Massachusetts Historical Society
450 documents
Recommendation of General Ridgley of Maryland
Based on an earlier inquiry from Adams, McHenry recommends General [Charles Carnan] Ridgely of Hampton Cove, Maryland, as one of the most wealthy and influential men of the state.
John Adams PapersReassurance that Baltimore Defenses Are to Be Improved
McHenry assures the committee that measures are being taken to prepare the fort at Whetstone Point for defending Baltimore; notes that "the aid of the citizens of Baltimore is expected" with these …
John Adams PapersProposal for Improving Defenses at Newport, Rhode Island
Contains plans and cost estimates for improving the defenses of Newport, Rhode Island. These include mounting additional cannon at Fort Wolcott and sending cannon "for the use of the citizens." Also …
John Adams PapersPrice of Land for Whetstone Point [Fort McHenry] Fortifications
States that the Baltimore Naval Committee has purchased the land for fortifications at Whetstone Point for $6,600, and that work is proceeding apace; requests $8,000 from the government for various …
John Adams PapersOutrage at Intrigue Surrounding Relative Rank of Generals; Assumption of Responsibility for Issue by President Adams
Adams states that he cannot share McHenry's stated sentiments on relative rank to General Knox, as he cannot agree with them. Affirms his belief that the law dictates that rank between officers …
John Adams PapersOn Relative Rank, Both for General Officers & New Field Officer Appointments in New Corps
Discusses the fort at Castle Island [Massachusetts], and the relative suitability of various officers. The latter largely concerns the abilities of a Major Brooks to one of the new regiments. …
John Adams PapersOfficer Recommendation & Letter Concerning Defense of Georgia
Asks that Philip Church of New York be added to the list of new captains of infantry, and forwards a letter concerning the defense of Georgia, from Governor Jackson of that state. Adams asks McHenry …
John Adams PapersNotification of Sending of Officer to Survey Defenses at Whetstone Point, Baltimore [Fort McHenry]
McHenry notifies this temporary engineer at Baltimore that Major Tousard has been instructed to inspect the fortifications at Whetstone Point and make plans for their improvement. These plans are to …
John Adams PapersNotification of Major Tousard's Instructions to Lay Out Defenses at Whetstone Point, Baltimore
McHenry notifies this temporary engineer at Baltimore that Major Tousard has been instructed to inspect the fortifications at Whetstone Point and make plans for their improvement. These plans are to …
John Adams PapersNotification of French Intent to Lift Embargo on American Ships
The Consul-General at Paris (Skipwith) informs the consul to Bordeaux (Fenwick) that the French Directory has decided to lift the embargo on American shipping.
John Adams PapersNotification of Completion of Plans for Fort McHenry; Measures to be Taken by Government & by Baltimore for Construction
Informs the committee that Major Tousard has submitted his plans and estimates for the defenses of Baltimore centered on Whetstone Point [eventually Fort McHenry]; tells them that the national funds …
John Adams PapersNotification of and Comments on French Raising of Embargo on American Ships
Forwards the U.S. Consul-General at Paris' letter informing of the French Directory's decision to raise the embargo on American ships. Comments on how this will affect American ships now detained in …
John Adams PapersMeasures for Georgia's Defense & Interactions with Blacks
Apologizes for not responding earlier, due to the evacuation of the public offices from fever-stricken Philadelphia. Congratulates the recipient on Georgia's adoption of a new constitution, and hopes …
John Adams PapersLetter of Gratitude & Reassurance to Militia of Rensselaer County, New York
Thanks a group of New York militiamen for their praise; assures them that he has the safety and interests of the country as his first priority. Thanks their county, Rensselaer, for its wholehearted …
John Adams PapersKnox Declines Appointment to Major General
Knox refuses his commission, based on his being ranked below both Alexander Hamilton and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, his "juniors." States that since this is his decision, he will not travel to …
John Adams PapersInstructions for Survey of Defenses at Whetstone Point, Baltimore [Fort McHenry]
Instructions for the planning of defenses at Whetstone Point, Baltimore. Key considerations: defense of the city, defense of the fort from both land and sea attack, and the limited budget of $20,000, …
John Adams PapersInquiry as to Adams' Arrival at Philadelphia, for Knowledge of the Militia
Asks Adams to inform him when he will be arriving at Philadelphia, as the militiamen wish to turn out to welcome him.
John Adams PapersInforming Hamilton of His Responsibility to Execute the Plan for Improving New York's Defenses
Adams informs Hamilton of the plan of execution for the arrangements being made for defenses at New York City, and that he has been placed in charge of that execution based on the confidence of the …
John Adams PapersInformation Regarding Generals, and Reasons for War Department Conference at Philadelphia
Informs Pinckney that he has written to Hamilton & Knox, calling them into service at Philadelphia, and hopes that Washington will attend as well. He writes that Knox has refused his commission on …
John Adams PapersGeorge Washington's Acceptance of Appointment as Reserve Commander of Army
McHenry notifies Adams that he has carried Adams' letter asking George Washington to take command of the army to Washington, who has accepted the appointment with the proviso that he not be called up …
John Adams PapersGeneral Court Martial By Order of General James Wilkinson
Andrew Anderson, a soldier at Fort Sargent, is condemned to hang, for desertion, helping two guarded prisoners escape, and losing his arms & accoutrements.
John Adams PapersFrench Letter Concerning the Departure of General Pinckney
Refers to General Pinckney and Captain Hendrick Hendrickson. Pickering's cover letter states that Hory's letter gives the details of Pinckney's departure from France for New York in mid-August.
John Adams PapersForwarding of Tousard's Fort McHenry Estimates & Partial Funds for Its Construction
McHenry informs the head of the Baltimore Naval Committee that he is sending the $4,000 and copy of Major Tousard's estimate for the Fort McHenry defenses, as requested; says he will write again …
John Adams PapersForwarding of Response to Address from Warrenton, Virginia
Adams forwards an address from people at Warrenton, Virginia [perhaps a militia unit, the Whites and Greens], as well as his response; asks that McHenry add his own response and transmit all to …
John Adams PapersForwarding of Response to Address from Rensselaer County, New York Militia, & Request for Clarification
Forwards an address from the Rensselaer County, New York militia, as well as his response to them. Seems to have found their address unclear; asks McHenry if he can discern whether the militia meant …
John Adams Papers
