Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 19

To Ezra Stiles

To Jean Luzac
To John Adams from Paul Richard Randall, November 1788 Randall, Paul R. Adams, John
From Paul R. Randall
New-York. White Hall street No. 2.— November—1788— Sir

Having applied to Congress for the payment of my salary—being in despair of obtaining it from Mr Lamb—they have been pleased to refer my memorial to the board of Treasury “to take order thereupon”— who have directed me to request from you a certification of the manner of my Appointment as I have no commission of any kind—1

I wish also for the sake of my reputation to shew that I was employed by yourself and Mr Jefferson and not by a man so much reprobated as is Mr Lamb

I have been confined by a painful and dangerous illness for twelve months past—was therefore incapacitated to pursue any measures for procuring the said payment, which has become very necessary to me—

I beg sir that you will pardon the trouble I must unavoidably give you and to permit me to present my respectful compliments to Mrs. Adams—and also by my best wishes to commend myself to your consideration.

I have the Honor to be with much regard / sir / Your humble servant

Paul Richard Randall

RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “His Excellency / John Adams Esquire— / late Minister plenipotentiary to / the Court of Great Britain. / Boston”; internal address: “His Excellency / John Adams Esquire—”; endorsed by AA: “Paul Randles / Letter Novbr / 1788.”

 1.

Randall, formerly John Lamb’s secretary during the ill-fated mission to Algiers of 1785– 1786, finally received his salary on 23 Jan. 1790 via a warrant drawn on the U.S. Treasury (vol. 18:405).