Massachusetts Historical Society
450 documents
Discussion of Political Matters
Appears to be a political discussion concerning the upcoming election, ministers, and American policy.
John Adams PapersDiscussion of Disbanding Provisional Army, Filling of Officer Vacancies in Old Regiments, Forwarding of Recommendations & Court Martial Proceedings
Dexter confirms that a recently passed law called for the disbanding of the 12 new regiments of the provisional army, but not the "volunteer corps." Discusses the united opinion of the department …
John Adams PapersDeath of Public Purveyor
Informs Adams of the death of Tench Francis, Purveyor of Public Supplies; notes that a replacement is needed as soon as possible. Recommends Jonathan Williams as replacement, who is currently acting …
John Adams PapersCourt Martial of Samuel Ewing
Contains the proceedings of the court martial of Samuel Ewing, who held the rank of matross [an artilleryman ranking below a gunner, roughly equivalent to a private] in the 1st Regiment of …
John Adams PapersCourt Martial of Individual Officers and Soldiers
Encloses the proceedings of a court martial in the case of Lieutenant Hoffman and asks it be passed along to the President so that he may approve the sentence. He notes that Hoffman's family is well …
John Adams PapersCorrespondence with President Adams on the Eve of McHenry Resignation
Transmits to President Adams his recollections of the conversation which passed between them the evening before his resignation. Also transmits copies of letters from Mr. Grove, Governor Davies, Major …
John Adams PapersConversation Preceding McHenry's Resignation
Relates the minutes of a conversation between James McHenry and John Adams on the evening of May 5, 1800, which immediately preceded McHenry's tendering his resignation from the War Department. Adams …
John Adams PapersCompletion of List of Proposed Officer Appointments
Apologizes for delay in sending the completed list of proposed officer appointments, due to illness; plans to present it to Adams when he arrives.
John Adams PapersComment on Ongoing Dispute & Recommendation for Next Secretary of War
Comments on Congress' possible intervention in some dispute; recommends a "Mr. Paine of Vermont" as a good candidate to serve as the next Secretary of War.
John Adams PapersAuthorization for Preparations to be Made for National Cannon Foundry
Authorization for purchase of land and other operations to be undertaken for the purpose of building a national cannon foundry.
John Adams PapersApproval of Volunteer Officers' Commissions
Adams approves the commissioning of volunteer cavalry officers from Turner and Livermore.
John Adams PapersApproval of Proposed Inquiry
Mentions receiving a letter from McHenry which introduced a subject totally unknown to him; approves that an inquiry into the subject be undertaken.
John Adams PapersApproval of Cadet Instruction Plan, With Expanded Discussion of Naval Midshipmen
Approves whole-heartedly with Dexter's previously submitted plan for the instruction of artillery and engineer cadets, adding only that he feels multiple naval midshipmen should be allowed at the …
John Adams PapersAppointment of Instructors for the Cadet School & Appointment of an Indian Commissioner
Discusses the appointment of Mr. Foncin as one of the instructors at the artillery & engineer cadet school, but prefers to wait in case an American can be found to fill the highest post. Asks that …
John Adams PapersAppointment of a National Printer
Discusses the legality of the President hiring a printer. He says that if a permanent, paid position serving all the government departments is contemplated, the position must be signed into law. …
John Adams PapersAppointment & Instructions for Inspector of Frontiers
Appoints Tracy as an inspector of government installations and property along the various frontiers of the U.S. Gives instructions for this office, including taking observations on relations with the …
John Adams PapersAcceptance of McHenry's Resignation
Adams approves of the requests in McHenry's letter of the previous day, ie, McHenry's resignation from office of the Secretary of War.
John Adams PapersRequest That Dexter Discharge Duties as Secretary of Both War & the Treasury
Acknowledges receipt of Dexter's acceptance of the office of Secretary of the Treasury, and asks that Dexter continue as Secretary of War for the time being.
John Adams PapersRequest for Preparation of Documents Recalling John Quincy Adams from Foreign Service
Asks the Secretary of State to prepare appropriate letters to the King of Prussia recalling John Quincy Adams as minister to that country and thank him for the kind treatment the younger Adams has …
John Adams PapersNotification of Congressional Legislation Concerning Foundries
Forwards a resolution from the House of Representatives concerning foundries, and asks that Dexter act immediately on its contents.
John Adams PapersExplanation of Departure from Washington as Mourning for Son's Death
Addresses an apparent inquiry into his sudden and unannounced departure from the capital before the inauguration of Thomas Jefferson by stating that he left in the midst of mourning the recent death …
John Adams PapersDetails of Post-Presidential Journey Home
Adams relates the details of his journey home after the end of his term as president, and of the state of his home, sending respects to Jefferson, and compliments to Madison, Lincoln, Dearborn and …
John Adams PapersRules and Regulations Respecting the Recruiting Service
Undated War Office form document lists army recruitment regulations, which forbid enlistment of the intoxicated, the unhealthy, the underage, Indians, or blacks. Spaces specifying term of service, …
John Adams Papers
