Congratulates him on the success of his "patriotic labors" in the Netherlands and on his success in opening a loan; encloses resolutions and copies of letters [not present] that convey the views of Congress and his own views.; "Triplicate"
From sundry female inhabitants of Philadelphia, asking that prisoners of Fries rebellion be released; [1800]. D.S.by Susannah S. Woodrow and 71 others.
Comments that he would think the close of Hamilton's letter [Letter from Alexander Hamilton, Concerning the Public Conduct and Character of John Adams (24 Oct. 1800)] temporizing, "but the Federal Stomach would not bear a stronger dose," and expresses regret that Hamilton's earlier opinion was not pursued; points out that "The press teems with answers to my pamphlet" and requests his assistance if Hamilton has to reply; requests a precise account of a letter written by [John Adams]; [postscript]: "To prevent a mortal scism among the Federalists he [Adams] must be voted for by them every where."
Mentions certain works which might be of interest in his study of universal language. DuPonceau's and Heckewelder's studies on the Indians have diminished certain prejudices he had against them. Mentions the American Philosophical Society.
Gives reasons why Hamilton did not consult with him before using his name in a publication [Letter from Alexander Hamilton, Concerning the Public Conduct and Character of John Adams (24 Oct. I800)] and points out that in letters to Hamilton, McHenry declared that Adams should be "openly attacked"; inquires how the presidential election is going and what the electors will do.
"Questions concerning the possible grounds of dissatisfaction on the part of France against the United States," enclosed in a letter [not present] to the President [John Adams].; "Private"
Leyden. After seeing the enclosed letter, amazed at Arnold's daring to show his face among men; his present employment that of stealing tobacco and negroes; Cornwallis engaed in the same pursuit. Has not yet succeeded in negotiating a loan; does not possess one grain of Franklin's faith and hope; motives which prevent the capitalists from coming forward. Desires Franklin's orders how the bills, accepted should be paid. Congratulates him on his success at Versailles. Good results to be expected, should Spain make a treaty with Mr. Jay. If America were willing to be less honest and would threaten to return to Great Britain, all the other Nations would hang themselves to prevent it; Europe's unfair and ungenerous treatment of America; would give millions to have all Europe remain neutral and let England and America fight it out alone.
Mentions McHenry's resignation and remarks: "It is impossible that our public affairs can proceed under the present chief [John Adams] or his Antifoederal rival [Thomas Jefferson] without loss of reputation to all the Agents"; comments: "A new and more dangerous AEra has commenced. Revolution and a new order of things are aroused in this quarter. Property, Liberty and even life are at stake"; requests a meeting before McHenry goes to Maryland.; "Private"
Thanks him for allowing Hamilton to read a copy of an enclosed paper
[not present], expresses regret that he forbid Hamilton making a copy
because "Such a paper . . . shewn confidentially would be very important,"
and suggests that Charles Carroll of Carrollton be informed about all the
circumstances; comments: "The man [John Adams] is more mad than I
ever thought him and I shall soon be led to say as wicked as he is mad";
requests information about the probability of a coalition with [Thomas] Jefferson.
Resolution that appoints a committee, including John Adams, [Silas] Deane, [Patrick] Henry, and [Benjamin] Franklin, "to inquire into the Cheapest & easiest Methods of making Salt in these Colonies."
Notes on legal arguments made before the Superior Court of Massachusetts by Otis, Oxenbridge Thacher, Jr., Jeremiah Gridley, and Robert Auchmuty; includes Gridley's argument in favor of, and Otis's and Thacher's arguments against the writs of assistance in Feb. 1761 [a version of John Adams's notes on the case?]; [on fly leaf]: "Elisha Mayer 1772."
Congress informs Henry Laurens that his participation in the peace negotiations is essential. This resolution was written in response to a letter from Laurens dated May 30th, 1782.; American Philosophical Society
Informs him that last night [John] Adams's private secretary [John] Thaxter arrived from Paris with "the definitive Treaty between America and Great Britain" that was signed on 3 Sept. and also that Col. [Josiah] Harmar delivered a printed copy of the treaty to President [John] Dickinson.; Includes a notation, [n.d.], regarding Harmar.; American Philosophical Society
Congress informs John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens to attend and participate in the peace negotiations.; American Philosophical Society
Mentions the problems of writing biography and the deficiencies of oral tradition and comments briefly on [George] Washington, [Benjamin] Franklin, [Thomas] Jefferson, and John Adams and more extensively on [Alexander] Hamilton for Paulding's proposed "Biographical undertaking."