Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 21

To Jeremy Belknap

From Thomas Jefferson
John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 5 February 1795 Adams, John Jefferson, Thomas
To Thomas Jefferson
Dear Sir Philadelphia Feb. 5. 1795.

The inclosed Pamphlet and Papers I have received this Week from the Author, with his request to transmit them to you. I have before transmitted in the Course of this Winter, another Packet from the Same Writer; but have as yet no answer from you: so that I am uncertain whether you have recd it—1

Mr Jays Treaty with Britain is not yet arrived at the Secretary of States office; though there is some reason to Suppose it is arrived at New york.2

you will see by the Changes in the Executive Departments that the Feelings of officers are in a Way to introduce Rotations enough, which are not contemplated by the Constitution.3 Those Republicans who delight in Rotations will be gratified in all Probability, till all the ablest Men in the Nation are voted out. To me those Things indicate something to be amiss somewhere. If Public offices are to be made Punishments, will a People be well served? Not long I trow.

I am sir with great Regard your / most obedient

John Adams

RC (DLC:Jefferson Papers); internal address: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed: “Adams John. Phila. Feb. 5. 95. / recd. Feb [. . .].” Some loss of text due to a tight binding.

 368 1.

Not found, but this was likely material from François d’Ivernois about his plans to transfer the Genevan university to the United States, for which see his 30 Aug. 1794 letter, and note 1, above.

 2.

JA’s concern over the Jay Treaty’s slow passage grew as Congress’ usual closing date of 4 March approached. “When I negotiated Treaties I sent Copies by five ships—or rather five Originals for I had so many executed,” JA wrote as the wait dragged on. Finally, on 19 Feb., he departed Philadelphia for Quincy. Virginian David Blaney carried a copy of the Jay Treaty aboard the Thomas, Capt. Vickery, which sailed from London on 17 Dec. and arrived in Norfolk, Va., on 27 Feb. 1795. The Jay Treaty reached the Senate for ratification on 7 March ( AFC , 10:376, 400, 436).

 3.

Gen. Henry Knox retired on 28 Dec. 1794; Alexander Hamilton resigned on 31 Jan. 1795 and resumed his law practice in New York. Following the resignations of Knox and Hamilton, George Washington nominated as replacements Timothy Pickering and Oliver Wolcott Jr., respectively. They were confirmed by the Senate on 2 Jan. and 3 Feb. ( AFC , 10:291, 472; Jefferson, Papers , 28:258–259).