Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 6 July 1797
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States June 6.  July 1797

I nominate William Smith of Charleston South Carolina to be Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Portugal vice John Quincy Adams removed to the Court of Berlin
Thomas Bulkely to be Consul General in Portugal vice Edward Church Superseded.
Richard O’brian to be Consul of the United States, to the Dey and Regency of Algiers
Charles Hall of Pensilvania to be an Agent for the United States under the Law of the present Session of Congress, in relation to the sixth Article of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation between the United States and Great Britain.

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Eaton, 10 July 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Eaton, William

John Adams President of the United States of America.To all who shall see these Presents—Greeting.
Philadelphia, 10 July 1797

Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Abilities and Integrity of William Eaton a Citizen of the United States, I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate do appoint him Consul of the United States of America for the City and Kingdon of Tunis, and do authorize and empower him to have and to hold the said office according to Law, and to exercise and enjoy all the Rights,  Pre-eminences, Privileges and Authorities to the same of right appertaining during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being: And I do hereby enjoin all Captains, Masters, and Commanders of Ships and other vessels armed or unarmed, sailing under the flag of the said United States as well as all other of their Citizens to acknowledge and consider him the said William Eaton accordingly: And I do hereby pray and request The most Excellent and Illustrious Lord, the Bey and Supreme Commander of the State of Tunis to permit the said William Eaton fully and peaceably to enjoy and exercise the said Office without giving or suffering to be given unto him any molestation or trouble, but on the contrary to afford him all proper countenance and assistance. In Testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be made patent and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand at the City of Philadelphia the Tenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twenty second.
John AdamsBy the President of the United StatesTimothy Pickering,Secretary of State


Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 10 July 1797
From: Adams, John
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate.
United States. July 10th. 1797.

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

Dragoons.Stephen G. SimmonsLieutenantvice Slough resignedCharles WarfieldCornetvice Ball promotedWilliam Tharpdittovice McDermot promoted.First Regiment of Infantry.William H. HarrisonCaptainvice Kingsburypromoted 15. May 1797Nicholas RosencrantzLieutenantvice HarrisondittoJohn Alexander DavidsonEnsignvice NicholasdeceasedLemuel Lanedittovice RosencrantzpromotedSecond Regiment of Infantry.Jacob KingsburyMajorvice Shaylor resigned. 15. May 1797Benjamin RandLeiutenantvice Lee resigned 10 MarchPeter P. SchuylerEnsignvice Faulkner declinedJohn Whippledittovice Martin promoted.John Vischer Glendittovice Rand promoted.Third Regiment of Infantry.William R BooteEnsignvice Bodley resignedSamuel Parmeledittovice Sterling ditto.Fourth Regiment of Infantry.Benjamin LockwoodCaptainvice EatonJohn WallingtonLieutenant,vice Strother resigned 1. June 1797.Francis Johnstondittovice Lockwood promoted.Samuel CrutchfieldEnsignvice Dold resignedJohn Campbelldittovice Wallington promoted.Richard Campbelldittovice Johnstonditto

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 10 July 1797
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir
Cambridge 10th July 1797

It was always my sincere intention, but you have made it my indispensible duty, to support your administration. a good disposition is requisite, & so is ability. diplomatic politics I am not much versed in, & my inexperience will demand assiduity. If I should err then, you must not impute it to the want of attachment; for in such a case I would certainly retire: conceiving as I do, that the members cannot militate against the head, either in the natural or political body, without a deranged & disorder’d state. I shall therefore rely on your candor & goodness, for a fair opportunity of removing every impression, which in this age of intrigue & illiberality, might be attempted, to sap the foundation of your confidence in me. I do not know that the attempt will be made, but must expect my share of political persecution—the time presses, & ought not to elapse, for gaining a quick passage: in addition to which, an early meeting of the envoys, may be advantageous on account of the opening of the negotiations at Berne. unless therefore General Marshal should be able to delay his embarkation untill my arrival at the port of it, I shall be deprived of the honor and pleasure of paying my personal respects to you, & of the great benefit which I promise myself by an interveiw. Should this be the case I shall regret it exceedingly, and flatter myself with hopes of a full communication of your sentiments on the important objects of the mission. I am perculiarly unfortunate in having my eyes at this time, much inflamed & weak, & can only add an assurance, that I remain My dear Sir—With the most perfect respect / & attachment, your / sincere & very hum / sert
E Gerry


Title: To John Adams from Lewis Mengher O’Brien, 13 July 1797
From: O’Brien, Lewis Mengher
To: Adams, John

Sir
Santander 13. July 1797—

I crave your permission for to offer You this mark of my respect, which, at once displays my confidence, and congratulates your Excellency on being chosen President of the American Congress.—Who ever is acquainted with your vigorous, and efficacious exertions in the Support of your Country, during its hard struggle for Independence, must applaud the choice, and still admire in your invariable system, the same warm energetic desire to promote the extending wellfare, & rising grandeur of the confederate States.
Posessed of this opinion, and with the best Intention, I beg leave to offer, under the sanction of your Patronage, to the American Academy of Arts, and Sciences, and of which, Your Excellency is President, a small Case, containing a Maritime Atlas of the North, and South Coast of this Kingdom, in two Books, with 3 others describing all its Ports, and Inlets, which, as being the latest, and most correct Survey, yet known of this Peninsula, and executed by one of the ablest officers in the Spanish Navy,—I am flattered with the pleasing hope, that this work, may be rendered very useful for the general benefit of the Commerce, and Navigation of that happy Country, to whose liberal constitution innumerable of my distressed Country men recur, for an easy subsistance, and the rights of Citizens, hitherto unluckily refused to them on their native soil.  Permit me Sir, to hand you the inclos’d from Your friend, & mine, Mr. Jardine—and to recommend to your notice, and protection, the Idea he conveys, of naming Chief Consul for the U.S. in the North of Spain, that is, from St. Sebastians to Cape Finnisterre.—the late American Ministers, who have resided at Madrid—the Honble. Wm. Short, & Thomas Pinckney Esqrs. as well as the present Charge de affairs—Charles Rutledge Esqr—have in their power to give your Excellency the most favorable Information of my zeal, & of the Services which I have rendered in this district to many of the Trading Citizens of the U.S. in opposition to the illegal proceedings of people in this Country.—and to evince the truth of this Assertion, I shall by a future occasion transmit to your Excellency Copies of some of said Gentlemen’s Letters.
In the mean while, I remain with most profound respect. / Sir / Your Excellency’s / most hume. & devoted Servt.

Lewis Meagher o’Brien.per Captn. Nathaniel Spooner of Plymouth—Massachusetts—N.A.


Title: From John Adams to Wilhem Willink, 14 July 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan

Gentlemen
Philadelphia July 14. 1797.

I embrace the opportunity by General Marshall one of our Envoys Extraordinary to France to acknowledge the receipt of your kind Letter of the 31st. March.
For your kind congratulations on my Election to a new office: and for your friendly wishes for my Success in it I most heartily thank you.
Permit me to reciprocate your obliging wishes for the prosperity of our Country , the prosperity of yours is not less interesting to me, and if all men were as Sincere as we are, our Countries and all others I beleive would Very Soon be happy: but a menacing Cloud Still lowers over Mankind. With great regard I have the Honor to be Gentlemen / Your Most Obedient & Very humble Sert.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 14 July 1797
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir
Cambridge 14th July 1797

I am honored by your letters of the 7th and 8th instant. The satisfaction which you are pleased to express at my acceptance of the mission, is the most flattering circumstance of my political concerns.
I have taken passage in the ship Union for Rotterdam, & expect to sail in ten days; having notified Mr Pinckney by two vessels which are to sail this day & tomorrow, of this circumstance, & of General Marshals intention to sail this week.
The great points of the embassy will engage my attention, and I flatter myself, we shall not differ on them, or even on the non essentials: or differing, that we shall be convinced of the necessity of accomodating to a unanimity—I have procured the best writings for & against the treaty, but cannot obtain the debates of the house, except on the constitutionality of it—the national faith & honor of the Government Rule shall never be sacrificed by me, intentionally, be the consequences what they may; but consistently with these, every effort shall be made on my part to an accomodation. I have not the least apprehension that “honor, virtue, or essentials” will be in danger by the conduct of my Colleagues: & I consider “delecacy & decorrum” as it respects them, & those with whom we may negotiate, as indispensible. an inattention to these points, frequently involves war & the most serious consequences.
I will endeavour, Sir, to be well acquainted with the House you recommend at Amsterdam: & to investigate fully, the rise & progress of the speculatory  system to which you refer.
I think it impossible for a jealousy to be excited in my mind against either of my collegues. one I consider as my friend. the character of the other I am well acquainted with, by an interview at my house, with two Gentlemen of his particular acquaintance. numerous applications have been made to me for the office of private secretary, from persons here, & from the friends of some in Europe: & amongst others, from a young french gentleman. but I shall make no appointment till I can see my Collegues; & shall then propose that the private secretaries shall be appointed by the legation, & that there shall be no more than are indispensibly necessary; for without precaution, I foresee, that the secrets of the legation, will be subject to surreptition.
I thank you, Sir, for your hint respecting economy. I am informed, that the extravagant demands in Europe, require not extravagant dispositions to encourage them. simplicity of manners is the only plan for the Envoys. their attention will be sufficiently interrupted without shew or dissipation. I am determined not to be diverted from the important objects of the mission, by Etiquette, solicitations, pretexts, or projects. when the business is finished, if it should be too late to embark for America, I shall with pleasure employ myself, till the proper season for returning, in obtaining such information, & from such parts of Europe, as may be useful to the supreme executive of the U States. being in great Haste, I have only time my dear Sir to repeat my assurances of the most sincere attachment & perfect respect, & that I remain your most / obedt Sert
E Gerry


Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 17 July 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Gerry, Elbridge

Dear Sir
Philadelphia July 17. 1797

I have this moment your Letter of the 10th. That Man must have more Skill in Intrigue than any that I have been acquainted with who can Sap the foundation of the Confidence I have in Mr Gerry....No Such Attempt has been made. All have confessed to me your honour and Integrity—Some have expressed doubts of your orthodoxy in the Science of Government—others have expressed fears, of an unaccommodating disposition and others of an Obstinacy that will risque great Things to secure Small ones.—Some have observed that there is at present a happy and perfect harmony among all our Ministers abroad, and have expressed apprehensions of danger that your appointment might occasion an interruption of it.—Butt all those Insinuations made no Impression upon me.—Since your Appointment all have acquiesced, and there has never been a Word lisped in Conversation or in Writing against it. Not one Appointment I have yet made has given better Satisfaction. It is of great Importance, that harmony Should be preserved among all our Ministers abroad: and I am determined that no Randolph Appointment Shall be made by me.—I sincerely wish Peace and Friendship with the French: but while they countenance none but Ennemies of our Constitution and Administration: and vilify every friend of either; Self defence as well as Fidelity to the Public will compell me, to have a Care what appointments I make.
General Marshall took Leave of me last night and Sails to day, in The Grace Captain Willis for Amsterdam. He is a plain Man, very Sensible, cautious, guarded, learned in the Law of Nations—I think you will be pleased with him.—You will arrive in Amsterdam as soon or Sooner than he will. The Sec. of State will send you all the Documents you may want.
I am, dear sir with best Wishes for your pleasant Voyage, Successful Negotiation and glorious return, your friend

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 17 July 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State July 17. 1797.

Judge Sullivan has sent me the inclosed copy of a letter he wrote to Governor Jay, requesting him to give his testimony personally to the board of Commissioners to sit at Boston the 1& of August on the St. Croix Boundary. He (Judge Sullivan) conceives your personal testimony alike necessary. But the Commissioners can never think of declaring your presence, or Govr. Jay’s, indispensable, seeing the business and duties of your public offices may absolutely forbid your absence from your seats of Government. If however you can make your wished for visit to Boston coincide with the sitting of the Commissioners, your personal information may be more full and satisfactory than any deposition.
Mr. Sullivan says you can give me the names of several gentlemen in or near Philadelphia whose testimonies may be important; & he desires measures may be taken to procure their attendance.
With great respect, I am / Sir your most obt. servt.

T. Pickering


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 July 1797
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

War Office 18 July 1797

The President is requested to return the inclosed letter &c after having perused it to the Secy. of War.
Israel Chapin is agent for Indian Affairs.
With great respect I have the honor to be Sir / Your most obt.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 July 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

July 18. 1797

The Secretary of State incloses the rough draught of the Instructions to Mr. Adams and a sketch of additional instructions which if approved by the President may be forwarded to-day with the former to Mr. Gerry’s care. An express is engaged to go in the mail stage this day to Cambridge. The Secretary will call presently to take the President’s orders.


Title: To John Adams from James Greenleaf, 19 July 1797
From: Greenleaf, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
No 8 Nth. 8 Short. July 19. 1797

It was intimated to me the last evening that You had expressed an intention of making a change in the present imperfect system of administration in regard to the federal City—if such is your intention, & you have no one in view whom you may deem more capable than myself, I would with pleasure undertake the guidance of that difficult & important trust; and hope I may not incur the charge of presumption, in saying, that I should do it in the conviction of conducting it with usefullneSs & satisfaction to my Country—
I have the honor to be / Sir / Your respectfully devoted / & obedient Servant

James Greenleaf


Title: Proclamation, 22 July 1797
From: Adams, John
To:

					July 22, 1797

Whereas an act of the Congress of the United States was passed on the 9th day of February, 1793, entitled “An act regulating foreign coins, and for other purposes,” in which it was enacted “that foreign gold and silver coins shall pass current as money within the United States and be a legal tender for the payment of all debts and demands” at the several and respective rates therein stated; and that “at the expiration of three years next ensuing the time when the coinage of gold and silver agreeably to the act intituled “An act establishing a mint and regulating the coins of the United States” shall commence at the Mint of the United States (which time shall be announced by the proclamation of the President of the United States), all foreign gold coins and all foreign silver coins, except Spanish milled dollars and parts of such dollars, shall cease to be a legal tender as aforesaid:Now, therefore, I, the said John Adams, President of the United States, hereby proclaim, announce, and give notice to all whom it may concern that, agreeably to the act last above mentioned, the coinage of silver at the Mint of the United States commenced on the 15th day of October, 1794, and the coinage of gold on the 31st day of July, 1795; and that consequently, in conformity to the act first above mentioned, all foreign silver coins, except Spanish milled dollars and parts of such dollars, will cease to pass current as money within the United States and to be a legal tender for the payment of any debts or demands after the 15th day of October next, and all foreign gold coins will cease to pass current as money within the United States and to be a legal tender as aforesaid for the payment of any debts or demands after the 31st day of July, which will be A.D. 1798.

In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand.

(SEAL.) Done at Philadelphia, the 22d day of July, A.D. 1797, and of the Independence of the United States the twenty-second.

					John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from David Ogden, 26 July 1797
From: Ogden, David
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Newark July 26th 1797.

Impressed with a high sense of the important services you have rendered your country in the various stations you have so honorably filled since the commencement of our glorious revolution, untill the present day, we take the liberty to congratulate you on your arrival and transient stay, in our village, and to express our sincere wishes for your welfare and happiness, and likewise at a time when our external relations require internal harmony, to express our perfect reliance on the wisdom and Patriotism of the constituted authorities of our government, and our full assurances that they will on all occasions pursue a line of Conduct honorable and advantageous to our common country.
We devoutly offer our prayers to the divine disposer of all events to support your excellency in the various duties of your ardent offices and lengthen your days as a blessing to your family and your country—
At the request of a large number of the Inhabitants of the Town of Newark

David B. Ogden


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 28 July 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philadelphia July 28. 1797.

To day the inclosed arrived from Mr. Gerry. By his letter to me I find he received the dispatches which I sent him, on Sunday the 23d instant.
Nothing remarkable has happened since your departure.
I am with great respect / sir, your obt. servant

T. Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 1 August 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Philadelphia Augt. 1. 1797

By this day’s mail I send three packets, containing, together, 80 Mediterranean passports, for your signature; which I shall wish to have returned as soon as you can find time to dispatch them.
David Howell Esqr. Commissioner on the St. Croix business, expressed to me, last winter, his expectations that his salary of £ 1000. Sterling a year, would continue from the day he accepted the appointment, until the business should be finished. The estimate laid before Congress & published contemplated that service to last but for six months; and the pay of the Commissioners was proposed at the rate of £ 1000 per annum. Mr. Howell says that on accepting the office of Commissioner, he has been considered as out of the competition for any other appointments, as well as of professional businesses. The latter is truly surprizing—That for a public employment calculated to last six months, a gentleman should relinquish forever his profession as a lawyer. Mr. Howell was engaged in the business about three months, as well as I recollect, and then the Commissioners adjourned for ten months. It is for this interval, as well as what time remains, before the final decision of the board shall be given, that Mr. Howell claims his salary; & he will doubtless speak to you on the subject; for which reason I thought it proper to bring itthe subject before you.
I have the honor / to be with great respect, / sir your obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 3 August 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir
Department of State Augt. 3. 1797.

The letter and deposition of which the inclosed are copies, were received from Judge Sitgreaves the first instant. I answered the Judge, that the papers would be submitted to your consideration; and that perhaps you might think it proper to issue a proclamation to check the evil, and warn the people of their danger. In the mean time, that the measure he proposed for apprehending offenders named in the deposition could not but produce a good effect.
I shall write advice of this discovery to the judges and district attornies of South Carolina & Georgia, and probably to the Governors of the three southern states, that they cooperate in counteracting such pernicious designs. The instructions given by the Secretary of War to the officer commanding the troops in Tenassee may supersede he necessity of any other measures. And by all these steps perhaps a proclamation may be rendered unnecessary.
I am with perfect respect / sir your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Enos Hitchcock, 4 August 1797
From: Hitchcock, Enos
To: Adams, John

            Copy
              To the President of the United States
              Sir

Providence August. 4th 1797

The Citizens of the Town of Providence voluntarily assembled to tender their respects to the first Magistrate of the Union on his arrival in this Town beg leave to approach you by their Committee with sentiments of Joy on the present occasion, and with assurances of the sensible pleasure they feel in common with their Fellow Citizens that the suffrages of this great community have met in a Person whose long tried virtues and talents preeminently qualify him to succeed the illustrious Washington.
With the highest satisfaction they have observed in the measures of your administration indubitable proofs of republican firmness and political wisdom which dignify the nation and endear its Government to the People.
We have to add their ardent wishes that your journey may be prosperous, your life a continued blessing to the world, and as happy to yourself, as useful to the nation.
We are very respectfully your most obedient Servants

            Enos Hitchcock
              Benjamin Bourne
              James Brovill Jun.
              Committee


Title: To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 4 August 1797
From: Murray, William Vans
To: Adams, John

Sir,
The Hague 4. August 1797

Though I have neither the right nor the power of filling that space which Mr. Adams left here in his pleasing relation of a correspondent, I indulge myself from feelings of respectful personal attachment in at least one duty which I know he always was attentive to, and shall continue to send to you the “Nouvelles Politiques,” as was his custom.
As soon as I saw Mr. Adams’s appointment to the court of Berlin, in the american papers, I communicated the intelligence to Baron Bielfeld the charge des affaires of Prussia, in confidence, that he might have the earliest opportunity of communicating it to his court—A few days since he called upon me & read me part of a letter from a person in authority, as he told me, in which much satisfaction was exprest both at the event and the minister. The Baron I was introduced to by Mr. Adams, as a friend.
Certainly, sir, it is highly improbable that peace should result from the pending negociation at Lisle—M. Noël the French minister here intimates pretty strongly, & with regret, that the negociation will fail.
From appearances all Italy is to be revolutionised; & Switzerland will follow in the rotation of the wheel. Nothing but distance and an armed energy, under a deep conviction of the certain overthrow of sovereignty, if the French are once permitted to mingle freely with any nation, can save the remaining sovereignties in Europe & perhaps elsewhere. The sympathy in which their immense energy consists spreads itself wherever restless ambition pines in secret, & wherever hungry laziness exists—Europe will not disarm for these many years. The new commission which will speak from three great points of the Union gives the greatest pleasure to all good men—& the recent appearances of a union of parties in Paris which proceeded certainly from the great respectability & popularity of the Moderates promise at least a fair hearing to the negociators & it is to be hoped a course of reasoning more like principle than has yet been seen in France—Yet, Sir, an intention to arm, must be manifested, as you recommended—To be ad cuncta paratus must soon be more than ever the motto of every nation, which resolves to remain independent. I beg leave to offer my most cordial & respectful compliments to Mrs Adams—& have the honour to be with the most perfect and respectful attachment / Sir / your most obedt. sert.
W. V. Murray


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Lincoln, Benjamin,Higginson, Stephen

To the Honourable Benjamin Lincoln, Stephen Higginson, Jonathan Mason, Oliver Wendell, Jonathan Jackson, and Thomas Dawes Esquires, a Committee.
Quincy August 7. 1797

GentlemenYour kind Congratulations on my return to my Family and Friends are very obliging. Your polite Invitation is accepted with Pleasure.
At this Period, when Disorder, Indiscipline and Disobedience of every kind fashioned into a kind of Science, are vindicated as Rights and inculcated as Duties, it is not to be expected that our Country should wholly Escape their contagious Effects.
Although many of our worthy Citizens may flatter themselves that Calumnies and Contempts against the Constituted Authorities will not make a dangerous Impression upon a public opinion, which is generally formed with So much deliberation, Intelligence and Integrity, as it is among Us; and believe that the Sagacity and Candour with which the Body of the People observe the Characters of public Men, and weigh the Tendency of public measures, will be Security enough for the Government: Yet, I cannot but be of the opinion, that the profligate Spirit of falshood and malignity, which has appeared in Some, and the unguarded disposition in others to encourage it, are Serious Evils and bear a threatning aspect upon the Union of the states,;their Constitutions of Government and the moral Character of the Nation.
The Idea of seperating the People from a Government of their own Choice, can originate with none but Ennemies of Republican Governments. Such a Project, were it practicable, would be a demonstration, that the People are not capable of Such a Government: and by the Sudden Introduction of wasting Calamities, would Soon convince the People themselves of the Necessity of instituting another form, for their own Protection and Security. The decided reprobation of Such nefarious designs by the Citizens of Boston, will have a great Effect in defeating them.
The present Age has furnished Examples in Abundance of the humiliations Degradations and Calamities brought upon Nations by Conspiracies between foreign Intrigue and Domestic faction. Happy Americans if they Should learn Wisdom from the Woes of others.
The Personal Compliments you are pleased to present to me, are the more grateful as it has been the Pride of my Life to be reckoned in your Number. Assurances of Approbation in Age, from the Friends and Companions of ones youth and riper Years, I shall ever esteem among the choicest delights of Life.
Accept Gentlemen of my kindest Wishes for your health and happiness, and for the Prosperity of the Town of Boston, venerable in our American History for its Virtues and Wisdom as well as its Antiquity.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Vaughan, 7 August 1797
From: Vaughan, William
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
London Aug 7. 1797

I beg to introduce to your acquaintance and civilities Mr Masson the Kings Botanist who is taking the Tour of America in order to increase our Knowlege in one of the most extensive and most useful pursuits in Nature. From your situation and your disposition to encourage all undertakings of public Utility I am persuaded you will anticipate my wishes in shewing those attentions to a man of worth which his merits & his services on behalf of the public and of society entitle him to. Mr Masson has been employed for many years in collecting Botanical information in many Countries, under the patronage of his Majesty and has resided near thirteen years at the Cape of Good Hope where he has made many useful discoveries. The United States afford a wide field for Botanical pursuits, and it is the intention of Mr Masson to visit the interior part of them. Your friendly attentions, advice, and introductions would greatly oblige me. I hope it may be the means of extending our Stock of knowlege, and of promoting the intercourse of two Countries that have so many links to unite them. Beleive me to be with great respect and with best Compliments to Mrs Adams & your family / Dear Sir / Your most obedt / humble Servt

Wm Vaughan


Title: To John Adams from John Avery, Jr., 8 August 1797
From: Avery, John, Jr.
To: Adams, John

May it please your Excellency
Boston August 8th: 1797

I have received a Letter from my Son this day, dated the 30th. of May who was then in France and concluding the intelligence, he has given me, would be pleasing to your Excellency; I have taken the Liberty to give you an Extract from it.—“The Manly and spirited Letter of Mr. Pickering to Mr. Pinckney is considered by the first advocates in Paris as a Master peice and unanswerable. It has been translated and delivered to both Houses who are extreemly well pleased and satisfied with it and are about demanding, in consequence of it, all the paper relative to American Affairs from the Directory and should a Minister be now sent out, every thing would soon return to its former pleasant situation”.—I congratulate your Excellency upon your safe return to your Country seat in Brantree, where may the best of Heavens Blessings attend you—With my dutifull regards to you and your Lady.—I am with great /  Esteem and Respect, /  Your Excellencys /  very huml servt

John Avery


Title: To John Adams from Charles Hall, 8 August 1797
From: Hall, Charles
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Sunbury, Pennsylvania Augt. 8th 1797

It is not without the deepest regret, that I am compeled by a combination of imperious circumstances, to forego the honor of endeavouring by the exertion of my poor abilities, to justify the distinguished favor confered on me by you in the appointment of Agent to defend the United States against the British debts, under a law of the late congress, in relation to the sixth Article of the British Treaty.—It would be irrelevant, perhaps impertinent in me, to take up a moment of your time, so incessantly occupied in considerations of real importance, with my reasons for declining the unsolicited honor you intended me:—Suffice it to say that at this particular period I could not, without a certain loss, which my situation & standing in life could not well afford,—nor without instantly abandoning the causes of a numerous circle of clients who depend on my immediate exertions at the ensuing Courts which are at hand,—accept of the appointment.—
I am well aware Sir that a refusal in this instance to obey through you the call of my country, may place me in an unfavorable point of view; but whilst I deplore the necessity which compels me to this conclusion, I have the consolation to believe that you will thereby have it in your power to appoint a person better qualified than myself, to do justice to the United States in a post of such extensive importance.—I have transmitted to the Secretary of State my resignation, but I could not resist perhaps the only opportunity I shall have of begging you to accept of my entire gratitude & thanks for your unmerited partiality, & of assuring you with what veneration & respect
I have the honor to / Subscribe myself / Your obliged Hble Sert
Charles Hall


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 August 1797
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War Office 8 Augt. 1797.

I have the pleasure to inform you that the Indians on the North Western frontier give indications of their desire to remain at peace and under the protection of the U. States, notwithstanding the various efforts that have been made to debauch them. They have consented that the line of limits should be run, (with an exception by Little Turtle) agreeably to the Treaty of Greenville and the surveyers have accordingly commenced the work under the countenance of a small military guard.
The Creeks appear also to be well disposed, and affairs in Tenesee to wear a favourable aspect.
The Commissioners who are engaged in establishing the boundary line between the Cherokees and the U. States, have proceeded to run the course 40 miles above Nashville where they have stopped, till they can make some experiments necessary to ascertain whether if continued, it would touch the river called for in the treaty of Holston. By their last letters of the 5th & 12th of July they were on their way to the Kentucky trace in Cumberland, to run the line from thence to Clinch and thence across the Holston to the S. Carolina Indian boundary on the North Carolina line. Here they proposed to halt till they had ascertained and marked every part of the line where intrusions might be apprehended within the present year.
Lt. Col. Butler arrived with his command at Nashville on the 22 June, and on the 27th had advanced 32 miles in approaching Knoxville. This movement has been conducted satisfactorily and without accident. Cap. Ransalairs company of Dragoons reached Knoxville on the 5th July in good order, having performed a march from Fort Washington to that place in one month without the loss of either man or horse.
This detachment, I expect, will fully answer the several important objects for which it was intended. Mr. Hawkins writes that “the arrival of these troops have a happy effect in disposing the minds of the people to submit to the laws.
No information has been received from the East bank of the Mississippi since your leaving this City.
I flatter myself that Mrs. Adams and you have arrived safe at Braintree, and that these accounts will not lessen your pleasure.
With the most sincere respect I have the honour to be / Sir your most obt

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Priestley, 11 August 1797
From: Priestley, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Northumberland Aug. 11. 1797.

It was far from being my wish to trouble you with the request of any favours, tho it is now in your power to grant them, and it is not probable, that I shall ever take a second liberty of the kind; but circumstances have arisen which, I think, call upon me to do it once, not for myself, but for a friend.
The office of Agent for the American claims was offered, I understand, to Mr Hall of Sunbury, and he has declined accepting it. If this be the case, and no other person be yet appointed, I should be very happy if I could succeed in recommending Mr Cooper, a man, I doubt not, of at least equal ability, and possessed of every other requisite qualification for the office.
It is true that both Mr Cooper and myself fall, in the language of calumny, under the appellation of democrats, who are represented as enemies to what is called government, both in England, and here. What I have done to deserve this character you well know, and Mr Cooper has done very little more. In fact, we have both been persecuted for being the friends of liberty, and our preference of the government of this country has brought us both hither. However, were the accusation in any measure true, I think the appointment of a man of unquestionable ability, and fidelity to his trust, for which I will make myself responsible; will be such a mark of superiority to popular prejudice, as I should expect from you, and therefore I think it no unfavourable circumstance in the recommendation.
That you will act according to your best judgment I have no doubt, either with respect to this business, or other affairs of infinitely more moment, thro which, however, I am persuaded you will bring the country with reputation to yourself, tho, in circumstances of such uncommon difficulty, perhaps with less ease and satisfaction than I could wish.
With my earnest wishes and prayers for the honour and tranquility of your presidentship, I am, / Dear Sir, / yours sincerely

J. Priestley


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Peabody, 12 August 1797
From: Peabody, Stephen
To: Adams, John

Hond. Sir
Atkinson August 12th 1797

With pleasure we are informed in the public prints of your safe return from the seat of government. The present critical state of the affairs of our country, has undoubtedly produced pressing anxieties in your mind, of which we have all in some measure been partakers. But the public mind appears to be relieved and satisfied, with the cool, deliberate, and spirited measures recommended in your excellency’s Spech, and adopted by Congress, which we think, cannot fail of arresting the attention, and approbation of every enlightened citizen possessed of a principle of integrity.—May Heaven direct our public measures, establish a government upon the principles of equal liberty, and make our country an asylum for the virtuous, from all parts of the World—
The enclosed sermon you will please to accept; excuse want of sentiment, and inaccuracies in the composition, and unjustifiable liberties taken by the printer.
Here you will permit me to observe: that for a clergyman, in an obscure country village to propose a visit from the President of the United States with his Lady, might seem assuming; to omit making the request, taking into view family relations, would be an exhibition of neglect; which involves me in a dilemma. I may say however, that one of the best Sisters in the world is worthy of attention, and with her connections, would feel themselves honored, and gratified to wait on her friends when ever an opportunity presents.
Master William Shaw the bearer, will inform you of our health and domestic circumstances.
That the smiles of Heaven may accompany your exertions in directing our national affairs, in discovering the dark complicated machinations of our enemies foreign and domestic, is the cordial prayer of / Hond. Sir / Your most obedient, / humble servant
Stephen Peabody


Title: To John Adams from John McCrackan, 12 August 1797
From: McCrackan, John
To: Adams, John

Much hond Sir
Hartford (Connect) 12th Agt 1797

At the request of the widow of the late revd Elhaman Winchester I take the liberty of enclosing to you, proposals for publishing by Subscription his much admired Course of Lectures an American Edition
Mr Winchester died rejoicing in his religion & in his last moments viewd his past life & professions with extatic pleasure—He leap’t from this tenement of Clay to one not made with hands with a Smile which Worlds of earthly riches could not purchase.
The publication at present intended is entirely for the benefit of the bereaved Widow. She promises to herself much advantage in her subscription, from your name standing at the head—Surely it will be a powerfull example & delightfull to follow! More especially as it is to be in the cause of extending religion & knowledge & assisting a worthy unprotected Woman—An earnest Prayer That that God who has prospered your Counsels & endeavours for the public welfare may continue to give you light to discover all dark designs & firmness to repel all future attacks upon the rights & independance of the poeple through their federal head & representative is  the sincerest effort of the heart / of your Most Ardent Well wisher

Jno McCrackan
Sir. Be kind enough to take the trouble of returning the subscription paper when you have done with it.


Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 14 August 1797
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia Augt. 14. 1797—

I had the honor to communicate to you by a late mail a few important lines concerning a foreign topic. In this separate letter, I pursue the duty which always accompanies such communications that of furnishing the name to you in such manner & as early as circumstances permit. My letter was from Mr. la Forest, whose residence in America in the Employment of France, and correspondence with its government for sixteen or eighteen years has interested him in the subject and qualifies him to judge of it. His duties have risen from that of a Vice consul in a few southern posts to those of consul general and imaccredited joint minister. He is a real friend of order & property, and of course desires nothing more than to see the Government of his country act with wisdom & justice in its affairs, both domestic & foreign. He has many friendships & some considerable matters of property in the United States. Upon the whole I consider such ideas coming from him as very important. At all events, Sir, you will be able to appreciate them, and combine them with the various information, which result from your public station, knowing their source.
As a complete communication upon this subject has led me, Sir, to the liberty of addressing you, it may be useful for me to add a few lines on the present Situation of Philad—
On my return from a visit of eight days to the summer residence of my family, I learn’d that several deaths, of a nature, very suspicious as to the diseases, had taken place. They have since received such additions to their Number as to afford better opportunities of observation to our Physicians. The widow of the late Thomas Smith Esqr (a sister of Mr. R Peters) a son of hers, two or three of our Merchants, and several young gentlemen, apprentices in that line, who have been able to command the best medical aid have falen before a disease, which is considered to have many characteristics of “the yellow fever” I have learned from our senior public Physician, that two of our practitioners, Dr Wistar and Dr. Currie, have given written opinions that some of the deaths have been occasioned by a disease the same as the yellow fever of 1793. This opinion has occasioned measures to be taken by the Governor for a report from all the gentlemen of the Faculty upon the subject. Applications to them were made in person by our Senior public Physician on Sunday.
Your return to Philadelphia, and the day fixed for the meeting of the Legislature, which is almost a month earlier than in 1793, appear to render this subject so personally & publicly interesting to you that I trust you will excuse the Notice I have taken of it.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, / Sir, / yr. mo. obt. / & mo hum. servt.

Tench Coxe


Title: To John Adams from Capt. Thomas Thompson, 16 August 1797
From: Thompson, Capt. Thomas
To: Adams, John

To his Exelly. John Adams Esq President of the United States
Sir—
Ports Agust 16th 1797

Presuming it may be satisfactory to you; I do myself the honor to inform you of the forwardness and present State of the Algrine Frigate. Every exertion on my part has been made to get her ready in good season—She is now every way Compleate; with Ballast and water on board ready to bind sails, and receive her Crew & Stores. But must unavoidably be delay’d on acct. of Cannon; of which I have not any information. Every thing else is furnishd; or Purchased here.—
Your most obed Hble Sert

Tho: Thompson. Superintendent


Title: From John Adams to Rufus King, 18 August 1797
From: Adams, John
To: King, Rufus

Dear Sir
Quincy August 18. 1797

This Letter will be presented to you, by Mr Peter Cunningham a Relation and an old Acquaintance of mine, for whom I have a good regard. He is going to London, with an honest American Soldier as well as Citizen, who is a fortunate Legatee to a good Estate in England. His Papers are very Authentic and he can I presume have no Difficulty. If he should however, your Advice and Countenance to him, will much oblige your Friend and humble Servant

John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Robert Liston, 18 August 1797
From: Liston, Robert
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Philadelphia 18 Augt. 1797.

The bearer of this Letter, Mr. Athill, Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Island of Antigua, is desirous of paying his respects to the President of the United States, and still more anxious to have the honour of becoming acquainted with Mr. Adams; and as I cannot have an opportunity of presenting him to your Excellency in person, I have taken the liberty of furnishing him with an introduction in writing. Mr. Athill is a gentleman of high Character and merit, perfectly deserving of any attention with which you may be pleased to honour him; and I trust to your goodness to excuse the trouble I have ventured to give You on this occasion.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, / Sir, / Your Excellency’s / most obedient / humble servant

Rob. Liston


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 August 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

(private)
Sir,Department of State Philadelphia August 18. 1797

This morning I recieved a letter from Mr. Charles Hall, declining the office of Agent of the United before the Board of Commissioners sitting here in relation to British debts; and covering a letter to you, which I have the honor to inclose. I also inclose a letter from Mr. Coleman to Collinson Read Esqr. advising him that his son-in law, Mr. Hall, had declined the appointment of Agent. This was put into my hands last evening by a friend of Mr. Read. To these I add a letter from Joseph Hopkinson Esqr. (son of the late Francis Hopkinson) offering himself a candidate for the office of agent. Mr. Wolcott is much better acquainted with him than I am. I am informed that Mr. Hopkinson is a man of abilities, a good lawyer, of fair reputation, and a decided friend to his country.
The name of Mr. John Read, son of George Read Esqr. of the Delaware State, has formerly been mentioned to you for the office of agent. Mr. Rawle spoke of him to me in very handsome terms, and decidedly in preference to Collinson Read. And Mr. Edward Tilghman (who stands as high at the bar of Pennsylvania as any lawyer in the state) speaking of Mr. John Read, said he was a “sterling good young man.” Another, and a very intelligent gentleman of my acquaintance, speaking of Mr. John Read and Mr. Joseph Hopkinson, said their knowledge and qualifications for the office were perhaps equal except that Mr. Hopkinson was the readier man—he added remarkably ready. This readiness in him may perhaps be balanced by the industry of Mr. Read, which I am informed is very great. Mr. Hopkinson appears not to enjoy good health: and I apprehend the business of the Agency will require very laborious application, to which Mr. Read is constitutionally adapted.
I do not recollect any other candidate. The board is and has been desirous to have the agent of the United States appointed, that they may proceed to business, which has been long suspended.
I meant to add, in respect to Mr. John Read, that his being a citizen of Delaware (which has no officer, to speak in the military stile, on the general staff) may add to the weight of his claim.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your obt. servt.
Timothy PickeringAugust 19. Having time before the mail will be closed to see Mr. Rawle, I have just called to ask his opinion of Mr. Hopkinson. Mr. Rawle knows him well—He finished his law education at his office. The state of his health would not disqualify him. He possesses abilities a grade above Mr. Read: “Nevertheless, said Mr. Rawle, were it left to me, I should prefer Mr. John Read, whose plodding industry will more than counterbalance Mr. Hopkinson’s greater talents.” He added, that Mr. Hopkinson was now clerk of the Mayor’s court of Philadelphia, and clerk of the Orphan’s court.
T.P.


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

Sir,
Philadelphia Augt. 19. 1797 2 o’clock p.m.

The Attorney General just informs me that before your departure you directed him to employ Mr. John Read, if Mr. Hall should decline the office of agent, without waiting any further order from you. Having no knowledge of this determination, I wrote to you yesterday and this morning, mentioning the names of candidates, supposing the matter would remain suspended until your answer should arrive. But the Attorney Genl. considers your direction to him so decisive, that in order to avoid further delay in the business before the Commissioners, he shall immediately engage Mr. John Read as the Agent of the U. States for that service.
I have the honour to be / with great respect / Sir, your most obt. Servt.
            Timothy Pickering


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Moultrie, 20 August 1797
From: Moultrie, Alexander
To: Adams, John

Sir:
Philadelphia Augt: 20th: 1797.

Tho personally unknown to you, I presume to address you on a Subject, in which I contemplate the Wealth, Commerce, and Peace, of a great part of the united States to be much implicated.—& which I am apt to think, it has long been the Object of the faderal Government, to organize into a regular System, & render materially beneficial to the Union in General.—it is the right Sir of the faderal Union, to that part of the South Western Territory of America, which before long may become the most important Object of Government, as the Key to her Commerce on the Great Waters of the West, to her Population, Agricultural Interest, and National Wealth & Power.
Some Years past, about the year 1789, a Set of Gentlemen of Carolina, became fairly & honorably Purchasers from the State of Georgia, of a Tract of Country on the Mississippi, from the Mouth of Coles Creek extending north, far above the mouth of the Yazoo River; and East and West from the Mississippi to the Don bigby: as particularly described  in the first & other Part of the printed paper, herewith, I do myself the Honor to enclose to you.—The Law Georgia passed on the occasion; the Payments made her in part, & which she still retains; the other Acts, and the tender made by the Company of the Ballance, all Sir appear, amidst the Documents contain’d in the printed Case enclosed.—Georgia has done towards us no Act of Repeal & no Act of Conflagration, as she has done to the four late Companies, who lately Contracted with her: but being merely Recusant to give us the Grant Contracted for, we have Sued her, for such Right as she may have, in the Supreme faderal Court, as appears by the enclosed Paper:—our Counsel are, Mr: Ingersol, Mr: Lee Attorney General of the united States, Mr: Gibson Mr: Wm: Tilghman, Mr: Dexter, Mr: P. P. Edwards, & Mr: Hoffman Attorney Genl: of New York.—Since our Suit Sir, Commissions have Issued for the Examination of witnesses in the States of Georgia, Carolina, and Pensylvania, & which are now Compleat:—in last February, an Interlocutory Decree passed the faderal Judiciary, against the State of Georgia, & each of the Grantees named in the late Law of Georgia, selling to the late four Companies;—all these Defendants, having been regularly served with a Copy Bill & Subpœna some months preceeding, & having being Guilty of Default & non Appearance, the said Interlocutory Decree was made of Course & that the Complainents do proceed in their Examination & Suit, Ex parte to a Decree.—our Cause Sir, wou’d have been ready for Trial, the Day after the Late Adjournment of the Supreme Court, & wou’d have been finished by this had the Court have sat untill this Time.—
I believe Sir, it is the Opinion of all who know what our Proofs must be, or are, that to gain a Decree, needs but a Plain hearing:—Mr: Lewis has inform’d the Court, he is requested by the Attorney General of Georgia, to appear for him:—but what can be say’d in so plain, a Case, gives us no kind of Concern.—
As a further Statement Sir, of this matter, I think I can fairly & honorably Venture Sir to presume to say, thus far to you, that whom ever you may chuse, to investigate this Cause, will say ’tis now as fully proven, & by as respectable Witnesses, as any Cause that ever Came into Court:—we have our Law & the Acts of the Legislature now fully Authenticated under the seal of Georgia, & Proven by the Carrier thence to this Place:—our original Petition for the Purchase, & on which the Committees sat, the resolves were had, & the Law Passed we also have, under Seal of Georgia, proving our Offer & their agreement was to pay for the Purchase in Paper Money & or Certificates of Georgia: Col: Habbersham (Post Master General) & Mayor Mc:Intosh of Georgia, & who were in the Legislature when the Law passed to us, have given Testimony, & I am warranted in saying, prove the Rattle Snake Contract & the Protest of the minority set forth in the enclosed Bill.—Doctr: John Hall of this Place, was the Person who delivered & pay’d the five hundred Pounds, on the 13 Augt: 1790, as mentioned in one of our Documents enclosed, & Mr: Conway who lives with Mr: Hall was they Person who took Mr: Meriweather’s Receipt for the same, these they have proven also.—our Commission in Carolina is proven by 15 of as Respectable Men, (Merchants & Gentlemen) as any in Carolina:—they Prove the tender most Compleatly:—they prove, the partial Payments Georgia reced from us, in her own Medium, were worth currently no more than ten shillings in the Pounds then:—that the Carolina Medium the Treasurer offered to receive on the Tender was universally in Georgia a Value equal to specie, & reced as such in Publick Offices:—& that the Certificates refused by the Treasurer were then worth from 7s/Cd: to twenty Shillings Sterling in the Pound.—they also prove our sending round to Kentucky, above two thousand Pounds Sterling worth of Goods, in order to comply with our Contract with Georgia (specified in the first part of her Law to us in 1789) to settle with the Indians, & to assist settlers to make our settlement: besides Boats built and Provisions bought for that Purpose.—This Business Sir of 1789, you will see, was before the Government took an Interference with the pre:emptive Rights of the States, with the Indians:—& you perhaps may recollect, some of Mr: O’Fallons (a Base Man) his Insolent Letters (now in the War Office) to the Late President, & of the uneasiness our Plan of Settlement gave the President; which when I understood, after seeing him & explaining our Conduct in Carolina, I wrote here our Resolution to desist from; & for which, I reced in answer a friendly & Complimentary Letter, approving our alteration of Intention, & Respect for the Interests of Government.—
Thus Sir, I think I have laid before you a very full Account of this matter & by which you may be enabled by reference to any of the Departments of Government satisfactorily to ascertain every fact I have advanced, & for which I pledge myself.—I will freely Communicate with any one you may appoint, or Sir, will wait on you in Person if you Require:—my Friend General Lincoln can inform you particularly, of me, & my Connections; & I pledge myself, to Observe any Restrictions of Secrecy, you may think proper in this affair.—
Our Cause Sir, I can assure you, is not unpopular in Georgia & for Reasons I can explain:—nor is it so by any means in Philadelphia or Carolina.—
Georgia Sir, we well not know has uniformly been refractory to Government, & I believe, wou’d do all in her Power to prevent the Union having this Territory, either merely because she wanted it, or because she of all others shou’d not have it.—I submit to you Sir, the very Easy transition of this right, I now mean to offer you, into the most perfect right of Government.—& as a Civilian, whether in this Case, the private Domain becoming the Publick Domain, does not attach to it inseperably, the an eminent Domain of the nation & involve every right of Sovereignty & of Government.—& a perfect Merger, of every distinction of rights from that of the Union.—
Again Sir, let me but Suggest to you, the great Policy of so large, so immensely valuable, a Right, (at present a subject of much Contention & disorder, & which in its present state may prove a Thorn in the side of the union) being brought into organization, Subordination, & Usefull Action.—& I submit Sir to you, whether the Crisis is not drawing near, very fast, in which, the Interests of the Union will not be essentially involved, in the regulation of a Power, in which the Combinations of encreasing numbers, natural Resources, & every Temptation of Excess, render it too formidable to be contemplated by every friend to the union, & it’s Peace and Prosperity, in a State otherwise than that, of Social Subordination.—
I wish Sir, on behalf of myself & others, to offer up to Government, the right I have attempted to show you is in us.—this Right will finally be determin’d in February next.—some Gentlemen of Character are concerned with us in this Place:—I think, & will almost answer now, the whole Territory can be had: at any rate at present, I will answer for some millions of Acres:—the whole does not contain more than ten millions.—From Communications, we have no Doubt, Individuals will push for a Participation of Interests as soon as our Cause is determin’d.—We have Sacrificed Fortunes in this Affair as our Proofs will show, above thirty thousand Guineas.—’twill be of immense Value to the Union, both as a part of her political Body, & as a fund, on which she at present may Establish a powerfull encreasing fund from sales, & as a fund encreasing for future Taxation & Commercial Resources.
A Town Established on the Mouths of the Yazoo & Don Bigby, will each become a grand Emporium in the Western Waters in few years.—’twill as a Place of Arms, secure the Peace, population & Riches of these Countrys:—an Increasing population will encrease the Value of Territory, & Town Lott & Tracts of Land for sale under the Sanction of the Arm of Government will erect this into an inexhaustible Fund to the united States:—’twill drain in this Hostile & divided State of Europe, & her Cities, that Country, of usefull artist & Citizens, & add them to us.—a Peace with them, from internal divisions & distinctions, & the Timely offer of the Government of such an Assylum wou’d accelerate such an Effect.—
Government I understand has offered her Lands in the West for two Dollars:—we will take much less, & without paying us a farthing of money, & giving Government a Time to receive specie before she can expend any.—if she buys of us, she may do it in 4 Installments, & perhaps of two years each:—she can give us her paper funded on this purchase:—this will answer as money to us;—& she can perhaps in 4 years or six double or treble her Purchase in Specie; with every Reservation of parts of the soil she may think proper, holding also the Sovereignty.—
Pardon me I pray you Sir, If I have in the least presum’d too much in this offer: we wish to promote the Happiness & Prosperity of our common Country with that of our own. her Independence & Happiness we have fought for, & still have much at Heart; nor will we be backward, in any respect, to show our Attachment to it them in this affair where required.—
Shou’d you deem Sir, a Conditional Contract in this affair proper, to secure to the union the right of pre:emption:—or shou’d you think this application, dictated from a wish to our Country’s Good, as well as own, worthy of your notice, I shall be extremely happy Sir in any Communication you may Honor me with.—
I am / Sir with every publick / & private Sentiment /of regard & Respect / Yr: Excellency’s / most Obt: hum: St:
Axr: MoultriePardon me Sir in adding a Postscript in saying I am now preparing a full Brief for each of our Counsel, to be ready in Time for the next Court. enclosed herewith I beg Leave to present you a Book respecting our former intended Plans.—


Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 August 1797
From: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Phila. Aug. 20th. 1797.

I arrived here on Friday evening from Litchfield where I had been detained much longer than I expected, having left my father & brother, as I presume, in a fair way of recovery from Sickness.
I have recd. two Letters, soliciting appointments, which I deem it my duty to transmit for consideration.
Mr. Borland was recommended as a Candidate for an Inspectorship at the time a vancancy happened by the death of Mr. Gorham. I recollect that on that occasion his character was spoken of in handsome terms by some of the first characters in Massachusetts;—if not known to the President it can easily be ascertained.
The vacancy alluded to, is that of Leo. Jarvis; as this Office is immediately subordinate to that held by the Supervisor, his opinion may be thought to deserve particular attention to me it is unknown. With respect to Mr. Hopkinson, I can say, that I esteem him one of the most respectable of the rising characters of Pensylvania—As a man of sense, education, taste, integrity & soundness of political principles, he is a worthy descendant of the late Judge Hopkinson. As a lawyer he is in point of age & standing at the bar the superior of Mr. Read (son of Senator Read) whom I have already mentioned as a candidate to the President, and in other respects at least his equal.
It is my intention to be in Phila. about the close of the present month.
With respectful Compliments to Mrs. Adams in which I am joined by Mrs. Wolcott, I have the honour to be with the greatest deference & respect / Sir, your obedt. & faithful / sevt.

Oliv. Wolcott


Title: To John Adams from Eliphalet Pearson, 21 August 1797
From: Pearson, Eliphalet
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Cambridge 21 Augt. 1797

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences return their Thanks for your donation of Richd. Peters’s “Agricultural Inquiries on plaster of Paris,” 1 vol. 4to:, & of Dr. Priestlys “observations on the increase of infidelity;” a pamphlet, which has been received by them. They highly esteem every Friend of Science, who kindly assists them in promoting the Design of their Institution, & have desired me to transmit to you their grateful sense of this favour
I am, Sir, your  /  Most obedient Servant,

Eliphalet PearsonCorrespon’g Secretary


Title: To John Adams from William Cocke, 21 August 1797
From: Cocke, William
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Mulberry Grove 21 August 1797

By Major Lewis I have the pleasure to inform You that I have neglected no Oppertunity to assure my fellow Citizens of the Great regard you expressed for them and the Confidence you have in the rectitude of their Conduct I am well Sattafied that they will Continue to merit your esteem and that no People Can have a higher Respect for the Goverment and Laws of their Country, they look upon every attempt to disturb the peace of the United States with indignation and Confide as they aught in the legal Constituted Authorities to point Out the rule that Shall direct them and have a united wish to Cultivate and perpituate the best understanding with the Subjects of his most Cathalic Majesty they deny having any knowledge of Any plan formed by the British or their adhearance Against the Spanish Settlements and I am Confident that it is as well the wish as interest of the people of this State to be at peace with all the World. I am with esteem / Your M obt Servt

Wm Cocke


Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 21 August 1797
From: Dalton, Tristram
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Washington 21st. Augt. 1797

I had the Honour of receiving, in course of Mail, your much esteemed favor of the 1st Ult. and pray You to accept my sincere Thanks for this renewed Mark of Friendship—
As it did not require an immediate answer—and as nothing of a publick Nature had occurred in this Quarter, worthy particular Notice, I deferred interrupting your much more important avocations by a repetition of my Letters. You will please to excuse my present intrusion, as it is for the purpose of forwarding a Letter from Mrs Dalton to her highly valued Friend Mrs Adams—with a request that it may be delivered to her—permit me to add my best respects—
I cannot forbear expressing my pleasure at the brightning Prospect of our national Affairs—The Noble Firmness & remarkable Perseverance, of Administration, with the good sense of the People, will ultimately save our Government—Yet as by Fire—
The plots of Foreigners, aided by some of our base Citizens, tho’ of high Characters Stations, that had well nigh ripened, appear in a fair way of Developemnt, and of sinking those concerned in them—
If our late Accounts from Europe be true, the Eyes of the French are opened—or the Hopes of succeeding in their nefarious designs upon the United States are reduced so low, as to induce them to disown their shameful Attempts, and to reverse their Politics respecting us—
It is with the utmost satisfaction that I find all descriptions of our People, not concerned in this treasonable Scheme to divide us, entertain, and express, the strongest Confidence in the present Administration—Such a general Sentiment must give a lively Spring to Exertions necessary to free us from the great Evils with which we have been threatned.
May the God of our Fathers bless us as He blessed them—May He grant success to your painful Watchings—Cares—and Labours for the Public Weal—
It would have given much Joy to have seen You here this season—A Visit, in the Course of the next, may be more necessary to the Concerns of the City—
In your present Journey—and thro’ Life, my most ardent Prayers attend You—
With the most perfect Regard / I remain / Your obliged Friend / And very humle. Servant
Tristram Dalton


Title: To John Adams from David Longworth, 21 August 1797
From: Longworth, David
To: Adams, John

No 66 Nassau Street New York Augt. 21. 1797

Perhaps, your Excellency will be disposed to pardon & think it a laudable ambition, that has stimulate me to endeavor to make my publication appear worthy being presented to, & of receiving your patronage—The whole of the material & execution of this edition of Telemachus (enclosed) are entire American—my mode of hot pressing on an absolute difft. principle from that practised in Europe—under these consideration I am induced to think your Excellency will view with a favorable eye this attempt to improve the art of printing in this (my native) Country & at same time to excuse the forwardness of one who has taken this opportunity to subscribe himself your Excellency’s most Obedient / & / Most Humble Servant

David Longworth


Title: To John Adams from Tn., Citizens of Powells Valley, 21 August 1797
From: Powells Valley, Tn., Citizens of
To: Adams, John

State of Tennessee, Grainger County August twenty first, 1797:

The Memorial of the Subscribers in behalf of themselves, and certain other Inhabitants, of Powells Valley, Citizens of the State and County aforesaid, humbly represent to His Excellency John Adams, President of the United States of America.
That your Memorialists are like to receive considerable injury by the extension of the Boundary Line, between the United States, and the Cherokee Nation of Indians, as established by the Treaty of Hollston.
That on extending of the said Line, it appears, that about two hundred and fifty Families, containing by estimation, about twelve hundred Souls, Citizens of the County of Grainger, are settled on Lands, to which the Indian Claim is not extinguished.
That Lieutenant Colonel Butler of the 4th United States Regiment, has issued a proclamation, bearing date theday ofcommanding those settlers to remove on or before theday of October, herewith transmitted, marked A.
Thus situated your Memorialist hasten to apply to your Excellency for present relief; And whilst they recollect the great Confidence which your past Services have given rise to, and the many public and private Virtues which your Career in Life, has been marked with, they are well assured, that in labouring to promote the peace and welfare of America, your Excellency will feel a sympathy for private Distress.
Your Memorialists beg leave to represent, that the Lands at present in their possession, are claimed under Titles regularly obtained from the State of North Carolina. That as peaceful Cultivators of the soil, they have opened large and extensive Farms; erected comfortable Buildings, and for some time past reaped and enjoyed the Fruits of their Labour without Molestation.
That they have always been amenable to the Laws, and regularly paid such Taxes as the State of Tennessee laid on her Citizens. Your Memorialists further state, that to excite in their Youth principles of Morality, and to stimulate the Heads of Families, to the exercise of all Christian Duties, Religion has been encouraged, and several places of Worship established.—That for the diffusion of knowledge, and more particularly with a view of raising their Young Men, to be serviceable to their Country and themselves, Literature has been encouraged, and several schools supported.
We humbly entreat the President of the United States, not to be impressed with an idea, that we come under the Character of Intruders on Indian Lands.
The exercise of Candour is honorable, and always serves to recommend; we are determined therefore to give your Excellency, a Concise but accurate statement of Facts.—
In the first place, your memorialists beg leave to remark, that not being the favorites of Fortune, a desire to provide comfortably for themselves and Families, first induced them to travel from the Atlantic to the Western Country, in search of better prospects.
Your memorialists harrassed on the Frontiers from time to time, misfortunes accumulating, and the Calls of their Families being pressing, they sought a refuge in Adversity, in this remote and small tract of Country. Intruders they cannot be esteemed; their Titles for the Land was bottomed on bone fide purchases from N. Carolina, for a valuable Consideration. Speculators generally, and Men of Law knowledge avowed an opinion that our Rights must ultimately prevail, and some further held, that a Treaty taking away private property was unconstitutional, and that an Attempt to carry the Treaty of Hollston in execution would never be made.
Such Doctrine was pleasing; it acquired proselytes far and near, and determined many Characters to settle themselves in this part of Grainger County:—Here Sir Indian warfare for a little while oppressed us, but Hostilities soon ceased; peace prevailed; Industry was exercised; And each revolving year was accompanyed with brighter prospects.—
But illustrious President, without your protecting, friendly and parental interpotion, Calamities great and afflicting await us all. If in October next, we are compelled to abandon our Homes, our Farms, our Supports, our Livings; Scenes of distress, truly alarming present themselves to our view; numerous Families of Women and little Children exposed to the inclemencies of the weather, and suffering for the Common necessaries of Life will rove unprotected and unassisted over the Western Country. From our fellow Citizens of Tennessee, we can look for no assistance; kind Heaven has omitted to smile on the labours of the Husbandman, and a greater appearance of scarcity, never before presented itself in this quarter of the Western Country:—This Scarcity is said to be general in the Southern States, and must highten the press of emigration to the State of Tennessee;—of course, our prospects will become the more gloomy.—If in October, we be driven from our Farms, the present Crop, the fruit of hard and constant labour will be lost;—a great quantity of the Corn will only be in the Milk, and none sufficiently dry for gathering.
Illustrious President we expect, that our situation will be fully represented, at the next meeting of Congress, the merits of our Claims farely investigated, and a Hope exists, that adequate relief will be granted.—
To you then Sir, we address ourselves and most fervently pray, that our removal may be delayed until we can lay our Grievances before the Representatives of our Country in Congress assembled.—As Commander in Chief of the American Armies, you possess the power to suspend the Orders and delay the operations of the fourth Regiment, and permit us to say to you, that Humanity calls loudly for the exercise of that authority.
To be turned upon the world, with our numerous families, in the extreme of Indigence is a mortifying idea; to oppose that Government, under which our Country is free and prosperous is more distressing and cannot be.—
Many of our fellow Citizens, in the other Frontier Counties of Hamilton District, are likely to be involved in similar Distresses, and while speaking of our own, a recollection of theirs, rushed in the minds of your memorialists.
The Valley we inhabit is 26 miles in length, and 16 in width, far removed from the Indian Towns, never made use of as Hunting Ground, and we can say with Truth, is little valued by the Savages.—And that a purchase of their Claim could easily be effected.
We cannot omit to assure the President of the United States of our Attachment to his person, our entire confidence in his patriotism and our firm and general Hope of his parental interposition.
Illustrious President, many of your Memorialists recollect with pride and pleasure, that they fought and bled for American Liberty and Independance; the fatigues of war, they have again encountered in this Western District, and like most old soldiers part for a resting place;—Suffer us worthy President here to find it, and while our Infants shall be instructed, to lisp the virtues of an Adams, we will give it in command to our Youths to support the Government of America with their Lives.—
Your memorialists declare their determination, to be obedient to the Constituted Authorities, and to throw themselves entirely on the Justice, magnanimity and Goodness of the Government of the Union.
That the great and wise Ruler of the Universe; the kind dispenser of Blessings to Man, will enable the President of the United States to support the Rights of his Country, and to conduct a grateful people to Happiness and prosperity is our fervent prayer. And as in Duty bound we shall ever pray &c.—
Elijah ChisumIsaac LaneIn behalf of themselves and 250 familys in Powells Valley— Enclosure
                                                State of Tennessee. John Sevier, Governor and Commander in chief in and over the same

These are to certify, that Elijah Chisum and Isaac Lane subscribers to the annexed memorial, are men of respectability, and are a committee acting for the people of Powells Valley, who are said to be settled on indian lands.
Given under my hand and seal at Knoxville this 21st: day of August 1797. By the Governor.
John SevierWm: Maclin, Secretary


Title: From John Adams to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 23 August 1797
From: Adams, John
To: American Academy of Arts and Sciences

sir
23 August 1797

The american academy of arts & sciences, founded when their country was struggling for freedom and independance, which your exertions have so greatly tended to establish, beg ask leave to offer you their congratulations on your election to the office of first magistrate in a nation where the rights of men are respected and truly supported.
They are authorized in led to paying this tribute to your virtue, because you have long for several years presided over their institution with honor to yourself and advantage to them.
Their pursut pursuits are literary. They wish to add to the knowledge and instruction which their country already possesses, and to use their correspondence with foreigners, engaged in the same pursuits, so as to answer this valuable purpose.
They cannot, however, be indifferent to the peace and happiness of the land in which they live, nor to the preservation of those invaluable constitutions of government which distinguish them it from all other nations. They know that these constitutions will not answer the important purposes for which they were formed, unless they are well administered. With pleasure they find their president, whom they have so long known and so highly esteemed, called by the free suffrages of his fellow citizens to the arduous task of guiding the counsels, preserving the honor and supporting the prosperity of the United States In succession to the Man whose distinguished Integrity & disinterested Patriotism his Fellow Citizens have so universally attested—Their aid in accomplishing these desireable purposes cannot be greatly effective; but you may be assured that their influence will always be exerted to promote the measures of a government founded on the basis of true liberty and administered with wisdom and firmness. They feel high satisfaction when they find these virtues marked on the measures which you have hitherto adopted; and they ardently pray that the infinite source of light, of knowledge and of power may always direct you, and crown with success your efforts to promote to the happiness of mankind and the welfare of your country.


Title: To John Adams from Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura Kosciuszko, 24 August 1797
From: Kosciuszko, Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia 24. Aug. 1797

A Packet given to me by Sir John St Claire for your Excellency is deliverd to Colo: Pickering. I beg at the same time, that I may have the Honor to pay my Respectfull Homage to you as to the first Magistrate of a Great Brave Free and happy Nation
Your Excellency most / Humble and most Obedient servant

T: Kosciuszko


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 24 August 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Department of State Augt. 24. 1797.

I have to-day received from Genl. Kosciusko the inclosed letter, accompanied with two packets understood to be from Sir John Sinclair (President of the English Board of Agriculture) and containing, one a diploma for you as a member of the Society—the other some pamphlets of the proceedings of the board. With one of the packets was tied up a letter which I also inclose. The packets I imagine you would choose to have left here, to await your return. The diploma-packet is in a form which forbids a transmission by post.
I have just received a letter from Colo. Humphreys, dated at Lisbon the first of July, in which he says a letter from Mr. Barlow, dated the 23d. of May, informs that Peace had been concluded with Tunis, “as Mr. Barlow was confidently informed by Mr. Famin.” Mr. Famin was the agent appointed by Mr. Barlow for the purpose of conducting the negociation.
The increase of the number of sick with the yellow fever has induced the Treasury Department to remove to Gray’s ferry on Schuylkill. The Secretary of War proposes to remove his family this week into the country—and the office, if circumstances should require it. I shall also remove with my family & office in a few days, if there should not be a change for the better.
I am with great respect, / Sir, your most obt. servt.
Timothy Pickering


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 25 August 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir
Quincy Aug. 25th 1797

I have received in course, your letters of July 28th. Aug 1st. 3d and 17th.
That of July 28th only inclosed a letter from Mr. Gerry. The Mediteranean passports mentioned in your letter of Aug 1st I signed as soon as possible, & I returned them to you in three packets by the post. I saw Mr. Howel at Boston, Providence & Quincy; but as he said nothing to me on the subject of his salary, I thought it unnecessary for me to mention it to him. The commissioners have now adjourned for another year. I have read the deposition of James Wallace and the letter of Judge Sitgreaves inclosed in yours of yours of  Aug. 3d. The measures you have taken are the most prudent that could have been taken, I believe, & no proclamation appears to be necessary for the present. A proclamation would excite & spread alarms, & make more of the thing than there appears to be in it. It is very strange that the officers of justices cannot make discoveries, & obtain evidence if there are Facts. When whitnesses talk about agitations & prevailing reports “it may be ground for inquiry to an attorney General. But certainly armies cannot be levied without witnesses; & witnesses may prove crimes & crimes may be punished unless our country is abandoned of God. With great regard I am dear sir your most obedient & humble servant.
John Adams

P.S. I thank you for sending the Brigantine Sophia to the relief of our suffering seamen.


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 August 1797
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir
War Office 25. August 1797

I have the honor to inclose the last letters which I have received from and written to Brigadier General Wilkinson viz
From General Wilkinson2. July 7. 17971. July 29.1. July 30.1. 2d. August

To General WilkinsonCopies of the 21. and 25. July and 11. August.

From David Henley. one of the 1. August with its references and one from Lieut Piercy Smith Pope of the 28. June with two papers alluded to. There is also inclosed a letter addressed to Thomas Willing Esq.
I pray you to return the originals as those which arrived yesterday may require some order to be taken on them—
I have the honor to be / with the greatest respect / Your obedt Servant

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 August 1797
From: McHenry, James
To: Adams, John

Sir.
War office 25 Augt. 1797.

Since my letter of this morning which inclosed the last dispatches I had from General Wilkinson and others, I have thought it proper to write to the General relative to the subject of Mr. Powers’s mission, to prevent should any thing have delayed Cap Guion at Massac, any misconceptions on his part. I submit a copy of it. As I had sent off the original to which this letter refers, it is probable that I may not have recollected precisely its contents. I hope however, I have made no omissions of consequence, at least I presume that from what I have said the General will find no difficulty in framing his answer in conformity to its spirit and intention.
The prevailing fever having become more general in the City, I intend accompanying my family to-morrow to a situation near Downing town, and have arranged matters so that no inconvenience and very little delay to the public business will be occasioned by this removal.
with the most perfect respect I have the honour to be Sir your most / ob & hble st.

James McHenry


Title: To John Adams from Mr. Halsey, 25 August 1797
From: Halsey, Mr.,Bissell, Mr.
To: Adams, John

Marshs. Inn in Braintree 25th. August 1797, 4 o’Clk P.M

Mr. Halsey and Mr. Bissell from Connecticut take the Liberty to present their respectfull Compliments to the President of the United States; and request an Interview of a few Minutes of Time upon Business of Importance to themselves, and their Constituents; and should be happy to know whether, and when it would be agreable.


Title: To John Adams from Vilneuve, 25 August 1797
From: Vilneuve
To: Adams, John

				 1e. Duplicata
					Monsieur Le Président
					Ce 25 aoust 1797.

				J’ai apris que le Congrès vous a autorisé par un Décret, de former un Corps d’Ingénieurs. j’aloux depuis long-tems de trouver les moyens de passer dans le nouveau monde, et d’y être de quelques utilités; je crois ne pouvoir trouver une plus heureuse circonstance pour vous offrir mes Services. j’ose esperer qu’ils seront accueilis avec intérêt, et que vous vouderez bien avoir la bonté de me faire de vos intentions.Je suis avec respect / Monsieur Le Président / Vore. obt. sr.

					Vilneuve

					P.S. Veüillez je vous prie, Monsieur le Président, m’adresser vos Lettres par Duplicatas, chez M. Vanstavern Négt. sur le Wÿnhaven à Rotterdam.


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Moultrie, 27 August 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Moultrie, Alexander

Sir.
Quincy Aug 27th 1797

I have recd. the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 20th of this month & the printed pamphlets inclosed with it. I should wish to give to the subject all the attention which its importance merits; but at present it appears to me to be out of my power to do any thing in it & that the legislative alone is adequate to the purpose intended.
I have however referred the matter to the consideration of the secretary of State & the attorney general who will report their opinion. I have the honor to be very respectfully, Sir, your most obedient servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Charles Lee, 29 August 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Lee, Charles

Dear Sir.
Quincy Aug. 29th 1797

I received last evening your favor of the 19th & thank you for communicating to Mr John Read the determination to Appoint him agent for the United States respecting British claims under the treaty of 1794
I have received solicitations and recommendations for several other persons; but see no reason to alter the opinion we formed before I left you. I have accordingly written to the Secretary of State requesting him to make out a commission for Mr. Read. I condole with you, on the prevalence of another epidemick fever in Philadelphia & should be glad to be informed of its progress or decline, & advised whether it ought to accelerate or to retard my return to the city, or its neigborhood, & what should be done for the safety & accomodation of the members of Congress, in case the disease should continue in the city, at the time to which they are adjourned.
I am with great esteem, Sir your most / obedient

John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 1 September 1797
From: Adams, John
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir.
Quincy Sept 1st. 1797

I have received your two letters of Aug 25th. & have read their inclosures with attention.
Your letters to Gen Wilkinson of July. 21st. 25th. Aug 11. & 25th appear to me all weighed & prudently and judiciously written. I have considered them with much satisfaction & they have my entire approbation.I return all the inclosures with this letter. I think you are in the right to remove your Family from danger of the epidemick fever, & advise you to expose yourself as little as possible. With high esteem / I am, Sir, your most obedient &c.


Title: From John Adams to Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura Kosciuszko, 4 September 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Kosciuszko, Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura

Sir
Quincy Sept 4. 1797

I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 24 of last month & thank you for your care of my packet from the worthy Sir John Sinclair, whose benevolent labors promise so much advantage to mankind.
Give me leave, Sir, to congratulate you on your arrival in America, where I hope you will find all the consolation, Tranquility & satisfaction, you desire, after the glorious efforts you have made on a greater theatre.
On my arrival in Philadelphia, I hope to have the pleasure to receive you & to repeat those assurances of esteem & respect with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient & most humble servant

John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 4 September 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir
Quincy September 4. 1797

I have read all the Dispatches inclosed in your favour of Aug 26 and have now time only to thank you and Col. McHenry for your Vigilant Attention and judicious Execution of all the Business relative to them.
Your Letter to the Chevalier de Yrujo dated the 8 of August I have  read with some Attention. The quotations and References I presume to be exact, and the Fact of his Intimacy with Blount, I presume you are prepared to prove. taking these things for granted I See nothing to disapprove in the Letter. On the contrary I think it a masterly Compostition, and will do as much honour to you as it will cast just disgrace on the Spanish Minister. The Measure is necessary.
I have the Honour to be, Sincerely /  yours

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 4 September 1797
From: Adams, John
To: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Septr. 4. 1797

I recd. your favour of Augt. 20th. in due Season. I congratulate you, most sincerely, on the prospect of the recovery of your Father and Brother from sickness.
Before I left Philadelphia, I appointed Mr. Storer in the Place of Leonard Jarvis, and have the Pleasure to find, that his established Character for Integrity and his well known Accuracy in Accounts, have given universal satisfaction in Boston. Mr Leonard Vassall Borland, though respectably connected, and probably well accomplished, I presume can have no Pretensions which ought to have stood in the Way of Mr Storer, had his application been known to me in Season.
I had also appointed Mr John Reed to the Agency, before I knew the desire of Mr. Hopkinson. Mr. Hopkinsons Character is very good and had his application been made at first I might have ballanced longer: but considering him at present in a respectable Situation perhaps it is better for him, that he was not taken out of it.—Application too, in such an Agent is more prescious than Genius or Taste. It is not agreable however to take from the Bar a Junior in preference to a Senior. Mr Reed is Appointed and Mr Hopkinson cannot complain as he did not apply in season.
I advise you, my dear sir, to take Care of your health and your Family and Clerks too and not expose any of them unnecessarily to the epidemical Infection.
With Sincere Esteem I am / Dr Sir your most obt.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from David Jackson, 4 September 1797
From: Jackson, David
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philada Sept. 4th 1797

By this days mail I have no doubt you will be informed that Doctr Nicholas Way died yesterday, supposed of the contagious fever now prevalent in this City—
By the death of this gentleman, the office of Treasr of the Mint becomes vacant—If you think I am qualified to fill that office, I will thank you for the appointment—with much regard I remain / Sir / your Obdt Servt

David Jackson


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

Sir
Department of State Trenton Sept. 7. 1797.

Since my last letter was forwarded, I have received the inclosed letters from Judge Patterson & Mr. McHenry, mentioning the names and characters of candidates for the office of Treasurer of the mint. Probably more will be presented; and as the prevalence of the fever in Philadelphia will for some time interrupt the operations of the mint, there will be no inconvenience in suspending your choice.
The accounts from the city concerning the yellow fever are various: but those most to be relied on indicate its increase. A  letter, which I recd. yesterday from Mr. Wolcott, (from the Treasury Office at Gray Gardens) says “the state of things in the city will I think keep us out till late in October.”
Three packages of Mediterranean passports have come to hand, with your signature on them.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, / Sir, your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering.P.S. Dr. Jackson’s and Williams’s letters to me ed to forward in my last  they had  written to you.


Title: To John Adams from Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg, 8 September 1797
From: Muhlenberg, Frederick Augustus Conrad
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Spring Gardens, Near Philada. Sept. 8th, 1797.

The office of Treasurer of the Mint having become vacant by the Death of Dr. Way permit me most respectfully to offer myself a Candidate for the same. A series of misfortunes to a Son in Law of mine occasioned by french Captures have also affected me very materially, and being at present out of public Employment, I have both Leisure and Inclination to attend to the Duties of this or any other Office You may think proper to honor me with, whilst at the same time it would afford me some aid in a situation I have never been accustomed to. Submitting my Application to your Decision, permit me to add, that if appointed I shall execute the Duties enjoined with Diligence and fidelity, if not, it will never lesson that cordial Attachment and high respect with which I have the Honor to be / Sir,

/ Your most obedient

/ humble Servant

					Fredk. Aug. Muhlenberg.


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

Sir
Department of State Trenton Sept. 9. 1797

Since my last letter was forwarded, I have received the inclosed letters from Judge Patterson & Mr. McHenry, mentioning the names and characters of candidates for the office of Treasurer of the mint. Probably more will be presented; and as the prevalence of the fever in Philadelphia will for some time interrupt the operations of the mint, there will be no inconvenience in suspending your choice.
The accounts from the city concerning the yellow fever are various: but those most to be relied on indicate its increase. A letter which I recd yesterday from Mr. Wolcott (from the Treasury Office at Grays Gardens) says “the state of things in the city will I think keep us out till late in October.”
Three packages of Mediterranean passports have come to hand, with your signature on them.
I have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering
P.S. Dr Jackson’s and J. Williams’s letters to me I omitted to forward in my last, because they had each written to you.


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 12 September 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

(private)
Sir,Trenton Sept. 12. 1797.

I have been honoured with your two letters of the 4th instant, and am happy in your approbation of the matters therein referred to.
Yesterday I received the inclosed letter from Colo. Francis Nichols, offering himself a candidate for the office of Treasurer of the mint. He was an officer in the Pennsylvania line in the war of our revolution. He now lives at Pottsgrove in that State. He supposes that I am acquainted with the late President’s intentions towards him: unfortunately I am not. I take Colo. Nichols to be a very worthy man, & a steady supporter of the Government. He is the brother of Major Nichols, the marshal of the district of Pennsylvania.
I am, with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servant,

Timothy Pickering10 packages of Mediterranean passports came to hand last Saturday.


Title: To John Adams from William Cocke, 14 September 1797
From: Cocke, William
To: Adams, John

14 September 1797

To inform you that a large number of respectable citizens of the State of Tennessee are found to be within the limits of the Indian Claims. Justice requires that I should speak to you in plain and decided language. When I last had the honour to converse with you and Secretary of War on the subject, I felt myself highly pleased at the assurance you then gave me that you would take the matter under your serious consideration and notify the commissioners the result of your deliberation, from the manner you then expressed yourself I had every reason to believe would have produced a decision favourable to the people. Impressed with this idea, I communicated to them what had passed between us, but to my great mortification and surprise, I have seen an order from Col. Butler, directing the people to prepare to remove from their farms by the 25th of October, it will not be improper to remark to the President that the people of the state of Tennessee know that they are not entirely governed by military laws, that no citizen can be deprived of his property for public conveniency without full compensation and that the Courts Judicial are bound to decide all questions of right, according to the Constitutional Laws of our country. Sir, it is painful to me to make these remarks, but as the Constitution of my country warrant them and as my fellow citizens are likely to be injured, as I conceive contrary to law, as a number of them possess Legal Rights to the land in question, I submit to you whether such orders should not be countermanded, especially at a time when Congress hath had the subject before them and hath postponed it for further consideration, I am Sir with / every sentiment of esteem &c.


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 14 September 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Trenton Sept. 14. 1797.

Yesterday I received a letter from John Q. Adams Esqr. dated at London the 19th. acknowledging the receipt of my letters informing of his appointment to the Court of Berlin, and that he should remain in London until his instructions should arrive.
He regrets the publication of extracts from some of his letters, such as that of Novr. 4. relative to the conduct of the Dutch Republic, as it would expose his personally to the resentment of the Comtee. for foreign affairs and the whole party of the present government in that country. “As far, however (says he) as it only concerns myself, the ill-will of the Dutch Govt. will be less important now than it would be were I still residing in that country; and as I felt bound in duty to write the letters, I shall cheerfully acquiesce in any consequence that must derive from them.”
To-day I received a letter from Mr. Murray dated June 9th in the Texel, where he had just arrived, after a lengthy & tempestuous passage.
I am most respectfully yr. obt. servt.

Timothy Pickering