying leave to proceed to the Isle of France for the Immediate purpose of recovering my property in that quarter, and at same time made to him a tender of my services in aid of any Negociation which the Goverment of the United States, might have had in Contemplation with those Colonies—In furtherance of the purpose refer’d to in that petition, it was stated to the Secretary of State, that I had resided there as Consul for the United States, for a considerable time, and during a very dangerous and turbulent period that my Establishment in Office had been attended with very great expence, such as must necessarily have arisen from the Transporting of a large family to a very distant part of the World and from such appropriations in the purchase of house &c as were indispensible for their Convenient subsistance, that after every Necessary arrangement had been made, at an almost inconceivable expence, with a view to a permenent residence in that Colony as an Officer of this Goverment, I had been compell’d by unmeditated curcumstances suddenly to Abandon my Establishment and return with my family to this Country—The disapointment and distress to which this unexpected but Necessary change of situation must have subjected me, I presumed wou’d be sufficiently obvious, without the Aid of particular Calculation—
In submiting these Curcumstances to the Consideration of The Honorable Secretary, my design was to show the Justice & propriety of my request, to be so far exempted from the Non intercourse so as to be permited to Collect, & return, with the fragments of my property from the Isle of France, Especially in doing that soon after my return from those Colonies I proceed’d to Philadelphia for the purpose of Confering with Coll Pickering in relation to the subject in question, at which time I gave him, agreeable to his desire my opinion in writing, wherein I took the freedom of expressing my disapprobation of the plan then Contemplated suggesting at large the reasons on which my sentiments were predicated the whole of which I presume is with him, the sentiments then express’d by me, are I believe by Subsequent events discover’d to have been unfortunately too well founded & from the Information which I have received lately, I have reason to believe that the plan which I then suggested wou’d in all probability be practacable, & successfull, at this time
The Substance of my project alluded to, as nearly as I can recollect without the Aid of a single written document, was as follows—
First I objected against dispatching so small a Vesel as one of 160 Tons because the Cargo must be too inconsiderable to excite the attention of the Colony or any of I’ts Citizens, and because in this way, we cou’d not avail ourselfes of the merit of having Introduced Importent Supplies to the Colonies, and also because I did not presume that on the presentation of so small an object, their Cruizers wou’d be induced to desist from a business so profitable to them as privateering, Especially, as on that Kind of business they are obliged in their present Curcumstances to rely for protection against Actual starvation—On the Contrary I propos’d to send two Frigates and two provision Ships the first to blockade the Port, and the latter to be offer’d to the Colony in exchange for their produce, the one wou’d effectualy discourage the enterprise of the privateering party, the other as effectualy gratified the Wishes of Planters to vend their produce & procure their supplies—
In Case this plan shou’d not be Consider’d Eligible on Accot. of the expences with which it must be attended, I might also be in the way to render essential services to my Country—
With this view I humbly submitted to the Secretary of State my opinion that notwithstanding the failure of Mr. Coopers—to accomplish this object of his Mission, a Negotiation might be effected with those Colonies on Terms highly honorarable and advantageous to the United States, For which purpose the out lines of a plan were propos’d to him which as I suppos’d cou’d hardly fail of success—At that time he did not think it expedient to enter particularly on the business, and in reply to my address observ’d that on No Terms cou’d I be allow’d to proceed to the Isle of France direct, than by first obtaining permission, to sail with French passengers, In Consequence of which I have since diligently, & unremitedly, engaged my time in attempting to procure passengers for that quarter, but am at present altogether without any hope of success. Under these Curcumstances I shall be Compell’d either Totally to Abandon the object Contemplated, in the petition refer’d to, or be subjected to the ruinous alternative of making a voyage thither at my Owne expence, for the sole purpose of recovering property of which I have been deprived in Consequence of having become an Officer of Govenment. Since permission as above was granted me by the Secretary of State I have received Information from my representative In the Isle of France, that the Colonial Government had lately manifested a disposition to treat with the United States and that In fact, dispatches had been received therefrom by the honorable Secretary of State Indicative of such disposition,— This Curcumstance hath induced me to renew my application to Goverment for permission to proceed thither, not only for the purpose before refer’d to, but also with a view, under Authority of my Commission as Consul which I have the honor yet to hold, to resume my station in that department, and enter again in the duties of the office—
In connection with these views I wou’d moreover humbly, and with great deference repeat the offer of my utmost services as Special Agent for the United States to Negociate in thier behalf with the before Mention’d Colonies—
I need not declare, the extreme diffidence which I feel when I offer myself a candidate, for the management of a Trust so special, and important. My embarrassment I confess wou’d have been altogather insurmountable, had I not reflected that Zeal and perseverance may in some Cases be a substitute for Tallents, and even unletter’d experiences may perhaps on the present occasion will supply the place of erudition and science On this ground I wou’d therefore humbly suggest that my acquaintance with the Commercial Concerns of those Colonies hath not been very partial, or limited, and that from my residence there Conected with the advantages for this purpose necessarily incident to the office which I had the honor to exercise, I had an oportunity which was not altogather unimproved, of acquiring a pretty extensive knowledge of the principle Commercial Charracters both in the Isle of France and the Colonies in general, but besides the Commercial advantages, which perhaps are reasonably to be expected from the propos’d Mission, there are some objects of a more individual nature to be thereby accomplish’d, which are not less Interesting to, and deserving the attention of Goverment—here I wou’d beg leave to Refer to the unhappy Condition of many American Citizens now languishing in the prisons of those Colonies, destitute of every Comfort & convenience of life, and having In View unless by the Interfearance of their Country no other means of liberation than the shocking alternative of Entering on board of Colonial privateers, to depredate on the property of their Native fellow Citizens.
When I had the honor of a personal conferance with you, I was Instructed to State my opinion generally on the subject of the propos’d Negotiation, and as to the probable event of a New Mission for that purpose—This I may not be able to do very satisfactorily as my statement must be deduced principally from the situation of affairs in that Country at the time of my departure from thence, and perhaps therefore incompatable with the facts Communicated to Goverment by the late dispatches before alluded to—
In conformity to your orders or for any other reasons I then propos’d Secondly
To forward two large well arm’d Transports loaded with supplies for that Market Strong enough to block the Port if they wou’d not Treat. these Vessels cou’d Contain enough supplies till more cou’d be sent. An arrangement of this Kind I have no doubt but am persuaded wou’d have been very greatfull to Colony in general. At any rate I’ts Certainly appears to me that the Cheapest, and readiest way or expedient, whereby to procure a favorable treaty, wou’d be for the United States, to Combine in one expedition force enough to intimidate, or, advantage enough to persuade those Colonies Into a Compliance with our purposes—and I do verily believe, that In either mode above suggested by offering supplies, with one hand & by threatening to Cut of their present means with the other, the Colony might be brought to Terms, & induced Immediately to Close with us on fair honorable & mutually advantageous Terms.—I wou’d moreover observe that from the Knowledge I have of the Inhabitants of the Isle of Bourbon, which lies forty Leagues from the Isle of france I may venture to affirm that without any imaginable difficulty we cou’d be able to open a commerce with that Isle, prevent any further depredations by I’ts Inhabitants on our commerce, and to Establish therein a place of Resort for all our Ships that Navagate those Seas. In support of this position, It need only be observed, that the Inhabitants of Bourbon have uniformly been oppos’d to privateering Considering it, a Kind of business in the prosecution of which they must be very unequal Competitors with the Isle of France, and which In the meantime, must inevitably, suspend that Regular Commerce on which they Rely for the disposition of their immence quantity of Coffee Cotton, & the Staples of their Trade.
The Isles of France & Bourbon are therefore in oppision to each other on this Subject, so that an Intercourse with the one can hardly fail to bring forth concessions from the other as the Isle of France Is dependent on that of Bourbon.
Indeed I do not entertain a doubt that if in the last resort the United States shou’d make any advances towards a Treaty with Bourbon the Natural Consequence thereof wou’d be, an overture on the part of the Isle of France.
Another Circumstance it may not be improper to Intimate, that Batavia and the Isles of France & Bourbon have made a Treaty of Commerce by which the former engages to supply the latter a Certain amount in spice & rice, In Consideration of which the latter agrees to defend their Commerce, with all the force they can apply, and that In order to place on the most advantageous footing our very valuable Commerce with Batavia it wou’d be extremely Important, also, to take that Colony Into view, for by this Treaty, we shou’d secure to ourselfes a very Convenient place for refreshing on our voyages Farther Eastward—those being the only Ports, excepting the Cape of Good Hope, at which our India Vesels can stop at, with any Convenience or safety.
Indeed from the very many Instances in which our Vesels have meet with Injury by stoping at the Cape of Good Hope, such as having their Sailors press’d, Vesels seiz’d & sent home to England for adjudication, Voyages by long detention, ruin’d, it may I think be fairly Consider’d, that we can not calculate to derive any Considerable advantages, from an admission to that port. In support of the above representation, as to this port I wou’d only Quote the Case of the Ship Argonaut of Philadelphia, a Vesel of 700 Tons which In Consequence of having her Crew impress’d into his Majesties Servises, was eventually Totally lost.
Every hazard & Inconvenience of this sort wou’d be avoided, by the propos’d Treaty, & thereby, not only give us the very Valuable Commerce of those Colonies, but greatly facilitate our Intercourse with China & the more eastern settlements In India.
In the foregoing Statement, I am not unsensable, that there are several suggestions refering more particularly to myself, than to the specific object to which I ought perhaps strictly, to have confin’d my address,—My apology however for such a deviation, is that I believed the inevitable Injuries I have heretofore sustain’d In the Employment of Goverment, might probably be Consider’d by you, as giving some little force to my present application.
In furtherance of my pretentions I wou’d only subjoin, that Shou’d I once more be honor’d by the Confidence of the Executive, I shall more Cheerfully submit my Character to be determin’d by the Ability and Zeal with which I shall endeavour to execute his Commands, and that my ordianary resolution to execute if posible everything I undertake, will be pecularly Strenthen’d by a recolection of the important Trust in which I hope to be Imploy’d, and by my anxiety to Establish a Claim to your approbation—
With great Impatience I shall wait your Instructions, and hold myself in readiness to obey with promtitude your Commands
I have the honor to be with perfect Consideration & profound respect,—your most obedt. & very humbl. Servt.

J Lewis


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 October 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Treasury Department Washg October 6. 1800

I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of September 14—No person can more sincerely commisserate the situation of Mr Jarvis and his family than I do—and I am certain that the Comptroller who has directed the proceedings for the recovery of the debt due to the United States has been influenced by the same feelings—It is now about three years since Mr Jarvis was removed from Office and not one Dollar has been recovered of the debt due to the Public.
The claim on behalf of the Rhode Island Brigade is unauthorized by Law and cannot be accepted as a discount—I will shew the papers to the comptroller, but I am inclined to think that no further accomodation beyond what Mr Jarvis has received is admissible—
Mr Steele returned from North Carolina the beginning of the present month this will enable me to pay a visit to my family—I propose to commence the Journey this week and to return in the course of the present month.I have the honor to be / with the great respect / Sir / Your Obedt. Servant.

Oliv Wolcott.


Title: From John Adams to John Marshall, 7 October 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Marshall, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Oct 7th 1800

Enclosed are papers received from Govenor Sargeant. I pray you to keep them till I arrive. As they are private communications to me I would not wish them to be read by any but yourself
With great regard.


Title: To John Adams from Richard Blue, 7 October 1800
From: Blue, Richard
To: Adams, John

Sir
Fort Jay Octor.7th: 1800

We whose names are hereunto amend, of Capt. Bishops Company the second Regiment of Artirilists and Engineers, can but express to you Sir, that notwithstanding what may be the decision of a Court Martial held at Philadelphia on the conduct of our Capt. respecting his treatment to his Men, we freely and candidly acknowledge that partiallity we bare to him and hope that he may yet be continued to Command us. You Sir are the only one that we can appeal too who have it in your power to put your Negative or Affirmative to the proceedings of the Court, we most sincerely hope for the former. We are truly sensible of the Honours and Dignity you possess, and hope that we may be gratified in our request.
We must acknowledge which Sums of Money the Capt. has paid for us was at our request, and the trifling Sums which he fell in our Debt, we were willing to wait untill the next payment, Knowing the Capt. was accountable to Sundrie Citizens for more Money than he had received as our pay.
Much pains has been taken to carry into effect the Charges exhibited against the Capt. this has been done by some of the Superiors at this Post amongst the Soldiers of the Company—In condecending to indulge us with an Answer, will be ever acknowledged by those who are at all times ready and Willing to faithfully serve our Country.

Non Commissioned OfficersRichard Blue Sergt.Robert Peyton Sergt.Wm Wyatt Sergt.Corpl JacksonCorpl ShirleyCorporal WhiteButler Kelly MusicianCharles Hulett Do.Thos: Hall Do.SoldiersSamuel KingZack WeeksWilliam SmithJoseph MillerDaniel DaughertyEzekial BlueJacob MillerChrist. MillerBaltzer HessDaniel BloyesJehu FraizerJohn SmithJames EdmondsJohn LottDaniel GolingJacob CustardJacob ParcelsZephaniah MillerW. YeatesJames MeginG C BriscoeJames KillenWm StevensonPeter WilliamsBatson LandWm: CroneyP. ApplegateB CoppageArasmus KnottGeorg NolenE StilwellJames RobinsonJesse HillPeter RiceJohn CustardVincent JonesBrooke BloiseCharles SmithWm: Cason


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 9 October 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Dexter, Samuel

Dear Sir
Quincy Oct 9 1800

I have read the enclosed tedious proceedings but cannot reconcile myself to the severity of the sentences. One of the officers certainly ought to be dismissed & compelled to do justice to the men. But the circumstances of degradation & infamy might work upon the compassion of his neigbors powerfully enough to make him a great man in the militia or some state goverment. The other perhaps ought to be dismissed only—but of this I am not decided. Let them rest till I see you, which will not be long after nor much before Mrs. Dexter will make you healthy & happy
I am with great regard


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

Dear Sir
Quincy Oct 9 1800

Enclosed is a letter from Mr Adam Babcock a respectable merchant of Boston whom I have known and esteemed for more than a quarter of a century. Mr. Spooner I also know and believe him to merit the character given him by Mr. Babcock. If it should be thought expedient to try a new experiment at negociation with the isle of France I dont believe we shall find a more proper person to conduct it as agent than Mr. Spooner—but I suppose nothing will be done definitively untill I see you at Washington
With great esteem


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

Dear Sir
Quincy Oct 9 1800

Enclosed is a letter from Mr Joseph Woodward & another from Mr Thomas Amory. The first requests employment & the second recommends Mr Willliam Haswell to be a lieutenant in the navy. This is a brother of Mr Haswell already in the navy.
I am with great esteem &c.


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 10 October 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Dexter, Samuel

Dear Sir
Quincy Oct 10 1800

Enclosed is a letter or memorial from Mr I Lewis late consul at the Isle ofEnclosed is a letter from General Peleg Wadsworth. A memorial of the select men of Livermore—another of the Select men of Turner—a petition of a committee & an association of about 60 men. All those are amply sufficient to justify me in the appointment of the Turner & Livermore federal volunteer company of Cavalry & I pray you to send them commissions accordingly
With great respect


Title: To John Adams from James Gardner, 10 October 1800
From: Gardner, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston Octr. 10th. 1800—

Some few days since I had the honor to pay my Respects to you, at the same time express’d to you my desire of entering in the Merine Service. you was Kind enough to permit me the liberty of addressing you, enclosing such recommendation’s of my Character as would Entitle me to your confidence. Your granting me this indulgence enduces to renew my Solecitations for a Commission in the Merine Service, hoping the enclosed will meet your approbation—
I am, Sir your Excellancys / Most Obediant / Huml. Servt.—
James Gardner—


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

Dear Sir
Quincy Oct 11 1800.

The inclosed recommendation of Capt. Samuel Robinson to be keeper of the lighthouse on Wigwam point are from such authority & so decisive that I presume it will be unnecessary to look any further.
With great esteem &c.


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 11 October 1800
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Cambridge 11th Octr 1800

I have the honor to enclose a copy of my letter to the Secretary of state, & your pamphlet, with the paragraph which I mentioned.
Mrs Gerry unites with me, in best respects to yourself & Lady, & complimts to Mrs Smith and Your family—
I remain dear Sir with sincere / attachment Your most / obedt Sert

E Gerry


Title: To John Adams from John Foncin, 12 October 1800
From: Foncin, John
To: Adams, John

Fort independance on Castle Island. october 12th: 1800.

John Foncin appointed at first Engineer at Baltimore, and newly at Boston, presents to the President of the united States his most respectful thanks; happy, if by his fidelity, and his constant endeavours to perform his duty, he may deserve the continuation of Such a favor; happy again if during many years, he may consider and admire the high influence of the Virtues of the President, who by his great Character, as well as by his conspicuous rank commands a profound and universal respect.

Foncin


Title: To John Adams from James Simons, 13 October 1800
From: Simons, James
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Custom House Charleston October 13th: 1800.

Equally influenced by sentiments of sincere and affectionate gratitude to you for the distinguished mark of your confidence in appointing me the Collector of the Customs for this Port, as from a just sense of your faithful and beneficial services to your Country, I have been induced to publish the small pamphlet which I now do myself the honor to enclose you. While it demonstrates the benefits this Country in particular has derived from Genl Washington’s and your administration, it will also shew you, that ingratitude forms no part of the character of / Your sincere friend / and faithful Hble Servt.

James Simons:


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Codman, 15 October 1800
From: Codman, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Boston October 15. 1800—

Mr S. Codmans Respects to the President of the United States, and takes the liberty to inclose two Letters to the Secretary of State on the Subject of the Capture of his & mr Head’s property by the Spaniards, & French, when Mr Codman had the honour to see the President at quincey he mentioned there circumstances & the President was so good as to say if mr. C. would leave the Letters with him that he would inclose it to the Secretary. mr C. was on the point of going to quincey to wait on the President with them, when he was informed that he was sett out on his journey


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Ellsworth, 16 October 1800
From: Ellsworth, Oliver
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Havre Octr. 16th. 1800

Constantly afflicted with the gravel, and the gout in my kidnies, the unfortunate fruit of sufferings at Sea, and by a winters journey through Spain, I am not in a condition to undertake a voyage to America at this late season of the year; nor if I were there, should I be able to discharge my official duties. I must therefore pray you, Sir, to accept this my resignation of the office of Chief Justice of the United States.
After a few weeks spent in England, I shall retire, for winter quarters, to the South of France; and wait impatiently for the opening of the Spring.
I have the honour to be, / Sir, / with very great respect, / Your most obedient

Oliver Ellsworth


Title: To John Adams from John Griffin, 18 October 1800
From: Griffin, John
To: Adams, John

Williamsburg October 18th. 1800

Permit me Sir, in conjunction with my grateful Father, to thank you most ardently for your late mark of beneficence to me; and the family. A mark unmerited on my part, but flowing solely from your extreme goodness. I have received the Commission of third Judge enclosed by the Secretary of State; and agreeable to the instruction of General Marshall, I will repair without loss of time to the Indiana Territory.—
I have the honor to be Sir / with profound consideration and respect / your obliged humble Servant,

John Griffin


Title: To John Adams from John M. Pintard, 20 October 1800
From: Pintard, John M.
To: Adams, John

SirNew York 20th October
On the 16th Instant I addressed a Letter to the Secretary of State, Copy of which (Marked A) I take the Liberty of enclosing herewith; and in addition to Its contents, Beg Leave to Inform you, that on an Investigation of my mercantile Affairs I find; that my actual Losses for the last four years, exceed the enormous Sum of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars as will clearly appear by the enclosed Sketch. B To recover from the conequent embarrassments my private affairs will perhaps require, more time, than I ought to be absent from Madeira; and I have thought Seriously I ought to resign that office. In which case, It would be Pleasing to me to See it filled by my cousin, Lewis Searle Pintard; who is now actualy executing the duties thereof for me. If this arangement is not perfectly agreeable to you, I hope that my misfortunes will carry Some weight in Inducing you to Continue me in office and allow my cousin to officiate for me until I can desembarrass my Affairs, and Return there myselfe. The friendship I experienced from you last winter during the Investigation of the charges that were then Brought against me, Induce me to flatter myselfe that one or other of these arangements will meet your approbation. With my Best wishes for your Health and happiness I have the Honor to Subscribe myselfe with very great Respect / Sir / your obliged / and very Humble Servant

John M Pintard


Title: To John Adams from Josef Yznardy, 23 October 1800
From: Yznardy, Josef
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir!
Philadelphia 23d. October 1800

I have the honor to inform you, I arrived at Baltimore, from Cadiz, on the 23d. august last: Since which have had the honor to present myself to the Secretary of State, and during my stay at the Federal-City, I was attacked with Sickness; and when at Baltimore it nearly cost me my life; while convalescent I came on to this City, where I have had a very severe relapse, which has prevented me the honor I intended myself of paying you my respects in Person: I am now recovering, and hope ere long my reeistablishment of health, will permit me the honor, I have long wished for of your Personal acquaintance: In meantime, I have the honor with profound respect regard, and veneration to Subscribe myself / Sir Your most obedient and most / humble Servant

Josef Yznardy


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Pinckney, 27 October 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Pinckney, Thomas

Dear Sir
Phyladelphia October 27. 1800

It is was only this morning  on Yesterday that I received the Letter you did me the honour to write me, on the Sixteenth of September. For the friendly and respectful Style in which it is written I pray you to accept of my hearty Thanks: and you shall receive in my answer all the Satisfaction in my Power to give you.
Of The Letter which is published in my name I have no Copy, nor any very particular recollection. In General I remember that when Mr Core was assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury, he was very assiduous in his Attentions to me: made me many Visits at my house and invited me often  many invitations to my own to his own, when I was at the Seat of Government, and wrote me many Letters when I was absent from it. I have also an indistinct Idea of his writting me a Letter before your Embarkation for Europe expressing a great Anxiety that an Interview should take place between You and me before you departed should depart, and an opinion that it would be in my Power to communicate to you, some usefull Information and Advice relative to the subject of your Mission.—As I knew of nothing that could make it necessary for you to take a Journey to Quincy or for me to go to Phyladelphia, it is very probable I wrote him something Like the Letter that is published. This however has been manifestly either so carelessly copied or unfaithfully printed that I must therefore refer to the original Letter,: which if it is in my hand writing, will, be easily known.
It may not be easy for me to give you a clear Idea of the situation I was in, when that Letter was written. In order to accomplish this necessary purpose as well as I can, It must be observed that in May 1792 when that Letter was written, It was my misfortune to be I was wholly unacquainted with all the Gentlemen who bear the Name of Pinckney. I had never seen one of them in my Life, As I can recollect and knew not had many that there were more than two. When I hear of your appointment I recollected the Conversation with the Marquis of Carmarthen, now Duke of Leeds, and imagined it probable that his Lordship might have intimated directly or indirectly to some one near the President that one of the Mr Pinckneys would be agreable at Court. I never had an Idea of any other Influence, than that which is very common in Europe, When one Government causes intimations to be given to another, that the appointment of some particular Gentleman would be agreable. And I now fully believe that my suspicion of even that kind of Influence was wholly unfounded, in reality: though it had then some colour in Appearance.
The other Insinuation concerning the Pinckney family had no other foundation than this. When I recd my Commission to the Court of st. James’s, I observed in it, a limitation to three Years. As I did not recollect any Example of this before, I was at a loss for the reason of it: but as I did not intend at that time to remain in Europe even so long a time as three Years I give my Self little thought very little of it, untill afterwards on my Arrival in London in 1785, I was received Information, without Inquiry, that Mr Pinckney a Member of Congress from South Carolina, had Said that, “the Limitation to three Years had been inserted in my Commission for the purpose of getting rid of me. That the Mission to London was too good a Thing for me, and that the Intention was as soon as I could be removed to send a Mr Man Pinckney of South Carolina in my room.” When I heard of a Mr Pinckneys appointment this London Information came into my Mind and diverted me because I supposed Mr Pinckney after Eight Years had carried his Point and occasioned the sentiment expressed in the Letter which from the Sportive playfull careless air of it, throughout, must be easily perceived, to have been confidential. It may easily be ascertained, who, was the Mr Pinckney who was a Member of Congress in 1784 or 1785 when my Commission was granted & dated, and when the Limitations to three years was inserted.
On this occasion it is but Justice and Duty in me to declare that I have not at this time the Smallest Reason to believe or Suspect that you or your Brother ever Solicited any Appointment under Government aboard or at home, that the whole Conduct of Both has Shewn Minds candid independant  as far as it has come to my Knowledge, and I have had considerable Opportunities to know the Conduct of both since 1792, has Shewn Minds candid able and independent wholly free from any kind of Influence from Britain, and from any improper Bias in favour of that Country or any other and that, both have rendered with honor and dignity to themselves great and important service to our Country. And I will Add in the sincerity of my heart that I know of no two Gentlemen whose Characters and conduct are more deserving of Confidence
I cannot conclude without observing that We are fallen on evil times: –On evil times indeed are We fallen if every private conversation is immediately, to be betrayed and misrepresented in the Newspapers and if every frivlous and confidential Letter is to be dragged by the hand of Treachery from its Oblivion of Eight years and published by Malice and revenge for the purpose of making Mischief.
I am, sir with great Truth and /  regard, your Friend and humble /  Servant,

            John Adams

            As your Letter has been so long on its way to me, I Shall publish this Answer immediately, which I hope you will excuse.
I must beg your pardon for employing the hand of my son in copying a part of this letter, as it night and my eyes fatigued. Delicacy has prevented me from publishing your letter. But if you have no objection, I have none, to your publishing it, in company with my answer.


Title: To John Adams from Nicholas Rousselet, 30 October 1800
From: Rousselet, Nicholas
To: Adams, John

Sir:
Demerary 30 October 1800

I had the Honour, to forward to the Secretary of State, at the Federal City in America, a Copy of my Memorial to his Excellency Gouvernor A. Beauson; also that Gentleman Answer, Respecting my Application, to be Admitted here, as Consul from the United States of America, for the Colonies of Essequibo & Demerary;—to which Papers I have the Honor to Refer;—
As I Consider the Governors Answer, to be a Positive Negative on my Adres; and finding my Selves in a Situation, not able to Answer in anyway whatsoever, to my Appoinetement, and Apprehensive also, that no Consular Office will be Admitted in this Colonies, during its present Situation; Oblidge me to Resigne, my office, which your Excellency will be please to Accept;—
I am Nevertheless Sensible, of the Honor Confered on me, and for the Trust and Confidence which the former, and the Present Executive Powar of America hav put in me, on the Recommandation in the Petition, of the Merchants in Portsmouth New Hamps:, it will always put me under a Sense of Obligation;
I Consider my Selves at present, in the Same Situation as in the year 1793, when I Came from America, to Reside here, with my familly—; I will give the Same adsistance to American Captains;—My House will be again Opened for the Sick; and my Table will fine Refreshments for the Convalescent, with those sentiments; and with that Respect, due to your Excellencys Person, I have the Honor to Remain Resspectfully;— / Sir / Your Excell most / Obedt & Hbl Servant,

N. Rousselet:


Title: To John Adams from Philip de Landais, 1 November 1800
From: Landais, Philip de
To: Adams, John

Sir,Fort Mc.Henry near Baltimore 1st. november 800
the Wisdom and Justice, which always characterised your Name, in the Eminent Office you excercise and the general Satisfaction with which you have discharged the duty of the 1st. Magistrate of the United States and in the most troublesome times, give me to Hope, you will receive Kindly a few reclamations, I here take the liberty of laying before you..
in march 1795, I was employed as a Cadet in the first Regiment of artillerists and Engineers. in december 1796, I received my Commission as a Lieutenant in the Said corps.
previous to my having had that honor, my Military Knowledge acquired me So far the esteem of Major General Bowyer, that he offered me with the ranck and pay of an Assistant adjutant General, the grade of a Major in the British Army at Jeremie.
circomstances alone and my love for this Country, prevented my not accepting of his offer. I Served likewise in the french Army before the actual revolution and I dare to assure, that in France as well as in America; I have always fulfilled my duty, with that honor which is expected at all times, from a parfect Disciplinarian and a good Miliary Man.
a french Man by Birth and inured from my youth in the practise of Arms, I have been familiar with toils and Dangers. with pleasure I bestowed myself and all my moments to the Service of the United States, whom I adopted as my Country. I glory in these Sentiments and as long as I Breathe, I Shall persevere in the Same intention and with pride I venture to Say, that from my good conduct, I was always taken notice of, by the different Leaders of the American Army.
Yet I have the misfortune of being commanded, by officers whom I commanded, by Officers who were lately appointed in the Second regiment of artillery and, who are yet ignorant of the duties which are incumbent on them.
The promotion I know took place regimentally but as in the first Regiment we had more experience, we expected to have had the preference, we were deceived in our expectation and these very officers, whom the last Lieutenant of our Regiment, could command, are now Captains and rank me. I own I was vexed to See it to be the case at the late general Court Martial which was held at Philadelphia for the trial of Captain Bishop and of Lieutt. T. G. Simmons.
Was this right? Certainly not? But in order to put this representation in a truer light, I have only to observe, that my Brother who is now a Cadet, Shall, if appointed in the Second regiment, Stand a better chance yet than I, to be a Captain.
I humbly present these remarks to you, with expressing my hopes, that your wisdom and Justice, will not by Suffering the Same abuse to take place any longer, leave room to apprehend the danger of a total Subversion of Authority.
I heard that a fourth Battalion was to be raised to the 2d. regiment of artillerists and Engineers and it is with Submission, I take the liberty of beseeching you to grant me or cause to be granted by the consent of the Senate a place of Captain in the said Battalion.
I shall not here attempt to Speak of my military Knowledge, the different officers who have inspected Captain Morry company, can alone do justice to my merit.
in you Sir, I place all my hope, the great opinion I have always had of your impartiality and of your desire of obliging, leave me no doubt of your being favorable to my demand and I hope you will not refuse me your protection.
With the greatest respect and the /  highest consideration— /  I have the honor to be /  of Your Excellency, /  the most humble and obedient /  servt.

P: de Landais: Lieut1st. R. of Artillery:


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Claxton, 3 November 1800
From: Claxton, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Honored Sir
City of Washington Nov. 3d 1800

The Heads of departments, to whom, by an act of Congress of last Session the furnishing of the President’s house was enjoined , finding it difficult to get an agent to act in that business, prevailed on me, about six or seven weeks ago, to undertake it.—Many difficulties which I had not foreseen, as well as some which I was then acquainted with, shortly presented themselves—Amongst the most prominent were,—The shortness of the time in which the business was to be done—the unfinished state of any part of the house—the season of the year, which, unfortunately, was prior to the time of arrival of new importations, and after the old were nearly exhausted—the immense quantity of every article of the same figure,—and the great distance the most trifling articles in all instances were to be brought from. Added to these difficulties, Sir, one still more serious, afterwards rendered it probable at one time, that neither the Presidents house or Capitol, (the furnishing of which was all placed under my direction) could be tolerably fitted up—This, Sir, was sickness, which had stopped the labour of six persons employed in the business, several of whom it was impossible to replace in due time—However, they recovered their health, and by working by day, in the president’s house, and by night in the Capitol, I have hopes that a degree of satisfaction will be experienced with both places—I hope, Sir, you will pardon the trouble I have given you with the foregoing statement, it being intended as an apolagy for any deficiency you may observe in the execution of the trust reposed in me—
In justice to Mr Briesler, I cannot refrain from informing you, Sir, that the whole time he has been here, his exertions have been incessant, and his assistance in accomplishing what has been done, highly useful—
Sincerely wishing, Sir, that you may enjoy /  comfort in your new abode, I beg leave /  humbly to subscribe myself /  Your most obedient Hble Svt.

Thos. Claxton


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 5 November 1800
From: Tudor, William, Sr.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Boston 5 November 1800

The Celebration of the Birth Day of 30 Oct. was more generally & cheerfully enjoyed & rejoiced in than I ever remember. The Company at Concert Hall was more numerous & respectable than I ever before noticed there. Although there was not any of the Faction there. The best Volunteer Toast was “May every Friend Enemy of the President write a Pamphlet.” That Book has done much Good. It has justified all that has been charged against the impudent Egotist that wrote it, & satisfied the independent and true Friends of the Country that no Services are a Security against the Attacks of a disappointed Malignant, who at a most critical Period, would risque the general Interest & Safety to gratify personal Revenge. The small Party that Hamilton commanded appear infinitely chagrined at the Imprudence of their Leader; whom they attempt to justify only on the Ground of repelling personal Injury & injustice. The Election of Quincy has failed—and Eustis, who might have been always kept a willing Representative for the Town of Boston, is now advanced to a Seat in Congress. This has given too much of Triumph to the Anticonstitutional Party. I wish this was all. But the New Member I know to be no Friend to the Administration, or those Measures which must be pursued, or the Country is ruined.
It is whispered that Goodhue is to resign and that a certain Suffolk Senator is to take his Place, if the Hamiltonian Party can induce it. This is right, for the Candidate has certainly had more Excuses for their Leader than any of the Party, on the Ground of Defence of his Pamphlet.
Your Letter to Mr. P. has been most serviceable. It is universally acknowleged to be an honorable & satisfactory one. And left the Scoundrel whose Baseness made the Explanation proper & just, to aggravated Scorn & Contempt.
The ensuing important Election of December bears a good Aspect. Throughout New England the Vote is calculated upon, as unanimous for the present Possessor—and if it should be otherwise managed in the Southern Part of the Union it will only tend to hasten that Period which has been so often talked of As sure & certain, that shall dessolve the Confederacy. But let the Struggle terminate as it may: After it is over, will it not be a suitable Time to ask the People of the United States whether their Sovereign Representative should not hold his Station for Life? Untill this is done neither Dignity, Independence, or Safety can attach to the Government. Foreign Politicks will always have their baneful Influence with one Party or the other—To you all this is Impertinence—I hope not so, the Assurance that I am / with the most affectionate Attachment / Your obliged & grateful Friend & Servant,

Wm TudorThree Arrivals bring important News. Our Commissioners have Made a Treaty & were to sail the 8th. of Octr. from Havre—the Papers of the tomorrow Morning will give the more Particulars—


Title: To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 7 November 1800
From: Malcom, Samuel B.
To: Adams, John

Sir
N York. Nov. 7th 1800.

The Bearer Mr. John Morton (our Consul at the Havarmah) proposing a Visit to the Seat of Govenment on Public business... I take the liberty respectfully to introduce him to the notice of the President—the respectable character he bears in his official Capacity and in private life induces the hope that you will find him no less an intelligent Man than that you will pardon the present liberty I have taken Respectfully I have the honor to / remain Sir your ob sert:

Saml: B Malcolm


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 8 November 1800
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department Washington Nov. 8th. 1800

I have after due reflection, considered it a duty which I owe to myself and family, to retire from the Office of Secretary of the Treasury; and accordingly I take the liberty to request, that the President would be pleased to accept my resignation, to take effect, if agreable to him, only at the close of the present year.
In thus suggesting my wishes, I am influenced by a desire, of affording to the President suitable time to designate my successor & also of reserving to myself an opportunity, to transfer the business of the Department without injury to the public Service.
I have the honour to be / with perfect respect / Sir, your obedt. Servt.

            Oliv: Wolcott.


Title: To John Adams from Allen Wiley, 9 November 1800
From: Wiley, Allen
To: Adams, John

To the President of the United States
Washington Nov: 9th: 1800

The Petition of Allen Wiley, Cartwright Tippet, David Waterston, John Vermillion, George Amos, William Simms, John Philips, William Simington John Delowry Robert McMahan and Alexander Shaw—Inhabitants of the City of Washington, Humbly Sheweth—That Your Petitioners, all men with families, reside at present, in houses which are Public property, and now standing on the Capitol Square,—which houses the Commissioners of the City have ordered us immediately to leave; and the houses immediately removed—Believing as we do that no Public inconvenience can possibly arise if the houses should remain where they are, and our families remain in them untill the ensuing Spring, when we can remove our families, without exposing them to the inclemency of the Winter, and take the liberty to Solicit the interference of Your Honors Authority in our behalfs and Your Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever Pray—
We think necessary to state that there is not a hut or shed of any kind in the City which is not Occupied—and we believe it would be utterly impossible to procure a tenement of the most Common kind—.

Allen WilyCartwright TippettDavid WaterstonWilliam SimmsWilliam SymingtonGeorge AmosJohn VermillionAlexander ShawJohn D LewreyJohn PhillipsRobt. Mcmahin


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 10 November 1800
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir,
Washington November 10. 1800.

I have received your Letter of the 8th. of this month; and am sorry to find that you judge it necessary to retire from office—Although I shall part with your services as Secretary of the Treasury, with reluctance and regret, I am nevertheless, sensible, that you are the best and the only judge of the expediency of your resignation.—
If you persist in your resolution, your own time shall be mine. I should wish to know whether by the close of the present year, you mean the last of December or the fourth of March—if the first, it is so near at hand, that no time is to be lost, in considering of a successor.
I am, Sir, with great esteem / your most obedient / and humble Servant

John Adams.—


Title: To John Adams from Henry Dearborn, 10 November 1800
From: Dearborn, Henry
To: Adams, John

Sir
Pittston Novr. 10th. 1800—

Having been informed that Mr. Isaac Parker, Marshall of the District of Maine, has lately been appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of this State, I take the liberty of soliciting the appointment of Marshal on Mr. Parkers accepting his appointment as Judge;—if Sir you should have no objection on the score of my capacity or integrity, I should hope that my pretentions otherways will be considered as eaqual to those of any other candidate.I have the honor of being / Sir with the highest respect / Your most Humble Servant.

Henry Dearborn


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 10 November 1800
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Albany 10 Novr. 1800

Still pressed by public Business occasioned by the late Session, I take up my pen to write you a few Lines before the Mail closes. It very unexpectedly happened that the antifederal party succeeded at the last Election in the City of New York, and acquired a decided Majority in the assembly. Well knowing their Veiws and Temper it was not adviseable that the Speech should contain any Matter respecting national officers or Measures, which would afford them an opportunity of indulging their Propensity to do Injustice to both in their answer.
But the next morning after the Delivery of the Speech, and before they proceeded to the apointmt. of Electors, I sent them a Message (and it is not usual to return any answers to such messages) in which I expressed Sentiments which leave no Room for your political Enemies to draw improper Inferences from the Reserve observable in the Speech. The Respect due to myself as well as to You forbade me to remain silent on a Subject and on an occasion so highly interesting; and I flatter myself it will be agreable to you to perceive from these Circumstances, and to be assured, that I still remain and will remain
Dear Sir / Your sincere & faithful Friend,
John Jay—Just on closing this Letter a Newspaper, which I enclose, came in—it contains a Copy of the Message—


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

Sir.
Washington Nov. 11. 1800

I have the honour to acknowledge with thanks, the Presidents oblidging Letter of yesterday. The time contemplated by myself for retiring from Office, is the last day of December next.—It will however be necessary for me to remain here several Weeks after my resignation takes place, whenever that event may happen, for the purpose of compleating the business, which will have been by me previously commenced. Notwithstanding my resignation, will take place, agreably to the Presidents permission on the last day of Decr. any services which I can afterwards render, while here, will be at the disposal of my Successor or the Government.I have the honour to be / with perfect respect, Sir / your obed Ser—

Oliv Wolcott.


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

Nov. 11th. 1800

The Secretary of the Treasury in compliance with the request of the President of the United States, signified in his Letter of September 20th.—respectfully submits the following facts and observations relative to certain subjects proper to be noticed in the Speech at the commencement of the ensuing Session of Congress.
            The Revenue of the United States, from Imports & Tonnage during one year preceeding the 1st. of October 1797, amounted to  Dolls. 7,353,688.41

            During one year preceedg Oct. 1. 1798—7,405,420.86During one year preceeding Oct. 1. 1799—6,437,086.34

            The product of all internal Revenues, during the three years above mentioned has been as follows.—The duties on Stamps have been collected only since July 1st. 1798.

To Oct. 1st. 1797—Dolls. 571,051.55To Oct. 1st. 1798— 585,879.67To Oct. 1st. 1799—773,562.76

            The Revenue during the year prior to Oct. 1st. 1800 has been as follows.

            From Imports and Tonnage—Dolls. 8,847,095.51From Internal Revenues the direct Tax excepted—815,148.34From the Direct Tax—378,286.35

 It thus appears that the Revenue is in a flourishing and prosperous State;—such as will justify the following observations to the House of Representatives.
I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the services of the ensuing year, to be laid before you, with an Account of the public Revenue and expenditure to a late period—I observe with much satisfaction, that the product of the Revenue during the present year has been much more considerable, than during any former equal period. This result affords conclusive evidence of the great resources of this country & of the wisdom and efficacy of the measures which have been adopted by Congress for the protection of Commerce & preservation of public Credit.
The Secy respectfully suggests, that it may be expedient to invite the attention of Congress to measures for protecting and encouraging the manufacture of Arms; which has after great care & attention and with considerable expence to the public been brought to such a state of maturity and perfection as with continued encouragement, will supercede the necessity of future dependence on importations from foreign Countries.
All which is most respectfully submitted by,

Oliv. Wolcott


Title: To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 12 November 1800
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Chilicothey 12th. Novr. 1800

Believing that some of the Sentiments expressed in the answer of the legislative Council to my Address to both houses on opening the present Session may afford you some pleasure, I have taken the liberty to enclose a copy of it. I have every reason expect that the house of Representatives will not differ from the Council in any them.
With great Respect I have the honor to be, / Sir, / Your obedient Servant

Ar. St. Clair