Title: To John Adams from Isaac Stephens, 23 March 1798
From: Stephens, Isaac
To: Adams, John

To your High and mightyniss John Adams President of the United StatesSirConcord March the 23d 1798

please to Excuse my impirtunence in So oftin Reminding you of My Situation and misfortune Now one year Since my Ruturn hom and No Employ. or Business of any Kind I must Still implor your goodness for Som imploy a Number of Vesells is about to be imployd in the State Servis and Gallies General Lincoln Says have patience and all the petty places that I apply for Som great Man Says that he has a man for that place purhaps if the united States made war with the french I might get a place or part of a Small Living I shall Rely on your goodness Stand or fall. Som time Since I have thought Wheather you Did Not Take a Mess at my writing your Honour a Letter when at the Court of London obryin and was the projecter of that Letter and would have write Many more more impertenint But Lett that Matter Rest Obryin is Done well for him Self and I hope my Sailor that was offered him Self for a Mahommitian to Cruse for the americans on account that the americans would nNot Redeem him I am Sorrey for the party people in the united States for I think it must give you Much uneasyness in publick matters God protect you an family and may you Rise above all publick prints. Sir Som Small post of profet may offer and I hope I shall Not Escape your Notice Brigs Gallies and gun boats Som will want officers for I will not apply to any one Else from your Most obedient and Humble Servent I shall move into Boston in april a Line to the Honorable general Lincoln will be a favour that I Cannot Express

Isaac Stephens


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 24 March 1798
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir
Paris 24th March 1797 1798

I had the honor of addressing you on the 17th by Mr Hopkins; & being informed by Mr. Putnam of Boston, that Mr. Morgue, who has long resided with him, & has his confidence will depart in a day or two for Philadelphia, I embrace this opportunity of informing you that our affairs will be brot to a crisis in a day or two, & that we shall all leave France immediately, unless I should be obliged to remain here untill the Government of the United States can be informed of the true state of our affairs & supply my place by one or more appointments. In the latter event I shall have not the least power to act, & if the proposition to accredit me should be made, which I do not think probable, I cannot accept it: indeed I shall consider myself as a meer political cypher, residing here for a few months to give our government an opportunity of determining whether any & what further measures can be pursued to prevent a war with this great republick. I am in hopes that we shall be able to send the Secretary of State a copy of Mr. Tallyrands letter to us, received since the date of my last, by this opportunity, containing a proposition of the Directory for my collegues to depart, & for myself to carry on the negotiation. This proposition was made to me a month before, and I positively refused to accept it, for reasons which I candidly stated, and will communicate as soon as possible: before I was informed of their nature, I was laid under an injunction of secrecy. Mr. Morgue will give you a statement of the circumstances, which attended the imprisonment and release of Mr. Putnam. accept my dear / sir the assurances of the sincere / esteem & respect of your most / obedt & very hum ser

E Gerry
P.S. General Pinckneys Daughter is very sick, & I am in hopes that this circumstance will enable him to obtain leave to remain here in which case I shall apply for my passport, which I should have done long since had I not been convinced & indeed] informed from undoubted authority that the inevitable consequence of my departure would be an immediate rupture between the two republics. my situation since my arrival here has not been merely disagreeable but for the most part horrible.


Title: To John Adams from Sebastián Francisco de Miranda, 24 March 1798
From: Miranda, Sebastián Francisco de
To: Adams, John

					Monsieur le President.
					à Londres ce 24. mars 1798.

				C’est au-nom des Colonies Hispano-Americaines, que J’ai l’honneur d’envoyer à Votre Excellence les Propositions ci-jointes.—Elles ont êtè  presentèes egalement aux ministres de Sa Majestè Britannique, qui les ont reçü tres favorablement: en temoignant beaucoup de satisfaction d’avoir à agir dans un cas pareil avec les Etats-Unis de l’Amerique.—Et il me semble que le delai que J’eprouve (affligeant rèelement dans un moment aussi pressant) resulte prècisèment de l’attente ou le gouvernement Anglois paroit être, de voir l’Amerique du Nord décidèe à rompre definitivement avec la France; par le desir qu’elle a de faire cause-commune, et de Cooperer ensemble à l’independance absolue du Continent entier du nouveau-monde. Comme l’esprit de justice, generositè, et atachement de mes compatriotes vers les Etats-Unis se trouve mieux exprimè dans le Document qui me sert de Pouvoir, autant que d’instruction, J’ai voulü y joindre une Copie-Complette; persuadè que cette demarche Amicale et franche, servirà  plus efficacement à accelerer la decision…comptant toujours sur la reserve indispensable, dans tout ce qui ne regarde pas directement les Etats-Unis.—Si quelque Article de ceux qui sont contenus dans cette instruction (ou toutte autre chose qui soit relative) êut besoin d’explication, D. Pedro Joseph Caro un des mes Compatriotes, Commissaire aussi des Colonies Hispano-Americaines, et chargè de vous remettre celle-ci, pourrà satisfaire amplement et compétamment à tout.Sa mission, apres avoir reçü les ordres de V.E., êst de se rendre sans delai au Continent Hispanó-Americain, àfin d’instruir nos Commettants et Compatriotes, de l’ètat actuel des negociations à nous Confièes, ainsi que de la Situation politique de l’Europe.—je vous prie de vouloir bien lui faciliter tout-ce dont il auroit besoin pour cet important objet, et pour se rendre incessamment à la Province de Santa fèe de Bogotà. je ne vous dissimule pas Monsieur le President, mes inquietudes sur l’entrèe prochaine des Troupes-françaises en Espagne. Crainte qu’un mouvement-convulsif dans la mètropole, ne produise pas des Secousses-Anarchiques dans les Colonies; et que l’abominable Système de la france ne s’introduise chez nous, faute d’avoir pri des mesures promptes et efficasses pour l’empecher…Dü avertant!—Enfin J’espère que le petit Secour dont nous avons besoin pour commencer, et qui se reduit à six ou huit Vaisseaux de ligne; et quatre ou cinq mille hommes des troupes nous le trouveront facillement tant en Angleterre que dans l’Amerique…Mes souhaits seroient que la marine fut Angloise, et les troupes de terre americaines.—Veuille la Providence que les Etats-Unis fassent pour ses Compatriotes du Sud en 1798, ce que le Roy de France fit pour eux en 1778! Je me felicite toujours de voir à la tête du Pouvoir-Executif Americain cet homme distinguè, qui par son Courage rendit son Pays independant, et qui par sa Sagesse lui donnà après un gouvernement bien balancè, en Sauvant ainsi la Libertè.—Nous profiteront sans doutte de vos Savantes Leçons, et je me rejouis de vous apprendre d’avance que la forme de gouvernement projettè est mixte; avec un Chef hereditaire du Pouvoir-Executif sous le nom d’Ynca; et ce que J’aime davantage pris dans la mème famille: UnSenat Composè de familles nobles, mais non hereditaire: et une Chambre des Comunes êlue parmi touts les Autres Citoyens qui auront une propriettè Competante.—Telle êst l’Esquisse de la forme de gouvernement qui paroit reunir la majoritè des Suffrages dans le Continent Hispanò-Americain, et qui empecherà sans doute les consequences fatales du Système Franco-republicain, que Montesquieu appele la libertè extreme. En vous adressant directement ces Propositions, J’ai crü mettre toute la reserve requise dans une affaire aussi extraordinaire qu’importante.—J’ai l’honneur en outre d’y joindre un Etat de la Population, Produits, Exportation et Consommation de l’Amerique-Espagnole; qu’êtant fait sur des notices les plus exactes, ainsi que les plus recentes m’a parü meriter votre Attention. Avec les sentiments de la plus haute consideration, et de l’estime la plus parfaite, j’ai l’honneur d’être / Monsieur le President, / De Votre Excellence, / Le tres humble et tres obeisent serviteur.

					Franciso de Miranda.


Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 26 March 1798
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington 26th March 1798

I would not have so soon again trespassed upon Your important Moments, did not the publick coincide with my private interest, on the present occasion. Both of them connected I hope will plead my Excuse.
In your serious Message to Congress of the 19th Instant, I observe that, among other measures to prepare for the Worst, You have recommended “replenishing our Arsenals, establishing Founderies, and military Manufactures.”
You will be informed, Sir, that the United States, after a critical examination by an Engineer, purchased a Site, judged most proper, for erecting Works to effect the proposed Purposes—This was the Point of Land where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers form a Junction—My good Friend Mr. Lear was the Agent employed to negociate this business. He now forwards, to the Secretary at War, the Deeds of the same, who is very fully informed of every particular relative thereto—
Prior to this Purchase by the United States, and before we had an Idea of such an Event, Mr. Lear & I had taken a Lease of this Property, which we calculated upon as highly beneficial to our commercial Views—This, in part, we were willing to sacrifice to the Public Weal, sensible that every necessary Arrangement for their Works might be made without our being deprived, totally, of the Advantages that we had secured—For we did not intend our Bargain as a Business of modern Speculation, but for a regular permanent Profit—Of this Opinion we yet continue, and should be happy to have the respective Appropriations of the Premises made so that we might proceed in our Improvements—without interfering with the Designs of the United States—
On this Point Mr. Lear intends to write to the Secretary of War, and thro’ him, we hope soon to have this part of the business finished.
When a Citizen of our Government tenders his Services, without interfering in what may be deemed the just Pretensions of another—sensible, at the same time, that he is better situated, and as well qualified, to execute the Trust, I am sure that such an Application would not be placed, by Yourself, among the Blanks—but that it would meet the Consideration it deserved—I, therefore, beg leave to represent to You, Sir, in my own Behalf, and in that of my Friend Tobias Lear, (praying You to consider us as One in this Application, and, together, as composing the House under the Firm of Lear & Co. without any other Partner) that we have a large Store and Wharf in this City—a large Store and other Buildings on the Point at the Confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah, and another Store at the Great Falls, an intermediate Stage on the former River—that our mercantile chain of Connections is on this Rout, and that no other House is so well fixed to superintend and direct any business or Operations on this Course—
Our Establishment up the River, at the Spot proposed for the Arsenal, being one of the main Pivots of our own Plans, tends to facilitate our attending to any which the U. States may contemplate at that Point, and can, in no way, operate to their Prejudice—Should the United States have occasion for a Commissioner, or Agent, to superintend their Preparations and Works in that Quarter, Mr. Lear & I would readily, and gratefully accept an Appointment thereto, promising, what we know to be in our disposition as well as Power, strict and impartial Attention to the Duties of the Office, and proper Economy in the Expectitures of Monies—
I am— / Sir, with the greatest Respect, / Your most Obedient / And very hble Servant
Tristram Dalton


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 27 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States March 27, 1798

I nominate Griffith John McRee Esqr. of North Carolina to be Collector for the District of Wilmington in that State, in the Place of James Read Esqr
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 29 March 1798
From: Murray, Judith Sargent Stevens
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston Franklin Place March 29th 1798

Your attachment to your Country is not, in the calculations of reason, considered as problematical; and this attachment, giving you a paternal interest in all those individuals that constitute the Community; may possibly, induce you in some moment of leisure to take a cursory view of the pages of the Gleaner. In this hope they are now presented, and while I have need of the shield of temerity, justice impels the acknowledgment of all those apprehensions which are attached to timidity. Yet, Sir, your local partialities is still a resource to which I turn, with a degree of confidence; and while I solicit your patient attention, I hope every thing from your benevolence.
The next post, unless you forbid it, will present you the other copy of the Gleaner, which is affixed to your signature; and if you will have the goodness to advertise me of their arrival, it will relieve me from the anxiety which I entertain relative to their conveyance, and be acknowledged as a flattering attention.
I request you to tender my respects to your Lady, to whom I wish every possible good.
I have, Sir, the honor to be, with perfect esteem, and augmenting veneration, your most obedient / Very Humble servant

J. Sargent Murray


Title: From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 30 March 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Dalton, Tristram

My worthy friend
Philadelphia March 30th 1798:

I am as much in debt in the Litterary and Epistolary way, as our princes of modern speculation are in their pursuits; and I suppose for similar reasons, vz: want a Method in accuracy of account, no œconomy, and undertaking more than I am able of managing; to you I am indebted for three late Letters at least—
The character drawn in the first and alluded to in the second, has always been civil to me personally and especially in his last visit to this place: but I have heard frequently of his conversation and behaviour; I am out of all danger from his designs—
The plan in your last Letter, that I mean, of the 26th of this month, shall have all the attention it deserves from me: there are few men if any to whom my inclinations and feelings are better disposed than to the Cr: in question
In one of your Letters you recall the memory of my forgotten Lucubrations; Alas! Experience, History, and Prophecy founded on both are lost to mankind; they oppose in vain their feeble resistance to the popular passions of the times—It may in some future time be remarked, that these papers were written in 1786 & 1787 and the Events of the subsequent ten or Eleven years may be compared with them—but this will be done by Very few in their closets, and will influence Nations Very little—the difficulty of leading or quieting millions, by any means but power and establishment can be known only to those who have tried Experiments of it—My regards to the family and accept of a renewal of protestations of Esteem, which have been made and repeated almost half a hundred yearsfrom your most obedient

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 3 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.
United States April 3rd. 1798.

In compliance with the request of the House of Representatives, expressed in their resolution of the second of this Month, I transmit to both Houses, those instructions to and dispatches from, the Envoys Extraordinary of the United States to the French Republic which were mentioned in my message of the nineteenth of March last, omitting only some names, and a few expressions descriptive of the persons.
I request that they may be considered in confidence, until the members of Congress are fully possessed of their contents, and shall have had opportunity to deliberate on the consequences of their publication, after which time, I submit them to your wisdom.

John Adams


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

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States April 5. 1798

I nominate Edward Prebble of Massachusetts to be first Lieutenant of the Frigate The Constitution in the Place of Benjamin Lee who has declined his appointment and
John B. Cordis of Massachusetts to be second Lieutenant of the same Frigate in the Place of William H Wattles, who is Said to be deceased.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Paul Ferdinand Fevot, 5 April 1798
From: Fevot, Paul Ferdinand
To: Adams, John

Right Honored Sir
Baltimore 5th: April 1798.

Your Excellency will be surprised to receive a letter from a Stranger unknown to You; But Your high public character makes me hope to be taken some notice of by Your Excellency if Your leasure permits you to peruse my letter. I am a native of Lausanne in Switzerland where I followed the Law 10 years; I had a comfortable situation when the French Revolution broke out; great number of my Countrymen got intoxicated by the raging principles, through the various passions which Patriots hoped to indulge, such as envy, jealousy, spirit of revenge of high situations & plunder; Many of our Lawyers turned against the Sovereign, & amongst them are of the name of Carl residing now in the neighbourhood of New-York. Besides my place of Lawyer I was a Member of two of the Councils of Lausanne, which places I could not obtain without taking the oath of doing every thing in my power for the Security & glory of the Sovereign, & of raising against any thing contrary to it: Of course without ever seeking for a reward, without having ever received the shadow of anything like it, I took all the opportunities in my power to crush the raising Clubs of Jacobines & through my intelligences the Plans of many were baffled.
When General Montesquiou invaded Savoy the Baron D’Erlach embarked 1600 men for the assistance of Geneva, I begged to be taken as a Volunteer with a Commission inferior to the one I had in the Militia to be the more sure of being employed;—& to keep good order in the Company I was an officer of, I spent all the money I could spare.—The Swiss thinking this step of theirs was too forward, a part of opposition rose in the Senate of Bern who sent an old Gentleman named Frishing to counterbalance General’s De Wattevilles spirits against the French: Some of our Officers whose disaffection was known were entrusted all the advantageous places that could be disposed of in that Body of Troops, & little notice was taken of the most affectionate subjects because they being looked upon as too candid, to honest to change side, it did answer a political purpose to make a toy of them in hopes to bring back the opposite ones.—General Montesquiou proposed to the Geneva People to make a treaty, & the Swiss urged them to try to extricate themselves by complying, which being done our Troops quitted that City, & little time after our departure the Rabble of Geneva got hold of the most respectable Citizens which they set about murdering with the refined cruelty of a trial by Courte of Justice. The Council of Bern sent a Courier with a letter to the Mobb begging to spare their victims in spite of which assistance 25 were shot. Orders were sent by our Sovereign not to let any one of those Ruffians come within our Territory, but those who did not care for that were left to pass unmolested. The Governors of our Towns had orders to shew great mildness, & even kindness to the well known Democrats & this Political step was taken with so little dexterity that great many perceived it.—The French Patriots were allowed to carry away our Cattle & other victuals we were in want of:—Every battle they won, every head that was cut of in France was a subject of entertainment in most of our Societies, amongst which People of the highest rank who thought these were means by which their Rents in the French fund should be paid.
Previous to the French Revolution a Nobleman of Lausanne of the name of Constant Lt: Colonel of the Swiss Guard in Holland was broke for military misconduct, & fined to 30000 florins; he was related to the most eminent Families at Lausanne where he was prosecuted for said amount by Mr: May Member of one of the first Families in Bern, & General Major of said Swiss Guard. I was entrusted with the Law-suit, but said Constant having engaged in the Troops of the French Republic the Bern People fearing some consequences of that Law-suit forsook it, & left me exposed to the ressentment of that powerfull Family Constant. Behind the Curtain General May wrote to me that there would be a time when I should feel that such proceedings as mine could not be forgotten; but I received dayly such cuts from my numerous enemies, life grew so uncomfortable to me, I so plainly foresaw that the weak politic of our Sovereign would bring his ruin, that I should fall a useless sacrifice in the first commotion that in the month of May last I took the resolution of quitting Switzerland. The affable reception which the French Emigrants received in our House caused Countess of Des Salles own Sister to the Marshall Count of Rochambeau who commanded the French Troops in the American Revolution to take lodgings at my Brothers House at Lausanne; that Lady offered me a letter of recomandation for her Brother said Marshall in order that I could get one from him for His Excellency General Washington.—I beg Your Excellency to read the enclosed copy of a letter I have directed yesterday to the General after the visit I paid to him on Saturday last.
Besides the pangs of my Situation expressed in my letter the most perplexing part is my being forced to lay under obligations to People in North Carolina whose opinion is opposite to mine I herewith enclose to Your Excellency a Copy of the Certificate I got at my departure from Lausanne the Original with other papers & chiefly my Commission of Officer I leave in the Hands of Mr: Logan Grocer in Philpot Street Federal Point in this City. I have taken lodgings in his House being recomended to him by the Captain of the Vessel I came in; he is a religious, plain worthy man, attached to this Country who has seen a great deal of the world & through whose advice I have been prompted to write to Your Excellency, he will deliver said papers whenever Your Excellency thinks proper to make it known to him that You want them.
The spirit of travelling peculiar to the Swiss has caused me to reside many years in England where I have learnt a little the language, my mother tongue is the French. If in the present critical situation of affairs Your Excellency thinks my person any-ways usefull to the United States you’ll find me faithfull in every respect. I am not interested,  only to be kept above wants by honest occupation, & ure of a protection equal to my services. If not  I may be brought to I shall have my heart at .
Some disputes I have been a witness of at Wilmington relating to a Parson wandering to collect Negroes & preach artfull Sermons to them, have made me think that there is not much security for honest People, which is one more reason for me to quit the place where I must now return to save expence.
At any rate I rely enough upon Your Excellency’s grandeur d’ame & generosity to flatter myself that if You grant me no protection I shall be no ways exposed by my writing to You.
I am well known to Mr: London, Mr: Mutter, creditable Scotch Gentlemen at Wilmington to whom I would refer for a character. My direction Mr: Fevot at Wilmington North Carolina.
I have the honour to be with greatest respect Right Honored Sir / Your most obedient / most humble servant

Fevot


Title: To John Adams from John Sevier, 5 April 1798
From: Sevier, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Knoxville 5 April 1798.

I had the honor to receive yours of the 6th Ultimo, on the 28th; with the copy of a letter to Lieut. Colo. Butler which you did me the honor to inclose
I am perfectly satisfied that you had not given any orders despotic or inimical to the liberties of our Citizens, and on the contrary that you was uninformed that Any transaction of the kind had taken place, until You received my letter of the 6th of February.
I am induced to believe, that the arrest of Judge Campbell was Occasioned through a mistake in the two Subaltern officers, who supposed & believed him to be within the indian boundary; the line being as I am informed, very near the place where he was found. I further have reason to believe, that it was not done in conformity to Any orders given by Colonel Butler.
David Campbell esquire one of the Judges of our Superior courts of Law and equity in this state, is the person who wrote and signed, the name of Campbell to a late publication in a Knoxville Newspaper—
Permit me to say sir, that I have and entertain, a high Sense of your friendship and Attachment to the interest and Welfare of our State; And particularly towards our Unhappy frontier Settlers who have been obliged to remove from their farms. Your readiness to relieve their sufferings, lays this government Under peculiar obligations, and Wish for an opportunity to repay with Gratitude the Munificent and paternal services, rendered them in Your administration.—
Suffer me further to Assure you, notwithstanding some unfavorable reports, that have been circulated to the prejudice of the people of this Country; that if Occasion Should require it, you may rely with full confidence, on their firm and most zealous support in opposition to Any invad that may Attempt An Attack on our common Country.
I have the honor to be sir, / with sincere & very Great esteem / Your most obedt. & huml. servt.

John: Sevier


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

T.D. April 6. 1798.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honour to represent to the President of the United States.
1st. That Theophile Cazenova has on behalf of Robert Morris Esqr. vested and transfered in the Books of the Bank of the United States Two hundred & five Shares of the Capital Stock of the said Bank which shares stand in the name of The President of the United States for the time being in trust & for the Use & behest of the Seneca Nation of Indians pursuant to a Treaty concluded under the Authority of the United States, with the said Nation of Indians, at Genesee in the County of Ontario in the state of New York on the 15th day of Septr. 179 in the year of our Lord 1797.
2d. That the said stock was purchased at various prices, anwith the approbation of the Secy of the Treasy. and cost in the whole the sum of Ninety nine thousand eight hundred & seventy three Dollars & six Cents, being as the sd. Secy believes the lowest market rate of the said at which Bank stock per Cash. could be purchased for Cash.
3d. That the said Theophile Cazenove for the sd. Robert Morris, has deposited in the Bank of the United States, the su of One hun to the Credit of The President of the United States in trust for the Seneca Nation of Indians, the sum of One hundred & twenty six Dolls & ninety four Cents in Cash, to compleat the sum of One hundred thousand Dolls, stipulated by the Treaty aforesaid—Also the further sum of Seventy Seventeen hundred & fifty Dolls being the Interest of One hundred thousand Dolls from the 15th of Septr. to the last day of Decr. 1797, from which last mentioned time the dividends will begin to accrue in favour of the Seneca Nation.
4th. That that said Robert Morris having complied with the stipulation in the said Treaty, it has becomes proper, that it should be ratified another certitic as proposed by the Senate & that a Certifnt by the President of the US. should be given under the Great Seal, agreably to the enclosed Form.
5th. That after ratification it will be proper to deliver the said Treaty to the order of Robert Morris, to enable him to have the same recorded in the Office of the Secry of the State of New York.
The Certificate of the President of the Bank of the United States dated April 3d. 1798, of the transfer before mentioned of the sd. Shares and a Rect. of the Cashier of the sd. Bank for the Deposits before mentioned are herewith transmitted.
All which is submitted to the consideration of the President by.


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Merrill, 7 April 1798
From: Merrill, Stephen
To: Adams, John

May it please the President,
Apl. 7th. 1798—

To be assured, that was I possessed of a thousand dollars, a certain prospect of gaining a thousand more could not have induced me to have troubled him in this manner for a moment. But, keen and exquisite distress has done that, which no pecuniary consideration whatever could have forced me to, were I in a more eligible condition—
After thus discovering the purport of this address, may I hope that a principle of benevolence may induce him to peruse the following short account of misfortunes which have forcibly urged me to take a measure, that nothing else could have suggested an Idea of.
It is now more than three years, since I was impelled by a principle, which I may say, is inherent in the nature of man, to advance his fortune; I advantured four thousand three Hundred dollars (it was my all) in the purchase of Land under an act, then, lately passed by the Government of Georgia, by which they sold the Lands they claimed on the Mississippii: thus becoming an inocent victim to the repacious Speculator. I say inocent, for I was in Masachusetts when I made the purchase, and knew not the fraud by which I was to be ruined. With a view to make the best advantage of what I supposed a valuable acquisition, I went immediately to explore the country where it lay, intending to improve my interest by my knowledge of the mathematics.
I need not relate the cruel disappointment I met, when the Law under which I purchased, was repealed by the succeeding Legislature of that State: To make the misfortune more compleat, I had purchased of an individual who has since gone to the western country on the Lakes of Canada—and thus deprived of the advantages those enjoyed who purchased in the first instance, of obtaining their money again of the State of Georgia.
What personal property I had with me, and the effects of more than two years uncasing industry in Georgia, I embarked last January for this City, while I came by Land. To make the measure of my misfortunes full, I lost my Horse by sickness; and my effects, even my Trunk of Cloths and a great part of my papers, I have not heard of since, I suppose them to be in the possession of the French—
Thus am I left destitute in this expenive City, I have not a dollar left, or a change of Cloths in Philadelphia.
I was early left, by reputable parents at haverhill in Massachusetts. After receiving a suitable education, I was in the employ of Colo. Moulton, of Hampton in N. Hampshire; brought up in the Mercantile Line, unused to manual labour, my condition is distressed indeed.
I have sought employ for several weeks, such as I could perform, but in vain. My sensibility has been wounded by being obliged to make known to a stranger, my distressed situation; and by whose benivolence only, I am reliev’d from almost desperation.
Knoing myself to be industrious, and capable of discharging the duties of several stations, could I obtain any one. I pledge myself that my integrity should not be doubted after a suitable trial.
Were there any vacancy for a Clerk in any office under the government of the United states—any Office either civil or Military in the service of my Country, even if in a very subordinate station, I must and would be thankful for it. Having no ground of hope, of obtaining aid sufficient to begin trade again, I have only my merit to depend upon; could I at first obtain the countinance of my superiors—the consideration alone, would be a pledge for my exertions.
Being sensible how little reason I should have to expect such an address would have the desired effect, unless accompanied by powerful interest, I was loth to risque the neglect or refusal of those who are in a state of subordination themselves—
And Sir, I am fully sensible that for any one to solicit your attention for a moment, to the prayers of an individual, when you have the concerns of a great Nation to attend to, is such a manifest impriety as nothing could be a sufficient apology for, unless such reasons as I have given above would be accepted; I can only beg they may be on this Occation. Could I obtain  relief in any shape, at your Hands I should, as I  forever pray, for the best of Heavens Blessings, to be showered on you.

Stephen Merrill
I will call at the sign of the White Horn, George Weeds Tavern, in high street on monday next at 10 OClock A.M. and be thankful for any answer that may be left there, to this petition—S.M.—


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

Gentlemen of the Senate
United State April 9. 1798

I nominate Moses Young Esqr of Pennsylvania to be Consul of the United States at Madrid
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 11 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States April 11. 1798

I nominate The Honourable John Sloss Hobart Esqr to be Judge of the District of New York in the Place of Robert Troup Esqr resigned.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 16 April 1798
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir
Paris: 16 April 1798

This I expect you will receive by my collegue General Marshal, who carries with him the last letter of Mr. Tallyrand to the american envoys & their answer. on the day when we sent the latter, I received a letter from the minister, a copy of which & my answer is inclosed. I have not sent these to the Secretary of State, because I have not time to prepare a letter to accompany them. indeed I expected my passport with my collegues but am informed the directory will not consent to my leaving France: & to bring on an immediate rupture, by adopting this measure contrary to their wishes, would be in my mind unwarrantable. The object of Mr Tallyrand, you will perceive was to resume our reciprocal communications, & again to discuss the subject of a loan: I thot it best in my answer, not merely to object to this, but to every measure that could have a tendency to draw me into a negotiation.—I accepted of this mission, my dear Sir, to support your administration, & have brot myself into a predicament,  from which you must assist me to extricate myself: by appointing some others to supply the places of myself & collegues, if a further progress in this business should be found practicable. I have only a moment to add my best respects to your lady, & assurances of the most sincere & respectful attachments of &c
   I allude to my painful residence here as a political cypher

Paris 17th April 1798
My dear Sir
The above is the copy of a letter which I wrote in great haste by General Marshal, at the moment of his departure: a circumstance which must apologize for its want of accuracy. I hope soon to have the honor of communicating more fully the true state of our affairs, & to address an official letter to the secretary of state on the same subject. It is my present intention to send these by my secretary Mr Taswell, to prevent Delay. in the interim be assured my dear Sir that I remain / with the most perfect / respect & attachment / yours sincerely

E Gerry


Title: To John Adams from John Barry, 17 April 1798
From: Barry, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
April 17: 1798

As your judicious administration is generally approved of in this City; it then becomes every honest and faithful Citizen to the federal Government to support the same: In consequence thereof I thought it my duty to report to your Excellency from good Authority that the greater part of the millicia Officers in this City are avowed enemies to the federal Government: which report I make known as they have such influence over most of those, they command: If it should please your Excellency to grant me permission to speak to you I shall give a full Investigation of matters which may prove of great use to the federal Government
I am, / Sir, your most obedient / humble Servant

John Barry
N.B. I have the honour to say the I served most of the time in our struggles for the present Liberty we enjoy


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 18 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States April 18 1798

I nominate George Mathews Esqr of Georgia to be Governor Ashur Miller Esqr of Connecticutt to be Secretary and
William Wetmore of Massachusetts Daniel Clark of the Mississippi Territory And Daniel Tilton of New Hampshire to be Judges of the Mississippi Territory

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Commissioners of Washington City, 18 April 1798
From: Washington City, Commissioners of
To: Adams, John

					Sir:
					Washington, April 18, 1798.

				The commissioners were informed by a letter from Mr. White of the 11th of March last, “that the President was of opinion that the executive offices ought to be erected as near the Capitol as a convenient site could be found for them, as well for the accommodation of the members of the Legislature, who have frequent occasion to recur to those offices, as a means of collecting the inhabitants to a point so as to secure accommodation for the Government when the time comes for their removal.” We exceedingly regret this opinion, because the late President always held up the idea that the executive offices ought to be attached to the President’s house, for this obvious reason—that the business of heads of Departments was principally with the President; and not only so, but he stated that it was a universal complaint among them that, while the Legislature was in session, they could do little or no business; so much were they interrupted by the individual members, that they were often obliged to go home, and deny themselves, in order to transact the current business of their Departments. He not only gave us his opinion, with his reasons, but on the ground personally pointed out the places on which the executive buildings were to be erected, with orders to erect them there when we should possess the means. We now possess the means, and consider the act of the late President as full authority to proceed in the work. We flatter ourselves the present President will not obstruct this measure, because the erecting those buildings in any other place would indicate an intention to abandon the President’s house as the residence of the President, which, we think, cannot be done consistently with the good faith due to those who gave up the property on and near which it stands, and those who have purchased in the vicinity. We are likewise of opinion that a change in the situation of these buildings, instead of tending to secure accommodations for the Government when the time comes for their removal, will have a directly contrary effect, because it will withdraw from those who hold property in that part of the city the strongest inducement to build—that of immediate profit; it will not lessen the buildings near the Capitol, because the utmost exertions of the proprietors in that vicinity will not be sufficient to provide more houses than will be immediately occupied on the removal of the Government. We intend to cease the work on the President’s house, as soon as it can be laid by in safety, till the buildings more immediately necessary shall be finished; but we wish not to do an act which, in our opinion, would be injurious, not only to individual rights, but to the general interests of the city.We are informed that a bill has passed both Houses of Congress authorizing a loan of $100,000 for completing the public buildings in this city; but that it had not, when Mr. White left Philadelphia, been presented to the President for his approbation. That approbation we have no doubt it has received, and, in consequence, have written to the Secretary to forward us the act, with directions as to the forms to be pursued in obtaining the money. We wish the business may be completed as soon as convenient, to prevent the necessity of selling stock at its present low price. Part of the money will be wanted in ten days.We are, with sentiments, &c.

					G. Scott,W. Thornton,A. White.


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Higginson, 19 April 1798
From: Higginson, Stephen
To: Adams, John

Sir
Boston Apr. 19 1798

This will be handed you by Capt Haswell of this town, who goes on to Phila. to offer himself for one of the ships which it is believed Government are about fitting out to protect our Coasts.—He has been sometime in the British navy when young, & is supposed to be well versed in naval Tactics after the British manner. Those who know him most intimately suppose him to be remarkably well qualified for such a command; & his appointment for this station would be pleasing to the merchants, who have a very good opinion of him as a man; as well as in his profession.—
I have the honour to be with / much respect your hum Serv

Stephen Higginson


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 20 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States April 20 1798

I nominate Hugh West of Virginia to be Surveyor and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Alexandria in the Place of Vincent Gray dismissed

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Jonathan Edie, 21 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Edie, Jonathan

Sir
Philadelpa: april 21st. 1798—

I have received from the hand of Doctor Hall your favor of the 18th of this month, inclosing the resolutions of the Borough of York, and its Vicinity adopted on the 16th, together with their obliging address—
The inclosed answer, I pray you to communicate in such time and manner, as you shall find most convenient, and to accept of my thanks, for the part you have taken in this friendly transaction. With much respect I am Sir / Your most Obedient and most / Humble Servt:
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Ebenezer Tucker, 23 April 1798
From: Tucker, Ebenezer
To: Adams, John

To the President of the United States,
23 April 1798

The address of the Citizens inhabitants of the Township of Little Eggharbour, in the State of New Jersey, at a special Town-Meeting held at Tuckerton in Sd: Township on the 23d. of April 1798, Respectfully sheweth,
That we have with Silent indignation, and deep regret, beheld our ungrateful and faithless Ally for a length of time, committing the most unwarrantable, and unjust depredations on the Commerce of our Country, that has been in the power of the insidious rulers of the French nation possibly to adopt, We have also at the same time beheld your venerable predecessor, as well as your Self during the same period, anxiously pursuing every pacific and honorable measure which was in the power of our Government to devise, in order to reconcile the rulers of that nation to an Accommodation of differences; and we have as often found that those pacific overtures have been treatd: with the most imperious, insolent, and overbearing conduct on the part of France that was possible for upstart Tyrants to adopt, beleiving then as we do, that the despots who at present govern France, are determined not only to enslave & ruin their own Country, but to overturn the Governments, as well as to beggarize all the neighbouring nations of Europe, our own not excepted from the catalogue; indeed the recent developement of the conduct of France to our ministers at Paris, fully justify the above opinion, under this impression we conceive there is no alternative, but to defend ourselves, or fall an easy prey to their insidious Views, and altho’ we deem it inexpedient and improper on ordinary occasions, for the citizens to impose their opinions on the executive, or representatives of the nation, yet at such an alarming crisis as the present, we take the liberty to Assure the President, that notwithstanding all the Calumnies that has been heaped upon the Executive, and administration of the nation for a number of years past, by the enemies of our Country, we have and do fully acquiese in, and approve of the wise measures adopted by the administration of our country, and are determined as far as in our power to support our goverment & laws against every enemy foreign or domestic—
Agreed to by the Unanimous Voice of the Town Meeting
Ebn: Tucker, Chairman


Title: To John Adams from Capt. Thomas Thompson, 24 April 1798
From: Thompson, Capt. Thomas
To: Adams, John

24 April 1798

A Sketch of the navy yard and stores in Ports’outh.
All the largest Timber and plank of new England growth is carried from this yard to Boston: this with the quantity taken to build the Crescent has intirely destroyed the assortment for the suspended Frigate leaving only a quantity of small timber plank and knees season’d which may be converted to the use of building a 20, or 22, Gun ship. This with the addition of 200 Tons crooked Timber which can now be purchasd reasonable and properly seasoned filling for use—I have also 10 or 12 Tons of Cordage exactly suited for a ship of the size with some canvas and many other articls left from the Crescent. tis my opinion that it wil be for the intrest of the United States to build a ship and apply those articls in the store and materials in the navy yard to this purpos—otherwise the timber and plank will be very much injurd by Laying (live oak is here excepted)
a ship of the above size may be Launchd and fitted in three or four months—if Cannon can be procurd in season she should be built on Contract—which may be don for the Carpenters Labor—at 15 or 17 dollars pr ton compleate—The United States finding all materials—a plain ship without Head or Gallaries—two flush decks fore and aft to work the Guns all under cover—those would be dry comfortable ships for our coast—two of sixteen Guns might be built if required at the same time in our, and newburry River—all three of which I could oversee and direct being allowd proper asistants and a Clerk—it would be necessary to give me the intire direction of the navy yard in Portsmouth and posesion of all the Public stores—part now remains with Mr. Sheafe and part with me—But as the Great Frigate is entirly suspended his agency of course ends nor can it be an object with him to retain a Busness of which he is entirly unacquainted—there is a Clerk of the yard returnd on sallary without duty—on taking up the new arrangment of marine affairs, every thing will be duely considerd and placed on a right footing For myself; I ask the agency and superintendency of all ships that may be herafter built, and equipt, and the charge of all stores, with the power of conducting the marine affars of the United States in this district; subject to the orders and directions of the secretary of war or, Marine. I flatter myself, that I can be servicable to the Public in all naval affairs required to  be transacted in this port or district; as I should apply myself wholy to that busness, and no other—The ships can be built much under the Estimate, on my plan; plain with two decks and avoiding Composition Butts and Copper sheathing in whole or in part—20 nine pounders, are on the Gun deck and two sixs on quarter deck—for largest class—16 sixs on Gun deck for 2d Class, is the ships I should recomend properly constructed—426 and 307 Tons—or their about—in all probability the ships could be built before the Cannon &c, could be procurd. my opinion would be to put up seven new Ships, and endeavour to purchase Five for imeadiat use; if they can be found redy armd and fitted for sea and of suitable construction and quality—numbers will be offerd for sale—but very few merchant ships can be alterd, or is so constructed that they will answer for Crusiers—by the time that five could be alterd, fitted, armd, and man’d, the seven new ships would be afloat—you may command my attention to examin any ship between this and Portsmouth that may be offerd to Government for sale—the best Judges may be decived in old ships. the owners generally represent them in the most favorable light, in order to get rid of them especially at this dull time for shiping—every mans ship is fitting for a Cruiser according to his opinion—representations to Government, is not allways founded on honorable Principals—when Contracts are in question I have presumd on the liberty you gave me in making remarks of what relates to the navy—
I am your Excelencies / most obd Hb Sert

Tho: Thompson


Title: To John Adams from Capt. Thomas Thompson, 24 April 1798
From: Thompson, Capt. Thomas
To: Adams, John

24 apl 1798.—

Plan for the Marine Department, in the United StatesOne Secretary of Marine 1 drafts man two Clerks—Phila.Three Commissioners—Eastern-Middle; South, district their duty under the Secretary to Build, equip repair, Purchas Stores and supply all ships of war, pay seamen provide Timber, and manage all the Marine affairs in their respective districts—also to take charge of Prizes or other vessel sent in to Port
The three Commissioners shal meet once every Sessions of Congress, or at such time and place as the President of the United States may direct; and hold a Marine Board for the purpos: of arranging, Examining, and regulating every thing respecting the Navy; make Estimates, settle accounts, advise with the Secretary &c. &c—Comssrs. to reside where the President shall direct They must have some controling power over the Captans, when in Port, as fare as respects Stores & provisions &c.
Considerations on first forming the Navy
The three Best ports for Building and equiping Ships providing Timber, docking and seasoning, the same,—
The three best ports, one in each district for depositing stores: and for ports of General Rondezvous
The best ports for laying the ships up in winter—
Whether great Towns is not the most improper places for ships of war to be at?
Local intrest must give way for the Gineral good. otherwise a Navy cannot be formd—each state presumes and their Ports being the most suitable—How the Three districts are to be devised and what Ports each district is to comprehend—and wher is the Commsr to reside.
A Naval force is always changing its possition, and requires to be provided for as at certain given points.
Every state poses’s good ports for shelter—but naval ports must be sellect, and few in Number that ships and their stores may be as near together as posible whether—Portsmouth N.H. Perth Amboy, and Portsmouth Virga are not proper Ports being safe, easy of access, good water, near the sea, and free from Ice in winter.
The naval force to be dev three divisions a Senior Officer to command each Devision in the district.
The above pints are submitted with great difidence and and due respect, to the President of the United States / by his most obdt  Hb. Serv
Tho. Thompson


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 25 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States April 25th 1798—

I nominate the following persons for promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States—

CavalryWilliam TharpLieutenant26th July 1797Vice Mc.Dermont, resignedLudwell GrimesCornetVirginiaVice Tharp, promotedThomas Blackburn Junr.  do. do.Vice Warfield resignedArtilleryRichard Watkins LieutenantVice Rand resignedFirst regiment of InfantryJohn Whistler  Captain1 July 1797  Vice Armstrong resignedRobert SempleLieutenant1 July 1797Vice Whistler promotedGeorge StallEnsignPennsylvaniaVice Mc.Intosh resignedCharles SmithEnsignNew YorkVice Semple promotedSecond RegimentWilliam Mc.CoskrySurgeonVice Gillespie appd in the NavyThird RegimentSamuel Vance  Captain 25th July 1797.Vice Howell Lewis resignedWilliam P. SmithLieutenantdoVice Vance promotedJoel CookEnsignConnecticutVice Speak, who never accepted.Jacob WilsonEnsignMarylandVice Smith—promotedFourth RegimentWilliam DivenCaptain 1 december 1797Vice De Butts resignedThomas SwaineLieutenantdoVice Diven Promoted resigned+James BomerEnsignTenesseeVice dickinson deceasedJohn HainesEnsignTenesseeVice Swaine promotedGabriel JonesEnsignKentuckyVice Bowyer resigned

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Fitzgerald, 25 April 1798
From: Fitzgerald, John
To: Adams, John

25 April 1798

At a numerous Meeting of the Citizens of Alexandria held at the Court House on the 25th. Inst. in pursuance of a publick notice for that purpose, the following resolutions were adopted—with only two dissenting voices Col. John Fitzgerald in the Chair.
Resolved, That the prospect of an impending rupture with the republick of France, is one which is deeply to be deplored; and that war and all measures of Conflict that lead directly to Hostilities with that, or any other Nation, are only to be justified by Causes which affect our national independence: but that when these exist, and are not to be averted by means of amicable negociation, arms become the natural, equitable, and indispensible resort.
Resolved. That the measures which have been adopted, and pursued by the executive of the United States, to obtain retribution for injuries, and to restore Harmony between us and the French Republick, have been truly wise and patriotic, and that the Event has abundantly proven; that on the part of France, there exists, a Corrupt administration, to whom a further application on the principles of justice, must continue to be nugatory.
Resolved, That while a Hope is cherished, that some foreign political Event may soon take place to obviate present appearances, and dissipate the gloom of War, it is expedient nevertheless for the Goverment of this Country, to adopt with promptitude effectual means of defence; to act like the rulers of a free and independent Nation, whose situation & internal resources enable it to scourge every invader of its rights and territories; and that in Conformity with these sentiments, the Citizens of Alexandria, promise a faithful Co-operation with the administration, and a cheerful, and prompt Compliance with any degree or mode of taxation which shall be deemed necessary or expedient.
Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be published in the Alexandria news papers, and a Copy of them be transmitted, to the President of the United States the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Resolved That John Fitzgerald, E.C. Dick, Robert T. Hooe, James Keith and William Herbert be appointed a Committee, to prepare an address to the President of the United States inclosing the foregoing resolutions
In behalf of the meeting

John Fitzgerald Chairman


Title: From John Adams to John Henry, 26 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Henry, John

Sir
Philadelphia April 26. 1798

I have received the honor of your Excellency’s Letter and immediately referred it with its Enclosures to the Secretary at War, with Directions to take the most prompt measures for doing Justice to the State of Maryland.
Your Excellencys candid approbation of my Conduct on a late Occasion does me great honour.
I have the Honour to be, with / great Esteem and respect, Sir your / Excellency’s most obedient Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Comfort Sands, 26 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Sands, Comfort

Sir
Philadelpa. April 26th 1798—

I have received the Letter, you did me the honor to write me on the 21st of this month, enclosing the Resolutions of the Chamber of Commerce of New York unanimously adopted on the 20th, approving the neutral policy of the Government of the United States, the sincere, impartial, and persevering pursuit of it, the Overtures made to the french Republic, and declaring their intention to Support the Measures of Government with unanimity and Zeal—Such Sentiments do honor to our Country, and are received with respect by / Sir / Your most & humble Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Pa., Citizens of Philadelphia, 26 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Philadelphia, Pa., Citizens of

				To The Citizens Of Philadelphia, The District Of SouthWark, And The Northern Liberties.

Gentlemen,

26 April, 1798.

Many of the nations of the earth, disgusted with their present governments, seem determined to dissolve them, without knowing what other forms to substitute in their places. And ignorance, with all the cruel intolerance of the most bloody superstitions that ever have existed, is imposing its absurd dogmas by the sword, without the smallest attention to that emulation universal in the human heart, which is a great spring of generous action, when wisely regulated, but the never-failing source of anarchy and tyranny, when uncontrolled by the Constitution of the State. As the United States are a part of the society of mankind, and are closely connected with several nations now struggling in arms, the present period is indeed pregnant with events of the highest importance to their happiness and safety.

In such a state of things your implicit approbation of the general system, and the particular measures of the government, your generous feelings of resentment at the wrongs and offences committed against it, and at the menaces of others still more intolerable, your candid acknowledgment of the blessings you enjoy under its free and equal Constitution, your determination at every hazard to maintain your freedom and independence, and to support the measures which may be thought necessary to support the Constitution, freedom, and independence of the United States, do you great honor as patriots and citizens; and your communication of these spirited sentiments to me deserves my best thanks.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Ebenezer Tucker, 27 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Tucker, Ebenezer

To the Citizens, Inhabitants of the Township of little Eggharbor in the State of New Jersey—
Phila: Apl: 27th 1798—

The ardor of patriotism, which is expressed in this unanimous address of the Citizens, inhabitants of the township of Little Eggharbour in the state of New Jersey, is the Natural Result of Insults and cruelties practised by Arbitrary Power, on injured unoffending Innocence—
The Enemies of our Country have a more dangerous and pernicious Instrument in their hands in the licentiousness of their principles and their libellous presses, than they will find in all the fleets and Armies they Can Solicit from abroad—
Your approbation of the measures of the Government Administration of your Country, and your determination to Support your Goverment and Laws against Evry Enemy foreign and domestic, are very honorable to your Characters, and receive my affectionate & / grateful acknowledgments

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Ebenezer Tucker, 27 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Tucker, Ebenezer

Sir
Philadelphia April 27th 1798—

I have received your favor of April 24th inclosing the address of the Inhabitants of little Eggharbour—
The zeal and frankness of this unanimous declaration and is remarkable and purely American—my Answer is enclosed which I pray you to present in the manner most convenient and agreeable
I am Sir with much Esteem / your most Obt: Servt:
           John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Fitzgerald, 27 April 1798
From: Fitzgerald, John,Dick, Elisha Cullen
To: Adams, John

Sir
Alexandria April 27th 1798

The citizens of Alexandria viewing with the liveliest apprehensions, the alarming situation of our political differences with the republick of France, as detailed in the communications of our Envoys at Paris to the secretary of State, and desirous of evincing their attachment to the Government of their country, and a virtuous indignation at any attempt to infringe its national sovereignty, have commissioned us to transmit to you the enclosed resolutions expressive of their sentiments upon subjects, so important and interesting to the peace, dignity, and prosperity of the United States.
We have seen with anxious regret, the gradual dissolution of those ties of Gratitude, and affection, which have so long attached America to the interests of France; but when that Affection is violated by the grossest injury when an expression of Gratitude becomes our reproach, and we are smarting under the lash of unprovoked Aggression, when every advance towards amicable negociation has been frustrated, it becomes the indispensable duty of a free people, to vindicate the insulted honour of its national character.We embrace Sir, with peculiar satisfaction, this favourable opportunity of expressing to you, the warm acknowledgments of a grateful people, for your truly wise, and patriotic exertions to preserve the tranquillity of your Country. The Measures adopted, and pursued by the Executive of the United States, meet our warmest approbation, and though many attempts have been made to separate us from the Government of our Choice, and the difference of political sentiment has been the means employed for that purpose, yet be assured, we will ever repel with unanimity, and Energy, every effort of a foreign power, to diminish our rights as an independent nation.
We take a pride in expressing to you Sir, our entire approbation of the rectitude, and integrity of your administration. We are pleased to see those virtues, and talents, so often exercised for the benefit of your Country in the late revolutionary Contest, again exerted in the discharge of the arduous duties of the first Magistrate of the Union.
Accept, Sir, our sincere, and ardent wishes for your publick prosperity, and private Happiness—
We have the Honour to be / Your very respectful / Humble servants
John FitzgeraldElisha C. DickR. T. HooeJas. KeithWm. Herbert


Title: From John Adams to Lloyd Beall, 27 April 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Beall, Lloyd

To the Citizens of George town in the State of Maryland,
Gentlemen
Philada: Apl. 27th 1798

Mr: Craik, the representative of your district, has presented to me in your name, a Copy of the Resolutions, passed at a numerous and respectable Meeting of the Citizens of Georgetown on the 21st: of this Month—
Your approbation of the Instructions to our Ministers to France, your estimation of the honor, and Independence of your country as the first National object, and more estimable Even than the blessings of peace, your Confidence in the Constituted authorities of your Country, and in the Unanimity and patriotism of your fellow Citizens the American people, are honorable to yourselves, the Government, and the Nation, and the communication of them at this Crisis Cannot fail to be agreeable to all, but the Enemies of this Country—

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Conway, 28 April 1798
From: Conway, John
To: Adams, John

Sir!
Woodbridge, 28th. Apl. 1798.

You will, I fear, be surprised at seeing yourself addrest by a person unknown to you, but the subsequent lines, I hope will apologize for the intrusion! I am well informed, Sir, that Mr. John Halstead, Collector of the Customs for the District of Perth-Amboy, will resign his Commission in a short time; and I am advised by several of my friends to apply for that office:—I have also been encouraged to apply for the Command of the Revenue Cutter, building in New York; and I beg leave, Sir, to offer myself to your consideration for an Appointment to one of those places (or any other, to the duties of which I may be thought competent.) I was regularly bred to the Sea, which I followed twenty years, and, perhaps, no person is better acquainted with the Jersey Coast than I am.
I have written to the Honorable Captain Dayton, Speaker, and Mr. Imlay of the House of Representatives, on the subject;—with the first named Gentleman I served as an Officer in the late War, and I refer to them for further explanation.I dare not trespass longer on your valuable time, but humbly hoping that my Official conduct will never raise a blush on your Venerable cheek, for any Appointment you may please to honor me with, I am, with the highest consideration & respect, / Sir, / Your most obedient / and most humble servant,

John Conway.


Title: To John Adams from Jacob Rahm, 28 April 1798
From: Rahm, Jacob,McKnight, David
To: Adams, John

The Address of the Inhabitants of Shippensburg and its Vicinity (Pennsylvania) to John Adams, President of the United States.Sir,April 28th: 1798.

Although we are but a handful, compared with the aggregate body of the citizens of the United States, at whose head, as Chief Magistrate you deservedly stand—although we inhabit a Village of inconsiderable consequence, compared with the numerous towns and cities, which chequer the face of the Country, over whose rights and interests you have been chosen to preside, yet feelingly impressed with ideas of the importance of the subject, and the greatness of the moment—and impelled by conviction, of the security of unanimity among a people—of the necessity of confidence in their Chief Magistrate—and of the advantages resulting from explicit assurances to the Chief Magistrate, that he is in possession of the confidence of the People, we conceive it our duty, to throw our mite into the treasury of the Sentiments of united America, and to approach you in the most respectful and unreserved manner.
Having through fields of blood, obtained the Independence of our Country, by dint of the virtue, the wisdom, the valor and perseverance of our patriots and heroes, under the benign smiles of approving Heaven, and having at length secured the enjoyment of the blessings of that independence, to a favored and happy posterity, by the establishment of our Federal Constitution, we cannot without just indignation view the conduct of any government or set of people on earth, who discover endeavors, however feeble, to interfere with that independence, a possession we will never relinquish but with out lives, or a wish, however unsuccessful, to undermine that Constitution so adequately calculated to preserve it inviolate, and which is at once the glory of Americans, and the admiration of the world.
But while we observe with deep concern the unfriendly disposition evinced—while we view with becoming indignation, the extravagant insults offered us, on the part of the Republic of France, through the several mediums of depredation on our commerce, refusal of our ministers and demands the most unjust and unpecedented—while we sincerely regret too, that a nation, whom we had once regarded as the friend of liberty and of republican principles, should now be lost to every sense of justice, of honor and of character, and should even rank herself with barbarous and savage nations,—it is with sentiments of high approbation and with much satisfaction, Sir, that we read the wise and unexceptionable instructions, which you have given to our Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary near that Republic.
To the confusion of the malice of party, to the silence of the slander of enemies, and to the astonishment and disappointment of frenchmen and french–americans, those instructions speak a language, pure, firm and benevolent, and manifest to the world that you are the friend of your Country, if that can be manifested which was manifest before—that you have sought peace and friendship for her upon honorable terms, and that no consideration whatever could induce you, either, on the one hand, to purchase peace with dishonor, or, on the other, to involve your Country in a war, if war could be prevented upon terms, compatible with her honor, her happiness and independence.
It is our opinion, that your administration, like that of the illustrious Washington, has not only been brought forth in virtue, but has been nursed in wisdom—that it has had in view as its only objects, the welfare of the United States, and impartial justice to other nations. And, under the blessing of Providence, firmly relying on the virtue and wisdom of the President, the Senate and the House of Representatives, to steer our political bark with honor and safety through the gathering storm, and amid the dangers of tumultuous seas,—we beg leave to assure you of our determination, to yield you every support, which may be in our power, or come within our province.
We congratulate you on the appointment of a day humiliation and prayer to be observed by the citizens on this occasion; nor can we omit to testify how entitled is your character to our esteem, by the sentiments contained in your late proclamation for that purpose. We humbly trust that the same Good God, whose mighty arm delivered us from bondage, will continue to protect us in the virtuous enjoyment of independence and peace.
While we express our fervent wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the United States, indulge us, Sir, by the acceptance of the expression of our perfect regard, and our warm wishes for your health and happiness—
Signed, by the Committee duly appointed, in behalf of the Inhabitants of Shippensburg and its Vicinity (Pennsylvania)

Jacob RahmDavid McKnightJohn Shippen


Title: To John Adams from Pseudonym: "A Friend to America and Truth", April 1798
From: Pseudonym: “A Friend to America and Truth”
To: Adams, John

Much Respected Sir
April 1798

To warn a worthy people of impending danger is surely laudable. Permit me therefore to warn you against the Ninth of May. Be prepared, be courageous, for you will stand in need of all your fortitude to repel the insiduous attacks of domestic enemies. There is a vile plot laid. The prime movers of it are Frenchmen. They imagine themselves secure in their Villainy, and they will (on that day which is fixed on for fasting & prayer) perpetrate such deeds as all good men will shudder at. They will shudder man, woman, and Child, set fire to all your Vessels &c. &c. unless timely steps are taken to prevent it. Do not sleep in fearless security: the hour of danger is near at hand & You have the power of retribution is in your power—I have an eye to Frenchmen. Look to that grandest of all grand Villains. That traitor to his country—that infernal Scoundrel Jefferson—he has too much hand in the Conspiracy.

A Friend to America & Truth


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 1 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States May 1. 1798

I nominate Thomas Baker Wait, to be Surveyor and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Thomaston in the Massachusetts in the place of Samuel Winslow who has declined his appointment.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Md., Citizens of Baltimore, 2 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Baltimore, Md., Citizens of

Gentlemen
Philadelphia May 2d: 1798.

I thank you, for communicating to me this respectful address—The sense you entertain of the conduct of a foreign nation, in threatening with destruction, the freedom, and Independence, of the United States, and representing the Citizens of America as a divided people, is such as patriotism, naturally and necessarily inspires—The fate of every republic in Europe however, from Poland, to Geneva has given too much cause, for such thoughts, and projects, in our Enemies, and such apprehensions in our Friends, and ourselves—Republics are always divided in opinions, concerning forms of Government, and plans, and details, of Administration,—these divisions are generally harmless, often salutary, and seldom very hurtful, except when foreign Nations interfere, and by their arts, and agents, excite, and foment, those divisions them into parties and factions;—such interference and influence, must be resisted, and exterminated, or it will end in America, as it did anciently, in Greece, and in our time in Europe, in our total destruction, as a republican Government and Independent power—The liberal applause, you bestow, on the measures pursued by the Government, for the adjustment of differences, and restoration of harmony, your resolutions of Resistance in preference to submission to any foreign power: your Confidence in the Government, your recommendation of measures of defence, the Country, and protection of its commerce, and your generous resolution to submit to the Expences, and temporary inconvenience which may be necessary to preserve the sovereignty, and freedom of the United States are received with much respect.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to De. Grand Jury of Sussex County, 3 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Grand Jury of Sussex County, De.

To the Grand Jury of the County of Sussex in the State of DelawareGentlemen
Philadelphia May 3d. 1798—

Your handsome Address, which has been presented by your Representative in Congress. Mr Bayard to me in a Letter from Mr Ridgely your foreman, demonstrates your attachment to your Country, and is a sensible gratification to me—
If as you believe my administration, has given entire satisfaction, one of the most ardent wishes of my heart will be satisfied and as your obliging assurance of it, is the highest reward in your power to bestow upon me, it receives my sincere thanks
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 3 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate—
United States May 3d. 1798—

His Excellency John Jay Esquire Governor of New York, has informed me, that the Oneida Tribe of Indians, have proposed to sell a part of their Land to the said state, and that the Legislature at their late session, authorized the purchase; and to accomplish this object, the Governor, has desired that a Commissioner, may be appointed to hold a Treaty with the Oneida Tribe of Indians, at which the Agents of the state of New York, may agree with them, on the terms of the purchase—
I therefore nominate Joseph Hopkinson Esquire of Pensylvania to be the Commissioner to hold a Treaty with the said Oneida tribe of Indians for the purpose above mentioned

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Hazard, 3 May 1798
From: Hazard, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Sir,
3 May 1798

The General Assembly of the State of Rhode–Island and Providence Plantations, beg Leave to express their cordial Approbation of your wise & pacific measures, in the attempt to negotiate with the Republic of France. They observe, with singular Satisfaction, that you appear to have been actuated by a sincere desire to do Justice to that Republic, if in any thing she had been injured; to obtain justice for the multiplied injuries which her Citizens had committed against us; and, above all, to preserve Peace. We indulged a hope, that your overtures for reconciliation, dictated by a spirit of impartiality, & a love of Justice, would have been heard with candour, & treated with respect. It is therefore with regret & astonishment we learn, that these unequivocal proofs of friendship, have been disregarded; that our Envoys have not been accredited, and that the most liberal advances to negotiation have been rejected. You have pursued Peace, with a solicitude corresponding with the importance of the object; and if it is not restored cannot be preserved, the failure can ought not be attributed to any want of liberality or justice in the means you have employed. We are satisfied that you could not have gone further toward the attainment of this object, without abandoning the honour & dignity of our Country.
In the present state of our national affairs, when a foreign power has lost sight of the immutable principles of Justice, and of the solemn faith of treaties, and cherishes the unfounded opinion, that the people & government of the United States are divided, we consider it our sacred duty to declare to you, & to the world, that the constitution and government of the United States our Country have merited and obtained our affectionate confidence.
On an occasion so interesting, we feel the most lively pleasure in giving you every assurance of our confidence in your wisdom & integrity, and of our respectful and personal attachment, and of of our determintation to suggest the Constitution & Government of the United States Relying, under God, upon the unanimity, courage and virtue of our Fellow–Citizens, we declare our solemn determination to support the Constitution and Government of the United States—
By Order and in behalf of the General Assembly of the state of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantation
The foregoing draught of an address is submitted by

Thos. G. HazardJohn HarrisWalt: ChanningWelcome ArnoldJohn DavisEdward MantonTho. C. HazardJames Burrill Junr.House of Representatives May 3. 1798
Voted & Resolved unanimously that the foregoing address be approved & adopted. That the said address (if the same be approved of by the House of Magistrates) be signed by his Excellency the Governor in behalf of this General Assembly, and that his Excellency  be & he hereby is requested to transmit the same to the Senators & Representatives of the State in Congress with a request that they will  present the same to the President of the United States and that the Govr. be requested to decline giving any Copy of this Address to be printed— untill He shall have recd. the Presidents Answer thereto—
Voted &c
N. Marchant CM
In the House of Magistrates Read and the same day & Concurred, unanimously.
By Order,
Saml. Eddy Secry.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 3 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

					Gentlemen of the Senate:
					United States, May 3d, 1798.

				His Excellency John Jay, Esq. Governor of New York, has informed me, that the Oneida tribe of Indians have proposed to sell a part of their land to the said State, and that the Legislature, at their late session, authorized the purchase; and to accomplish this object, the Governor has desired that a commissioner may be appointed to hold a treaty with the Oneida tribe of Indians, at which the agents of the State of New York may agree with them on the terms of the purchase.I, therefore, nominate Joseph Hopkinson, Esq. of Pennsylvania, to be the commissioner to hold a treaty with the said Oneida tribe of Indians, for the purpose above mentioned.

					John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Richard Brearse, 4 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Brearse, Richard,Mason, Alexander

To the Citizens of Bristol Township in the County of Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania
Gentlemen
Philadelpa: May 4th 1798—

Your Address, and Memorial, to the President, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States has been presented to me, by one of your representatives in Congress Mr. Sitgreaves—
The sentiments and determination expressed in this Address, are such as become the sincere Lovers of their Country in dangerous times; In proportion to your satisfaction, with the endeavors of your own Government must be your alarm and resentment, at the Wrongs, Menaces, and Indignities which, have been so profusely and so undeservedly committed against it—
Those who have  found divisions, among the people, in so many Republican Nations, so favorable to their Views of Ambition, Avarice, and Conquest, might naturally build their hopes of success in this Country on Similar foundations, but they will find themselves disappointed—
Threats to extinguish the Independence of the United States, or to partition or dismember them in the twenty third year of their age, could never be made, but by persons as profoundly ignorant of the power of the State, as grossly misinformed of the spirit and resources of the people—
Nothing in the course of my Life, has given me a more exquisite pleasure, than the frank acknowledgments from Various quarters, and in your address in particular of a sense of the blessings you enjoy, as Members of this happy and highly favoured community, under the truly free and equal Government of the United states from which these blessings proceed. Your Freedom and Independence deserve to be maintained at every hazard—
While the decided declaration of your perfect and grateful approbation, of the conduct heretofore pursued by the Executive Authority of Government, is an high reward and an ample satisfaction to me, your honorable engagement to support every measure, which may be thought necessary to secure the Constitution, Freedom and Independence of the United states, must give pleasure to every Lover of his country

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from J. A. Sullivan, 4 May 1798
From: Sullivan, J. A.
To: Adams, John

					May 4, 1798

				The Agent for the United States has the honor to propose, that the Honorable Board will, in such manner as to the Commissioners shall appear proper and suitable, receive from John Adams, the President of the United States of America, his knowledge as to certain facts which are within his recollection, and which took place in the forming of the Treaty of Peace in 1782, and the truth of which facts may be expressed in answers to the following interrogatories, viz:What maps, charts and documents of State were before the Commissioners at Paris in 1782, when the Second Article of the Treaty of Peace was agreed upon and formed?By whom were such maps, charts and documents produced?Were there any lines marked on any map by the Commissioners at that time and, if there were, on what map were the same marked and by whom was the map produced?Is the map now before you called Mitchell’s Map the one on which those lines were marked, and are the lines on that Map those which were then marked?Was there any act of Parliament respecting the Boundaries of the late Province of Massachusetts Bay, produced or mentioned by the British Minister on that occasion?Was the former eastern boundary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, then conceived of as the line on which the boundary of the United States was fixed, so far as the side line?The Agent for the United States further proposes that the evidence of His Excellency, John Jan, Esq. may be taken as to the same facts.

					J. A. Sullivan.


Title: To John Adams from Sc., Citizens of Charleston, 5 May 1798
From: Charleston, Sc., Citizens of
To: Adams, John

5 May 1798

	At a meeting of the Citizens of Charleston, at St. Michaels Church on the fifth of May 1798, pursuant to public notice—The following resolutions were unanimously adopted–vizt.
Resolved, That the citizens of Charleston, having seen, with deep regret, the alienation of the French republic from the United States, learnt, with sincere satisfaction, the appointment of a solemn embassy, composed of three of the most distinguished citizens of the United States, entrusted with adequate powers, and with liberal wise and conciliatory instructions, “for the purpose of terminating all differences, between, the United States of America, & the French republic, and of restoring and confirming perfect harmony, and good understanding, and re-establishing a commercial & friendly intercourse with them.”
Resolved, That they have understood, with real sorrow, that the expectations founded on this embassy have been disappointed; so that, “there exists no hope, that the objects of the mission, will be, in any way, accomplished.”
Resolved, That it is absolutely necessary, at this awful moment, when the most humiliating demands have been made on this Country; and those demands avowedly growing out of an idea of an internal division, To declare, publicly and explicitly, our fixed determination to maintain, the constitution, support the government, and defend the independence of the United States, to the utmost of our power, and at all hazards, against the encroachments of every foreign nation.
Resolved, therefore, that a committee be appointed to prepare an address to the President, Senate & House of Representatives, communicating to them the unalterable resolutions we have taken and expressed, and soliciting that the most prompt and effectual provision may be made for the protection of the commerce, defence of the territory, & maintenance of the sovereignty of the United States.
As the sudden and great demands, which may be made on the government of the United States, for the purposes of National defence may, oblige a too limited provision, for the fortifications, essential to the security of the Seaports:
Resolved, That a voluntary contribution be raised by subscription in aid of the funds which have been, or may be, appropriated, by the government, to the fortification & defence of the City & harbour of Charleston and the inlets of the State.
That General Washington, Col: Edward Rutledge, Col: Van der Horst; The Intendant, Col: Lee, Major Simons and Mr. Nathaniel Russell be a committee to obtain & collect such subscriptions, and to superintend the application of the sums so raised to the said purpose, in concurrence with the engineer of the United States and of the State engineer.


Title: To John Adams from Pa., Young Men of Philadelphia, 7 May 1798
From: Philadelphia, Pa., Young Men of
To: Adams, John

The Address of the Young Men of the City of Philadelphia the District of Southwark and the Northern Liberties.Sir7 May 1798

At a period so interesting to the United States permit us to believe that an address from the Young men of Philadelphia, anxious to preserve the honor & independence of their Country will not be unwelcome to their Chief Magistrate
Actuated by the principles on which our forefathers atchieved their Independence, the recent attempts of a foreign power to derogate from the dignity and rights of our Country: awaken our liveliest sensibility and our strongest indignation.
The Executive of the United States filled with a spirit of friendship towards the whole world has resorted to every just & honorable means of conciliating the friendship of the French Republic who have received their propositions of peace with determined hostility & contempt have wounded our national Independance by insulting its Representatives & calumniated the honor & virtue of its Citizens by insinuating that we were a divided insubordinate people.
The Youth of the American Nation will claim some share of the danger difficulty and glory of its defence; and altho’ we do not hold ourselves competent to form an opinion respecting the tendency of every measure; yet we have no hesitation in declaring that we place the most entire confidence in your wisdom, integrity and patriotism. That we regard our Liberty & Independance as the richest portion given us by our Ancestors; that we perceive no difference between the illegal and oppressive measures of one Government and the insolent attempts now made to usurp our Rights by another; that as our Ancestors have magnanimously resisted the encroachments of the one we will no less vigorously oppose, the attacks of the other that at the call of our country we will assemble with promptitude, obey the orders of the constituted Authorities with Alacrity, and on every occasion act with all the exertion of which we are capable and for this we pledge ourselves to you, to our country, and to the World.


Title: From John Adams to Pa., Young Men of Philadelphia, 7 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Philadelphia, Pa., Young Men of

					Gentlemen,
					7 May, 1798.

				Nothing of the kind could be more welcome to me than this address from the ingenuous youth of Philadelphia, in their virtuous anxiety to preserve the honor and independence of their country.

For a long course of years, my amiable young friends, before the birth of the oldest of you, I was called to act with your fathers in concerting measures the most disagreeable and dangerous, not from a desire of innovation, not from discontent with the government under which we were born and bred, but to preserve the honor of our country, and vindicate the immemorial liberties of our ancestors. In pursuit of these measures, it became, not an object of predilection and choice, but of indispensable necessity to assert our independence, which, with many difficulties and much suffering, was at length secured. I have long flattered myself that I might be gathered to the ashes of my fathers, leaving unimpaired and unassailed the liberties so dearly purchased; and that I should never be summoned a second time to act in such scenes of anxiety, perplexity, and danger, as war of any kind always exhibits. If my good fortune should not correspond with my earnest wishes, and I should be obliged to act with you, as with your ancestors, in defence of the honor and independence of our country, I sincerely wish that none of you may ever have your constancy of mind and strength of body put to so severe a trial, as to be compelled again in your advanced age to the contemplation and near prospect of any war of offence or defence.

It would neither be consistent with my character, nor yours, on this occasion, to read lessons to gentlemen of your education, conduct, and character; if, however, I might be indulged the privilege of a father, I should with the tenderest affection recommend to your serious and constant consideration, that science and morals are the great pillars on which this country has been raised to its present population, opulence, and prosperity, and that these alone can advance, support, and preserve it.

Without wishing to damp the ardor of curiosity, or influence the freedom of inquiry, I will hazard a prediction, that, after the most industrious and impartial researches, the longest liver of you all will find no principles, institutions, or systems of education more fit, in general, to be transmitted to your posterity, than those you have received from your ancestors.

No prospect or spectacle could excite a stronger sensibility in my bosom than this, which now presents itself before me. I wish you all the pure joys, the sanguine hopes, and bright prospects, which are decent at your age, and that your lives may be long, honorable, and prosperous, in the constant practice of benevolence to men and reverence to the Divinity, in a country persevering in liberty, and increasing in virtue, power, and glory.

The sentiments of this address, everywhere expressed in language as chaste and modest as it is elegant and masterly, which would do honor to the youth of any country, have raised a monument to your fame more durable than brass and marble. The youth of all America must exult in this early sample, at the seat of government, of their talents, genius, and virtues.

America and the world will look to our youth as one of our firmest bulwarks. The generous claim which you now present, of sharing in the difficulty, danger, and glory of our defence, is to me and to your country a sure and pleasing pledge, that your birth–rights will never be ignobly bartered or surrendered; but that you will in your turn transmit to future generations the fair inheritance obtained by the unconquerable spirit of your fathers.

					John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Commissioners of Washington City, 7 May 1798
From: Washington City, Commissioners of
To: Adams, John

					Sir:
					Washington, May 7, 1798.

				We took the liberty of addressing you, by letter dated the 18th ultimo, on the subject of the executive offices, expressing our regret that your opinion did not coincide with that of your predecessor, agreeably to whose order we should long since have commenced the work had we possessed the means, and expressing our hope that, now we do possess the means, you will not obstruct the measure. We stated some of the reasons which the late President was pleased to inform us governed him in respect to the sites of these buildings, and our own reasons for believing a change in this arrangement would be injurious. We flattered ourselves that we should receive an answer to this letter, and were not without hopes of the concurrence of the present President with his predecessor and ourselves on this subject. We are sensible the pressure of more weighty business may have occasioned you to delay an answer, unless, indeed, you meant to give counter–orders, in which case, we presume, you would have communicated them before this time, as the building season is fast advancing. We consider the existing orders as sufficient authority for us to proceed with the building; but to secure the completion of the north wing of the Capitol, and the finishing whatever buildings may be commenced, in due season, we mean at present only to contract for one of the executive buildings, and, as soon as that shall be undertaken, to discontinue the work on the interior of the President’s house, leaving the other executive building untouched, and only finishing the stone work, (which is nearly completed,) and slating the roof of the President’s house, till the extent and efficacy of our resources are better known. We will receive proposals for undertaking the building now to be erected till the 20th day of June next, of which notice will be given in the newspapers of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Alexandria.We are, with sentiments of the highest respect, &c.

					G. Scott,W. Thornton,A. White.


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

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States May 8. 1798

I nominate Silas Talbot of New York, James Sever of Massachusetts Richard Dale of Pennsylvania, and Stephen Decatur of Pennsylvania, to be Captains in the Navy of the United States.
Miles Cary of Virginia and Daniel Carmick of Pennsylvania to be Lieutenants of Marines
John Rush of Pennsylvania to be a Surgeon and John Parker of New York to be a Surgeons Mate of the Ship Ganges.
It is to be understood that these Officers are not to be intitled to pay, untill called into actual Service.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Barry, 8 May 1798
From: Barry, John
To: Adams, John

Please your ExcellencyMay the 8th 1798

Having had the honour of being admitted into your pressence, and informed you of matters that was my duty to do—As I am disappointed of getting to serve in the revenue department have applied to the Secretary at War to serve my Country once more, either by Sea or Land; but no encouragement, hope your Excellency will condecend to speak to the Secretary at War on the business and will do the greatest honour possible to / Sir, / your most obedient / humble Servant
John Barry


Title: From James Monroe to Pa., Citizens of Lancaster County, 8 May 1798
From: Monroe, James
To: Lancaster County, Pa., Citizens of

post 8 May 1798

I have seen in a gazette from of Richnd. as published from one of Philadelphia, in a reply from Mr. Adams P. of the US. the following passage—
I have seen an address from the people of Lancaster to Mr. Adams P. of the US. & his reply to it,  both which papers were published in the gazettes of Phila., & afterwards in most of it of those States throughout the union. In Mr. Adams’s the Mr. As reply to that address is the following passage.
Every person one who reads Mr Adams’s this reply to the abovementioned address to the  will immediately perceive that I am the person to whom Mr. A: designates by the terms “disgrac’d minister, dismissed in displeasure for misconduct.” since I was the minister who was dismissed by our admn., & to whom the President of who took leave of the directory of France addressed himself in terms upon the occasion to wh. he refers. I therefore am the person whom he thus  denounces to a  to his country in terms thus indecent harsh & opprobrious, since every one knows that I was the minister who &ca. In favor of agnst the first measure it is to be recall—observed that the popy. of Mr. W. is an object wh. always occurs. In favor of it, it is to be observed that as he wrote me a letter after my recall in terms of amity, & likewise of spoke of me in like terms to Dr Ed: It The discussion with him improper conducted with him managed with advantage, as he wd. not otherwise than put himself trammed by those comissions. This it is true might be used in a discussion with any one.
on appeal—whatever J. M. does a controversy in France a movmt.—. Here opinion—govt. has taken its position—Propocters. not organised—


Title: From John Adams to Rhode Island Legislature, 11 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Rhode Island Legislature

To His Excellency Arthur Fenner, and the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island, and Providence Plantations.
Gentlemen,
Philadelphia May 11th 1798—

This unanimous Address from the Legislature of Rhode Island, comes with such authority, that nothing I could say in answer to it, would increase its weight; I shall therefore confine myself to request, your acceptance of an assurance, that I receive your declarations of approbation, Confidence, and Support, with great respect, and your respectful and personal attachment, with Sincere gratitude.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 11 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate.
Philadelpa. May 11th 1798

I nominate Archibald McElroy of Pennsylvania to be first Lieutenant and
Samuel Neighler to be Second Lieutenant of the Ship of War the Ganges.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 11 May 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States May 11th 1798—

I nominate Samuel Snow of Rhode Island to be Consul of the United States at Canton—

John Adams