Title: To John Adams from John Searson, 14 September 1797
From: Searson, John
To: Adams, John

To his Excellency John Adams, President of the united States of America
Sir
New york Sepr 14th. 1797

I take the Liberty to say, I thought my self happy when I waited on you personally (previous to the Publication of my Poems in Philadelphia) when I thought I had your Countenance of approbation for Encouraging Literature, and your Benevolent disposition, this was previous to your appointment to the Presidency. But alas! A few days previous to your leaving, Philadelphia when I wish’d to have the honor of presenting Copy of the Poems, neatly Gilt bound and Letterd on the Back your Servt. deny’d my admission. I had Indeed the Honor of some of the first Personages in the City to Patronize the Poems. Amongst which were the late President the Spanish Ambassador, the Portuguese do. and English Minister the Honble Robert Liston, most of the Clergy & Professors of the College and Academy, with near Eleven hundred other Reputable Persons. And I was honor’d lately with a Letter from the late President, dated Mount Vernon 20th Augt. 1797, in which are the following Words. “I wish with all my Heart you Could meet with such employment, as your talents are Suited to; but if you Cannot Obtain this in Philada where your Character is best known, There is none within my view in this quarter in any of the lines to which you allude and if you look for any thing in a Public way, you are Already in the best Situation to make the Application with a prospect of Success, as the President will unquestionably, require the best Testimonials that Can be obtained of your fitness for Office, and these can only be Obtain’d from those, to whom you are known. If you are pleas’d, to Send one of your Poems to me Colonel Biddle will receive, pay and forward it, to sir, your Obedt servt G. Washington”
I have been in some of the first Counting Houses, both here and Philadelphia as Book-keeper as per Certificates will appear, once Tutor in one of the first families in this City and Whole sale Mercht. on my own account, as also master of some of the best Schools in America & Ireland, having a General knowledge of Mathematical Learning, having good Vouchers for these things. And once did the Business of Capt. Stiles of Walnut street, Said to be the Richest Gentleman in Philadelphia, who would recommend me. Should any genteel office occur in your knowledge I hope my most sincere Gratitude should not be wanting. And should your Excellency favour me so far as to take one of the Poems you can order it to a friend here, who will forward it to you. I left Philadelphia 16 days ago on account of the fever Now prevailing there, the City is nearly deserted, and the Houses shut up. This City very Healthy at Present, but great Complaints of deadness of trade, on account of the french Capturing their Vessels of Merchandize
Should I be honor’d with a Line from you, please direct to Care of the Postmaster here—May a series of Success and every real happiness ever await your Excellency, and beg leave to Subscribe my Self with sincerity and Truth / Your Ever Obedient / Humble servt
John Searson


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 September 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir
Quincy September 15. 1797

It was not till last night that I received your favours of the 5. of the month.
I am happy to learn that your Family and office are removed to Trenton, which I hope will proove a Place of Safety from the Contagion of the Plague of Philadelphia, as it is a well chosen Situation for the Business of your office.
Dr. Way, I knew not: but his Character is such as excites a deep regret for his Death.
Dr. David Jackson I know, and as a man esteem him.
Mr. Jonathan Williams I have known from his youth. I knew him in France at Paris and at Nantes. I had trouble enough, on his account, with Mr. Lee and Mr. Izard: but as I believed him to have Justice on his Side, I protected him from much Mischief. How he has requited me, I have never enquired. Insinuations have not been wanting. But these have made no Impression. I believe him capable, and upon the whole ingenious. Dr. Rush I have known, esteemed, and loved, these three and twenty years. His Learning, and Ingenuity, are respectable and his public and private Virtues amiable. His services from the beginning of our great revolution were conspicuous and meritorious. He had no small share in recommending our present Constitution, and might be eminently Useful to the present Administration.
Applications and Recommendations have been transmitted to me from Several other Candidates. I shall inclose them with this that you may weigh them.
Mr. John Knapp of Maryland, but now in Philadelphia or its Neighbourhood, is recommended by the Senators of Maryland, and by the first Characters in that State and among the rest by Mr. Charles Carrol of Carrollton.
The late Speaker of the House of Representatives Frederick Augustus Muhlenbourg, by a Letter to me of the 8th of this month, offers himself a Candidate. A Series of Misfortunes to a Son in Law occasioned by French Captures have affected him very materially.
William Mumford Esqr. of Philadelphia, formerly of Rhode Island is recommended by Mr. Foster, Mr. Bourne, Mr. Ward in Strong terms.
Mr. James Armstrong, a Clergyman, I believe of Trenton, claims, something like a Promise, or at least Encouragement from Col. Hamilton, while he was in office.
I pray you, Sir to consider all these Characters and their Pretensions and give me your Advice. I have myself considered them all, with Attention, and I hope my Judgment is not too much influenced by my Affections, if it leans in favour of Dr. Rush. If your Opinion is clearly with mine you may make out his Commission, as soon as you please. But if you have any doubts, We will delay the Appointment for further Consideration.
With great Regard, I am, Sir your most obedient

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 September 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Septr. 15. 1797

Last night I received your favour of Septr. 7. Many Applications have been made to me for the Place of Dr Way. Mr Muhlenbourg, Mr. Huger, Mr Knapp Dr Jackson, and Dr Rush, besides those you have mentioned, have presented themselves as Candidates, and Mr Mumford of Philadelphia formerly of Rhode Island. These are all respectable Characters: but all Things considered my Judgment inclines to Dr Rush, on Account of ancient Merits, and present Abilities. Of his Integrity, and Independence I have a good opinion. I have written so to the Secretary of State. If you have any doubts, pray write to Col. Pickering to suspend the Appointment, for I wish to have the Subject, well considered.
Soon after you left Philadelphia, reflecting upon what you had Said to me, I felt it to be my Duty to put an immediate Stop to the Career of Leonard Jarvis, and I accordingly appointed Ebenezer Storer Esqr to his Place, who has interened long Since upon his office and found an horrid scene I Shall wait for your Ultimate opinion and mature Inquiries before I determine, any Thing respecting the Naval office in Charleston District.
Pray Seek for a Federal Character if such can be found for Collector of St. Marys.
I See by the Papers that Mr Lynsey is dead at Newport. I have So long Studied the Applications and recommendations, for a successor, that my Judgment is ripe for Otway Bird. But if your Opinion favours any other in Preference, or if it is even in suspence, I wish you to suspend the Appointment for further Consideration. But if you concur clearly with me you may have his Commission made out as soon as you please.
There are Subjects of Some moment, to reflect on. Is there a Law in force, impowering the President to convene Congress at any other Place than Philadelphia? If there is, what Place shall be chosen? I am for New York, entre nous, but if you think any other Place preferable, please to name it and state your Reasons.
I hope you will favour me, early with minutes of what in your department or any other, ought to be remembered at the opening of Congress.
I am Dear sir, yours affectionately
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 15 September 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton Sept. 15. 1797.

I inclose the application of Mr. James Sykes of the State of Delaware, to be appointed Treasurer of the mint.
It is perhaps ten years or more since I saw Mr. Sykes at my friend Mr. Doz’s. I had more acquaintance with his father, who sustained a good character, and was clerk of the county court in Kent County. His son, Mr. James Sykes, I suppose is the physician, and I believe a gentleman well respected. I think his residence is at Dover—a place so subject to autumnal fevers as to dispose any one to escape from it who can find employment elsewhere.
I have the honor to be / with great respect / sir your obt. servant

T. Pickering
P.S. I inclose a letter from Govr. St. Clair. His character of Colo. Frs. Nichols I believe is perfectly correct.


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 September 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton Sept. 16. 1797.

I have the honour to inclose the celebrated speech of Pastoret, in the Council of Five Hundred, concerning the subsisting relations between France and the United States. I have had it translated, and it will be published in the beginning of the ensuing week in Fenno’s news-paper.
I inclose a letter, I suppose from Dr. Hall of Yorktown in Pennsylvania, with one from General Miller (superintendant of the Revenue for the district of Pennsylvania) recommending him for the vacant office of Treasurer of the mint.
I am most respectfully / sir your obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: From John Adams to Samuel B. Malcom, 17 September 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Malcom, Samuel B.

Dear Malcom
Quincy Sept 17th. 1797

I thank you for your favor of the 12th. Will you be so good, as to write to Col Pickering the Sect of State at Trenton, the substance of what you have written me, concerning Mr George Sanderson of Lancaster in Pensylvania & other candidates for the consulship at aux Cayes that he may be able to lay before me in one view all the applications.
Your electioneering campaign will be an easy one, unless you have adopted the French proverb Dans le Royaulme des aveugles les Borgnes sont des Roys. I dont know whether I have the original exact—so I will translate it. In the kingdom of the blind the purblind are kings.
I thank you for the pamphlet. I had read it before. Is not a there a phrase—Digito compesce labellum? Your observations on this miserable business do honor to your head & heart. Can talents atone for such turpitude? Can wisdom reside with such cullibity? Mr Locke says the world has all sorts of men. All degrees of human wisdom are mixed with all degrees of human Folly. To me & I beleve to you, this world would be a region of torment if such a recollection existed in our memories. This must be, entre nous. What are the speculations about the place of convening congres?
With kind regard I am, dear / Sir, yours.

John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 17 September 1797
From: Luzac, Jean
To: Adams, John

Right honourable Sir,
Leyden 17. Sept. 1797

If I had not supposed, that the Hon. John Quincy Adams, your worthy and amiable Son, would have forwarded to Your Excellency one of the Copy’s of my Discourse on Socrates, considered as a Citizen; if I had not expected I could write You with freedom and tranquillity on my own affairs, and announce You the end of all the troubles and persecutions, of which my steady adherence to the Cause of Liberty, founded on law, order, and justice, had made me a victim;—if those very troubles had not taken up much of my time and leisure;—I would not have delay’d till this day to present You the Copy of my Work, particularly destined since long for Your Excellency, with another for the Society of Boston. I hope, Sir, this public Testimony of my true and cordial respect for You, of my adhesion to Your principles, of my admiration of your extensive knowledge and abilities, of your talents, patriotism, and virtue, will not have been desagreable to Your Excellency. I was, Sir, in a degree the Interpreter of the sentiments of Your Citizens, of which they have given so undoubtful and honourable a proof; by chasing You to the seat of the first Magistrate of United-America, the immediate Successor of the illustrious Washington. Accept, Sir, my most sincere congratulations and wishes for the mutual satisfaction and constant happiness of Your Excellency and of your grateful Citizens. Accept them on another event, that, I hope, will so much contribute to your domestical contentment, as Your elevated station contributes to the wel deserved lustre and glory of your Name. Time will come perhaps, Sir, that I shall expose You my feelings on more subjects. Presently, using the occasion, which was offer’d to me by the much respected General C.C. Pinckney, I will only add the assurances of the profound respect, with which I am, / Right honourable Sir, / Your most obedient, humble, / and addicted Servant

John Luzac.
P.S. It needs, Sir, no comments, I think, that the event, I spoke of, is the alliance of Mr. J.Q.A. with a most amiable young Lady, as I hear by all reports. May he be long be as happy, as he deserves; and may the Posterity of a so worthy a Father and so worthy a Son be a blessing for United-America!


Title: To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 18 September 1797
From: Malcom, Samuel B.
To: Adams, John

Sir
New York Septr. 18th 1797.

By an arrival this morning from Greenich we hope accounts from London to the 9th August, by which it appears that there is an official confirmation of the Dutch Fleet having Sailed from the Texel—that the approach of a Certain body of Troops near to Paris had created the most Serious alarm, and Commotion—that the Negotiations at Lisle were said to be broken off, for the moment, for the purposes of dispatching Couriers—that the British fleet had been driven from their position before Cadiz these being only the Circular reports (nothing as yet having escaped from the press) I cannot add what credit they aught to receive—and the mal being about to close, I have to Solicit your indulgence for this hasty sketch, and with my respects to your Lady to Subscribe Myself / Your Ob Servt

Saml B Malcom


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 18 September 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

					Quincy, September 18th, 1797

				It was not till last night that I received your favors of the 5th of the month.I am happy to learn that your family and office are removed to Trenton, which I hope will prove a place of safety from the contagion of the plague of Philadelphia, as it is a well-chosen situation for the business of your office.Dr. Way I knew not; but his character is such as excites a deep regret for his death.Dr. David Jackson I know, and, as a man, esteem him.Mr. Jonathan Williams I have known from his youth. I knew him in France,—at Paris and at Nantes. I had trouble enough on his account with Mr. Lee and Mr. Izard; but, as I believed him to have justice on his side, I protected him from much mischief. How he has requited me I have never inquired. Insinuations have not been wanting. But these have made no impression. I believe him capable, and, upon the whole, ingenuous.Dr. Rush I have known, esteemed, and loved, these three and twenty years. His learning and ingenuity are respectable, and his public and private virtues amiable. His services, from the beginning of our great Revolution, were conspicuous and meritorious. He had no small share in recommending our present Constitution, and might be eminently useful to the present administration.Applications and recommendations have been transmitted to me from several other candidates. I shall enclose them with this, that you may weigh them.Mr John Knapp, of Maryland, but now in Philadelphia or its neighborhood, is recommended by the Senators of Maryland, and by the first characters in that State, and, among the rest, by Mr. Charles Carroll, of Carrollton.The late Speaker of the House of Representatives, Frederick Augustus Muhlenburg, by a letter to me of the 8th of this month, offers himself as a candidate. A series of misfortunes to a son-in-law, occasioned by French captures, have affected him very materially.William Mumford, Esq., of Philadelphia, formerly of Rhode Island, is recommended by Mr. Foster, Mr Bourne, Mr. Ward, in strong terms.Mr. James Armstrong, a clergyman, I believe, of Trenton, claims something like a promise, or at least encouragement, from Colonel Hamilton while he was in office.I pray you, Sir, to consider all these characters and their pretensions, and give me your advice. I have myself considered them all with attention, and I hope my judgment is not too much influenced by my affections, if it leans in favor of Dr. Rush. If your opinion is clearly with mine, you may make out his commission as soon as you please. But, if you have any doubts, we will delay the appointment for further consideration.


Title: To John Adams from Jan Willink, 19 September 1797
From: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem
To: Adams, John

Sir
Amsterdam 19th: Sbr 1797

General Marshall handed to us your esteemed favor of the 14th. July inclosing a number of Coupons to be invested in fresch stocks, of the United States, in consequence we re purchased 4 Oblg.: of ƒ1000—each No. 852 & 853, 2692 & 2673 at 84 per Ct. of the Loan of 4 per C intrest Whch. please to find charged in the abstr: of Y/a inclosed, whch. ballance in our favor we transfer on new accts. whch. of right, we request to note it in conformity.
We keep said oblg: Subject to your order.
We have the honor to be with sincere regard & esteem / Sir Your most Obedient & / Humble Servants

Wilhem Jan Willink

4 Bonds @ ƒ1/m 4000. . . at 4 pC Int. purchasedat 84 pC. . . . . .ƒ3360..Interest of ƒ1000. . 8/months & 17/ds. . . . . ."28.11.ƒ3000. . 3/months & 17/ds. . . . . ."35.13.Brokerage 1/4 pCt. . . . . ."10..ƒ3434.4.


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 21 September 1797
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Burlington N.J. Septr. 21. 1797—

I have received a letter from one of my brothers, who went thro Pittsburg to New Orleans in June last, which contains some information relative to public affairs. I therefore do myself the honor to enclose a copy that it may be of any confidential use that you may think proper, within the Government. My brother having a very considerable commercial establishment at New Orleans, and other parts of Louisiana it might be inconvenient to him if he were known abroad as the writer of the letter. He was the bearer of letters from Col. Pickering to Mr. Ellicott, and from Mr. Yrujo to the Spanish Governor. My letters to him at Pittsburg, by the mail after he left Philadelphia, possessed him of two copies of your Message to the Legislature, which fortunately enabled Mr. Ellicott to know the operations of Government, and shewed the Spaniards what Government was doing in an open and public Manner. My brother, who has been twice before at New Orleans, has been often entertained at the houses of the Baron de Carondelet & Don M. Gayoso. As I am just informed of his having returned to one of our ports and that he will return to Pennsylvania within a fortnight it is possible, that he may bring further information of affairs there.
He mentioned in a letter from the Rapids of the Ohio, near Fort Steuben, that a great Number of our citizans were emigrating to the Spanish Side of the Ohio, to encourage which liberal offers of Land were made by the Spaniards.
Since I had the honor to write you last, I have received a letter from Mr le Ray (de Chaumont) Junior, dated the 29th. of June at Paris. This gentleman expresses a hope that our Government may think fit to send an Envoy extraordinary to France, and an opinion that the issue of such a mission woud be amicable—It is remarkable that he suggests the Idea of the gentleman landing in Holland. I believe him to have been long particularly acquainted with Barbé de Marbois, the President of the council of Ancients, and from circumstances I think he must have been particularly made known to the Director Barthelemi, while he resided in Switzerland.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, Sir, / your most obedt. / & mo. hble Servant

Tench CoxeYour humanity, Sir, will be gratified in hearing, that the number of deaths, from all disorders, is reduced to about 50 pr cent more than the ordinary number in the Autumn in Philada.—That is—to 15 & 16 of a day. 10 & 11 are common in August & September.
Extract of a letter dated New Orleans July 31st. 1797.
“I am pretty well convinced that the posts will not be given up by Spain untill a general peace takes place—I brought the first intelligence of the Presidents message, of which as I had two copies I gave one to Mr. Ellicot at Natchez and the other to the Baron on arriving here—
The latter informed me that the objection relative to the navigation of the Mississipi by the English being the principal one (and having been passed over in Silence by the president in his message to the two houses) would now remain the sole obstacle to the fulfillment of the treaty on the part of Spain—
The other points appear to be satisfactorily explained and arranged by the president—The Walnut Hills (37 leagues above Natchez) have been lately much strengthened and the garrison augmented to about 400 men. They have positive orders to prevent the passing of any American troops—The commandant at New Madrid had the Same instructions but being unable to oppose the passage of Capt. Guyon’s three companies he could only protest against their passing, which was done formally.
That body is now supposed to be encamped at the Chickasaw Bluff—We passed them in the night time the day after leaving New Madrid—
Governor Gayoso has just received his appointment to the government of Louisiana and is expected from the Natchez in a few days—The Baron is promoted to the Government of Quito and will leave New Orleans about 1st: of September.”


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton Sept. 21. 1797.

I inclose the copy of a letter from Robert Morris Esqr. dated yesterday, accompanied with information from a Mr. Rees who is attending the treaty held at his request with the Seneka Indians at Genesee River, where doubtless the Chief of others of the six Nations are assembled. It confirms our other accounts of the attempts of the Spaniards to seduce the Indians from our Territory, with a view to expected hostilities.
Since my last I have received the inclosed letter from Robert Coleman Esqr. and a letter from Charles Hall Esqr. recommending Dr. James Hall of Yorktown for the office of Treasurer of the Mint.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 23 September 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Septr. 23. 1797

I have recd your favour of Septr. Mr Storer is a Man of Science and Letters, a Merchant of acknowledged Accuracy and unblemished Reputation, many years Treasurer of the University of Cambridge, and of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, in both of which offices he has acquitted himself with Punctuality. His Connections are numerous and respectable. His Age is the only Objection to him: but his Health is vigorous. He has a numerous Family: and is not affluent. He finds the office in a deplorable Condition: I have desired him to write to you upon the Subject. No Light nor assistance can he get from his Predecessor, who has richly merited the Dismission he had. He was not permitted to resign.
I return you the Papers relative to the Collector’s Place at Norfolk. I think with you the vacancy may remain open till we meet: unless you are clear for filling it with Col. Bird. It Seems to me, that I would Suffer hunger, before I would Solicit an office under a Government like ours, if I were prejudiced in favour of our Democrats, and in opposition to the leading measures of the Government. Dr Jackson ought therefore to perform Quarantine.
The Number of Candidates for the Treasury of the Mint are so numerous and so respectable, that it is very difficult to make a selection. What think you of Dr Rush?
Pray What is your opinion of convening Congress at New York?
Be so good as to commit to writing Such Things as will be necessary to communicate to Congress at the opening of the Session, as early as possible.
I am, dear Sir with great regard &c

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 September 1797
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Near Downings town 24 Sept. 1797.

I received at this place your letter of the 1st of Sepr.  instant with its several references.
I have been attacked here with a bilious fever from which I am getting slowly better, a restoration to my former state of health being impeded by the business I have been obliged to attend to and having no assistant to copy for me except a youth my nephew.
The inclosed papers from No. 1 to No. 5 inclusive will present you with a view of the situation of things on the Western frontiers and the Mississippi, and the orders which appeared to me proper to be taken on the cases respectively. I have ventured to pass these to you through Col Pickering, as I cannot make him a special communication respecting the protest of the Spanish commandant at New Madrid, which it may be proper for him to be acquainted with and the military movements contemplated for the Mississippi. I pray you to excuse this liberty and to ascribe it to my being unable to make out a copy for him without delaying the communication to you. For the same reason permit me to request that the originals may be returned.
The position I have chosen gives me the Western mails some hours sooner than Philada.
I have the honour to be with the most sincere respect Sir your ob St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 26 September 1797
From: Malcom, Samuel B.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Newyork September 26th 1797

In addition to the honor; I have the peculiar Satisfaction to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 17th Inst:
Agreeably to your Commands I have acquainted the Secretary of State, thro’ the medium of Mr George Taylor, who departs hence, this day for Trenton with the circumstances relative to George Sanderson—
I am happy to observe your favorable impressions with respect to the issue of our Election, and should rejoice if its termination should be honorable, and acquired with ease, of the latter I have reason to doubt arising from Certain information, of the federal interest having become prejudiced by the Election of Mr. Cochran, having a tendency to counteract the influence of characters, who heretofore favored Govr: Jay—So that perhaps there is a Crisis in the diseases of States as of Individuals when it is necessary either that the patient should yield to the disease, or surmounting it should fast converge to a State of health, Spirits and Energy—
The place of convening Congress, has as yet, not become the Subject of any Speculations, although My own private Curiosity has been Somewhat alive.—This Silence perhaps may be attributed, either to an anticipation of a Speedy removal of the fever from Philadelphia, or an ignorance of the Executive authority in such Cases—
We have at present nothing amongst us that interests or alarms; the Situation of the Contending parties in Europe alone awaits our Anxiety—and gives rise to suppositions which I beleive are not more chimerical than false—the accounts from Philadelp: although distressing are favorable—our own City is remarkably healthy—Mr: Adams & family are well, and with my respects to your Lady permit me again to subscribe myself / Your most Obedient Hble Servant
Saml B Malcom


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 26 September 1797
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Grays near Phila. Sept. 26th. 1797.

I have been honoured with your favour of the 15th. instant.
The enclosed papers relative to the Collectorship of Norfolk confirm the Presidents preference of Otway Byrd. I shall therefore consider the appointment as settled in his favour.
Doct. Rushs pretensions founded on public services & celebrity of character are certainly superiour to any of the Candidates who have been named. I do not know that he has any other fault, than being somewhat addicted to the modern philosophy; being however of a disposition naturally benevolent & not apt to be long tenacious of any particular system, his error if it be one, will probably yield to topical remedies.—But to be serious, my opinion is, that though Doct. Rush’s mind is not exactly of the right cast, no better selection can be made among the Candidates. That the President may have information of all who have applied I enclose certain Letters which have come to hand since I wrote last.
Mr. Harper confirms the objections against Mr. Mulligan for the Naval office of Charleston & has recommended Mr. Thomas Lehre; I am pursuing the inquiry further.
The Presidents directions with respect to the Office of St. Marys, shall be obeyed.
By an Act of Congress passed on the third of April 1794, the President is authorised to convene Congress at such place as he may judge proper, when the legal place of meeting is affected by contagious sickness. There being authority to issue a proclamation, the expediency of the measure remains only to be considered.
That there is a contagious sickness in Philadelphia, is now I believe certain—For a week or ten days, it was nearly extinguished,—It is now extended more than it has before been—& is so firmly seated, that it must have its course—Whatever may have been the case it cannot now be suppressed by any regulation of police.
If as I have no doubt is the truth, this fear is communicated by specific contagion, & is similar to that which has before affected Philadelphia New York, New Haven, Baltimore & Norfolk, it will immediately terminate after a severe frost—Such a frost will in all probability happen in the month of October, or at any rate before the meeting of Congress.
The expence to the public of removing the Offices will be considerable.—The loss of time especially to the Treasury, will be a great evil—The private expence to the Officers of Government; will also be to most of them inconvenient.
The effect of a removal upon the minds of the Citizens would be unpleasant, as it would increase & prolong the misfortunes of a great number of dependent families, who subsist upon the advantages which they derive from the concourse of people who resist to the seat of Government.
The general interest of the Country, requires that as little public notice be taken of this sickness as possible, especially as some of the Physicians have erroneously attributed to it, a domestic origin—The loss of Capital, & Credit which Phila. must suffer cannot be easily calculated—& the sufferings of the few, can be hardly considered as yet commenced. If Congress do not meet in Phila. the next winter, a great portion of foreign consignments, destined for the supply of the next year, will be diverted from their natural course.
If the President shall however determine to convene Congress at some other place than Phila. New York, appears to be the most eligible place.—Baltimore is affected by sickness, Lancaster cannot furnish convenient accomodations, and is not so accessible as New York. This last place is however exposed to the contagion, which may yet break out there, notwithstanding, their extreme caution.
I have found it necessary to give directions for the removal of the Custom House to Chester at which place & Marcus Hook, all Vessells will be discharged untill further orders.
Though orders were promptly given for preparing the dies for executing the stamp Act, & though the progress has yet been as great as was to have been expected, yet it will be impossible to commence the execution of the law by the first of January. I apprehended that the time would be found inadequate, when the Act was passed.
The Receipts into the Treasury exceed my calculations.—All the remittances to Amsterdam arrived safe—I shall remit in a few weeks sufficient funds to meet the public engagements till the first of March ensuing.
The Secretary of State writes that a Treaty has been effected with Tunis, for sixty thousand Dollars.—I have informed him that the money wanted for the Barbary service shall be furnished when he applies for it. It is proposed to ship 160,000 Dollars in Specie.
The Algerine Frigate is nearly ready except her Guns—A fatality seems to attend every attempt to obtain Cannon, the Contractor says that the drafts & models were wrong. They were made by a French Engineer, who skill has been highly rated—I am making every effort to supply the deficiency, & have now a fair prospect of success—
The heavy Masts & Spars & timber for the Dey of Algiers will be ready this fall, if there is a rise of water in the Susquehannah. The shells, cannon Ball & Powder are in a course of being provided by Mr. Francis.
As the peace is general with the Barbary powers, it appears to be important to send them ample supplies this fall, to effect which we are making every exertion.
The French & Spaniards do not appear to have been successful in their attempts upon the Northern Indians—One Coxe of Georgia is endeavouring to establish an illegal settlement in the Indian Country near the South bend of the Tennessee. Blounts influence in Tennessee is yet very considerable;—some persons high in office, say that he is a virtuous man who has been persecuted by the tools of Administration.
The French depredations grow more & more outrageous, and from various appearances I infer that the spirit of commercial adventure in this Country, has recd. a serious check.
I shall attend to the Presidents desire respecting what may occur as proper to be communicated to Congress.
I have the honour to be with / perfect respect & attachment / sir, your obedt. servt.

P.S. An embarrassing question has been brought forward through the intreagues of the French Consuls, who have distributed a form, of what they call a Role de Equipage which they have represented as necessary to the protection of American Vessells—If the papers had been refused it would have been said that the Government was fastidious on a point of mere form, for which it was willing to expose the American Commerce to destruction, with a view to promote a war with France. To have complied without annexing some condition to the papers, would have been to authorize the portent upon which numerous condemnations have taken place. After much hesitation I authorised the enclosed Letter to be written, which under all the circumstances of the Country will I hope be judged proper, by the President.—
OW.


Title: To John Adams from American Spectator, 28 September 1797
From: American Spectator
To: Adams, John

United States—Sept. 28. 1797—

The American Spectator desires the President of the United States to accept of this little Volume, as a small token of ardent esteem for his pre-eminent talents, patriotism and virtue. The object, at least, which it embraces, must meet the approbation of a gentleman, distinguished for every conjugal & parental excellence, and cultivating, with his amiable sentimental Partner, the fondest attachment for the rational and refined sweets of domestic life.
Having consecrated the profits of his work to charity, it has been his invariable effort, to conceal his real name from the public view. He feels himself only at liberty to say, that the letter contained in the last Number was written by a gentleman who meritoriously enjoys the confidence and esteem of Mr Adams.
Should the compiler lend, though a feeble, yet, an assisting hand towards the promotion of that public happiness, so invariably, sedulously, and honourably sought by the first Magistrate of the Union from his earliest days; he shall feel himself amply recompensed for complying with the voice of his friends, who urged the publication.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 October 1797
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Phila. Oct 6th. 1797

I arrived home on Saturday evening with my family;—I did not arrive at New York so soon as was expected by one day, this rendered it impossible for me to pay my respects to the President without being detained on the Road till this week, which would have been very inconvenient,
I am desired by Genl. McPherson to inform the President that the Troops of the City & vicinity are desirous of proving their respect, by escorting the President from Trenton to this City;—That seasonable & proper arrangements may be made, it is desireable to know when the President will pass the Delaware—I have conjectured that it will most probably happen on Saturday; if convenient & acceptable I shall be happy in giving precise Notice.
There appears to be as good Spirit among all the people of any consideration & although I fear that the Compliment will be fatiaguing, yet it will be so gratifying to the Escorts & to the Citizens, if the President can take measures for arriving before Evening—that I cannot forbear to express a  wish hope, that it will somehow be consistent with tolerable convenience to the President & family to comply with their wishes.
I have the honour to be with / perfect deference, / Dear Sir, your obedt servt.

Oliv Wolcott jr


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 7 October 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Trenton Oct. 7. 1797.

This morning I was honoured with your letter of the 2d.—Yesterday I saw Dr. Rush at this place. His information agrees with what I have heard from others, that very few persons have the yellow fever in the city of Philadelphia. The sickness is principally among the poor people in Southwark. The Doctor is now about four miles from Trenton, & I will endeavour to see him before he returns to Philadelphia, and ask his opinion on the question Whether Congress may safely assemble there on the second Monday in November. For my own part I fully expect it. Mr. Soderstrom (who was from the city yesterday) said he thought the citizens might return by the 20th of this present month.
I inclose a letter received last evening from Mr. William Turnbull, addressed to you.
The Consul of the U. States at the Cape (St. Domingo) by letter dated the 21st of September, informed me that since the departure of Santhonax (about a month before) twelve American vessels had been liberated; but they were all bound to or from French ports: they still continue to condemn those going to or from British ports, or which have their registers indorsed by the naval commanders of that nation.
The Consul sent me a pamphlet exhibiting several conversations between Santhonax & the Black Chief (now the commandant general) Toussaint Louverture, in which the former proposed and repeatedly urged that General Toussaint should join him in declaring the colony of St. Domingo independent of France, and to render themselves, one in the military, the other in the civil line, masters of the island; and in order to remove all obstacles, and perfect the plan, Santhonax proposed to cut the throats of all the white inhabitants. Toussaint, by his own account, rejected the proposals with horror. He also asked Santhonax, How they could maintain themselves independently of France? “Nous soutenir (answered Santhonax)—La France n’a point de marine, vous voyez qu’elle ne nous envoie rien; elle sera obligée de faire comme L’Angleterre envers les Etats Unis.”—It appears by this pamphlet that Toussaint had determined to send Santhonax to France, prior to the reception of the order of the Directory requiring his return.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servt.
Timothy PickeringMr. Brisler called upon me about ten days ago, till when I did not know that he was in Trenton. He mentioned his family and I think two female servants being with him at the Ferry; and as he said nothing to the contrary, I suppose they were all well.
Dr. Rush told me yesterday that a servant of yours whose wife lived in the lower part of Philadelphia had had the fever, and was recovered.
Mr. Brisler informed me that an attempt had been made to break into your house—that his dogs alarmed the people at Mrs. Grattan’s, who mustering, the villains fled, leaving an iron bar behind. Upon this I wrote to Mr. Hodgdon (who is president of the Common Council) suggesting the necessity of additional night watches. He answered me, that the Corporation had established patroles, of a superior class of citizens, which with the ordinary watch he hoped would prove sufficient.T. Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Jacob Morton, 9 October 1797
From: Morton, Jacob
To: Adams, John

Dr Sir,
New York Octr. 9. 1797

The Military of this City being desirous of testifying their respect to the President of the United States on his arrival by being under arms on the occasion, and the command of the Detachment which has been ordered out haveing been given to me, I would be greatly obliged to you, if you would make some arrangement by which his Excellency shall be informed of the intentions of the Military, and we also receive information of the hour at which he will arrive in the City and of the route, whether by Kingsbridge or Haerlem—The arrangements which have been made are, that the Brigadr. Genl. with the Officers of the Brigade mounted and two Troops of Horse will receive his Excellency on his arrival in the County, either at Kingsbridge or Haerlem, and the Infantry will receive him at the suburbs of the City and escort him to his Lodgings—It is probable also that a number of Citizens in Carriages and on horseback will join the Escort—I have directed a Horseman to attend you and carry any dispatches you may wish to forward—
I am with esteem / Your Hb. Servt.

Jacob Morton


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 9 October 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

(private)
Sir,Trenton Oct. 9. 1797.

Hearing Daniel W. Coxe, brother of Tench Coxe Esqr. had returned from New-Orleans, I wished to obtain what information he had collected in that quarter relative to the affairs of the United States. On the 6th instant I recd. from Tench Coxe an extract of a letter from his brother of which a copy is now inclosed.—On account of the commercial affairs of D. W. Coxe at New-Orleans, the communication was accompanied with a request that it might remain confidentially with the Government.
This extract confirms, what I have all along supposed, that the two Governors had been acting without orders from home: but expecting (as the Baron de Carondelet said in one of his proclamations in May) a rupture between France and the United States, in which Spain must of course become a party, they thought they exercised a prudent political foresight in retaining the posts, and might thereby render themselves meritorious in the eyes of their government.
I saw Dr. Rush on the evening of the 7th. He does not apprehend the smallest difficulty in the assembling of Congress at the time fixed by law—the second Monday in November. In the City of Philadelphia, he says the cases of fever are extremely rare at this time, and confining themselves to the city, there would be little risque in their convening at this moment. It is in Southwark chiefly that the disease has prevailed & still continues.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your most obt. srvt.
Timothy Pickering
 Enclosure
                                                (Private)Septr. 29th 1797

Conformably to your desire for information on the Louisiana business, I send you the following details.
On the 16th or 17th July I arrived at New Madrid, and there learned from Monsr. Lasure, the Commandant, that Capt. Guyan, with 14 boats and three Companies of troops, had the day before passed by with military music playing, keeping the opposite bank, and, I think he added, with colours flying. Capt. Guyan himself landed at New Madrid as a matter of ceremony and respect to the Spanish Garrison. This meeting with Monr. Lasure was friendly, who informed him that he considered the passing of the American troops as, so far an infringement and unauthorized, that he should certainly prevent their further progress were he sufficiently strong, but unable to resist Superior numbers (having only 40 men) he could only protest against their passing, as an act, that might produce a rupture between the two Countries—The Commandant informed me that Capt. Guyan appeared so far to listen to his remonstrances, as to promise not to go below the Chickasaw Bluffs, but there to encamp. Monr. Lasure detained us a day and we were bearers of his protest to Governor Gayoso. Having taken a pilot at New Madrid, we continued to descend in the night and therefore missed Capt. Guyon and arrived at the Bluffs the next day, before him. This position was evacuated by the Spaniards, who had built a small fort on the opposite bank, where there was a Corporal and 12 men—Panton of Pensacola the Indian trader, has a store and a few huts at the Bluffs—Between this place and Nogales (or the Walnut Hills) we met a Spanish Government boat going up the river with presents destined to be distributed among the Chickasaws, Arkensaws, and other Indian tribes—On the 22nd July we arrived at the Walnut Hills (37 leagues above Natchez) I was forcibly struck with the strength and beauty of this situation, which from a sudden bend in the river and the height of the ground Commands very completely the passage of the Mississippi. We here landed and our party being all known to the Officers of the garrison, we remained a few hours, and the Commandant permitted us to view the fortifications and informed us of his force and preparations to receive the Americans should they attempt to pass—The force is 450 men with many of the Oldest and most experienced Officers in the service of the Colony, & the place is really in an excellent state of defence and daily improving and Strengthening. A new fort is likewise building on the most Commanding height. The day after (23d July) we arrived at the Natchez, when I first delivered Mr. Pickerings letter to Mr. Ellicott, and then called on Govr. Gayoso with two of our party by whom we were received with great politeness and detained to breakfast. Governor Gayoso married a Miss Watts, daughter of a Mr. Watts who settled in that Country many years since from Philadelphia.—I found her and Mrs. Watts both at Government house, and having letters for the latter, from Old Doctr. Redman (her Uncle) and Mr. Daniel Coxe, I was very graciously received. I mention the Governors marriage with an American lady as it leads to some observations, which I shall have occasion to make to you—
Gayoso had just received intelligence of his appointment to Louisiana, on which I first Congratulated him, and then turned the conversation to the negociation, which he immediately began to descant upon with great freedom. He mentioned his late disagreeable situation when attacked by the inhabitants of Natchez and spoke of Lieutenant , who Commands the American troops with great irritation, and expressed the strongest wish for the arrival of Captain Guyon to supercede the Lieutenant, whom he appeared to consider as having been a principal mover in the late disturbances. He mentioned Ellicott as a good man & a good Geographer, but one that he considered very unfit for his mission. He censured Monr. Lasure for opposing Captain Guyons descent, and said that orders had been sent up to the Walnut Hills not to oppose his passage. This, I have since reason to believe, was true, tho’ it did not correspond with what Baron Carondelet afterwards told me on that head. After leaving Gayoso, I called, by myself, on Mr. Ellicott and gave him the Philadelphia papers containing Mr. Pickerings report and the Presidents message, which he had not then seen. Ellicott mentioned to me nearly in the following terms, “that Gayoso and himself were then on the best terms possible, that not a day passed without a visit from him and a repetition of assurances, that the posts would soon be given up,” He added, “that he began to entertain sanguine expectations of succeeding,” as Gayoso was now well convinced that the tenure of the Natchez was impracticable on any other terms than those which the American settlers had lately dictated or might further chuse to insist on; that there were there then 10 Companies of organized American Insurgents and a number more would be found in case of an emergency—He related the affair of the attack on the Governor’s house nearly as you have seen it in the printed paragraph I sent you. He stated in support of his expectations of succeeding in adjusting the business without much further delay, “that the cannon had been lately carried away”—But it is a question whether this might not have been a measure of prudence to prevent their being turned against himself in case of a more serious rupture—I understood that the Lieutenant before alluded to (whose name I have forgotten) was on bad terms with Ellicott—and that they did not speak. This I am disposed to credit. Mr. Ellicott appeared to apprehend no opposition to Captain Guyons passing the Walnut Hills and wished him much to arrive—On my arrival at New Orleans I called on the Baron and gave him another sett of the same papers which I had left with Ellicott which he had not than seen—I read over to him the points cited in the President’s message as the asserted pretexts on the part of Spain for retaining the posts and he immediately noticed the President’s silence on that part of the Chevalier de Yrujo’s memorial, which complains of a grant of the navigation of the Mississippi to the British and which, he observed, was the most important point in difference. He added that the other matters were apparently put on such a footing by the President, that the difficulties on those points would be done away, but that the navigation of the river by the British was an insurmountable obstacle to the cession of the posts, unless the two Governments could come to arrangements through the Channel of negociation, that would do it away—As this difficulty was not mentioned by either Ellicott or Gayoso, it appeared to me strange, that the Baron should lay so much stress on it—But this mystery was afterwards solved by the Barons observations on Gayoso’s and Ellicott’s conduct. He censured the former for undertaking to say and do unauthorized things, and blamed Ellicott for not having communicated directly with himself, who was the only proper organ of communication on the part of Spain under the treaty—He approved of the conduct of Monsr. Lasure in protesting, which was done he said by his orders and that he had likewise directed the Commandant at Walnut Hills to oppose the passage of the American troops. He said much more, from all which it was evident that there had been a constant misunderstanding between him and Gayoso on the subject of the negociation—I observed to the Baron that as Gayoso was now in power he might probably undertake to fulfil the promises he had made to Ellicott. To this he replied, that though he (the Baron) was no longer Governor of the province Gayoso could not depart from that line of proceeding, which he had already laid down, and therefore until the point in difference was rectified, by our Government, or settled by negociation, that the posts would certainly, not be given up. On this subject he communicated so undisguisedly, that I am myself confirmed in a similar belief, which other circumstances have likewise tended to strengthen—A Monsr. Grandpres was appointed Gayoso’s successor at Natchez, & the Walnut Hills are lately much Strengthened & its garrison much Augmented. It is my opinion, that unless we proceed by hostile measures to enforce the delivery of the posts the Spaniards will be glad to let matters rest on their present footing untill they can be amicably settled.
The people generally in Louisiana would be happy to see France become the possessor of that Colony, provided the change could be effected without introducing the French principles of Colonial liberty to the Slaves of which the negro proprietors have the greatest dread—I augur favorably of Gayoso’s disposition towards the United States from many circumstances. His connexion with an American family will lead him into the American and English society at N. Orleans and will restrain his intercours with the French by whom he is generally disliked—He is a man of plausable character, timid, Capricious and fond of adulation—He is however much a man of the world for his rate of understanding, but may be easily led by consulting his whims and his interest. He is necessitous and extravagant and at present much in debt. I have given you in a very desultory way such facts and ideas as have occured to me on the subject, most of them unimportant but as you wished me to be particular I have been as much so as my time or a detail on paper will permit—A conversation with you would enable me to say much more.
You probably know that the Commerce of Louisiana as in other Spanish Colonies being under the sole direction of an intendant, is not to be considered as falling within the province of the Governor—Morales a Spaniard by birth and in his confined principles, is at present Intendant and shackles much, by his severity and dislike of every nation but his own, the trade of the Country.


Title: From John Adams to Samuel B. Malcom, 11 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Malcom, Samuel B.

Dear Sir,
East Chester October 11th 1797

Soon after my Arrival at Col Smiths this Evening, I received your favour of the 10th inclosing a Letter to you from Mr Morton of the 10th desiring to be informed of the hour of my intended Arrival at Newyork—
Having a good deal of Business to do, it was my Intention to have passed a few days with my Daughter at this Place, previous to my Journey to the City, and in case this would be most conveniant to me, and in case it is equally agreeable to the Gentleman who intend to do me the honour to meet me, I would propose Monday next, to be at Haerlem at Eleven oClock in my way to the City, But if any other day or hour would be more agreeable to the Gentleman either of this Week or the next, I will Chearfully conforme,—
I shall want my Son, and you to accompany me in my Carriage, Can you both or either attend me.—
I am very Sensible of the honour intended me by the Military and the other Gentleman and would neglect nothing which is proper to manifest my high respect for them and their Polite attentions—
I am Dr Sir your Friend and humble Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 12 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
East Chester 20 miles from New York October 12. 1797

Last night I arrived at Col. Smiths, and my Family will probably make this House their home till they can go to Philadelphia with Safety.
Your Reasons against convening Congress at any other Place than Philadelphia, have great Weight: but must all be overruled, if the Plague continues in that City. Perhaps it may not be necessary to remove many of the Books and Papers of the Public offices to New York if Congress should be convened there. They may adjourn to Philadelphia after sitting in New York a month, or less, if they are Satisfied that the Distemper is extinguished. I mean not however to have you understand that I am determined to convene the Legislature at New York. I shall wait for time and your Advice: and will avoid it, if Prudence will permit.
It is become necessary for me, to call upon you for Aid in Pecuniary matters, and I beg the favour of you to send me, two thousand Dollars of my Salary in Post notes, or if you can contrive any better Way to supply me, So much the better.
Your Letters to me, if Addressed to the Care of Charles Adams Esqr Counsellor at Law New York, will Soon come to my hand. Some Care will be necessary about Post notes for they have been Sometimes taken out of the Post office.
Mrs. Wolcott was well at Hartford on Sunday the Child had an ill turn but was better.
It is a great Pleasure to me to be again within an hundred miles of you, and I pray you to write me as often as possible.
your minutes of Communications & Recommendations to Congress at the opening of the Session I wish to have as Soon as possible. Will you be so good as to write to Mr McHenry and Mr Lee for theirs.
With great regard I am / Dear sir your most obedient ervant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir
East Chester. 20 miles from Newyork October 14th 1797

Your favour of the 7th. and the duplicate of it, and that of the ninth, with their Enclosures, I received last night—
Dr Rush has so many motives to wish that Congress may assemble in Philadelphia, that his Testimony must be weighed with certain Grains of allowance. It is but a small consolation to the Senators and Representatives of the United States to say that the malignant Contagion is but little Spread in the City and is chiefly confined to Southwark, Since the Inhabitants of Southwark as well as Philadelphia will have Power to fill the Gallerias of both Houses and bring their infection with them. As Such is the aversion of the Eastern Members: to the Idea of going to Philadelphia on the second Monday in November, that I am confident there will not be Quorum of either House, for many Weeks after it. The Members will be Scattered, some at home, and some at Taverns on the road, and some in Philadelphia, all in a very disagreable awkward, and Uncertain Situation. Will it not be better then, by convening Congress at NewYork, to give them an opportunity of Judging for themselves of the proper time, and making the Adjournment to Philadelphia their own Act?
The Letter from Mr William Turnbull of Carlisle, Soliciting the Treasury of the Mint, and Mr Bassetts Letter recommending Dr James Sykes, to the Same Office. I return to you, that you may file together all the Applications and recommendations for that Appointment, and deliver them to me, when We meet to determine the Question.
I thank you for writing to Mr Hodgdon on the Necessity of additional Night Watches. I am afraid my House will stand a worse chance of escaping the Speculations of the Villains, than any others: but I know not what can be done to Secure it, more than has been done. A Centinel at the Door, if such a Watch could be hired would frighten the People of Philadelphia, more than the Plague.
Santhonax’s departure for France will be no relief to our Commerce, nor will any negotiations going on, or Treaties We can make, untill our Vessells arm in their own defence This is my Opinion, I wish I may be deceived. But I believe all Frenchmen are of Opinion with my Old Friend the Abbá De Malby de Mably, who once said to me “Il n’y a point de morale pour un homme qui meurt de faim.”—They will all I believe agree in this, tho you and I shall not, and Add at least in practice “Il n’y a point de Traité ‘pour’ une nation qui meurt de faim.”
I am afraid they will cure our People of their too fond Attachments, if they have any, by very harsh Remedies.
I shall divide my time between New york and East Chester, till the Meeting of Congress; your Letters, to the Care of my Son, will soon reach me, and the more there are of them the better.
With great regard, I am, Dear Sir Sir, your / most Obedient
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
East Chester Oct. 14 1797

I wrote you, a day or two ago, on the necessary Article of money: but am afraid I did not express myself with earnestness enough to convey an adequate Idea of my Necessities.
This shall be your Warrant for signing a Warrant in my behalf, if that is necessary, for two thousand dollars of my salary, which I pray you to convey to me in Postnotes, on New York, as soon as possible.
The Question that perplexes me most is whether to convene Congress at New York—Please to give me constantly your Ideas on this Point.
I am, with great regard Dear Sir / your most obedient

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Rev. William Walter, 14 October 1797
From: Walter, Rev. William
To: Adams, John

Your Excellency
Boston 14 Octo. 1797

having left Your Seat at Quincy earlier than I had expected deprived me of the Pleasure of paying my respects to Mrs. Adams & your Excellency and thanking you for the Information & Satisfaction which I had recently received from the Perusal of your Letters on the Constitutions of the American States—
The same Reason prevents me the Honor of delivering with my own hands two more of the volumes of my Friend Count Rumfords Essays which he is desirous through me of presenting to your Excellency. they will find you I hope in perfect health and furnish an agreable Entertainment to such Moments of Leisure as you can afford from the arduous Walks of Politics and lend to the milder Disquisitions of Philosophy.
most sorry I am to inform you that our excellent Friend and Relative mrs. Gill is very ill of a nervous Fever at Princeton. I set off Tomorrow after Divine Service to pay her a visit fearing greatly that it may be the last Time I shall be permited to see as an Inhabitant of our World—with most respectful Esteem I am / Your Excellencys / most obedient / & very Huml Servt.

W Walter.


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 15 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir
East Chester 20 miles from New York October 15 1797

I arrived, with my Family at this Place four days ago and propose to remain here and at New york, till the Meeting of Congress. Letters addressed to me, to the Care of Charles Adams Esqr. Counsellor at Law in New york, will Soon find me.
I pray you to commit to Writing such Things are you judge necessary to be communicated or recommended to Congress at the opening of the session, and convey them to me, as early as possible—And to give me your Opinion, whether the Prevalent Sickness in Philadelphia, is so dangerous to the Lives or health of the Members as to make it necessary to convene them at any other Place.
With great regard, I am, Dear Sir / Your most obedient
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 October 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir
Trenton Oct. 16. 1797.

I was yesterday honoured with your letter of the 12th from East Chester.
I wrote you on the 7th by duplicates, in answer to your letter of the 2d, in which you directed future letters to be addressed to you at East Chester, one sent to the postmaster at New-Haven, where I supposed it might you on tuesday the 10th, and the other to New-York, to the care of your son. On the 9th I wrote you a private letter covering information relative to our affairs on the Mississipi, to the care of your son at New-York. In the same letter I mentioned the opinion of Dr. Rush, That there was very little of the yellow fever in the city of Philadelphia, and this Congress might at assemble at the time to which they stand adjourned, in perfect safety.
I wrote the 2d of August to the Governors of the States which had not communicated the determinations of their legislatures on the proposed amendment to the constitution respecting the suability of states; and have some time since received answers, except from Kentuckey & Tenassee. I have now prepared duplicates to send the Governours of those states. But it did not occur to me till now, that the Resolution of Congress for the amendment in question passed in 1794, & in March of that year by another resolution, the President was desired to transmit the former to the Executives of the several states for adoption that is, two years before Tenassee was admitted as one of the states of the Union. I have therefore made out a copy of the resolution and shall send the same, with an explanatory letter, to the Governor of Tenassee. If however the amendment should have been previously adopted by the three fourths of the states, the decision of Tenassee will be immaterial. What is the fact, I am not able to determine; the Chief Clerk to whom the answers from the states written to were committed, not being here.
The other request repeated in your letter of the 12th instant, will be duly attended to.
I am most respectfully / Sir, your obt. Servant,
Timothy Pickering.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 16 October 1797
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Grays Ferry Oct. 16. 1797

I have had the honour to recieve your favour of the 12th instant, and congratulate you on your safe arrival so near the Seat of Government.
To prevent the possibility of risque in remitting you the sum of Two thousand Dollars, I inclose a Letter to Mr. Sands who will pay that sum to your order.
The sickness is unquestionably diminishing in the City: its operation is the same as in 1793 in one respect; the cold weather proves fatal to those who have contracted the disorder, while it arrests the progress of contagion—I speak from particular enquiry & observation. I have been repeatedly in the City;—yesterday I spent the day there & went through most of the principal streets, where there is in fact no sickness.
By Letters from Mr. McHenry & Mr. Lee, I consider myself authorized to say, that they will concur in an opinion which I maintain, namely, that nothing has happened during the summer to justify a change of the system recommended by the President at the last session.—That system was in my opinion a wise one, & ought to have been adopted by Congress in all its parts—Whatever may be the issue of the negociation with France, whether the war in Europe is or is not to continue, I hold it for certain that the equilibrium of society will not soon be restored; there is too much vice violence & ambition n the world, to render it reasonable to build a hope, that a weak & defenceless Commerce will not be plundered.As our Commerce cannot be defended by public force; the alternative presented is, whether it shall be abandoned, or defended at private expence under some systematical public regulation. When this alternative is well understood, the people will not long hesitate. The abandonment of Commerce is impossible;—the plan upon which the Country has been settled; upon which Cities have built, & upon which a great part of our social establishments have been founded presupposes an extensive foreign Commerce.
I conceive therefore that the character & leading idea of the Presidents address should be to inculcate the necessity of the measures before recommended; not only because those measures appear to be the best adapted to the situation & means of the Country, but because such a course will serve to impress ideas of firmness, premeditation & consistency on the part of the Executive.
Not having had access to the papers of the State & War Departments, I do not know of any particular measures, which will require to be noticed. The Treasury is in good order & nothing need be mentioned respecting it except that the President has directed the Estimates to be prepared & communicated as usual.
It has been impossible to organise the Stamp Tax, but as this is not an affair in which the immediate agency of the President was expected by the Legislature, & as it possible that some zealous men may make a question whether some blame or censure cannot be attached to the Department, I think it expedient that the matter should be left solely upon my responsibility.
I shall write to Mr. McHenry & Mr. Lee as the President desires; I hope & presume however that we shall all be able to meet before Congress are to convene.
My situation has been burdensome & unpleasant in the extreme, but I trust the public business has not suffered.—
I have the honour to be with / perfect deference & attachment / Dr. Sir, / your obedt. servt.
Oliv: Wolcott


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 17 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir
Newyork Octobr 17th 1797—

I received two days ago your Letter of the 24th of Sept: with Inclosures—
I am Very Sorry to learn your health has been interrupted, and heartily hope it is fully restored—
I return with this all the papers I have received from you to this time—I have read them, but find nothing which requires any particular observations from me—My Sentiments are in concord with yours, and I pray you to continue to direct the business as you have done—and as you judge necessary till I shall have the pleasure to see you—
I know not what answer Can be given to the petitioners from Tenessee—it is too late to revoke the orders complained of if that were proper
With great Esteem your humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 19 October 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Oct. 19. 1797

Young Lafayette called to day, on his way to New York to embark for France. He left Genl. Washington last Friday perfectly well—and saw a letter from him dated on Saturday afternoon. But on his way, as he drew near to Philadelphia, was told the General was dead.—Mr. Simmons at the War Office told Major Lewis, who just now called to see me, that an Express had passed thro’ Derby with the news. Simmons had it at second hand. It may be true, but is most probably unfounded.

T.P.


Title: To John Adams from John Steward, 19 October 1797
From: Steward, John
To: Adams, John

To His Excellency John Adams President of the United States
Newyork October the 19th 1797

Hounred Sir
I your pitisioner John Steward A man that have had the houner to Serve the United States with my waggon and hourses for three years and six month during the Late War and I Never have Recived any thing for my past Labour And as the Lord have pleased to Aflick my with is holey Hand as I ham nott hable to help my Selfe out of the Bed with out help with Induse me to Lay my Compleant be four your Houner to see if your Excellency wod be So good as to a Low me a pentison or Do thomthing for me for my former Service with I Did with A good Hart and Cherfull Courage for the good of my Country with I hope that your houner will Do thomthing to help Your poor pitisoner.

John Steward
NB Sir if your houner please to give me a Order to draw as orther penison Do or what your houner please as whe are Shure that is Lays in your power to do and as Your houner was in town I maid Bold to wate on You in person at the Door.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 20 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

3.
Dear Sir.
East Chester October 20th 1797

Your Favour of yesterday was brought to me to day at Dinner, a very pleasing Circumstance as it Shews the practicability of quick and frequent Intercourse between us.—
The Chevalier de Yrujo’s Letter you mention, I shall probably have an Opportunity to See, as soon as I wish and therefore shall Say nothing to it at present.—
I wish the Person, whoever he was, that undertook to publish your Answer to the Chevaliers Letter of July 11, when he took upon himself to insert it in a Newspaper, had at least had the Judgement to insert it all together in one Paper: because dividing a Thing of that kind prevents it from ever being properly read and understood. I shall probably however have Occasion to lay the whole Correspondence before Congress, and then it will be read in its place.—I pray you to order Copies to be prepared of the whole Correspondence, and everything in your Office which relates to the Subject which in your Judgement can contribute to inform the Legislature of the true Situation of our Country in relation to foreign nations, and to write me as soon as convenient your Opinion of the Communications and Recommendations to be inserted in the Speech.
I return inclosed Mr. Cocke’s Letter and request you when you have read it to transmit it to Mr. McHenry—
The report you mention is probably propagated as well as fabricated by Persons who wish to depress the Spirits of the People, before the convening of Congress.—
We shall have a gloomy session at Philadelphia, if we can make a Congress at all.—
With high Esteem I am Dear Sir, your humble / Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
East Chester Oct. 20 1797

I have recd. your favour of the 16th.—Thank you for your care in writing to Mr Sands, who has furnished me with two thousand dollars for which I gave him duplicate Receipts to Serve for one, according to your desire.
Though I rejoice to learn from your Letter that the Sickness in the City is diminishing, I cannot admit your Walk through the Principal Streets of it, to be full proof; because it is generally agreed that the Principal Streets are deserted by the Inhabitants.
You remember the Anxieties and Alarms among the Members of Congress in 1793, their continual regret that no Power had existed to convene them elsewhere, and their Solicitude to pass an Act to provide such an Authority in future. There will be so much Uneasiness among them, if that Authority is not exerted, that there will probably be no Congress formed before Christmas, and a few who will venture into the City will be there in Idleness and out of their Element.
I thank you for the Sentiments you have expressed relative to the System to be pursued. Can you send me a Copy of the Speech, at the Commencement of last session? I have no Copy of it here, and perhaps shall find it difficult to procure one.
I should be glad however to know your Opinion whether our Envoys will be recd or not? whether they will Succeed or not? with hints at Your reasons: if any Intelligence has furnished any.
The organization of the Stamp Tax Suggests a Vexation to me. The Bill was worth Money and Money was so much wanted for the public Service, that I would not put it at risque. Otherwise I would have negatived that Bill. Not from Personal feelings for I care not a farthing for all the personal Power in the World. But The Office of the Secretary of the Treasury is in that Bill, premeditatedly sett up as a rival to that of the President: and that Policy will be pursued if We are not on our guard till We have a quintuple or a Centuple Executive Directory, with all the babylonish dialect which modern Pedants much affect.
I pray you to continue to write me as often as possible
With high Esteem, I am, Dear sir, your / very humble servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Arthur Campbell, 21 October 1797
From: Campbell, Arthur
To: Adams, John

sire
Washington County V. Octo. 21t. 1797

You have spoken, and you have spoke it with dignity and truth.—That the rising generation of Americans, the most promising and perhaps the most important Youth, which the human species can boast, educated in the principles of religion and morality, and having before them the examples of the wise and good of all nations, cannot fail to answer the high expectations, which the World has formed of their future wisdom, virtues and energies.—
A most elevated and consolatory prospect to the Parents and Friends of our Youth. But ah! Sir, we have subverters and opposers of religion and morality. We have ingenious and bold Infidels, that seem to take a pleasure in corrupting our Youth and leading them into error and wickedness.—Hence the necessity of instruction, and an incessant guardianship.—To be a Guardian of all our Youth, to be a Patron of a Book of Instruction for to all future Ages; our enlightned and patriotic Chief, will readily condescend to accept.
Under this impression sire, I have presumed thro the good offices of the Secretary of State, to offer for your patronage a Work calculated to instruct the Youth of your favourite American, and to expose the errors of a late popular writer.
I will not presume to anticipate your judgment of Doctor Brooks Reply to the Age  of Reason; but will venture to mention, that from the originality of the style, and the importance of the design, you will take pleasure in giving it a perusal, and I trust, think it worthy of an extensive publication thro the United States.—
With profound Respect / I am sire, your most Ob. servant

Arthur Campbell


Title: Epitomy, and Remarks on Actions of Ministers at Paris, 22 October 1797
From: Adams, John
To:

22 Oct. 1797

Epitomy
No. 1. Oct. 22. 1797.
On the 5th. verbally informed Talleyrand, of their arrival.
On the 6th. Major Rutledge carried a Letter of that date to Talleyrand
On the 8th. They made their first Visit to Talleyrand, at one, not at home at 3 called again. Engaged with Portuguese, who soon retired. They were admitted and presented a Copy of their Credentials. T. employed about a report. In a few days, they should know what was to follow. Cards of Hospitality given them, next day.
[in margin Mountflorence & Osmond]
14. Mountflorence informed Pinckney, that Osmond Talleyrands secretary had told him, that the Directory were greatly exasperated at Some parts of the Speech, & would require an Explanation. That it was probable they would not have an audience, till the Negn. was finished. That persons might be appointed to treat, who would report to Talleyrand.
18. W. told Pinckney that X, was &c & might be relyed on. in the Evg. X called, & whispered that he had a Message from Talleyrand. That Talleyrand had a great regard for America and its Citizens. & was desirous of a reconciliation. ready to Suggest a Plan that Talleyrand expected would answer.—X said that the Directory & particularly two of its members, were exceedingly irritated at some Passages of the Ps. Speech. And desired that they Shd. be Softened.—This Step necessary previous to their Reception.—besides Softening a Sum of Money was required for the Pocket of the Directory & Ministers, wh wd be at the disposal of Talleyrand.—A Loan wd also be insisted on.—on these Terms Talleyrand had not doubt, that all Differences might be accommodated.—X could not point out the Passages, that had given offence. not the quantum of the Loan—But the Douceur for the Pocket was 12,000,000 Livres.—But had this from Y
Oct. 19. 1797 at 6 in the Evg. H, Y.X left the first sett of Propositions. a Person, who possesses the Confidence of the Directory, proposes to employ all his Influence.
Remarks.
N. 1. Oct. 22. 1797
This is a pedantical, timorous Thing. They ought to have sent a Card to inform the Minister, that they had arrived in Paris, as Envoys Extra. to the Executive Directory, and have asked for an hour, when to wait upon him and no more. the long canting Preamble is not only weak, but ridiculous and mischievous.
The Conversation of Mountflorence and Osmond, was beneath the Envoys to take notice of in their dispatches. They should have been put upon their guard by it, however, against the subsequent Errors into which they fell.
Hubbard W. and X, with all their Tittle Tattle ought to have been not attended to, nor any Word said to them, till the Envoys were received by the Directory and some one vested with full Powers to treat.—Pinckneys answer to X should have been We will not say one Word in answer to any Proposition till We are recd and meet a Minister on Equal ground.
While with perfect resignation I submit to that Responsibility wh to the two Houses of Congress, which is established in the Constitution of the United States, I hold my self unac not Accountable to any foreign Government for any Communications or recommendations which I think it my Dut that Constitution has made it my duty to make lay before to the two Houses. And if any crowned head in Europe or any Executive Authority of Government in any Sta Nation of Europe had as publicly held the Same Language concerning the American Government, with that held by the President of the Executive Directory to our recalled Minister, I should have thought it my Duty to consider it with equal freedom.


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 October 1797
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Near Downings town 22 Octbr. 1797.

I have the honour to submit the following letters and copies of letters and to request that the originals may be returned with such orders as you may think proper. vz.
No. 1. Copy of a letter dated the 16th of Octbr. to Brig. Gen. James Wilkinson.
No. 2. (a) Instructions to Capn. Pierce dated 16 Octbr. (b) Instructions to a detachment expected from Tenessee at Massac. (c) Instructions to Majr. Constant Freman. (d) Copy of a letter to Cap. Guion.
No. 3. Original letter from Lt. Colonel Hamtramck dated the 15 Septr. ulto.
No. 4. Original letter from Brigadier General Wilkinson dated Detroit the 20th of Septr.
No. 5. Copy of a letter to Brigadier General James Wilkinson dated the 20th of Octbr. inst.
With the greatest respect I have the honour to be / Sir your most ob & hble sert.

James McHenryPermit me to request you to put your name on the cover which may include the letters which you return. The gentlemen of the office have orders not to open any letters coming from you.J McH.


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 October 1797
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Near Downingstown 22d. Octbr. 1797.

I had the honour to receive your letter under date of the 15th of this month on the 20th inst.
In conformity with your desire therein, that I should commit to writing such things as I might judge necessary to be communicated or recommended to Congress at the opening of the session I beg leave to report as follows.
It does not appear to me from any thing that has come to my knowlege, that circumstances have so altered in Europe, which bear upon or have reference to the United States, as to render it expedient or adviseable for the President to be silent on the subject of an increase of the national defence. On the contrary, whatever may be the result of the negociations pending between the belligerent powers, or however favourable the reception that may be given by the Directory, or the French people to our commissioners, it would be unwise in the U.S. to depend upon such circumstances for our safety and the attainment of justice, or to neglect making provision against an adverse state of things, especially while our trade continues to be attacked and diminished by the depredations of French cruisers and privateers, and no orders appear to have issued from the government of France to controul or ameliorate such aggressions and injuries.
From these and other considerations it would seem expedient and adviseable that the President should “recall to the serious deliberation of Congress such objects relative to the improvement of the national defence, and protection of our commerce, as he had recommended at the last session, and which the state of things in Europe as they bear upon and apply to the interests of the U.S. and continued depredations upon our commerce, may appear to require”.
The running of the Indian boundary lines not being yet completed, and projects hostile to the U.S. having become interlocked with the measure, the issue of which cannot at present me ascertained, it may therefore be best that this subject should lay over for the present.
But there is another  connected with the proceding which it will be proper to introduce; I mean the attempts and practices of foreign agents to estrange from the U.S. the affections of the Indians so essential to peace, and to excite them to actual warfare.
On this head, Congress might be informed, “that great industry has been employed by certain persons or agents who had insinuated themselves among the Indian tribes residing within our territory; to induce them to transfer their force and affections to a foreign nation; to form them into a confederacy, and prepare them for war with the U.S. That measures have been taken to counteract these violations of our rights and the laws of nations, and to prevent Indian hostility and preserve entire their attachment to the U.S. That it is at the same time his duty to observe, that to give effect to these measures, and obviate the consequences of a repetition of such attempts may require, besides an augmentation of the military peace establishment, a law  specifying particularly the punishment for such offences. That when the importance of this object is considered, and combined with the necessity, which daily increases, for the creation of new posts on our distant and extensive frontier, and the inadequatness of the present military force to meet these several purposes it is not to be doubted but that the subject will receive their most serious attention”.
It will be proper also to say something respecting the non–execution of the Spanish treaty by the officers of that nation It may be observed on this occasion that the President “had expected that he should have had the pleasure to have announced by this time the complete execution of our treaty with his catholic majesty the King of Spain, especially as it respects the removal of his troops from our territory and running the line of demarkation: that he regrets to be obliged to mention, that Spanish garrisons are still continued within it, and that the running of the line has not yet been commenced, particularly as these circumstances cannot fail to affect the Indians in a manner injurious to the U.S.; that he flatters himself however, that the answers which have been given to the objections assigned by the officers of his catholic majesty for this delay, will produce on their part a faithful and prompt execution of the treaty, as they exhibit upon ours a sincere desire to perpetuate peace and friendship with his Catholic Majesty. That further particulars touching this subject will be communicated in the course of the session”.
These are in my mind the most essential and combined points for a communication to Congress, and such as facts, the crisis, and circumstances in which the U.S. are placed require should attract their attention, and give rise to correspondent legislative provisions.
As to the question, “whether the prevalent sickness in Philadelphia is so dangerous to life and health as to make it necessary to convene Congress at any other place?”
I do not think it would be expedient, or that it is necessary to take any step in the business before the time appointed for the meeting of Congress. The deaths in Philadelphia have evidently diminished, and the inhabitants are beginning to return to it in considerable numbers. Under such evidence of a general belief of the malignity of the disease having abated, and the probability of its soon becoming extinct by the operation of the cold weather, it may be the most prudent policy to leave it to Congress to adjourn should it appear to them necessary for the preservation of their health and lives”
With the most sincere respect and attachment I have the honour to be Sir / Your most obt. & hble sert.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 22 October 1797
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Adams, John

Sir
October 22. 1797 In Charleston

I have the honor to submit to your Consideration the inclosed affidavits respecting the English Ship Oracabessa Burnt on Tuesday last within the Bar of this harbour by a Privateer said to be called the Vortitude commanded by a Captain Jourdain and belonging to Cape Francois, also of the capture of the Ship Pallas belonging to this Port and the Mary of Savannah. By an examination of the Affidavits you will find this was a very glaring and wanton violation of the Neutrality of the United States and such as will require their serious interference—The Distance from this city to the place where the act was committed prevented our interfering in time—As soon as I received intellibence of it from the British Consul I order’d an armed Force from Fort Johnson to proceed to the Oracabessa to protect her while within our harbõr and the Jurisdictional Line of the United States from Seizure, Depredation or Insult, but the Cutter was not able to get down before she was destroyed, and the Privateer had put to Sea and proceeded beyond the Limits of the United States where she captured the Pallas and the Mary—
As I am convinced these Violations of our Neutralaty within our harbours and limits cannot be countenanced by the French Government, but are generally committed by Vessels not commissioned or which proceed contrary to their Instructions I have considered it my duty to transmit them to you for your Determination and have requested the Collector to forward Copies to the proper Department—
As the Trade of this City is extremely important to the Revenues of the United States and much exposed from its southern situation to Cruisers from the Floridas, Bahamas and West Indies, English as well as French, for they have both lately captured a number of our Vessels
I conceive it would be proper that a Revenue Cutter of at least twenty Guns should be equipped for the use of this Port and for the protection of the Neutrality of the United States within the Jurisdictional Line until the Establishment of a general Peace, which I trust will soon take place and that all our Differences with the French Republic will be honorably and amicably adjusted.
I have the honour to be / with respect / Your most / obedient servant

Charles Pinckney


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 23 October 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton Octr. 23. 1797.

Yesterday morning I received letters from Mr. Bulkeley, our new consul, dated at Lisbon the 26th & 29th & 30th of August. Mr. Smith embarked in the same ship with him at Philadelphia, the 20th of July, and they arrived at Lisbon the 20th of August. Mr. Smith would have written, if he had known of the conveyance; but he was in the country at Mr. Bulkeley’s father’s.
Mr. Bulkeley’s information is, that an Express arrived from Paris on the 25th of August, with intelligence that preliminaries of peace between France & Portugal had been signed—“the terms had not publickly transpired, however there appeared to be no doubt but that there is to be a cession of territory (in the Brazils) and payment of twenty five millions of livres, by Portugal.” Some said that Goa was also to be ceded.
He confirms the account before received of Admiral Nelson’s expedition to Tenerife, and his defeat, with the loss of an arm, the death of Captain Bowen & other officers, & between 3 & 4 hundred men, of whom 250 were drowned by the surf in landing.
On Saturday evening (the 21st) I received a letter from Mr. Murray, dated at the Hague the 21st of July. He mentions the former negociation between the French Republic & Portugal, and the manner in which it was broken off; which displays the perfidy of the Directory. I suppose he received the details from the Portuguese minister, the Chevalier D’Aruejo, then (July 21) in Holland. “He was sent to enter into a treaty of peace at Paris—He and M. Delacroix entered upon the subject—agreed to the arrangements—and there was nothing wanting but signatures. Intelligence arrived of Buonaparte’s brilliant successes—of the fall of Mantua—and they told the Chevalier, that if he wished for a settlement of subsisting differences he must sign that paper—giving him an arrangement very different from what had been agreed upon. This he refused to do: and he was then told that he must quit Paris, but might stay in France. He chose to leave the Republic; and came to Holland.” It was after this that the Dutch, on the demand of the French Government, suspended their intercourse with Portugal, commercial & political. Portugal immediately laid an embargo, by which three rich Dutch India men were stopt in the Tagris. Then the Dutch retracted the terms “political intercourse,” and the embargo was removed.
The French Government too, after dictating the leading principle of the Dutch constitution (the unity & indivisibility of the republic) and otherwise interfering in the deliberations of the convention, have attempted to influence its final adoption by the people, by an address from the Minister Noel to the Batavian Convention; which address has been translated into Dutch, to produce its intended effect. The French copy received from Mr. Murray I now inclose: the Dutch translation I shall send to Mr. Van Polanen.—In 18 days (from July 21) the people were to vote for or against the adoption of the constitution.—What is most remarkable is, that this insulting address of Noel’s does not appear to offend the Dutch; “so broken and dejected in the spirit of this once high tempered people.” “Far from offending, this vote gives pleasure—and most to the best people—the orderly & the honest; who are content to be drawn out of the abyss by the hand which overthrew them.”—Twelve high democrats of the Convention have published an address to the people, urging them not to accept the proposed constitution “because it is too federal, too aristocratic.” The moderates have also addressed, and written letters to the Orangists: but these refuse to meddle or vote on one side or the other.
Mr. Murray closes his details with this reflection. “This country is the school where our politicians might study what to avoid. Unhappily for the whole world, a great part of Europe swells the lessons from which we may be taught the certain death, that awaits the liberties & happiness of any people among whom the French obtain a finger’s breadth of political ground.”
On the 21st instant, in the evening I also received Genl. Pinckneys latest letter, which is dated the 26th of July at the Hague. He acknowledges the receipt of my letter which informed him of your having named Judge Dana & General Marshall to join him in making another attempt to negociate with the French Republic. On this he says—“Be assured, sir, I am thoroughly convinced of the propriety of appointing a Commission, and exceedingly pleased to have colleagues who are as eminent for their talents as respectable for their characters. Tho’ I have not the honor at present of knowing them personally, it shall be my study to cultivate their friendship & goodwill, and to promote, in perfect harmony with them, the objects of our particular mission, and the advantage of our common country.”—In a former letter he mentioned his having seen the nomination in a news-paper; and he seized that occasion to express the pleasure and satisfaction it gave him. The sentiment exactly corresponds with the idea I had formed of the unassuming, disinterested & truly patriotic character of General Pinckney.
In a series of letters he has communicated what was passing in Paris respecting the affairs of the United States. Major Mountflorence was his regular & intelligent correspondent. Thro’ his agency the letter to General Pinckney (of the 16th of last January) was translated and printed. A 1000 copies, by Genl. Pinckney’s orders, to be distributed; and which were distributed, and producing good effects. The Consuls at the different ports having urgently called for it, he ordered 500 more copies to be printed. All the members of the legislature were furnished, and officers of government. M. Segur & some others wish the case of gratitude had been touched more lightly. Genl. Pinckney, however, thinks all that is said upon it was necessary. “The friends of Vergennes (says Mountflorence) do not like the facts laid to his charge. M. Marbois would have wished Colo. P. had not so deeply pressed that matter: but taking the whole together, the very great majority of the readers admire the strong manner of arguing and the moderation of the letter; and it is perceivable that some of the worst disposed persons against us have altered their dispositions.” The Consuls in many of the ports of France who wrote for the letter, say “it has had a wonderful effect upon the minds of many persons, both in and out of office, who neither knew the facts, nor were aware of the arguments used.”
Mr. Mountflorence appears to be on very familiar & friendly terms with many members of the legislature, one of whom said he was convinced that a majority were determined to bring about a reconciliation with the United States. Several of the members of each council had explicitly mentioned their approbation of the sentiments you delivered in your speech to Congress at the opening of the late session. The Committee on Pastoret’s motion had not reported: which Genl. Pinckney ascribes to the very interesting situation of their own affairs, on account of the differences between the Directory and the Council of 500.—On every occasion Genl. Pinckney repeats his opinion, that firm conduct alone will ensure to us the most desirable terms. He will consequently be disappointed and mortified with the proceedings of the last session of Congress; so different from what your speech had led him and Mr. Murray to anticipate. Both mention the high satisfaction which it gave them.
You will recollect the news-paper accounts of the ship Juliana of Baltimore, carried into Havre, for want of a rôle d’egquipage. The Commercial tribunal of Havre acquitted her. The captors appealed to the Tribunal of the Department, by which the sentence was reversed—but merely for an informality in the Court—and the cause sent back to be tried anew.  The Commercial Tribunal has again (and in stronger terms than before) declared the capture unlawful. The informality consisted in this, that altho’ there were three of the judges of the tribunal present, yet they took assistants (suppléans), which was to be done only when fewer than three of the judges were present.
You have doubtless noticed in the newspapers, intelligence from Washington (or Brownesville, formerly Red Stone, on the Monogehela) in Pennsylvania, under date of October 2d. or 3d. that a person had arrived there in 45 days from the Natchez (or New Orleans) & said the posts were given up by the Spaniards, and that the Commissioners were running the boundary line.—I have no other information on the subject. You will recollect that this was Mr. Ellicott’s expectation, according to the account given in the extract of the letter I had lately the honor to send, you from a gentleman who had come from New Orleans. I have written to his brother, to learn at what time he left New Orleans. The newspaper article above mentioned would carry back the person’s departure from N. Orleans to the 16th of August.
I am most respectfully, sir, / your obt. servant
Timothy Pickering