Papers of John Adams, volume 21

Samuel Allyne Otis to John Adams, 12 November 1792 Otis, Samuel A. Adams, John

From Samuel Allyne Otis

Sir Philadelphia Nov 12th 1792

I do myself the honor to enclose you a minute of the proceedings of Senate, the speech & answer of the Senate thereto—1 In addition to what appears on the journals there are official documents to evince that the Southern Indians are determined to join in hostile measures against the US— And those documents evince that the Executive is doing everything possible to conciliate & be at peace. And indeed Putnum2 has effected this with several Western tribes— The Spaniards are doubtless instigating hostilities and Mc Gilvery has left us—3

On the subject of Electors for President & VPresident both parties seem very still and I presume an attack if any is made will be by sap rather than oppen assault— The two Secretaries look very sour each on the other and probably will make their partizans do so by and by—

your friend & those of the Government are in daily & anxious expectation of seeing you here. And Mrs Otis & myself anticipate the pleasure of your company this winter— She joins in best remembrances to your lady

Your most humble Sert

Sam. A. Otis

RC (Adams Papers).

The enclosures have not been found. Along with his summary, Otis sent copies of George Washington’s 6 Nov. address to Congress, and the Senate’s response two days later. The president spoke to recent conflicts with Native Americans and the state of 150 negotiations with nations in the Northwest Territory, which Henry Knox summarized in a 7 Nov. report sent to JA and Congress (DNA:RG 46, Records of the U.S. Senate). Owing to JA’s absence, Senate president pro tempore John Langdon delivered the formal response, expressing concern about the deterioration of Native relations with the U.S. government and highlighting Pennsylvanians’ growing opposition to the Whiskey Act (Washington, Papers, Presidential Series , 11:342–351, 361–363). For the Washington administration’s efforts at Native diplomacy, see Descriptive List of Illustrations, No. 2, above.

Gen. Rufus Putnam (1738–1824) established the town of Marietta, Ohio, and served as judge of the Northwest Territory since 1790 (Washington, Papers, Presidential Series , 6:122).

Creek chief Alexander McGillivray (ca. 1759–1793) negotiated with Great Britain, Spain, and the United States in an effort to secure Native land. In 1790 McGillivray arranged a joint U.S.-Native survey of the boundary between Georgia and Creek territory, known as the Treaty of New York. Two years later, he signed a new treaty with Spain that negated that agreement, accepting instead a Spanish guarantee that the Creek would retain their land ( ANB ; AFC , 9:86; John Walton Caughey, McGillivray of the Creeks, Norman, Okla., 1938, p. 285–286, 329–330).

William Vans Murray to John Adams, 15 November 1792 Murray, William Vans Adams, John

From William Vans Murray

Dear sir, Philada. 15. Nov. 1792.

In taking the liberty of expressing some solicitude at your absence at the present time you will I am sure attribut the freedom to nothing short of great respect for you as well as a public sentiment which I feel to be patriotic— An opposition in moments of election must be expected by the best & most enlightened— That something like opposition has taken place with respect to the election of a Vice President you may probably have been informed— You will excuse me if I Express a wish that you were here— It seems a very general wish of your warm friends who in that wish do not imagine that the dignity of a philosophical independence would be at all wounded because the Session has actually commenced— I do assure you Sir I have lamented that just on the Eve of a most important election the chair of the Senate should be filled by a president pro tempore— The public mind is thus led off from the Theory of the Office to a contemplation of a practical substitute which fills the routine without seeming to derange the theory—

Could you come, Sir, your friends I dare believe would much rejoice & consider it as a sacrifise to their wishes & hopes in the ensuing election—

I beg to be affectionately remembered by Mr. J. Q. Adams—& my most respectful compliments to Mrs: Adams.1

I am Dear Sir / With every sentiment of respectful / attachment / Yr mo. ob / Sert.

W. V. Murray. 151 152

RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “The Vice President / of the United States.”

Cambridge, Md., lawyer William Vans Murray (1760–1803) studied at the Middle Temple and was a longtime friend of JQA’s. He represented Maryland in Congress from 1791 to 1797 ( AFC , 8:41; Biog. Dir. Cong. ).