Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 20

John Adams to Richard Varick, 12 August 1790 Adams, John Varick, Richard
To Richard Varick
Sir, New-York, August 12, 1790

It is with great pleasure, that, in obedience to an order of the Senate of the United States, I have the honor to enclose their Resolution of this date, which was unanimously agreed to; and in behalf of the Senate, I request that you will be pleased to communicate the same to the Corporation of this city, and at the same time signify to them, that it is the wish of the Senate, that the Corporation will permit such 406 articles of furniture, &c. now in the City-Hall, as have been provided by Congress, to remain for the use of that building.1

I am, Sir, your most obedient / Humble servant,

John Adams Vice President of the United States, and President of the Senate

MS not found. Printed from First Fed. Cong. , 1:490–491.

 1.

JA enclosed a copy of the 12 Aug. Senate resolution thanking the New York City legislature “for the elegant and convenient accommodations provided for Congress.” Once Congress relocated to Philadelphia, the Federal Hall building served as City Hall until 1812, when it was sold and demolished ( First Fed. Cong. , 1:490; Eric Homberger, New York City: A Cultural and Literary Companion, N.Y., 2003, p. 55).

 Sylvanus Bourne to John Adams, 15 August 1790 Bourne, Sylvanus Adams, John
From Sylvanus Bourne
Dr Sir— Boston Augt 15th 1790

Observing by the Papers that you are one of the Commrs: appointed for purchasing part of the public Debt at Markett in which you will doubtless probably wish to employ an agent—if this should be the Case—Mr Woodward occurred to my mind as a person well calculated for such an employ—both for integrity & a thourough acquaintance in this kind of buisness—having been for a long enrolled in the list of speculators in Boston & with reputation— should it be convenient to employ him as an agent while you will serve the publick—you will also confer an essential favour on a meritorious Individual—1

I am at a loss to determine why the Consular Bill has been short of sight—it will prevent my Departure for some time2

I have the honour to be with great / Respect Yr Ob Servt

Silva. Bourne

RC (Adams Papers); endorsed by CA: “Silv. Bourn / Augst. 13— 1790.”; notation by CFA: “S. Bourne. / Augt 13th 1790.”

 1.

Approving a key component of Alexander Hamilton’s economic plan, Congress on 9 Aug. passed an act “making provision for the reduction of the public debt,” which George Washington signed into law three days later. JA was one of five commissioners empowered to purchase public debt on behalf of the federal government. However, JA did not need an agent, since state loan officers were deputized to handle the sale of securities. Bourne recommended Braintree surveyor of highways Joseph Woodward, who wrote to JA on 15 and 30 May 1789 (both Adams Papers), soliciting the Boston collectorship ( U.S. Statutes at Large , 1:186; First Fed. Cong. , 3:567–568; AFC , 8:360, 9:108, 109).

 2.

On 15 July 1790 Elbridge Gerry introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to establish salaries for U.S. consuls, and it was passed six days later. The bill was read in the Senate on 21 and 26 July but postponed until the next session ( First Fed. Cong. , 3:514, 522, 824).

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