Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 21 September 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Department Trenton 21 Septr. 1799.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, bearing date the 23d. and 30th. of Augt. and 9th 13th & 14th of Septr. inst.
I find on recurring to the case of Augustus de Grasse, that he was left out of service for two reasons. 1st upon information, that he spent in gaming &c whatever he received from the government. 2. Because he could not be made useful in the office of Engineer, for which he was paid. These were the chief circumstances which induced to his being discontinued. I have since made some inquiries respecting him, and cannot advise that he should be encouraged to expect an appointment in the corps of Artillerists and Engineers.
I believe I can explain the apparent wanderings of my letter dated the 4th of Augt. ulto. which you inform me did not reach you before the 13th of Septr. inst. The letter is entered in the books as if it had been written on the 4th of Septr. The misdate of course belongs to me, and so far ought to relieve the post offices from suspicion of neglect.
Lieutenant Col Reed of the 6th Regiment of Infantry (North Carolina) has recommended, through Major General Hamilton a Doctor Roger Cutler, as Surgion to his Regiment. Inclosed is also a recommendation in favour of the Doctor by Wm. B Grove. I request your orders relative to his appointment.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect / Sir your most obt / & most hble st.

James McHenry


Title: From John Adams to Anonymous, 22 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Anonymous

Sir
Quincy Sept 22 1799

Last night I received the inclosed from Mr. Will. Moubray, resigning the office of collector of the destrict of St Marys Georgia. I pray you to make the necessary inquiries for a proper successor
With great regard


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 23 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Quincy Sept 23d 1799

I return you Mr. Murrays letters of May 28. June 13 & 22d, July 13 & 15 & the parts of newspapers inclosed with them. The private letter you sent me from Mr Murray, sometime ago, contained much such a review of the pamphlet of Boulay de la Meurthe. I have been anxious to see it, but it is not yet arrived. A parrallel between the English republic & the French must be a curious thing. I have long thought that the present generation in France England Ireland and America had never read Lord Clarendon. I am afraid Mr. Murray has not. If he had he would be less sanguine about so early a restoration in France. For my own part I have more anxiety about the English than the French. Chance or if you will, providence has added to two Scotchmen, a Godwinian descendant of a French refugee and justice I fear will not be heard. I own I doubt, whether we had not better meet the result in all its deformity. I am determined of far as depends upon me to execute the treaty in its full extent. If it costs us four millions sterling when it ought not to cost us only one I had rather pay it than depart from good faith or lie under the suspicion of it. If the judgment of Mr McDonald, Rich & Guillemarde finally prevailed, British equity will never be forgotten in America. The court have us in their power. If we believe Britains less hungry for plunder than Frenchmen, we shall be deceived
I shall be with you between the 10 & 15 of Octr.


Title: To John Adams from Samuel Niles, 24 September 1799
From: Niles, Samuel
To: Adams, John

Lebanon Sepr: 24th 1799

As the distance from Lebanon (where I now live) to Quincy, Has prevented me from well waiting on You personally, Be pleasd: sir to accept my hearty Cogratulation on Your Advancement to the Chief seat in the United States, In which may You shine more and more to Your dying day. Former Acquaintance emboldens me to apply to You in behalf of my Son Jereh: Niles who was in the Publick service in war with Great Britton under Genll: Washington as Adjutant under Coll: Gridly, Then as Leut: Then as Capt: Leut: under Genll: Knox, When Genll: Sullivan Commanded on Road Island, he had a Brigade Majr. Commission in the Militia under him, And as he is desirous to enter again into the Publick service under you as Captain General and Commander in Cheif in the station you may place him, It will Oblidge,
Sir, your Obdet: Humble: Sert:
Sam. Niles
P: S: His Caracter as a Soldier I Suppose will bear inquiry.


Title: To John Adams from Peter Turner, 25 September 1799
From: Turner, Peter
To: Adams, John

May it please your Excellency,
East Greenwich Septr. 25th. 1799

On information that a military Hospital was to be established at Newport I have represented to the Secy. of the Navy certain pretensions, which I think I have, to superintend it. I have been longer a Surgeon in my Countrys service than any Other man in this State. I have served with reputation as Surgeon to the 1st. Rhode Island Batallion (in the revolutionary War) 4 Campaigns—In the sea service One—have been occupied in the Practice 30 years—either Public or private & having Assisted all I could to the procuring the liberty of my Country—Am ambitious of shewing my Attachment to it by Serving as principal in the Hospital contemplated at Rhode Island—
I have not the Honor of being known to your Excellency but flatter myself that I can procure satisfactory recommendations, if any are needed & beg leave to Solicit your, Excellency, notice & Patronage in the Appointment.
Have the honor to be your Excellencys very Obedient / Humble Servant

Peter Turner


Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 26 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Gerry, Elbridge

Dear Sir
Quincy Septr. 26. 1799

I have recd your favour of this morning; and in Answer inform you that I have not recd an Answer to my Letter to Mr Pickering. The Engagement of his office, besides the confusion of a removal have been extreamly pressing.—I Shall See him Soon and Something will be determined. I Shall not have the Pleasure of Seeing you again probably till next Summer, Imperious Necessity or absolute Duty compel me to Phy Trenton. This, however I pray you to keep a secret, till you hear I am gone. With / Sincere Esteem

J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 26 September 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir
Quincy Sept 26th 1799

I return you Mr. Reads letter & the note inclosed in your favor of the 19th From a long intimacy with Mr. Izard, and a knowledge of his worth & from some accquaintance with his son, I assure you that nothing of the kind could give me more pleasure, than the appointment of Ralph Izard, the son of Ralph Izard of S. Carolina to be a midshipman in the Navy. I wish it had been my fortune to have a son or grand son of a suitable age, to be appointed to a similar office in the same day. I shall take you by the hand not long after 10th of October I hope


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 26 September 1799
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Cambridge 26th Sepr 1799

If an answer to the letter, which Your Excellency proposed to write to Mr Pickering on my concerns, is received, I will do myself the honor of waiting on You at any time which may best suit your convenience.
Mrs Gerry unites with me in best respects to yourself & Lady, & be assured I remain, Dear Sir, with every sentiment / of attachment, Your / most obedt & very / huml Sert.

Elbridge Gerry


Title: To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 27 September 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Boston, September 27th 1799.

With a sense the most respectful, I presume to intrude the documents enclosed on the President’s attention, in the hope that they may serve to amuse a leisure hour.
The first is an imperfect register of the trading vessels, which passed our barrier post on the Mississippi during a short period, and is evidential of the progressive population and improvement of our Western Country, which sent the first boat of trade to New Orleans, subsequent to the American revolution, in the year 1787. It is deeply impressed on my mind, that a strong colony of Easterns, who alone of our countrymen possess national character, planted near this barrier, would diminish the necessity of a military force at that point, and would form a rampart, against usurpation within, and encroachments from without.
The second will exhibit the amicable dispositions, subsisting between the national military on the Mississippi, and the Spanish government of Louisiana, which official injunctions have made it my duty to foster.
And the third is submitted to you, as a testimony that I have combined the spirit of conciliation, to the rigid discharge of the trust, you have been pleased to repose in me; to vindicate the transmittal of these addresses, against the imputation of vanity, permit me to observe, that (equally unsought and unexpected) they are intended for your eye only, and that amidst the emotions which occur, in the course of my public duty, I can be sensible of none more impulsive, than the desire to justify your confidence.
With an attachment the most respectful, the most grateful, most warm and sincere, I have the honor to be Sir, / your obliged and faithful / Soldier and Servant

Ja: Wilkinson


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 September 1799
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

30 Sept. 1799

Monies recd. by the President of the U. S. from Benjn. Lincoln Collector at Boston.
1799 April12.P. recd of this date—being the amt. due to Presdt. for his compensation to 4 Mar: 1799Ds.6,000June5.P. recd. of this date2,000Augt.23.P. ditto—Co2000Sept:25.P. ditto—Co200030.P. ditto—Co2000


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Ellsworth, 5 October 1799
From: Ellsworth, Oliver
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Windsor Octr. 5. 1799

Since you passed on, I have concluded to meet Governor Davie at Trenton, which he probably will expect; and which, besides putting it in our power to pay you our joint respects, and to receive as fully any communication of your views as you may wish to make; may enable me to accompany him Eastward, should you continue inclined to such suspension of our Mission as, under present aspects, universal opinion I beleive, and certainly my own, would justify.—It is a matter of some regret, Sir, that I did not consult you on the propriety of this visit; but if I err, experience has taught me that you can excuse.
I have the honor to be, / Sir, / with very great respect, / your obedient humble Servant,

Oliver Ellsworth


Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, 6 October 1799
From: Lee, Charles
To: Adams, John

Sir
Winchester 6th Octr. 1799

Hoping it will not be deemed improper in me to give my opinion before it is asked relative to the suspension of the mission to France I will take the liberty of expressing it. I have reflected on the subject a good deal and I cannot perceive any sufficient reasons for the suspension. Such a measure would exceedingly disappoint the general expectation of America and exciting the jealousy & suspicion of many concerning your sincerity in making the nomination, would afford your enemies an opportunity of indulging their evil dispositions. If the envoys proceed as I think they ought it does not appear to me, that any inconvenience will be felt by the United States, even if they should find a monarch on the Throne of france which I by no means expect will very soon happen. I am Sir with perfect respect & the highest esteem your most obedient Servant

Charles Lee


Title: To John Adams from George Cornell, 7 October 1799
From: Cornell, George
To: Adams, John

May it please Your Excellence
Portsmouth Rhode Island 7th. October 1799

I humbley Beg Leave to Leay Before your Excellence my faithfull Services in the Brittish fieald—and hope my Great Knowledge in the Art of War, Will intitle me to Some favours of your Excellence to permote me in the field of this my Own Country: I Beg Leave to acquaint your Excellence that in 1758 I went into the Army and Ensign, in the Sixteenth year of my age—and at the Action of Ticontoroga I was Wounded and Our Army Beat—and By the Great Slaughter of the Officers of the Rhode Island Regiment that in the Spring 1759 I was Advanced to Leiut. of Granidiers—and in the year 1763 I was a Capt of a Company for Dureing the War and in 1764 in the Winter I Lay at Orswago With my Company—and the Indians Broak War—and I Went forward with General Amhast first Ade De Camp, Major Delyel To Detroyt—there he was killed—I Was in all the Indian War untill Aprile 1765 the Indians then Settled a peace with us and We Returned home—I was at the Takeing of almose all Canidia Save quebeck it Self—In 1762 and 1763 I acted as a Deputy Enginear in the Brittish field, With Capt Sowers of Enginears—I am allowed to be a Good Draftsman, and am Well Acquainted in fortifications—I Could Wish your Excellence Would Be pleased to Give Me Some Appointment, Such as your Excellence Shall think Me Worthy of—and I Will Take it—your Excellence Will Never Get a man of More Experience and One So faithfull—I hope my Long and faithfull Services Will endear me to your Excellincys favour and protection. I have not applyed to Any person to Recommend me to your Excellencey—But have Waited With a long Expectation that my friends Would Give your Excellence a faithfull accot. of my Long Services and Good ability as a Soldier—I hope if your Excellence has Any More appointments to Make—I hope your Excellence Will Number Me as One of your faithfull Subjects—for Which appointment my faithfull Bosom Shall Ever be in Duty Bound—
your Excellences Most Humble and Devoted Servant

George CornellI Wish I had the Command at Orswago, or, elseware I would Be faithfull to the Last moment


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 16 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Trenton Oct 16th 1799

I request you to order fair copies of the instructions, as corrected last evening, to be prepared and delivered to Judge Elsworth & Govenor Davie, with another for Mr. Murray without loss of time, & to write a letter to those gentlemen, as Envoys Extraordinary to the French republic, expressing with the affectionate respects of the President, his desire that they would take their passage for France on board the frigate the United States, Capt Barry, now lying at Rhode Island by the first of November, or sooner if consistent with their conveniences. Captain Barry will have orders to land them in any port of France, which they may prefer & to touch at any other ports, which they may desire. The Presidents best wishes for their health and happiness, as well as for an honorable termination of their mission will attend them. As their visit to France is at one of the most critical, important & interesting moments that ever has occurred, it cannot fail to be highly entertaining and instructive to them & useful to their Country, whether it terminates in peace and reconciliation or not. The President sincerely prays God to have them in his holy keeping—
I am, Sir with great respect and esteem your faithful / humble servant


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 18 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Private
Sir.Trenton October 18. 1799

As a few Weeks only intervene between Us and the Meeting of Congress I request the favour of you to turn your Thoughts to the subject of Communications both of Information and Advice necessary to be made to that Body at the opening of the session and in particular to prepare a summary of the Rise Progress, declension and suppression of the Rebellion in Pennsylvania. Every Thing in the Indian Department and on the Mississippi as well as all other things relative to military service necessary to be laid before the Legislature and in general your sentiments on the state of the Nation at large at home & abroad will be very acceptable from Mr. McHenry to his faithful humble servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 18 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Private.
SirTrenton October 18. 1799

As the Session of Congress draws nigh, I pray you to favour me with your sentiments concerning the Communication necessary to be made to Congress of the State of the Nation, and particularly a concise narration of the Proceedings with St Domingo and the Isle of France. It may be doubtful however whether any thing need be said at present, on the last. A very succinct Account of the Invitation of the French Directory to our Envoys, of the subsequent Change, and the short pause made on this Side the Water in consequence of it, may be proper, and very explicit declarations that no Relaxation will take place in any Executive Part of Government, in consequence of the Mission till We know its result, either in preparations for defence by sea and Land, or in the Employment of the means already provided by the Legislature. In short, whatever is thought proper to be mentioned to Congress, from a full Consideration of the state of the Nation in all its  relations, will be received from the Secretary of State with great Pleasure by his / faithfull humble servant

John AdamsPerhaps I ought to have mentioned particularly the unfortunate Interruption of the Boards of Commissioners. The Observations to be made on them and the Sentiments proper to be expressed in consequence of them, and the miserable Rebellion in Pennsylvania, which must be stated I suppose, with the means of its suppression.


Title: To John Adams from William Simmons, 21 October 1799
From: Simmons, William
To: Adams, John

Sir
Department of War Accountants’ Office October 21st. 1799

By a letter received from The Secretary of War to me dated the 14 Instt. he observes that “The President of the United States referred to me a complaint made to him by a Citizen, that the usual reward of Ten dollars had been refused to him, for apprehending & delivering up to a military Officer, a Deserter from Captn. Miller’s Company of Infantry. This claim appears to have been grounded upon a Certificate from Callender Irvine, Captain in the 2nd. Regiment of Artillerists & Engrs., that the Deserter had been delivered to him at the Barracks, Carlisle Pennsylvania, on the 28 November 1798, by a Mr. Hugh McAllister, and also a certificate from Francis Gibson Lieutenant 2d Regt. of Artills. & Engrs. that the same Deserter was tried at Reading, and found guilty of Desertion. There are endorsements upon these Certificates, one by yourself, dated the 15th August last, purporting that they were presented to you by Hugh McAllister for the allowance, and that you informed him, it could not be allowed. Another by the Pay master General of the same date, purporting that if the Accountant could not allow this claim he was not at liberty to settle it. The President’s orders to me are, that I shall enquire and satisfy myself that justice is done in this case.”—To which I replied on the 16th Instant—
“As respects the complaint made by a Citizen to the President of The United States, that the usual reward had been refused him, for apprehending a Deserter of Captn. Miller’s Company, I have to observe that no evidence appeared by the Muster Rolls that the person apprehended was a deserter, neither did it appear that he had been advertised as such, or any reward offered for his apprehension—The claim was on these grounds rejected, such proof being thought necessary previous to the premium being allowed.”—
As the representation in question was made to you by a Citizen I shall with your permission, State that Hugh McAllister, the person presenting the claim, was a notary Public, at Carlisle, and was one of a number of persons indited for practiseing frauds on the United States, in presenting false Powers of Attorney & thereon receiving from the Departments of the Treasury & War, soldiers settlements—that it appeared that as Notary Public, he had granted his signature and Official Seal to papers evidently with intent to defraud the United States—that on the Trial of the said Hugh McAllister, the only evidences, that could be produced were some of the party concerned, and were deemed insufficient to convict upon—There is however with me no doubt but that he was concerned in these practices—and this, with the reasons I have stated to The Secretary of War led me to reject the claim presented by Hugh McAllister, & they were deemed sufficient by the Comptroller of the Treasury to whom an appeal is directed in cases where Claimants are disatisfied with my decision.—I have taken the liberty to state those particulars that the President of the United States might be in possession of the reasons which induced me to reject the claim in question, and I flatter myself they will be deemed sufficient—
I have the honor to be / Sir, very respectfully / Your most Obedt. Servt.

Wm: SimmonsAcct. Dept. War


Title: From John Adams to David Sewall, 23 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Sewall, David

Sir
Trenton Oct 23d 1799

I beg pardon for postponeing to this time an answer to your favor of the 30th. Sept. I have run over all the names, Hooper Lee, Orne, Gerry, Sewal, Otis and twenty others & if you prefer any of them you may give the name. But upon the whole, I have thought that Fort Fisherman would be better than any other. The twelve apostles were fishermen and Marblehead is chiefly inhabited by fishermen. The name therefore must be sufficiently respectable. If you prefer Fisher you may give it & then Mr. Ames may consider it as partly a compliment to him. After all I had rather that the inhabitants, through your kind interposition, should choose for themselves. Mr. Stoddert has conducted the navy so well, that if the inhabitants choose it, his name would be agreeable to me. But the preference in my mind is in favor of Fisherman
With great esteem I am Sir / your faithful humble servant.


Title: To John Adams from Anonymous, 23 October 1799
From: Anonymous
To: Adams, John

Sir!
London October 23d.1799.

I have frequently warned Americans against reposing any confidence in the friendship of any European Nation: and have recommended to them to rely for Safety and Justice, only upon God and the Sword.—Many of my friends have thought this Opinion erroneous, and my Jealousies illfounded; but a circumstance has occurred which convinces some that I have not been widely mistaken, and I trust that all those who shall read the enclosed papers will also believe that I have not judged falsly.
During the last year a Newspaper was published here, under the Title of the “Antijacobin”, in which several of the UnderSecretaries of this Government are known to have written:—that Paper has been for some time discontinued, but was succeeded by another publication under the Title of the “Antijacobin Review & Magazine”.—The Official Gentlemen who wrote for the Gazette, disclaim any connexion with this latter, yet the similitude of title, as well as of principle & Object naturally excite a Belief that the “Review & Magazine” is countenanced by Government:—It is not however Suspicion alone that renders the enclosed violent Philippic against the President, Government, & People of the U.S. worthy of their Attention:—for you may be assured that not only the Language of Merchants & others dependants upon this Government,—but of some of its Officers of the highest rank has corresponded with that of the writer, on most important occasions, and in the most distinct and offensive manner.
You will remark that this was published in a moment of triumphant Prosperity;—The Scene is horribly reversed; and Adversity will probably cool the Zeal of those who meditated hostility against your Country;—but, had prosperity continued to attend the Arms of the Allies, I have no doubt but an Order similar to that of the 6th. Nov. 1793 would have been issued before Christmas, and soon followed by avowed Hostilities. (as that would also have been, had not fortune proved as fickle at that period as she has at this.)
Prepare then for War—for, whichever of the great Parties in the present Contest shall finally prevail, the U.S. will be viewed by the Victor, with equal Hostility.—Let Party Distinctions cease,—let no man in future be known as the friend or Apologist of France or of Britain.—Be Americans—Arm—And with matches lighted, assert your rights, & demand Justice from whatever nation shall continue to violate the One, or to refuse the other, with impartial firmness.—
My hand writing is unknown to you, and for obvious reasons I do not sign my name.—Yet do not believe that this Letter is dictated by Spleen:—but be assured from the experience of one who has long known this Country (& the Wound which rankles at her Heart,) as well as Europe, that You have No friends on this side of the Atlantic.—And that the only chance of preserving Peace is by preparing for War—and in doing this LOSE NO TIME.


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 October 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir,
War Department, Trenton, October 25th: 1799.

As Secretary of the Department of War, a great constituent branch of the Government of the United States, I deem it incumbent upon me, not only to perform my particular duties, to the best of my judgement and abilities but to prevent if practicable that kind of conduct in Officers connected with the Department, which has a direct tendency, to embarrass its administration, and destroy the subordination essential to the due execution of the public business. Under such impressions, I pray the liberty, to make the following respectful representation, and to present for your information, the enclosed Copies of letters.
In consequence of your letter dated the 30th. August last referring to me, a complaint made to you, by a certain Hugh McAllister, a Citizen, that the usual reward of Ten Dollars, had been refused to him, for apprehending and delivering up to a military Officer, a Deserter from Captain Miller’s company of Infantry; and conveying your orders, that I should enquire and satisfy myself, that justice is done in the case, and also of a letter, I received from Major General Hamilton dated the 30th: ultimo, stating that enquiry had been made of him, by the Commandants of the several Regiments, respecting the construction of the last resolution in the Appendix to the Articles of War, that they wished to know whether it gives a reward to parties of Soldiers who may apprehend Deserters, and requesting my opinion on the subject. I addressed the letter No: 1 dated the 14th: instant to the Accountant of the War Department.
Considering that a question arose out of the case referred, and that the Major General had proposed one directly, both which would ultimately rest on the construction which might be given by the Comptroller to the last Resolution in the Appendix to the Articles of War, which it was very expedient should be known, I requested the Accountant to consult with the Comptroller of the Treasury, and inform me whether the Resolution was thought susceptible of an equitable construction, which will permit making the allowance of Ten Dollars—1st. To individual Soldiers, or parties of Soldiers in any case? Or 2nd To Citizens who may apprehend Deserters from the Army, before they shall have been advertized, and such reward offered by the advertisement?
To this letter I received an answer No: 2. from the Accountant dated the 16th. instant, informing me what had been the practice on settlements for pursuing or apprehending Deserters, that the Citizen who had complained to the president, had been refused a reward for apprehending a Deserter of Capt. Miller’s Company, because no evidence appeared by the Muster Rolls, that the person apprehended was a Deserter, neither did it appear, that he had been advertized as such, or any reward offered for his apprehension; but making no explicit, or direct answers to the specific questions I had proposed, and leaving me, in a disrespectful manner to doubt whether he had consulted the Comptroller at all upon the subject.
I replied on the 17th. No. 3. abridging, but retaining the spirit of my original application and repeating the Questions, mentioned that his letter informed me, what the practice had been but did not answer explicitly to my Questions, nor inform me, that he had consulted the Comptroller, which I deemed very material. I suggested that it was necessary to advise with the Comptroller, and that he should give to the Questions I had proposed explicit answers. That I was convinced, the resolution in Question would support the practice he detailed, but that my object was to know, whether an equitable construction by the Comptroller would extend the allowance, to apprehensions made previous to an advertisement offering the reward of Ten Dollars. I then observed, that the reasons he now assigned, for refusing the reward, which makes the subject of complaint, to the president, did not appear in his endorsement on the Certificates which had been presented to him (meaning those intended to support the claim to the reward,) that to reject applications without expressing a cause, must excite discontents, and produce very disagreeable effects; that the Muster Rolls not exhibitting the person, apprehended as a Deserter, ought perhaps not to countervail the proof of the fact, corroborated by the Sentence of a Court Martial, and that his other ground “It did not appear he had been advertised as a Deserter, or any reward offered for his apprehension” is included in one of the Questions, to which I requested explicit answers.
I received a second answer on the 21st: instant, No: 4, from the Accountant, informing me, that he had consulted the Comptroller of the Treasury and intended to have fully replied to the questions stated, but as he had not been so understood he had again consulted the Comptroller, who considered, that when cases occurred, in relation to which, relaxations may be thought equitable it will be more proper to consider each with reference to its particular circumstances, than to attempt to prescribe uniform rules, as applicable to all.
That he had also consulted the Comptroller on the subject of the complaint, by the Citizen to the president of the United States, previous to his first reply, who was of opinion that the claim for the reasons he had stated, was properly rejected—that as this claim was attended with circumstances of a peculiar nature, and the representation is made by direction of the President, he should take the liberty of stating the particulars to him.
The Head of a Department is presumed to be charged with its superintendance throughout the subordinate branches, to be invested with authority to call for information from all persons employed in it, to be entitled to a respectful attention to his calls, and a sedulous endeavor to make the information given, as clear, explicit, and complete as possible. Unless this is the case, it is not possible that public business can be carried on, in an orderly, correct, expeditious or satisfactory manner, either to the Administrators, or those who apply to them.
Making only these general observations, it will be permitted to ask, whether in the opinion of the president, the answers of the Accountant to an application on my part, plain, explicit, and definite, and to questions necessary to be answered, for the government of the Military Officers of every description, are in manner respectful, and particularly the first one at all satisfactory—and also whether declining as the Accountant has done, stating the particulars applying to the claim of the Citizen, who complained of its refusal, to the Head of his Department, but reserving the same, for the president only, is not an instance of insubordination, incompatible with the due administration of the Department, with the public interest; and those of Individuals in any manner concerned in business connected with military concerns, and the insinuation that he will do so, because the representation was made by direction of the president—a mere pretence, desultory and evasive?
I have the honor to be / with the greatest respect, / Sir, / Your most obedt. & hble. Servant,

James McHenryI also enclose a letter from the president dated the 30th. Augt. ultimo, referring the case of Hugh McAllister, with its enclosures.


Title: To John Adams from William Wallones, 26 October 1799
From: Wallones, William
To: Adams, John

Sir
New York 26t October 1799

Mr John Lasher, the Surveyor of this District, has intimated an intention to resign that Office some time next Spring, he has communicated his design without reserve, and have reason to believe, he does not make a secret of it, particularly as I have been informed, that applications have already been addressed to your Excellency for the Office, on the presumption, that it will become vacant at that time—
I should have delayed my application for this Office untill it had actually become vacant, but for the circumstances abovementioned.
The Office of Deputy Collector of the District, which I have exercised since the appointment of Mr. Sands to the Collectorship, has necessarily led me to an acquaintance with the duties of that of the Surveyor, and I trust when it is required that Your Excellency be furnished with Official proofs of my qualifications, to discharge the various duties of it, the most ample testimonies will be furnished, of my capacity to fill it.
I have the honor / to be with every sentiment / of esteem / Your Excellencies / Obedient Servant
Wm. Wallones


Title: From John Adams to Charles Lee, 28 October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Charles

Sir
Trenton Oct 28th 1799

I request the favor of your sentiments, concerning the communications, which ought to be made to the legislature at the opening of their approaching session. Your observations on the rebellion in Pennsylvania & the means employed for its suppression, the negotiation with St Domingo, the interuption of the board of commissioners, the mission to France & on all other subjects, relative to the state of the nation, externally & internally, will be received with much pleasure / by your faithful humble servant


Title: To John Adams from James Mann, 28 October 1799
From: Mann, James
To: Adams, John

October 28th 1799.

To whom it may concern
This certifies that Ebenezer Coddington Thayer of Braintree sustains an unblemished reputation. After the honorary degrees of Harvard College had been conferred upon him, he has the usual time persued the study of the theory and practice of Physic with the greatest proficiency. And I can with confidence add, that should he be indulged a surgeon’s birth in the Army or Navy of the United States; for one of which he contemplates applying; he will do honor to himself & give satisfaction to those, whose office it may be to grant him the appointment.
James MannPhysician and Surgeon to the 3d. Massts. Regt. 2d. Brigd. and 1st: Division of Militia


Title: To John Adams from William Augustus Bowles, 31 October 1799
From: Bowles, William Augustus
To: Adams, John

Sir,
31 Oct. 1799

At a treaty held at Fort Stanwix, in the month of November 1768, the Six Nations pretending to claim the territory as far as the Cherokee river (as by right by conquest) did then cede the said right to his Britannic Majesty, which far extended beyond the former limits of the then province of Virginia, which was settled by treaty in consequence of his Majestys order for the purpose, as well with the Six-nations, and their confederates, as the Cherokees—as the boundary line between his Majestys territories and their hunting ground—and the faith of the Crown was pledged in the most formal manner, both to the Six-nations and the Cherokees; that notwithstanding the former of these nations had ceded the property in the lands to his Majesty, yet no settlement should be made beyond that line—
The revolution that came on soon after, brought forth a series of events, the settling of numbers of white people, who fled from different parts of the World, from principles, or Thro’ fear settled on this territory—they remained unmolested, and by degrees established themselves into Committees, which were receptacles for men of every class after the conclusion of the War—among whom prevailed a spirit of libertinism from the want of laws to curb their licenciousness—a spirit of speculation in land originated among these people, which like a ravaging flame extended itself over the whole of the United States, which reached your members of congress, and even your grave Senators whose duty it was to curb the vices of the people, to support justice, and encourage virtue—
Schemes were formed by individuals, which were supported by the legislative and executive councils of the United States without any regard to right or justice—
At the conclusion of the war, the said territory was by a decree of Congress, bestowed on your disbanded soldiers; these men accustomed only to rapine and plunder joined the inhabitants already settled there, finding themselves uncontrouled by laws of any kind, gave loose to every passion, and like wild beasts preyd on each other—crimes of the blackest nature have been committed by them on all around, and no satisfaction could ever be obtained by any appeal to you for justice—on the contrary, Congress more than once declared that they had not power sufficient to bring the offenders to trial or inflict any punishment—yet when these lawless ruffians have been punished by the injured party, you have set forth those just punishments as murders and assassinations—
Books have been published exaggerating the beauties, an conveniencies, encouraging the people of your northern States to emigrate to countries to which you had not right whatever
Had this immense territory satisfied the avarice, or staid the ambition of your people, to which you conceived you had a right by the cession of the Six-nations—the Cherokees, Chickisaws, Chactaws, and Muskeegees would have been contented to circumscribe their limits, and remain in peace and friendship with you—but as fuel added to fire increases the flame, so the possession of this territory increased your thirst for dominion—
French principles have crept in amongst you; your faith so often pledged in the most formal manner to the different Chiefs has as often been violated—The treaties you have made with them have been the effect of intrigue and knavery, only to gain time to fortify yourselves, when you have wantonly broke them—
Remember the treaty you made with Alexr McGillivray at New York in 1790, a man employed in your schemes of usurpation—a proprietor in the Yazo & Tennesee company—and let me ask you? was he a proper person to treat with? no—yet his Excelly. Generl. Washington pretended to form a treaty with this man which we cannot consider in any other light than a conspiracy against the Muskeegee nation, of which I had the honour to be director—I then wrote you our sentiments in a plain friendly manner, but what effect had it? ‘tis true you did away the Yazo & Tennesee company but you in a manner forcibly proceeded up the Okonee, agreeable to the wards in the said pretended treaty “it must be so”—
You then prevailed on the Chiefs to send commissioners to see the line run, you fired upon, murdered some, and wounded others—yet you still persisted and ran the lines, not agreeable to the instructions of the Commissioners, but to your own desire, taking in forty or more miles than the fixed treaty Stipulated—
You have published books scandalously vilifying the character of the Indians, accusing them with crimes, many of which your own people alone were guilty, and others that existed only in the prejudiced imaginations of the writers in order to cover the schemes you had adopted, and the means you employed to execute them—Wise men judge the value of an action by the means that incited to action, and not by the success, ‘tis fools and knaves alone who judge an action good because it succeeded, and the character of a nation always suffers by acts of injustice where their faith is violated, whether they succeed or not—
The intrigues of your minister at the court of Madrid I am well acquainted with in the year 1795 when both you and the King of Spain were meditating on a war with Great Britain, you entered into an alliance to the celebration of which we were the victims prepared for sacrifice—
You attempted to divide all this country between you without attending in any manner to the local situation of Muskeegee; without regarding in any manner the proclamatio treaty of 1783 the rights therein ceded to you, and in short disregarding all treaties you arbitrarily attempted to usurp every right, which the Indians have possessed since the beginning of time—You in the fifth article mutually agree to restrain your Indians as you call them by force of arms, and to punish any attempt made by them to molest either party—You have during my absence employed emisaries of every class—sanctioned by commissions in order to disseminate discord, and to make parties, and by every means to distress the Muskeegees, and their confederates—
An english commercial house under the firm of Panton, Leslie & Cny established after the treaty of 1783 for the sole purpose of supplying the Muskeegee and their confederates with goods and merchandize, have long since connected themselves with the Spaniards, and at this time with the United States—disregarding their original contract with us, they have been playing your game so that they are now obliged to fly into the spanish forts in order to save their necks from the halter—As I have authentic papers now in my hands which prove the fact—You have in order to effect the completion of the treaty with Spain brought forward a body of troops on the frontiers erected fortifications &c—not within the territory belonging to you but on the Muskeegee land, while you have declared to the chiefs that the intention of the said troops was to restrain your people of Georgia, from committing depredations on the indian territory—and to bring them to justice, as you were determined to abide by the lines you had established—but where was the indian territory had your treaty been precise been peaceably carried into effect? you would then no doubt have declared by a public act of Congress
You have in order to carry thro’ lines, agreeable to the treaty with his Catholic Majesty and the United States, declared to the Chiefs, that the said lines did not interfere with the rights of the Muskeegee nation or their confederates in any manner whatever—that his Britannic Majesty had made the said treaty with the King of Spain and the United States, and had ordered the said lines to be run and that you proceeded agreeable to his order, making use of his Britannic Majestys name to sanction and cover one of the most unjust and diabolical schemes that ever was planned by men—
You did not expect my return to prevent which, your minister at Madrid did every thing in his power, as the Spanish ministers themselves particularly informed me at the time—had I been possessed with half the ambition and enmity to the United States that they have manifested against me, and less a man of honour I should not have given you room to form any treaty with Spain, but having no enmity against you, and demanding only justice, I rejected the offers made to me by the Spanish Court and treated their ministers with contempt for having dared to make such proposals to me—the last that was made to me was in January 1795 by the duke of Alcudia which was to accuse the former ministers the Count de florida blanca and Count de Aranda as the authors of my detention as a prisoner at Madrid—this I refused also as both the persons were innocent of the charge he wished me to exhibit against them and then under a prosecution by the minister.
The treaty with the United States was then meditated on and you ready to adopt any thing that flattered you into a hope of succeeding in your favorite schemes against the Indians, you adopted it and the treaty was ratified and concluded in the September following at Philadelphia—
I must tell you that you are young politicians—the spanish minister soon finding the error he had committed in hopes to screen himself ceded the possessions in Lousiana and Florida to the French Republic, who are to have possession when they are ready to receive it—this no doubt you already know—
You will know that his Britannic Majesty at the peace of 1783 ceded no right of Sovereignty to the United States over the territory belonging to the Muskeegee, Cherokee, Chickisaw, and Chactaw nations: and that he never pretended to claim any such right, and that the attempts made by you to rob them of their land, are highly unjust, and the means you have employed to effect it are wicked and diabolical, the lives of innocent men by you have been sported away without remorse or pity—however it is not necessary for me to circumstantiate the melancholy events your wretched policy has produced, it would require volumes to contain them, and more time than I have to spare at present, I therefore will drop the subject and proceed directly to the point more interesting to both parties—It is not necessary for me to explain to you the situation of European Governments at this period, you must understand that as well as myself neither do I mean to dictate to you what you ought to do but simply to point out and declare to you what I have done and will do hereafter—
I was on the twenty second day of October 1791 elected and appointed Director of the Affairs of the Muskeegee, and on the twenty sixth of the present month of October 1799 I was unanimously re elected, acknowledged, and confirmed by the Chiefs of the nation—in council at Wekiwa after I explained the intention of the United States, and their practices against us—I proposed that all offences committed against our nation to that day should be forgiven; which was agreed to, and past into a resolve—As no treaty of existed between us and the United States, it was proposed, that proposals of a treaty of Alliance should be made to the United States, which was also agreed on and I am authorized to mention it to you—
I therefore declare that we will treat of such treaty of Alliance, with any person duly authorized by the President and Congress of the United States, at a place within the territory of the Muskeegee, that may be hereafter pointed out by us for such treaty, which shall be so pointed out when you signify to us your intentions to form such treaty—
We desire you to withdraw all such persons—holding improper commissions from you, who are and must be considered by us conspirators, you know the laws of nations in such cases provided—however we shall first issue our proclamation requiring all such persons holding improper commissions to retire within the limits of the United States, within a limited time, after which time if such persons are found within our territory they shall be arrested and proceeded against as conspirators, and as such punished without favor or affection—
Any person or persons who shall run lines of any kind whatever through our territory after the twenty sixth of this month of October with the intention to subvert or change the sovereignty, shall if taken suffer death—and if any force be employed to effect the same agreeable to the treaty between his Catholic Majesty and the United States, we shall consider our proposals of a treaty of Alliance as rejected, and declare war against the United States from that moment—
or persons are found holding said commissions or acting contrary to good order—he or they shall be arrested as conspirators and proceeded against according to the law of nations established in such case—
Given under our hand at Wekiwa this the thirty first day of October 1799

Wm A BowlesDirector Genl of MuskeegeeGod Save the State of Muskeegee—


Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, 31 October 1799
From: Lee, Charles
To: Adams, John

Sir
Trenton 31 october 1799

I have the honor to enclose you my sentiments upon two of the topicks mentioned in your letter of the 28th. They being the most important I have lost no time in bestowing my attention on them. I shall endeavour to obtain some information relative to the insurrection in a part of Pennsylvania and the St. Domingo business, and I shall as soon as possible express to you my ideas on those and other matters that may be inserted in your speech. I take the liberty now to observe that what is stated relative to the interruption of the board of commissioners, is predicated on the  expectation that Mr. King will be instructed to obtain an explanation of the 6th. article of the treaty of amity; and if this step is to be taken I submit to your consideration whether the secretary of state should not be directed to prepare the instructions to our minister at London, so that they may go by the next packet.
With the highest esteem and most perfect respect, I am Sir your most obedient humble Servant

Charles Lee


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, October 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

ca. October 1799

On the mission to France –
To be independent of all nations and at peace with all has been the sincere desire of the United States. From the commencement of the present war in Europe unexampled in the history of modern times, the proceedings of our government, guided constantly and uniformly by this honorable and pacific maxim, have as constantly received the general approbation and steady support of my countrymen; and when the defensive attitude against the aggressions and hostilities of the french republic, not less wisely taken by the late Congress than firmly supported by the people, had produced indications of a disposition on the part of that nation to accomodate the existing differences between the two countries I felt it my duty to prepare for meeting the advances, by a nomination of ministers upon certain conditions, which the honor of my country dictated, and its moderation had given it a right to prescribe. The assurances which were required from the french government previous to the departure of our envoys have been received and are expressed in terms explicit and satisfactory. Accordingly the two envoys Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. Davie carrying with them a full knowledge of the present state of public affairs sailed from Newport on the  day of last month, and will join their colleague Mr. Murray in Holland or France, and proceed without delay to Paris the place appointed for their negotiation. The event of this mission is uncertain, but howsoever it may terminate whether in a treaty or otherwise it will be equally incumbent on the United States to persevere in that system of defense which adapted to the convenience and ability of the country has been attended with the most beneficial effects without being burdensome. Viewing the belligerent state of mankind at this epoch when scarcely a civilised nation of the world is at peace but a spirit of war is prevalent every where; unsafe & precarious must any nation be that shall neglect the means of its strength, and until this spirit of war shall abate, the United States owe it to their honor, their welfare and their peace to be prepared with effectual means of defense suited to their situation and to the important objects, claiming their protection.
On the interruption of the board of Commissioners here.
In the board of Commissioners appointed for carrying into effect the sixth article of the treaty of amity with his Britannic Majesty, a difference of opinion existed has been entertained concerning the meaning of that article as to the nature and extent of the submission, and this difference of opinion between the commissioners named on the part of the United States and the other members of the board has been accompanied with some disagreeable incidents. The former conceived it proper for them to separate from the other members which has caused a suspension of their proceedings, and the reasons assigned for the secession have appeared to me sufficiently satisfactory cogent. It is however sincerely to be regretted that an article produced by a mutual spirit of amity and as well as of justice should from any cause be have been necessarily interrupted in its execution, but it is confidently hoped that the same spirit of amity and the same sense of justice which produced the article will lead to such an explanation of it as shall fully answer its real original intentions. Nations so reasonable and so just as to make the stipulation can find no difficulty in making another that shall explain it to their mutual satisfaction. It is my fixed determination on this and every other occasion to preserve the honor and good faith of the nation inviolate, and believing his britannic magesty to be animated with the like honorable and just sentiments and it being my earnest wish that all future obstacles in the execution of the article should be removed I have instructed our minister at London to endeavour to obtain an explanatory article upon this interesting subject.
Subsequent to the secession of the american commissioners from the board in Philadelphia here, his Britannic Majesty signified to the commissioners named on his part his pleasure that they should withdraw from the board appointed to carry into effect the seventh article of the same treaty, until the obstacles for to the carrying into effect the sixth article, should appear to be removed and in obedience to this order those commissioners have seceded from the board in London and thereby its operations are also suspended. The progress in the business before the latter board in London had been such that only a few months more when the suspension took place would have been necessary for the completion of the awards. Under these circumstances and yet hoping these affairs may be finally brought to a happy conclusion I have not thought it proper to direct the american commissioners to return home.


Title: To John Adams from James Francis Armstrong, 2 November 1799
From: Armstrong, James Francis
To: Adams, John

Novr. 2d. 1799.—

Mr. Armstrong wishes to insinuate to the President of the United States his wish to know whether the President proposes to communicate with our Church tomorrow as we expect the administration of the Lord’s Supper then by Dr. Woodhull—The Communicants sit with us not at a common Table, but in the Pews around the Pulpit—mine in which the President sat last Sabbath week is one, which I wish he may see fit to occupy to morrow—but should any thing induce the President not to communicate, Mr. Armstrong wishes that he may not have the trouble of changing his Seat, and will have another provided for him.—
Mr. Armstrong begs leave also to express his regret to the President, that he has not been able thro’ indisposition personally to pay his respects to the President since his arrival at this place—Should Mr. Armstrong’s desire to wait on the President lead him to transgress the rules of Etiquette, the President will be so good as to excuse him, but Mr. Armstrong’s wish is that the President would honour him by taking a Dish of Tea with Mrs. Armstrong any evening convenient to the President before he leaves Trenton.


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 2 November 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Phila. Nov. 2d. 1799.

I have the Honour to enclose a Letter from Mr. Harper recommending Mr. Cook to be the District Judge of Maryland.... I agree with Mr. Harper, that whoever may be appointed the residence of the Judge ought to be in Baltimore.
I have the honour to be with / great respect / Sir, / your obedt. Sert.

Oliv: Wolcott.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 5 November 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Trenton Nov 5th 1799

I am this moment favored with yours of this date, & thank you for the information it contains. It was proper to publish the news in Mr. Humphry’s letter. I return you Mr. Kings, as well as his. The assurances you propose to convey through Mr. King to the court of Denmark, that their consul will be cordially received are very agreeable to me.—I hope to meet you in Philadelphia on the course of the week & in the mean time remain your faithful humble servant


Title: To John Adams from James Lloyd, 5 November 1799
From: Lloyd, James
To: Adams, John

Honored Sir,
Kent County E. Shore of Maryland 5 Novr: 1799

I hope your Excellency will excuse the liberty I take in mentioning to you Mr. Charles Goldsborough of Dorchester County E. Shore of Maryland. This Gentleman is very respectable in his profession—his character is excellent and his attachment to the Government has been uniform.
The late Mr. Paca was a resident of this shore. I recollect only two other E. Shore men who have held offices of much importance under the Government of the United States. At present there is only one of those three in office.
I hope your Excellency will not think this consideration entirely without weight, and if it should be your pleasure to appoint a Gentleman of the E. Shore to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the late Mr. Paca, I have no hesitation in assuring you that I believe Mr. Goldsborough will be found worthy of the appointment.
With the highest respect and regard / I have the Honor to be / Your Excellency’s most huml. Sert.

James Lloyd


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 6 November 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philaa. Novr. 6. 1799.

I received your letter of last evening; & have written to Mr. King on the subject of a Danish Consul—The letter to go by the British packet, which will not sail till next Saturday.
To-day I received a letter from Mr. Winchester, acknowledging the receipt of your commission, constituting him Judge of the Maryland District. He concludes—“Be pleased, sir, to communicate to the President my acceptance of the appointment and the high sense I entertain of the honor conferred by it.”
I have the honor to be / with great respect / sir your obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering
P.S. Permit me to inclose for your amusement, a scrap of Duke Liancourt’s travels in America, as a specimen of the correctness & excellency of his work: Have the goodness to return it.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 7 November 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Trenton November 7. 1799

I have just now, recd. your favour of the 6th. I am glad Mr. Winchester has accepted his Commission. I return your Sons Extract from Liancourts Travels. Who could have put into his head, falsehoods so absurd and so gross? It could not be Simcoe. Absurd as he often was he could not have been guilty of this folly which is almost too palpable for our own Jacobinical Prints. Why have We no Copy of the Dukes Work in America. I expect We shall all have a share of his “Accuracies” in these or some subsequent Volumes of his Travels.
I am sir your very humble servant.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Bernard Hubley, Jr., 7 November 1799
From: Hubley, Bernard, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir
Northumberld. Novr. 7th. 1799

The duty as a Man, a Subject, a Fœderal, and a Christian, tells me, that I should acquaint you of the Political Sentiments of such Persons, coming within the compass of my knowlege, that I conceive are not Friends to you, our Government, Constitution Laws &c. in my firm persuasion & opinion, neither Doctor Priestley, nor Mr. Thomas Cooper, ever were friends to you, or our Government &c., at the time I had the honor to dine at your Table, the conversation turned upon the Religious Moral Philosophical and Political Sentiments of Doctor Priestley, Mr. Cooper & Mr. Saml. McClay. I then asserted as above mentioned, and that the Doctor & Mr. Cooper, were Glove and Hand, not only in Political Sentiments, but also in Religious, and that I conceived & looked upon Mr. McClay, as a Disciple of the Doctors;—inclosed you will find a Hand Bill, Published a few days since, but only distributed last evening, which I think corresponds with my assertion; those Jacobins, Democrats, enemies to God, and Man, are continually busy to destroy all Order Society & tranquility, throughout the Globe, particularly among civilized Nations, they are as the troubled Sea, and the roaring Lion, there is no place to the wicked; those tools of Faction, are only feeble Mashines, though cunning artful and sly; the Doctor spectre looking like, wastes fast, and I believe with a troubled Conscience, for his infidelity to his Prince and Country, and his disappointed expectations of the Unitarian Doctrine, so generally contemned in America, I never thought him otherwise than a Pretender a Hypochrite, a proud & imperious Tyrant, if he had power, and which he secretly and underhanded thirsts and grasps after; his Tenets in unhappy France, undoubtedly has produced many of the Infidels and Atheists; as I have given you a sketch of a few Characters which I conceiver to be none of your Friends, it is requisite I should let you know, that you have likewise Friends in this place, Friends to you, our Government &c. I shall only Name a few among many, Charles Hall Esqr. Jasper Ewing Esqr. Jonathan Walker Esqr. Genl. Wm. Wilson, John Boyd Esqr. I hope there is no necessity of making protestations or declarations, to convince you of my fidelity Attachment &c. those I have fully given to you heretofore, and nothing but Death can ever erase. My soul has ever been wrapped into yours, and our glorious General Washington, My Life will ever be ready to defend yours & the Generals, which I would hazard for the preservation of either, should it ever become requisite, in a lawful and Christian manner; there has been a gloomy aspect for several Years, Democratic Equality, with French Politics, has nearly overspread the Land, should any impious Foe, dare to invade our Country, or Civil dissentions Rebellion or Mutiny, rise to a height that may endanger the same, I offer again my services, I am an American Born, at Lancaster, the Religion I profess Episcopalian, I was an Officer last War, and have the vanity to believe that I was a Soldier, likewise, I am now a little past Forty Five Years of Age, I have a Family, a dearly beloved Wife & Three Children, the two oldest Daughters, the Youngest a Son, Babtized by the Name of George Washington, I conclude with my Prayers to the Supreme, for your Welfare felicity and happiness, and that you may Precide over us for many Years, & that we may again in peace & tranquility rejoice under our Fig & Vine Trees, my best, my sincerest respects to Mrs. Adams.—
I am Respected Sir / Your Excellys Most Obdt. / & / Most Huml. Servt.

Berd. Hubley Jnr.
turn overP.S. The Frenchman of whom it was reported that threatened General Washington, at the time he was President, in case he did not deposit a certain Sum of Money, in a certain place, that he would do some violent act, the same Man, was for Weeks together I think it was in last spring, at the House of Doctor Priestley, I was credibly informed it was the same Frenchman, I several times seen him and the Doctor Arm in Arm, passing & repassing my Door.

Berd. Hubley Jnr.


Title: To John Adams from Pseudonym: "A Friend of Justice", 8 November 1799
From: Pseudonym: “A Friend of Justice”
To: Adams, John

Mr. Adam
Fredsbg 8th. Nov. 1799

I have just read in the papers the death of Judge Iredall. That his place may be properly supplied is an important object with the Executive and the people. I as one of these take the liberty of recommending Major Francis T. Brooke of Fredericksburgh. The character of this gentleman is hardly to be surpassed as it combines great talents & learning with unshaken integrity & patriotism. Chs. Lee can vouch for this, but perhaps more substantially Judge Washington.

a friend to Justice


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 12 November 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Philadelphia Nov 12th 1799

I think it will be expedient to lay before congress, on the second day of the session, all the papers which relate to the embassy to France, that they may be printed together, & the public enabled to judge from correct and authentic documents. To this end I request you to order copies to be made of your letter to Mr. Murray & his answer, of his letter to Talleyrand & his answer which should be copied in French, and accompanied with a translation into English
The proclamations, that respecting St. Domingo the insurrection in Pensylvania and that respecting St. Domingo should also be laid before congress, together with copies of any other papers relative to both transactions, which you may judge necessary or proper & I pray you to have them prepared accordingly.
The organization of the government of the missisippi territory & the demarcation of the line should perhaps be mentioned to congress, & I pray you to furnish me a sketch of the facts as they appear from the intelligence in your office.
I have the honor to be Sir your very humble servant


Title: To John Adams from Nathaniel Whitaker, 18 November 1799
From: Whitaker, Nathaniel
To: Adams, John

Hond: Sir
Bath District of Main Novr 18th 1799

a destrest person takes this opportunity to write to You, pleading an excuse, for so doing. I have serv’d the United State to the best of my abilityes in procureing the Condemnation of the Ship Niac which has ben imploy’d in the Slave traid & by which a considerable sum accrues to the United States and not being intitled by existing Laws to any compensation for my exurtions I have by advice of several respectable Gentlemen deturmind to present a memorial to Congress praying that som part of the proceeds of arising from the sail of said Ship may be granted me. This Hond. Sir is to beg Your intrest with the hous in my behalf. I must think my request to be reasonable and make no doubt, that upon consideration of the subject You will feel the Justice of granting it & will lind me your exurtions in the affair. If Sir You shall see fit to grant this request You will do an essential service to a friend of humanity & of the Laws of the United States.
I am with the highest respect / Your obediant Servant—

Nathaniel Whitaker
NB I set out from Bath with an intent to see You before You left Quincy & on my arival at Portsmouth I see in the paper that You had left home for the seat of Goverment a few days before & I immeadiately returnd to bath. I should have wish’d to relate to You my proceading but my being poor it was out of my power to procead to the seat of Goverment for want of money for my expences


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 18 November 1799
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Novr. 18th. 1799.—

The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the command of the President of the United States respectfully submits the following observations.—
A great proportion of the difficulties which have attended the administration of Government in the United States, are, by the consent of reflecting men of all parties, referred to a diversity of opinion respecting the objects, nature and tendency of the French Revolution. Though Europe is the principal theatre of contention, yet the effects of the War are visible in the four quarters of the Globe.—It has divided the civilized world into two great political parties; on one side are found all men, who from habit, principle, or interest, are attached to ancient establishments; on the other, the enthusiastic partizans of a new and seductive system.—
Some years since, a majority of the people of the United States manifested a strong sympathy in favour of the revolutionary principles of France; events have contributed to dispel the delusion; but successive vibrations of public sentiment have greatly weakened respect for authority and released a large proportion of the people from the influence of the mild restraints arising out of ancient civil and religious institutions; at present the government is suffering under the reaction of a spirit which was excited against Frances–bold and licentious calumnies are propagated and believed a want of concert is visible among the friends of government and many of the subordinate officers are deprived of that respect, influence and popularity without which their public functions cannot be successfully discharged—
It is necessary that those who conduct the public affairs, should know their real situation; but they are not permitted to despond, nor to relax their efforts, in support of a cause, which they have conscientiously espoused—
To give energy to the Government, it appears indispensible that the Judicial system of the United States should be revised.—It cannot but happen that numerous questions respecting the interpretation of the Laws, and the rights and duties of Officers and Citizens must arise in this extensive country.—On the one hand it is necessary that the Laws should be executed; on the other that individuals should be guarded against oppression—neither of these objects can be assured under the present organization of the Judicial Department.
The Revenue from Duties on Imports and Tonnage has declined from Dolls. 7,405,000, which was the product of the year ending Septr. 30th. 1798, to Dolls. 6,437,000, being the product of the year ending Septr. 30th. 1799—The internal Revenues have increased during the same period, from Dolls. 585,000, to Dolls. 773,000—The Act directing the valuation of Houses and Lands, has been executed in the States of Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Kentucky and Tennessee— The execution will soon be compleated in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia—Some greater delay is expected in the States of North Carolina & Georgia. In South Carolina, the execution of the Law has been impeded, by the resignation of Commissioners, and by a diversity of opinion between the Board and an influential member, the effects of which are not yet fully surmounted.—
The establishments of the United States demand an expenditure, exceeding the ordinary Revenue by several millions; it will be impossible at once, to increase the Revenue sufficiently to meet this expence, and it will be difficult to command money on Loan.—The details of information will be communicated by the Treasury Department, in the usual manner as prescribed by Law.—
In addressing the House of Representatives, it appears proper and necessary to state, that the estimates of the appropriations which are necessary for the service of the ensuing year, together with an account of the Revenue and expenditures to a recent period, will be laid before them by the President’s direction—that it was not to have been expected during a period in which a great portion of the civilized world has been involved in a war unusually calamitous and destructive, that the United States could be exempted from extraordinary burthens—that though the period has not arrived when the measures which were adopted to secure the country against foreign attacks can be renounced, yet it is alike necessary to the honour of the Government and the satisfaction of the community, that an exact economy should be maintained—With a view to these objects the House may be invited to investigate the different branches of the public expenditure;—such an examination cannot fail either to produce beneficial retrenchments, or convince the people of the wisdom and necessity of the measures heretofore adopted.—
That the President may be enabled to judge what representation ought to be made in relation to the renewal of commercial intercourse with a part of the island of St. Domingo, it appears necessary to review the transactions relative to that subject.—
During several years after the commencement of the present war, the commerce of St. Domingo was immensely profitable to the United States; and even after the system of privateering became general, it continued to be advantageous to Individuals.—The naval armaments of the United States greatly restrained the Privateers and rendered the people of the island desirous of renewing commerce.—The Act of June 13th. 1798, gave no authority to the President to permit trade with any particular Port or Island of the French dominions, although he was empowered at his discretion to remit or discontinue the restrictions generally imposed by the Act.—It was soon discovered by the American merchants that the Act of Congress was the only obstacle to the renewal of a beneficial commerce—The policy of the restriction was arraigned—the Law was continually violated, and the records of the Treasury afford ample evidence that the most persevering exertions on the part of the Government were insufficient to restrain the illegal enterprizes of individuals.—
Soon after the commencement of the last session of Congress, Mr Bunel appeared as the Agent of Genl. Toussaint, and on his behalf made the most explicit assurances that the American commerce should be protected in all the Ports under his jurisdiction; and nearly at the same time information was obtained that an Armistice had been settled with the British Government, which was then said to have secured to itself certain exclusive privileges.—It then appeared to be a favourable opportunity to promote such a modification of the Law, as without deviating from the principles of the general system which had been adopted with respect to France, might extend the commerce and political influence of the United States in the West Indies—the idea was fully approved by the President, and in pursuance of suggestions which were authorized, a Bill passed the House of Representatives empowering the President to regulate by proclamation the Trade between the United States and the whole or any part of the dominions of France, or the dominions of any other nation where the equipment of French Privateers, or the sale of their Prizes, being Vessels of the United States, should be tolerated.—The Senate did not agree to the Bill, except in respect to the dominions of France—
During the time that the Bill was depending in Congress, there was much conversation respecting the ultimate views of Genl. Toussaint, and it was supposed by many, that on the renewal of commercial intercourse, the island of St. Domingo would be declared independant—to these observations, it was uniformly replied by the undersigned Secretary that no certain opinion could be formed respecting the future political condition of the island—that this subject must, and ought to be left to take its natural course—that the views of the United States were purely commercial, and pacific; and that no assurances would under any circumstances be made, that the United States would support a declaration of independence, with men, money, or supplies.—
After the passing of the Act of Feby. 9th. 1799, it was deemed necessary, that explicit assurances in favor of American commerce should be renewed on the part of General Toussaint, and that an Agent should be admitted into the Island, to watch the interests of the United States, and give information to the Government of the course of events.—Edward Stevens, Esqr. was accordingly appointed Consul–General to reside in the Island; and about the same time Envoys were appointed, who were, upon certain conditions to renew negociations with the French Republic.—
During the whole time that Mr. Bunel remained in the United States, he continued to represent the urgent wants of Genl. Toussaint, that his men were unpaid, destitute of cloathing, and frequently without provisions—it was even suggested that the distress was so great as to endanger his authority.—Prior to the passing of the Act of Feby. 9th. the objections against furnishing any supplies, were insuperable—after that time, the Heads of Departments and Attorney General, were directed to confer together on the subject & lay their opinions before the President.—
The Secretaries of the four Departments concurred in the following opinion.—
“It having been proposed to send a supply of provisions to St. Domingo in the Vessel in which the Consul General is to proceed, our opinions have been requested on the expediency of the measure.—
“The Law of the 9th. instant, expressly excepts from the restrictions imposed on Vessells in general such Vessells “as shall be solely employed in any purposes of political or national intercourse”, the object of the proposed shipment is, by supplying some of his most urgent wants, favourably to impress the mind of Genl. Toussaint to suppress privateering and to adopt such measures as may justify a proclamation for opening the trade which is an object of national importance, perfectly consistent with the spirit of the Act & not contrary to justice or policy, in respect to France.—
“The principal objection against the measure, arises from the possibility of a suspicion that it was the intention of the Government to favour the individual merchant entrusted with furnishing the supplies.—To obviate this objection, it appears proper to stipulate by a previous contract that every excess above a moderate profit, shall be for the benefit of the United States, or that the supplies shipped shall be sold under the direction of the Consul–General, at a moderate price, to be previously stipulated.—It also appears proper to stipulate, that no return cargo shall be received or admitted in the Ports of the United States, until the President shall have previously published a proclamation opening the trade.”
Feby. 20th. 1799.—
On the same day, the Attorney General delivered the following opinion in a Letter addressed to the Secretary of State.
“I have the honour to express my opinion that it is neither lawful nor expedient to permit a Vessell to sail from hence to St. Domingo, with supplies of cloathes and provisions for General Toussaint, though a private merchant should undertake it, either alone or in partnership with the United States.—
Unlawful, because permission may be granted to Vessels which shall be solely employed in any purpose of political intercourse, and to none other.
Inexpedient, because a negociation is contemplated to be commenced with France; because it will set a precedent of govermental participation in matters of commerce, or of govermental preferences to certain individuals, and thereby excite general discontent among the mercantile people, and further, because it will expose the Officers in the executive departments to public opprobrium, or suspicions of being privately interested in adventures of this kind; and lastly, because I have no more confidence in the black Frenchmen than in the white, and am willing that they should suffer in St. Domingo, till they actually refrain from depredations on our Commerce, and give satisfactory evidence of their future good behaivour, and of their future ability to restrain the inhabitants of that island from molesting our citizens in their occupations on the seas.”
The President on consideration of the subject, concurred with the opinion of the Attorney General and directed that the supplies should be refused; but afterwards on reviewing the question, he was pleased to permit certain articles which were most urgently demanded to be shipped, not exceeding in value, what might be deemed necessary, to defray the expences of the Vessel, the quantity to be ascertained under direction of the Secretary of State—
The beginning of March, Mr. Stevens failed with instructions to acquaint Genl Toussaint that the commerce would be renewed on the following conditions.—
“1st. All privateering from the island must be absolutely restrained.—
“2d. All French armed vessells commissioned elsewhere, must be refused an asylum in the ports of St. Domingo.—
“3d. The armed vessels of the United States, public and private, being necessary for the protection of our commerce with St. Domingo, and generally with the West Indies—must as well as mere merchant vessels be permitted to freely enter the ports of the island, to victual, water, and refit, and in all respects be received and treated as friends.—
“4th. The property of the Citizens of the United States must not be liable to be siezed by the Government”.—
It is self evident that nothing less than a compliance with these conditions, could render it safe and proper on the part of the United States to renew commercial intercourse.—It was for General Toussaint to consider whether they interfered with his duty and engagements to the French Republic.—
In the month of April, General Maitland arrived at Philadelphia from Great Britain, for the purpose of concerting measures with the American Government relative to the trade of the two nations with St. Domingo.—The conduct of the British government was open and friendly, the nature of the armistice was explained, and in a short time, the views and wishes of the two Governments were found to be reconcileable.
The conditions upon which trade has been opened are before the public—the British are suspected and unpopular in the island—the Americans have been hitherto protected—the civil war with Rigaud has interrupted industry, and prevented much of the produce of the island from being brought to the Ports for exportation—many vessels have made losing voyages—it has been suggested by some that the Consul General has engrossed a large proportion of the produce at market:—suspicions are entertained by some, of the sincerity of Toussaint;—indeed, the whole subject of the arrangement with St. Domingo, has, from the first, excited considerable curiosity, suspicion and discontent—At present, many who have been friends of the Government, consider the project of a renewal of commerce with the Island considered as a dependency of France, in concert with the British Government, as irreconcileable with the mission which has been instituted.—
The foregoing facts are conceived to be all that are material to the right understanding of the subject, upon which the following observations are respectfully submitted.—
A perfect respect is entertained for the opinion of the Attorney General; nevertheless, it is confidently believed that the permission to send supplies in the manner consented to by the President was not illegal; the expediency of this particular measure has been evinced, by the comfort and relief which was afforded to General Toussaint, which was greater than was anticipated from such a moderate supply.—
Admitting every argument against the policy of the measure as adopted in pursuance of the Act of Congress, or as modified in concert with the British Government, to be valid, yet it is not easy to perceive that a course different from that which was adopted could have been pursued.—It has been observed that experience proved the impracticability of maintaining the restrictions upon our trade—the expectations of the American Merchants had been excited—The agent of General Toussaint had received certain conditional assurances—It was moreover, supposed at the time of Mr. Stevens’ departure, that an Armistice had been formed with Great Britain and that the Government of that nation was aiming to secure its own commerce, and exclude that of the United States.—It appeared to be important not to miss the opportunity of extending the commerce and influence of the United States, and thereby impairing the European system in respect to Colonies.—
The concert with the British Government was a subsequent measure, and being solicited, it became a natural and unavoidable consequence of the first.—It was certain that no trade could be pursued with St. Domingo, if that island was considered as at war with Great Britain; and it must have appeared to the British Government, selfish and unreasonable if the United States had refused to concur in measures calculated to prevent the revolution from extending to their islands, or had appeared disposed to take advantage of accidental circumstances to secure exclusive advantages—Indeed, as the interests were mutual, justice required that they should be regulated by a mutual agreement.—
With respect to the future prospects of the United States in relation to St Domingo, nothing certain or even probable can be pronounced.—The war between Toussaint and Rigaud, will it is said, end in the over throw of the latter, and in the destruction of the cast of Mullattoes—The condition of the Whites must be precarious, and it is very problematical, whether the Blacks will ever maintain regular habits of industry under the government of their own chiefs.—The death of Toussaint, at this time would probably produce a total change in the political system of the island.—Though he has hitherto fulfilled his promises to the United States, yet from the nature of things, such a government as he maintains, must be arbitrary and fluctuating. The British will never encourage a declaration of independance, and such a measure cannot now be promoted by the United States.—If it shall be known that the United States have concurred with the British in measures calculated to put an end to all maritime operations from St. Domingo, the jealousy of the Chiefs will be excited, and the French Government may seize the opportunity to regain their influence, and decide the wavering politicks of the island—it is therefore important that measures be instantly taken to induce General Toussaint to dismantle the armed Vessels which have been equipped in consequence of the war with Rigaud—
There are other reflections suggested by the consideration that the mission to France may terminate in a Treaty without any real change in the character or views of that nation in respect to the United States—It is certain that a Treaty must necessarily repeal the Act suspending commercial intercourse.
The result of the foregoing reflections is, that the subject is attended with difficulties arising from the uncertain state of things in the French Colonies, and from the divided opinions of the people of the United States; moreover, that the existing embarrassments may possibly be encreased by the course of future events.—The propriety of the measures which have been taken might be vindicated by considering them in relation to the circumstances under which they were adopted—A full disclosure of all these circumstances would be favourable to the reputation of Individuals, but it cannot now be made without some hazard to the interests of the country;—all that is necessary to mention in the Speech to Congress is, that, having received satisfactory assurances that the rights and interests of the people of the United States should be respected and protected in the ports of the island of St. Domingo, under the jurisdiction and command of General Toussaint Louverture, & that no captures of American Vessells should be permitted by Vessels sailing from said Ports, the President had thought proper in pursuance of the powers vested in him by Law to issue his proclamation, authorizing the renewal of commercial intercourse—it may be added, that the President has perceived with satisfaction, that the conditions which were the basis upon which the proclamation was issued, have been hitherto faithfully observed—
On the subject of the mission to the French Republic, it is respectfully observed, that no considerations of public policy or expediency are perceived which require that any opinion be expressed respecting that measure.—It is believed that it will be sufficient to say that having received explicit assurances from the French Government that the ministers of the United States shall be received with the respect due to their public character, and that a disposition exists, favorable to the termination of the differences subsisting between the two nations, the Envoys have, in pursuance of instructions from the President, proceeded to execute the objects of their mission.—
In respect to the interruption of the two Boards appointed in pursuance of the 6th. and 7th. articles of the Treaty with Great Britain; and the proceedings proper to be adopted on the part of the United States, the Secretary will as soon as possible deliver an opinion—In respect to the communication of information to Congress it appears sufficient to declare, that in consequence of an essential diversity of opinion between the two Commissioners appointed on the part of the United States, in pursuance of the 6th. article of the Treaty between the United States and his Britannick majesty and the other three Commissioners, respecting the proper construction of the said Article, the Commissioners named on the part of the United States, have considered it to be their duty to decline further attendance at the meetings of the Board—That this interruption of proceedings under the 6th. article has induced his Britannick majesty to direct the two Commissioners named on his part in pursuance of the 7th. article of the said Treaty to decline attending the meetings of the Board sitting in London, until the obstacles to the execution of the 6th. article shall be removed.—That the President is determined to fulfill, with punctuality and good faith, the stipulations which have been made on the part of the United States, and is well pleased to find that a corresponding disposition has been declared to exist on the part of his Brittanick majesty, in respect to the execution of the 7th. article—That the President will cause such explanations of the meaning of the parties,—in forming the 6th. article, to be proposed, as, he is convinced will prove satisfactory to his Brittannick Majesty, and give full effect to the engagements formed on behalf of the United States.—
The late insurrection in Pennsylvania, is to be attributed to misrepresentations of the measures of the Government, in seditious pamphlets and newspapers, and in Letters from popular characters—All the acts for increasing the Revenue, the Army and Navy, and for restraining seditious foreigners, were by various artifices rendered exceedingly odious.—The Act of Congress, directing the valuation of Houses and Lands, having a more universal operation upon the people than any other, was easily rendered the object of popular indignation. Combinations to prevent the execution of the Law were formed, in consequence of which process was issued by the District Judge against the principal offenders—a number of individuals who had been arrested by the marshal were rescued by ... —— an armed force—After issuing a proclamation requiring the insurgents to disperse, the President directed a military force to be called out, by whose cooperation with the judiciary authority, a number of persons were arrested, some of whom have been convicted of misdemeanors, and others are held in custody subject to future trial.—
Though the insurrection has been suppressed, the spirit which occasioned it, still exists, and the friends of government and its officers, have lost much of the influence they once possessed—
The several matters herein mentioned, are not arranged in proper order: the Secretary requests that this defect may be excused, it having originated from the want of certain documents, when this report was commenced.—
All which is most respectfully / submitted by

Oliv. Wolcott.


Title: To John Adams from Jabez Fisher, 23 November 1799
From: Fisher, Jabez
To: Adams, John

Sir
Franklin November 23d. 1799

I am personally acquainted with Doct James Man & know that for many years he has been a respectable practitioner of Physic & Surgery in Wrentham & several of the neighbouring Towns—Therefore conceive that due credit may with safety be paid to his recommendation of Doct Elias Hawes as Surgeon to the 5th: Regt in the permanent Army
Jabez Fisher


Title: To John Adams from Daniel Morgan, 23 November 1799
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Adams, John

Sir
Soldiers Rest Novr. 23rd. 1799

This will be handed to you by Robert Page esquire who succeeds me in Congress for the District composed of Frederick & Berkeley Counties; who I beg leave to introduce to you as a gentleman.
He is a man of real information and a great supporter of the happy Government we live under, and I dare say you will find Mr. Page on further acquaintance worthy of your confidence.
I hope you continue hearty; I wish you forty years longer to live in high health I hope your Lady is well. will you be pleased to offer to her my good wishes.
I have the Honor to be / your very Obt. Hle. Sert.

Danl Morgan
P.S It has been rumoured about (from what Authority we don’t know) that you intend to decline serving as President after the time for which you were elected expire, but I hope this will not be the case, as we are making a disposition for a hard struggle to send you again.


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Grellet, 24 November 1799
From: Grellet, Stephen
To: Adams, John

the 24th. of the 11th Mon. 1797 1799—philadelphia

Friend
Since late my mind has often been exercised on thy accompte, with a desire thou mayest rightly feel the place where the Lord has permited thee to be put into. “the fear of the Lord, it is said, is the begining of Wisdom.” wast thou possessed with that Holy fear, thou shouldst be endowed I have no doubt with Heavenly Wisdom, to govern the people over whom thou art apointed a Ruler; thou wouldst be a praise to them that do well, and a terror to the Evildoers.
My design in writing to thee, is to bring thee to a serious reflection of thy duty, not only towards man but also towards the Lord God thy Creator, who is the Judge of both Quick and Dead, and shall render to every man according to his works. thou hast in thy power to do great deal good or great deal Evil, not only by the Laws thou mayest change or pass, but also by thy conduct, and Example thou givest to the people, many of whom have their Eyes upon thee. Take then Care how thou Countenances Evil, Evil of all sort as attending of plays or other Exhibitions, extravancy, luxury of table &ca. &ca. how thou showest thy love and fear of the Lord, through all the parts of thy Conduct, that thou mayest not strengten the Devilish opinion prevailing among so many, that there is no God, and of a greater part yet who are of the same stamp, professing the existence of one God but serving him not and denying him by their works, their rioting, drunkness, Chambrings, gamings &ca &ca. absenting themselves from places of Worship, living without God, seeking only to fulfeel their lusts, desires & vanities: oh? What swearing? What Cursing in this land? wherein I am a stranger, but over which my heart mourns. Will not the Righteous Lord visit again & again this people, for all those abominations? oh? mayest thou wash thy hands in innocency and be clear before the Lord of their blood. The work thou hast before thee is great, (to supress the many Evils and wickedness increasing in this land) more so than human wisdom can ever perform; but the Lord’s power is all sufficient; if he is rightly sought after, his arm of strength will be revealed unto us. Mayest thou then with the other in authority under thee, seek after this power, begin to feel it over you, purifying and Cleansing your hearts, rendering you as Lights to the people over whom you are, that seeing your good works they may Glorify our Heavenly Father; then you could in truth tell them Follow us, as we follow Christ. but if you attend plays, (as I have heard thou didst lately at New york) or other Exhibitions, & by your conduct countenance any of the Evils already mentioned, do you not then encourage evil? Do you not cause the people to err? and shall you not be accomptable to the Lord for it?
This is wrote in the fear of the Lord for thy serious consideration by a sincere lover of thy soul’s peace and Salvation, and a desire for the happiness of the people under thy authority

Stephen Grellet


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 27 November 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 27th Novr. 1799

I have received for the use of the Indian Department, vz. from Francis Mentgis, 350 Dollars, and from Samuel Lewis Senr. 1320 Dollars, which sums have been applied in the manner following vz. 1st. To the Indians who were convened at Philadelphia in 1796 & 1797, in proportions regulated by the influence of the persons and importance of the purposes intended to be effected 1170 Dollars. 2d. To Benjamin Hawkins Esqr. Temperary Principal superintendant of the Southern Indians 500 Dollars to be applied by him in the Creek nation among those of its chiefs, who had staid at home, and might be discontented from what they might hear or  see of presents the others had received at the seat of Government.
The three hundred and fifty dollars of the above reced. from Francis Mentges having been settled for in the usual way by a charge against the Indian Department, no order is necessary respecting this sum. To obtain a credit for the remainder or 1320 dollars, the expenditure being of a nature not proper to be made public, it is requested that agreeably to the mode pointed out by the act of the 9th of Febry. 1793, and a regulation given on the 28 Decr. 1797, the President would be pleased to direct a certificate to be made, to serve in lieu of the vouchers ordinarily required in the settlement of accounts.
I have further to request authority to grant a certificate of a similar nature, to exonerate James Ross Esquire from a charge of 500 Dollars which stands against him in the books of the Accountant, the object and expenditure of which is explained in the inclosed letter from him to me, dated the 9th of March 1797.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir, / Your most ob & hble St.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from William Nichols, 29 November 1799
From: Nichols, William
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philada. 29th. November 1799

In the Month of April 1795, I had the honor of being appointed the Marshal of the District of Pennsylvania; the duties of which I have, from that time to the present, discharged to the best of my abilities.
Some losses, however, which I have lately Sustained, from a certain Joseph Thomas; added to others, which had, some time before, been occasioned by an Unlimitted Confidence in a very good and worthy man who is now no more; Make it necessary, that I should, at least for the present, decline public business, and turn my attention to my own affairs; my property being Still Valuable, and sufficient, as I trust, to render me, in a short time, what I more and more wish to be, independent.
Accordingly I have thought proper, a few days ago, to make my determination known to the Secretary of State, to Judge Peters, and to Mr. Rawle; that a Suitable person might be thought of by them to recommend to your Excellency to fill the Office. And when that event takes place, I pray your excellency to Consider this as my formal resignation of the Office of Marshal of the District of Pennsylvania.
Permit me to assure your Excellency, that my resignation proceeds from no dislike to the measures of Government; which I have always Considered to be wise and good; and which I Shall always be ready, at every hazard, to Support and defend.
And permit me also to assure you, Sir, that it is my ardent wish, that you may long Continue to enjoy all the blessings which good health, and a Conciousness of a life devoted to the welfare of your Country, can bestow.
I have the Honor to be, and remain, / your Excellencys, / Most Obedient, / Humble servant,
William Nichols.