1792 Letters

Philadelphia, PA - 2 January 1792

Mr. Trumbull is good enough to engage to deliver this.

Philadelphia, PA - 21 January 1792

By the papers, which I have now the honor of returning to you, a wish seems to be expressed that the President should recommend to Congress a digest of federal law, the appointment of one person only to such a service, and the selection of the author

Philadelphia, PA - 29 January 1792

The subject of Western defence is not yet over. In relation to it I have nothing to add to the communications in my last.

Boston, MA - 1 February 1792

John Quincy Adams letter to brother Thomas... You will perhaps wish to be informed what it is, that has thus agitated the whole town of Boston these five or six weeks

Boston, MA - 4 February 1792

John Quincy Adams letter to father... A variety of circumstances have occurred since you left this part of the country, which have combined to change in some measure the state of our parties in the State.

London, ENG - 4 February 1792

At the close of the session of the first National Assembly, a coalition was brought about between the Jacobins and the Quatre-vingt-neufs. It is proper to explain these terms.

, NC - 10 February 1792

Prompted by the free and candid manner you expressed yourself in political affairs to me some days past, I shall, without reserve, communicate to you the reasons which induced me yesterday to vote for striking out the second section in the bill

Philadelphia, PA - 12 February 1792

The Senate have disagreed to that part of the Military Bill which augmented the regular establishment to about 5,000 men, and will probably send it back with that alteration.

London, ENG - 15 February 1792

This letter will be in reply to what you have been so kind as to write respecting my nomination as minister to the court of France.

Philadelphia, PA - 19 February 1792

You may expect a host of such falsehoods as that about the Indian war. I have not been offered any command.

Philadelphia, PA - 21 February 1792

The Bill concerning the election of a President and vice President, and the eventual successor to both, which has long been depending, has finally got through the two Houses.

London, ENG - 17 March 1792

I was informed that you had nominated me as minister to the court of France, but the latest advices from America, which come down to the tenth of January, show that the Senate had not then made their decision.

London, ENG - 21 March 1792

I find that the King of France has appointed to the office of Foreign Affairs a Monsieur Dumouriez, and that it is considered as a sacrifice to the Jacobins. He is a bold, determined man.

Philadelphia, PA - 25 March 1792

You were right in saying "that the Northern Cocks are true game,"but have erred in adding, "that they die hard on the Representation bill." Their perseverance has gained them a final victory.

Philadelphia, PA - 28 March 1792

No nomination has yet been made of a new Commander for the Military establishment, nor of any of the Brigadiers authorized by the supplemental act lately passed.

London, ENG - 6 April 1792

Nothing can be more just, than your observations respecting the propriety of preserving silence as to the government of France ; and they are peculiarly applicable to the present state of things in that country.

Philadelphia, PA - 9 April 1792

You will find by the inclosed papers that the President's negative has saved us from the unconstitutional allotment of 120 Representatives proposed by the Bill on that subject.

Philadelphia, PA - 15 April 1792

You know already that the President has exerted his power of checking the unconstitutional career of Congress.

Paris, FRA - 14 May 1792

They have made the common mistake, that, to enjoy liberty, it is necessary only to demolish authority, and the common consequence results, viz. that the most ardent advocates for the revolution begin now to wish and pray, and even cry out for the est

Paris, FRA - 10 June 1792

My former letters have mentioned to you the indiscipline of the French armies, and the public prints will give you such facts on that head, as may tend to making up in your mind a solid judgment as to future events.

Paris, FRA - 10 June 1792

On the next day I dined with M. Dumouriez, and delivered the letter from the President to the King, on his acceptance of the constitution, of which letter I had previously made a translation, to avoid mistakes of their agents, which are not uncommon.

Orange, VA - 12 June 1792

I have from Kentucky down to the 8th May. Little depredations from the savages continue to be complained of. The people, however, are chiefly occupied with the approaching distribution of the new offices.

New York, NY - 15 June 1792

You will, before this can reach you, have heard of the event of the late election. Some questions having arisen among the canvassers respecting the returns from Clinton, Otsego, and Tioga, they requested the advice of Mr. King and myself.

Paris, FRA - 17 June 1792

The ministry is changed rather sooner than I expected, that is to say, as to the totality. Messieurs Servan, Roland, and Claviere were dismissed by M. Dumouriez.

Orange, VA - 21 June 1792

The questions which it presents for consideration are 1st . At what time a notification of your purpose to retire will be most convenient?

Paris, FRA - 1 July 1792

According to your orders I sit down to render this day a state of my account, which will be but short, because I shall charge at present no contingencies.

Paris, FRA - 9 July 1792

during the last session of Congress, although heavy duties were laid upon wines imported from other countries, no addition has been made to the duties paid by those of your country ; which amounts, in fact, to allowing them a premium

Paris, FRA - 10 July 1792

On Saturday, the seventh, a farce was acted in the Assembly, in which the principal performers played well their parts, and the King was duped according to custom. Things are now verging fast to the catastrophe of the play.

Philadelphia, PA - 28 July 1792

A meeting of the Cherokees, at Estanaula, had taken place, which lasted from the 24th of June to the 1st of July, at which the Little Turkey and many other Chiefs were present

Paris, FRA - 1 August 1792

In a former letter I mentioned that M. de Lafayette was about to commence an attack upon the Jacobin faction. I have not followed that business in my correspondence, because the Gazettes will furnish the most ample intelligence.

Paris, FRA - 4 August 1792

I have the honor to inform you, that the King has made choice of M. Bonne-Carrere, director general of the Departe-ment Politique to succeed M. Ternant as minister plenipotentiary from France to the United States.

Philadelphia, PA - 5 August 1792

General Putnam, in his letter of the 5th of July, which principally contains the same information as that mentioned in Wilkinson's letters, states it as his opinion, that a treaty ought to be concluded, as soon as possible, with the Wabash Indians

Paris, FRA - 13 August 1792

An American has a stronger sympathy with this country than any other observer, and nourished as he is in the very bosom of liberty, he cannot but be deeply afflicted to see that in almost every event, this struggle must terminate in despotism.

Paris, FRA - 16 August 1792

Since that period another revolution has been effected in this city. It was bloody. Success, which always makes friends, gives to the present order an air of greater unanimity than really exists.

Paris, FRA - 17 August 1792

I am still of opinion, that it is wise to multiply the scenes on which to display our credit. Those, who have lent money to a nation, naturally incline to speak well of that nation, first to justify the confidence they have placed, and next to increa

Paris, FRA - 17 August 1792

If I have not hitherto mentioned the application made to me by the foreign officers, who have certificates, whereof the interest is payable in this city, it has not been for want of sufficient reason, but because I daily hoped to have received some o

Philadelphia, PA - 18 August 1792

I am happy to be able, at length, to send you answers to the objections which were communicated in your letter of the 29th of July.

Paris, FRA - 22 August 1792

I suggested my idea, that the force commanded by M. de Lafayette would not be brought to immediate action, and that in such case he and his friends had nothing to hope for.

Paris, FRA - 30 August 1792

I have mentioned to you, that I had not been able to adjust with the minister of Foreign Affairs the rate of exchange, which should govern the payments made, and making, in America, on account of our debt to France

Paris, FRA - 30 August 1792

Upon the principle, that your instructions do not authorise you to treat with the new French government, your functions would be, at this moment, void

Philadelphia, PA - 31 August 1792

The manner of treating the Spaniards and McGillivray, was unanimously considered as the most proper to be adopted in the present conjuncture.

Paris, FRA - 1 September 1792

You do me the honor to tell me, that I am able to fulfil the engagements entered into by Mr Short, relative to the eight hundred thousand dollars to be held in North America at your disposal

Philadelphia, PA - 3 September 1792

There is really, my dear sir, a crisis in the affairs of the country, which demands the most mature consideration of its best and wisest friends.

New York, NY - 8 September 1792

No strong declarations should be made, unless there be ability and disposition to follow them with strong measures.

Paris, FRA - 9 September 1792

Of all things I wish to steer clear of pecuniary transactions, because they involve a species of responsibility which is most irksome, and expose the agent to the chance of being called by every calumniator, to answer at the bar of public opinion.

Paris, FRA - 10 September 1792

We have had one week of unchecked murders, in which some thousands have perished in this city. It began with between two and three hundred of the clergy

Orange, VA - 13 September 1792

That I wished and recommended Mr. Freneau to be appointed to his present Clerkship is certain. But the Department of State was not the only, nor, as I recollect, the first one, to which I mentioned his name and character.

Paris, FRA - 16 September 1792

I see that you have misunderstood certain expressions therein contained, and which were used relatively to circumstances.

Paris, FRA - 17 September 1792

As to my personal opinions, Sir, they are of no importance in so serious an affair, but you may be sure, that I have never questioned the right of any people to govern themselves ac cording to their own pleasure.

Paris, FRA - 19 September 1792

It gives me pain to write, and will, I am sure, give you pain to read, the distressful state of a country for which we have both a sincere regard.

Paris, FRA - 27 September 1792

I think it is proper to mention to you now a circumstance relating to that conversation, because it may explain transactions connected therewith. I had good reason to believe, that a private speculation was at the bottom of the proposals made to me

West Chester, PA - 8 October 1792

I rose up suddenly from the sofa, and rubbing my head--What book shall I buy for her? said I to myself. She reads so much and so rapidly that it is not easy to find proper and amusing French books for her

Madrid, ESP - 13 October 1792

I have received your festina Jente letter, but wish it had been at least partly in cipher ; you need not be informed of my reasons for the wish, as by this time you must know that seals are, on this side of the water, rather matters of decoration

Philadelphia, PA - 20 October 1792

gloomy indeed appears the situation of France at this juncture. But it is hardly probable that even you, who are on the spot, can say with any precision how these things will terminate

Paris, FRA - 23 October 1792

Poor Lafayette ! Your letter for him must remain with me yet some time. His enemies here are as virulent as ever, and I can give you no better proof than this.

Paris, FRA - 23 October 1792

I apprehend also that the United States will wish to see a little into the establishment of the new Republic, before they take any decided steps in relation to it.

Paris, FRA - 23 October 1792

I cannot give you such desirable intelligence respecting the state of things here, as I might have done if the late revolution had not taken place, because I find my intercourse of necessity suspended

Paris, FRA - 24 October 1792

You will have seen that the late constitution of this country has overset ; a natural accident to a thing, which was all sail and no ballast.

New York, NY - 30 October 1792

We may make use of both keys or ciphers, and if some of the persons or things are designated by different characters, no inconvenience will arise

Chantilly, VA - 5 November 1792

Richard Henry Lee letter to Speaker of the House of Delegates... I have ever thought, that the best reward for public service, is the approbation of our country

Chantilly, VA - 5 November 1792

Richard Henry Lee letter to Speaker of the Senate... I feel, as I ought to do, the highest sense of obligation, for the honour conferred upon me...

Paris, FRA - 5 November 1792

When Mr Short was here, he talked of going to Madrid, but, from what cause I know not, appeared to me indecisive, and apprehensive, to a degree which was astonishing.

Paris, FRA - 7 November 1792

I know not the titles of the King of Prussia. These should be properly placed, you know, because monarchs are very sensitive on that subject.

Philadelphia, PA - 16 November 1792

You will find in them all the particulars known here concerning the affairs of France, and sketches of the business as yet brought before Congress.

Philadelphia, PA - 19 November 1792

I have carefully reflected on the application of Mr. Ternant, for an additional supply of money for the use of the Colony of St. Domingo, on account of the debt due to France, which I regard more and more as presenting a subject extremely delicate an

Paris, FRA - 3 December 1792

Success, as you will see, continues to crown the French arms, but it is not our trade to judge from success. We must observe the Civil, Moral, Religious and Political Institutions.

Philadelphia, PA - 6 December 1792

It appears, on the whole, that the combination against the revolution, and particularly against their new Republic, is extremely formidable, and that there is still greater danger within from the follies and barbarities which prevail in Paris.

Boston, MA - 8 December 1792

John Quincy Adams letter to father... Our electors met in this town on Wednesday last, and their votes for President and Vice President were unanimous.

Philadelphia, PA - 10 December 1792

As you find an amusement in our newspapers, I inclose two of the last; which, however, contain little of consequence, except a new Report from the Treasury Department.

Boston, MA - 16 December 1792

John Quincy Adams letter to father... The votes of the electors in Connecticut and Rhode Island were unanimous it seems, as well as in this State

Philadelphia, PA - 18 December 1792

Willingly, however, would I relinquish my share of the command to the anti-federalists, if I thought they were to be trusted. But I have so many proofs of the contrary, as to make me dread the experiment of their preponderance.

New York, NY - 19 December 1792

It is not difficult to perceive that your situation is unpleasant, and it is easy to predict that your enemies will endeavour to render it still more so.

Paris, FRA - 21 December 1792

When I mentioned supplies to St Domingo, I certainly meant that such supplies should be purchased by French agents in the United States, and that the money should be advanced by us in diminution of our debt

Boston, MA - 22 December 1792

John Quincy Adams letter to father... If we are truly informed the election of President and Vice-President is decided by the votes of which we have already heard

Paris, FRA - 24 December 1792

You will have seen from the public prints the wonderful success of the French arms, arising from the following causes.

Paris, FRA - 28 December 1792

As to that war, I am told that the British ultimatum is as follows. France shall deliver the royal family to such reigning branch of the Bourbons as the King may choose, and shall re call her troops from the countries they now occupy.