1From John Adams to George Washington, 19 June 1775; 20 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
In Complyance with your Request, I have considered of what you proposed, and am obliged to give you my Sentiments, very briefly, and in great Haste. In general, Sir, there will be three Committees, either of a Congress, or of an House of Representatives, which are and will be composed of our best Men, Such, whose Judgment and Integrity may be most relyed on. I mean the Committee on the State...
2The Massachusetts Delegates to George Washington, 22 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
In Complyance with your Request We have considered of what you proposed to us, and are obliged to give you our Sentiments, very briefly, and in great Haste. In general, Sir, there will be three Committees, either of a Congress, or of an House of Representatives, which are and will be composed of our best Men; Such, whose Judgment and Integrity, may be most rely’d on; the Committee on the State...
3From John Adams to George Washington, 6 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
As your Excellency has asked my Opinion of General Lees Plan, as explained in his Letter of the fifth instant, I think it my Duty to give it, although I am obliged to do it in more Haste than I could wish. I Suppose the only Questions which arise upon that Letter are whether the Plan is practicable; whether it is expedient; and whether it lies properly within your Excellencys Authority,...
4To John Adams from George Washington, 7 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
You will excuse me for reminding you of our conversation the other Evening, when I inform’d you that General Lee’s departure for New York is advisable upon the Plan of his Letter, and under the circumstances I then mentioned, ought not to be delayed. In giving me your opinion of this matter I have no doubt of your taking a comprehensive view of it. That is, you will not only consider the...
5To John Adams from George Washington, 15 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry I did not know that you were in this place today. Our want of Men and arms is such, as to render it necessary for me to get the best advice possible of the most eligeble mode of obtaining of them. I adjourned the Council of Officers today, untill I could be favourd with your opinion (together with that of others of the General Court) on these heads. They meet again...
6IV. John Hancock to George Washington, 2 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to convey to you, by Order of Congress, the only Tribute, which a free People will ever consent to Pay; the Tribute of Thanks and Gratitude to their Friends and Benefactors. The disinterested and patriotic Principles which led you to the Field, have also led you to Glory: and it affords no little Consolation to your Countrymen to reflect, that, as a...
7From John Adams to George Washington, 1 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer of this Letter Francis Dana Esqr. of Cambridge, is a Gentleman of Family, Fortune and Education, returned in the last Packett from London where he has been about a Year. He has ever maintained an excellent Character in his Country, and a warm Friendship for the American Cause. He returns to share with his Friends in their Dangers, and their Triumphs. I have done myself the Honour to...
8The Board of War to George Washington, 21 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Congress having thought proper to appoint us to the Board of War and Ordinance, we do ourselves the Honour to transmit you the foregoing Extracts from their Proceedings establishing a War Office for the more speedy and effectual Dispatch of military Business. You will percieve, on Perusal of the Extracts, that it will be necessary for you forthwith to furnish the Board with an exact State...
9George Washington to the Board of War, 29 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
At length I have been able to comply with the first part of a Resolution of Congress of the 27 Ultimo relative to a return of the vacancies in the Several Regiments composing that part of the Army under my immediate command. I thought to have made this Return much sooner, but the dispersed situation of our Troops—the constant duty they are upon—the difficulty of getting returns when this is...
10New England Delegates to George Washington, 2 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
As Congress have authorized your Excellency to send a proper Officer to take the Command in the northern Department; We take the Liberty to signifie to your Excellency that in our Opinion, no Man will be more likely; to restore, Harmony, Order and Discipline, and retrieve our Affairs in that Quarter, than Majr. Genll. Gates. He has on Experience acquired the Confidence, and stands high in the...
11To John Adams from George Washington, 22 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
As the Transmission of the inclosed paper through the usual Channel of the Department of foreign Affairs would, on the present Occasion, probably be attended with great Delay—and recent Intelligence of Military Transactions must be important to our Ministers in Europe at the present period of Affairs—I have thought it would be agreeable both to Congress and your Excellency, that the Matter...
12Address from the Senate to George Washington, 16 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
We the Senate of the United States, return you our sincere thanks for your excellent speech delivered to both Houses of Congress; congratulate you on the compleat organization of the federal Government, and felicitate ourselves and our fellow-citizens on your elevation to the Office of President: an Office highly important by the Powers constitutionally annexed to it and extremely honorable...
The President of the United States wishes to avail himself of your sentiments on the following points— 1 st Whether a line of Conduct, equally distant from an association with all kinds of Company on the one hand, and from a total seclusion from Society on the other ought to be adopted by him?— and in that case how it is to be done? 2 d: What will be the least exceptionable Method of bringing...
14John Adams’ Reply to George Washington’s Queries Regarding Presidential Conduct, [17 May 1789] (Adams Papers)
The Vice President of the United States has the honour to present his humble Opinion, on the Points proposed, for his consideration. 1. That an Association with all kinds of company, and a total Seclusion from Society, are extreams, which, in the actual Circumstances of this Country, and under our form of Government, may be properly avoided. 2. The System of the President, will gradually...
15From John Adams to George Washington, 20 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
Among the Candidates for the Honour of public Employment, under the New Government there is one, whose connection in my family, and public relation to me, in the late legation to S t. James’s would render my total silence on his account, liable to misinterpretation, as proceeding, either from a want of esteem, confidence, or affection for him on the one hand, or to a failure of respect to The...
16To John Adams from George Washington, 27 August 1790 (Adams Papers)
Being very desireous of obtaining such aids and information as will enable me to form a just opinion upon the subject of the enclosed paper, in case the events therein mentioned should take place; I have taken the liberty to submit it to you for your consideration, requesting that you will favor me with an opinion thereon. With very great esteem & regard / I am / Sir, / Your most Obed t: H be....
17From John Adams to George Washington, 29 August 1790 (Adams Papers)
That New Orleans, and the Spanish Posts on the Missisippi, will be among the first attempts of the English, in case of a war with Spain, appears very probable: and that a combined operation from Detroit, would be convenient to that end cannot be doubted. The Consequences, on the western Settlements, on the commerce with the West Indies, and on the general Security and tranquility of the...
18Address from the Senate to George Washington, 13 December [1790] (Adams Papers)
At twelve o’clock the Senate attended upon the President of the United States at his own House, when the President of the Senate delivered the following Address. To the President of the United States of America. We receive, Sir, with particular satisfaction the communications contained in your Speech, which confirm to us the progressive State of the public Credit, and afford at the same time,...
19To John Adams from George Washington, 1 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Friday the 4th Instant, I have desired their attendance, as I do yours by these Presents, at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such Communications as shall be made to you on my part.— DLC : Papers of George Washington.
20To John Adams from George Washington, 2 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed a resolution, which originated in the Senate, requesting that the President of the United States would cause to be communicated to the National Assembly of France the sense which Congress have of the tribute paid to the memory of Benjamin Franklin.” Printed Source--Senate Journal.
21To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed the following acts: “An act to amend an act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the government of the United States;” and “An act making an appropriation for the purpose therein mentioned.” Printed Source--Senate Journal.
22To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed “the resolve for establishing the mint;” and “the resolve requesting the President of the United States to cause an estimate to be laid before Congress of the lands not claimed by the Indians.” Printed Source--Senate Journal.
23To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has this day approved and signed the following acts which originated in the Senate: “An act to continue in force the act therein mentioned, and to make further provision for the payment of pensions to invalids, and for the support of light-houses, beacons, buoys, and public piers;” and “An act for granting lands to the inhabitants and settlers at Vincennes,...
24From John Adams to George Washington, 31 October 1791 (Adams Papers)
The Senate of the United States have received with the highest satisfaction the assurance of public prosperity contained in your Speech to both Houses: the multiplied blessings of providence have not escaped our notice or failed to excite our gratitude. The benefits which flow from a restoration of public and private confidence are conspicuous and important and the pleasure with which we...
25From John Adams to George Washington, 24 April 1793 (Adams Papers)
Captain John of Harvard in the Massachusetts, has been recommended to me, by so many respectable characters, and in such handsome terms, that I cannot refuse his request of a Line to the President of the United States in his favour. He has the merit of long and early Services, though he is said to have been lately unfortunate. As his application is entirely out of my Department, and to a Judge...
26From United States Senate to George Washington, 9 December 1793 (Adams Papers)
At twelve o’Clock, agreeably to appointment, the Senate waited on the President at his House and presented the following Address. Accept, Sir, the thanks of the Senate for your Speech delivered to both Houses of Congress at the opening of the session. Your reelection to the chief magistracy of the United States gives us sincere pleasure. We consider it as an event every way propitious to the...
27To John Adams from George Washington, 8 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
I would thank you for giving the papers herewith sent a perusal—and for the result of it.— I am now deliberating on the measure proper & necessary to be taken with respect to Mr. G——t and wish for aid in so doing; the critical state of things making me more than usually anxious to decide right in the present case.— None but the heads of departments are privy to these papers, which I pray may...
Resolution of the Trustees of the. Sinkg. Fund. At a Meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund on the thirtieth day of May 1794. Present, The Vice President of the United States, The Secretary of the Treasury, The Secretary of State, The Attorney General. The Secretary of the Treasury having informed the board that there was in the Treasury the sum of one hundred thousand Dollars to be...
29To John Adams from George Washington, 15 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I have not been able to give the papers herewith enclosed, more than a hasty reading;—returning them, with out delay, that you may offer the perusal of them to whomsoever you shall think proper.— The picture drawn in them, of the Genevese, is realy interesting & affecting.—The proposition of transplanting the members, entire, of the University of that place, to America, with the requisition of...
30From John Adams to George Washington, 22 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
We receive with pleasure your speech to the two Houses of Congress. In it we perceive renewed proofs of that vigilant and paternal concern for the prosperity, honor, and happiness of our country, which has uniformly distinguished your past administration. Our anxiety arising from the licentious and open resistance to the laws in the western counties of Pennsylvania, has been increased by the...
31To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of State does himself the honor of requesting the favor of an acknowledgment that the enclosed summons has got safe to hand. United States March 3. 1795. The President of the United States to the Vice President of the United States, and President of the Senate Certain matters touching the public good, requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday the 8th of June next; you...
32From John Adams to George Washington, 10 August 1795 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letters No. 6. 7. 8 and 9, especially the last, contain Information of so much Importance that, although they are written in great confidential Freedom from a Son to a Father, I think it my Duty to transmit them to you. I beg the favour of having them returned to me at your Leisure by the Post. The unnatural Effervescence against the Treaty which broke out in Boston has made...
33To John Adams from George Washington, 20 August 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 10th. inst. with its enclosures.—They contain a great deal of interesting matter;—and No. 9 discloses much important information, and political foresight.—For the proof of your kindness, and confidence, I pray you to accept my best, & most cordial thanks.— Mr. J. Adams, your son, must not think of retiring from the walk he is now in:—his prospects, if he...
34From John Adams to George Washington, 11 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
It is with peculiar satisfaction that we are informed by your Speech to the two Houses of Congress, that the long, and expensive war in which we have been engaged with the Indians North west of the Ohio, is in a situation to be finally terminated; and though we view with concern the danger of an interruption of the peace so recently confirmed with the Creeks, we indulge the hope, that the...
35To John Adams from George Washington, 23 March 1796 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed.—The details are interesting.—The Picture is well drawn;—and it is to be feared, too well founded in facts.—With very sincere esteem and regard / I am Your Obedt & / Affecte. NjP : DeCoppet Collection.
36From John Adams to George Washington, 12 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
We thank you, sir, for your faithful and detailed exposure of the existing situation of our country; and we sincerely join in sentiments of gratitude to an overruling Providence for the distinguished share of public prosperity and private happiness which the People of the United States so peculiarly enjoy. We are fully sensible of the advantages that have resulted from the adoption of measures...
37To John Adams from George Washington, 16 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
Compliments to the Vice-President Enclosed is the curious and Insulting Letter mentioned yesterday Evening MHi : Adams Papers.
38To John Adams from George Washington, 20 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed.—The sentiments do honor to the head & heart of the writer;—and if my wishes would be of any avail, they shd. go to you in a strong hope that you will not withhold merited promotion from Mr. Jno. Adams because he is your son.—For with out intending to compliment the father or the mother, or to censure any others: I give it as my decided...
39To John Adams from George Washington, 17 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have heard with much pleasure, that you contemplate a visit to the City designated for the permanent Seat of the Government of the U. States, in the course of the Summer, or early in Autumn.— It is unnecessary, I hope, for me in that event, to express the satisfaction it would give Mrs. Washington & me to see Mrs. Adams, yourself & Company in the shade of our Vine & Fig tree;—but I shall...
40From John Adams to George Washington, 22 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have this morning received, with great Pleasure, the Letter you did me the Honor to write me, on the Seventeenth of this month. Although a Visit to the City of Washington would give me great Pleasure, and chiefly for the opportunity it would afford me of paying my Respects at Mount Vernon; Yet I cannot but consider the execution of the Plan, as very uncertain. I thank you, Sir, for your...
41To John Adams from George Washington, 4 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Not being in the habit since my return to private life, of sending regularly to the Post Office (nine miles from hence) every Post-day, it often happens that letters addressed to me lye longer there, on that account, than they otherwise would do. I have delayed no time, unnecessarily, since I had the honor of receiving your very obliging favour of the 22d. Ulto. to thank you for the polite and...
42From John Adams to George Washington, 7 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mr Mc Henry the Secretary at War, will have the honor to wait on you, in my behalf to impart to you a step I have ventured to take, & which I should have been happy to have communicated in person, if such a journey had been at this time in my power. As I said in a former letter, if it had been in my power to nominate you to be President of the United States, I should have done it, with less...
43To John Adams from George Washington, 13 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour on the evening of the 11th. instant to receive from the hands of the Secretary of War, your favour of the 7th. announcing, that you had with the advice and consent of the Senate appointed me “Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief of all the Armies raised, or to be raised, for the Service of the U.S” I cannot express how greatly affected I am at this New proof of public...
44To 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...
45From John Adams to George Washington, 9 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received, Yesterday the Letter you did me the Honor to write me on the 25th. of September. You request to be informed, whether my determination to reverse the order of the three Major Generals, is final.—and whether I mean to appoint another Adjutant General without your Concurrence.—I presume, that before this Day you have received Information, from the Secretary at War, that I some time...
46To John Adams from George Washington, 21 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The letter with which you were pleased to honor me, dated the 9th. instant—was received by the last Mail; and demands my particular acknowledgments. It was with sincere concern I received the account of Mrs. Adams’s low state of health, and your consequent indisposition—If my fervent wishes would restore her, and you, to perfect health, this object would soon be accomplished:—and in these...
47To John Adams from George Washington, 1 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
The letter herewith enclosed from Mr Joel Barlow (though of old date) came to my hands only yesterday.— I have conceived it to be my duty to transmit it to you without delay;—and without a comment;—except that it must have been written with a very good, or a very bad design:—which of the two, you can judge better than I.—For, from the known abilities of that Gentleman, such a letter could not...
48From John Adams to George Washington, 19 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
Although I received the Honor of your Letter of the first of this month in its Season, I determined to postpone my Answer to it, till I had deliberated, on it, and the Letter from Barlow inclosed in it, as well as a multitude of other Letters and Documents official and unofficial, which relate to the Same Subject, and determined what Part to act. I Yesterday determined to nominate Mr. Murray...
49To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your favour of the 19th Ulto. mentioning the nomination of Mr. Murray to be Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Republic.— With the writer of the letter, which I did myself the honour to enclose in my last to you, I truly observed that I had never held any correspondence;—and I only knew him in his public mission from this Country to the Barbary States, the...
50Return of Captain Alexander Hamilton’s Company of Artillery, [20 April 1776] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] April 20, 1776 . The return is headed: “A Return of the Colony Company of Artillery commanded by Alexander Hamilton April 20th, 1776” and is in the form of a table showing the number of each rank present and fit for duty, sick, on furlough, on command duty, or taken as prisoner. Hamilton’s company contained a total of 69 commissioned and noncommissioned officers. AD , George...