Title: To John Adams from John Davis, 15 January 1798
From: Davis, John
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Boston Jany. 15th. 1798

I herewith inclose Mr. O’Brien’s letter, pursuant to your Excellency’s instructions. I thought it proper to copy the two first pages and to place the extract in the hands of Dr Lathrop, to be communicated to the Academy, at their next meeting.
Mr O’Brien’s donation is still at Plymouth. No convenient opportunity has ocurred to have it conveyed by land, and the severity of the season has prevented the usual intercourse by Water. It is however safely lodged with one of my friends, with directions to forward it by the first vessell, and I expect its arrival daily.
I have the honor to be, /  Sir, /  Very respectfully /  your Most obedt. Servt.

Jno Davis


Title: From John Adams to Noah Webster, 16 January 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Webster, Noah

Sir
Philadelphia Jan. 16. 1798

I have this moment resd your favour of the 13th. and should be happy to give you any Information in my Power.
In July 1761, I think it was, but have no Record or minute here, My Father died and my Mother was very ill, and I think, Seventeen Persons in the Neighbourhood in Braintree died of a Fever occasioned by an endemial Cold, so much like the Influenza that I Suppose it to have been the Same.
In 1782, I had the Influenza in Holland and all Europe had it, about the Same time, and I  has been traced to Asia, from katska and  Finisterre: I have  the Atlantic and  America. I esteem so much your Letters to Dr. Currie that I hope to see them Soon in a Pamphelt, and should be glad to give you any assistance in my Power in your Investigation.
If you will write a Letter to me or to The Honourable Cotton Tufts of Weymouth, with any Questions you wish to have elucidated, that Gentleman who is an able Phisician, and was in Practice in 1760 and 1761 will readily oblige you with Satisfactory Information. I will convey your Queries to him with much Pleasure.
I wish you would send me your Account of my Arrears for your Paper, that I may take measures to pay you.


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 17 January 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives—
United States January 17th 1798

The situation of Affairs, between the United States, and the Cherokee Indians, having evinced the expediency of a Treaty with that Nation, for the promotion of Justice to them, as well as of the Interests and convenience of our Citizens, I have nominated, and by and with the Advice and consent of the Senate appointed Commissioners to hold conferences and conclude a Treaty, our Treaty, as early as the season of the year and the convenience of the parties will admit.
As we know very well by experience that such negotiations cannot be carried on, without considerable expences, I recommend to your consideration the propriety of making an appropriation at this time, for defraying such as may be necessary, for holding and concluding a Treaty
That you may form your judgments with greater facility, I shall direct the proper Officer to lay before you an Estimate of such Articles and expences as may be thought indispensable
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James Greenleaf, 18 January 1798
From: Greenleaf, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada. Jany 18. 1798

I am not without apprehension that I may commit an impropriety by the present mode of address—if I do, I trust to your well known indulgence for forgiveness—
It is my fixed intention, Sir, after obtaining an honorable discharge from my present confinement, to quit Commercial pursuits, and turn my attention to Agriculture—unless an opportunity should immediately present for serving my Country in some public capacity suited to my limited political talents—and which will require my residence at the seat of Government—Should any Office be at present vacant, or soon become so—to the exercise of which, you may think me not incompetent—I beg leave, Sir, humbly to offer myself as a Candidate for the same—but should this not be the case, I have particular reasons for desiring, that my present application, may be known, only to those who are in your confidence—
I have the Honor to be / With great respect & veneration / Sir, Your very obedient / and humble Servant

James Greenleaf.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 23 January 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States—January 23d 1798

The William Miller, whom I nominated some days ago, to be Commissioner of the Revenue is, William Miller, the second of that name of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 23 January 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives
United States January 23d 1798

At the commencement of this session of Congress, I proposed in course of it, to communicate to both Houses, further information, concerning the situation of our Affairs, in the territories of the United States, situated on the Missisipi River, and in its Neighbourhood; our Intercourse with the Indian Nations; our Relations with the Spanish government, and conduct of their officers and Agents—This information will be found in a Report of the Secretary of State and the documents attending it, which I now present to the Senate and House Representatives

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 24 January 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Philadelphia January 24. 1798

The President of the United States, requests The Secretary of State, The Secretary of the Treasury The Secretary of War, and the Attorney General to take into their Consideration, the State of the Nation and its foreign Relations, especially with France. These indeed may be so connected with those as with England, Spain, Holland, and others, that perhaps the former cannot be well weighed without the other.
If our Envoys Extraordinary, should be refused an Audience, or after an Audience, be ordered to deport without accomplishing the Object of their Mission 1. They may all repair to Holland, or 2. two of them may return home, leaving one abroad. 3. all of them may return to America.
In the first case will it be prudent to call them all home, and in the second to recall the one?
In any of the three Cases, what will be necessary or expedient for the Executive Authority of Government to do here?
In what manner should the first Intelligence be announced to Congress by Messages or Speech?
What measures should be recommended to Congress?
Shall an immediate Declaration of War be recommended or suggested? If not, what other system, shall be recommended, more than a repetition of the recommendations heretofore repeatedly made to both Houses.
Will it in any Case and in what Cases be adviseable to recommend an Embargo?
What Measures will be proper to take with Spain? What with Holland? What with Portugal? but above all what will Policy dictate to be said to England? and how shall it be said? By Mr. King? or to Mr. Liston? and how shall it be conveyed to Mr. King? by Packet? by any ordinary conveyance? or by Some Special, trusty, and confidential Messenger? Will it not be, the soundest Policy, even in case of a Declaration of War on both sides between France and the United States, for Us to be totally silent to England and wait for her overtures? Will it not be imprudent in Us to connect ourselves, with Britain in any manner, that may impede Us in embracing the first favourable Moment or opportunity to make a seperate Peace? What Aids or Benefits can We expect from England, by any Stipulations with her, which her Interests will not impel her to extend to Us without any? on the brink of the dangerous Precipice on which she stands, will not shaking hands with her, necessitate Us, to fall with her, if she falls? On the other hand what Aid could We stipulate to afford her, which our own Interest would not oblige Us to give, without any other Obligation. In Case of a Revolution in England, a wild Democracy will probably prevail, for as long a time as it did in France: in such Case will not the danger of reviving and extending that Delirium in America, be increased in proportion to the Intimacy of our Connection with that Nation?


Title: From John Adams to Dwight Foster, 27 January 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Foster, Dwight

Saturday Morning Jany. 27th 1798

The President of the United States requests the pleasure of Mr. Fosters company to dine this day at 2 Oclock


Title: From John Adams to William Vans Murray, 3 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Murray, William Vans

Dear Sir—
Philadelphia Feby 3d: 1798.

I have now before me your several favours of 18th July, 4, 11 & 17th of August, and 31st October.—I am very much obliged by your kind attention to me, in all these instances, and for the News papers you have Sent me from time to time—
I have attended with some care and with  great pleasure to your correspondense with the Secretary of State, which will do you much honor—I wish it could be more generally known, but you know the difficulties in the way—
We are waiting with impatience for news from Europe, and especially from Paris—not a line from our Envoys, since their arrival at Paris—we are anxious to read the history of our Sisters the New Republics of Italy, those of France, Holland and Genoa we have already read.
Some of your acquaintances who laboured with so much Zeal, to over–rule a certain Treaty, are now trying their hands at another Experiment, with the same principles but will not Succeed.
I hope Mrs: Murray’s health, has not suffered by her Voyage, and by her residence in Holland—Wishing you both, health, Spirits, honor and pleasure. I am with great Esteem and regard your friend & Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Wilkinson, 4 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Wilkinson, James

copieddear Sir
Philadelphia Feby. 4th 1798.

I have received your favour of the 26th decr: by the Miami Chief the Little Turtle, and have received and observed him with attention—He is certainly a remarkable man—He is recovered of the Small pox, and what is worse, a severe fit of the Gout—We shall endeavour to make him happy here, and contented after his return—I thank you for introducing him to me, and for the information you have given me, concerning him—
I have also received your Letter of the 26th of december—It is Very true that I have been tortured, for a greater part of the year past with written, anonimous insinuations against several persons in conspicuous public Stations; that they had formed improper connections with Spain, and among others against yourself—It has been frequently asserted, that you held a Commission and received pay as a Colonel in the Spanish Service; this opinion seems to have taken such root upon the Mississippi among the people in general, that scarcely any Man arrives from that neighbourhood, who does not bring the Report along with him—They seem to be in such a temper in that region that nobody escapes accusation—I have not suffered these rumors concerning you to make impression upon me, but have lamented what I perceived must be the consequence of them among the people of the United States—the same Jealousy or malice which transmitted them to me, I suppose would propogate them elsewhere without much reserve–I recollect perfectly well, my injunction to you in person, to employ all the force within your power, both Militia and regulars, if necessary to oppose the English or any other foreign nation, who should presume to attempt a Violation of our Territory, by any Expedition through it, against their Enemies—
It would be a pleasure to me, to nominate your Son to a Commission as you request, But in the first place there is no Vacancy in the Artillery at present as I am told, and secondly it was a rule  established by my Predecessor, that the Ensigns should have attained the age of twenty one, and I should be severely censured for departing from a Military precaution of so high Authority.
I recollect my Consenting that you should make an Excursion, if in your Judgment the service would admit of it, to the Copper Country, I thank you for the sample you have sent me, which I design to have analysed
For yourself Sir, I will say I esteem your Talents. I respect your Services, and feel an attachment to your person, as I do, to Every man, whose name and Character, I have so long known in the Service of our Country whose behaviour has been Consistent.—
We may be nearer than we suspect to another tryal of our Spirits; I doubt not yours will be found faithful. What measures you may think fit to take to silence the Villainous clamours, and Rumours of your connections with Spain and France I know not, But no Violent ones or military ones will do any Good—I shall give no countenance to any imputations unless accusations should come, and then you will have room to justify yourself; But I assure you I do not Expect that any Charge will be seriously made
I am Sir your most obt. & humble Sert.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 5 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States February 5. 1798

I nominate Lucius Horatio Stockton of New Jersey to be the Attorney of the United States for the District of New Jersey, in the place of Abraham Ogden Esqr. deceased.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elias Boudinot, 5 February 1798
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Adams, John

To the President of the United States of America
Mint of the United States Feby. 5th 1798

The Director of the Mint, begs leave for the Information of Government, respectfully to export
That during the past Year, there have been issued from the Mint, the several Species of Coin particularly mentioned in the enclosed Returns, amounting in Value to 194,605 Dollars in Gold Coins, 63,156, 45/100 Dollars in Silver Coins, and 9,990, 34/100 Dollars in copper Coins, making up the whole Quantity of Coin heretofore issued from the Mint, to 344,050 Dollars in Gold, 506,188, 75/100 Dollars in Silver, and 31,687, 74/100 Dollars in Cents and half Cents—
The Director would observe, that having had no Prospect of large Deposits of the precious Metals during the past Year, he had reduced the Number of the Workmen, to bear some due Proportion to the Business doing at the Mint; but that the Prospect of a pretty full Supply of Silver during the current Year, since this Return of the Estimate of Expences to the Treasury, has justified the Director in encreasing the Force of the Mint, so as to answer the Demand expected to be made, from the encreased Amount of Deposits of silver Bullion, the additional Expences whereof may be fully paid out of Arrears of former Appropriations—
Some Doubts have arisen, as to the Ability of the Mint to supply the Necessities of the Union, with respect to a circulating Medium in our own Coins—This will depend entirely on the Legislature. If the Director is allowed a sufficient Force, and the Mint can be furnished with Bullion, it will be within his Power to produce one Million, or ten Million of Dollars in Coins Per Annum, in Proportion to the Aids he shall receive for the Purpose.
It is with Pleasure, he can assure the President, and it will be easy to demonstrate the Fact, that the greater the Force used, and the Quantity coined, the proportionate Expence to the Amount of Coin, will be lessened—The Force hitherto made Use of, has been from four to five Horses, and on an Average, fourteen Workmen. It is now raised to twenty Workmen, and six Horses are intended—This last, tho’ an expensive Measure, is by no Means adequate to our Wants—They cannot perform the necessary service longer than two Hours at a Time, and the Business is often impeded by them—Whereas, could it be permitted to erect a steam Engine, the Use of Horses would be superceded, and a Force equal to double the Quantity of Work would be obtained, and several of the other Machines now worked by manuel Labour, might be carried on by the same Operation—
From an Estimate of the Expence of such an Engine, laid before the Director, and annexed hereto, with an Estimate of the Work which might be performed by Means of it, he is of Opinion that the Price of the Engine would be saved in two or three Years—
Heretofore, it would have been a great want of Œconomy to have encreased the Force of Hands and Horses in the Mint, and of Consequence the public Expence, beyond what was necessary for the Coinage of the expected Bullion, merely on Account of shewing great Expedition in coining small Deposits. Whatever has been brought to the mint, has been as promptly executed as was compatable with that Œconomy; but whenever the Government, or Citizens, shall produce a sufficient Supply of the precious Metals, it will then be justifiable to increase the Expences of the Institution—
The Director is pleased to find, that from the Experience he has had of the new Arrangement, with Respect to the Coinage of Copper, any Quantity may now be made that can be disposed of, attended with a considerable Advantage to the Public—
He begs Leave to refer the President to his former Reports with regard to the unprotected State of the Mint, as far as relates to the Punishment of Offenders who may be guilty of the several Offences mentioned therein, which yet remains unprovided for—
All which is humbly submitted—

Elias Boudinot DM


Title: To John Adams from John Sevier, 6 February 1798
From: Sevier, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
State of Tennessee Knoxville 6th. February 1798

In a letter of this day from the Honorable David Campbell esquire, one of the Judges of the Superior courts of law and equity in this state, he complains that on the third Instant about ten O Clock at night, on his own premises, and not within the indian line, he was arrested by two of Colonel Butlers Officers, and conducted a prisoner to his cantonment there detained until the next day before he was liberated—
Permit me sir with all due deference to observe that no act hostile to the General Government has been committed, or attempted, by the state of Tennessee, nor can any transaction of our government warrant the imputation of any thing of the kind; our laws are sufficiently wholesome and energetic, and also faithfully administered in a manner fully competant and adequate to the suppression of every kind of crimes and enormities that may be committed—
I do not harbor or entertain a doubt, that the President ever give any orders that will warrant or justify a procedure so despotic and inimical to the liberties of our Citizens, but on the contrary believe he is entirely uninformed that a transaction of the kind was contemplated.
Permit me to express that it is painful in the extreme, that such an event has happened, and been exercised, on a Character that has served with fidelity, the United, as well several of the states, in very high and dignified stations—I therefore request with much solicitude, that a stop may be put to such unwarrantable and unconstitutional conduct, if not, the disorder may progress into an uncureable disease.—
I cannot admit or suppose, that martial law, has any right to be enforced; when the civil meets no obstruction or impediment; but if such has been directed, we hope to be advised in order that we may know, in what Manner to conduct in future.
I have the honor to be sir / With every sentiment of esteem / And high respect / Your Obt. & very Huml Servant

John Sevier


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 7 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States February 7th: 1798

I nominate Thomas Appleton of Massachusetts, to be Consul of the United States at Leghorn, in the Place of Phillip Felicchy, Superseeded
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 8 February 1798
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

T. D feby. 8th. 1798

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the President of the United States.
That on the 28th. of August 1797, the inclosed Return was recd. by the Secy. by which it appears that the sum of seven thousand four hundred & seventy eight Dollars & fifty nine Cents, of public money remained in the hands of Joshua Wentworth Supervisor of the Revenue for the District of New Hamshire on the 21st of July 1797.
That by the direction of the Secy bills were drawn by the Treasurer on the 1st. of Sept. 1797 in  of George Simpson Esq. Cashier of the Bank of the United States for Five thousand five hundred Dollars, on the 3d supervisor, to be paid out of the 3d  sum aforesaid.
That it appears by the original Naturiel Acts now exhibited the herewith, that the said bills were presented for acceptance & payment on the fifth of Jany last, when the said supervisor  replied that he could not immediately pay the same.
That it appears by a return signed by the said Supervisor subsequently to the date of the said Protests, to wit on the 26th of Jany 1798, that the public monies remaining in his hands amounted to 6.493. Dolls 90 Cents, being a sum more than sufficient for the payment of the Bills suffered to be protested.
Wherefore, as the said Joshua Wentworth, has been guilty of a high misdemeanour in his  office, , in misapplying public money,  the Secy no submits it as his opinion that the said Joshua Wentworth ought to be immediately removed from office.
All which is most respectfully / submitted to the consideration / of the Prest. of the US. by
O W


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 9 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States February 9. 1798

I nominate William Hazard Wigg Esqr of South Carolina, to be Collector of the District of Beaufort in that State, and Inspector of the Revenue for that Port, in the place of John Grayson Esqr deceased.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Hall Fleming, 9 February 1798
From: Fleming, Joseph Hall
To: Adams, John

Honoured sir
Philadelphia Feby 9. 1798

Although unknown to you, yet Possessing a very high opinion of your Integrity Wisdom & Patriotism & knowing you to be a firm inlightened Federalist & great statesman. I Present you with the loan of a Pamphlet of Essays, written by an Honest Scotch Clergyman Mr Young—a Book which I am sure will contribute much to your satisfaction as it has to mine. I would have presented it as a Gift only I borrowed it my self off a Scotch Gentleman. I believe its not to be had in America—if it is I shall get one for you if possible. My small speech I hope you will accept & although your High Station in our Government makes you (no doubt) very much engaged in business at this Critical Juncture. Yet I hope you will read both Books & in about three Weeks I shall call for the Essays only.
I am Honoured sir your most / Hble servt.  / & Faithfull Federal / Citizen—

Joseph Hall Fleming


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

Treasury Department February 9h 1798

The Secretary of the Treasy respectfully reports to the President of the U. States.
That the Legislature of North Carolina having in the month of Decer. last, renewed their Cession of the jurisdiction of four Acres of Land on Cape Hatteras for the erection & accomodation of a Light House and little difficulty being apprehended about the purchase of the private right of Soil any where near that place, no opposition on either of these grounds need now be made to the ratification of the Contract provisionally enacted between the late Comr. of the Revenue and Henry Dearborn of the District of Maine on the 30th. of Septr last.
But a prominent objection against a ratification arises from the force of the Contract itself, several material points appearing to be wholly vague & uncertain & expressly refered to future discussion and arbitrament. It appears from a Report made by Mr. Souther in 1793, & by other persons since that time, that the Carriage of materials after landing from Pamlico Sound, cannot be less, than from two & an half to three Miles, upon this article the US would of course under the proposed Contract be liable to pay a considerable additional sum, it being stipulated that the additional expence of transportation above one mile from the place of landing shall be paid by the public.
The inexplicit terms of the article respecting the foundations of the Light Houses & Cellars moreover evince the propriety of obtaining more mature information on those important points.
But there exists an insurmountable objection against the proposed Contract arising from the variance between the Act of Congress passed on the 13th. of May 1794 which requires the Beacon House to be erected on Shell Castle Island, & the Act of the State which  cedes the jurisdiction of Beacon Island, being a different place in the vicinity.
Wherefore the Secy submits it as his opinion, that the proposed Contract be ought not to receive the Presidents sanction but  that proposals to the different persons who have contemplated engaging in the work to recommend to others, be renewed
All which &c

Oliver Wolcott


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 12 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives—
United States February 12th 1798.

In obedience to the Law, I now present to both Houses of Congress, my annual account of Expenditures from the Contingent Fund during the year 1797. by which it appears, that on the first of January last there remained in the Treasury a Balance of Fifteen thousand, four hundred, and ninety four dollars and twenty four Cents, Subject to future dispositions of Government.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 12 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States Feb. 12. 1798

I nominate Robert Rowan Esquire, of Fayetteville in North Carolina, to be Commissioner of Loans for that State in the Place of William Skinner Esqr deceased.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 12 February 1798
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington 12th Febry. 1798

Sensible how important every Moment of your time must be, I will rely upon the intention of my present Address to You as an Excuse for this Intrusion—
You have been pleased to express a wish that I would give You any information that I judged worthy of Notice—Very few incidents in this quarter are so, especially relative to public Movements—
If being impossible for You to be ascertained of the real Characters—and interested Views of all those who surround You, in your present elevated Situation, I trust that you will not be displeased with my endeavours to give you the Outlines of a Person who may be deemed dangerous—
My Duty to my Country—and my long and intimate Friendship with Yourself, oblige me to speak plainly—but confidentially—of Mr. Law, who I, but now, learn hath left Baltimore for Philadelphia—where he purposes to make a long Visit—
I beg leave to premise that He and his family live with me and mine on very sociable Terms—and that I have never had the least Difference of Altercation with him on any private Account—For the Sake of their respectable Connections we desire to remain in that Situation with them.
Mr. Law came to this City apparently as enthusiastical as some others have done. He made large purchases, to the amount of thirty thousands pounds sterling—and hath expended considerable Sums in Buildings—But it is now said that this Money is designated as belonging to a Friend in England, known to be connected with him in this business—While He appears ostensibly engaged in it on his own Account, his real Interest is employed in Trade, with Mr. Barry of Baltimore—who is his Partner, and who is Agent to the Spanish Minister—Thus it is probable that Mr. L’s Money is used to supply the Enemies of his Sovereign, the King of Great Britain—whose Subject He openly acknowledges himself to be—as freely refusing to become a Citizen of the United States—and even reviling an intimate Friend for having taken the necessary Oaths to become one—
Mr. L has uniformly said that he should return to England—and lately boasted of having a plan to pay of the National Debt of G. Britain—which he intends to lay before Lord Cornwallis—his particular Friend.
All this does not immediately concern us—Let it serve as a preamble—Indeed I should not have thought it a Subject of Information: But—when I have heard Mr. Law busy himself with the Politics of this Country—and have seen him closely united with the most fiery Jacobins—When I have heard him publickly—and without reserve, vilify the Measures of the late Administration, using his Endeavours to set the gaping Circle against the British Treaty, after its ratification, and openly traducing, in several instances, the Conduct of the late President;—When I have heard him enforcing every unfair Argument to influence the late Election of a chief Magistrate—and for this purpose, using more unjustifiable Assertions than even J Merser—condescending to the most pitiful Shifts to divert the inclinations of the People, in this Business—When I have often heard him Augur, and afterward justify, the Conduct of the French, consequent of the late Treaty with GB—When I am assured of such Behaviour toward our Country—Ought I to be silent toward you, especially when I feel confident that He cannot avoid being busy wherever he is?
When He returned from Philadelphia last year—he spoke of Letters that he had addressed to You, relative to this City—He will, no doubt, be buzzing about it again—On this Subject, permit me to say, that his whole Aim is to force improvements to the particular Spot where he has pitched—with a sole View of rendering that more valuable. This is natural, and justifiable when the Publick Good is not sacrificed to obtain it—To him this would be no Stumbling Block.
There are pretty strong proofs of his having discouraged Persons, some of property, from coming to settle in the City—because he found they preferred another part to that where he was—
Suffer me to add my private Opinion of Mr. Law—and I will no longer detain you on a Subject, which your own Observations may have furnished proper Ideas off.
He appears eccentrical—but is so with great Consistency—Not a Word drops from his Tongue—tho’ they seem to be hove out to the Winds—but has a meaning—perhaps a very distant Design. He is volatile—and he affects Inattention, to cover System—He has Talents—his pious Father furnished him with considerable Erudition—The Religious Principles, however that he must have had repeatedly inculcated, by the good Bishop, if they ever made any Impression upon him, seem to have evaporated in the hot Clime of India.
He commands the pen of a ready writer—is an exceedingly good Calculator & Financier—He has Flushes of Benevolence; to proper, and improper, Objects—But is more than commonly cautious in his Money Concerns—often going ahead of those concerned with him—
His publick Conduct is well known to the late President—and estimated as it deserves—While his private Virtues and Failings are not conceded from him.
This freedom with a Person’s Character I should not justify myself in taking but for the reasons already mentioned—I hope that you will not think it unnecessary or impertinent—It is the first Instance that you have had in our Acquaintance of forty six years—and I am endeavoring to correct old Habits, rather than to contract new Ones—
On the Affairs of this City I will beg your pardon for adding—that several matters of Consequence to the regulation and prosperity of the Place, much depend upon your personal Information, on the Spot—
So many different Interests are prevailing—so many Blunders have been committed—so much Uncertainty reigns in the general Arrangements—That Truth will be hardly traced in Representations. On this, and other Accounts, I rejoyce to hear that you propose to honor the Territory with a Visit, the ensuing Season—
Mrs. Dalton requests the favor of presenting her most respectful Regard to yourself and Mrs. Adams—in which I & the Young Ladies wish to be joined—Mrs. D acknowledges, with Thanks, the Honor of Mrs. A’s Letter to her of the 30th Jany—and will answer it soon.
With the most sincere Esteem and Affection—I am / Sir Your obliged Friend / And obedt. hble Servant
Tristram Dalton


Title: To John Adams from Stephen D. Kingston, 12 February 1798
From: Kingston, Stephen D.
To: Adams, John

Monday Feby. 12. 1798.

The honor of the Company of the President of the United States his Lady and Family is requested to a Ball at Oillers Hotel on Thursday 22d. Instant in honor of the Birth of George Washington

Stephen KingstonTh P. M. WitlingWilliam ReadJames GibsonHenry WikoffRobt: E: Griffith


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Smith Barton, 15 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Barton, Benjamin Smith

53Sir
Philadelp. feby. 15th 1798

I have received the elegant Present you sent me of your “New Views of the origin of the Tribes and Nations of America” printed on excellent paper in a beautiful Type. Accept Sir, my best thanks for your obliging attention to me.
I have read the work with that rapidity which a multiplicity of affairs allowed me, and think it Very curious. It has received my regrets for the loss of my friend Count de Gebelin the Author of the Monde Pruncitiff, a man whose correspondence would have been of more service to you in such researches, than that of any Man now living can be.
There is another Very learned work of another acquaintance of mine, Mr. Bryant of Windsor under the Title of a “New System of Mythology.” I am not certain that you would find much for your purpose, but I suspect you would a good deal.
I am Sir with much Esteem your obliged / humble Sert:

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 February 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

					To the President of the United States:
					Department of State, February 16, 1798.

				The Secretary of State respectfully presents, as directed, the annexed papers, exhibiting, pursuant to a resolve of the House of Representatives of the first instant, “a statement of the losses recovered by the citizens of the United States, under the treaty made with Great Britain;” and, as far as he possesses information, “specifying those cases which have actually been decided in the court of appeals.”Document A contains a schedule of the cases of costs and damages which, in order to save the delay and expense attending their prosecution before the judiciary tribunals, were refered, by the consent of the American and British Governments, to the decision of Sir William Scott, the King’s Advocate General, and Doctor John Nicholl, the advocate retained on the part of the United States. The annexed extract of a letter from Mr. Bayard, the American agent, dated 28th February, 1797, and marked AA, will show how advantageously to the claimants this class of cases was settled by the referees. The sums awarded were paid on the 28th of last July.Document B contains a list of the causes in which, on the 29th of last July (the date of the latest communication upon the subject) restitution had been decreed by the board of commissioners appointed to carry into effect the 7th article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain; and the document C contains such cases wherein the amount of the awards had been paid at the time last mentioned, being all that were then due. It is proper to add, that, in a letter from the American commissioners, dated the 29th of July, 1797, they intimate that, “except some more cases of capture, under the orders of 1795, for taking vessels loaded with provisions, there is very little prospect of any other being in a state to come before the commissioners, till the term of eighteen months, from the commencement of their business, shall have expired. Every cause, in which the parties were furnished with the necessary evidence, had been decided; and they trusted, that almost every principle of importance, or liable to contest, had been settled and determined, until the question should be agitated, if any should ever be made, of their right to judge on cases not decided by the commissioners of appeal, after the said term of eighteen months is elapsed.”The Department of State is not in possession of documents from which any tolerably accurate in comprehensive statement can be made of the decisions decreeing restitution, or reversing sentences of condemnation, which have actually taken place in the High Court of Admiralty and Court of Appeals in prize causes; but owing to the multiplicity of business which, in time of war, accumulates upon them, and to the small space of time allotted for the sittings of the latter, there is reason to believe that no great despatch has been given to the decision of the American causes depending therein. Document D contains such as have been extracted from the imperfect papers, with which the Department of State is furnished in relation to that subject.

					Timothy Pickering.


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 17 February 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

To the President of the United States.
Department of State Feby. 17th 1798

In pursuance of an Act of Congress, passed on the third of March 1797, entitled “An Act authorizing an expenditure, and making an appropriation for the prosecution of the claims of certain citizens of the United States, for property captured by the belligerent powers,” I have the honor to lay before you an account of the expenditures in that service in London, and of the reimbursements arising from the deductions of costs in the cases mentioned in the account, to the 18th Augt. 1797.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Robert Worrall, 17 February 1798
From: Worrall, Robert
To: Adams, John

Honoured Sir
Philidelphia Feby. 17th. 1798—

In giving you this line and Informing you of my being in the Architectral, and Building Branch, and having had a greate deal of Experiance in the Bridge Business, and having Viewed the Breaking up of the Frost in your Rivers, prooveing to me what the Bridges have to Contend with, therefore Haveing made this part of the Science, my Practice, and Study for the last Thirty years, has Enabled me to Offer, A Plan—and Elevation, of a Permanant Stone and Mettall, Bridge of Principall, New never offered to this or Any Other Country, I mean to offer this my Plan to the Cityzens, for Crossing the Schoolkill at the Market Street Ferrey, which I hope the will a dopt, as it will do away Every Objections, aganst Permanent Bridges in this Country, I hope your goodness will not think me Troublesome or Impertinant in leaving it with you for a few Hours for your Inspection, and will Call for it in the Evening, and any Information or Explanation that may be wanted will do myself the Honour to Explain,, and in the Mean time with gratefull acknowledgment Shall Continue to be your Very Humble Sarvant to Command

Robt. Worrall


Title: From John Adams to United States House of Representatives, 18 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States House of Representatives

					Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
					United States, February 18th, 1798.

				In the report of the Secretary of State, and the documents herewith transmitted, will be found such information as is in our possession, of the losses recovered by the citizens of the United States, under the treaty made with Great Britain, which are now presented to the House of Representatives in compliance with their request, in their resolution of the first of this month.

					John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 20 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives—
United States February 20th 1798

In obedience to the Law of the United States of the third of March 1797, entitled “an Act authorizing an expenditure, and making an appropriation, for the prosecution of the Claims of certain Citizens of the United States for property captured by the Belligerent Powers,” I submit to Congress the account exhibited to me, by the Secretary of State, with his report of the seventeenth of this month—
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 21 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

					Gentlemen of the Senate:
					United States, February 21st, 1798.

				Having received the original treaty concluded between the United States and the Government of Tunis, I lay it before the Senate of the United States, whether they advise and consent to its ratification.

					John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Mr. Ross, 23 February 1798
From: Ross, Mr.
To: Adams, John

23. Feby. 1798

Mr. Ross presents his most Respectful compliments to the Secretary of State and begs leave to recall to his recollection the name and character of Colo. John Steel of Richmond in Virginia, who lost his place in the council of that state on account of his Federalism, and who is every way well qualified for an Indian Commission—Mr. Ross can also assure the Secretary that Colo. Steel will accept the appointment if it Should be offered & can set out immediately.—By this note however Mr. Ross does not mean to insinuate any opinion against the propriety of trusting the Tennessee business to Colo. Butler alone, or to any other Sole Commissioner—


Title: From John Adams to United Brethren, 24 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United Brethren

					To the United Brethren for propagating the gospel among the Heathen.John Adams, President of the United States of America, to all to whom these presents shall come, greeting:
					February 24, 1798.

				Know ye, that in pursuance of an act of the Congress of the United States, passed on the 1st day of June, 1796 entitled “An act regulating the grants of land appropriated for military services, and for the Society of United Brethren for propagating the Gospel among the Heathen,” there is granted to the said society a tract or parcel of land lying on both sides of the Muskingum, containing four thousand acres, (within which tract is included the old and new towns of Schoenbrun,) and which is bounded and described as follows, to wit: beginning at the northwest corner, at a post by A, where a sugartree, ten inches diameter, bears north fifty-two degrees west, nineteen links distant, and a white oak, thirty inches diameter, bears north seventy-two degrees thirty minutes east, thirty-four links distant; thence, running south two miles seventy chains and eighty-three links to a post at D, where a hickory, eighteen inches diameter, bears north eleven degrees east, thirty-six links distant, and one other hickory, twenty inches diameter, bears south fifty-nine degrees east, twenty-nine links distant; thence east two miles and twenty chains to a post at C, where a white oak, eighteen inches diameter, bears north fifty-eight degrees west thirty-four links, and one other white oak, twenty inches diameter, bears north eighty-nine degrees east thirty-two links distant; thence north two miles seventy chains and eighty-three links to a post at B, where a poplar, then inches diameter, bears north eighty-four degrees twenty minutes east, forty-five links distant, and a beach, seven inches diameter, bears north nine degrees west, thirteen links; thence two miles and twenty chains to the place of beginning. One other tract or parcel of land, lying on both sides of the Muskingum, containing four thousand acres, (within which tract is included the town of Gnadenhutten,) and which is bounded and described as follows, to wit: beginning at the northeast corner at a post by B, on the bank of the Muskingum, where a sugartree, eight inches diameter, bears south twenty-one degrees west, and is fifteen links distant, and one other sugartree, four inches diameter, bears south forty-seven degrees west, thirteen links distant; thence, running south two miles two chains and eleven links to a post at C, where a white oak, ten inches diameter, bears north seventeen degrees east, twenty links, and a chesnut, ten inches diameter, bears south fifty-six degrees east, twenty-two links; thence west three miles nine chains and nineteen links to a post at D, where a black oak, sixteen inches diameter, bears south thirteen degrees west, twenty-five links, one other black oak, fourteen inches diameter, bears north fifteen degrees west, twenty links; thence north two miles and ten chains to a post at A, where a white oak, thirty-six inches diameter, bears north thirty-six degrees west, thirty-five links, another white oak, sixteen inches diameter, bears south forty degrees east, eleven links; thence east one mile sixty-seven chains and fifty-five links to a sugar tree, twelve inches diameter, in the line standing on the northwest bank of the Muskingum; thence east across the river to a post at E, on the southern bank, where a hickory, sixteen inches diameter, bears north five degrees west, and an elm, six inches diameter, bears south twenty-eight degrees east, thirty-six links; thence easterly, by the river, to the place of beginning. And one other tract or parcel of land lying on both sides the Muskingum, containing four thousand acres, (within which tract is included the town of Salem,) and which is bounded and described as follows, to wit: beginning at the northwest corner post at A, where a white oak, sixteen inches diameter, bears north twenty degrees east, ten links distant, and one other white oak, six inches diameter, bears south three degrees west, twenty-four links distant; thence running south three miles to a post at D, where an hoop-ash, six inches diameter, bears north eighty-four degrees east, twenty-four links, and one other hoop-ash, five inches diameter, bears thirty-four degrees east, fifteen links; thence east two miles thirteen chains and thirty links to a post at C, where a white oak, sixteen inches diameter, bears south twenty degrees west, twenty-eight links, and one other white oak, fourteen inches diameter, bears north thirty-six degrees east, thirteen links; thence north three miles to a post at B, where a black oak, eight inches diameter, bears north twenty-seven degree thirty minutes west one chain eleven links, one other black oak, nine inches diameter, bears south seventy-three degrees west, seventy-six links; thence west two miles thirteen chains and thirty links to the place of beginning.To have and to hold the said three described tracts or parcels of land, with the appurtenances to the said Society of United Brethren for propagating the Gospel among the Heathen, and their successors forever, in trust for the sole use of the Christian Indians who were formerly settled there, or the remains of that society, including Killbuck and his descendants, and the nephew and descendants of the late Captain White Eyes, Delaware chiefs.(L.S.) In testimony whereof, the said John Adams, President of the United States of America, hath caused the seal of the United States to be hereto affixed, and signed the same with his hand, at Philadelphia, the twenty-fourth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, and in the twenty-second of the independence of the said States.

					John Adams.

					By the President:
				Timothy Pickering,Secretary of State.


Title: To John Adams from Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de, marquis de Tilly Grasse, 24 February 1798
From: Grasse, Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de, marquis de Tilly
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Charleston South Carolina the 24th of february 1798.

				Your Predecessor George Washington Granted to me little While ago after my arrival in this Country a place of Sub Engeneer in this State Which Employment give to me two dollars and an half per Day, I have filled till this Day the duty of this charge With activity as much Zeal, that my Duties Gave me Leave, I received my allowance till october the first, of the Last year but Since, thougt I have made all formality Who Was directed to me by the Secretary at War, I did not receive any answer, neither the Last quarter of my Salaries Expired the first of January of this year. I do not believe to deserve the enmity of my chief. I think it peculiar motives had compelled my demission, I Shoulde have been inform of it. because they Would been to judicious, to made me hoped Vainly, under the only help to Suply to my Subsistence and those of my Wife and children, I flatter myself that is nothing but forgetfulness, Who deprive me of it at this time, and I think So with more Wright, that it Seems to me impossible, While the Congres Shew to the memory of me father the most Sincere attachement in according to Each of my Sisters 400 Dollars by year, I am rejected by the Very Same hands Who offers to them assistance and help.it is to your Excellency that I Will adress myself, Since that my Voice Was not heard of any body. I pray you to make me Know my fate as Soon as you can in order to not increase the debts Which the Wants Compel me to Contract under the assurance of my appointemens because if I am Suppress, I don’t Know it by any advice of any body.I am With the most profound respect and Greatest Veneration / of your Excellency / the most humble and / obedient Servant

					Auguste de GrasseEngnr. to the Service of the U. Stes.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 26 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States February 26th. 1798

I nominate William Maubray Esqr. of Georgia to be Collector for the Port and district of St: Marys, in the place of James Seagrove Esqr. who has resigned
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Vaughan, 26 February 1798
From: Vaughan, John
To: Adams, John

Feby. 26. 1798

M Vaughan presents his respectful Compts to the President of the United States; & informs him that upon reexamining the Packet, he has found inside of one of the letters, a line from a Mr Robson dated Charleston who informs that he receivd the letters in Porto Rico—Mr Mason was passenger in the Ellis from London &, taken into that Port—Several letters of Introduction for N York were enclosed to Your Son Mr C. Adams, & some for Boston to CV.—I take the liberty of writing a line to Your Son, requesting his assistance in Enquiring whether Mr Mason is arrived.—
I enclose for your perusal a letter from Mr King which having no adress, appears to have had the original one torn off—when you have perused it I will deposit it with the remander of his papers—
The first Vol. of Van Branes Journey has been taken out of my Library & I cannot of at the moment find who has taken it, or I should have done myself the pleasure of Sending it
Your obt. & respectful / friend Servt
Jn Vaughan


Title: From John Adams to George Richards Minot, 28 February 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Minot, George Richards

Sir
Philadelp. Feby 28th 1798

I have received your Kind Letter of the 9th of this Month, with its elegant Companions, the first Volume of your Continuation of the History of the Province of Massachusetts Bay from the year 1748—for this Valuable present, the printing and binding of which the rapid improvement of the Arts in this Country, I pray you to Accept my thanks—
I have read the Work with great pleasure. The Style of it, is a Model of historical eloquence, the Narration is Very perspicuous, and the matter only Such as becomes the dignity of History—
I should have been happy to have received you at Quincy last fall, and shall be very Glad to See you at any other time: But I have no hope of giving you much assistance in your literary Book researches—My Life has been that of a Bird, much too volatile to have collected much information of consequence to your purposes.
I hope you will pursue the Subject onwards, and look back to the beginning of our History—I am not Satisfied with Hutchinson, though his Work is Valuable; Annals too I should think preferable to History and even minuter details even of the Indian Wars, than have hitherto been published in print—
With Great and Sincere Esteem I / am Sir obliged and obedt servt:

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Anderson, 5 March 1798
From: Anderson, Joseph,Jackson, Andrew,Claiborne, William Charles Coles
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Philadelphia 5th: March 1798

				Impress’d with the highest veneration and Respect for your Charactr, and knowing it to be a duty injoin’d on your high and dignify’d appointments, to Support the Constitution and the Laws; It is with great pain, that we now adress you, on the Subject of an infringement of them; in an instance, Momentous and alarming.By last post, we receiv’d letters from the Governor of the State of Tennessee, informing us, that Colonel Butler, the Commanding Officer of the Federal Troops, in that State, had caused the Honable David Campbell (who is One of the Judges of the State of Tennessee) to be taken from his bed, about ten OClock at night by a Military force, and in that ignominous Manner, Conducted a prisoner to the Camp—where the Judge was detaind, until Some time the next day, before he was liberated—The Governor also informs us, that he hath adress’d you upon the Subject and inclosed you a Copy of the letter from Judge Campbell to him; Stating particularly the Circumstances of the Case—Representing as we do, the Sovereignty of the State of Tennessee, and Considering that Sovereignty as having been Outrag’d, by the Conduct of Colonel Butler, on the person of One of the Supreme Judges of the State, as also the rights of Civil liberty, most unwarrantedly Violated,—To you Sir, as the Guardian of the Constitution, and the Supporter of the Laws, we appeal for redress—and trust, that you will take Such measures, as will not only hereafter, protect the Citizens of our State, from Such wonton Violence; but will cause, the most ample attonement to be made, for the indignity offered to the State—Which we conceive, can only be done, by removing from his Command, the author of Such Military Tyranny—In a former letter, we intimated to you, that the Conduct of Some of the Military, was rather calculated to irritate than Conciliate, the friends of our Suffering fellow Citizens—Instances of an unwarrantable exercise of Military power, had at that time, been Communicated to us,—but little did we then expect, that any of the Officers, wou’d have proceeded to the Commission of so dareing an Outrage against the Dignity of the State, and the rights of Civil liberty—We request that you will please to give us, and answer to this adress; in Order that we may be enabled, to Communicate to our State and its Citizens, your determination upon this Subjectwe are  with every Sentiment / of Very great respect— / Your Most Obedt Servts.

					Jos: AndersonAndrew JacksonWilliam Charles Cole Claiborne


Title: From John Adams to John Sevier, 6 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Sevier, John

Sir
Philadelpa: March 6th. 1798.

I have received the Letter, you did me the honour to write me, on the 6th of February last.
It is very certain, I have never given any orders, that will warrant or justify any proceedure, despotic or inimical to the Liberties of our Citizens but on the Contrary was entirely uninformed, untill I received your Letter, that any transaction of the kind you describe, had been practised or contemplated.
I enclose a Copy of a Letter, since written by my direction to Lt. Coll: Butler—I cannot hower close this Letter without enquiring whether the Honorable David Campbell Esqr:, one of the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law, and Equity, in your State, is the person who wrote and signed, the name of Campbell, to a late publication in a Knoxville Gazette?
I have the Honour to be, with great respect / Sir, Your most Excellencys most Obedient / and most Humble Servant—

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 March 1798
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

March 6th. 1798

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully transmits to the President a Warrant for Three thousand Dollars, and requests that the President would be pleased to sign the Recd. on the back of the Warrant, in lieu of that signed by Cotton Tufts Esqr. for an equal amount paid by Genl. Lincoln, which it is proposed to leave in the Presidents hands.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 8 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate—
United States March 8 1798

I nominate the following Gentlemen to be Officers in the navy of the United States
VizFor the Frigate, United StatesDavid Rossof Pennsylvaniafirst LieutenantJohn Mullownyof PensylvaniaSecond Do.James Barronof Virginiathird Do.Charles Stewartof Pennsylva:fourth Do
William McReaof Virginiafirst Lieutenant of MarinesGeorge Gillaspieof New YorkSurgeonJohn Bullusof Pennsylva:first Surgeons MateFor the Frigate ConstitutionBenjamin Leeof Massachusettsfirst LieutenantWilliam H. Wattlesof ConnecticutSecond do.Richard C. Bealof Massachusettsthird do.Isaac Hull of Do.fourth doLemuel Clarkof Massachusts:Lieutenant of MarinesWilliam Readof Massach:SurgeonCharles Blakeof Massach:first Surgeons MateFor the Frigate ConstellationSimon Grossof Marylandfirst LieutenantJohn Rogersof MarylandSecond LieutenantWilliam Cooperof VirginiaThird Do:Philip Edwardsof MarylandLieutenant of MarinesGeorge Balfourof VirginiaSurgeonIsaac Henryof Pennsylva:Surgeons Mate

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, 8 March 1798
From: Lee, Charles
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia 8 March 1798

I have taken into my most serious consideration the important subjects contained in your letter of the 24th. of January last. The opinions I am about to give are predicated upon the supposition that the Legislature of France has passed a decree conformably to the advice of the directory in their message of the 4th. of January last relative to the Commerce of Neutral nations, and that our envoys have been refused an audience of otherwise have failed in the objects of their mission.
Whatever communications may be necessary to be made to Congress by the President on the conduct of France to the United States I think should be made in the usual form my message.
If our envoys have been refused an audience or after an audience have departed from the territories of the republic without accomplishing the objects of their mission they ought all to be recalled home by an order of the President, if they do not all return home of their own accord as may reasonably be expected of them.
The decree to which I have adverted will in its operation deprive the United States of an essential right, without which they cannot exist as an independent nation. To the existence of the nation Commerce is necessary because from thence are derived the revenues of the State; as well as the means of support to a great portion of the citizens. For defending our commerce therefore against this decree every effort and every resourse should be called into action, and this cannot be done unless there be a formal declaration of war which measure ought to be recommended by the President to Congress; and with it such other measures as in a state of war shall be deemed necessary. To proceed no further than the old plan of arming vessels under certain regulations, is too inefficient of itself; and more danger will accompany such a state of things, as to the lives of our seamen in cases of captures than in a state of open war. There is no animation in society, and it seems as if men would only be awakened into a spirit to support the laws among ourselves, and to adopt such as the defense of our country requires, by taking a war-position. To me there appears no alternative between actual hostilities on our part, or national ruin. The former I do not hesitate to prefer, and I think it more expedient & more honorable to the character of our country when its existence in independence is at stake that hostilities should be attended with a formal declaration.
By the decree, every vessel found at sea having on board any merchandise and commodities as her cargo in whole or in part which may have come from England or her possessions shall be good prize and such merchandise also, whosoever may be the proprietor. Thus not only our foreign trade but even our coasting trade from port to another is to be annihilated. For what American vessel can be expected to be making a sea voyage without having a part of its cargo of England or of some English possessions, and if ever so small, the vessel is declared to be good prize? And shall the certain and incontestible rights of commerce which belong to the United States be thus invaded, without some endeavours to protect them? How can any effectual defense be made without actual hostilities? When so openly attacked in the vital parts of the body politick and without a colour of justice, will it not be ignominious not to declare to Mankind our determination to oppose force with force and to maintain our station among the nations of the earth.
The directory announce that the measure is intended to establish the liberty of the seas, and that all neutral nations will see it their interest to approve of it unless they are already delivered up to England and “that the inevitable effect of it, is to enhance the value of the products of their soil and industry, and to increase the prosperity of their commerce” &c Infatuated and blind as some Americans have been, none can see the measure in this point of view, & all good men will write in resisting a principle that cuts up at one stroke all the commerce of the United States.
An embargo ought not to be laid under any circumstances, except by way of reprisal it be laid on French vessels in our ports and on them only.
Whatever communications may be deemed expedient to be made to England, had better be made by Mr. King to whom a special messenger should be sent. I wish to avoid if it can be done, every sort of application to the British minister here; yet this may be impossible on some occasions. If our coasts shall be lined this spring with French privateers as there is some reason to fear, they may for a little while do much mischief & perhaps in some degree Mr. Liston might be instrumental to prevent it, if in season apprized of it.
An intimate connection with England is to be avoided; and no stipulation should be made that would preclude a separate peace. Great Britain stands in a most perilous situation and it is the interest of the United States that she should be safe and prosperous in the contest at this day existing between that country and France. The cause of France is now the cause of Ambition avarice & vice and impiety, against the liberty, property virtue & religion of mankind; and the nations of Europe and every civilised country should e’er now in my opinion have made a common cause never to be abandoned until France should be disabled from effecting her wicked projects or gratifying her mischievous passions. To France at this period I apply the words of Vattel “If then there is any where a nation of a restless and mischievous disposition, always ready to injure others, to traverse their designs and to raise domestic troubles it is not to be doubted that all have a right to join in order to repress chastise and put it ever after out of its power to injure them.” B.2. Sect. 53. “If by constant maxims and by a continued conduct one nation shews that it has evidently this pernicious disposition, & that it considers no right as sacred, the safety of the human race requires that it should be suppressed.” Of the nature of stipulations with Great Britain I will further consider if indeed any are adviseable. These things may now be done.
Our ports may be opened to British privateers & to British ships of war with their prizes which may be sold here.
All trade may be prohibited to France or the French West indies. Our merchant ships may be permitted to arm.
An additional force to our army may be recommended in order, that if Spain shall follow France as is to be expected and if New orleans be worth taking, we may enforce the execution of the Spanish treaty, and if worth the expense that New Orleans may be taken and laid under contribution. The most exposed harbours will deserve attention—
The Commercial relations being destroyed by this decree I see no cause for permitting the consuls to exercise their consular functions any longer, but their exequoturs may be immediately revoked.
I cannot suppose it possible that our envoys will have remained at Paris after the decree shall have passed the councils & the Boston paper which I have just now seen says that the decree has been passed. Yet as the strangest things are done by France, I should not be surprised if after making that decree, an audience should be offered to our Envoys in order that some opportunity may be given to the French party here to adhere to the interests of that republic. Should this happen if our envoys do well, they will unequivocally declare, that no negotiation can be carried on while the decree remains in force.
It is probable that we shall receive no further official dispatches till the beginning of April or the middle, & therefore operations must begin on those that are received, and already much time has elapsed for want of official information from France, which however has been unavoidable. How to restrain the French agents and French partizans and the French generally in our country, from seditious and evil doings, will be very difficult—indeed impossible unless the two nations be declared in a state of war. To adhere to France in her present system is not treasonable, until France is declared to be an Enemy. The most danger may be apprehended from internal enemies and the French faction, and without a declaration of war they would do more harm with impunity, that if there was to be a declaration of war.
Thus sir I have endeavoured to do my duty in submitting my ideas on the present state of the nation and with the most perfect respect I remain your most / obedient humble servant
Charles Lee


Title: To John Adams from Francis Daly, 10 March 1798
From: Daly, Francis
To: Adams, John

Hond. Sir
March 10th: 1798

Since the federal Administration are at last convinced of the bad policy of employing their Enemies in executive Offices, by the many instances lately seen of Men eating the public bread, and receiving the pay of the united states, at the same time Opposing its Government, and reviling its Measures. I am induced to offer my service in any vacant place in one of the public offices, as Clerk, that either now is, or that may soon occur in your Honors disposal. A consciousness of my Integrity and unshaken attachment to the present Administration encourage me to this application, Mens sibi conscia recti nil timet. I have only to add that you will always find me a grateful and an honest Man and conclude with the wish of Horace for Augustus, “serus in Cælum redeas, duique intersis populo Columbiæ: neue te nostris vitiis iniquum ocior aura tollat” and that you may always triumph over your political Enemies will be the sincere and constant wish / of Your Honrs. / Most Obedt. Hble Servt.

Francis DalyP:S: any communication, at the Office of Porcupine’s Gazette, will be forwarded, if inconvent, at present.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 10 March 1798
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

T D March 10th. 1798

The Secy of the Treasy respectfully submits to the Prest. of the US. the following Report.
On the 19th of August 1796 information was recd. by the Secretary, by a Letter dated July 26th 1796, from James Read Collector for the District of Wilmington in North Carolina that a French Privateer had arrived at Wilmington on the 14th. of July with two British Prizes with valuable Cargoes, consisting principally of sugar Rum & Coffee.—Permission to land & enter the Cargoes was requested;—the permission was however refused, on the ground, that the sale of Prize Goods was forbidden by the Treaty with Great Britain—A representation was then made, that the Vessells were leaky, and that repairs were necessary, which could not be made, without unloading the Vessells;—this representation was refered to the Treasy for instructions.
On the 20th of August, the day after Mr. Reads Letter of July 26th was recd. an answer was transmitted, authorizing the Collector, to permit the Vessells to be unladen in case that measure was necessary in order to their reparation, but on condition that the Cargoes should be stored, under the care & inspection of the Officers of the Revenue.
On the 26th of Novr. ’96 a Circular Letter was written by direction of the President establishing rules to be observed in respect to Prize Vessells—a Copy of which is enclosed—By the third of these Rules, sales were authorized of such portions of the Cargoes of Prize Vessells, as should be necessary to defray the expences incident to the reparation of damaged Vessells—And where Prizes were incapable of reparation, the Cargoes were, by the second rule, authorized to be exported as foreign property subject to the risque of reception.
From the time that Sales for the purpose of defraying the expences of repairs were authorized, constant efforts have been made by the Agents of the Prizes, which have been seconded by the Consul General of France, to extend this liberty, beyond the limits authorized by the President—With the view of introducing the Cargoes of the Prizes for consumption in the United States.—Construction given to the rule, has been liberal, to avoid colourable complaints on the part of the Government of France.—The correspondence of the Collector is herwith submitted to the President.
In the summer of the year 1797, it was discovered, that sugar had been introduced into Massachusetts, as Rice in Rice Casks, from Wilmington, and one of the Prize Vessells was seized at Portsmouth;—after having illicitly disposed of the whole of her Cargo.
By confidential Letters which are herewith submitted, it appears, that suspicions were entertained in Boston derogatory from the character of the Collector of Wilmington;—which suspicions recd. additional force when communicated to the Treasury, from a discovery of the extent of the frauds which had been committed;—the adequate means of prevention known to have been in the Collectors power, & also from the participation of William Campbell a man of property in Wilmington & the friend and acquaintance of the Collector.
To investigate the conduct of the Collector General Jedediah Huntington of Connecticut was deputed with the approbation of the President in pursuance of a power vested by the Collection Law, whose Report dated Jany. 22d. 1798 is herewith submitted.
To this report the Secy. takes the liberty to add two Letters from James Read Collector dated Jany 10 and another dated Jany 17th—Also a Letter from John Walker the Naval Officer dated January 15th 1798.
The Report of General Huntington and the documents accompanying the same, with the Letters above refered to, establish in the mind of the Secy, the following facts & conclusions
1st. That a valuable Cargo of Sugar & Rum has been illicitly introduced into the United States from the Prize Vessell Aarun.
2d. That the unlading was effected in the District of Wilmington;—that suspicions were entertained at the time which were communicated to the Collector, and disregarded by him on the pretence that it was improper to notice the information of a Negro.
3d. That Wm. Campbell of Wilmington was in fact the purchaser of the Prize Cargo, that this fact was generally known, and must in all probability have been known to the Collector;—that the long delay of the Vessell in Cape Fear River could not fail to excite suspicions of improper designs which were neither communicated by the Collector, nor counteracted.
4th. That the Inspector was a man of bad character, and notoriously negligent in performing his duty. Notwithstanding which the Collector has proffessed to entertain doubts, of his power to discharge him.
5th. Before the siezure at Boston, it was publickly mentioned at Wilmington, that Mr. Campbell was preparing One hundred & fifty Rice Casks for the purpose of shifting the sugar at one of the Prize Ships—
6th. That the Conduct of the Collectors Deputy and of the Inspectors, as stated in the Naval officers Letter of January 15th is mysterious, & calculated to excite the suspicions suggested by the Naval Officer.
To the foregoing facts, it is proper to add, information the source of which will be verbally communicated that there has been a general suspicion in the neighbourhood of Wilmington—that frauds upon the Revenue have been committed.
Considering the embarrassments which must attend the public business when conducted under circumstances which forbid confidence & believing that the conduct of the Collector has been grossly negligent, if not corrupt, the secy is reduced to the necessity of reporting it as his opinion that James Read, Collector for Wilmington ought to be removed from Office.
All which &c.
Oliver Wolcott


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 12 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate—
United States March 12th 1798

Insinuations having been repeatedly made, in the name of the Court of Sweden, of an inclination to renew the connection, between the United States, and that power, I sent in the recess of the Senate to our Minister at Berlin, a full power, to negotiate that business with such alterations, as might be agreeable to both parties; but as that Commission, if not renewed with the Advice and consent of the Senate will expire with the present session of Congress, I now nominate John Quincy Adams to be a commissioner with full powers to negotiate a Treaty of Amity & Commerce, with his Majesty the King of Sweden
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 12 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate—
United States March 12th 1798

I nominate Samuel Winslow Esquire of Massachusetts to be Surveyor and Inspector of the Revenue for the port of Thomaston in the district of Waldoborough, in that State, in the place of Thomas Vose Esqr: resigned
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Noah Webster, 13 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Webster, Noah

Sir
Philadelphia. March 13. 1798

The inclosed Letter from Dr Tufts I received, to day.
In my former Letter to you I was mistaken in the month.—Instead of July it was may 1761 that the Cold and Fever prevailed of which my Father died.


Title: To John Adams from Robert Rowan, 13 March 1798
From: Rowan, Robert
To: Adams, John

Sir
N. Carolina Fayetteville March 13th. 1798

The Post of yesterday brought me the appointment of Commissioner of Loans for this State as Successor of the late General Skinner.
The duties of that office I will endeavor to execute to the best of my knowledge and ability.
Whilst I feel enough conscious of the trust your Excellency has been pleased to repose in me—Permit me to add it shall be my endeavors, as it is my best inclinations to prove myself worthy of your approbation.
With the highest respect for Your Excellency. I have the honor to be / Sir / Your most obedient / humble servant

Robt. Rowan


Title: From John Adams to Heads of Department, 13 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Heads of Department

				Philadelphia, 13 March, 1798.

				Will it be advisable to present immediately to Congress the whole of the communications from our minister in France, with the exception of the names of the persons employed by the minister Talleyrand to exhibit and enforce his requisitions for a bribe, under an injunction of secrecy as to that particular?

Ought the President, then, to recommend, in his message, an immediate declaration of war?

					John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 14 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States March 14th 1798:

I nominate William Empson Hulings of Pennsylvania to be Vice Consul for the United States at New Orleans
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, 14 March 1798
From: Lee, Charles
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia 14 march 1798

Beleiving it probable that if you communicate to Congress all the dispatches received from Paris they will be soon known to the Directory, and if known there before our envoys shall have left France that they some way or other, I am respectfully of opinion that they ought not to be communicated to Congress at this moment. I cannot suppose our envoys contemplated Pending their endeavours to adjust the differences between the two countries that their confidential communications would be laid before Congress. I never expected success to this mission nor is their any reasonable ground of hope that a possibility of success exists at this time, yet there being a possibility as our envoys think by remaining at Paris this possibility will be entirely frustrated in consequence of the Directory being informed of these dispatches. No doubt is entertained by me that the President should at some other time lay before Congress in confidence then papers, though some objections of an ordinary kind might be made to such a proceeding.
Mr. King has in his letter enjoined expressly that his letter containing information of a like kind, should not be communicated. What The injunction which he has expressed, I conceive is implied from the nature of the dispatches sent by our Envoys: And there is more reason for secrecy at this moment of the latter than of the former.
The President in a message may represent the state of our affairs with France, and recommend some defensive measures and whenever we shall hear of our envoys having left France re-infecta, he may recommend a formal declaration of war. I retain my opinion that a state of formal war will be the most adviseable, if the mission fails—
I am with perfect respect Sir / your most obedient servant

Charles Lee


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 16 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States March 16th 1798

I nominate Bradbury Cilley Esquire of Nottingham, in the State of New Hampshire, to be Marshal of that district, in the place of Nathaniel Rogers Esqr. appointed Supervisor—
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 17 March 1798
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir
Paris 17th march 1798

Since my arrival here, I have not had the honor to address you: the want of health part of the time, the particular details of our official letters, the uncertainty of our residence for a week & sometimes for a day, & the painful situation in which I have been, have combined to produce a suspension of my correspondence untill I could communicate to you something agreable, but that period I am apprehensive is still distant. From the commencement of the embassy, every event respecting it has been unfortunate; how it will terminate God only knows, but whilst I remain here, it is my firm resolution to prevent a war so far as I have any agency, without sacrificing the honor of the Government, or the interest, or independence of the United States: there is yet a possibility, but I cannot say much of the probability of attaining this desirable object.
The uncertainty of events, is not confined to the american embassy, it extends equally to the political affairs of all Europe: we have seen within a few months the pays de Vaud, & Roma revolutionized, the event is inevitable as it respects switzerland & the german territory on the left of the Rhine, Portugal must yield to the powerful army now on their march against it, & the affairs of Spain are at this moment in a state of vibration.—But much more depends on the issue of the intended descent on England, than on the fate of all the other powers aboveenumerated: the preparations are immense on both sides, & the consequences of the conflict are in my mind incalculable: Ireland appears to me ripe for a revolution—Indeed I do not see what is to stop the progress of revolutional principles in any part of Europe: They are so extensively disseminated, & all orders of men from the highest to the lowest, under their influence, are so zealous in the propagation of their political orthodoxy, as to render it impossible for any government in this quarter to prevent its influence on their subjects. when I speak of orthodoxy, I mean to confine myself to the ideas of the propagators; altho the subjects in general of all the powers in Europe appear to me to be disposed to change their faith & to become elect. They have a clear idea of the contrast between sovereign, & subject, insomuch at least as to have an ardent zeal for an exchange of the base situation of the latter for the exalted state of the former. and every effort, indispensible on the part of the sovereigns, to suppress that zeal, serves in politicks as it has heretofore in religion, only to increase it. from this veiw of the subject, my opinion I confess is, that in a few years all Europe will be revolutionized: & that in that event, should one or more of the republicks attempt a universal domination, this country will continue to be the scene of the most dreadful conflicts.
The last letter which I received from Berlin was dated the 20th of Feby, Mr. Adams had “had an audience” & was “satisfied with his reception.” and speaking of Mrs Adams health “he hoped soon to see it entirely restored.”
The prejudices here against our government still exist, but I flatter myself not in so great a degree as heretofore. I find that reasoning on the subject cooly & candidly with such as are of this government or charged with its communications, has a good effect; & nothing has been or shall be wanting on my part to remove the prejudices: but the fact is, that if they did not exist, the pretext would, to enforce a favorite object, which has been the subject of our correspondence & will readily suggest itself to your recollection.
Mr Lee, whom we have mentiond in a joint letter, is much respected here & will I think discharge the duties of the office he applies for, if appointed to it. Mr Waldo, of the family of the Massachusetts Waldos & the son of Mr Joseph Waldo, appears to me to be a young gentleman of a respectable character, & has expressed a wish to be appointed consul for 1054.294.382.1233.1064 par am or Antwerp; I presume that an appointment will be made for the former place & therefore mention it.
I wish to make some communications in cipher, but have not time by this opportunity. Mr Hopkins will deliver you this letter: he is a gentleman of the law from Connecticut, & appears to me to be a man of talents & much attached to the honor & interest of his country.
pray present my best respects to Mrs Adams, & be assured my dear Sir / of that with the highest respect, & the most sincere / attachment I remain / your very huml sert

E GerryMr Lee will deliver you a pamphlet of abuse, said to be written by Mr Church. it is a poor performance, & the manner in which he speaks of me, in contrast with Mr Monroe, I consider as the height of abuse—


Title: To John Adams from W.S. Webb, 17 March 1798
From: Webb, W.S.
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir,
Philadelphia 17 March 1798.

A stranger, persecuted by misfortunes & in consequence plunged into the deepest distress of mind—From yr. love of Religion— attachment to Truth— & known Philanthropy of Character, is impelled to seek to you (under a hope that God will own & succeed the application) to save a sinking spirit from falling a Victim to that Oppression it has long been strugling with, and by daily accumulation, is rendered every moment less able to bear.
The causes of this distress, & reasons for my present misery of mind, the Gentleman who does me the favor to be the Bearer of this Note to your Excellency, (in pity to my feelings) has kindly taken upon himself the task to explain—as well as the Nature & Extent of a request—which by no means would presume upon Humanity and Benevolence and which includes in it only the wishes of a way-ward Traveller, desirous of proving himself an Honest Man—
With an apology Humility suggests for a liberty, /  which only can be justified by Necessity—united to Sentiments of respect /  & esteem, permit me to subscribe myself / Sir, /  yr. afflicted & Obedient sert.
W.S. WebbThe statement (in brief, of Mr. Webbs situation & distress is as follows.That agreeable to documents he has in his possession—the causes of his misery has arisen from a precipitate—demand in the first instance being made upon Him here for a pecuniary Obligation ( which (at a date sufficiently at a Distance to be provided for) was to have been paid in London—That in consequence of an action brought against Him & the subsequent severity with which He has been treated—He has hitherto been prevented from putting himself into a situation to discharge this Obligation—But Providence having opened a Prospect to Him of an honorable & permanent establishment in this Country—The Object He had in leaving his Native Home and visiting America—As the Plan He contemplates unites with his views of comfort & private prosperity to his little family. That which is considered by the Wise & Judicious He has consulted—to involve in it a real publick good—Mr. W. cheared by their approbation & promised support, has sent for his Lady & Children with an intention immediately upon her arrival in this Country to put his plan into execution—which is to open a  Seminary. The object of which will be not only to form but  finish the female Character, uniting under One Roof the simplicity & Piety of Bethlehem with the ease & Elegance of Queen Square & other of our 1st schools in England—These principles Mr. W. will mature and make public on Mrs. Webbs arrival, and in the interim means to place himself in such a situation, as to enable Him (by Exertion & diligent application of the talents intrusted to Him), to Discharge by instalments the loan of Obligation He is solliciting—An Obligation that will save from destruction, Himself, be the means of healing a wounded Spirit, of restoring to Comfort, one of the Best of Women & Beloved children that have known better days—& fix upon memory grateful attachment, that while it lasts, will be always most chearfully acknowledged by—them &c.
W.S.W.


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 19 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives
United States 19 March 1798.

The Dispatches, from the Envoys Extraordinary of the United States to the French Republic which were mentioned in my Message to both Houses of Congress of the fifth instant, have been examined and maturely considered.
While I feel a Satisfaction in informing you, that their Exertions for the Adjustment of the Differences, between the two Nations have been sincere and unremitted, it is incumbent on me, to declare, that I perceive no ground of expectation, that the Objects of their mission, can be accomplished on terms compatible, with the Safety, the honour, or the essential interests of the Nation.
This result, cannot with Justice be attributed to any want of moderation on the part of this Government, or to any indisposition to forego Secondary interests, for the preservation of Peace. Knowing it to be my Duty, and believing it to be your wish, as well as that of the great Body of the People, to avoid by all reasonable concessions, any participation in the contentions of Europe, the Powers vested in our Envoys were commensurate, with a liberal and pacific Policy, and that high confidence, which might justly be reposed, in the Abilities, Patriotism and Integrity of the Characters, to whom the negotiation, was committed. After a careful review of the whole Subject, with the Aid of all the information I have received, I can discern nothing, which could have insured, or contributed to Success, that has been omitted on my part, and nothing further which can be attempted, consistently with Maxims, for which our Country has contended, at every hazard, and which constitute the Basis, of our national Sovereignty.
Under these circumstances, I cannot forbear to reiterate the recommendations, which have been formerly made, and to exhort you, to adopt, with promptitude, decision and unanimity, Such measures, as the ample resources of the Country afford, for the protection of our Seafaring and commercial Citizens; for the defence of any exposed portions of our Territory; for replenishing our arsenals, establishing foundries and military Manufactures; and to provide such efficient revennue, as will be necessary to defray extraordinary expences, and Supply the Deficiencies, which may be occasioned by depredations on our commerce.
The present State of Things is, So essentially different, from that, in which Instructions were given to the Collectors to restrain Vessells of the United States from Sailing in an armed condition, that the Principle on which those orders were issued has ceased to exist. I therefore deem it proper to inform Congress, that I no longer conceive myself justifiable in continuing them, unless in particular Cases where there may be reasonable ground of Suspicion that Such Vessells are intended to be employed contrary to Law.
In all your Proceedings, it will be important, to manifest a Zeal, Vigour and concert in defence of the National Rights, proportioned to the danger, with which they are threatened.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Beale, Jr., 19 March 1798
From: Beale, Benjamin, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Quincy March 19th. 1798.

The present prospect of a necessity for the Frigates to be immediately fitted for Sea, and consequently for the appointment of Officers, has induced me to remind the President, that my brother Richd. C. Beale, has long expressed a strong inclination to serve his Country, when ever his services should be required in the Navy.
He is now Twenty five years of age, and has been regularly brought up to the Sea since the age of fourteen. if he is possessed of any talents, there can be no doubt of his ability as a Navigator, or his knowledge of Naval Affairs. Of his Courage, Patriotism and attachment to the Federal Government, I hope you can have no doubts. if you should think him worthy of a Lieutenancy, or to take the Command of a Cutter which is shortly to be built here, by an appointment to either of those stations you will greatly and essentially serve him, and I hope his country at the same time—Should there be a necessity, as I presume there will for some Person to superintend the Building of the proposed Cutter, who understands the manner in which such a Vessel ought to be built, and to see that the terms of the contract are faithfully performed, my fathers knowledge of this business would make him a suitable person for the appointment, and his present leasure would enable him to attend with diligence, and execute the trust with faithfulness, more particularly if she should be built at Milton by Mr. Briggs, who has thrown in his proposals for the Contract. Should you not find any one whose abilities and principles render him more worthy the trust, you will confer a favour by giving the appointment to one who flatters himself that he is among the firmest friends & Supporters of the Federal Government and the present Administration.
I have never yet expressed a Wish for holding any Office myself; but having been under the necessity of being absent for some time, from the present unsettled state of the times, find a difficulty in establishing myself to my Mind; Should any Office fall vacant, or should any new appointments be necessary, which I could fill with honour to myself, and advantage to my Country, my exertions shall not be wanting, to render the appointment as judicious as it would be esteemed honorable & beneficial by / Your most Devoted /  Humble Servt.

Benjamin Beale Junr.


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Anderson, 22 March 1798
From: Anderson, Joseph,Jackson, Andrew
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philadelphia 22nd March 1798.

Amidst the great National business, with which we know you are Continually Surrounded—we feel unwilling to Obtrude, One Moment upon your time; But the Continued, Verry interesting Situation of our fellow Citizens, impells us again to adress you—
The last personal conference, we had the honor of holding with you when we solicited the return  of our distress’d fellow Citizens to their lands, from which they had been removed—you Suggested that this cou’d not be effected, without a Conference with the Indians—and that the Commissioners, who wou’d hold the Treaty, cou’d be at the place, destind for that purpose, nearly as soon as an Agent, But haveing been some time Since, inform’d, that two of the Commissioners, had declined accepting their appointment—we beg leave to Suggest, that the Season being now far advanced, Unless other Commissioners are immediately appointed—they will not be able to arrive in time, to answer fully, the expectations we had formed—And the Objects well feel Confident you had in View—
We therefore request that other Commissioners may be appointed—in place of those who have declin’d—And that the holding of the Treaty, may be forwarded, with all possible expedition—
We are Sir, with Sentiments / of Verry great Respect / your Most Obedt. Servts.

Jos: AndersonAndrew Jackson


Title: Proclamation Proclaiming a Fast-Day, 23 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To:

By the President of the United States of America,A PROCLAMATION.
23 March 1798

As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and the blessing of Almighty God; and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the People owe to Him, but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that Morality and Piety, without which social Happiness cannot exist nor the Blessings of a Free Government be enjoyed; and as this Duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of Difficulty or of Danger, when existing or threatening Calamities, the just Judgments of God against prevalent Iniquity, are a loud call to Repentance and Reformation: And as the United States of America are, at present, placed in a hazardous and afflictive situation, by the unfriendly Disposition, Conduct and Demands of a foreign power, evinced by repeated refusals to receive our Messengers of Reconciliation and Peace, by Depredations on our Commerce, and the Infliction of Injuries on very many of our Fellow-Citizens, while engaged in their lawful Business on the Seas:—Under these considerations it has appeared to me that the Duty of imploring the Mercy and Benediction of Heaven on our Country demands, at this time, a special attention from its Inhabitants.
I HAVE therefore thought fit to recommend, and I do hereby recommend, that Wednesday the Ninth Day of May next be observed throughout the United States, as a day of Solemn Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer: That the Citizens of these States, abstaining on that Day from their customary Worldly Occupations, offer their devout Addresses to the Father of Mercies, agreeably to those forms or methods which they have severally adopted as the most suitable and becoming: That all Religious Congregations do, with the deepest Humility, acknowledge before God the manifold Sins and Transgressions with which we are justly chargeable as Individuals and as a Nation; beseeching him, at the same time, of his infinite Grace, through the Redeemer of the World, freely to remit all our Offences, and to incline us, by his Holy Spirit, to that sincere Repentance and Reformation which may afford us reason to hope for his inestimable Favour and Heavenly Benediction: That it be made the subject of particular and earnest supplication, that our Country may be protected from all the dangers which threaten it; that our Civil and Religious privileges may be preserved inviolate and perpetuated to the latest Generations; that our public Councils and Magistrates may be especially enlightened and directed at this critical period; that the American People may be united in those Bonds of Amity and mutual Confidence, and inspired with that Vigour and Fortitude by which they have in times past been so highly distinguished, and by which they have obtained such invaluable Advantages: That the Health of the Inhabitants of our Land may be preserved, and their Agriculture, Commerce, Fisheries, Arts, and Manufactures be blessed and prospered; that the principles of Genuine Piety and Sound Morality may influence the Minds and govern the Lives of every description of our Citizens; and that the Blessings of Peace, Freedom, and Pure Religion, may be speedily extended to all the Nations of the Earth.
And finally I recommend, that on the said day, the Duties of Humiliation and Prayer be accompanied by fervent Thanksgiving to the Bestower of every Good Gift, not only for having hitherto protected and preserved the People of these United States in the independent Enjoyment of their Religious and Civil Freedom, but also for having prospered them in a wonderful progress of Population, and for conferring on them many and great Favours conducive to the Happiness and Prosperity of a Nation.
GIVEN under my Hand and the Seal of the United States of America, at Philadelphia, this twenty-third day of March, in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the said States the twenty-second.

John Adams.By the President,Timothy Pickering.Secretary of State


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 23 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States March 23d 1798

I nominate The Honourable George Walton Esqr of Georgia, and The Honourable John Steel Esqr of Virginia, to be Commissioners for treating with the Indians in the places of Fisher Ames and Bushrod Washington Esquires who have declined their Appointments

John Adams