Papers of John Adams, volume 19
yesterday for the first time I met with Admiral Darby and communicated to him what you said about the papers regarding America in Mr Jacksons possession.1 he said he could give no answer at present but would look them over. with this comes some tracts by North-cote for America.2
many thanks for the conquest of canaan which I hope to circulate as it has great merit as a poem & full of good & humane sentiments. 97 but your note did not accompany it. there will be some difficulties about printing & spreading it from the Arts of trade I doubt.
I am Dear Sir / with real esteem / yrs
RC (Adams Papers); endorsed by AA2: “June 16. 1787.”; notation by CFA: “T. B. Hollis.”
Probably Richard Jackson, formerly Massachusetts’ provincial agent in London, although the “papers regarding America” have not been further identified. Retired British vice admiral George Darby (ca. 1720–1790), who was instrumental in the 1779–1783 defense of Gibraltar, was a former lord of the Admiralty (vol. 18:107;
DNB
).
Not found. Hollis likely sent Tracts on Constitutional Subjects, Considered in New Points of View, London, 1786, by Rev. Thomas Northcote, a London-based chaplain in the British Army and author of Observations on the Natural and Civil Rights of Mankind, the Prerogatives of Princes and the Powers of Government, London, 1781. Northcote had written to JA on 23 Oct. 1786, describing his longstanding support of the American cause and asking for JA’s aid in transmitting his written works to Congress, as a way to cover his mounting debts (Adams Papers).
ble.sir,
At the request of Sir John Carter, I take the liberty to inform your Excellency, that Robt. Muir, detained in our goal, having lived upon his own money till about a week ago, is now according to the custom of the goal allowed 3d. per day which is paid by the parish. But the parish officers object somewhat to the making this allowance, as this man’s offence, they say, does not principally relate to this country. With your Excellencys leave I will advance, on your acct., the 3d. per day till he is released, which will now shortly take place.— Our Court and Law days come on rather before the middle of the next month.— This man is very close, and hath not made one mite of discovery. He hath indeed lived as frugally as possible on his own money, that, as it should seem, he might be under the less temptation.
Sir John Carter desires me farther to inform you, sir, that it is a matter of doubt with him, whether or no, it will be advisable to let this man come to his trial, or release him on his own recognisance, and so give him an opportunity of failing it, or running from it. In consequence of which he will ever carry with him that Idea of culpability which may deter him from his late practices.—
If he is brought to his trial, the first part of the evidence, will, Sir, rest with you; Such as getting some Carolina merchant, or other person of note, to prove the authenticity of the bills which he was proceeding to counterfeit. As he was so early & compleatly interrupted, 98 after all the evidence which you & we can get, he will very probably be acquitted.
But the whole of this is submitted to your better judgement; by sir / Your Excellencys most obliged / and obedient / humble Servant
RC (Adams Papers).