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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

JAMES SULLIVAN TO JOHN ADAMS. - John Adams, The Works of John Adams, vol. 8 (Letters and State Papers 1782-1799) [1853]

Edition used:

The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, Notes and Illustrations, by his Grandson Charles Francis Adams (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1856). 10 volumes. Vol. 8.

Part of: The Works of John Adams, 10 vols.

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JAMES SULLIVAN TO JOHN ADAMS.

Boston, 30 July, 1796.

Sir,—

Upon contemplating the subject of settling the eastern boundary of the United States, and attending to the expression, in the treaty of 1795, that the commissioners shall decide what river was intended by the commissioners at Paris in 1783, as the St. Croix, I am of opinion that it is necessary to establish the facts, that Mitchell’s map was, as an authority, before the commissioners, and that the river thereon marked as the boundary of the Massachusetts was by them intended as the St. Croix. For this purpose I think it will be necessary to obtain the evidence of these facts from the commissioners themselves. I have, therefore, since I had the honor of an interview with you, forwarded a letter to Governor Jay, requesting him to give me in writing, in form of an affidavit, or otherwise, as shall be most agreeable to him, and most conducive to the national interest, his recollection on this subject. I have the honor to make the same request to you, knowing that you are the best judge of the propriety as well as of the necessity of such a measure, and that you will readily do whatever may be properly done in this exigency. Perhaps one fact is very important, that it was not intended, by the treaty of 1783, to give any new boundary to the east side of Massachusetts.

I am, with great respect, &c.

James Sullivan.