1951To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 20 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am this moment honoured with your letters of the 13th and 14th, and have directed a Commission to be made out for a judge of the Supreme Court, in the place of Judge Wilson deceased, leaving a blank for the name, and which I shall transmit to you in the mail of this evening. I shall also this day write to General Marshall to inform him that you have designated him to fill the vacant seat,...
1952To John Adams from Nathaniel Kezer, 20 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a legal meeting of the inhabitance of Rowley , Voted to Address the President of the United States , and that Messrs. Parker Cleaveland , Esq. Joseph Chaplin , and David Mighill , be a Committe to prepare the Address. Voted , That the following Address, reported by the above Committee, be forwarded to the President of the United States . ADDRESS
1953To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 20 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have not yet recd official accounts of the capture of the French 20 Gun Ship by Nicholson—But the account comes so well authenticated from different quarters, that the fact is not to be doubted. I hope this Ship will prove a useful addition to our Navy. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir Yr. most / Obed. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
1954To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President of the United States the following Report. That by an Act of Congress passed on the 16th. day of July 1798, entitled “An Act to enable the President of the United States to borrow money for the public service,” authority is given to the President of the United States to borrow a sum not exceeding five Millions of Dollars,...
1955From John Adams to Elisha Boudinot, 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 15th recommending Mr John Pintard to be my private secretary in the place of Mr Malcom resigned. Mr William Smith Shaw has acted in that capacity with me when at home for more than a year past & has been sometime since appointed & officiateing as successor to Mr Malcom With great esteem I have the / honor to be &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1956From John Adams to James McHenry, 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favor of the 15th with its inclosures, & perceive nothing to alter. Inclosed is a letter from Samuel Treat who has been a lieutenant at the castle a long time. His claims to a continuance in service I hope will be considered, but I know nothing of him, but his appearance on a late visit to me & the inclosed letter MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1957From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favor of the 14th & 15th. The letter to Govenor Sumner, I will send to his Excellency. I feel very sensibly the obligations of the US to Mr Liston to his royal highness, Prince Edward & to Sir John Wentworth for their civility and kindness & shall accept the loan of the cannon and shot upon the terms you propose. Mr Stoddert will take the earliest opportunity to give...
1958From John Adams to Increase Sumner, 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the Honor to Send my Secretary Mr Shaw to present to your Excellency the Secretary of States Letter on the subject of the Castle, and Another Letter as an Apology for the Delay. With great Respect I have / the Honor to be, Your Excellencys / most obedient and most humble / Servant MHi : David S. Greenough Papers.
1959From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mr Andrew Halliburton of Portsmouth has called this morning upon me with the inclosed letters, which I transmit to you for your consideration with all other letters & recommendations you may receive relative to the succession to the naval office With great esteem &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1960From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mr Andrew Halliburton of Portsmouth has called this morning upon me with the inclosed Letters, which I transmit to you for your consideration with all other Letters and Recommendations you may receive, relative to the Succession to the Naval Office. With great Esteem &c CtHi : Oliver Wolcott, Jr. Papers.
1961To John Adams from James McHenry, 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 13th instant, for which I sincerely thank you. It has not only relieved me from some painful impressions, but afforded me ground to expect, I shall be able, when I have the pleasure of again seeing you, to satisfy you more fully that I exceeded, in no particular whatever, the line pointed out to me by your Instructions. Having acted, both...
1962To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received from Mr. Adams at Berlin a letter which I am decyphering: it is dated the 18th of June. If it appears necessary, I shall forward it in to-morrow’s mail. The three letters inclosed for Mrs. Adams, arrived last evening with the former. I have a letter from General Marshall, dated at Richmond the 15th. in which is the following passage:— “I have seldom seen more extraordinary...
1963To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have a letter dated 13th from Pennock, the naval agent at Norfolk, saying Nicholson had brought into Hampton Road a Ship of 20—or 24 Guns, full of men, who refused to give any account of themselves, and who are suspected to be Pirates. I hope by the mail of this evening to receive more certain intelligence. Capt Barry to my Surprize, made his Appearance here, at 1 OClk. His Ship with about...
1964To John Adams from Increase Sumner, 21 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your Excellencys letter, & the Secretary of State’s letters accompanying the same, by your Secretary Mr. Shaw, and shall cause the proper arrangements to be made for delivering the possession of Castle Island to the United States. I understood by Major Jackson, that your Excellency had Authorized him to receive possession, & to place his Comany in the Garrison; I...
1965From John Adams to Jonathan DeWitt, 22 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received and read with great pleasure your address of the first of Sept. which, in this kind of writing with a few explanations, may be confident as a model of sense & spirit, as well as of taste and eloquence. Is there any mode imaginable in which contempt of the understanding and feelings of a nation can be expressed with so much aggravation, as by affecting to treat the government of...
1966To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 22 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter I have just written to the Collector of Norfolk, on which I shall wait your orders. Perhaps another (and possibly a more effectual) condition may be required, on the issuing a permit to a vessel to carry off French persons—to wit, That the Collector shall previously ascertain that she is not a fast sailing vessel, and not calculated for being...
1967To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 22 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed address and tender of services from the Volunteer riflemen of Christiana Hundred, county of New Castle, State of Delaware came to hand last evening. MHi : Adams Papers.
1968From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 17th and read it over and over again, with all the attention I am master of. The long continued dangerous sickness of my best friend, and her still precarious destiny, have thrown my mind into a state of depression, agitation and anxiety, which will not admit of a full discussion of the various points on which, you and I appear to differ in opinion. I will...
1969To John Adams from Warner Mifflin, 24 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I hope I may address the first magistrate in the United States in this Stile without Offence , as I do esteem him my friend, and have a due respect unto him, & for the Office he fills; sincerely desiring to conduct myself under his Administration in every respect consistent with my conscience, as a good & faithful Citizen ought to do. I therefore inform the President, that being in this City...
1970To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 24 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inclose two letters from Mr. Adams, one dated “Berlin June 18th. 1798;” the other on the 25th of the same month; the latter covering three papers of extracts from French news-papers with Mr. Adams’s remarks. In his letter of June 18th he refers to the propositions made by the Swedish minister, Baron d’Engerstrom, (now at Berlin) when he was minister in England in 1793, to...
1971To John Adams from Edward Pope, 24 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Doct. Samuel West, jr: being desirous of entering into the Military service of his Country as a Surgeon, has procured letters from three of the most respectable Physicians, in this quarter, certifying their opinion of his abilities—In which I heartily concur.—Those letters will accompany this, from / Your Excellency’s most obedient, / and very humble Servant, MWA : West Family Papers.
1972To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recd. only on Saturday evening, the letter from Capt Nicholson, of which the enclosed is a copy. It is I think, highly probable, that the Ship brought into Hampton by Nicholson, belongs to, or has been hired by, that unfortunate class of Frenchmen, who call themselves Loyalists, & who adhering to the British ‘till a place of Refuge is denied them in the West Indies, come to America as the...
1973To John Adams from Denny McCobb, 25 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a moment So eventful & alarming as the present, when a great & imperious Nation whose aim is universal domination, is endeavouring to Sap the foundation of our political existence, it is the duty of every man to step forth & avow his Sentiments on Concerns so interesting to humanity—Replete with this Idea, We the field Officers & Commanders of the Companies of the 1st. Regiment 1st. Brigade...
1974To John Adams from Theodore Sedgwick, 25 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
By the death of Judge Willson there is a vacancy on the bench of the supreme court. Whether I may be deemed competent to supply that vacancy, or whether it may be thought proper to appoint another Judge, from this state, I am ignorant.—Pardon, Sir, my thus suggesting a wish—I should not have done it, but from a fear, that my friends, will compel me, again, to serve in the house of...
1975To John Adams from George Washington, 25 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
With all the respect which is due to your public station, and with the regard I entertain for your private character, the following representation is presented to your consideration.—If in the course of it, any expression should escape me which may appear to be incompatible with either,—let the purity of my intentions;—the candour of my declarations;—and a due respect for my own character, be...
1976To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 25 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inform the President, that I have received Letters from South Carolina, informing me that Arnoldus Vanderhorst and John Chesnut Esqrs. have declined accepting their appointments as Commissioners for that State. I have no information which will justify me in indicating the name of a Successor to Mr. Vanderhorst—I have however written to the Supervisor and to Mr. Desaussure...
1977To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 25 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have complied with your direction by sending under cover to the Post Master of Philadelphia an anonimous Note with Five hundred Dollars in a Letter to Mr. Allen President of the Health Committee—This generous donation will relieve many a distressed person. The Warrant stands charged to the Presidents account in the Treays as recd. by me in the character of Agent to the President . I have the...
1978From John Adams to James McHenry, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed address and petition from the Hudson independent rangers should have been transmitted to you sometime ago; but in my distress it has been omitted. You will please to give them such an answer as our rules and circumstances will admit of. I am &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1979From John Adams to Stephen Moore, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
An Address from Seven thousand two hundred and Ninety four Men, a Number Sufficient to compose a respectable Army, giving Assurance of their Approbation of Public Measures, and their Determination as Men and Soldiers to Support them, with their Lives and Fortunes, must be a pleasing Appearance to every Lover of his Country. There is no Part of the Union from which, such Sentiments could be...
1980From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor of your letter of the 19th last night and have read the inclosures. Dr. Rushes letter gives me pleasure, because the number of dissappointed candidates is diminished by it by one. Mr. Sitgreaves letter is frank, candid and agreeable; but although this gentleman has merit and talents, held in high esteem by his country, as well as by me, I cannot help thinking that a few years...
1981From John Adams to James Oliver, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received with great pleasure your Address of the 14th of this month, and I know not whether any that has been published contains more important matter or juster sentiments. It must be great Perverseness and Depravity in any, who can represent the late Acts of Government, and the necessary measures of Self Defence taken by Congress, as a Coalition with Great Britain. It may be Usefull...
1982From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Mr. Abiel Foster recommending Edward St loe Livermore to be naval officer at Portsmouth which you will please to weigh with others. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1983To John Adams from John Cheves, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Not being acquainted with the situation of the different ports of our Country; nor the minds of the people; I think it most expedient to send my address to you. I know my intention is honest; but I know also, that every honest intention does not prove advantageous; therefore I wish to have your approbation; which will be manifested, by its appearing in our Public papers— Permit me to Observe,...
1984To John Adams from John Jay, 26 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
During the late special Session of the Legislature of this State an act was passed for the further defence of this State of which a Copy is herewith enclosed.—The first section of this Act appropriates a Sum not exceeding 150,000 Dollars, towards the defence of the City and port of New York, and provides that the said sum shall be expended under the direction of the President of the United...
1985From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 27 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
On the 27th I received your favors of the 22d The address from the volunteer company of riflemen of Christiania Hundred in the county of New Castle and state of Deleware, I shall transmit to the Secretary at war to be answered according to laws, rules and usages. The regulations proposed in your letter to Otway Bird, the collector at Norfolk, are prudent and judicious, and ought to be...
1986To John Adams from James W. Head, 27 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The undersigned Officers of the fourth Regiment in the first Brigade of the Eighth Division of the Militia of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, having this day convened for the inspection review and discipline of the Regiment, for the first time since the publication of the Dispatches from the Envoys of these States to the Republic of France, take the liberty tho’ at this late period to...
1987To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Having left behind me when I came into Public Service, a Wife & seven Children whom I am anxious to see, and to remove to Philadelphia, as soon as prudence will permit, I have the honor to solicit permission to transfer the duties of my office, to Col. Pickering, about the 15th. or between the 15th. and 20th. October, for about three weeks—Possibly some necessary attention to my private...
1988To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 27 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully transmit to the President of the United States the Copy of a Letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 25th. instant, accompanied with a proposal made by John Nivison for building a Light-House on North Island at the entrance of George Town Harbour in the State of South Carolina. This proposal being the most favourable of any that have...
1989From John Adams to James McHenry, 28 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter or address and offer of service from a volunteer company of riflemen in Christiania hundred in the state of Deleware I transmit to you to be answered according to law and our rules and usages I am Sir your most / obedient Servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1990From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 28 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of Sept 20th and return you the comission for a judge of the supreme court, signed, leaving the name and date blank. You will fill the blank with the name of Marshall, if he will accept it, if not with that of Bushrod Washington. I cannot blame the former if he should decline, of the latter I have always heard the most agreeable accounts. I have also received your...
1991From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 28 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Elijah Brewer petitioning for a first lieutenancy in the navy and recommendation from Col Wadsworth and two other respectable gentlemen. It is His experience in service appears to demand deserve attention. I am Sir your most obedient / Servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1992From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Kinchen Turner of Virginia requesting to be appointed a commissioner to value lands houses &c. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1993To John Adams from John Faucheraud Grimké, 28 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
It is with very sincere pleasure that we forward the presentments made by the Grand Jury of this City and district, at the late Court of Oyer and Jerminer; &c, which commenced its session on the 19th. Instant; and the more especially, as the Grand Inquest have in our opinion, spoken the language of the Citizens of this country, in favor of the late judicious and dicisive measures of the...
1994To John Adams from Samuel Partridge, 28 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
At the present interesting crisis, We the Grand Jurors of the county of Hampshire ,—convened at Northampton in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, at the Session of the Supreme Judicial Court, think it our duty to express our respect for your character, our approbation of your meassures, our confidence in your administration, our determination, to support the Constitution and Laws of our...
1995To John Adams from George Cabot, 29 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
A sincere desire to prevent a possible embarrassment to the administration of our government, & to see preserved entire that influence by which alone the honor & independence of our nation can be maintained, has induced me to trouble you with my thoughts at this time. When the appointments of Major Generals were first known it was readily perceived that the order in which they were made...
1996To John Adams from John Clark, 29 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit you here with enclosed an Address from the Officers of the Division under my Command It is much Sullied and impaired by being Carried to & fro to the different Regimental Reviews was Cheerfully signed by all the Attending Officers except one & he only a Subaltern and I think I may say with truth that all Classes of C with us throughout the division Accord with...
1997To John Adams from James Sullivan, 29 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am very sensible that this is out of proper mode of communication to the President of the United States; but there are certain considerations which I hope will form an apology for the intrusion I have the honor to be / with the most perfect / respect your humble / Servant MHi : Adams-Hull Collection.
1998To John Adams from Oliver Whipple, 29 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
You will pardon the frequent Repetition of my Letters: Since I did myself the Honour to write you, on the Death of Mr Russell, late naval Officer, at Portsmouth, I have been informed that several Candidates, have made application to your Excellency to be appointed to that Office. Their Names are, as I hear, Mr Nathaniel Folsom, Jeremiah Libbey & Andrew Halliburton. The first of these Gentlemen...
1999From John Adams to James McHenry, 30 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are the Commissions for the three Generals Signed and all dated on the Same Day. I am sir / your most obedient &c DLC : James McHenry Papers.
2000From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 30 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 24th and have read carefully all the inclosures. Such as ought to remain in your office I return inclosed in this. There is nothing that require any remarks from me, because I think all is well considered, well done. It may not however be amiss to observe, to Mr. Adams, that he need not be solicitous about his success in making treaties with Prussia and Swedin...