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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.

Philadelphia, 17 July, 1797.

Dear Sir,—

I have this moment received your letter of the 10th. That man must have more skill in intrigue than any that I have been acquainted with, who can sap the foundation of the confidence I have in Mr. Gerry.1 No such attempt has been made; all have confessed to me your honor and integrity. Some have expressed doubts of your orthodoxy in the science of government; others have expressed fears of an unaccommodating disposition, and others of an obstinacy that will risk great things to secure small ones. Some have observed that there is, at present, a happy and perfect harmony among all our ministers abroad, and have expressed apprehensions that your appointment might occasion an interruption of it. But all those intimations made no impression upon me. Since your appointment all have acquiesced, and there has never been a word lisped in conversation or in writing against it. Not one appointment I have yet made has given better satisfaction. It is of great importance that harmony should be preserved among all our ministers abroad, and I am determined that no Randolph appointments shall be made by me. I sincerely wish peace and friendship with the French; but, while they countenance none but enemies of our Constitution and administration, and vilify every friend of either, self-defence, as well as fidelity to the public, will compel me to have a care what appointments I make.

General Marshall took leave of me last night, and sails to-day in the Grace, Captain Willis, for Amsterdam. He is a plain man, very sensible, cautious, guarded, and learned in the law of nations. I think you will be pleased with him. You will arrive in Amsterdam as soon, or sooner than he will. The Secretary of State will send you all the documents you may want.

I am, dear Sir, with best wishes for your pleasant voyage, successful negotiation, and glorious return, your friend,

John Adams.

[1 ]“I shall rely on your candor and goodness, for a fair opportunity of removing every impression, which in this age of intrigue and illiberality might be attempted, to sap the foundation of your confidence in me. I do not know that the attempt will be made, but must expect my share of political persecution.” Extract. E. Gerry to John Adams, 10 July.