Papers of John Adams, volume 20

To John Brown & John Brown Francis

From Stephen Higginson

254 From John Adams to William Ellery, 28 February 1790 Adams, John Ellery, William
To William Ellery
Dear Sir New York Feby 28 1790

Many months ago I received a kind letter from you, which by some odd accident or strange fatality has never been answered,1 I really know not how this happened: but I hope you will excuse it and beleive me to be as I am, at all times ready to promote your views, expressed in it as far as I may have opportunity and ability. We are very greatly dissapointed in the election of Delegates to your Convention. We are told that a majority are unfriendly to the union of the nation. I still flatter myself however, that when the members assemble they will see objects in a new light and feel affections for their sister states which they have not yet been sensible of. It is now become of more importance than ever, for your State to act right, as it will not be possible much longer to extend that lenity and indulgence, which has been hitherto granted. Since the accession of North Carolina, I have learned with certainty that a correspondence has been maintained between your Anti’s and theirs, and I wish to know whether the hopes of your opposition are still supported by secret communications from Virginia or Boston. Insinuations of that kind are thrown out here.— What can any Gentlemen mean? Can they coolly or warmly wish to raise a storm? The national debt engages all attention at present: but when that is over if Rhode Island should be still refractory, something must be done.

I should be glad to hear from you Sir, and will be a better correspondent for the future. being with great and sincere esteem and regard / Yours

John Adams

LbC in CA’s hand (Adams Papers); internal address: “Honble William Ellery / New Port”; APM Reel 115.

1.

Ellery last wrote to JA on 30 March 1789 (Adams Papers), soliciting a judgeship and requesting that his son, also named William, assume his position in the Rhode Island loan office. On 14 June 1790 George Washington nominated the elder Ellery as collector of the port of Newport, R.I., and he was confirmed the same day. He held the post until he died on 15 Feb. 1820 (U.S. Senate, Exec. Jour. , 1st Cong., 2d sess., p. 51; Biog. Dir. Cong. ).