Title: To John Adams from Peter Delivet, 21 July 1790
From: Delivet, Peter
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Baltimore Goal Jully 21th. 1790

The first cause that the federall Court of anapolis had on there dockett, To Judge, Since Its Erection, Was on a Process of accompt Between two french Merchents, Belonging to france & actual Subjects of his Most Christian Majesty, Which as I aprehend, That Court has No Right to take Cognisance of It Beeing Not only Diamatrically oposite to the Laws of france, But Contrary to the Stipulated articles Between HMC King & the United States, Notwithstanding Which thay have Risolved from the french Consulatory Court of Baltimore To a Judgment Which is appeal to france; off the three Judges of the Consulatory Court that have Given Judgment, two of them are Parties in the Cause, and in order to have the Execution of there Sentencess to proceed agreable to there Minds, thay have had Recourse to the federal Court of Anapolis, Which is Well Known, to Be Contrary to the Laws of Both Nations, I therefore Conclude that the federal Court have Not Been So Circumspect in there audience as the Nature of the Case Required, & on the 7th. and 8 of May Last, in Said Court there was So little Atention Said to the Convention of Both Courts that I who am a Partey Conserned, was Sentensed By the federal Court to Imprisonment, in Violation of a XII article Between the Court of france & the United States, But Whether this Sentence Proceeded from Inatention, Ignorence, Partiality, or any other Cause, I am Not in a Sittuation to Determine  But as it has been Partually Executed, have only to inform Yours Honour of the Cause & Effect, & Desire that You Will Extend Yours humanity & Power with the federal Court So far towards My Releasement from this obscure and Humeliateing Goal, from whence I have the honour of adressing You That thereby I may have an opertunity of Makeing a Proper aplycation for Damages Sustaind from Insult & Injustice,
Your Kind Interposition in this My time of Eligal & abusive treatment will Ever be Most Graatfully acknowledged; By Your Sinceer and Humble Servent

Delivet 2d. LieSnd. of His MC Majesty Navy


Title: To John Adams from George Walton, 23 July 1790
From: Walton, George
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Augusta, 23 July, 1790.

By some intelligencies lately from Europe, it is said that Great Britain is zealously endeavoring to repossess the Floridas; and I have no doubt of the fact, because her interest is greatly concerned in the event, and in general she has seen it better than any other Nation.  Her frozen possessions to the North are not calculated for Caribean supplies.  West-florida is very much so; and the possession of the Navigation of the Mississippi would secure an exclusive right to the advantages of the immense agricultures of the West; and which would encrease by that event.  The ports that Nation keeps contrary to her engagements with America, is the link which is intended to connect her power from the North to the South; and the Bourbon scheme, which aimed at deriving abundance from a wilderness, is now reviving with the felling axe and hoe. If care is not taken that enterprising and commercial Nation will generate another Revolution in America.  Independence West of the Mountains would draw one half of the Eastern Inhabitants.  The result taken from the Union, and put in the scale of Great Britain, would greatly compensate her late losses.  I take it for certain that an arrangement so fatal will be defeated, by alarming the Spanish Nation with the formidability of such a neighbor.  To me it appears one of the most important objects that Nation has latterly contemplated; And success will be equally productive of Wealth, power and revenge.  As I shall be very much obliged to you for your opinion upon this subject, and of the detention of the Ports, I have taken the liberty of addressing this scrawl, being with the highest respect, Esteem, / Sir, / Your Most Obt. Sevt.

Geo Walton.
P.S. Mr. John Gibbons, in point of character and ability, is qualified to be the Accountant in this State for the United States.


Title: To John Adams from Charles William Frederic Dumas, 23 July 1790
From: Dumas, Charles William Frederic
To: Adams, John

					Monsieur,
					La haie 23 Juillet 1790.

				Quoique je puisse & doive être certain que Ve. Exce. a régulierement connoissance de mes Dépeches à l’honble. Départment des Aff. Etr., j’ai néanmoins cru devoir prendre liberté de m’adresser directement à Elle, pour Solliciter, Monsieur, votre attention spéciale à un Article dans celle du 14 au 23 de ce mois, & aux annexes où il est question de l’honneur qui nous est fait par l’Académie Américaine des Arts &  des Sciences à Cambridge en Massachusetts, à Mr. le Professr. Luzac &  à moi; & par conséquent au desir, bien naturel, que nous avons de Savoir à qui nous somes redevables d’avoir été proposés pour cette faveur, afin de pouvoir Lui en témoigner notre juste gratitude.Voilà, Dieu merci, la vraie liberté civile, la vraie Majesté, celle du Peuple, hautement reconnue & établie par deux puissantes nations, capables de donner le ton, l’une au nouveau monde, l’autre à l’ancien, plus que jamais dignes amies l’une de l’autre, faisant ensemble une masse de près de 30 millions d’humains:— un Roi citoyen en plus solidement puissant que tous ses Confreres: tous les autres trônes, Gothiques, fondés sur d’antiques opinions & préjugés, ébranlés par l’abolition de la Noblesse héréditaire &  de l’hiérarchie en France, leur politique déroutée par le Décret de renonciation à tout Esprit de conquête; frémissants, tremblants, ne sachants quel parti prendre pour contenir les millions assujettis à leurs Dictatures.— Novus rerum nascitur ordo.— Et moi, septuagénaire, je verrai encore une partie de tout cela, petit Diogene, seul & rencoigné dans le vaste tonneau de l’hôtel Américain, ne desirant rien des Alexandres, sinon de ne pas m’intercepter le soleil par leur ombre.Veuillez, Monsieur, pendant le reste de cette vie, m’honorer de vos bonnes graces, agréer l’homage de mes respects pour Made. Adams, le tribut de mes voeux pour votre constante prospérité &  pour celle de vos chers Enfans, &  être persuadé du sincere respect avec lequel je suis pour toujours Monsieur, De Votre Excellence, les très-humble & très-obéissant serviteur,

					C w f Dumas


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 24 July 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					July 24, 1790

				The House of Representatives have agreed to a resolution for defraying the expence of seals for the supreme and circuit courts of the United States, to which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: From John Adams to Henry Marchant, 25 July 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Marchant, Henry

Dear Sir
New York 25 of July 17—90

I have recd your favour of the 19th.  I presume your answer to Mr Jefferson will be sufficient but If you write to the President, it will do us harm——Your letter to the President came to me after your appointment, so that I have never delivered nor mentioned it to any one; and shall keep it and all that came with it till your further orders.—It is best it should not now be conveyed to the President, as it is become unnecessary.
I thank you my dear Sir for your friendly politeness.  I shall certainly never pass New Port without seeing you and your family, I hope in prosperity.  I should have written you before but for a cause which makes it difficult to write now, an inflamation in my eyes.  He will not be less  friendly to you, if you should ever hear of poor old blind

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 26 July 1790
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir
New York 26 July 1790

As you were so obliging on saturday last as to inform me of your design to recommend my brother Samuel Russel Gerry to the office of collector for the port of Marblehead, I think it necessary to inform you that of all the candidates, he is the only one who has received any appointment under the State and he has received three offices commissary, naval officer, & Collector of excise. in the two former he gave great satisfaction to the inhabitants of the town as well as to the state, & his reputation was so fair with the General Court, as that a member of the Committee for liquidating accounts informed me, whenever Mr Gerry’s accounts were presented, they were so fair & so well vouched as to require but a few moments examination.  his popularity in the town is manifest by their voluntary petition of the merchants & traders to elect him, directed to the President of the U.S.  Thus much I am in justice bound to say for him, he is a man of strict honor & integrity & assiduous in his undertakings.  He has been very unfortunate by the war & has a large family to maintain, but I will not trouble you further being my dear Sir yours with every sentiment /of esteem & respect

E Gerry


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 26 July 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					July 26, 1790

				The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President;The House of Representatives agree to the amendment proposed by the Senate to the resolve “for defraying the expense of seals for the supreme and circuit courts of the United States.”


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 27 July 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					July 27, 1790

				The House of Representatives have agreed to some amendments of

the Senate to the bill, entitled “An act making provision for the debt of the United States,” and have agreed to others with amendments; in which amendments to the amendments, they desire the concurrence of the Senate;The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled resolves, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 28 July 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					July 28, 1790

				The House of Representatives have agreed to all the amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled “An act to provide more effectually for the collection of the duties imposed by law on goods, wares, and merchandise, imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships or vessels.”They have passed the bill, entitled “An act for the relief of disabled soldiers and seamen, lately in the service of the United States, and of certain other persons;” the bill, entitled “An act for the relief of John Stewart and John Davidson;” and the resolution “for allowing to Francis Mentges certain extra expenses, incurred in the public service;” in which bills and resolution they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from Jeremiah Allen, 29 July 1790
From: Allen, Jeremiah
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston July 29. 1790

When I had the Honor of being with you, a Conversation turn’d upon the Consul for Russia, I observed it would not do, unless some pay or Emolument, was with it, as Consuls at St Petersburg by Custom Were obliged, to Ride with four Horses, Merchants by law forbid to Ride with more than two
Since my Return some of my Friends have advised me, to apply for the appointment, I think if it was consistent and I could be appointed for Russia, Sweden and Denmark perhaps something might be allowed untill the Consulage was sufficient—It was Judge Dana’s Opinion, that one Consul for those Powers would be Competent to every purpose
Your Excellency knows that all Ships going into the Baltic must enter at Elsinore
If a General War takes place, it may be well for the Continent to have a Person, in the Northern part of Europe to be on the Watch, to take any advantage that chance may throw in the Way for the benefit of the Commerce of this Country—I recollect when I had the Honor of a Conversation with your Excellency at Mr Jays, you observed that every Man, who Wishd an office, ought to apply, and that applications were pleasing, therefore I address myself to you, the Reasons why I apply are, when I went to Russia, I was the First American whos Name was enter’d at the Custom House, and put into the Gazette—in Consequence the Dutchess of Kingston sent for me, and by my means sent Her Ship to Boston, which opend the Trade—When I arrived, I advertized in the papers that I would give every information Relative to the Trade &c Mr Cabot had a Ship going there, I wrote a letter to Prince de Narisken, Master of the Empresss Horse, setting forth, that Our Captains were unacquainted with the Trade, and in case of any mistake, Requested him to befriend them—
That Letter he got the English Minister Mr FitzHerbert to translate into French, and a Merchant who understood Russ: to translate it into that Language, and shew them to the Empress, She told him, to Inform me, that every indulgence, that was reasonable should be granted—after I went again to Russia, and carried a present for The Empress of different Birds and SqurrellsShe Received them Graciously, and sent word if I had any favor to ask of the Government it should be granted, I reply’d to the Nobleman that personally, I had nothing to ask, perhaps my Country might, at a future period—from these Circumstances, presuming upon your Friendship and Judgment, I request the favor, that you will be so good, as to mention my Request to The President, shew him this, or an Extract if proper, for which I shall ever Esteem myself under the greatest Obligation to you—I have neither Wrote or Spoke to any person upon the Subject before—it will be adding to the favor if Your Excellency will condecend to Write a line what I may expect, or if necessary for me to go to New York—Mrs Browne joins in Respects to You and Mrs Adams
I take the liberty to enclose a list of the Exports from Russia for the year 1786
I have the Honor / to be with Respect / and Esteem Your / Excellency most Humbl. / and Obedient Servt
Jeremiah Allen


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 29 July 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					July 29, 1790

				The House of Representatives have receded from such of their amendments to the amendments of the Senate, as were disagreed to on the bill, entitled “An act making provision for the debt of the United States;”They have passed the bill, entitled “An act to continue in force, for a limited time,” an act, entitled “An act for the temporary establishment of the post office;” and the bill, entitled “An act to compensate Thomas Barclay for various public services;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 4 August 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					August 4, 1790

				The House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled “An act declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the states of Maryland, Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate;I am directed to inform the Senate, that the President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives, that he did, on the 2d day of August, 1790, approve of, and affix his signature to, a “resolve making allowance for the service of the clerks employed in the office of the commissioner of army accounts,” and to a “resolve to defray the expence of procuring seals for the supreme, circuit, and district courts of the United States;” and, that, on the 4th day of August, 1790, he did approve of, and sign “An act making provision for the debt of the United States;” “An act to provide more effectually for the collection of the duties imposed by law on goods, wares, and merchandise, imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships or vessels;” “An act to continue in force, for a limited time, an act entitled ’An act for the temporary establishment of the post-office;” and, “An act for the relief of John Stewart and John Davidson.”


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 5 August 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					August 5, 1790

				The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he did, on the 5th of August, approve of, and affix his signature to, the “Act to provide more effectually for the settlement of the accounts between the United States and the individual states;”The House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled “An act for adding two commissioners to the board established for settling the accounts between the United States and the individual states;” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 6 August 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					August 6, 1790

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to finish the light-house on Portland Head, in the District of Maine;” and the bill, entitled “An act making an appropriation for discharging the claim of Sarah Alexander, the widow of the late Major General Lord Stirling, who died in the service of the United States;” and the resolve “that the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives be authorized to close the present session, by adjourning their respective Houses on Tuesday next,”

to meet again on the first Monday of December next; in which bills and resolve they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 9 August 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					August 9, 1790

				The House of Representatives agree to the amendment of the Senate to the bill, entitled “An act declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the states of Maryland, Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations;”They have concurred in the bill, entitled “An act to alter the times for holding the circuit courts of the United States, in the districts of South Carolina and Georgia,” with an amendment, in which amendment they desire the concurrence of the Senate;They have “resolved that all surveys of lands in the western territory, made under the direction of the late geographer, Thomas Hutchins, be returned to, and perfected by, the Secretary of the Treasury;”The House of Representatives have also passed a bill, entitled “An act making provision for the reduction of the public debt;” in which bill and resolution they desire the concurrence of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 10 August 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					August 10, 1790

				The House of Representatives agree to the resolution of Senate, to defer the adjournment of the two Houses of Congress to Thursday, the twelfth instant.


Title: To John Adams from John Browne Cutting, 11 August 1790
From: Cutting, John Browne
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir,
London Aug. 11. 1790

If ever there was a time when the volunteer exertions of a citizen of America became a duty incumbent upon him in a foreign realm—that period has existed here.
For many weeks past I have not been absent a single day from the Admiralty—sundays only excepted.  It is not for me to say how efficacious in resisting individual oppression or national mischief this unintermitting attention has proved.
I have not yet leisure to transmit either to Yourself or to Mr Jefferson a full detail of facts.  By the inclosed papers however You will obtain some information.
The press notwithstanding pacific appearances in the newspapers yet continues, throughout the British ports: but whether the british fleet is rendering thus formidable for warlike enterprize or only politic intimidation, the best informed people here can only conjecture.
The preliminary articles of a pacification between the courts of Berlin and Vienna are signed—By these it is said the house of austria must relinquish every fruit of their war with Turkey except the dismantlement or  demolition of a few turkish fortresses.  The reduction of the revolted Netherlands—is a measure that Leopold is resolved on.  Nobody will pity a race of revolutioners so debased by bigotry as to pass contentedly from the imperial yoke to that of priestly and aristocratic fabrication.
The empress of Russia has signified her consent to the Emperor that is to be—of Germany—to make a seperate peace for himself—if his affairs require it.  Firm and haughty she defies her foes and relies on her own resources for carrying on a war with Sweden & the Porte.
Very respectfully Your affectionate and most obed sert

John Brown Cutting


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 11 August 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					August 11, 1790

				The House of Representatives agree to all the amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled “An act making provision for the reduction of the public debt.”


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 11 August 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					August 11, 1790

				The House of Representatives agree to the amendment of the Senate to the bill, entitled “An act making certain appropriations therein mentioned;”The Speaker having signed several enrolled bills, and an enrolled resolve, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President.


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 11 August 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					August 11, 1790

				The President of the United States has this day approved of, and affixed his signature to, “An act to alter the times for holding the circuit courts of the United States in the districts of South Carolina and Georgia, and providing that the district court of Pennsylvania shall, in future, be held in the city of Philadelphia only.”


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 12 August 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					August 12, 1790

				The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he did, on the 11th instant, approve of, and affix his signature to, “An act declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the states of Maryland, Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations;” to “An act for the relief of disabled soldiers and seamen, lately in the service of the United States, and of certain other persons;” and to “An act for the relief of the persons therein mentioned or described;” and that he has, this day, approved of, and affixed his signature to, “An act making provision for the reduction of the public debt;” to “An act making certain appropriations therein mentioned;” and to a “resolve respecting surveys of lands made under the direction of the late geographer, Thomas Hutchins;”I am directed to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives, having finished the business before them, are about to adjourn, agreeably to the vote of the two Houses of Congress on Tuesday last.


Title: To John Adams from Sylvanus Bourne, 15 August 1790
From: Bourne, Sylvanus
To: Adams, John

Dr Sir—
Boston Augt 15th 1790

Observing by the Papers that you are one of the Commrs: appointed for purchasing part of the public Debt at Markett in which you will doubtless probably wish to employ an agent—if this Should be the Case—Mr Woodward occurred to my mind as a person well calculated for such an employ—both for integrity & a thourough acquaintance in this kind of business—having been for a long enrolled in the list of speculators in Boston & with reputation—Should it be convenient to employ him as an agent while you will Serve the publick—you will also confer an essential favour on a meritorious Individual—
I am at a loss to determine why the Consular Bill has been Short of Sight—it will prevent my Departure for some time.
I have the honour to be with great / Respect Yr Ob Servt

Silva Bourne


Title: From John Adams to Chrétien-Guillaume de Lamoignon de Malesherbes, 19 August 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Malesherbes, Chrétien-Guillaume de Lamoignon de

New York, August 19th, 1790.
Mr. Ducher, a French gentleman, whom you did me the Honor to introduce to me formerly by letter, and who is well esteemed in this country, will have the honour to deliver you this.
The news of the death of my worthy friend Count Sarsefield has afflicted me the more as I have never been able to learn the circumstances of it or of his last sickness, or in what situation he has left his affairs, and especially his Manuscripts. He once told me it was his intention to request the Earl of Harcourt, his friend in England, to publish some of his writings after his death.
I should esteem it a favour if you would inform Mr. Ducher of any particulars, or indicate to him any person who can give him information which he will be so good as to convey to me. Knowing as we do by experience the distresses and dangers of a revolution, we are very anxious for our friends in France, to whom we wish all success and happiness.
With great and sincere consideration, I have to be, &c.


Title: To John Adams from John Codman, Jr., 27 August 1790
From: Codman, John, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Dear sir
Boston 27 August 1790

Enclosed is an Account of the Cost of your two Casks of Wine of the charges which I have paid upon it—Agreeably to your desire I shall acquaint Doctor Tufts of the amount that he may discharge it when convenient
I understand our friend Mr Harrison does not accept the appointment of Consul at Cadiz—My Brother Richard whom I believe is honored with being personally known to you I am flattered to suppose would not discredit such an office, he has had as good an education as this country affords & since that time has spent several years in my compting house but lately being out of health he has taken a tour into France Spain & Italy which has given him an acquaintance with some of these languages and finding the climate beneficial to him is a good deal attached to a residence in that part of the world
As your influence must greatly prevail with the President and the Secy of foreign affairs, I have taken the liberty in this instance to solicit your interest in his favour—The Consulship at Cadiz would be more acceptable than any other because I should have it in my power to serve my brother in the course of business better there than elsewhere and had it not been that I conceived Mr Harrison entitled to a preference, this application would have been made at an earlier period when the appointments from Massachusetts were not so disproportionate as at present, which I have understood would probably prevent further appointments from this quarter, but when it is considered that the Education of the Young Gentlemen of this state especially of the Commercial kind is more attended to than in some of the States in the union, whose Merchants are made up principally of foreigners it will not seem extraordinary that more candidates should offer from hence, than from them.
Was it necessary to furnish letters of recommendation from more disinterested persons I would thank you to mention it & I will forward them, I cannot however forbear to solicit your forgiveness for this intrusion on your goodness & to assure you that if you should feel satisfied to interest yourself in behalf of my brother you will confer a lasting obligation on him as well as on Your obed & respectful Hum Servt.

John Codman jun


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 27 August 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Sir,
New York, August 27th. 1790.

Being very desireous of obtaining such aids and information as will enable me to form a just opinion upon the subject of the enclosed paper, in case the events therein mentioned should take place; I have taken the liberty to submit it to you for your consideration, requesting that you will favor me with an opinion thereon.
With very great esteem &  regard /  I am /  Sir, /  Your most Obedt: Hbl. Servt.
Go: Washington Enclosure
                                                (Secret)United States August 27th. 1790

Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain should come to the decision of Arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant and inconclusive, but very much the reverse when compared and combined) there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans and the Spanish Posts above it on the Mississippi will be among the first attempts of the former, and that the reduction of them will be undertaken by a combined operation from Detroit.
The Consequences of having so formidable and enterprising a people as the British on both our flanks and rear, with their navy in front, as they respect our Western settlements which may be seduced thereby, as they regard the Security of the Union and its commerce with the West Indies, are too obvious to need enumeration.
What then should be the answer of the Executive of the United States to Lord Dorchester, in case he should apply for permission to march Troops through the Territory of the said States from Detroit to the Mississippi?
What notice ought to be taken of the measure, if it should be undertaken without leave, which is the most probable proceeding of the two?
Mr. Adams will oblige the President of the United States by giving his opinion in writing on the above statement.

Go: Washington


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 28 August 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Sir,
New-York August 28th: 1790.

The Resolution of the Board for the Reduction of the Public Debt of the 27th of August 1790, which has been submitted to me meets my ideas fully on the subject, and is now enclosed with my approbation.—
With very great esteem & regard /  I am, Sir,  / Your Most Obedient Servant

(signed) Geo: Washington


Title: From John Adams to George Washington, 29 August 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York August 29 1790

That New Orleans, and the Spanish Posts on the Missisippi, will be among the first attempts of the English, in case of a war with Spain, appears very probable: and that a combined operation from Detroit, would be convenient to that end cannot be doubted.
The Consequences, on the western Settlements, on the commerce with the West Indies, and on the general Security and tranquility of the American confederation, of having them in our rear, and on both our flanks, with their navy in front, are very obvious.
The interest of the United States duly weighed, and their Duty conscientiously considered, point out to them, in the case of such a War, a neutrality, as long as it may be practicable.  The People of these states would not willingly support a War, and the present Government has not strength to command, nor enough of the general Confidence of the nation to draw the men or money necessary, untill the Grounds, causes and Necessity of it should become generally known, and universally approved.  A pacific Character, in opposition to a warlike temper, a spirit of Conquest, or a disposition to military Enterprize, is of great importance to us to preserve in Europe: and therefore We should not engage even in defensive War, untill the Necessity of it, should become apparent, or at least until We have it in our Power to make it manifest, in Europe as well as at home.
In order to preserve an honest Neutrality, or even the Reputation of a disposition to it, the United States must avoid as much as possible, every real Wrong, and even every Appearance of Injury to either Party.  To grant to Lord Dorchester in case he should request it, permission to march troops through the territory of the United States, from Detroit to the Mississippi, would not only have an Appearance offensive to the Spaniards, of partiality to the English, but would be a real Injury to Spain.  The Answer therefore to his Lordship should be a refusal, in terms clear and decided, but guarded and dignified, in a manner, which no Power has more at command than the President of the United States.
If a measure so daring offensive and hostile as the march of Troops through our Territory to Attack a Friend, should be hazarded by the English, without leave, or especially after a refusal, it is not so easy to answer the Question, what notice ought to be taken of it.
The Situation of our Country is not like that of most of the nations in Europe.  They have generally large numbers of Inhabitants in narrow territories: We have small numbers scattered over vast regions.  The Country through which the Brittons must pass from Detroit to the Missisippi, is, I suppose, so thinly inhabited, and at such a distance from all the populous Settlements, that it would be impossible for the President of the United States to collect Militia or march troops sufficient to resist the Enterprize.  After the step shall have been taken there are but two Ways for Us to proceed one is War and the other negotiation.  Spain would probably remonstrate to the President of the United States but whether she should or not, the President of the United States should remonstrate to the King of Great Britain.  It would not be expected I suppose by our Friends or Ennemies that the United States should declare war at once. Nations are not obliged to declare War for every Injury or even Hostility.  A tacit Acquiescence under such an Outrage, would be misinterpreted on all hands; by Spain as inimical to her and by Brittain, as the effect of Weakness, Disunion and Pusillanimity.  Negotiation then is the only other Alternative.
Negotiation in the present state of Things is attended with peculiar difficulties. As the King of Great Britain, twice proposed to the United States, an Exchange of Ministers, once through Mr Hartly and once through the Duke of Dorsett, and when the United States agreed to the Proposition, flew from it: to send a Minister again to St. James’s till that Court explicitly promises to send one to America is an humiliation to which the United States ought never to submit. A Remonstrance from Sovereign to Sovereign cannot be sent; but by an Ambassador of some order or other: from Minister of State to Minister of State, it might be transmitted in many other ways: A Remonstrance in the form of a Letter from the American Minister of State to the Duke of Leeds, or whoever may be Secretary of State for foreign affairs, might be transmitted, through an Envoy, Minister Plenipotentiary, or Ambassador of the President of the United States, at Paris, Madrid or the Hague and through the British Ambassador at either of those Courts.  The Utmost length, that can be now gone, with Dignity would be to send a Minister to the Court of London, with Instructions to present his Credentials, demand an Audience, make his Remonstrance, but to make no Establishment and demand his audience of leave and quit the Kingdom in one, two or three Months if a Minister of equal degree were not appointed and actually sent to the President of the United States, from the King of Great Britain.
It is a Misfortune that in these critical moments and Circumstances, the United States have not a Minister of large Views, mature Age Information and Judgment, and strict Integrity at the Courts of France Spain London and the Hague.  Early and authentick Intelligence from those Courts may be of more importance than the Expense: but as the Representatives of the People, as well as of the Legislatures, are of a different opinion they have made a very Scanty Provision for but a part of such a System.  As it is, God knows where the Men are to be found who are qualified for such Missions and would undertake them.  By an Experience of ten Years which made me too unhappy at the time to be ever forgotten, I know, that every Artifice which can deceive, every temptation which can operate on hope or fear, Ambition or Avarice, Pride or Vanity, the Love of Society Pleasure or Amusement will be employed to divert and warp them from the true line of their Duty and the impartial honour and interest of their Country.
To the Superior Lights and Information derived from office; the more serene temper and profound Judgment of the President of the United States, these crude and hasty thoughts concerning the Points proposed, are humbly Submitted, with every sentiment of respect and / Sincere Attachment, by his most obedient /and most humble servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Adams, Sr., 2 September 1790
From: Adams, Samuel, Sr.
To: Adams, John

Sr:
Boston Septemr. 2d: 1790

I have not a written a single line to any friend in, or out of Congress during the late session, having been prevented by my old nervous disorder, and am now dictating this to a confidential friend, whom you well know—
Capn. Nathaniel Byfeild Lyde who commanded the Ship in which your Lady sailed to England has informed me that a number of Vessells are to be built, and employed to guard the coast for a preventing of breaches of the act of trade; and he requests me to ask the favour of you to mention his Name to the President of the United States for a command—I now gratify his request, which is my apology—
I hope you, and your connections are in good health, and spirits—Mrs: Adams joins me in due Regards to yourself, and Lady
I am, dear sir, with much Esteem, and respect— / Your affectionate friend
S Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Fitzsimmons, 2 September 1790
From: Fitzsimmons, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Thursday 2. Septr 1790

Mr. Fitzsimons will do himself the pleasure of dineing with the Vice President on Wednesday Next


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Adams, Sr., 12 September 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Samuel, Sr.

Dear Sir
New York September 12th 1790

Upon my return from Philadelphia to which beloved City I have been, for the purpose of getting an house to put my head in next Winter I had the pleasure of receiving your favour of the Second of this month.  The sight of our old Liberty Hall, and of Several of our old Friends, had brought your venerable Idea to my mind, and continued it there, a great part of the last Week, so that a Letter from you on my Arrival Seem’d but in continuation. I am much obliged to the confidential friend for writing the short Letter you dictated and shall beg a continuance of similar good Offices.
Captain Nathaniel Byfield Lyde whom I know very well, has my hearty good Wishes. I Shall give your Letter and his to the Secretary of the Treasury, the Duty of whose Department it is to receive and examine all Applications of the kind. Applications will probably be made, in behalf of the officers who Served the last War in the Navy, and they will be likely to have the preference to all others: but Captn Lydes Application shall nevertheless be presented and have a fair Chance.
My Family as well as myself are I thank God in good health, and as good Spirits as the prospect of a troublesome removal will admit.  Mrs Adams desired her particular regards to your Lady and yourself.
What? my old Friend is this World about to become? Is the Millenium commencing? Are the Kingdoms of it about to be governed by Reason? Your Boston Town Meetings, and our Harvard Colledge have Sett the Universe in motion.  Every Thing will be pulled down.  So much Seems certain.  But what will be built up? Are there any Principles of political Architecture? What are they? Were Voltaire and Rousseau Masters of them?  Are their Disciples acquainted with them?  Lock taught them Principles of Liberty: but I doubt whether they have not yet to learn the Principles of Government.  Will the Struggle in Europe, be any Thing more than a change of Impostors and impositions?
With great Esteem and Sincere affection / I am my dear sir your Friend / and Servant

John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Nathaniel Byfield Lyde, 12 September 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Lyde, Nathaniel Byfield

Sir
New York, September 12, 1790.

Your letter did not rech me, ’till this morning, on my return from Philadelphia.  Your application shall be communicated to the Secretary of the Treasury, whose duty it is to examine the pretensions of everyone in the line you are pursuing.—The Candidates will probably be numerous, especially among the surviving Officers of the late Navy; so that I cannot foresee what will be the success of your request.  Mrs A returns Compliments to yourself and Mrs Lyde. I am Sir, with esteem, your most obedient

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Abbé Chalut, 13 September 1790
From: Chalut, Abbé,Arnoux, Abbé
To: Adams, John

					Paris 13. 7bre 1790

				Les abbés Chalut et Arnoux ont l’honneur de faire leurs Sinceres Compliments à Monsieur Adams et de l’assurer de leur estime et de leur amitié; ils lui envoyent un exemplaire de deux ouvrages posthumes de M. l’abbé de Mably. ces deux ouvrages sont en deux volumes. il en paroitra encore Cinq on aura soin de les lui faire parvenir à mesure qu’ils paroitront
les abbés Chalut et Arnoux presentent leurs hommages respectueux à Mde. Adams et à Mde. votre fille, ils font leurs amitiés à M.M. vos fils.


Title: To John Adams from Abbé Chalut, 13 September 1790
From: Chalut, Abbé,Arnoux, Abbé
To: Adams, John

					Paris 13. 7bre 1790

				Nous voila libres comme vous, notre cher et estimable ami, nous n’obeirons plus qu’aux lois, nous ne payerons plus que les impots que nous aurons consentis par nos representants librement elus. nous ne serons plus jugés dans les affaires criminelles que par des jurés. auriez vous cru en arrivant en france que cet etat où le despotisme regnoit depuis tant de siecles, deviendroit un état libre? tel est l’empire de La raison et de la philosophie. La lumiere a dissipé les tenebres. nous avons appris que nous étions des hommes, et que nous etions faits pour étre heureux. les prejugés politiques et religieux nous avoient abrutis et dans notre abrutissement nous avions perdu jusqu’au sentiment de notre qualité d’hommes. nous sommes retablis dans nos droits, c’est à nous à veiller à leur conservation. les Roix en sont les ennemis, la puissance seule de faire le bien ne leur suffit pas, ils veulent avoir celle de faire le mal, comme le dit j.j. Rousseau. le peuple ne veut et ne voudra jamais que son bien; on peut le tromper on peut l’égarer, mais quand on lui fait connoitre les erreurs et les ecarts il revient à la verité et à son bonheur. jusqu’aujourd’hui il a tendu constamment et ce courage à la liberté qu’on lui avoit ravie, il sçaura la conserver parce qu’il est armé, parce qu’il est instruit et qu’on l’instruit chaque jour. ce n’est plus le meme peuple que vous avez vù. c’est un peuple regeneré. il est resté bon dans cette regeneration, la haine de L’oppression et de la tirannie est profondement gravée dans son ame. ce sentiment sera l’egide de notre sainte constitution.il auroit été bien honteux pour nous, qu’après nos vœux et nos secours pour vous aider à conquerir une liberté que la cupidité et la tirannie vous avoient ravie, si nous n’avions pas voulu jouir des avantages precieux que nous vous avions procurés. vous avez été temoin des premiers pas que nous avons faits vers la liberté. la revolution étoit Commencée avant votre depart les papiers publics vous ont instruit de ses suites. la constitution touche à sa fin la guerre dont l’angleterre nous menace n’en suspendra pas les travaux, et les ressources pour la plus energique et rigoureuse defense ne nous manqueront manqueront pas. un peuple libre, comme vous sçavez par vous meme, est toujours puissant ses ennemis n’ont à esperer que la honte de l’entreprise et de la defaite. le guerre si elle a lieu, ne sera plus, comme autre fois, une guerre de ministre, de favori ou de Maitresse d’un Roi; elle sera vraiment nationale et une nation provoquée et offensée dans tous ses membres soutenir avec le courage l’heroisme et le succès de la liberté.nous nous occupons maintenant de l’établissement de nouvaux tribunaux de justice, l’assemblée nationale a aboli par un de ses decrets tous les parliments et les autres tribunaux subalternes dont les places etoient venales. le peuple nommera lui meme les juges pour six ans, ce tems  resolu  si le peuple est content de ceux qu’il avoit nommés, il les réelira de nouveau et tous les six ans la meme election aura lieu. le Roi n’aura que le droit de donner des ,  un refus de sa part devra étre motivé, et son motif sera jugé.vous nous avez dit plusieurs fois que si vous aviez à choisir entre un bon gouvernement et le jugement par les jurés, vous prefereriez ce dernier au premier, nous aurons l’un et l’autre et nous serons des Citoyens heureux comme vous.nous vous envoyons trois exemplaire de deux volumes des ouvrages posthumes de M. l’abbé de Mably. il y en a un pour vous, un pour M. jay et le troisieme pour M. Adams. il y a encore cinq volumes à paroitre, nous aurons soin de vous les faire parvenir à tous les trois à mesure qu’ils paroitrons. vous trouverez dans ces ouvrages le meme esprit, les memes principes que vous avez trouvés dans les premiers. m. l’abbé de Mably ne se dement point, il est toujours le meme, il a toujours eu pour guide la justice les droits de l’homme et le bonheur auquel la nature le destine, et vous verrez qu’il ne s’en est pas ecarté.nous n’ecrivons pas à MM. Adams et jay cette lettre, si vous voulez bien le permettre, leur sera commune. nous les assurons l’un et l’autre de l’estime et de l’amitié qu’ils nous ont inspirées, nous avons l’honneur d’être avec les memes sentiments / Monsieur et estimable ami / vos très humbles / et très obeissants serviteurs

					ChalutArnoux.


Title: To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 18 September 1790
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John

Weymouth Sept  18. 1790
Dear Sr

Accounts have been exhibited to me by several depy Sheriffs for service of Writs committed to them by you while in the practice of Law. I have found myself embarrassed with respect to the payment of them to being fully acquainted with your Mode of transacting Business with them. I have found it necessary to examine Your Writ Execution and Account Books; in Some Cases where the minutes in them rendered it probable that you charged & received the Service and that neither you nor the Plaintiff had accounted for the Service I have paid it—but least I should make blunders I wish you to give me some Directions relative to the Payment of such Accounts
I find in your Accts. a Ballance of £20. or more Standing against Thos. Boylstone Esq. If it is due, would it not be best to render  in the Accts. to Mr. Gill—There is also a Ballance of  £15.5.2 against Simon Joy of this Town (lately due). I have presented the Acct. to his admrs who informd me that he has a receipt of £12 or 14£ but could not then ascertain  the Sum being from Home.  I have examind the Writ Book and find the following Entries
Viz. “Jany. 6t 1771. John Adams vs. Simon Nehemiah, David & William Joy.  Writ & Servce 8/6 recd.—8/6 Agrd—”“Jany 6t. 1774. John Adams vs. Simon Joy & Als. Bond. 9/4  servce. recd. 16/ Cost and £ l2.10.l in Part of the Bond for which I gave a loose Recipt Jany 4. 1774—“The abovementd. is formed from an Account begun in 1770 & continued to 1773 —no Credit is given therein And as an action was brought against Simon Joy & Sons on bond in 1771 Jany 6t. and the Account was then open I suppose the Receipt mentioned by the Admrs must undoubtedly be the receipt you havegave Jany 4. 1774 Acct. of the Bond and that the Account is still due—
whether I am right in my idea of the business you can best determine—But as the Sum in Question is worth attending to youll be pleased to give me Such Information as You may think necessary for the proper Settlement of the Acct.
I enclosed in my last Letter to Mrs. Adams a List of your public Securities—
Be so good as to write to me upon the Matters abovementioned by the first Oppy. I wish you an agreable Scituation at Philadelphia, but at the same time cannot but sympathize with you on the Misfortune of removing from so de1ightful a Spot as that you have lately occupied. I sometimes think that had you been less conversant with Removers you would enjoyed a less Share of Health, However those which you have undergone, must have been attended with great fatigue Trouble and expence—Be pleased to present my affectionate Regards to Mrs. Adams & Family.
I am with Sincere Respect / Yours
Cotton Tufts

Octobr 21.This day recd. yrs of the 10th Inst. & shall comply with Your Request—


Title: To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 24 September 1790
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, John

Sir
Plimouth Sept 24 1790

though the vice president of the United States &, his lady may have forgotten Mrs Warren. yet her former friend Mr Adams will accept a small volum from the hand of their / Sincere & very / Humble Servant
M Warren


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Adams, Sr., 4 October 1790
From: Adams, Samuel, Sr.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Boston Octr. 4th. 1790

With pleasure I received your Letter of Septr. 12th. and as our good friend, to whom I dictated my last is yet in Town, I have requested of him a second favour—
You ask what the World is about to become? and, Is the Millenium commencing? I have not studied the Prophesies, and cannot even conjecture.  The Golden Age so finely pictured by Poets, I believe has never yet existed but in their own imaginations.  In the earliest periods, when for the honor of human nature, one should have thought, that man had not learnt to be cruel; what Scenes of horror have been exhibited in families of some of the best instructors in Piety, and morals! Soon the heart of our first father was greivously wounded at the sight of the murder of one of his Sons, perpetrated by the hand of the other.—Has Mankind since seen the happy Age?  No, my friend.  The same Tragedy’s have been acted in the Theatre of the World; the same Arts of Tormenting, have been studied, and practiced to this day; and true religion, and reason united have never succeeded to establish the permanent foundations of political freedom, and happiness in the most enlightened Countries on the Earth.—After a complement to Boston Town meetings, and our Harvard College as having “set the universe in Motion”; you tell me Every Thing will be pulled down; I think with you, “so much seems certain,” but what say you, will be built up?Hay, wood, and stuble may probably be the materials, ‘till Men shall be yet more enlightned, and more friendly to each other—“Are there any Principles of Political Architecture”? Undoubtedly.  “What are they?”—Philosophers ancient, and modern have laid down different plans, and all have thought themselves, Masters of the true Principles.  Their disciples have followed them, probably with a blind prejudice, which is always an Enemy to truth, and have thereby added fresh fuel to the fire of Contention, and increased the political disorder—Things have been deposed by aspiring Nobles, whose pride could not brook restraint—These have waged everlasting War, against the common rights of Men.—The Love of Liberty is interwoven in the Soul of Man, and can never be totally extinguished; and there are certain periods when human patience can no longer endure indignity, and oppression.  The spark of liberty then kindles into a flame; when the injured people attentive to the feelings of their just rights magnanimously contend for their compleat restoration. But such contests have too often ended in nothing more than “a change of Impostures, and impositions.” The Patriots of Rome put an End to The Life of Cæsar; and Rome submitted to a Race of Tyrants in his stead.  Were the People of England free, after they had obliged King John to concede to them their ancient rights, and Libertys, and promise to govern them according to The Old Law of the Land?  Were they free, after they had wantonly deposed their Henrys, Edwards, and Richards to gratify family pride?  Or, after they had brought their first Charles to The block, and banished his family?  They were not—The Nation was then governed by King, Lords, and Commons, and its Libertys were lost by a strife among three Powers, soberly intended to check each other, and keep the scales even.  But while we daily see the violence of the human passions controuling the Laws of Reason and religion, and stifling the very feelings of humanity; can we wonder, that in such tumults little, or no regard is had to Political Checks, and Ballances?  And such tumults have always happened within as well as without doors.  The best formed constitutions that have yet been contrived by the wit of Man have, and will come to an End—because “the Kingdoms of the Earth have not been governed by Reason.”  The Pride of Kings, of Nobles, and leaders of the People who have all governed in their turns, have dissadjusted the delicate frame, and thrown all into confusion—What then is to be done?—Let Divines, and Philosophers, Statesmen and Patriots unite their endeavours to renovate the Age by impressing the Minds of Men with the importance of educating their little Boys, and Girls—of inculcating in the Minds of Youth the fear, and Love of the Deity, and universal Phylanthropy; and in subordination to these great principles the Love of their Country—of instructing them in the Art of self government, without which they never can act a wise part in the Government of Societys great, or small, in short of leading them in the Study, and Practice of the exalted Virtues of the Christian System; which will happily tend to subdue the turbulent passions of Men, and introduce that Golden Age beautifully described in figurative language; when the Wolf shall dwell with the Lamb, and the Leopard lie down with the Kid—the Cow, and the bear shall feed; their Young ones shall lie down together, and the Lyon shall eat straw like the Ox—none shall then hurt, or destroy—for the Earth shall be full of the Knowledge of the Lord—When this Millenium shall commence, if there shall be any need of Civil Government, indulge me in the fancy that it will be in the Republican form, or something better—
I thank you for the your Countenance to our friend Lyde—Mrs. Adams tells me to remember her to yourself, Lady, and Connections; And be assured that I am sincerely / Your friend
Saml Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Temple Franklin, 13 October 1790
From: Franklin, William Temple
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philadelphia, 13 Oct. 1790.

Permit me to inform your Excellency, that in consequence of pressing Letters from my Friends in England and France, urging me to go over immediately with my Grandfathers Papers, in order to derive that Advantage in the Publication of them, which, they say, delay would diminish;—& having likewise some other private Business to transact; I have concluded to go in the Pigou, which will sail for London the latter end of this Month.—It will give me great Pleasure, Sir, to be honor’d with yours & your Ladys Commands for that City, or Paris; whither I propose going sometime in January: And if during my stay in Europe I can in anyway be useful to your Excellency, I beg you will command me freely, & be assur’d that I shall at all times be happy to prove to you my Gratitude for past Favors, and how sincerely I am, / Sir, / Your Excellency’s /most obedient and / faithful humble Sert.

W. T. FranklinMy best Compliments to your Son.—


Title: From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 16 October 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, William Temple

109
Sir.
New York October 16 1790.

Last night I had the pleasure to receive your obliging letter of the 13 of this month: and thank you for your information of your intention to embarke for Europe.  The advice of your friends in France and England, to be as early as possible in the publication of your Grandfathers papers, is probably judicious; as a certain ardor of curiosity wears off in such cases commonly in time.  Your friend my dear Mrs. Adams is ill in bed, of a fever; and which renders the misfortune more severe, we were all packed up for a removal to Philadelphia.  I am however still in hopes that we shall be at Bush-hill before you embark; in which case I shall request the favor of you to take a small Packett or two.  But, if contrary to my hopes, and expectations, we should not see you before you Sail, present my affectionate regards to all our good friends in France and England, especially the marquis and his Lady, Mr Grand and family, and the Abbys De Chalut and Arnoux;  In England to Mr Hartly Dr Price Mr Brand Hollis, and the Vaughan Family.  I shall be glad to hear of your wellfare, and to read your observations upon the progress of Liberty in Europe. I am Sir with much esteem and regard your most obedient Servt.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Adams, Sr., 18 October 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Samuel, Sr.

Dear Sir
New York Oct. 18. 1790

I am thankful to our common friend as well as to you for your favour of the 4th. which I received last night.—My fears are in Unison with yours, that Hay, Wood and Stubble will be the materials of the new political Buildings in Europe, till Men shall be more enlightened and friendly to each other.
You agree, that there are undoubtedly Principles of Political Architecture: but instead of particularizing any of them, you seem to place all your hopes in the universal or at least more general prevalence of Knowledge and Benevolence.  I think with you that Knowledge and Benevolence ought to be promoted as much as possible: but despairing of ever Seeing them Sufficiently general for the Security of Society, I am for Seeking Institutions which may Supply in some degree the defect.—If there were no Ignorance Error or Vice there would be neither Principles nor Systems of civil or political Government.
I am not often Satisfied with the opinions of Hume but in this he seems well founded that all Projects of Government founded in the Supposition or Expectation of extraordinary degrees of Virtue are evidently chimerical.  Nor do I believe it possible, humanly Speaking that Men should ever be greatly improved in Knowledge or Benevolence without assistance from the Principles and system of Government.  I am very willing to agree with you in fancying, that in the greatest Improvements of society, Government will be in the Republican form.  It is a fixed Principle with me that all Good Government is and must be Republican. But at the same time, your Candour will agree with me, that there is not in Lexicography, a more fraudulent Word.  Whenever I Use the Word Republick, with approbation I mean a Government, in which the People have, collectively or by Representation, an essential share in the Sovereignty.  The Republican Forms of Poland and Venice, are much worse, and those of Holland and Bremen very little better, than the Monarchical form in France before the late Revolution. By the Republican form, I know you do not mean, the Plan of Milton, Nedham or Turgot: for after a fair Tryal of its miseries, the simple monarchical form will ever be, as it has ever been, preferred to it, by Mankind.  Are We not, my Friend, in danger of rendering the Word Republican unpopular in this Country, by an indiscreet, indeterminate and equivocal Use of it?  The People of England have been obliged to wean themselves from the Use of it by making it unpopular and unfashionable, because they found it was artfully Used by Some and simply understood by others, to mean the Government of their Interregnum Parliament.  They found they could not wean themselves from that destructive form of Government, so entirely, as that a mischievous Party would not still remain in favour of it, by any other means, than by making the Words Republick and Republican unpopular.  They have succeeded to such a degree, that with a vast Majority of that nation, a Republican is as unamiable as a Witch a Blasphemer, a Rebel or a Tyrant.  If, in this Country, the Word Republick should be generally understood, as it is by some, to mean a form of Government inconsistent with a mixture of three Powers forming a mutual ballance We may depend upon it, that such mischievous Effects will be produced by the Use of it, as will compell the People of America to renounce, detest and execrate it, as the English do.  With these Explanations, Restrictions and Limitations I agree with you in your Love of Republican Government, but in no other sense.
With you, I have also the honour most perfectly to harmonize, in your Sentiment of the Humanity and Wisdom of promoting Education in Knowledge Virtue and Benevolence.  But I think that these will confirm mankind in the opinion of the necessity of preserving and strengthening the Dykes against the ocean, its Tides and Storms.  Human Appetites, Passions, Prejudices and self Love, will never be conquered by Benevolence and Knowledge, alone introduced by human means.  The millenium itself neither supposes nor implies it.  All civil Government is there to cease and the Messiah is to reign.  The happy and holy state is therefore wholly out of this question.  You an I agree in the Utility of universal Education: But will nations agree in it, as fully and extensively as We do?  And be at the Expence of it?  We know with as much certainty as attends any human Knowledge, that they will not.  We cannot therefore Advise the People to depend for their safety, Liberty and Security, upon hopes and Blessings, which We know will not fall to their Lot.  If we do our duty then to the People We shall not deceive them, but advise them to depend upon what is in their Power and will relieve them.
Philosophers ancient and modern do not appear to me to have studied Nature, the whole of Nature, and nothing but nature.  Lycurgus’s Principle was War and Family Pride: Solons was what the People would bear, &c. The best Writings of Antiquity upon Government those I mean of Aristotle, Zeno and Cicero are lost.  We have human Nature, Society, and universal History to observe and study, and from these We may draw, all the real Principles which ought to be regarded.  Disciples will follow their Masters, and interested Partisans their Chieftains, let Us like it, or not.  We cannot help it.  But if the true Principles can be discovered and fairly fully and impartially laid before the People, the more light increases the more the Reason of them will be seen, and the more disciples they will have.  Republic, Passion and private Interest, which will always mingle in human Enquiries, one would think might be enlisted on the side of Truth, at least in the greatest number, for certainly the Majority are interested in the Truth if they could see to the End of all its Consequences.  “Kings have been deposed by aspiring Nobles” True, and never by any other.  “These” the Nobles I suppose “have waged everlasting War against the common Rights of Man.”  True, when they have been possessed of the Summa imperii, in one body, without a Check. So have the Plebeians—so have the People, so have things.  So has human Nature in every shape and Combination, and so it ever will.  But on the other hand the Nobles have been essential Parties in the preservation of Liberty, whenever and wherever it has excited.  In Europe they alone have preserved it, against Kings and People, wherever it has been preserved: or at least with very little assistance from the People.  One hideous Despotism, as horrid as that of Turkey, would have been the Lot of every nation of Europe, if the Nobles had not made Stands.  By Nobles I mean not peculiarly, an hereditary Nobility, or any particular modification, but the natural and actual Aristocracy among Man kind.  The Existence of this you will not deny.  You and I have seen four noble Families rise up in Boston the Crafts’s Gares, Dawe’s and Austins.  These are as really a Nobility in our Town, as the Howards, Sommersets, Berties &c in England.  Blind undistinguishing Reproaches, against the Aristocratical part of Man kind, a Division which Nature has made and We cannot abolish, are neither pious nor benevolent.  They are as pernicious as they are false.  They serve only to foment Propadue Jealous, Envy Animosity and malevolence.  They serve no Ends but those of Sophistry, Fraud and the Spirit of Party.  It would not be true, but it would not be more egregiously false, to say, that the People have waged everlasting War against the Rights of Men.
“The Love of Liberty, you say is interwoven in the Soul of Man.” So it is, acending to La Fontaine, in that of a Wolf, and I doubt whether it be much more rational generous or social, in one than in the other untill in Man, it is enlightened by Experience, Reflection, Education and civil and political Institutions, which are at first produced and constantly supported and improved by a few, that is by the Nobility.  The Wolf in the Fable, who preferred running in the forest, lean and hungry, to the Sleek plump and round sides of the Dog, because he found the latter was sometimes restrained, had more Love of Liberty than most Men.  The Numbers Men in all ages have preferred Ease, Slumber and good chear, to Liberty when they have been in Competition.  We must not then depend alone upon the Love of Liberty in the Soul of Man, for its Preservation, Some political Institutions must be prepared to assist this Love, against its Ennemies.  Without these, the Struggle will ever end, only in a Change of Impostors.  When the People who have no Property, feel the Power in their own hands to determine all questions by a Majority, they ever attack those who have Property till the injured Men of Property, loose all Patience and recur to finesse, Trick and Stratagem, to outwit those, who have too much Strength because they have two many hands, to be resisted any other way.  Let Us be impartial then and Speak the whole Truth.  Till we do we shall never discover all the true Principles that are necessary.  The multitude therefore as well as the Nobles must have a Check. This is one Principle.
“Were the People of England free, after they had obliged King John to come to them, their ancient Rights.”  The People never did this... There was no People who pretended to any Thing.  It was the Nobles alone. The People pretended to nothing but to be Villains, Vassals, and Retainers to the King or the Nobles.  The Nobles, I agree, were not free, because all was determined by a majority of their Votes, or by Arms, not by Law.  Their Feuds deposed their “Henrys, Edwards, and Richards,” to gratify Lordly Ambition, Patrician Rivalry and “Family Pride”.  But if they had not been deposed those things would have become Despots, because the People would not and could not join the Nobles in any regular and constitutional opposition to them.  They would have become Despots, I repeat it, and that by means of the Villains Vassalls and Retainers aforesaid.  It is not Family Pride, my Friend, but Family Popularity that does the great Mischief, as well as the great good.  Pride in the heart of Man, is an evil fruit and concommitant of every Advantage; of Riches, of Knowledge; of Genius, of Talents, of Beauty of Strength, of Virtue, and even of Piety.  It is sometimes ridiculous, and often pernicious: but it is even sometimes and in some degrees Useful.  But the Pride of Families would be always and only ridiculous, if it had not Family Popularity to work with.  The Attachment and Devotion of the People to some Families, inspires them with Pride.  As long as Gratitude or Interest, Ambition or Avarice, Love, hope or fear shall be human motives of Action, so long will numbers attach themselves to particular Families.  When the People will, in spight of all that can be said or done, cry a Man or a Family up to the skies, exaggerate all his Talents & Virtues not hear a Word of his Weakness or faults, follow Implicitly his advice detest every Man he hates, adore every Man he loves, and knock down all who will not swim down the stream with them, where is your Remedy?  When a Man or Family are thus popular, how can you prevent them from being proud.  You and I know of Instances in which Popularity has been a Wind, a Tide, a Whirlwind—The History of all Ages and Nations is full of such Examples.  Popularity that has great Fortune to dazzle; splendid Largesses to excite warm Gratitude, Sublime beautiful and uncommon Genius or Talents to produce deep Admiration; or any Thing to support high hopes and Strong Fears, will be proud, and its Power will be employed to mortify Ennemies, gratify friends, procure Votes, Emoluments and Power.  Such Family Popularity ever did and will govern, in every nation in every Climate, hot and cold wet and dry—every civilized and savage People.  Christians and Mahomatans Jews and Heathens.  Declamation against Family Pride is a pretty Juvenile Exercise: but unworthy of Statesmen.  They know the Evil and danger is too serious to be Sported with.  The only Way, God knows, is to put those Families into an Hole by themselves, and sett two Watches upon them; a Superiour to them all, on one side, and the People on the other.  There are a few Popular Men in the Massachusetts, my Friend who have I fear less honour, sincerity and Virtue than they ought to have.  That if they are not guarded against may do another Mischief.  They may excite a Party Spirit, and a mobbish Spirit instead of the Spirit of Liberty, and produce another Wat Tylers Rebellion.  They can do no more.  But I really think their Party Language ought not to be countenanced; nor their Shiboleths pronounced.  The miserable Stuff that they utter about the Well-born is as despicable as themselves.  The ευγενεισ of the Greeks, the bien neés of the French, the Gewellgebornen of the Germans & Duch, the Beloved Families of the Creeks, are but a few samples of national Expressions of the same Thing, for which every nation on Earth has a similar Expression.—One would think that our Scribblers were all the sons of Redemptioners or transported Convicts.  They think with Tarquin In novo populo, ubi omnis repentina at que ex virtute nobilitas sit, futurum locum forti ac strenuo viro.
Let us be impartial. There is not more of Family Pride on one side, than of Vulgar Malignity and popular Envy on the other.  Popularity in one Family raises envy in another and in others.  But the Popularity of the least deserving will tryumph over Envy and Malignity, while that which is acquired by real Merit will very often be over born and oppressed by it.
Let Us do Justice to the People and to the Nobles for Nobles there are as I have before proved in Boston as well as Madrid.  But to do Justice to both, you must establish an Arbitrator between them.  This is another Principle.
It is time that you and I should have some sweet Communion together. I don’t believe, that We who have preserved for more than thirty years an uninterupted Friendship, and have so long thought and acted harmoniously together in the worst of times, are now so far asunder in sentiment as some People pretend.  In full confidence of which I have Used this freedom, being / ever your warm friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 19 October 1790
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Adams, John

my Dear Sir
Harvard, octo. 19th. 1790

amidst the numerous & important concerns in which you are engaged & for which I rejoice that you should sometimes think of me gives me a heartfelt satisfaction & I trust to have some claim to the continuance of your friendship & correspondence, if being conscious, my regard for you was always sincere & interested from principle, in the cause of your country.
I began this letter on a pleasing spot in Dorsetshire called Adams a portion of a large farm nominated Harvard there you stand not alone, but in the midst of a commonwealth surrounded by your american friends & Hero’s; Cotton Mather Vane Hutcheson Maghen Hancock & others indeed the whole state is peopled with American Patriots and martyrs.  think then what pleasing reflections must there occur from the glorious effects of the principles of these noble writers & actors, Ludlow, Sidney, Marvell, Harrington, Milton, Neville Locke all surrounding Harvard have operated, to emancipate your Hemisphere & the same divine light has dispersed no small clouds & illumined our Horizon which will direct to more extended future views.
France will succeed to her utmost wishes the Assignats do pass currently & the Lands sell at 22 years purchase & it is imagined the Lands of the church will sell higher as the purchase is more convenient.  the government will be formed & fixed by January & a new election of members which will strengthen the present system.
I never despaired of the French revolution there is one will all acting to one point the general happiness, & the oppression which was enormous drove to this & discover’d to the body of the Nation that the welfare of 30 millions of people was an object of greater consequence to them who made that number than the parade & pomp of one family or of one man to whose fantastick power they were Subject. what a divine afflatus to break out all at once! to such a phantom of a King as now is, perhaps I should have no objection but the name, the Hebrew Superstition still remaining; its probably he may be of use for suspence and deliberation.
two councils would not have been born in France the Nobility would have torn the other house in peices & no regeneration could have succeeded the peerage remaining.
what fermentation can you expect here? we are not sick enough for any bleeding nor yet ripe for any cure! You have touched on a capital principle, live & let live have we not extended the monopoly even to Liberty but is not this the spirit of trade?—take warning, has not Cicero said something like this 2000 years ago? that more humanity more knowledge & freedom will be the consequence of these fermentations I have no doubt & will all tend to Essential good.
The pope precipitates his fall by folly ignorance & avarice—Status Ecclesia a large & severe work published a great sale of books of an Italian Dr. cheifly Physick and Natural not capital knowledge a small tract from Paitonic of Venice Paris sur la vente &c which may be satisfactory to you, will come next time—
I can say with great truth no American wishes prosperity to that country more than I do & therefore rejoice to hear that you are getting into order & that Rhode Island is united with you.
I cannot say the French have been hasty they have done much it is true & much remains to do.
I am glad to hear of your pleasing situation as no one has a greater claim to be happy for the services he has done & is doing.  your Journals entertained me & add to my american library. mr Knox conveyed to me Winthrop and the confederalist this I have read some time since & is valuable the other is curious as a History of a persecuted Colony.  I do not want inclination to see your country but the objection my amiable friend makes to repeat her visit here, operates strongly with me with the additional circumstance eternal of Blue and gold.
one unlucky circumstance regarding marbles in your country & I fear will prevent the use of them is that the flies will entirely cover them with a Patina not of the most pleasing or antique colour.
If no americans were ever prisoners at algiers or Morrocco you need have no fears of the plague but we have heard lately & most truly of some dying there & the transportation is most easy by goods—however Howards book is most excellent of its kind & therefore sent it wishing you to have every capital Book said as it is you are the first Library.  am told you have Piranesi works? we only differ about the wolfe & what is the best guard against him under whatever name he may go we had a singular meeting on the 4th November Dr Price in the Chair as a triumph over Burke—Horne Tooke one of the stewards supporting him on one side!  Many excellent tracts from D.P. may the Parliament of England be the National assembly.
I cannot but send you Burke’s reflection on the French revolution tho unwilling to disperse them illiberal & indecent full of misrepresentations & Sophistry inveterate prejudices disappointed ambition tending almost to raving, talents misapplied eloquence and Brilliancy of stile perverted to wrong purposes, thus all the amiable excellencies & knowledge & science are become mischeivous & detrimental to the best interests of mankind! yet notwithstanding this work is become the engine of party to scandalize the most independent & best of men.
The Bernois have made a cordonn of 3000 men with increase of pay to keep out the French refugees! Vain cord! Burke will remind you of filmer in the 18th century! Some french speeches will entertain you.  Which I wish this letter may do for it has tired me.  Is there a good Library at N. York on a liberal plan?  on the 4th. we had the news of the Spanish affairs to settled on 27. by Gazette a matter of triumph to our young man & the only Equivalent for his enormous expences I rejoice that France will not now be disturbed in her new constitution not that it is the general wish here of politicians.  The Czarina has made peace without the P. Tyrant interfering
incomplete


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Tucker, 10 November 1790
From: Tucker, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Sir
Marbd. 10th Novr 1790

On the first of Octobr I happen’d in Boston & with Pleasure was made acquainted with, Genl. Knox and, with the Genl. had some Conversation respecting the building those Ten federal Cutter’s, he desir’d me to write, and give him a line to the President.  I immediately obey’d his desire & also wrote a line to the Vice President, asking his Influence with the President, in Procuring me the command of one of the Cutters hoping my request will not be deem’d Impudence.
Sir from an early dawn, of the American contest, untill the close of the revolution I serv’d my Country, without any kind of Impeachment, and since Peace took place have been, truly Unfortunate, at this Period such a command, would afford me a comfortable Living, in addition to the small Intrest I possess  Your assistance in this request shall ever be Gratefully acknowledg’d by Sir your Most Obedient and very / Humble Servant

Samuel Tucker
N.B. The copy of the Journal You mention’d to me When had the Pleasure of seeing You in London, was Prepar’d—immediately on my arrival, but not knowing weither necessary or not to forward it, the Abstract remains with me.
Yours, to serve

S.T.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Whipple, 22 November 1790
From: Whipple, Oliver
To: Adams, John

Most respected Sr.
Portsmouth NH. Novr. 22d. 1790

I have again presumed on your Goodness and Candour; and hope for Pardon; The Subject I once address’d you upon, will perhaps soon be agitated in Congress; I mean the Assumption of the Excise, Thro’ the States; And as you benevolently intimated, that you would notice my Application, in Conjunction with Mr. Langdon, to recommend me to the Favour of the President as a Candidate for the Office of, Collector of, Excise in our State, should Such appointment take Place; I am induced again to solicit your Friendship and Patronage; a Word from you in this Matter, will produce the desired Effect; It is not in my Power to be of any Service to you, it is beyond my Reach; and the only Recompence you can receive, will, be the Reflection, of a generous Act to one whose Mind will be ever grateful, & whose Conduct will never dishonour the Recommendation, You may be pleased to give. I am Sr. with the  highest / Respect and Esteem, your / most obliged & very humble / Servt:

Oliver Whipple


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 23 November 1790
From: Hollis, Thomas Brand
To: Adams, John

The Hide Novem: 23d. 1790.

Rebout St Etienne address is too good to be lost as also Castellane opinion.
I have sent you a Packet by mr Cutting as unwilling to lose the opportunity—had no time to write and beg the favour of you to forwards the others.  If there are any particular books regarding the Italian States you wish to have let me know and I will endeavour to procure for you, tho from this sale too late, as it is desirable you should be complete, having introduced that Knowledge wch before was not attended too & for wch the publick owe you much.
Burke & the convention will amuse the town for a little while which is always provided with a tub.—
I have endeavoured to amuse you and have tired my self & it is time I should release you by assuring you that I am with great esteem & regard
Dear Sir / your very sincere Friend

T. Brand Hollis


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 26 November 1790
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Nov. 26. 1790.

From a letter received from the President mr Lear is satisfied he cannot be here to-day and doubts even the possibility of his arrival tomorrow.  of course our expedition of to-day would be certainly fruitless, and is therefore laid aside agreeably to a message I have received from Genl. Knox & the attorney Genl.
Your’s affectionately & respectfully

Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 30 November 1790
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

Sir
Albany 30th Novr 1790

I have taken the liberty to send you under cover of this, a Little production of mine—Not from any principal of vanity, nor from any perticular merit I may suppose this work to possess: but as a small acknowledgment for your polite attention to me when at the Hague as well as to crave your pardon for the free use I have made of your name on several occasions.  You will observe Sir by the preface that I had no previous intention of appearing in the light of an auther—I must therefore solicit you will pass lightly over its defects.
I am now settled in this City.
I am with the most profound Veneration & respect /Sir /Your Oblig’d Hl St.

Elkanah Watson Jun.


Title: To John Adams from Jan Willink, 2 December 1790
From: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam 2 Decemr: 1790.

Deprived of your agreable favors since we had the honor of Paying you our respects under date of 1 Febry, the present will principally Serve to advise the drawing of the Lottery of the American 4 per Cts. in which we are sorry to find that the Numbers of your Obligations do not Class among the fortunate ones; by this opportunity we beg leave to remind you of the prize of ƒ1000—which fell to your lot the former drawing; we pray you to send us a receipt for the Amount together with the Coupons that are due, ordering us at the same time in what manner to dispose of the Amount.—
It gives a very singular Satisfaction to observe the influence made on the Public Credit of America by the Wisdom with which the Legislative acts of Congress are fraught, we sincerely hope the same sage Councils may continue to direct their proceedings & that their encreasing Credit may arrive e’re long at the highest pitch.—
Our Ladies join us in respectfull Compliments to you & Lady praying you to be assured of the Esteem with which we have the honor to remain / Sir, / Your most obedt. Hmble Servants
Wilhem & Jan Willink


Title: To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 3 December 1790
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir—
New york December 3d. 1790.

Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Mr. Blodget, tho’ I believe you may recollect seeing him in London—he will present himself to the President being charged with the prosecution of a plan relative to the building of the fœderal City, he is a young man of great property and supported in his project by most undoubted security, he will if you give him an oppertunity communicate his intentions out of civility and respect for your Character and station but has not the most distant wish, that you should in any manner interest yourself in the business, but as it will doubtless become a matter of conversation, your Knowing from himself the principles of his project will be sufficient master of the subject to say When it is mentioned what you think of it, founding your observations on the experience of the project the Genius of a Boston Lad, &  the effect it will have on the public purse—you will oblige me by telling him I have written to you on the subject as I promised him I would, & as a young rising genius, I think him at least entitled to smiles and protection, remember me to Mrs: Adams Mr. Thomas & Kiss my dear boy for me
I am Dr. Sir—yours sincerely
W: S: Smith


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 4 December 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Treasury Department Dec 4 1790

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to enclose to the Vice President of the United States the letter of the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, with that of Captain Lyde.  These papers were duly transmitted to the President of the United States, but could not be attended with any favorable consequences to Captain Lyde, as a commander for the Cutter in the Massachusetts Station had been appointed before they reached him.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 7 December 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					December 7, 1790

				 I am directed to inform the Senate that a quorum of the House of Representatives is assembled, and ready to proceed to business.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 7 December 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					December 7, 1790

				The House of Representatives have resolved that a committee be appointed, jointly with such committee as the Senate shall appoint, to wait on the President of the United States, and notify him that a quorum of both Houses is assembled.


Title: From John Adams to Pa., City and County Commissioners Philadelphia, 9 December 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Philadelphia, Pa., City and County Commissioners

Gentlemen:
Thursday, December 9, 1790.

The Senate have considered the letter that you were pleased to address to the Senate and the House of Representatives, on the 6th instant, and they entertain a proper sense of the respect shown to the general government of the United States, by providing so commodious a building as the commissioners of the city and county of Philadelphia have appropriated for the accommodation of the Representatives of the Union, during their residence in this city.
I have the honor to be, / Your most humble servant,
John Adams,Vice President of the United States,and President of the Senate.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 9 December 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					December 9, 1790

				The House of Representatives have resolved that two chaplains of different denominations be appointed to Congress, for the present session; one by each House, who shall interchange weekly.


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 10 December 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					December 10, 1790

				The House of Representatives have, on their part, appointed the Reverend Doctor Blair, one of the Chaplains to the present Congress.


Title: To John Adams from William Cranch, 11 December 1790
From: Cranch, William
To: Adams, John

Sir
Braintree Decr. 11. 1790.

Having neglected writing to you for so long a time, for which I can form no possible Apology, except a general aversion to writing, I feel a degree of diffidence. in again addressing you—and being destitute of political information, I am ignorant how I shall render a letter acceptable. I have yet to acknowledge the receipt of two favours from you, of the 14th, & 31st of last March, the latter of which inclosed the Character of an honest Lawyer. I obeyed your commands respect- the printing of it, as far as I could. I regret that the vices of indolence, drunkenness, captiousness & ignorance should render it inapplicable to so great a number of the profession in this County. There are however enough left yet, I hope, to keep up the remembrance of that Character, and to invalidate that popular opinion, that every lawyer must be a dishonest Man.
I am sorry to hear that the County of Barnstable, should have probably made choice of one of the Profession, for their Representative in Congress, whose intemperance has already ruined his own Character, and will, I fear bring disgrace upon the Commonwealth. It is said that the influence of General Freeman, decided the choice. His utmost Exertions were used, in order to remove Mr Bourne, that the General’s Son, who has just entered the Profession, may step into Mr Bourne’s business. A selfishness of Principle which, it appears to me, the good People of the District ought to resent.
All this, Sir, you may possibly have heard before—I am so little engaged in the political way at present, that I am almost the last person in the County to whom the News comes. My Sphere of Politics, like the Magician’s Circle, includes only myself; and my principle object in view at present is to obtain a support. myself It is extremely disagreable to me to be obliged to be dependant, even upon the goodness of a Parent, after having arrived at the Age of Manhood—I am still, however,  necessitated to submit to that Condition. I do not complain that business comes no faster. I know not what right I have to expect more. For some time at least, it must be accident only that can bring me Clients—
I find myself, Sir, very ignorant of the Civil law. Where shall I begin my Course of Study in that branch?  I have presumed, Sir, to trouble you with this request, relying upon that readyness to afford your Instruction which I have so often experienced, and for which I hope I shall always feel Grateful.
Our friends here are all well—We feel extremely anxious concerning my Aunt’s health—We have not yet heard of her Arrival at Philadelphia—We regret that your distance from us is increased & are waiting with impatience for the Spring in Expectation of a visit from you & my Aunt, when none of your friends or Relations will receive you with more sincere Respect, duty or Affection than your obliged Nephew
William Cranch.


Title: From John Adams to George Washington, 13 December 1790
From: Adams, John,United States Senate
To: Washington, George

Monday December 13th 1791 1790

At twelve o’clock the Senate attended upon the President of the United States at his own House, when the President of the Senate delivered the following Address.
To the President of the United States of America.
We receive, Sir, with particular satisfaction the communications contained in your Speech, which confirm to us the progressive State of the public Credit, and afford at the same time, a new proof of the solidity of the foundation on which it rests; and we chearfully join in the acknowledgement, which is due to the probity and patriotism of the mercantile and marine part of our fellow Citizens, whose enlightened attachment to the principles of good government is not less conspicuous in this, than it has been in other important respects.
In confidence that every constitutional preliminary has been observed, we assure you of our disposition to concur in giving the requisite Sanction to the admission of Kentucky as a distinct member of the Union, in doing which, we shall anticipate the happy effects to be expected from the sentiments of attachment towards the Union and its present government, which have been expressed by the Patriotic inhabitants of that District.
While we regret that the continuance and increase of the hostilities and depredations which have distressed our northwestern Frontier, should have rendered offensive measures necessary, we feel an entire confidence in the sufficiency of the motives which have produced them; and in the wisdom of the dispositions which have been concerted in pursuance of the powers vested in you; and whatever may have been the event, we shall chearfully concur in the provisions which the expedition that has been undertaken may require on the part of the Legislature, and in any other which the future peace and safety of our frontier Settlements may call for.
The critical posture of the European Powers will engage a due portion of our Attention, and we shall be ready to adopt any measures, which a prudent circumspection may suggest, for the preservation of the blessings of Peace: The navigation and fisheries of the United States, are objects too interesting not to inspire a disposition to promote them, by all the means, which shall appear to us, consistent with their natural progress, and permanent prosperity.
Impressed with the importance of a free intercourse with the Mediterranean, we shall not think any Deliberations misemployed which may conduce to the adoption of proper measures for removing the impediments that obstructed it.
The improvement of the judiciary system, and the other important objects, to which you have pointed our attention will not fail to engage the consideration they respectively merit.
In the course of our deliberations, upon every subject, we shall rely upon that co-operation which an undiminished zeal, and incessant anxiety for the public welfare on your part, so thoroughly ensure; and as it is our anxious desire, so it shall be our constant endeavour, to render the established Government more and more instrumental in promoting the good of our fellow citizens, and more and more the object of their attachment and confidence.
United States of America,
In Senate December the 13th 1790

John Adams.Vice President of the United Statesand President of the Senate.—


Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 16 December 1790
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Elkanah

Sir
Philadelphia Decr 16. 1790

I have this moment received your favour of Nov. 30, and the Volume inclosed with it: an acceptable Present for which I thank you.
I have not yet had the time to read it, and cannot therefore form any Opinion of its merit.  By a kind of  on the Anecdote of the Child drowning in  the Canal at the Hague, which brought strongly to my Recollection the feelings We both experienced in that distressing moment, which were abundantly compensated by the Joy at the unexpected deliverance of the little Urchin.
If upon reading the Book, any remarks should occur to me worthy your Attention I may at some leisure moment, communicate
I am obliged to you for informing me where you are situated: and I hope your Prospects are there agreable, and will answer to your Expectations.
My Rambles abroad appear to me like a Dream: and if your Book had not recalled the Scene of the drowning Babe I might never have thought of it more. My Imagination is always refreshed with the Recollection of my Walks and rides about the Hague which are charming: and with those in the Bois de Boulogne, more than with the more Splendid Scenes at Courts or in Cities.
I am Sir with Sincere regard / your most obedient Sert

John Adams.

P.S. I remember now that you once told me at the Hague “That the American Tories and refugees in England dreaded me more than any other or than all other men in the World.” These Expressions, although they are very Strong are of ambiguous Signification.—there were some forged Letters printed in my Name in the London Newspapers breathing Vengeance against that description of People which was never in my feelings nor consistent with my Principles. from these Counterfeits they might be led to expect from me vindictive measures against them, which I never dream’d of.The Refugees moreover, might entertain hopes, however weak and visionary, of again Seeing the Domination of Britain reinstated in America, and might think me their most determined opponent.—in Such a Guess as this they would not have been much out. however as you Said you know their Sentiments from Conversations with them, I wish you would explain the matter toJ A.


Title: To John Adams from J. Altheer, 16 December 1790
From: Altheer, J.
To: Adams, John

					A Son Exellence
					ce 16e Dec: 1790.

				Du Temps de votre Ambassade nous eumes l’honeur de vous voir en cette Ville et meme à notre magazin de Livres ou vous avez achettés entre autres le Tableau de l’hist. des Provinces Unies par Cerisier imprimé chez nous & dont nous vous addressames les 3 derniers volumes  à la Haye en 1783. pour f5.8—dholl.Comme mon Oncle le Sr. Wild par l’augmentation de ses années et le Changement de systeme est resolû de se retirer il m’a cedé tout son commerce me chargeant de la liquidation. je prends la liberté de vous addresser celle ci, en vous sollicitant de faire connoitre notre magazin à quelque Libraire de Philadelphie sur lequel nous pouvons faire fond: ce seroit trop de vous solliciter à nous envoyer quelque bonne addresse de Libraire chez Vous, ne fut ce que par un de vos secretaires: Nous sommes en etat de fournir presque tous les livres d’Etudes, grecs ou latins comme vous verrez par le Catalogue, que nous avons remis à Mr. Dumas pour votre Exellence.C’est avec une Consideration non alterable que j’ai l’honeur d’etre sincerement de / Votre Exellence / tres h & tres obb servr.

					J: Altheer


Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 20 December 1790
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Adams, John

					Mr. President:
					December 20, 1790

				The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled “An act to continue an act, entitled ’An act declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the states of Maryland, Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.