Instructions to Commanders of Armed Vessels belonging to the United States:— Given at Philadelphia, The tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred and ninety eight, and in the twenty third year of our Independence.— In pursuance of the Acts of Congress passed the 28th day of May, the 28th. day of June, & the 9th day of July;— You are hereby authorized instructed,...
2To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 30 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
By letters previously recd. from Stephen Higginson Esqr of Boston, I had been taught to expect that both the Herald, of 20 Guns, and the Boston Cutter, of 14 Guns, would have been prepared to Join Capt. Barry, at Cape Cod, or Nantasket road, about the 20th. Instant. Barry arrived at the place of destination about the time appointed, but found the Boston Vessels in an unprepared state; and I...
3To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 31 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Acts of Congress authorize the President to cause to be procured, from the Public money appropriated for the purpose, & the Public Spirit of the Citizens, Six Vessels, not to exceed 18 Guns each. Twelve not to exceed 24 Guns—& Six, not less than 32 Guns. Of the Six, not to exceed 18 Guns,—one I have directed to be purchased at Norfolk, from the very favorable representation of Capt...
4To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 3 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Regt. of Marines, under the Command of Major Burrows, is to supply Detachments of Marines, to the Ships of War, as they shall be wanted. A Detachment will be wanted in the course of this month, for the Montezuma at Baltimore, and in next month, for the Ganges and for the Norfolk, a Brig of 18 Guns at Norfolk. It seems to be necessary then, that a part of this Regt. Should be raised without...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Stoddert, 24 August 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I should have replied to your letter of the 8 Inst, before this time, had it not mentioned your intention of setting out on a Journey. I am since honored with yours of the 21st. I have no motive but truth, in saying that there is no man known to me by Character only, to whose wishes I would pay so much respect as yours—that I think you have such claims on this Country & this Govt.—that to...
6To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Not having the Honor to hear from you on the Subject of my Letter of the 30th Ultimo, I have presumed that you did not disapprove of the Arrangement therein proposed of our Vessels, and having good Information that about 80 American Vessels with Cargoes to the amount of two Millions of Dollars were blocked up at the Havana by a few French Privateers, and had little chance of escaping without...
7To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your two letters of the 18. Instant: and am happy, that your wishes on the subject of a convoy for the Vessels at the Havanna, had been anticipated. The enclosed copy of a letter from the Captain of a British sloop of war, to the British Consul at Charleston, affords no very honorable testimony of the courage of Capt Cochran, Commander of the Revenue Cutter. I am glad he was...
8To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 1 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The paper No. 1. will exhibit a view of the Ships already in Service, & those which are building in different parts of the United States, and their Commanders. Of the Ships building, to which Commanders have not been appointed, those of Newburyport, Middleton & Norfolk, are in the greatest forwardness—and are in a situation to require the attention of their Captains. But as Capt Tingey is...
9To George Washington from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
You will I know, pardon me for trespassing on your time, my object being the Public good. If we are to create such a navy, as will make our Commerce respected, and this I cannot doubt, will be the policy of our Country, one Navy yard at least must be established for building Ships. This subject will probably engage the attention of Congress at the ensuing Session, and it will be my Duty, to...
10To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 19 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed letter was recd. last night—it is yet too early to receive an official confirmation of the intelligence it contains—but as I hope, & believe it to be true, I cannot deny myself the pleasure of forwarding it to you in its present state. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem, sir yr. most Obed / servt MHi : Adams Papers.