Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 21

From Samuel Allyne Otis

From Joseph Priestley
Alexander Contee Hanson to John Adams, 6 December 1792 Hanson, Alexander Contee Adams, John
From Alexander Contee Hanson
Sir, Annapolis Decr. 6, 1792

I cannot flatter myself, that after the lapse of sixteen years, you can have any recollection of the man, who now addresses you. In the year 1776 he had the pleasure of lodging with you, under the same roof, at Philadelphia; and he has often since reflected on the circumstance, with satisfaction—1

I take the liberty of introducing to your notice Mr. Elie Valette, a young gentleman of real modesty and worth, whom the electors for this state of a President and Vice President have prevailed on to take charge of the certificate, by law directed to be transmitted to the President of the Senate of the United States.—2 I shall think myself obliged by any attentions, which you may be pleased to favour him with; and I beg leave to assure you, that I am, with profound veneration, / Your obedient servant

A C Hanson

RC (Adams Papers).

 1.

Hanson (1749–1806) was an attorney who studied at the University of Pennsylvania and acted as a secretary to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. He served as chancellor of Maryland from 1789 until his death ( ANB ).

 2.

Elie Vallette delivered Maryland’s presidential election votes to the Senate. He served as a U.S. naval chaplain on the frigate Philadelphia from 1800 to 1801 (Clifford Merrill Drury, The History of the Chaplain Corps, United States Navy, 9 vols., Washington, D.C., 1948, 1:13).