Papers of John Adams, volume 21

John Adams to Jeremy Belknap, 4 February 1795 Adams, John Belknap, Jeremy

To Jeremy Belknap

Dear sir Philadelphia Feb. 4. 1795

I have recd your kind Letter of Jan. 24. and have read, Sealed and sent as you desired your Letter to General Knox, for whose bold Expressions, upon which you have remarked I was always sorry. I presume he did not mean that our Population had been destructive to Indians like the Cruelties of Pisarro &c but that it had prevented their Population as much— The Expressions however were not well weighed, and as they appeared at the moment of the Retreat of a worthy Man and faithful servant of the Public, I regretted them more than I should have done at any other time.

your witty Reform in the Zodiack, in Conformity to French Innovations is entertaining and instructive enough to be committed to the Public but in these perilous times I dare not venture upon any Experiments.

Pray in the Proclamation you sent me, are the Armies of Massachusetts placed at the Right had or the Left of those of the United States? I know my Friend so well as to believe, that if his heart was 367 omnipotent, He would govern Boston in Town Meeting assembled, Boston would govern Massachusetts, Massachusetts would govern New England, New England would govern the Continent, and the Continent would govern the World— This to be sure is a system of Patriotism and Republicanism—? And I believe upon the whole, it would not be intentionally ill governed.—

Relative to Dr Kippis’s Misrepresentation, I inclose you Letters between Mr Madison & me— I shall write to Mr Thompson, and send you his answer.1 I should have done it a week ago, if I had not waited for Mr Maddisons answer, which I thought might render it unnecessary.

I am, dear sir yours

John Adams

RC (MHi:Jeremy Belknap Papers); internal address: “Dr Belknap”; endorsed: “Vice-Presidt: Adams.”

JA likely enclosed his exchanges with James Madison of 23 Jan. and 3 Feb., both above. JA wrote to Charles Thomson on 4 February. The letter has not been found, but see Thomson’s 17 March letter, below.

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.

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).

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).