John Adams
250 documents
Commissioning George Washington to be Lieutenant-General and Commander-in-chief
President John Adams asks James McHenry to offer George Washington the commission of Lieutenant-General and Commander-in-chief of the U.S. armies. Adams also seeks Washington's advice in the formation …
James McHenry PapersComments on Negotiations with Cherokee; Root of Problem with Indians Reluctant to Sell Land
Acknowledges receipt of McHenry's letters concerning treaty negotiations with the Cherokee. He confirms the commission of Col. Butler as an Indian commissioner, and comments on the root of the …
John Adams PapersColonel Tousard as Inspector of Artillery
Adams questions the wisdom of appointing Colonel Tousard as Inspector of Artillery. Tousard is a fine officer but he is of French origin and Adams is worried that in a war with the French, Tousard …
Alexander Hamilton PapersAuthorization to assume the seat of Secretary of War in James McHenry's absence
President John Adams authorizes Secretary of State Timothy Pickering to assume the duties of the Secretary of War James McHenry in his absence from the seat of government.
James McHenry PapersAppointments and Military Business
No news from the Secretary of State. Adams discusses Hamilton's recommendation for Inspector of Artillery and other matters of appointments and the management of the army.
Stephen Raphel PapersAppointment of Officers, Etc.
Adams has consented to the appointment of Captain Church and Lieutenant Hamilton as officers. He has also received from Lucien Hauteval a packet of addresses which do not seem to be of sufficient …
Alexander Hamilton PapersApplications & Recommendation for Officer & Chaplain Appointments
Adams encloses applications for officer appointments for McHenry's consideration, as well as a recommendation for the appointment of a chaplain.
MMC, McHenry, James: Mm85004543Application & Recommendation for Officer Appointment
Encloses a letter from John Hampden Palmer, the grandson of Revolutionary War General Joseph Palmer, who is seeking an appointment to the army. Adams commends him as a man of "sprightly abilities."
John Adams PapersAddressing McHenry's Place in the Hamilton Relative Rank Intrigues
Authorizes the commissioning of generals of the army in the order of Knox, Pinckney, and Hamilton, and asks McHenry to call Knox and Hamilton into service whenever he deems fit. Answers McHenry's …
John Adams PapersAddressing Libel, Officer Appointments & North Carolina Horsemen
Addresses libels uttered by Major Brooks; Adams says he leaves it to McHenry and Stoddert to make a decision about the man's fitness for appointment. States that General North must accept his …
Stephen Raphel PapersAdams Submits to Judgment of Cabinet & Generals on Military Appointments; Gloomy Appraisal of Military Preparations
Adams addresses the relative rank of the major generals, saying that when he chose to sign them all on the same date, he decided to abide by either an amicable decision among the group or the judgment …
John Adams PapersAcceptance of New York Plan of Defense, with Hamilton to Execute It, on Condition of Silence
Adams accepts the plan of Governor Jay and the New York legislature to place the funds and execution of the preparations for the defense of New York City in the hands of General Hamilton. Does so on …
John Adams PapersA Commission for John Hampton Palmer
Enclosed is a letter from John Hampton Palmer of Vermont requesting the aid of Judge Cranch in procuring a pair of colors.This young gentleman is a grandson of General Palmer who was active in the …
Stephen Raphel PapersUnsigned Presidential Endorsement of Capital Punishment for Andrew Anderson
States the particulars of the court martial and conviction of Andrew Anderson, and affirms his sentence to hang, in the name of "the beneficial influence of well-placed examples in Military Service." …
John Adams PapersThoughts on the Crime of & Pardon for Andrew Anderson
Adams discusses his thoughts on the sentencing of Andrew Anderson, believing that the prisoners Anderson was accused of helping escape had induced him to desert. Encloses Anderson's pardon, leaving …
John Adams PapersSuccess of Suppression of Pennsylvania Rebels; Complaint About Morality of Democrat Politicians
Comments on the success of General MacPherson's expedition in Pennsylvania to suppress a revolt there. Explosively complains about the lies and vagaries of Democrat politicians.
MMC, McHenry, James: Mm85004543Sordid Sprit that Caused the Insurrection, Etc.
Adams contends that the sordid spirit that led to the insurrection in Pennsylvania ought to have provoked more general indignation than it did. He presents his plan for numbering the regiments and …
Gilder Lehrman Collection.
