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

TO ELBRIDGE GERRY. - 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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TO ELBRIDGE GERRY.

My dear Friend,

I have this moment written a message to the Senate, nominating you to be an envoy extraordinary to the French republic. Knowing, as I did, Mr. Dana’s aversion to the sea, and his continual dread of his mother’s fate, I was always apprehensive he would decline, and should have nominated you at first, if I had not been overruled by the opinions of many gentlemen, that Mr. Dana’s experience in this line, and especially his title of chief justice, would be great advantages in France, as well as among our people in America.1 I know you must make a sacrifice, but I sincerely hope you will not disappoint me. I should be very happy to see you here, before you embark. Mr. Marshall accepts, and will be here in a week from this day.

The voyage, I am confident, will be for your health. My compliments to Mrs. Gerry. Tell her she must not object. If she cannot accompany you, she must sacrifice a little, as Mrs. Adams did before for six years. I pray you to let me hear from you as soon and as often as possible.

I am your sincere friend,

John Adams.

[1 ]Mr. Adams delicately avoids to state the main reason, which was the resistance of his cabinet officers to the nomination. Which of these parties,—Mr. Gerry, or the reluctant officers,—proved, by their conduct, the most to have deserved his confidence, is for posterity to judge, from the evidence presented to it, without partiality or prejudice.