Federalist anger over Adams's peace commission to France
Item
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Title
Federalist anger over Adams's peace commission to France
Description
Senator Tracy expresses intense anger over John Adams' decision to send a peace commission to France, demanding that McHenry answer whether or not the rumors of such a peace commission are true. Tracy stresses how much he has sacrificed to "root out Democracy and French principles," and threatens to resign.
year created
1799
month created
09
day created
02
author
sent from location
Smithfield
recipient
sent to location
Trenton
in collection
in image
note
Private.
notable person/group
James McHenry
Uriah Tracy
William Davie
Patrick Henry
French envoy
Ellworth
Democrats
Democratic-Republicans
John Adams
notable location
Trenton
Smithfield
Europe
France
notable idea/issue
Federalism
Democratic-Republicanism
partisanship
Quasi-War
notable phrase
"I have sacrificed as much... as any individual to support this Government and root out Democracy and French principles"
"I can and will resign, if all must be given up to France and Democrats."
document number
1799090240201
page start
1
number of pages
2
transcription
2 Sept 1799
Uriah Tracy
Smithfield Sept 2 -- free
Honble James McHenry
Secy at War
Trenton
N. Jersey
(private)
Smithfield 2d Sept. 1799
My Dear Sirâ
Is it true the Govr Davis is appointed a French Envoy in room of Patrick Henry?
Is it true that Mr. Elsworth and he are going to Europe? â I am mortified & discouraged for fee this is all true, and I shall be much obliged to your to let me know. I do not say, I will do nothing more, if they all should turn out fact â but I am really in pain for fear they will turn out so. â Do pray my Dear friend, let me know, if it be not a State secret.
I have sacrificed as much as most men or at least as much as any single man individual to support this Gov[ernmen]t and root out Democracy, & French principles, but really, Sir, I feel it to be lost and worse. What will it signify to send you on a list of Offices? â my time & property have all been devoted to my Country & still should be if any good can accrue: I will make no rash promises now; â but you may rely upon it, I will know what is about to be done before I stir another step in public business. I can & will resign, if all must be given up to France & our Democrats.
With much esteem I am
Sir your friend & humble sert
Uriah Tracy
Hon[ora]ble J. McHenry
Uriah Tracy
Smithfield Sept 2 -- free
Honble James McHenry
Secy at War
Trenton
N. Jersey
(private)
Smithfield 2d Sept. 1799
My Dear Sirâ
Is it true the Govr Davis is appointed a French Envoy in room of Patrick Henry?
Is it true that Mr. Elsworth and he are going to Europe? â I am mortified & discouraged for fee this is all true, and I shall be much obliged to your to let me know. I do not say, I will do nothing more, if they all should turn out fact â but I am really in pain for fear they will turn out so. â Do pray my Dear friend, let me know, if it be not a State secret.
I have sacrificed as much as most men or at least as much as any single man individual to support this Gov[ernmen]t and root out Democracy, & French principles, but really, Sir, I feel it to be lost and worse. What will it signify to send you on a list of Offices? â my time & property have all been devoted to my Country & still should be if any good can accrue: I will make no rash promises now; â but you may rely upon it, I will know what is about to be done before I stir another step in public business. I can & will resign, if all must be given up to France & our Democrats.
With much esteem I am
Sir your friend & humble sert
Uriah Tracy
Hon[ora]ble J. McHenry
Item sets
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (2 pages) | KAE08 (2 pages) | Collection: James McHenry Papers | B:1797-1815, MH 120. |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Uriah Tracy | Smithfield | [n/a] |
| Recipient | James McHenry | Trenton | [n/a] |