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

TO THOMAS MIFFLIN. - 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.

About Liberty Fund:

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TO THOMAS MIFFLIN.

Sir,

Having been out this forenoon on public business, it was not until my return, after 3 o’clock, that I received the letter you did me the honor to write me on this day.

The respect to the United States intended by the legislature of Pennsylvania in building a house for the President, will no doubt be acknowledged by the Union as it ought to be.

For your kind offer of it to me, in consequence of their authority, I pray you to accept of my respectful thanks and to present them to the legislature.

But, as I entertain great doubts whether, by a candid construction of the Constitution of the United States, I am at liberty to accept it without the intervention and authority of Congress, and as there is not time for any application to them, I must pray you to apologize for me to the legislature for declining the offer.

For your obliging congratulations on my election to the office of President of the United States, and for your kind assurances of coöperation, as far as your constitutional powers and duties extend, to advance the honor and insure the success of my administration, I pray you to accept of my best thanks and fullest assurances of a reciprocal disposition on my part towards the Governor and State of Pennsylvania.

With great respect, &c.,

John Adams.