Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 29 December 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Decr. 29. 1798

I nominate Robert G. Guerard of South Carolina to be Collector for the District of Beaufort and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port in the Place of Robert Hazard Wigg who has declined his appointment.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 29 December 1798
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Cambridge 29th Decr 1798

I was honord, a few days since, by your friendly letter of the 15th. I had previously recd a letter from Mr Pickering inclosing one from General Marshal on the subject of my letter to you of the 20th of october, & in my next will transmit copies of them. I was aware, that controversies between the envoys would produce disagreable effects on the public mind, & no good to themselves, & had determined to take no step without consulting your excellency on the subject. I have nothing more to fear than the other Envoys, not having said, written, or done anything, which if fairly represented, can injure me in the eyes of the government ofr of the public. My object has been, to promote it’s welfare, & not to court, or to disregard popularity.—
I am at a loss to conceive what kind of a journal General Marshal can have formed from day to day; for the Envoys rarely met on business, after the first dispatches: be this as it may, it cannot injure me if he has fairly represented my conduct, & if not, I shall in case of a controversy do it myself. if he has made an official deposit of his journal, and it contains any statement to my disadvantage, he has already declared his disposition to injure me, & has put me on my defence. I wish there was less evidence of this disposition in himself & some others who will be involved in any controversy which they may render necessary.
I had no secret conference with Mr Tallyrand, other than what I have communicated, & as to a loan after the war, I conceived that we had no power to accede to or reject it. these points I shall explain to you.
Mrs Gerry presents her best respects to you, & also my little family, which has a high sense of the honor of your friendly remembrance of them.
Having been indisposed since you left the State, I have not had it in power to pay my respects to your Lady, but have heard favorable accounts of her health: I have the honor to / remain dear Sir with the / most perfect respect & attachment / your sincere friend & / very huml Servt
E Gerry


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 December 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

War Department 29th. December—1798—

The Secretary of War respectfully reports, to the President of the United States, the enclosed List of Names, in part, for Officers to the regiments directed to be raised, by an Act passed the 16th. day of July last—
The names on this List, were selected by Lieutenant General Washington, and Major Generals Hamilton and Pinckney, in pursuance of authority derived from the President.
The President will percieve, several names are omitted in the present, which are to be found, in their original List; these omissions were induced by information recieved by the Secretary, since the Generals closed their business, either that certain characters selected, were improper to be nominated to the Senate, or if appointed would not accept, and it is believed that it would be adviseable, no names should be presented in their places, untill an opportunity can be given, for a further investigation of characters.
It is proper to observe, that the present List, contains no names, for the regiment, assigned to Connecticut, and that it has been necessary to postpone, the nominations from that State, as well as from the States, of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, for further information and materials.
It is to be noticed, that it might be considered, as an act of injustice, to the Gentlemen who will be thus thrown into a subsequent nomination, were they to lose any relative rank, by the circumstance.
It is therefore Submitted, whether, it will not be expedient, and serve to obviate misconceptions, to have it signified in the message to the Senate, that a want of materials alone, has prevented a complete nomination for the whole of the troops directed to be raised but that care will be taken, that this necessary postponement, shall in no manner affect the relative rank, of the Officers, to be yet appointed, the latter subject being reserved for future arrangment.
All which is respectfully submitted—

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from William Richardson Davie, 30 December 1798
From: Davie, William Richardson
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Halifax. December 30th. 1798

The legislature of the State of North Carolina have, by their resolution of the 24th. Instant, committed to me the agreeable duty of transmitting to you the inclosed address; and it gives me great pleasure to assure you that it contains a deliberate and explicit declaration of their sentiments upon the measures which have been taken by the Federal Government with respect to our foreign relations, and particularly the Government of France.
As long as the French Nation appeared to have for their object the improvement of their own political situation, and the establishment of a government on principles of rational liberty, the Citizens of North Carolina beheld their struggles and exertions with the most anxious solicitude; they were every where disposed to draw a veil over excesses which had stained the character of the Nation, to forget the criminal conduct and dangerous intrigues of their ministers in this country and would even have sacrificed important interests to the support of a cause which to them, in its commencement, appeared to be the cause of virtue and humanity; and it was not until the French government had added insult and systematic indignity to years of hostile depredation that these friendly dispositions were changed; they now see that their motives for forbearance have been mistaken, and that their country has been degraded by her patience and suffering, and are also convinced that no people possess any national rights in the eyes of this new military republic, but those who have the power to protect them: under this view of our situation they recognize the wisdom of the measures taken under your Administration, and approve in the warmest terms those which have for their object the protection of our commerce and our country
Permit me to add, sir, that I feel it a duty to declare that we are greatly indebted to the firm and explicit manner in which the Chief magistrate of the United States has upon all occasions developed the policy, and declared his opinions with respect to the conduct of France, to this we owe in a great measure that union of sentiment which now pervades the continent and that “manly sense of national Honor” which has been in all ages the inseparable concomitant of “national prosperity and glory”
I have the Honor to be / with great respect / Sir / your most obd

W. R. Davie


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 31 December 1798
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
December 31. 1798

I nominate the following Persons, for Officers to the Regiments directed to be raised, by a Law passed the Sixteenth day of July last.
CavalryLieutenant ColonelJohn Watts................................. VirginiaMajors.Solomon Van Rensselaer........New YorkJohn Tayloe................................ VirginiaCaptains.Richard Willing................. PennsylvaniaBenjamin Williamson........... New JerseyLawrence Lewis......................... VirginiaJohn B. Armistead...........................dittoWilliam Spencer...................... MarylandLieutenants.Robert Gray....................... PennsylvaniaJohn Walback.................................. dittoGeorge Washington Craik......... VirginiaLaurence Washington...................... dittoCharles F. Mercer............................ dittoRichard Tilghman. 5th............... MarylandCornets.William C. Rogers............. PennsylvaniaAlexander McComb Junr........ New YorkCharles Tutt............................... VirginiaGeorge W. P. Custis........................ dittoCarter B. Fontaine............................ dittoRichard Cook........................... MarylandInfantryLieutenant Colonels.Nathaniel White............ New HampshireSimon Elliott.................... MassachusettsWilliam S. Smith.................... New YorkAaron Ogden........................ New JerseyThomas L. Moore.............. PennsylvaniaJosias C. Hall........................... MarylandThomas Parker........................... VirginiaWilliam Bentley............................... dittoMajors.John Walker..................... MassachusettsIsaac Winslow.................................. dittoJohn Rowe....................................... dittoWilliam Wilcox...................... New YorkChristopher Hutton.......................... dittoWilliam Shute....................... New JerseyJohn Adlum........................ PennsylvaniaWilliam Henderson.......................... dittoGeorge Stephenson.......................... dittoWilliam D Beall...................... MarylandDavid Hopkins................................. dittoSimon Morgan........................... VirginiaWilliam Campbell............................ dittoRobert Beall.................................... dittoJames Baytop..................................  dittoCaptains.Josiah Dunham...............New HampshireNathaniel Greene............................. dittoRobert Parker................................... dittoHenry Tilton.................................... dittoWilliam Woodward.................. VermontIsrael Elliott Trask........................... dittoJohn Rogers....................... Rhode IslandGeorge Tillinghast........................... dittoAbraham R. Ellery........................... dittoWilliam Jones.................. MassachusettsJames Brown.................................... dittoErasmus Babbet Junr....................... dittoEphraim Emmery............................. dittoJohn Tolman.................................... dittoSolomon Phelps............................... dittoEbenezer Thatcher........................... dittoThomas Chandler............................. dittoNathaniel Thwing............................ dittoJohn Burbeck................................... dittoNathaniel Balch Junr....................... dittoHall Tufts......................................... dittoJohn Pynchion................................. dittoSimeon Draper................................. dittoJohn Blake....................................... dittoSamuel Jordon................................. dittoWilliam Heywood............................ dittoCaleb Aspinwall.............................. dittoStephen Peabody.............. MassachusettsThomas Philips................................ dittoDowe J Fondy....................... New YorkJames Bennett.................................. dittoAndrew White.................................. dittoGeorge W. Kirkland........................ dittoHermanus P. Schuyler..................... dittoAdrian Kissam................................. dittoJohn W. Patterson............................ dittoJustus B Smith................................ dittoJeremiah Landon.............................. dittoPhilip Church................................... dittoRobert Hunt.......................... New JerseyCharles Marles................................. dittoJob Stockton.................................... dittoDenise Foreman............................... dittoAlmarine Brookes............................ dittoSamuel White.......................... DelawareSamuel Bowman................ PennsylvaniaPeter Faulkner.................................. dittoJoseph McKinney............................ dittoJames Blaine.................................... dittoAndrew Johnston............................. dittoMatthew Henry................................. dittoWilliam R. Atlee.............................. dittoHugh Brady...................................... dittoWilliam Graham.............................. dittoDavid Duncan.................................. dittoJohn C. Beatty......................... MarylandThomas Beatty Junr......................... dittoLloyd Beall...................................... dittoGerard Briscoe................................. dittoRezin Davidge................................. dittoBradley Beans.......................... MarylandIsaac Spencer................................... dittoWilliam Nicholson........................... dittoJacob Norris...................................... dittoPresley Thornton........................ VirginiaRobert Gregg................................... dittoHenry Pearcy................................... dittoGeorge S. Washington..................... dittoRichard Chinn.................................. dittoGarnet Peyton.................................. dittoDaniel C. Lane................................. dittoPhilip Lightfoot............................... dittoEdmund Taylor................................ dittoDaniel Ball....................................... dittoEdmund Clarke................................ dittoJohn Davidson................................. dittoArchibald Randolph......................... dittoBartholomew Dandridge.................. dittoThomas Turner................................ dittoWilliam Campbell............................ dittoJohn Greene..................................... dittoRobert King..................................... dittoJames Caldwell................................ dittoWilliam Dangerfield................ KentuckyFleming Woodbridge....................... dittoWilliam P. Anderson.............. TennesseeLieutenants.Francis Gardner............. New HampshireDaniel M. Durell.............................. dittoAbel Hutchins.................................. dittoSylvester G. Whipple....................... dittoEphraim Whitney...................... VermontWhipple Lovett.................. Rhode IslandRobert Overing................................ dittoThomas Brindley............................. dittoJames Church................... MassachusettsNathaniel Soley................................ dittoJacob Allen...................................... dittoWilliam A Baron............................ dittoRobert Duncan Junr......................... dittoPhineas Ashmun.............................. dittoAlpheus Cheney............................... dittoSamuel Flagg Junr........................... dittoJohn Wheelwright............................ dittoIsaac Rand Junior............................. dittoCharles Cutler.................................. dittoWilliam Swan.................................. dittoSamuel P. Fay.................................. dittoEleazer Williams.............................. dittoNathaniel Kidder.............................. dittoThomas Bowman............................. dittoEbenezer Bradish Junr..................... dittoJohn Shepherd.................................. dittoJoseph Lee....................................... dittoDavid C. D. Forrest.......................... dittoPhilip S. Schuyler................... New YorkElhanan W. Wheeler........................ dittoMoses Foster.................................... dittoThomas Thompson.......................... dittoDavid Jones...................................... dittoRobert Le Roy Livingston............... dittoMatthew Nathaniel Paulding.......................... dittoWilliam B. Peters............................. dittoHenry W. Ludlow............................ dittoThomas Reading Junr........... New JerseyRobert C. Thompson........................ dittoSamuel C. Voorhees........................ dittoWalter K Cole................................. dittoJohn C. MacWhorter........... New JerseyWilliam Potter.................................. dittoSamuel Irwine.................... PennsylvaniaHenry Betz....................................... dittoWilliam Carson................................ dittoJohn Sharp....................................... dittoSamuel B. Magaw............................ dittoHenry G. Slough.............................. dittoSamuel Fulton.................................. dittoJosiah McElwaine............................ dittoJames P. Nelson............................... dittoRobert Laurence.............................. dittoBenjamin Wallace............................ dittoWilliam Elliott......................... MarylandEdward A Howard.......................... dittoRichard W. West.............................. dittoJohn B. Barnes................................. dittoNinnian Pinckney............................ dittoLevi Alexander................................ dittoMatthew Tilghman.......................... dittoHenry C. Neale................................ dittoAquila Beall..................................... dittoFrancis Fouchee......................... VirginiaJames Duncanson............................ dittoLemuel Bent.................................... dittoRobert Gustin................................... dittoGeorge Tate..................................... dittoCharles J Love.................................... dittoJohn G Brown................................. dittoJohn Williams.................................. dittoThomas Jameson.............................. dittoJohn Campbell................................. dittoJohn Braham.................................... dittoRobert Carrington............................ dittoBrewer Godwin Junr........................ dittoRobert Temple................................. ditto Jesse Ewell Junr......................... VirginiaJoseph Grigsby................................ dittoAddison Armistead.......................... dittoSamuel J. Winston........................... dittoCalvin Morgan................................. dittoJohn Jameson........................... KentuckyCharles Kilgoar................................ dittoLewis Tiner............................ TennesseeEnsigns.Arthur Rogers............... New HampshireMoses Sweet.................................... dittoIsrael Bartlet.................................... dittoSamuel Parker.................................. dittoJesse Lull.................................. VermontDaniel Baker.................................... dittoCary Clarke........................ Rhode IslandOzias Danforth................................. dittoWilliam E. Greene........................... dittoThomas Heald.................. MassachusettsAbijah Harrington............................ dittoMoses M. Bates............................... dittoCharles Hunt.................................... dittoJames Gardner................................. dittoMarshall Spring............................... dittoDaniel Hastings................................ dittoDuncan Ingraham (tertius.......... dittoWilliam Leverett.............................. dittoJohn Roulstone................................ dittoJonathan Nicholls............................ dittoDaniel Bell....................................... dittoJohn Page Junr................................. dittoThomas Durant................................ dittoDavid Fales Junr.............. MassachusettsFranklin Tinkham............................ dittoWillard Fales.................................... dittoWarren Hall..................................... dittoJames D Wheaton........................... dittoJohn Duer............................... New YorkWilliam W. Wands.......................... dittoProsper Brown................................. dittoWilliam Cummings.......................... dittoWilliam Coxe................................... dittoGeorge F. Harrison.......................... dittoSamuel Hoffman.............................. dittoJohn Joseph C Cooper............................. dittoThomas W. Williams....................... dittoJacob C. Ten Eyck........................... dittoWilliam Pratt........................ New JerseyThomas Bullman................................ dittoCharles Read.................................... dittoHenry Drake.................................... dittoHetchcote Johnston.......................... dittoJames Rhea...................................... dittoJames Clayton Junr.................. DelawareJohn Milroy........................ PennsylvaniaBenjamin Worrell............................ dittoJohn Montgomery............................ dittoGeorge Hammell.............................. dittoArchibald Davis............................... dittoJohn A Douglas.............................. dittoHerman Witner................................ dittoHugh H. Potts.................................. dittoJohn S. Porter................................... dittoJohn Smith......................... PennsylvaniaRobert Chambers............................. dittoAlexander McNair........................... dittoThomas Lee..................................... dittoAlexander Cooper.................... MarylandJohn Brangle.................................... dittoEnos Noland.................................... dittoThomas Dent.................................... dittoLevi Hillary...................................... dittoJohn Warren..................................... dittoWilliam Swan.................................. dittoLevi G. Ford.................................... dittoDaniel Hughes................................. dittoReuben Thornton....................... VirginiaJames Tutt Junr................................ dittoObadiah Clifford.............................. dittoSimon Owens................................... dittoGeorge W. Humphries..................... dittoJohn Crane Junior............................ dittoStrother Settle.................................. dittoJohn C. Williams............................. dittoCharles Shackleford......................... dittoJohn T. Fitzhugh.............................. dittoAndrew M Lusk.............................. dittoJames Brown.................................... dittoGerard Roberts................................. dittoWilliam Potts................................... dittoAlexander Henderson...................... dittoGeorge Armistead............................ dittoWilliam Dean................................... dittoHoratio Stark.................................... dittoPeter Lamkin.................................... dittoJesse Dold........................................ dittoWillis Morgan.......................... KentuckyElijah Johnson......................... KentuckyEdmund P. Gaines.................. Tennessee
A want of Materials alone has prevented a complete Nomination for the whole of the Troops directed to be raised. Care will be taken that this necessary Postponement, Shall in no manner affect the relative Rank of the officers to be yet appointed. Nor is it intended that the order of nomination in this List shall have any Influence in the Ultimate Settlement of the Rank of these officers. They will only be directed to Obey in the order in which they here stand, untill an Ulteriour Arrangement shall be made

John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Anonymous, December 1798
From: Anonymous
To: Adams, John

Sir
ca. December 1798

It can not have escaped your observation that the Secretary of State has qualities that may be the means of involving this nation in war. He is irascible and resentful. His correspondence is in a Style not conciliating but insulting. His published instructions to Pinkney were not as from a civilised nation, suaviter in modo, they were of the most caustic quality. With the Spanish minister he is hardly less rude, while in his correspondence with the Br: Minister he fawningly signs his name in answer to unsigned Cards. There are People of no party, only desirous of Peace, who fear and believe that he will blunder or luster us into War. When that Event happens people will too late wish that he had remained the Post Office. The writer of this, who hourly hears better observations on the subject mentioned, sincerely wishes that you may escape the painful sensations that must arise from War.


Title: To John Adams from Robert Wharton, 1798
From: Wharton, Robert
To: Adams, John

To the President of the United States—
1798

At a moment, when dangers threaten the peace and prosperity of the United States, when foreign insolence and rapine, have deeply wounded our national honor, and injured our lawful commerce, it is presumed the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of the City of Philadelphia will not be unwelcome, when they come forward to assure you of their perfect approbation of your administration & their entire confidence in your wisdom, integrity and, patriotism.
While we admire the prudence, and moderation, with which our Government has received the unproked aggressions of France, and the Sincerity and Equity of your endeavors to conciliate her friendship, we feel the independent pride of Americans, in your dignity and firmness; as we are satisfied that nothing has been wanting on your part to preserve to us the blessings of Peace, and Safety, we prepare to meet with fortitude the consequences that may follow the failure of your exertions—Confident that our Government, has been just and impartial in her dealings with all nations, and grateful for the happiness and prosperity we have enjoyed under it in the days of tranquility, we do not hesitate to promise it our utmost support assistance in the time of difficulty and need
Presiding over the councils of your Country, in a most eventful crisis, we hope, and trust, you will find a fixed and energetic Support in the people of America permit us to congratulate you on the prospect of unanimity, that now presents itself to the hopes of every American—and on the spirit of independence and patriotism, that is rapidly rising in so active exertion, and to offer a sincere prayer, that while you continue to serve your Country with wisdom and fidelity you may never find her ungrateful—


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 1 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
January 1 1799

I nominate Adolph C. Lent of New York to be surgeons mate in the navy.
Killeair H Van Renselar of New York to be lieutenant in the navy.
Richard Salter Tibbits of Massachusetts to be lieutenant in the navy.
George R. Turner of Massachusetts to be lieutenant in the navy
Joshua G Symmes of Massachusetts to be Surgeon in the navy
Thomas Hoist of Massachusetts to be second lieutenant of marinesJames Middleton of Maryland to be second lieutenant of Marines
Thomas Wharton of Pensylvania to be second lieutenant of marines

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Wharton, Jr., 2 January 1799
From: Wharton, Joseph, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir!
Philada: January 2d: 1799.

I am informed this forenoon by my friend Mr Mackie, that there is a probability of the bankrupt bill, now before the House of Representatives, passing into a law this session.—When I paid my respects to you lately, you intimated a desire to know, what particular office would be acceptable to me, or rather, that I should mention the name of an office to you. May I presume to sollicit your Excellency, to appoint me one of the Commissioners for the District of Pennsylvania, provided the Bill in contemplation, should be enacted into a law? My friends will address your Excellency on my behalf; and I am confident from your knowledge of their characters, and the energy of their recommendation, that the appointment, will be as acceptable to my fellow Citizens, as as it will be beneficial and honorable to me.
I am Sir, with the greatest respect, / Your most ob hb Servt.

Jos Wharton


Title: From John Adams to Henry Guest, 3 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Guest, Henry

Sir
Philadelphia Jan. 3d 1798 1799

I have just received your favor of the first of this month, and am much pleased that you think my answers to addresses patient, fatherly, and patriotick. I believe with you in the profound patriotism at the bottom of the hearts of our Countrymen, very universally. Clitus I think describes the ship in more danger than she is.
I received the panegyrick on  Gen. Anchoret and a political speech and read them with pleasure.
The coat of mail, if it answers your description must be a useful invention. Do you think the French will come here with their baygonets to pierce it?
I care very little what shall be written on my grave stone, only I hope it will tell no untruths. I like your epitaph well as any.
Who British, French & Moorish wiles withstood
Not for his own but for his Countrys good.
As I don’t choose to correspond with any one who is ashamed of his correspondent I shall certainly frank this letter, for to you it will not be worth the postage.
With esteem I am Sir your most obedient / Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 3 January 1799
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Albany 3d. Jany. 1799—

I this morning laid before the Legislature of this State, your answer to their address: for the kind and honorable mention made of me in it, be pleased to accept my warmest acknowledgments. To be thus laudato Homine laudari, and to recieve such spontaneous and decided manifestations of sincere and cordial Esteem and Friendship, are Events too interesting & pleasing not to excite correspondent Emotions.
Our affairs in Relation to France, are by too many thought to have assumed a less menacing aspect—such and similar Errors are and will be encouraged. When the Directory refused to recieve, and ungraciously dismissed General Pinckney, that singular measure, viewed in all its Relations, led me to apprehend that the continuance of existing Differences, by putting them in Capacity to elect war or peace with us, according to future Circumstances, was deemed necessary to some of their meditated plans.—They must have foreseen that improper conduct towards our minister would impair their Interest in the affections of this Country; and therefore I conclude that the Object for which it was done, must in their opinion have been of more Importance than that sacrifice.
I presume that the Rejection of our three Envoys is imputable to the same motives; and that the unexpected Degree of Indignation & Irritation which it produced, induced the Directory to endeavour to moderate and restrain our Resentments by pacific and delusory Professions; in order still to keep things in a state of perplexing uncertainty.
Various Circumstances and Considerations incline me to think it not improbable, that their Views of Domination comprehend all America, both north and South; and that they wish to place the United States in a situation favorable and auxiliary to those Views. Considering the state of Spain and even of Portugal, I ascribe the Forbearance of France in not attempting to conquer and disorganize them, to the obvious Difficulty of embracing their American Territories, untill she shall by war or by peace have withdrawn the british Fleets from the Ocean, and if possible have rendered the United States compliant—
From the Representatives of their agents and Partizans in this Country, the Directory have doubtless entertained too sanguine Expectations; and from the Firmness of our Government and the general Declarations of our people, they may perceive that their Calculations have not been accurate: I nevertheless think it probable, that they will continue to be in many Respects deceived; and that their Efforts to decieve and seduce will continue unremitted. While they persist in multiplying Difficulties and Complaints and aggressions, and in repelling the negociations necessary to settle Differences amicably, it is impossible that their real Designs can be otherwise than hostile—
You are called my dear Sir! to the Government of this nation, at a Time when our peculiar Circumstances and Dangers demand the combined Efforts of great Talents great Fortitude and great Prudence. Your measures have hitherto afforded matter for brilliant pages in our History; and they have inspired a Confidence which will greatly facilitate the operation and success of your future ones—
With great and sincere Respect Esteem and affectionate Regard / I am Dear Sir / your most obt. & faithful Servt.

John Jay—


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 7 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Jan 7th 1799

I nominate William Hines Esqr. of South Hampton county Virginia to be a commissioner of valuations &c. vice Mr William Salter declined
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States House of Representatives, 8 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States House of Representatives

Gentlemen of the senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.
Jan. 8. 1799

In Obedience to the Law I now lay before you, my annual account of the application of the Grants made by Congress for the contingent Charges of Government from the 1 of January to the 31 of December 1798
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Winthrop Sargent, 8 January 1799
From: Sargent, Winthrop
To: Adams, John

Sir
Mississippi Territory Jany the 8th: 1799

At the special Desire of the Inhabitants of this Territory I have the honour to transmit unto you their enclosed Address.
Though deprecating, with them, in great measure a war for the United States I feel nevertheless all the Impatience of a Soldier at public Wrongs—and so far as I may confide in my Zeal, Attachment and Intentions for the honour and Independence of our Country. I take Leave to pledge myself, to the utmost of my powers, at the head of this people or in any other Station Government may place me, for every possible personal Exertion to their Service in Peace or War.
with every Sentiment / of supreme respect & Consideration / I have the honour to be / Sir / your most obedient / and most devoted Servant
Winthrop Sargent


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 8 January 1799
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir
Navy Department 8 Jany 1799.

I have the honor to enclose a copy of the additional Instructions, you were pleased to direct, to be issued to the Commanders of the Public Armed Vessels, in consequence of the outrage committed on the Ship Baltimore, Capt Phillips.
In Justice to the general conduct of the officers of the British navy, I take the liberty to observe, that in every instance but the one in question, they have behaved toward our Public Armed Vessels & Officers; not only with politeness & respect, but with Friendship—manifesting on every occasion, a disposition to render them service.
I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & esteem / sir yr. most Obed Servt.

Ben Stoddert.


Title: From John Adams to United States House of Representatives, 8 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States House of Representatives

				Message to the House of Representatives; Respecting Certain Acts of British Naval Officers.

					8 January, 1799.

				In compliance with your desire, expressed in your resolution of the 2d of this month, I lay before you an extract of a letter from George C. Morton, acting consul of the United States at the Havana, dated the 18th of November, 1798, to the Secretary of State, with a copy of a letter from him to L. Trezevant and William Timmons, Esquires, with their answer. Although your request extends no further than such information as has been received, yet it may be a satisfaction to you to know, that as soon as this intelligence was communicated to me, circular orders were given by my direction to all the commanders of our vessels of war, a copy of which is also herewith transmitted. I also directed this intelligence and these orders to be communicated to his Britannic Majesty’s envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the United States, and to our minister plenipotentiary to the court of Great Britain, with instructions to him to make the proper representation to that government upon this subject.It is but justice to say, that this is the first instance of misbehavior of any of the British officers towards our vessels of war, that has come to my knowledge. According to all the representations that I have seen, the flag of the United States, and their officers and men, have been treated by the civil and military authority of the British nation, in Nova Scotia, the West India islands, and on the ocean, with uniform civility, politeness, and friendship. I have no doubt that this first instance of misconduct will be readily corrected.

					John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 10 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
January 10. 1799

I nominate Turell Tufts of Medford Massachusetts, to be Consul of the United States at Surrinam
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Charles B. Cochran, 11 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Cochran, Charles B.

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Jan 11th 1799

I have just received your favor of the 9th of Dec.
I thank you for the expressions of your good opinion and have the pleasure to inform you that I had some time ago appointed you to be marshall. Your commission I hope has reached your hand before this day.
I am Sir with / much esteem / your humble servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Richardson Davie, 11 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Davie, William Richardson

Sir
Philadelphia Jan 11th 1799

I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the thirtieth of last month inclosing an elegant masterly and patriotic address from the legislature of North Carolina.
I pray you Sir to accept of my thanks for the very polite and pleasing manner in which you have communicated to me this important expression of the sense and the pleasure of a State of so much weight in the union.
With great respect & Esteem I / have the honor to be your Excellency’s most / obedient & most humble servant

J Adams


Title: From John Adams to George Conway, 11 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Conway, George

To the Citize Inhabitants of the County of Green in the State of Tenessee.Gentlemen
Phyladelphia Jan. 11. 1799

With much Pleasure I have received and read your unanimous Address of first of August, 1798, and regretts that unavoidable Circumstances have so long prevented an Acknowledgment of it, according to its merit. Although you may by your situation be removed from the immediate Aggressions of Transatlantic Powers, yet as members of the same Body you cannot fail to suffer with the first sufferings of those who are more immediately exposed. The Agriculture of this Country and its Commerce are wedded together, for better and for Worse in sickness and in health. And both are equally interested in the Honor and Independence of the Country.
I perceive with great satisfaction from your Address and in many other Ways that correct Sentiments are formed of the Conduct of France in the West as well as in the East, in the South as well as in the North.
Your Approbation and Confidence are received with Pleasure.
Your Joy, at on the Appointment of General Washington does you honor.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to North Carolina Legislature, 11 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: North Carolina Legislature

To the Legislature of the State of North Carolina
GentlemenPhyladelphia Jan. 11. 1799

I have received, in a polite and friendly Letter from His Excellency Governor Davie, your very honourable Address Subscribed by Mr Mathers Speaker of the House of Commons  and by Mr Smith the speaker of the senate on the 24 of last month.
A Confirmation of the American System, from the Commencement and during the Progress of the War in Europe, so full and explicit as this from the Legislature of a state so populous & powerfull as North Carolina, is an happy omen of for the Union, Honor, safety and Prosperity of these states
Whether those Persons who began the Revolution in France, had for their object the Improvement of their own political situation and the Establishment, of a Government on Principles of rational Liberty or not it is plain they were not Masters of the Subject; and have been driven in succession over the Precipice, like the Waves of the sea before a storm Hurricane. For some years past their Conduct has been so excentric & extravagant, that at present the most friendly office We can do them is to oppose & resist their Efforts to do Mischief to all others as well as to themselves.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 14 January 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir,
War Department 14t. January 1799—

The General Officers, having in their List of Gentlemen, recommended for nomination, to Senate, for appointments in the Army of the United States, misnamed two from New York, Viz. Nathaniel Paulding, recommended for a Lieutenancy, and Joseph C Cooper for an Ensigncy, by calling the former Matthew, and the latter John, and the Senate having, in consequence of the misnosmer, suspended the appointments.
It is submitted, whether it will not be proper, to present these Gentlemen again to the Senate, by their true names.
I am Sir / with the greatest respect / your obedient / humble servant—
James McHenry


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 15 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Jan 15th 1799.

I transmit to you the treaty between the United States and the Cherokee Indians signed near Tellico on the second day of October 1798 for your consideration. I have directed the Secretary at War to lay before you the journal of the commissioners and a copy of their instructions.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 15 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

					Gentlemen of the Senate:
					January 15th, 1799.

				I transmit to you the treaty between the United States and the Cherokee Indians, signed near Tellico, on the second day of October, 1798, for your consideration. I have directed the Secretary of War to lay before you the journal of the commissioners, and a copy of their instructions.

					John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from James F. Armstrong, 17 January 1799
From: Armstrong, James F.
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton Jan’ry 17th. 1799.

Pure necessity compels me to present myself once more before the President of the United States as an Applicant for some place or office in his power to confer.—My rheumatick complaint has been so severe during great part of the winter as to render the discharge of my duties which require activity or exposure to sudden changes of weather dangerous to my health.—Any place or office whose duties might generally be executed in a sedentary way, might, under Providence, contribute to restore me to health.— Such is my state that duty would point out the necessity of retiring from the active functions of my present calling, if a necessity more dire did not urge me to risque even life for a helpless family.—None of these things can possibly lay the President under any obligations to attend to the application of an Individual.—Want is no recommendation to office—but as I have been assured that the President listened favourably to my former application, & seemed disposed to do any thing for me if in his power, I am induced to renew the application.—I could readily have used the interposition of friends to convey these sentiments to the President, but I have thought it best to come forward openly in my own name in application to the Executive—If there is any thing in it improper or indelicate I trust it will be overlooked—No one can approach you with sentiments more desirous not to offend, or more unwilling to draw off for one moment, that watchful attention for the good of our nation which displays itself in your whole administration.—Will the President forgive me for hinting that amidst many infirmities, it would be no small alleviation of the anxieties of my mind if I might look forward with hope? with sentiments of unfeigned Respect—I have the honour to be / Sir, / your very humble servant

James F. Armstrong


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 18 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the house of Representatives
Jan 18 1799

The communication relative to our affairs with France alluded to in my address to both houses at the opening of congress the session is contained in the sheets which accompany this. A report of the Secretary of State, containing some observations on them, will be sent to congress on Monday

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 January 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

(private)Sir,
Jany. 18. 1799

On examining the alterations you have directed in the report on Mr. Gerry’s communications, one appears to me to leave unfounded and unconnected many of my observations, and on a very important point.
Mr. Gerry in his letter of Oct. 1 has expressed an opinion of a most mischievous tendency. He says “Before the arrival of the dispatches of the Envoys, the Minister appeared to me sincere, and anxious to obtain a reconciliation.” This strange opinion, so repugnant to the whole tenor of his own communications, will nevertheless be quoted by the enemies of our country, in France as well as America, in proof of the sincerity of the French Government; and lead many to propagate the idea, that but for the imprudent act, as they will call it, of publishing the Dispatches, a reconciliation might have taken place. Mr. Gerry’s opinion, as above expressed, is also a reflection on the President, on Congress, and on all who had any agency directly or indirectly in causing that publication, as manifesting a want of prudence and foresight, and hazarding a war between the two countries.
Mr. Gerry’s opinion is of so pernicious a tendency I conceived it to be my duty to combat it, & demonstrate that it was unfounded;—not by an allusion, but by a direct reference to it. I therefore beg leave to submit this matter once more to your consideration, before the new copy is compleated. His feelings, and consequence in the community, are of no moment in competition with the public interest; & but for the latter, I would gladly keep out of sight every thing indicating any error in his proceedings.
The passage in question I have thus expressed in the report. “5. Because Mr. Gerry, after all the demonstrative proofs of which he was possessed to the contrary, says, in his letter of Oct. 1. 1798, “Before the arrival of the dispatches of the Envoys, the minister appeared to me sincere, and anxious to obtain a reconciliation.” This very extraordinary opinion is opposed not only by the whole detail of facts exhibited in the dispatches of the envoys but by Mr. Gerry’s own correspondence.”
Several pages then follow, contrasting the evidences of Talleyrand’s sincerity, before and after the publication of the Dispatches, and having a direct reference to the passage in question.
The language may perhaps be softened; but the substance seems to me very important to retain. It might have this form. “5. Because Mr. Gerry in his letter of Oct. 1. 1798, has expressed his opinion, that ‘before the arrival of the dispatches of the envoys, the minister appeared to him sincere, and anxious to obtain a reconciliation’; an opinion which a candid examination of the dispatches of the envoys and of Mr. Gerry’s own correspondence will shew to be erroneous.”
The President will see that three motives urge me to submit these thoughts to his attention.
One, to counteract a mischievous opinion, that has no foundation:
2dly. To vindicate his honor and that of Congress from the imputation of rashness or indiscretion in the publication of the dispatches: and
3dly A desire that the Secretary’s report may appear connected, and the train of reasoning thro’ several pages have some relation to their proper object.
I am most respectfully / sir your obt. servt.
T. Pickering


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 January 1799
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 20 Jan. 1799.

Was it not to Satisfÿ the ardent wishes of a learned deceased friend, I should consider it approaching to Sacrilege to intrude upon you, and bereave you of the use of a Single one of those precious moments, which you, in this critical period, with unrelenting ardor consecrate to the Securing and promoting the happiness of millions who entrusted themselves to your care and guardianship.
Perhaps you remember how a Stranger, longing to See you and paÿ you his respect, conversed with you, at Leyden in the Golden Lion, on the merits of Demosthenes. This man, the editor of the fragments of modern Poëts, of Farsetti, a noble Venetian’s, carmina, who adorned Burmans edition of Propertius, and favoured us with three of Callimachus hymns in elegant Latin verses—This modern Critic, wished—few days—before his departure of this Scene, that I woud paÿ you—by a convenient opportunity—his homage to your exalted virtues. I Send you a few of his productions. I requested my European friends—to favor me with others when I should be happy to make an offer of them. was I better acquainted with the progress of the Americans in Grecian and Latin Critic, could I flatter me Self with a Sufficient number of purchasers, as wel as with an elegant edition—I would favour my Countrymen with his juvenile poëms published first by Barbon—then bÿ Didot—Paris. 1775—and last by P. Elmsly—Strand London—under the title Laur. Santenii carmina juvenilia
Maÿ our civil and religious Liberties—our national prosperity and indepence be preserved unadulterated under your auspicious administration—yet manÿ years, and a thankful Posterity respect the remembrance of your name for these to then perpetuated blessings.
Permit me to assure you, that I am / with the highest Sentiments of respect and consideration / Sir / your obliged and devoted Sert.

Fr. Adr. van derkemp


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 21 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Jan 21st 1799

I nominate Roger Gregory Junior of Virginia to be commissioner of the direct tax &c in the place of Thomas Tinsley who has resigned.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Bryan, 25 January 1799
From: Bryan, John
To: Adams, John

Most Worthy Sir
Hardy County—Virga: Jany: the 25th: 1799

As you are in the Office of President of the U: S: I make bold to Address you (as I look upon you as a father) one of your Children—With the following Petion—which Humbly Sheweth—That yr. Petr: on the 2nd Day of Jany—1777 in the town of Suffolk—Nansemond County Virga—Enlisted for 3 yrs—with Captn. John Gregory of the 15th V: Rt—Light Infantry—Commanded by Colo James Innis—During the sd—term. I was Returned for During the War—which Mistake was occasioned by a Change of Officers—Lieut. Willis Riddick being taken Prisoner at Brandy Wine Battlesoon after Lieut. Thos. Wishart—being a Supernamary—went Home—after Germantown Battle Captn. John Gregory—took a spell of Sickness and went home and Dyed there—I not knowing of being Returned for the War—untill 1779—when at Smiths Clove (—there was a Disturbance about in our Line about such Mistakes.) A Court of Enquiry was Ordered—I Appeal’d to the Court, but not having a Certificate from my Officers—I was Obliged to stand to the last Return—That Spring my Wife came to Camp to me finding it hard to live and Maintain her Children and Intended to stay untill my time was out—for fear I should Enlist again as I had done the like before—the Winter following we was ordered for Charles-Town—S:C: and Marched to Philadelphia—my time being out I Demanded my Discharge—but was told I should not have it which Vex’d me much—as I had fullfild my Contract—and In heat of Passion I said I could go home without it—Thereupon I was Confined—untill we Marched—During my Confinement I sent a Petion to Congress by my Wife—but the Ansr—was I must Apply to my Officers.—I took it to heart, as my Wife wanted to go to her Children—and Resolved to go home at all Events the Day we Marchd from Phila which was in Jany 1780—I was put in the Ranks, and not permitted to take leave of my Wife—but we had agreed where to Meet—I was Guarded to Downingstown, and a deep Snow falling, we stopped there a while—my Guard being taken of—I accordingly went of to my Wife & began the world-anew—upon Nothing save and—Wife and two Children—Times being hard—a Children Increasing I Moved here. In 1792 I understood that Lt—Willis Riddick was a Member of the Assembly—for his County—I thougt—I would—write to him: in order to see if I could Obtain my pay—as I then and do now stand in great need of it—In his Ansr. he told me to come down to him—so in 1793 I went down to him—Almost 400 miles—a long journey to go afoot—he took me to Lewis Best—a Serjt—Of our Company—who made Affidavit that I had Enlisted for 3 yrs—and served the time out—then he the Lt—Took me to Thos—Wishart 2nd Lt.—and they drew a Certificate of my Enlistment and Assigned their names to it,—and Annex’d the Sts—Affidavit to it they then Directed me to Col—Js—Innis Atty. Genl—at Richmond he Assigned it also—I then went to Govr—Henry Lee and he gave me a Letter to a Mr—Davis (I think) then Commisr—for Virga—in Phila—where I was to go to Congress with all the above papers—I then went home to this place—Intending to go to Congress soon after I got homeMr. Joseph Nevill was Elected Member of Congress for our District I applyd to him to take my papers and do my Business for me so in Jany—1794 I goes afoot to Phila—a Journey of near 300 Miles and Mr—Nevill draws up a Petion and gives it with my papers to Congress and they sends them to the Secretary of War Genl—Knox. I waited 3 weeks for his Report to the House but other Business prevented him from Making it—I went to the War Office, myself and the Chief Clerk (I forget his name) looked in the Books and told me my Name was not to be found I asked him for my papers and he would not give them to me but say’d he got them from the House & must return them to the House—So I goes to Mr. Nevill—and tells him my Money was Expended and asked him to Lend me some money to take me home which he did and undertook to get my pay & Land if it was to be had or else bring me my papers so I sets out for home greatly Chagrind at my hard fortune—Mr. Nevill came home in June following I went to him and he tells me (the old Tale) I was not on the Books and he thought it not worth his while to bring my papers—I leave you to Judge how I felt at his Ansr—flattering myself I should get some Land and my pay would enable me to move my family—to it where they might keep me in my old age as I gets Unable to work—But I have had to Scratch along untill this yr. 99—when I have Dreamed many nights—that my pay & land Warrt—was Obtained by the Clerk and the man I confided in—and that was the reason my papers was not fetchd. Therfore Sir I pray you to make Enquiry into the matter and if it be so that I can get it will be so much Consolation to me as it will be a means of Keeping me from being chargeable to the County which will grieve him who has fought for Independancy—Look well into this Affair Sir and yr. Petr. (As in Duty bound) shall every pray
John Bryan—
John Bryan—
P:S: Please to Direct yr. Ansr. to the care of Geo. Homess Esqr. Merct—In Moorfield, Hardy County Virga—for John Bryan—If no pay is to be had please send my papers—


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 25 January 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Department of State Jany. 25. 1799.

The Secretary of State has the honor to inclose a letter received yesterday from Mr. King, our minister in London, dated the 16th of November. Thinking the President might deem it proper to communicate to Congress the decree therein referred to, the Secretary has prepared, and herewith presents, copies of the decree, and extracts respecting it from Mr. King’s letter.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Francis Willis, Jr., 26 January 1799
From: Willis, Francis, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Georgia Jany 26th 1799

Being called upon by Mr John Horton of this Town to communicate my Sentiments of his fitness for the Army of the United States, I take the liberty of addressing You on that Subject, believing it probable that You will think it not improper to be troubled with information in such cases that You may thereby be better enabled to make appointments most likely to be satisfactory to your Excellency and our Country. My sentiments then are that Mr Horton would in all probabillity be a good appointment as a Leiutenant. Mr. Horton is unmaried and twenty seven years of age I have known him several years, he is I beleive an honest man possessed of Address & understanding, sufficient to make him respectable in An Army
I have the Honor to be with real respect and Esteem both as to your public and private Character Your Mo Excellencies Most Obt. and very Humble / Servant

Francs. Willis


Title: To John Adams from Rufus King, 26 January 1799
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,—
					London, 26 January, 1799.

				 Some weeks past, I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 16th of October; the inclosure was immediately forwarded, though, from the obstructions which interrupted the passage to Hamburgh, I fear it was a long time on its way to Berlin.We are still uncertain what is likely to be the situation of Europe during the approaching summer, and on this topic I can only refer to my despatches to Colonel Pickering. It would be

hardly decent to express what I think of the weakness, corruption, and indecision of most of the continental governments. The aristocracies are as unwise and as base as their princes, and if Europe shall be rescued from the barbarism with which philosophy is about to overwhelm it, it will be effected by the moderation and the virtues of the people, who, in Spain, Italy, and throughout Germany, are less guilty, and more meritorious, than their magistrates and rulers. This is a melancholy prospect, and one that may appall, though it ought not to discourage the boldest minds. The firmness, courage, and the resources of England, joined to the docility of the people, and to the wonderful ease with which the laws are adapted to the new and dangerous condition of surrounding circumstances, are the highest eulogium of its constitution, afford a rational hope of ultimate security, and confirm what has been so well proved in the best work that has been written upon the intricate subject of government. Amidst this mighty storm, it is my greatest pleasure, and the source of the most gratifying pride, to mark the increasing attention with which Europe continues to observe and to applaud the able and dignified administration of the American government, which, in its open and manly proceedings towards France, has not only done much for its own security, but more for that of Europe than many portions of it have had the courage to do themselves. This homage is involuntary; for everywhere throughout Europe, strong, though ill-founded, prejudices existed against us and our institutions.

With unfeigned respect and attachment, I am, &c.

					Rufus King.


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

Sir
War Department 27th Jany 1799

The Wolfs–friend, if not the head, one of the most considerable Chiefs of the Chickasaw Nation is now in the City, at the instance and request of Brigadier General Wilkinson, who has intimated to me the expediency of securing his future good will and friendship to the United States by promising him an annual stipend.
It may be proper to observe on this occasion: 1st That there are in the Chickasaw Nation two parties, one strongly attached to the United States, at the head of which are Opiomingo & George Colbert; that the Wolfs–friend has always been considered, as opposed to Opiomingo, and his party and even to be a stipendiary of Spain, from which Court he is said to receive six hundred dollars annually. 2d. That the Chickasaw party friendly to the United States have aided us against the enemy Indians in our latest hostile operations against them under General Wayne. 3. That the Nation is connected with the United States by treaty, conformably to which they are intitled to receive three thousand dollars annually. 4th That there has been no stipend paid to any Individual chief of the party, friendly to the United States, other than his share of the 3000 Dollars paid according to the treaty, and such occasional presents as have been made necessary by particular circumstances. 5th. That the United States and Spain being at peace and the United States not intending to do any thing, on their part, to produce a different state of things, there does not appear any reason sufficiently cogent, why the Wolfs–friend should be more distinguished, than the antient adherents to the United States, especially as the measure might be attended with disagreeable consequences, should it come to their knowledge.
It is submitted therefore, whether it would not be less exceptionable, calculated to lay him under obligations to the United States: to excite in his mind expectations of future further favours; and upon the whole best, to make both him and Colbert, each a present of one hundred dollars, in addition to the presents in articles of dress, which it has been usual to give to Indian Visitors.
It appears by letters from Lt. Colonel Butler and Mr. Walton, late Commissioners for treating with the Cherokee Nation of Indians, which I had the honour to submit, that these Gentlemen engaged to pay the Bloody fellow (a principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation) six hundred dollars, for his services in promoting the conclusion of the treaty, and by a letter from Capt. Butler (annexed), that they did not draw this money from Colonel Henley, Agent of the War Department in Tenessee, as had been first intended; but refered the Bloody–fellow to the Secretary of War, to prevent any knowledge of the transaction transpiring where it might be likely to be interpreted to his disadvantage.
I think it will be proper the engagement of the Commissioners, should be punctually and faithfully complied with; and shall unless it is your pleasure to order otherwise, direct the payment to be made, under the appearance of compensating him for his trouble, as a Commissioner for running the line established by treaty
The Wolfs–frend expects, and solicits an audience of the President at such time as shall be most convenient.
Mr. Israel Chapin, from Canandaigua, is now waiting at the seat of Government to receive for and convey to the Seneka Nation of Indians the Dividends upon the Bank stock, held in the name of the President of the United States for their use agreeably to treaty.
Inclosed is a copy of a letter to Israel Chapin dated the 11th of Octbr. ulto. and another of the same date, to the Chiefs and Sachems of the said Indians, which will serve to shew, what they expected, and what has been promised them.
An authority is necessary from the President to enable some person to draw from the Bank of the United States, as well the dividends which have accrued upon the said Bank Stock, since invested as aforesaid, as the interest upon the original sum agreed by treaty to be so invested from its date to its investment, and a small sum of excess of capital, if shall be deemed expedient to transmit whatever monies are now in Bank belonging to the Seneka Nation, by the hands of Israel Chapin, to be paid by him to the Nation.
The money in Bank which may be sent forward is the Dividend of July 1798 and January 1799—on two hundred and five shares, amounting to 6560 Dollars &’; Cash amounting to 1876 94/100 Dollars.
It strikes me that the most eligible course to give to this business would be for the President to empower the Treasurer, in his character as Treasurer for the Department of War, to receive this money of the Bank, subject to the warrants of the Secretary of War. By this proceedure the warrants and entries in the books will substantiate the whole transaction.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir / Your most ob st

James McHenry


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 28 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives
Jan 28 1799

An edict of the Executive directory of the French republic of the twenty ninth of October 1798, inclosed in a letter from our minister plenipotentiary in London, of the sixteenth of November, is of so much importance, that it cannot be too soon communicated to you & to the public

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 30 January 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
January 30th 1799

I send you for your consideration a treaty with the Oneida nation of Indians made on the first day of June 1798 at their village.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 1 February 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Dept. 1 Feby 1799

Inclosed is a letter intended for General Wilkinson, and draught of a reply to the Chickasaw Chiefs. I did myself the honour to wait upon you with them, but not finding you at home, I beg Gen Wilkinsons letter may be returned if approved, in time to put it into the mail which closes at sun down.
With the greatest respect / I have the honour to be Sir / your most ob. st.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 1 February 1799
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 1st Feby. 1799.

The letter herewith enclosed from Mr Joel Barlow (though of old date) came to my hands only yesterday.—
I have conceived it to be my duty to transmit it to you without delay;—and without a comment;—except that it must have been written with a very good, or a very bad design:—which of the two, you can judge better than I.—For, from the known abilities of that Gentleman, such a letter could not be the result of ignorance in him—nor, from the implications which are to be found in it, has it been written without the privity of the French Directory.—
It is incumbent on me to add, that, I have not been in the habit of corresponding with Mr Barlow.—The letter now forwarded, is the first I ever received from him;—and to him, I have never written one.—
If then, you should be of opinion that his is calculated to bring on Negociation upon open, fair and honorable ground, and merits a reply, and will instruct me as to the tenor of it; I shall, with pleasure and alacrity, obey your Orders;—more especially if there rea is reason to believe that it would become a mean, however small, of restoring Peace and tranquillity to the United States upon just, honorable and dignified terms:—which I am persuaded is the ardent desire of all the friends of this rising Empire.—
With great consideration and respect, I have the honor to be / Dear Sir / Your Most Obedient and / Very Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To John Adams from Caleb Child, 5 February 1799
From: Child, Caleb
To: Adams, John

Most Excellent Sir,
Warren (R.I.) Febry. 5th: 1799:

Pardon the intrusion I am bold to make from a sense of your well know character; and pray receive with candor an Address from a citizen of the United States. In company with this comes a memorial to Congress, praying assistance in consequence of my losses in the late War.—My House, which was almost new, with a Store, and several out Buildings, were demolished by a detachment of the British Army on the 25th:May 1778, on account of there being a deposit for public military stores.—The Store was nearly full of European and West India Goods, which were consumed together with my books of accounts, papers of consequence and clothing.—Bodily infirmities abundant on old age, deprives me of the most distant prospect of regaining property which was lost by the event. Notwithstanding my submission to the awards of Providence, I am induced to petition relief from Congress, & doubt not a favorable reception.—Your Excellency’s influence I beg leave to solicit,—and would beg leave to refer your Excellency, for further information, to the Honorable Mr. Rogers, D. D. and The Honorable Theodore Foster Esqr. of the Senate, and to the Honl. Stephen Bullock, and Christopher G. Champlin, Esqr. of the House of Representatives, in the Congress of the United States.—Assured of their patronage, your Excellency’s generous sentiments and the singular distresses to which I am reduced, I rest in confidence of that attention to my memorial that it justly merits.
And am, with Esteem, / Yr. Excy’s: Humble Servant,
Caleb Child
Warren, Feby. 5th: 1799
To His Excellency The President of the United States, The Honl: The Senate, and The Honl: The House of Representatives—In Congress assembled; A.D. 1799—
Respectfully sheweth—
Caleb Child, of Warren, in County of Bristol, and State of Rhode Island, Shipwright;—That, on the twenty-fifth day of May, A.D. 1778, your memorialist was in possession, in his own right, of a Dwelling House, Store, and several other out Buildings, in said town of Warren—By the incursions of a detachment of the British army from Rhode Island, his said Buildings, being the deposit of public military stores, were designated to the flames. In the conflagration, all the books of accounts, papers of consequence, cloathing, and other personal property, belonging to your memorialist, were consumed:—And your memorialist, at once, stripped of every comfortable prospect in life:—And that in his old age, surrouned by a family of helpless children, who depend on him for shelter and support.
Revolving time but heightens the aggravation of his distress; and, in the midst of afflicted sensations, he begs leave to present this Address to Congress, and most humbly supplicates the extention of that benevolence towards him that his singular situation in life requires presents. His present old age, accompanies with bodily infimities, works up a necessity hitherto unknown.—He now solicits the Public aid, and respectfully intreats the clemency of Congress—, that they would, from the Public Treasury, afford that relief, to an individual citizen, of the United States, which he is induced to suppose will be consistent with a benevolent Public to a suffering individual.—And he, your memorialist, as in duty bound, will every pray.

Caleb Child


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 6 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Feb 6th 1799.

In consequence of intimations from the court of Russia to our minister plenipotentiary, at the court of Great Britain, of the desire of that power to have a treaty of amity and commerce with the United States, and that the negociation might be conducted in London.
I nominate Rufus King, our minister plenipotentiary at the court of Great Britain, to be a minister plenipotentiary, for the special purpose of negotiating with any minister of equal rank and powers, a treaty of amity and commerce, between the United States and the emperor of all the Russias.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 6 February 1799
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Cincinnati 6th. febry. 1799

I have this day transmitted to the Secretary of State, to be laid before you, a Certificate of the nomination of ten persons whom they have nominated for the legislative Council, conformably to the Ordinance of Congress for the Government of the this Territory, five of whom are to receive your Commission. It does not appear by what rule they have been inserted in the certificate, that is, whether those who had the most voices, or that were first voted for, are placed first. I have taken the liberty to place them below geographically, beginning with the most eastern, and to annex the Counties in which they respectively reside.
David Vance.—Jefferson CountyHenry Vandeburgh.—KnoxRobert Oliver.—WashingtonWilliam St. Clair.—St. ClairWilliam Patton.—RossJoseph Darlington.—AdamsJacob Burnet}HamiltonJames FindleyArthur St. Clair JuniorRichard Allison

I am personally accquainted with all them except Patton and Darlington, who have not been very long in the Country and migrated from Virginia, but are men of good Character, indeed all of them are unexceptionable altho’ some of them are no doubt better qualified for such a station than others. Mr. Vance is a respectable Man of good understanding, as is Mr. Oliver—Mr. Burnet and Mr. St. Clair are two young Gentlemen of the Bar, and of handsome abilities, Mr. Findley is in trade and Mr. Allison is a Physician; Mr. Vandeburgh has been in trade, and Mr. William St. Clair is now, He was formerly a resident at Detroit, and was obliged to leave it, for refusing to serve in the militia to aid the savages against this part of the Country, and threw himself on my protection and has been settled at Cahokia about nine years. The population of the Counties of Randolph, St. Clair Ross and Wayne may be about equal to the County of Hamilton, and the four Counties that ly above it—may something exceed it. I thought it would not be improper to give you, Sir, this kind of information.
With great respect I have the honor to be / Sir, / Your obedient Servant

Ar. St. ClairBe pleased to excuse this scrawl. I have the Gout in my hand so ill that I cannot write without much pain.


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 February 1799
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Department 7 Febry. 1799

I have the honour to submit 1 a speech to the Bloody fellow 2 a speech to the Wolf friend. 3 a speech to George Colbert with the papers to which they relate. I shall take the liberty to call upon you in the morning for them and your commands respecting them
With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir / Your ob & hble St

James McHenry


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 8 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Feb 8th 1799

I nominate William Smith our minister plenipotentiary to the court of Portugal to be envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to
The Sublime Ottoman Porte
with full powers to negotiate a treaty of Amity & commerce between the United States of America & the dominions and Dependencies of the Sublime Porte

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Mary Pryor, 8 February 1799
From: Pryor, Mary
To: Adams, John

Philadelphia 8 of 2 mo. 1799

Respected FriendNo. 72 So. Second Street

Having been near twelve months in this Land on a Religious Visit to the society of called Quakers of wch: I am a member and expecting to embark in a few days to Return to England my Native Land. Tho personally unknown to thee yet have felt secret and humble petitions to the Father of Mercies the God of all Grace that it might please Him who dwells on high in comparison of whose Power all Nations are but as the drop of a Bucket or the small dust of the Ballance who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords in the Riches of his Mercy to Bless and preserve the President.
May thou be so enriched wth that wisdom wch: is profitable to direct in all things, as to fill thy great and important station to his Honour endeavouring as far as may be in thy power to suppress every specie of Vice and immorality and that thou may by thy example be instrumental in the Lords hand to promote Righteousness wch exalts a nation.
My heart is humbled while I am writing wth: fresh breathings on thy Account who are placed as a Guardian to the People desiring that through Obedience to the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ the Savour of Men thou may finally receive the answer of well done and thy eternal alotment be in the Relms of Light.
With affectionate desires for thy welfare every way wth that of thy Belovd Consort bid you farewel

Mary Pryor


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 9 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Phyladelphia Feb. 9 1799

I nominate the following List of Officers for the Army

Lieutenant ColonelTimothy Taylor   ConnecticutMajorsJohn RipleyConnecticut
Jabez Huntington   Connecticut

CaptainsJohn BenjaminConnecticut.John MeigsdittoElihu SandforddittoStephen RanneydittoSamuel BlakesleedittoAmherst Phelps Jonathan Root    ConnecticutJohn BulforddittoAsa Copeland   dittoWilliam Young JundittoColeby Chewditto
LieutenantsSamuel Waugh  ConnecticutLemuel HarrisondittoBennet BronsondittoReuben HurddittoTrueman MoselydittoJohn Knox   ConnecticutWilliam W CheneydittoLodowick GallupdittoJohn EellsdittoWaters Clarkditto
EnsignsSalmon Clark   Connecticut.Peter N. Brinsmade  dittoTrueman Hinman  ditto
Walter SmithdittoJoseph A. WellsdittoJames GordonConnecticutEbenezer LearneddittoPeter RichardsdittoRobert HosmerdittoSolomon Allenditto
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 10 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Feb 10th 1799

I transmit to you a document which seems to be intended to be a compliance with a condition mentioned at the conclusion of my message to congress of the twenty first of June last.
Always disposed and ready to embrace every plausible appearance of probability of preserving or restoring tranquility
I nominate William Vans Murray our minister President at the Hague to be minister plenipotentiary of the United States to the French Republic.
If the Senate shall advize & consent to his appointment, effectual care shall be taken in his Instructions that he shall not go to France without direct and unequivocal assurances from the French government signified by their Minister of Foreign Relations that he shall be received in character— shall enjoy the priviledges attached to his character by the law of nations and that a minister of equal rank title and powers shall be appointed to treat with him—to discuss and conclude all controversies between the two Republicks by a new treaty.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 11 February 1799
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Cambridge 11th Feby 1799

Agreably to your opinion, advice, & request, of the 15th of december, any one of which was sure on my part of a ready compliance, I have waited for your communications to Congress, and candidly confess, that some parts of them have given me extreme pain. They commence with a letter of instructions to me of the 25th of June, which I never saw or heard of, untill it appeared in the Centinel; & they conclude with Mr Pickering’s report, containing strictures on my conduct, which are, & I am persuaded will finally appear to you, unfounded. I propose to point out to You, Sir, the defects of the report, in regard to myself; relying on you, to adopt such a mode as you may judge proper, to do me justice.
Whatever might have been my conduct, in this thorny embassy, the danger of my being a sacrifice to it was inevitable. on this subject, I expressed some apprehensions to you, previously to my embarkation for Europe: & after having endeavoured, at every hazard, to promote the welfare of my Country, it is a hard case, to be deprived, by unfounded public prejudices, of any degree of that private tranquility & happiness, which I quitted to assist in the establishment of peace. but, Zealous as I have been, impelled by a sense of duty, to prevent a war, my Country, I trust, has had sufficient experience of me to know, that in case of that calamity, I shall be amongst the last, to sue for peace.
Since my letter of the 29th of december, I have been much indisposed, not having recovered from the shock of a fever, which I had on my outward passage.
I had the pleasure with President Willard of paying my respects about a fortnight past to your Lady, & was agreably surprized to find her health reinstated.
I have the honor to remain, Dear Sir, with perfect respect & attachment, your excellency’s / most obedt, & very huml sert
E. Gerry


Title: To John Adams from Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 11 February 1799
From: Murray, Judith Sargent Stevens
To: Adams, John

Boston Franklin Place February 11th 1799

J. Sargent Murray, approaches the President of the United States, with every possible sentiment of esteem, and veneration. She endeavours to form an adequate idea, of the distance between the Father of a great Nation, and an obscure individual. Yet, considering herself a member of that Community, over the interests of which, an illustrious, and a philanthropic Chief, presides, she has presumed to petition, and again requests to be instructed, whether it is probable a situation may offer for the friend already introduced, and whose advancement, it is confidently asserted, would be intimately connected with the public good.
Mrs. M—— cherishes no wish to encroach upon those hours, which are so invariably, and usefully appropriated. She indulges not the expectation of a formal answer to her application. The single monosyllable yes, or no, will serve her hopes, or release her from that suspense which is always unpleasant.
Mrs M. takes leave to offer her congratulations, upon the preservation of that life, which is so incalculably precious to the President, and in which every Lover of talents, and of virtue, takes so large a share: she devoutly prays that every domestic blessing, and all attainable celebrity, may gild, and crown the important career, of that august personage, on whose integrity, and firmness, is rested national stability, national honour, and, by consequence, the salvation of the People.


Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 15 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Congress

15 February, 1799.

Message to the House of Representatives; Respecting the suspension of a French decree
In pursuance of the request in your resolve of yesterday, I lay before you such information as I have received, touching a suspension of the arrêt of the French republic communicated to your house by my message of the 28th of January last. But if the execution of that arrêt be suspended, or even if it were repealed, it should be remembered that the arrêt of the executive directory of the 2d of March, 1797, remains in force, the third article of which subjects, explicitly and exclusively, American seamen to be treated as pirates, if found on board ships of the enemies of France.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 16 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Feb. 16. 1799

I nominate Edward Stevens of Phyladelphia to be Consul General of the United States in the Island of St Domingo.


Title: To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 18 February 1799
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
Head Quarters Western Army Loftus Heights on the Mississippi Feby. 18th 1799

Ensign Peyton of the 1st. Regiment: will have the Honor to present this to you; ill Health obliges Him to retire from this Climate, more dangerous to us, than the swords of our neighbours.—
A desire to be made known to you Sir, as natural as it is commendable, imboldons me to indulge Mr. Peytons request. By the medium of this note, and the assurance, that this Young officer is valuable in his Grade, & bids fair to become an Ornament to His profission.—With great veneration and respect, I have the Honor to be your grateful & faithful Soldier & Servant

Ja: Wilkinson


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 19 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
Feb. 19. 1799

I nominate Richard Derby of Massachusetts to be a Captain in the Navy

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to George Washington, 19 February 1799
From: Adams, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Phyladelphia Feb. 19. 1799

Although I received the Honor of your Letter of the first of this month in its Season, I determined to postpone my Answer to it, till I had deliberated, on it, and the Letter from Barlow inclosed in it, as well as a multitude of other Letters and Documents official and unofficial, which relate to the Same Subject, and determined what Part to act.
I Yesterday determined to nominate Mr. Murray to be Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Republic. This I ventured to do upon the Strength of a Letter from Talleyrand himself giving declarations in the Name of Government that any Minister Plenitentiary from the United States shall be received according to the Condition at the close of my Message to Congress of the 21 of June last. As there may be some Reserves for Chicane, however, Murray is not to remove from his station at the Hague untill he shall have received formal assurances that he shall be received and treated in Character
Barlows Letter, had I assure you very little Weight in determining me to this measure. I shall make few Observations on it. But in my opinion it is not often that We meet with a Composition which betrays so many and so unequivocal Symptoms of blackness of heart. The Wretch has destroyed his own Character to such a degree, that I think it would be derogatory to yours, to give any answer at all to his Letter. Tom Paine is not a more worthless fellow. The infamous Threat, which he has debased himself to transmit to his Country, to intimidate you and your Country, that certain Conduct “will be followed by War, and that it will be a War of the most terrible and vindictive Kind” ought to be answered by a Mohawk. If I had an Indian Chief that I could converse with freely I would ask him what answer he would give to such a Gasconade? I fancy He would answer that he would if they began their Cruelties, cutt up every frenchman joint by joint, roast him by a slow fire, pinch of his flesh with hot Pincers &c &c &c— I blush to think that such Ideas Should be started in this Age.
Tranquility upon just and honourable terms are is undoubtedly the Ardent desire of the Friends of this Country: and I wish the babyish and womanly blubbering for Peace may not necessitate the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty that will not be just nor very honourable. I dont intend however that they shall.— There is not much sincerity in the Cant about Peace—Those who snivell for it now were hot for War against Britain a few Months ago: and would be now if they saw a Chance.—In Elective Governments Peace or War, are alike embraced by Parties when they think they can employ either for Electioneering Purposes. With great Respect and Regard to /you and your good Lady, and Yet Miss Custis / I have the honor to be, sir, your most / obedient servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Cosens Ogden, 20 February 1799
From: Ogden, John Cosens
To: Adams, John

Sir
Litchfield Goal Feby 20th 1799

I send a news-paper printed and handed into the prison house, this morning.
Two or three days after I entered this place, I gave through the hands of Mr Brinsmade, a lawyer, federalist, and son of a Congregational minister in Washington, in this State, to the printer, a written statement of the injury done to Madam Wooster, lately in the State of New York, as to General Wooster’s military lands.
In compliance with the request of some reputable church men, I also gave a statement of the injuries done to the clergy in Vermont.
Both these are passed by, and humanity and justice to the venerable widow and injured clergy are put by, to give place for humility, upon virtuous republicans in Congress and upon me.
I thought it to be my duty to give you, this specimen, of the freedom of the press, and the privilege of asserting the cause of the widow and ministers of religion, as another proof of the liberty we enjoy under our excellent constitution
I am Sir / With great respect / Your devoted Servant

John C. Ogden


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 20 February 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Feby. 20. 1799.

I have the honor to inclose the opinions of the Heads of Departments and Attorney General, on the question of permitting a present supply of some very necessary articles of cloathing and provisions to be sent to St. Domingo. The value of the whole supply has been contemplated to rise to about fifty thousand dollars.
I have the honor to be / with great respect / sir your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 20 February 1799
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philadelphia Feby. 20. 1799.

Having been more than the other gentlemen in the way of receiving information of the real Situation of Genl. Touissaint, and this appearing to be a distressed one, from the want of pay, cloathing and provisions for his troops, who thence began to be uneasy; and as this uneasiness unassuaged by any relief might endanger his authority and the peace of the Island of St. Domingo; I felt solicitous by some means compatible with the law, to throw in a partial supply, which would enable the General to comfort and relieve the most distressed, and be a visible evidence and earnest of further & full supplies when his total suppression of privateering should enable the President of the U. States to open the trade to the Island. Without this immediate supply, and proof to the sense, of the uninformed blacks—I considered a main object of the law,—the securing of a full commerce with St. Domingo—to be put in jeopardy. In this point of view, and as calculated to dispose Touissaint immediately to put down privateering, I considered it as a political measure, necessary to ensure an important commercial intercourse—“a mine of gold,” as Genl. Smith called it. To delay relief in this moderate degree might render the blacks impatient & unbelieving; especially as Touissaint must for some time past have been feeding them with promises. Greater distress may compel them to continue, or so far as it has been laid aside, to renew privateering in the hope of procuring some necessary supplies. To enable Touissaint & the Blacks to give satisfactory evidence of their future good behaviour, the former must possess the means—these are pay, cloathing and food, without which the ablest commander cannot restrain his people from aggression.
If a great national object is to be attained and a verbal message or a naked letter would probably fail of procuring it; and essential supplies to be sold, as in the present case, or presents to be given, as in Barbary, would authorize a well founded expectation of success—the supplies or presents, and for that end permission to transport them, would I conceive be as truly employing a vessel “solely for the purpose of political & national intercourse,” as if the vessel bore nothing but the person charged with the verbal message or letter.
If the principle of sending any supplies be admitted, the mode of sending them to obviate what may be called the mercantile objections of the Attorney General may be further considered. Mr. Fitzsimons whom I consulted was so far from objecting to the “governmental participation in matters of commerce” that he preferred an arrangement in this case which would give the whole profit to the United States.
These remarks are respectfully submitted by, Sir, your most obt. servant

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from New Jersey Legislature, 20 February 1799
From: New Jersey Legislature
To: Adams, John

Sir,
House of Assembly February 20th. 1799

At a time like this, when our rights are invaded by a foreign nation, and our property unjustly taken away; when our ministers of reconciliation are treated with contumely and rejected with disdain; when the fate of conquered republics is presented to our view, to terrify us into submission, and that too, through the instrumentality of our own citizens; at a time like this, Sir, when weak men despond, and wicked men forsake their country, the Legislative council and General assembly of the State of New Jersey, think it their duty to express to you their entire confidence in the administration of the General Government, and their fullest determination to maintain and support it.
While we have strictly pursued the duties of neutrality, they have plundered our citizens on the high seas; they have seized and condemned our defenceless trading vessels; they have interdicted our commerce on pains of forfeiture. Under these injuries; we have remonstrated and reclaimed our right, but we have remonstrated and reclaimed in vain.
When we sent an ambassador with full powers to negotiate, and if we had offended to make satisfaction, they refused to hear him; when we bore with patience this wanton insult, and again sent three of our most distinguished citizens as envoys extraordinary, with still more explicit, and, if possible, more ample powers they did worse; they not only refused to hear them, but actually claimed the right of Selecting for themselves the man with whom they would negotiate. When we refused tamely to submit to such treatment, and continued to assert our rights, they pointed to their conquered provinces, groaning under the weight of their exactions, and told us our fate: nay, they even presumed to found their hopes of conquest here, on claims of interest in the American mind, superior to that which its own government had attained.
In a situation like this, when we had exhausted in vain all the means of conciliating the friendship of that nation, what less could be done consistently with our own honor, and our own safety, than to declare that treaty no longer obligatory on our part, which they, on theirs had openly violated, and professedly set at nought; than to abandon all further attempts at negotiation, and prohibit a friendly intercourse with those who had abused our friendship; than to draw forth the resources of the republic, in making preparations for defensive war.
Nor, while we feel the injuries of one nation, are we insensible to those of another. When we would  protect ourselves against the ravages of France, one of our ships of war has been attacked on the high seas by the English, with a superior force, and her men unjustly taken from her. Tho’ we confidently hope, that such an outrage against the law of nations, and such an infraction of our recent treaty will not be justified by that nation, yet we feel a noble pride in the firmness and decision of our Executive, when he gives peremptory orders to the commanders in our navy, never to yield their men, while they can maintain their ships.
Sensible of the blessings of Liberty, we rejoice, that we have in our Chief Magistrate, a man, who in times like these, dare to speak the sentiments of every true American, and at least claim to be free. The first to propose the independence of our country, always engaged in directing her councils, and making her interest the business of your life, we repose with confidence, Sir, on your wisdom and integrity aided and supported by the energy of the American people, to conduct her in this alarming crisis of her affairs, and to lead her to prosperity and peace.
That the fine spun Philosophy of some visionary men, and the over-weening ambition of others, disappointed in the pursuit of honors and offices, for which they were never fit, should array them against the government; that this band should aggregate to themselves many discontented foreigners, who can be happy under no laws, and even many honest emigrants, who being strangers in our land, are also strangers to that amor patriæ, which warms every true American bosom; and that these, in a day of difficulty, should oppose themselves to our public measures, is neither a subject of wonder, nor a cause of dismay.
Misrepresentation, and falsehood, may for a time lead even honest men astray. In these, as if they were the peculiar weapons of their warfare, the enemies of our country cannot bear restraint. But however restless they may feel, and however hard they may struggle, we rest assured that the force of Truth is great, and must at length prevail.
Representatives of a people, warmly attached to the constitution and the laws of their country, we may venture to say that the sentiments which we express are the sentiments of our constituents. Accustomed to order, and duly appreciating the blessings of good government, they will be the last to oppose, but we humbly presume, not the last to protect and defend them.
Accept, Sir, our sincerest wishes for your health and happiness; and be assured when we thus present them, we are actuated not soley by the respect and esteem, which we have for your person and character, but also by the love which we have for our country, and for the whole human race.
Signed in and by order of the House

William Coxe junr SpeakerCouncil chamber, February 20th. 1799.
Signed in and by order of Council.
Rd: Howell. PresidentCouncil-Chamber February 20th: 1799.
		Resolved,
That the Governor of this State be requested to transmit the foregoing address, to the Senators and Representatives of this State in the congress of the United States, to be by them delivered to the President, when he shall be pleased to receive the same.
Passed

John Beatty Secy.House of Assembly February 20th 1799
Passed

Maskell Ewing,Clerk.


Title: To John Adams from Leblanc, 20 February 1799
From: Leblanc
To: Adams, John

					Monsieur
					a Philadelphie ce 20 fevrier 1799. (2 ventose an 7. de la republique francaise.)

				J’ai eu l’honneur de me Presenter Le Lendemain de mon arrivée Ches le Ministre de la marine, ou je fus conduit Par le Capitaine Bainbridge. je lui remis à Sa requisition, les Paquets dont j’étois chargé Par le General Desfourneaux, agent Particulier du Directoire Executif a la Guadeloupe, Pour le President des états unis, & que j’imaginois devoir être remis en vos mains Pour lui Parvenir. Sur le desir que je témoignois de lui être Présenté, on me répondit que cela etoit assés inutile. Permettes moi S’il n’y a aucune raison qui S’y oppose, de reclamer de vous le même avantage dont a joui l’envoyé du general Toussaint, qui n’agit que Comme Simple Commandant d’une Partie de st. Domingue, & non pas comme agent du directoire executif.Voulés vous bien me faire la grace de me faire Scavoir Par un mot de réponse à qui je dois m’adresser pour cet effet, & qu’elle Serait l’heure la plus convenable?J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec la plus Parfaitte consideration / Monsieur / Votre trés humble & / trés obeissant Serviteur

					Regis Leblanc
envoyé du General Desfourneauxagent Particulier du DirectoireExécutif à la Guadeloupe.