Title: To John Adams from David Sewall, 8 September 1798
From: Sewall, David
To: Adams, John

Sir
September Term at Pownalbo. 1798 8 Sept. 1798

By the desire of the Grand Jury for the district Court of Main at this Term, of whom Mark Langdon Hill Esqr. of Bath was Foreman, the inclosed Address is respectfully forwarded / by Your Obedient / Humble Servant

David Sewall
September 4th 1798
To John Adams, President of the United States.
The Grand Jury at the District Court now holden at Pownalborough in the District of Maine, haveing with the Utmost pleasure, beheld the Addresses, which the People of the United States have presented You the summer past, Expressive of their Friendship & Attachment to Our Federal Government & those who Administer it, with the firmest Assurances of their Support & Obedience to the Constituted Authorities. And being now Call’d together from various parts of the County of Lincoln, to Attend upon the first Court of the United States which have been held in the County, since the Developement of the mercenary views of the French Republick toward this Country have been publickly known; and reflecting upon the Abyss to which our Country has lately made so near an Approach. Occasioned by the Unparellelled Conduct of a foreign power in Concert with wicked and designing men of our own Country, who do not deserve the name of Americans; cannot but Admire & Join with our fellow Citizens, in all those Expressions of Gratitude & Attachment, which their declarations Contain, toward the Supreme Executive, & Other branches of Our Federal Government, that your wisdom & Prudence Under the Auspices of Heaven, have Enabled you to Steer from the Vortex, which so soon would have buried us in General ruin, & happily prevented the Fall which have Awaited so many of the European nations.—Relying upon Your wisdom, Prudence And Magnanimity, and the happy Union which so Universally prevails among all classes of our Citizens, we hope and mean by God’s blessing to maintain Our rights & Liberties, and to this end we Offer you our all: At the same time wishing our beloved President may be continued a rich & lasting blessing to the American People.
Signed in behalf of the Jury, by

Mark Langdon Hill, Foreman.Voted Unanimously, that the Honorable Judge Sewall be requested to forward this Address, to the President of the United States. Mark Langdon Hill, Foreman.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 9 September 1798
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Treasury Department Sept. 9. 1798

I have the honour to transmit a Letter dated Augt. 25th. from James Breckenridge Esq. who was named Commissioner for the Third Division of Virginia—It seems that this Gentleman resides out of the Division and that this circumstance and expectations of being able to render more important services have induced him to decline the appointment.—I have good reason to believe that Mr. Breckenridges nomination of William Hunter Cavendish Esq. of Green Briar County is entitled to full confidence.
The enclosed Letter dated August 22d. from Robert Gorsuch Commissioner for the 3d.  division of Maryland will shew that he has also declined— Application has been made to ascertain a proper character to supply his place, the inclosed Letter of September 5th. from Daniel Borsley a respectable character induces me to believe that Cornelius Howard Esq. a Brother of Senator Howard, is worthy of the appointment.
I enclose two blank Commissions to enable the President readily to supply the vacancies.
I have seen the Presidents Steward and have reason to believe that he has conducted prudently;—the plate and public papers, I understand have been deposited in the Vaults of the Bank of the United States.
I have the honour to be with / perfect respect, Sir, / your obed servt

Oliv Wolcott


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 10 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy September 10. 1798

Inclosed is a Letter from Lt. Col. Perkins who has commanded Castle William these dozen Years which after you have read it I pray you to give to the secretary at War to be minuted and filed among the applications for Appointments.
I wish to be informed whether you have written an answer to His Excellency Governor Sumner, accepting the Offer of Castle Island and if you would have not, that you would be so good as to answer it as soon as you conveniently can: or if you think it more proper, that you would send the Papers to me and I will answer them....It is high time We had an officer and Garrison, on that Island. There are recruits enough, in Boston, Marblehead Portland and Vermont, as I am informed.
The long continued Sickness of Mrs. Adams distresses me very severly. She has been out of her Chambers but three Times Since she came home, and then only to ride half a mile. Your amiable Family I hope enjoy perfect health. I have the Honor to be, Sir, your most obedient / servant

            John Adams

            What is your Opinion of Dumouriers Tableau Speculatif de L’Europe? Whether a general War, or an universal Peace, should take place in Europe, I think it is plain that in either Case, We ought to be prepared at all Points, especially with our floating Cittadels, for no Peace they can make, however universal it may be can be lasting.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 10 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept. 10 1798

I have received your favor of the 1st of this month and thank you for the paper No. 1 which exhibits a view of the ships in service those which are building and their commanders.
I return you the blank commissions signed and approved of the appointment of Capt. Tingey and Capt. Chapman, as you propose, and leave it to your discretion to appoint the other officers in the list, if nothing should occur to alter your opinion of any of them. I pray you however to appoint Capt. Cross of South Carolina at the recommendation of Mr. Rutledge and the gentleman of that state which I sent you lately, and Mr. States Rutledge to be one of the first midshipmen appointed. I wish we could obtain midshipman as reputable on board of every ship in the navy. I approve of your other arrangements. I wish to have Capt. Sever in as a good ship as can be provided for him.
I am very sorry that Capt. Dale has any thought of retiring from the service I have formed the best opinion of him.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 10 September 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department. 10th Sepr. 1798.

I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter from the Quarter Master General dated the 21st ulto, and a copy of a letter from Brigadier General Wilkinson dated the 25th of July ulto.
I have the honour to be with due respect Sir / your ob & hbe St.
James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 11 September 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton Sept. 11. 1798.

By a letter from Mr. King dated the 14th of July, it appears that Mr. Gerry was in Paris on the 26th of June “waiting, according to private letters from persons about him, for the ultimatum of the Directory.” Genl. Pinckney was at Lyons the 13th of June, his daughter then much better; & he hoped to be at Bordeaux, & to embark by the 20th. of July.
Dupont de Nemours and some other French Philosophers “a delegation from the National Institute,” had applied, thro’ Sir Joseph Banks, for passports from the English Government; the Directory having given them passports to go to the U. States, with the view to improve & extend the sciences. Mr. King understands the intention of the mission is to form an establishment high up the Mississipi, out of the limits of the U. States, & within the boundaries of Spain. Mr. King supposes that neither the American nor English Government will be disposed to give any encouragement to this mission of the Directory.
I have the honor to be / with great respect / Sir / your most obt. servt.
Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 11 September 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton Septr. 11. 1798

Your letters of August 14th and 29th we have seen in the hands of the Secretary of War. We are ever sorry when our views of men and things oblige us to entertain opinions different from yours; and we cannot without much pain express to you those opinions: but a sense of duty to you and to our country, supercedes all other considerations.
In your letter of the 29th of August you seem to have determined the order in which the three Major Generals whose names stand first in the nominations to the Senate, and as approved by them, shall hold their relative ranks; and as a decisive mode of settling the point, you propose that the commissions should be dated, General Knox’s on the first day, General Pinckney’s on the second, and General Hamilton’s on the third day. But the Commissions are not yet issued; and we have requested the Secretary of War to retain them, until we should respectfully lay before you our sentiments on the subject.
Contrary to our expectation, General Knox claims the first rank; and in support of his claim, he refers to a rule adopted in the war of our Revolution, by which among officers appointed to the same grade on the same day, their relative rank in the new grade was to be determined by their respective ranks prior to such new appointment. We do not find this rule precisely: but suppose Genl. Knox means the rule prescribed by Congress on the 24th of November 1778, which amounts to it. But this rule, however correct in principle and useful in practice, for an army already formed, can, most clearly, have no operation where no army previously exists, and where of course the officers to be arranged possess no prior ranks. It is an incontrovertible fact, that before their recent appointments by the President and Senate, Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox were private citizens; and their new stations were consequently to be determined by their comparative talents and merit. What these are, in the estimation of General Washington, the Commander in Chief, under whom both served during the American war, and whose daily intercourse with both, for years, enables him to form a correct judgement of their military virtues, may be inferred from the order in which the Commander in Chief arranged their names; but forcibly and decidedly from his letter to Mr. Hamilton, dated the 14th of last July, extracts from which we beg leave here to present to your recollection; first reciting the General’s preliminary declaration of one of the two conditions on which he accepted his commission, in these words—“I have consented to embark once more on a boundless field of responsibility and trouble, with two reservations—First, that the principal officers in the line and of the staff shall be such as I can place confidence in.” The General then says—“It will be needless after giving you this information, and having indelibly engraved on my mind the assurances contained in your letter of the 2d of June, to add, that I rely upon you as a coadjutor and assistant in the turmoils I have consented to encounter.”
The General then puts down the names of the three gentlemen in question, in the following order
“Alexander Hamilton; Inspector,}Major Generals”“Charles C. Pinckney“Henry Knox—or if either of the last men refuses, Henry Lee of Virginia
The General then adds—“And now, my dear sir, with that candor which you always have, & I trust ever will experience from me, I shall express to you a difficulty which has arisen in my mind relative to seniority between you and General Pinckney; for with respect to my friend General Knox, whom I love and esteem, I have ranked him below you both.” Next follows the General’s statement of the grounds of his “difficulty” with respect to the relative rank of Hamilton & Pinckney, the principal of which are the nature of the impending war, its probable commencement in the southern states, General Pinckney’s great popularity there, the high estimation in which they hold his military reputation, his numerous and powerful connections, and the consequent “most interesting importance” of his “influence” in those states. To this “account of him” (says the General) “may be added, that his character has received much celebrity by his conduct as minister and envoy at Paris.” The General then proceeds.—
“Under this view of the subjects, my wish to put you first, and my fear of losing him, is not a little embarrassing”: and concludes with these words “I wish devoutly that either of you, or any other fit character, had been nominated in my place, for no one can make a greater sacrifice, at least of inclination, than will your ever affectionate G. Washington.”
It seems impossible for words to express more forcibly General Washington’s opinion of the superior military talents and virtues of Mr. Hamilton over all his competitors, and especially over Genl. Knox. The same estimate is made by all the public men & private respectable citizens within our acquaintance. In one word, we hesitate not to pronounce, that the Public Voice, has designated Mr. Hamilton as a military officer the second only to General Washington, and in his absence the Chief. Certain we are that Genl. Knox does not possess the confidence of his country for so elevated a station. So far as we know the sentiments of the public men, even from his native country New England, he has not their’s; and in the middle & southern states, it is comparatively a millity. His & Mr. Hamilton’s political enemies are the same but while these respect and confide in the great talents of the latter, they estimate the abilities of the former by a very different scale.
General Washington, in the before mentioned letter to Mr. Hamilton, after speaking of Genl. Pinckney as above cited & saying “Under this view of the subject, my wish to put you first, and my fear of losing him, is not a little embarrassing” asks—“But why? For after all, it rests with the President to use his pleasure.” Certainly: but when General Washington accepted his appointment as Commander in Chief of the army after the President of the U. States, had authorized the Secretary of War to inform the General that if he would accept it, he might designate the principal officers to serve under him and consequently the stations in which they should serve; and when the General consented to serve on condition “that the principal officers of the line and of the staff should be such as he could place a confidence in” and whom he has declared that the “assurance contained in Mr. Hamiltons letter of the 2d of June (an assurance certainly of assisting him with his services, if the Genl. were called into the field) was indelibly engraved on his mind,” and that he “relied upon Mr. Hamilton as a coadjutor & assistant—” when the General has designated Mr. Hamilton as Inspector and first Major General, when he has explicitly ranked his friend General Knox, whom he loved & esteemed, below both Hamilton and Pinckney, and even expressed his wish that one or the other of these two had been nominated Commander in Chief, in his place—Will it be delicate? Will it (pardon the expression) Will it be consistent even with good faith, to subvert General Washington’s arrangement, to degrade Mr. Hamilton, and thus probably deprive the General of the aid on which he firmly relied? And our country of the services of a man to whom next to General Washington, it looks up with confidence to lead our armies against a fierce, active & skilful foe? A foe which in soliciting its chief military commanders regards not ancient rank or any considerations but those of eminent & superior military qualities? A foe that must be opposed, if opposed successfully, by armies alike commanded?
These are considerations, sir, that have penetrated our minds, and induced us, in such plain, but we trust respectful language, to lay our sentiments before you. It was extremely unpleasant thus to oppose our opinions to yours: but we could not with-hold them without violating our sense of the obligations arising from our stations to render to our country every possible good, to guard it, as far as we can guard it, against every possible, but especially against any apparent & great public mischief; The latter we fearfully apprehend will flow from the degradation of Mr. Hamilton and the elevation of General Knox in the manner proposed in your letter of August 29th. before mentioned; and the faithful information we owe to you on all the great concerns of the U. States have forced from us the statement here presented to your view.
With very great respect / we remain, sir, / your faithful and obt. servts.


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy September 13 1798.

I have recieved your favour of the sixth and approve of your determination to make out the Commissions in the order of Knox on the first day, Pinckney on the Second and Hamilton on the third. This being done you may call Generals Knox and Hamilton into Service as soon as you please.
Your request to be informed, whether I attach any portion of the Intrigues, which I alluded to, if any have been employed to you, is reasonable: and I have no scruple to acknowledge, that your Conduct through the whole, towards me has been candid. I have Suspected however that extraordinary pains were taken with you to impress upon your Mind that the Public opinion, and the Unanimous Wish of the Federalists, was that General Hamilton might be first and even Commander in Chief: that you might express this opinion to General Washington more forcibly than I should have done and that this determined him to make the Arrangement as he did. If this suspicion was well founded I doubt not, you made the Representation with Integrity. I am not and never was of the opinion that the Public Opinion demanded General Hamilton for the first and I am now clear that it never expected or desired any such Thing.
The Question being now settled, the Responsability for which I take upon myself, I have no hard Thoughts concerning your Conduct in this Business, and hope you will make your Mind easy concerning it.
I have the Honor to be, Sir your most obedient and humble servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 13 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy Sept. 13. 1798

I have received your Letter of the 6th. with Judge Iredells Letter inclosed, informing of the Death of Judge Wilson. The Reasons urged by Judge Iredell for an early Appointment of a successor, are important. I am ready to appoint either General Marshall or Bushrod Washington. The former I suppose ought to have the Preference. If you think so send him a Commission—If you think any other Person more proper, please to mention him to Sir your most obedient & / humble servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 13 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy Sept 13th 1798

I have received your favor of the 6th & thank you for a letter of credit on Gen Lincoln for 766, 66/100 dollars of which I shall receive from time to time such sums as I shall have occasion for & give receipts as you propose.
My Steward is at Trenton ferry on the Pensylvania side of the river at the ferry house.
The distress of the poor at Philadelphia is so great that I pray you to subscribe & pay for me under the title of a friend & to let nobody know but yourself, from whom it comes, five hundred dollars
I am &c
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Seth Harding, 14 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Harding, Seth

Sir
Quincy Sept. 14th 1798

On the 11th of this month I received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the fourth with a large number of certificates from gentlemen of great respectability.
I am very sorry, Sir, that you have had the trouble of procuring these testimonials; but I am very happy to assure you, that they are entirely satisfactory to me, & have removed every unfavorable impression from my mind, which had been made by representations to me, which I am convinced were wholly mistakes and without foundation.
I never meant however to express an opinion to you, that there was any impropriety in entertaining Frenchmen. A gentlemen who keeps a house of entertainment, has a right, and it is for any thing I know, his duty to entertain any people, who behave decently, & I have no objection to his entertaining Frenchmen any more than Americans.
As I never mentioned to any one but yourself the information I received, it is unnecessary for me to keep your certificates. I enclose them therefore, that you may preserve them yourself as a security against any future misrepresentation.
I am Sir, with esteem / your most obedient & humble servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy Sept. 14th 1798

Inclosed are applications for appointments &c. from George McDonald, Gen. Whiting a very respectable officer, James Cunningham, James Campbell, Zenas Meign Bradley George Walton, Gen. Morgan, Elijah Paine, which I recommend to your consideration &
am your humble servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy Sept 14th 1798

I return Mrs Adams’s letter No 120 with its inclosure and Dr. Rushes letter of Sept the first, which I received in yours of the 7th of this month
I am not all mortified at the delay of the treaties with Prussia, or Sweden, having no ardent desire of any treaties with Prussia till the crisis in Europe is more decided.
Gen. Marshall or Bushrod Washington will succeed Judge Wilson, if you have not some other gentleman to propose, who in your opinion can better promote the public honor and interest. Marshall is first in age, rank & publick services, probably not second in talents. Although I have an antient esteem for Judge Rush & the Dr. it is not sufficient to make any alteration in my judgement in this case. As Virginia has no judge at present, she is as much intitled, as Pensylvania to attention
I have the honor / to be Sir your most obedient

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 14 September 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir
Department of State Trenton Sept. 14. 1798.

I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter received yesterday from Mr. Liston. The application he refers to I made at the request of Mr. Read, Senator from South-Carolina, who stated to me, that the King of Great Britain had formerly made a present to the then province of South-Carolina of a number of heavy cannon which had belonged to the French ship Foudroyant (captured in I think 1760) but which on the evacuation of Charleston, by the British, in the American War, were carried away. The restoration of these cannon was the object of the application. Mr. Read was informed that the guns lay useless at Halifax; probably because their calibers were different from those of any English guns, and they did not chuse to mix them in service, as they would require shot & cartridges to be specially provided for them.
I have made a calculation of their value, which is at least Ten thousand dollars, including the 1800 shot belonging to the 24 guns. Their transportation may be effected with very little expence. I have suggested to the Secretary of the Navy, that one of the sloops of war might be ordered to Halifax to take the cannon & shot on board, and proceed with them to Charleston. In the whole voyage, backwards and forwards, she would not be two days (excepting while in Halifax harbour receiving the guns – and previous orders might prevent any delay there) off the cruizing ground proper for the protection of the commerce on our coasts. He concurs in these ideas.
I now beg leave to submit the matter to your consideration and decision—Whether the guns and shot above mentioned shall be received on loan, with an engagement by the Secretary of War to reland them, free of expence, in such part of the British American Dominions as shall be pointed out?—As Mr. Liston suggests, there is scarcely a remote probability that they will ever be called for. The guns and shot are deserving attention not perhaps so much for their intrinsic value (though that is not inconsiderable) as that they are ready for immediate service, and that we want them. The State of South-Carolina will undoubtedly be eager to give a counter security to the U. States to guard them against any future expence, should the guns be redemanded; receiving the guns as the property of that state, according to the original donation. Should that state decline giving such an indemnity, the guns will remain with the U. States. It is highly probable that if they are received on loan, the British Government, on the report of the matter by Prince Edward, will relinquish all future claim to them.
I have the honor to be, / with great respect, / Sir, your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from James Oliver, 14 September 1798
From: Oliver, James
To: Adams, John

Kingston, Septr. 14th, 1798.

The Grand Jurors of the county of Ulster, and state of New York, are well aware that the opinions of the people, in their individual capacity cannot, and ought not, to be expressed on every public measure—We should, therefore, have forborn, at this late period, from adding our voice to that of the thousands that have addressed you—If the events of every day did not demand, more injuriously, from the people themselves, an answer to the appeal that has been made to them.—We think that an opinion of disunion may often create disunion itself; that the belief of a powerful foreign party may induce many persons to join the standard of an enemy, and that the want of confidence in our strength may be as pernicious as the actual want of strength and resources—The disaffection which may have been occasioned by these means we have unhappily seen nourished by the most flagrant misrepresentations of some of the late acts of government.—We have seen the necessary measures of self defence, taken by Congress, perseveringly interpreted into a coalition with Great Britain, which we apprehend is desired by no one;—and we have seen with grief and indignation that the situation of one of our late Envoys in France, is made use of by the agents of that Government, to unfix public opinion, to reestablish a party, and to rule, by dividing us. It was indeed to have been foreseen that the French administration would disavow as much of the late negociation at Paris, as disgraces them in the eyes of their own nation; and that such disavowal would be assumed for truth by their friends in this country:—But altho we have unhappily been the witnesses of too many of the effects of delusion and intrigue, yet we believe that the one is gradually vanishing, while the other is detected.—We believe that a decided majority of our fellow citizens will join with us when we express our attachment to the Constitution of the United States; when we declare our approbation of the general measures pursued by Congress, and by your self;—and when we give to the Government, in general, the warm and unequivocal assurances of our support and confidence.—When it is attempted to represent our elective and responsible government, as the just object of fear, jealousy and hatred, as an inbred monster, an enemy ever ready to attack and devour us,— We believe the great majority our fellow citizens will reply that the public Agents they have chosen enjoy and deserve their confidence, and that no government can be properly administered if it be the duty of all men to oppose and embarrass its asperations, and to calumniate its officers. We are persuaded, also, that our fellow citizens will more justly appreciate that rare and inviolable treasure, a government of voluntary compact, when they percieve that each arrival from Europe announces new convulsions in the pretended Republicks, which are lighted up and blown out by the breath of military Despots.— We hope that all Americans will one day join in doing justice to that foresight and vigilance which has saved our Constitution from being drawn in and swallowed up in the devouring vortex of French influence.—This topic would lead us to say something of yourself and of your great Predecessor.—We recollect the perilous moment when our country, almost terrified at the progress of the aggression of the French; when unnerved by their intrigues and stunned by the noise of their victories, She stood amazed and undecided, ready, like the unhappy countries revolutionized by her arms, to become her prey, you boldly stood forward and gave the lead to public opinion, and public measures—You called back our Citizens to the remembrance of their Country, and, while you offered France an equitable peace, you exhibited to America the examples of a Chief Magistrate, who dared to risque himself upon her Independence—There is a heroism, which in a great political crises, may be as decisivly manifested in the cabinet, as in the field.—We request you to recieve from us who are not known to you personally, and who have no interests different from those of the community,— the assurances of our high respect for your character, and important public services.—You have experienced, in common with the illustrious Washington,— the calumnies from which it would seem that eminent merit is not to be exempted, but if, in the discharge of the arduous duties imposed on you, conscious virtue can need a support, we are confident you will find it in the respect, gratitude, and affection of millions of Americans.—
By order of the Grand Jurors.

James Oliver, Foreman.


Title: From John Adams to George Reid, 15 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Reid, George,Moultrie, William

Gentlemen
Quincy Sept 15th 1798

With great respect & esteem, I receive your unanimous address, agreed on at a meeting expressly called for that purpose on the twenty second of August. That men who cheerfully arranged themselves in the front rank to oppose the most formidable attack, that was ever made on their country—that men, who have experienced the delightful reflexion of having contributed to the establishment of the liberties & independence of their country, & have enjoyed the sweetest of rewards in the grateful affection of their fellow citizens—that such men should even be lukewarm, when the object of their fondest attachment is in jeopardy, is incredible. I rejoice in your approbation of the conduct adopted and pursued with France. Conciliation has been pursued with more patience and perseverance, than can be perfectly reconciled with our national reputation at least. If we can reconcile it with our national character & independence, it must be by peculiar circumstances, that we can excuse it in the opinion of an impartial world, if indeed at this day there is an impartial world. Posterity at least who may be impartial enough to pass an equitable judgment will allow that too the form of our government, our late connections and relations & the present state of all nations furnish an apology well grounded on equity & humanity.
The French and too many Americans have miscalculated. They have betrayed to the world their ignorance of the American character. As to the French, I know of no government ancient or modern that ever betrayed so universal and decided a contempt of the people of all nations as the present rulers of France. They have maniffested a settled opinion that the people have neither sense nor integrity in any country, & they have acted accordingly.
When you weighed tribute and dependence against war, you might have had added immorality and irreligion to the former scale. What shall we think of those who can weigh tribute, dependence immorality & irreligion against pounds livres or florins?
When the Cincinnati of South Carolina pledge their lives their fortunes & their sacred honor I believe no man will doubt their sincerity.

signedJohn Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elias Boudinot, 15 September 1798
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
New Ark Septr. 15th. 1798

Being on a Visit at this place, I am solicited by Mr John Pintard to introduce him to your knowledge. He means to apply for the office of your private Secretary in the room of Mr Malcolm, who he is informed has resigned—
I am well acquainted with Mr Pintard and have been so from his Infancy, and can with pleasure recommend him in the strongest Terms—
His liberal Education, knowledge of several languages, and superior Talents in almost every Science, with the strictest integrity, will render him a very valuable acquisition, wherever he shall be engaged—He has been for sometime under a Cloud with regard to pecuniary Matters, by an unhappy connection with Mr Duer, from which he is but just extricated, which makes the proposed office, an object with him
I am sorry that I cannot give you, any tolerable account of the fever in our devoted City—Its ravages are daily increasing, and that with unabating Malignity—The same unhappy Circumstances attend it, in New York and the Citizens are flying in every direction
Mrs. Boudinot & Mrs. Bradford join me in most respectful Compliments to Mrs. Adams & Miss Smith
I have the honor to be with the most perfect Sentiments of Respect and Esteem / Dr Sir / Your very obedt. Hble Servt

Elias Boudinot


Title: To John Adams from Elisha Boudinot, 15 September 1798
From: Boudinot, Elisha
To: Adams, John

Sir,
New Ark 15 Sept. 1798

Being informed that Mr. Malcomb your private secretary has resigned his office my friend Mr. John Pintard has been advised to offer himself a candidate for it—If I did not feel myself particularly interested in your administration, I should not presume to take the liberty of recommending him to your notice for that office, but relying on the motives to excuse the freedom I have taken—permit me to say that from an intimate knowledge of his principles, integrity, abilities, Industry and his very accurate knowledge of business, that there are few in the United States, of any age, who would give you more satisfaction—If successfull in his application he will leave his family in this town and reside with you as if a single man—
I have the honor to be with / the highest Respect / your Excellency’s Obt. Sert.
Elisha Boudinot


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 15 September 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 15 Sept. 1798

I have had the honour to receive your letters of the 3d 4th and 5th of this month.
It is somewhat difficult, I imagine to please the governor of Georgia. I thought I had been attentive both to himself and the State. There has been ordered to Georgia, on the 3d. of May 2 brass 6 pounders; 2 brass 3 pounders with carriages and impliments & 4 Iron 24 pounders with a sufficient quantity of amunition. Upon the 10th of May 500 stands of arms and accoutrements, and a suitable quantity of musket cartridges. And upon the 23 of May 1000 stands of arms with 25,000 musket cartridges. These are at Savannah and remain subject, generally, to future arrangements. Perhaps the governor expected to have been vested with more or less controul over them, or a power to have distributed them among the militia. Without giving him such power there can be no doubt the muskets, in case of imminent danger, or invasion, will be applied to by the militia, and the occasion assigned to justify the procedure. Inclosed is a copy of a letter to the Governor, which was sent before I had the honour to receive his to you of the 8th of Augt. ulto.
With respect to Brooks. I have no other knowledge of or acquaintance with him than has been mentioned by you. I have never written to him, nor to any of his friends, but one letter, and that was to announce to him his being appointed. You have, I believe, all the information, before you, except Gen. Morgans letter, upon which I acted, and (for the letter, from Mr. Stoddert, was received I think after his nomination,) you will consequently be able to appreciate duly the transaction, as far as I am concerned in it.
You will see by the inclosed copy of a letter to Major Jackson of Watertown, the employment that has been assigned him for the present.
Tousard has been sent to Rhode Island to draw a plan &c for the defence of the harbour & City of New Port, because I could not find a native of the corps equally well qualified to execute so important a purpose. It grieves me, be assured, to be obliged to have recourse to other than natives, at this juncture; but, what am I to do? I find myself reduced to the alternative of spending large sums of money, upon the plans of men who know very little of the science of the Engineer, or trusting to foreigners, better informed, and of more experience. The inclosed copy of a letter from Capn. Littlefield, will intimate to you, my situation, and that of our artillery officers.
It is some consolation that our prospects are improved as to futurity respecting native Engineers. The late act of Congress, providing for 4 teachers to the Artillery corps, when taken in conjunction, with former acts, will enable the President, to create, within our Country a school from which we may expect to derive a succession of good officers.
I sincerely hope and pray to hear of Mrs. Adams’ recovery, for whom no one of her admirers can have a higher esteem and respect.
I have the honour to be with great respect Sir / Your most ob st.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 15 September 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton Sept. 15. 1798.

I have this morning received your letter of the 10th. and have handed to the Secretary of War the letter of lieut. Colo. Perkins, to be minuted & filed as you directed.
Governor Sumner’s letter & inclosures of July 2d. I remembered to have packed up with other papers when the office was removing from Philadelphia; but I did not recollect where. This forenoon found them; and now have the honor to submit to you the answer of I have written, expressing the acceptance of the Cession of Castle Island in the harbour of Boston, on the conditions in the act of cession declared; and that when Governor’s Island & the tract of land at Springfield shall be purchased, the U. States will hold them also on the condition expressed in the act of the legislature of Massachusetts; & finally your opinion that it will not be expedient to suffer the Convicts to remain on Castle Island, after the U States take possession thereof.
This morning I was informed that a French Gentleman here (a Royalist) had received a letter from his friend Cotineau (whom I know) in Philadelphia, mentioning that Mr. Gerry remains at Paris, and that a French Consul General had arrived (it was not said at what port) in the U States, & that he had powers to negociate on the subjects of difference between the two countries! If I can obtain any further information it shall be communicated without loss of time.
I have the honor to be / with great respect / Sir your most obt. servt.
Timothy Pickering


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 16 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Sir
Quincy Sept 16 1798

I have received your letter of the 10th and return you the letters from Gen Wilkinson & the Q Msr. Gen.
Inclosed is a letter from John Hampden Palmer of Vermont to Judge Cranch, requesting his aid in procuring a pair of coloures. This young gentleman is a grandson of old Gen Palmer, my neigbor, who was active, and useful in the early parts of the late revolution & indeed I believe through the whole of it. He is represented to me as a young man of sprightly abilities. It would gratify my feelings to give him a commission
With great esteem I have / the honor to be &c

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to David Sewall, 16 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Sewall, David

Gentlemen
Quincy Sept 16th 1798

Your address of the 4th of this month has been transmitted to me as you requested by one of my ancient and esteemed friends Judge Sewall. The mercenary views of the French Republick have been sufficiently maniffested for a course of years by their purchasing supplies without any thought of payment, by their continued depredations on our commerce & especially by the infamous law against all neutral navigation. But the dispatches of our envoys have completed the Clymax. These measures might be considered as merely mercenary: but the repeated insolence to our ambassadors, discovers hostility, contempt & integrity inveteracy beyond all example. The satisfaction you express in the addresses of our fellow citizens so full of virtue patriotism, and heroism, is consistent with your character as untainted Americans.
When you offer me your all for the defence of your Country, you do the highest honor both to yourselves & to me.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to David Sewall, 16 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Sewall, David

My dear friend
Quincy Sept 16th 1798

Inclosed is a short answer to the address of the Grand jury transmitted in your letter from Pownallborough at Sept term 1798.
It would have given me great pleasure to have seen you at Pownalborough as I did in 1764 but I shall never see Kennebeck river again most probably. Some coincidence or other of affaires I hope will one day enable me to take you by the hand once more
I am dear Sir your sincere / friend

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 16 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy Sept 16th 1798

I return you the commissions for William Hunter Cavendish of Virginia & Cornelius Howard of Maryland. I le also inclose to you letters from James Brackenridge Esqr. Robert Gorsuch, Daniel Bowley and have the honor to be Sir / your most &c

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 17 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy September 17. 1798

I have received your favour of the Eleventh. I wish I understood, better than I do, the Conduct both of General Pinckney and Mr Gerry.
I shall not be guilty of So much affectation of regard to Science, as to be very Willing to grant Passports to Dupont De Nemours or any other French Philosophers, in the present Situation of our Country. We have had too many French Philosophers already: and I really begin to think or rather to Suspect, that learned accademics not under the immediate Inspection and Controll of Government have disorganized the World and are incompatible with Social Order. Mr. King judges very correctly of the American Government, that it has no disposition to give any Encouragement to the Mission of the Directory; I hope he conjectures equally well of the English.
With great Esteem I am Sir / your most obt

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy September 17 1798

I return you the Commissions for William Hunter Cavendish of Virginia and Cornelius Howard of Maryland signed, and have the Honor to be, Sir your most &c

John AdamsAlso are inclosed letters from James Brackenbridge Esqr Robert Gorsuch & Daniel Rowley.


Title: To John Adams from John Sevier, 17 September 1798
From: Sevier, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
State of Tennessee, Knoxville 17 September 1798

It affoards Me great pleasure to have it in my power to transmit to you, Junary Resolutions entered into by four Companies of Cavalry and Mounted Infantry belonging to the District of Washington together With an Adress from Captains Gellispie & Nelson—
You will discover sir, that they have tendered their Services to the President, provided the same should become Necessary, and be Assured, that the officers and privates, will do honor, both to their Country And Selves, should they have An opportunity of rendering the same—You may also expect with certainty, that four More Companies from this State, of the same kind, will be ready to turn out on the shortest notice—I have the honor to be sir,  / with every sentiment of respect / Your mo. ob. Servt.

John Sevier


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 September 1798
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Treasury Department September 17th. 1798

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President of the United States the following Report.
That it appears from a communication from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 14th instant, a Copy whereof is subjoined, to be expedient to increase the Salary of the Keeper of the Light House on Cape Cod, from one hundred & fifty to Two hundred Dollars per Annum, in consideration of the special inconvenience and extra Labour attending his situation.
All which is respectfully submitted.Oliv Wolcott Secy of the Treasy
Approved Quincy Septr. 24 1798John Adams Enclosure
                                                SirTreasury Department Revenue Office Septr. 14th. 1798
                            The Keeper of the Cape Cod Light House has heretofore received a Salary of 150 Dollars Per Annum and is accommodated with the house and Lot there which were provided at the Public Expence—
In addition to the ordinary attention which the Lights require he has to attend to an Eclipser which requires cleaning and Winding up once and during the long nights twice in 24 hours. General Lincoln thinks him entitled to an addition of 50 Dollars P Annum to his Salary for this extraordinary trouble which He thinks was not taken into consideration when the Salary was formerly fixed
I believe the Generals representation just and that it would be expedient to make the allowance I will therefore thank you to take the matter into consideration.
I am very respectfully / Your Obedt Servant.

signed, Wm: Miller


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 September 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department 18 Sepr. 1798

I inclose commissions for the Major Generals and Inspector of the army of the United States dated agreeably to your orders.
At the instance of Mr. Wolcott, I have ventured to delay forwarding the Commissions, for a short time, to give him the opportunity of drawing up and presenting to you a respectful representation on the subject of the generals of the army.I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, / Your most obt. and hbe. St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Harrison Gray Otis, 18 September 1798
From: Otis, Harrison Gray
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston Septr 18. 1798

I do myself the honor to introduce to you Captain Joseph Ingraham, who waits on you with a desire of stating his qualifications and pretensions to an appointment in the navy—Having been heretofore permitted to mention to you the name of this Gentleman, & his nautical reputation, I will only subjoin that I have the honor to be / with the greatest Respect / Sir, / Yr most obedt: Servt

H. G. Otis


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 19 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Dear sir
Quincy September 19. 1798

Inclosed is a Letter from Captain Patrick Fletcher recommending Captain John Cruft to be a Lieutenant in the Navy.—I have so good an opinion of this Captain Cruft from a personal Knowledge, that I desire you would place him on the List for Promotion among the first Lieutenants that Shall be appointed. Mr Breck of Philadelphia can probably give you Satisfactory Information concerning him.
I have the Honor to be, sir, your / most obedient
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 September 1798
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 19. Septr. 1798.

The enclosed letter was recd. last night—it is yet too early to receive an official confirmation of the intelligence it contains—but as I hope, & believe it to be true, I cannot deny myself the pleasure of forwarding it to you in its present state.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem, sir yr. most Obed / servt
Ben Stoddert


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 20 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 20th 1798

Last night Mr Amory & Mr Gardner came out to Quincy to shew me the original letters from the houses of Horsyth Smith & Co. and Hartshone & Boggs of Halifax, suggesting from Admiral Vandeput the idea of a convoy from Halifax in the fall, spring & midsummer. I pray you to consult with the other gentlemen especially the Secretary of the navy concerning the practicability utility & necessity & expediency of the plan. If you have opportunity to consult with Mr Liston or to write him, I should wish you to embrace it. If he is comeing this way I should be glad to have your answer before I see him.
I have the honor to be Sir / your most humble servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from David Bradford, 20 September 1798
From: Bradford, David
To: Adams, John

To his Excellency John Adams Esquire, President of the United States
Septr. 20th 1798

David Bradford an unfortunate man; who fell into the errors of that part of the community where he resided, having severely felt and suffered on account of those errors, with the deepest sensibility and contrition, adventures to address your Excellency in the sincerest language of submission, humiliation & petition.
Far from beleiving that he can justify his conduct, your Petitioner will not attempt it; but will only venture to assert, that he hopes his conduct has been far from being so criminal as has been represented.
Justice demands of your Petitioner, that he should submit to your Excellency that he was not of the first committee that met with intention to evade or thwart the operation of the Excise law; but must confess, which he does with the deepest self condemnation, that he afterwards fell into the general Errors which misguided the people of the western Counties of Pennsylvania— Errors which brought about consequences & Events which were not foreseen by any; but must be deplored by all, and by none, more than by your Petitioner. It is just that your Petitioner should further submit to your Excellency, that when the Government of the United States held out the mild terms of reconciliation and amnesty, he used every influence in his power at the earliest moment that his own personal safety would justify to affect that desireable object— That he used every effort publickly & privately to persuade the people to submit to the law & to sign the terms of submission— that he himself signed them on the appointed day as will appear by the papers transmitted to the Executive of the United States.
It is a Justice your Petitioner owes to the United States & to himself here to explain his conduct on the first approach of the Commissioners from the U.S. in the western country. All was tumult frenzy & confusion. The wisest and best disposed towards government knew scarce what to say, or what to do.
The general opinion existing amongst the people was, that the Commissioners were not sent on the mild mission of forgiveness & reconciliation; but on the contrary to mark down as victims, those, who had so highly offended. It was difficult and almost impossible to undeceive them.
To advocate the propriety of accepting the overtures of the commissioners from Government at first was dangerous. The people were actually in a fever & out of their Senses, and could not listen to reason. It was necessary for those who had the restoration of order & law at heart to yeild to the impetuosity of the current. It was irresistible and dangerous in the highest degree to openly oppose it. The Commissioners wisely gave a further day for the people to make up their minds. They began to cool & to listen to reason. From this moment Your Petitioner became as active and as sincere on the part of the Government as any friend the Govt. had in that Country, & perhaps did as much as any in it to effect the restoration of Order & an obedience to the Laws. Still the submission was far from being general at the latest day assigned by the Commissioners. The result of after transactions is too well known to your Excellency to render it proper for yr. Petitioner further to detail.
Government vindicated its authority upon principles of humanity and clemency without the effusion of blood— The world must admire the triumph. Government had in view to reclaim & not to destroy. It has taught the lesson of obedience with the affection of a Parent & not with the rod of a despot or oppressor.
Tho’ your petitioner has been one of those implicated in the guilt of that unfortunate insurrection; & tho’ he cannot pretend to justify himself in some instances that the difficulty of the times gave birth to; yet he hopes to find in the Clemency & magnanimity of the President of the United States that Mercy & Forgiveness for misconduct and Error which human frailties sometimes involve the best in & for which forgiveness must be inplored. The best of man my err, The best no doubt have erred as well in Politics as in religion; but there may be a repentence as glorious as innocence itself which in some degree may make atonement & reparation for frailties incident to human nature.
It has been held out, as your Petitioner is informed, that he has been inimical to the Constitution & federal Plan of Government of the United States. The reverse is the truth. For from its first publication your Petitioner was its decided friend & ever continued its warmest advocate and the only Error that can be charged against your Petitioner as a good citizen & member of the Community in which he resided is the case in which he now solicits & implores your forgiveness & Pardon, & that you will cover it with the veil of your Clemency from the Eye of Posterity that it may be forgotten & not rise up to his shame & disgrace.
Your Petitioner cannot be persuaded that farther amplification is proper or necessary. The mind of the President will wiegh the subject of this Petition with that reflection & deliberation it desirves & will do what Justice honor, magnanimity & Clemency will dictate.
May the father of all mercies have the President of the United States in his holy keeping & be his Guide Councillor & protector this life.

Davie Bradford


Title: To John Adams from Nathaniel Kezer, 20 September 1798
From: Kezer, Nathaniel
To: Adams, John

Rowley, Sept. 20th, 1798.

At a legal meeting of the inhabitance of Rowley, Voted to Address the President of the United States, and that Messrs. Parker Cleaveland, Esq. Joseph Chaplin, and David Mighill, be a Committe to prepare the Address.
Voted, That the following Address, reported by the above Committee, be forwarded to the President of the United States.
ADDRESS
To John Adams, President of the United States of America
Sir
The late period we have taken of thus publicly addressing you, does not, we conceive, lessen it’s importance, and will not, we hope, render it less acceptable.
In unison with our Fellow Citizens, we feel and would  express our utter abhorrence and detestation of the unwarrantble and piratical depredations committed on our Commerce. We see and despise the insiduous and vile attempts to  the American citizens from their rulers, and the insults and indignities insolently offered to the government of the United State by the French nation.
We most cordially avow our unshaken attachment  the Federal Government, and fullest approbation of your Administration as Supreme Executive. But especially at this period, we have the peculiar pleasure of observing the happy consequences resulting from the numerious Addresses to you, in connexion with your Answers, containing such valuable truths and maxims in government, which, in the present juncture of affairs, by their convictive force and extensive diffusion among the great body of the people, have produced those permanent impressions on their minds, which will form an important barrier against all future attempts on our excellent Constitution either by foreign intriguers or domestic disorganizers. And we further conceive this must render more easy the arduous Task devolved on you, Sir, at this most critical and alarming period of our national concerns.
Among the many evils that menace our country we have this consolation, that the late outrageous conduct of France towards Americans is highly calculated to prevent the introduction of French Atheism and Immorality, evils more to be dreaded than the most rancorous enmity of the terrible Republic.
Accept, Sir, our sincere wishes that you may long continue your administration with your wonted wisdom, firmness, and integrity, and, by your known attachment to the religion and God of our Fathers, recommend that piety and morality which is essential to the preservation of a republican government.
NATHALL. KEZER Moderator for said meeting.Attest. THOMAS MIGHILL Ton. Clerk.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 20 September 1798
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 20 Septr. 1798.

I have not yet recd official accounts of the capture of the French 20 Gun Ship by Nicholson—But the account comes so well authenticated from different quarters, that the fact is not to be doubted.
I hope this Ship will prove a useful addition to our Navy.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir Yr. most / Obed. Servt.

Ben Stoddert.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 September 1798
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Treasury Department September 20th. 1798.

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President of the United States the following Report.
That by an Act of Congress passed on the 16th. day of July 1798, entitled “An Act to enable the President of the United States to borrow money for the public service,” authority is given to the President of the United States to borrow a sum not exceeding five Millions of Dollars, “upon such terms and conditions as he shall judge most advantageous for the United States,” with the limitation however, “that no engagement nor Contract be made which shall preclude the United States from reimbursing any sum or sums at any time after the expiration of fifteen years from the date of such Loan.”
That by another Act passed on the same day entitled “An act making certain appropriations; and to authorize the President to obtain a Loan on the credit of the Direct Tax,” the President of the United States is authorized to borrow the sum of Two Millions of dollars upon the credit and in anticipation of the Direct Tax, granted during the last session of Congress with the limitation, “that the Interest to be allowed for such Loan shall not exceed six per Centum per annum and that the principal shall be reimbursed at the pleasure of the United States.”
The present prospect is, that it will be necessary to borrow only a part of the monies before mentioned during the present year, but to what extent it is not yet possible to determine.
The Secretary presuming that the President will judge it expedient to commit the agency of borrowing such sums as the public service shall require, to the Department of the Treasury, under a responsibility, that what is done shall be conformable to Law, and for the best interest of the United States, herewith submits drafts of Powers from the President of the United States to the Secretary of the Treasury to obtain the said Loans, which Powers are drawn according to the forms, which have been adopted heretofore on similar occasions.
All which is most respectfully / submitted.

Oliv: Wolcott.Secy of the Treasy


Title: From John Adams to Elisha Boudinot, 21 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Boudinot, Elisha

Sir
Quincy Sept 21st 1798

I have received your favor of the 15th recommending Mr John Pintard to be my private secretary in the place of Mr Malcom resigned.
Mr William Smith Shaw has acted in that capacity with me when at home for more than a year past & has been sometime since appointed & officiateing as successor to Mr Malcom
With great esteem I have the / honor to be &c

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 21 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 21st 1798

I received last night your favor of the 15th with its inclosures, & perceive nothing to alter.
Inclosed is a letter from Samuel Treat who has been a lieutenant at the castle a long time. His claims to a continuance in service I hope will be considered, but I know nothing of him, but his appearance on a late visit to me & the inclosed letter

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Increase Sumner, 21 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Sumner, Increase

Dear Sir
Quincy September 21: 1798

I do myself the Honor to Send my Secretary Mr Shaw to present to your Excellency the Secretary of States Letter on the subject of the Castle, and Another Letter as an Apology for the Delay.
With great Respect I have / the Honor to be, Your Excellencys / most obedient and most humble / Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 21 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Sir
Quincy Sept 21st 1798

Mr Andrew Halliburton of Portsmouth has called this morning upon me with the inclosed letters, which I transmit to you for your consideration with all other letters & recommendations you may receive relative to the succession to the naval office
With great esteem &c

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 21 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy September 21. 1798

Mr Andrew Halliburton of Portsmouth has called this morning upon me with the inclosed Letters, which I transmit to you for your consideration with all other Letters and Recommendations you may receive, relative to the Succession to the Naval Office.
With great Esteem &c
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 21 September 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Trenton 21 Sept. 1798

I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 13th instant, for which I sincerely thank you. It has not only relieved me from some painful impressions, but afforded me ground to expect, I shall be able, when I have the pleasure of again seeing you, to satisfy you more fully that I exceeded, in no particular whatever, the line pointed out to me by your Instructions.
Having acted, both towards you and General Washington, through the whole of this business, with the utmost candor, I feel my position at this moment peculiarly distressing. I thought it necessary to apprize General Washington, in a private letter on the 10th instant, that it seemed to be the Presidents opinion, that legally considered, and as things were situated at present, it would be proper to arrange the relative rank of Generals Hamilton Pinckney & Knox, according to the rank they respectively held in the revolutionary army, and that it appeared to me probable such might be your final determination. To this the General has answered in an unofficial letter dated the 16 instant.
“I can perceive pretty clearly, that the matter is, or very soon will be brought to the alternative of submitting to the Presidents forgetfulness of what I considered a compact or condition of acceptance of the appointment, with which he was pleased to honour me, or to return him my commission, and as that compact was ultimately and at the time declared to him through you, in your letter written from this place, and the strong part of it inserted after it was first drawn, at my request, to avoid misconception, I conceive I have a right and accordingly ask to be furnished with a copy of it.”
“You will recollect too, that my acceptance being conditional, I requested you to take the commission back, that it might be restored or annulled according to the Presidents determination, to accept or reject the terms on which I had offered to serve; and that but for your assuring me, that it would make no difference whether I retained or returned it, and conceiving that the latter might be considered as an evidence of distrust, it would have been done. Subsequent events evince, that it would have been a measure of utility, for though the case in principle, is the same, yet such a memento of the fact could not so easily have been forgotten.”
You will, Sir, I am sure feel for the situation in which I am placed, between your conceptions and General Washingtons. I have, as I said before, acted in every step of this business with the utmost candor, and cannot help retaining a hope, that you will upon a review of all circumstances, give your assent to his arrangement.
I have the honour to be with the most respectful attachment / Sir, your most ob St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton Septr. 21. 1798.

I have received from Mr. Adams at Berlin a letter which I am decyphering: it is dated the 18th of June. If it appears necessary, I shall forward it in to-morrow’s mail. The three letters inclosed for Mrs. Adams, arrived last evening with the former.
I have a letter from General Marshall, dated at Richmond the 15th. in which is the following passage:—
“I have seldom seen more extraordinary letters than those of Mr. Talleyrand to Mr. Gerry. He must have known in what manner they would have been answered before he could have ventured to have written them. That he should have founded a demand to Mr. Gerry for the names of certain persons on a document proving that Mr. Gerry had asserted Mr. Talleyrand to have recognized those very persons as his agents, was as pointed an insult as could have been given. There is a fact relative to this business not mentioned in the dispatches which deserves to be known. The company at the private dinner to which Mr. Gerry was invited by Mr. Talleyrand consisted of X. Y. & Z. After rising from the table X. and Y. renewed to Mr. Gerry, in the room and in the presence (though perhaps not in the hearing) of Talleyrand, the money propositions which we had before rejected.”
I shall have the honor to write you by Monday next on the subject of several of your letters lately received.
I am with great respect, / Sir, your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 September 1798
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 21st Septr. 1798

I have a letter dated 13th from Pennock, the naval agent at Norfolk, saying Nicholson had brought into Hampton Road a Ship of 20—or 24 Guns, full of men, who refused to give any account of themselves, and who are suspected to be Pirates. I hope by the mail of this evening to receive more certain intelligence.
Capt Barry to my Surprize, made his Appearance here, at 1 OClk. His Ship with about 100 French men & negroes on board, he left at Chester—Decatur with 30 or 40 more was following him in, with two Prizes, a sloop & a Schooner, taken in the West Indies. Barry returned too soon—His reason—apprehensions from the Hurricanes in the West Indies at this Season—Upon the whole, it is better, than to have kept the Ships sleeping on our own shores—tho the result of the enterprize falls very far short of my hopes. Murray, to whom I am sending orders this Day, to proceed to the West Indies with the Montezuma, the Brig Norfolk, the Cutter Eagle of 14 Guns, & the Retaliation, will return with more Brilliancy—
I have no time to add more—than that I have the honor to be, with the highest respect & esteem sir Yr. most / Obedt. Servt.

Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from Increase Sumner, 21 September 1798
From: Sumner, Increase
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
Roxbury Sept 21. 1798

I had the honor of receiving your Excellencys letter, & the Secretary of State’s letters accompanying the same, by your Secretary Mr. Shaw, and shall cause the proper arrangements to be made for delivering the possession of Castle Island to the United States. I understood by Major Jackson, that your Excellency had Authorized him to receive possession, & to place his Comany in the Garrison; I yesterday notified him of the time when it would be done Viz. or next Tuesday Sen’night, which he agreed to. The intermediate time will be employed in removing the Convicts, & such Military Stores, as the Commonwth wish to retain—If Major Jackson thinks it for the benefit of the U.S. to retain any Military apparatus on the Island they shall be previously appraized.
I am dear Sir, with the / higest Respect your Excellency’s most obedt. & very / humble. Servt

Increase Sumner


Title: From John Adams to Jonathan DeWitt, 22 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: DeWitt, Jonathan

To the Grand Jury of the County of Dutchess in the State of New YorkGentlemen,
Quincy Sept 22d1798

I have received and read with great pleasure your address of the first of Sept. which, in this kind of writing with a few explanations, may be confident as a model of sense & spirit, as well as of taste and eloquence.
Is there any mode imaginable in which contempt of the understanding and feelings of a nation can be expressed with so much aggravation, as by affecting to treat the government of their choice, as an usurpation?
If in some instances, marks of dissaffection have appeared in your state, it is indeed exceedingly to be regretted. If this has been owing to the influx of foreigners of discontented characters it ought to be a warning. If we glory in making our country an asylum for virtue in distress and for innocent industry, it behoves us to beware that under this pretext, it is not made a receptacle of malevolence and turbulence for the outcasts of the universe.
The conduct of France must not disgrace the cause of free governments. With the tears & the blood of millions she has demonstrated, that a free government must be organized and adjusted with a strict attention to the nature of man & the interests and passions of the various classes of which society is composed; but she has not made any rational apology for the advocates of despotick goverment. Society cannot exist without laws, and those laws must be executed. In nations that are populous, opulent and powerful, the concurrent interests of great bodies of men operate very forcibly on their passions and break down the barriers of modesty, decency, & morality; & can be restrained only by force. But there are methods of combining the publick force in such a manner as to restrain the most formidable combinations of interests, passions, indignation imagination & prejudice, without recourse to despotic goverment. To these methods it is to be hoped the nations of Europe will have recourse,rather than surrender all to military dictators or hereditary despots.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 22 September 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Trenton Sept. 22. 1798.

I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter I have just written to the Collector of Norfolk, on which I shall wait your orders. Perhaps another (and possibly a more effectual) condition may be required, on the issuing a permit to a vessel to carry off French persons—to wit, That the Collector shall previously ascertain that she is not a fast sailing vessel, and not calculated for being converted into a privateer. Otherwise the owners may pretend that after delivering her passengers she was forcibly seized by the French, and plead that force to exonerate themselves from the penalty of the bond.
I am with great respect / sir, your most obt. servant,

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 22 September 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Trenton Sept. 22. 1798.

The inclosed address and tender of services from the Volunteer riflemen of Christiana Hundred, county of New Castle, State of Delaware came to hand last evening.

T. Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 24 September 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Trenton Sept. 24. 1798.

I have the honour to inclose two letters from Mr. Adams, one dated “Berlin June 18th. 1798;” the other on the 25th of the same month; the latter covering three papers of extracts from French news-papers with Mr. Adams’s remarks.
In his letter of June 18th he refers to the propositions made by the Swedish minister, Baron d’Engerstrom, (now at Berlin) when he was minister in England in 1793, to Mr. Pinckney the minister of the United States. The Baron supposes that no notice had been taken of his propositions by the American Government. He is under a mistake; as the inclosed copy of my letter to Mr. King, of the 17th of Septr. 1796, will show, in connection with Mr. King’s communications on the subject, extracted from his letters of April 13th 1797, & June 5th following, which extracts are also inclosed. The latter show further, what my letter supposed, that the naval equipments of Sweden and Denmark, in 1794, to protect their neutral commerce, were mere parade. I will transmit to Mr. Adams copies of these same papers—putting some parts of them in cypher.
I have also the honour to inclose a copy of my letter to the Governor of Georgia, on the subjects of the defence of the sea-coast of that State, and of the small Spanish schooner burnt at Savannah. I shall write this day to the Chevalier de Yrujo to inform him of the prompt steps taken by the Governor of Georgia to discover and bring the offenders to justice, and to give a correct statement of the facts to the Governor of East Florida.
I have the honour to be / with great respect, / Sir, your most obt. servant
Timothy Pickering
P.S. From Captain Nicholson’s letter to the Secretary of the Navy, I am very suspicious that his 24 gun prize, as he would fain have her, will prove a regular armed vessel, under the British authority, coming with the St: Domingo Refugees, to find an asylum in the U. States. He has stripped the whole crew of their money and watches: I wish in the issue of the affair, there may not be grievous complaints of plundering these things.


Title: To John Adams from Edward Pope, 24 September 1798
From: Pope, Edward
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Newbedford, Sept. 24 1798

Doct. Samuel West, jr: being desirous of entering into the Military service of his Country as a Surgeon, has procured letters from three of the most respectable Physicians, in this quarter, certifying their opinion of his abilities—In which I heartily concur.—Those letters will accompany this, from / Your Excellency’s most obedient, / and very humble Servant,

Edw Pope Collector of the Customs


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 September 1798
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 24th. Septr. 1798

I recd. only on Saturday evening, the letter from Capt Nicholson, of which the enclosed is a copy.
It is I think, highly probable, that the Ship brought into Hampton by Nicholson, belongs to, or has been hired by, that unfortunate class of Frenchmen, who call themselves Loyalists, & who adhering to the British ‘till a place of Refuge is denied them in the West Indies, come to America as the only Assylum for their persons & property. The train of Gunpowder mentioned by Nicholson, might have been intended to prevent the greater calamity of falling into the hands of their Countrymen;—The number of the Crew does not appear to be larger than necessary to defend the Ship against the French Privateers they might expect to meet with—and the Crew being made up of all Nations, & of the abandoned of all Nations, may be accounted for on the ground of their not being allowed in a British Island, to take British Sailors. If, indeed it be true, as Nicholson so strongly asserts, that “the ship was cruising & capturing our homeward bound East & West India men” the business will be easily settled.—But it is remarkable, that he says nothing about any evidence he has of this all important fact—And it is also remarkable, that thõ there were reputable passengers on board—& passengers too, irritated by the ill treatment they had recd. He does not attempt to detail any information received from them—nor to depend upon the evidence in their power to give. I fear the real truth, has not been so much the object of his enquiries, as might have been wished in an office of his high rank in the American Navy. I will not however Sir, trouble you with farther comments on this extraordinary official letter.
I have written to the Navy Agent at Norfolk, to liberate or Parole, the officers & owners if they are confined, unless there are stronger reasons than I am informed of, to suspect them of Piracy—& to tell them, they have nothing to apprehend, if innocent—and I have desired him to recommend them to able & honorable Counsel, which I have no doubt will meet with your approbation.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir yr most Obedt servt.
Ben Stoddert


Title: To John Adams from Denny McCobb, 25 September 1798
From: McCobb, Denny,Rogers, James
To: Adams, John

To the President of the United States.Sir,
George town Sepr: 25th. 1798—

At a moment So eventful & alarming as the present, when a great & imperious Nation whose aim is universal domination, is endeavouring to Sap the foundation of our political existence, it is the duty of every man to step forth & avow his Sentiments on Concerns so interesting to humanity—Replete with this Idea, We the field Officers & Commanders of the Companies of the 1st. Regiment 1st. Brigade & 8th. Division of the Militia of Massachusetts address you, to express our highest approbation of the measures pursued by our Illustrious President, & our entire Confidence in his abilities integrity & patriotism—
Should the intrigues of domestic Traitors, or the insolence of foriegn foes, render an appeal to arms necessary, we will be prepared for action & when Commanded to March will do it most Readily Cheerfully—we will meet our enemies & at at the risk of our lives, support the laws & Constitution—assert the dignity—& maintain the honour & independence of the United States—

Denny McCobb Lt. Colo. Commandant Sd RegimentJames RogersEdwd: H. PageMajrs. Said RegimentAlexr: Rogers 1 Capt in Said RegimentPatrick Grace—2 Do:Acter Patter 3 Do:John Potter. 4 Do:Ziba Eaton 5 Do.:Robert Rogers—6 Do:Timothy McCarty 7 Do:David Shaw 8 Do:Smith Baker 9 Do:Do:


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 25 September 1798
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Treasury Department Trenton, September 25th. 1798

I have the honour to inform the President, that I have received Letters from South Carolina, informing me that Arnoldus Vanderhorst and John Chesnut Esqrs. have declined accepting their appointments as Commissioners for that State.
 I have no information which will justify me in indicating the name of a Successor to Mr. Vanderhorst—I have however written to the Supervisor and to Mr. Desaussure for their opinions.
The enclosed Letter from Mr. Isaac Alexander to the Post Master General is submitted to the President—Mr. Alexander is personally well known to Mr. Habersham and Mr. Steele, they both concur in representing him as a man of talents, integrity, and industry; of a liberal education, and well respected in the County where he lives.
I consider this evidence as fully sufficient to justify me in submitting him as a proper person to receive the appointment.
I have the honour to be / with perfect respect / Sir / Your obedient Servant

Oliv Wolcott


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 26th 1798

The inclosed address and petition from the Hudson independent rangers should have been transmitted to you sometime ago; but in my distress it has been omitted. You will please to give them such an answer as our rules and circumstances will admit of.
I am &c

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 26 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 26th 1798

I had the honor of your letter of the 19th last night and have read the inclosures.
Dr. Rushes letter gives me pleasure, because the number of dissappointed candidates is diminished by it by one.
Mr. Sitgreaves letter is frank, candid and agreeable; but although this gentleman has merit and talents, held in high esteem by his country, as well as by me, I cannot help thinking that a few years of service in stations less exalted, than the bench of the U.S., may reasonably be expected from him.
Mr. Lee’s letter deserves great attention. The name, the connections, the character the merit and abilities of Mr. Washington are greatly respected. But I still think that Gen. Marshal ought to be preferred of the three envoys the conduct of Marshal alone has been entirely satisfactory and ought to be marked by the most decided approbation of the public. He has raised the American people in their own esteem, and if the influence of truth and justice, reason and argument, is not lost in Europe, he has raised the consideration of the United States in that quarter of the world. He is older at the bar than Mr. Washington and you and I know by experience that seniority at the bar is nearly as much regarded, at it is in the army. If Mr. Marshall should decline, I should next think of Mr. Washington. It is true that some regard to States ought to be always remembered. But Pensylvania has always had a judge; Virginia has had none, since the resignation of Mr. Blair. As far as states can have reasonable pretensions therefore, those of Virginia are at least equal, to those of Pensylvania. Thus the subject appears to me. If you are of a different opinion I pray you to inform me or if any more meritorious candidate than Mr. Marshall occurs to you I hope you will mention him to / Sir / your most obedient and humble / servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Cheves, 26 September 1798
From: Cheves, John
To: Adams, John

Hond: Sir
Kanawha County Virginia Septr. 26th 1798

Not being acquainted with the situation of the different ports of our Country; nor the minds of the people; I think it most expedient to send my address to you.
I know my intention is honest; but I know also, that every honest intention does not prove advantageous; therefore I wish to have your approbation; which will be manifested, by its appearing in our Public papers—
Permit me to Observe, that it comes without a six pence to pay its passage, for I have it not; therefore if you will be so Obliging as to give it a passage, you will much Oblige
Your very / Humble / Servant

John Cheves


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 26 September 1798
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

Dr. Sir.
Albany 26th. Septr. 1798—

During the late special Session of the Legislature of this State an act was passed for the further defence of this State of which a Copy is herewith enclosed.—The first section of this Act appropriates a Sum not exceeding 150,000 Dollars, towards the defence of the City and port of New York, and provides that the said sum shall be expended under the direction of the President of the United States.
In pursuance of another Section of this Act I have lately obtained on Loan 100,000 Dollars of the above mentioned sum, and should have immediately gone to New York on this and other business, had not a circumstance occurred which made it necessary for me to summon the members of the Council of Appointment to meet here on the eight day of next month.
It appears to be the intention of the Legislature that this money shall be laid out only in the manner which the National Government will recognize as useful and advisable; I therefore take the liberty of submitting to your Consideration whether as Majr. Genl. Hamilton is a national Officer in whom great confidence may be reposed, it would not be expedient to authorize him to concert with me the plan of laying out this money to the best advantage and to appoint him to superintend the execution of it.  I think it would be best that I should leave the money in the Bank of New York, and appoint a proper person to audit and keep the accounts of the expenditures directed from time to time by Genl. Hamilton relative to the works and pay them as they become due, by Checks on the Bank.
I have the Honor to be with great respect /  and esteem /  Dr. Sir  / Your most obt. & Huml. Servt:


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 27 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 27th 1798

On the 27th I received your favors of the 22d The address from the volunteer company of riflemen of Christiania Hundred in the county of New Castle and state of Deleware, I shall transmit to the Secretary at war to be answered according to laws, rules and usages.
The regulations proposed in your letter to Otway Bird, the collector at Norfolk, are prudent and judicious, and ought to be required,—the further discretionary directions, suggested in your letter to me, appear to be also necessary. We cannot be too cautious in guarding against frauds in transactions, so very liable to them. I wish you therefore to send instructions conformable to them with every permit.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James W. Head, 27 September 1798
From: Head, James W.,Brackett, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Warren Sep. 27th. 1798—

The undersigned Officers of the fourth Regiment in the first Brigade of the Eighth Division of the Militia of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, having this day convened for the inspection review and discipline of the Regiment, for the first time since the publication of the Dispatches from the Envoys of these States to the Republic of France, take the liberty tho’ at this late period to express the sentiments and sensations, which have been excited by communications so extraordinary and unexpected—and to join the general voice of their fellow Citizens in making known to you, their full and unequivocal approbation of those decided and dignified measures, which the wisdom and firmness of the chief Executive of the Union have pointed out and pursued, at a Period so critical and important.
The Administration of our National Government, composed of men who have been born and educated in the bosom of liberty, and who have devoted their lives and property to the establishment of equal Rights—and the emancipation of their fellow citizens from oppression, could not fail to take a lively interest, in the struggles of the French Nation during the first stages of their Revolution—engaged as they professed to be in the cause of Freedom, and contending only for those Rights—with which the God of Nature had endowed them—The United voice of America and every Act of its Government pourtrayed at that period the most lively Friendship—and expressed the warmest wishes for the Ultimate success of their exertions—nor could this disposition so honorable to the feelings of a Free Nation—be mistaken or unnoticed—the evidences of it were too numerous and unequivocal—they will ever remain we trust, as the lasting monuments of our National fidelity—and the disgrace and eternal reproach of that haughty and imperious Nation—who have disdained to appreciate, the motives and principles which dictated a conduct so cordial and conciliating—In tracing and recording the bloody progress of the French Revolution, the faithful pen of the Historian, cannot fail to do justice to the pure and upright principles, which have ever directed the Administration of our Government; and we feel as American Citizens, a pride in reflecting—that from recent measures of dignified firmness, our extreme solicitude for the preservation of Peace, will not be imputed to a debased Spirit, but its true cause an ardent desire to maintain a friendly Union with the Nations of the Earth—convinced as we are, that this has been the first wish and the Ultimate object of our constituted authorities, we cannot but regret that it is not to be indulged, but at the expence of the honor safety and independence of our Country—the unprovoked aggressions of the French Government have been so numerous—and so uninteruptedly continued—that we can expect no safety but from a manly and resolute defence—if we were so poor in spirit, so mean and pitiful as to submit to them, we should no more deserve the blessings of a free Government, no longer merit the rich legacy, transmitted to us and obtained by the blood of our Forefathers—The French Nation proud in her Victories, crimsoned with the blood of not only her enimies but her own citizens, hardened in scenes of cruelty and grown ferocious in Deeds of violence—can hardly be expected to retain those impressions of general Benevolence, or those principles of Justice, which would render the attainment or preservation of peace, an Object of exertion or even of desire.—Tho’ placed by our local situation in a remote part of our Country, we have not been ignorant of or inattentive to the progress of her crimes and oppressions—we have seen with indignation and astonishment our lawful commerce obstructed, our peaceful mercantile fellow citizens robbed of their property to the amount of millions, our just complaints answered only with the demand of an ignominious tribute—and our messengers of peace rejected with studied indignity and contempt—feeling as we ought these wrongs and outrages which have been offered to our Country, we cannot hesitate to declare our perfect readiness to rally round the standard of our Government, in defence of it’s violated rights and in support of it’s Administration, which we confidently believe to be as pure and perfect as human nature will admit of—tho’ desirous of peace, we are not willing to purchase it, at the high price of our National sovereignty and independence, nor to submit ourselves as the humble Vassels of a proud & imperious Nation—.
We beg you, Sir, to accept the assurances of our perfect respect and consideration—our grateful remembrance of your past important services in the support of civil and religious liberty, and our unshaken confidence in the wisdom virtue and enlightened policy of your Administration—and may the Great Disposer of Events long watch over and preserve to us—a Life so eminently useful and so deservedly dear to our Country.—

Jas. W Head, Liet. Colo. Comd.Benj’n. Brackett Maj’r.Otis Robbins Maj’r.David Fates Jr. Capt.Wm. Gregory Jun. Capt.Willing Blake Capt.Rufus Crane Capt.Nathan Niles Capt.Willington Gay Capt.Saml. Gillchrist Capt.


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 28 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 28th 1798

The inclosed letter or address and offer of service from a volunteer company of riflemen in Christiania hundred in the state of Deleware I transmit to you to be answered according to law and our rules and usages
I am Sir your most / obedient Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 28 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 28th 1798

I have received your favor of Sept 20th and return you the comission for a judge of the supreme court, signed, leaving the name and date blank. You will fill the blank with the name of Marshall, if he will accept it, if not with that of Bushrod Washington. I cannot blame the former if he should decline, of the latter I have always heard the most agreeable accounts.
I have also received your letter of the 21st with its inclosures and the extract from Gen. Marshalls letter. I am of his opinion, that the world has seldom seen more extraordinary letters than those of Talleyrand.
I have the honor to be &c.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 September 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 28th 1798

Inclosed is a letter from Kinchen Turner of Virginia requesting to be appointed a commissioner to value lands houses &c.

John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Partridge, 28 September 1798
From: Partridge, Samuel
To: Adams, John

To John Adams, President of the United States of America.
Sir,
Northampton, Septr: 28th: 1798—

At the present interesting crisis, We the Grand Jurors of the county of Hampshire,—convened at Northampton in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, at the Session of the Supreme Judicial Court, think it our duty to express our respect for your character, our approbation of your meassures, our confidence in your administration, our determination, to support the Constitution and Laws of our country with our lives and fortunes: A new order of things seems to have commenced; and causes are in operation the extent of whose influence on the state of Society human foresight is probably unable to comprehend; Christianity, notwithstanding all it’s abuses, by the purity and sublimity of it’s precepts had been gradually ameliorating the political condition of men;—To counteract its tendency and to defeat its designs a new system of opinions has been formed and propagated under the name of Philosophy, with a zeal and vigilence which would have done honor to any cause; and which the principles of this new species of philosophy, with rapidity and force, have subverted the ancient Establishments of Europe, and covered that once flourishing quarter of the World with misery and bloodshed.
We have a confidence that the wisdom and energy of our government will oppose a sufficient barrier against this impetuous torrent.Your exemplary life, tried integrity are the best evidence of your attachment to moral principles and our surest pledge of the rectitude and success of your Administration, That your important days may be prolonged and that you may receive the best reward for the Studies and labours of your life, and the gratitude of your country is our earnest desire and constant prayer

Samuel Partridge, 2d:, Foreman.