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

TO T. PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE. - 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 T. PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.

Quincy, 26 August, 1797.

Dear Sir,—

I have received your letter of August 21st, and the packet from Colonel Moultrie, of South Carolina. The subject is so voluminous that I have not yet had time to read all the pamphlets. The letter I have read.1 I must refer him to you and the attorney-general, to consider whether my first opinion is right or not, which is, that application must be made to the legislature, and that the executive power is not, by the Constitution or any act of Congress, adequate to the business.

I ought, indeed, first to have acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 19th. I had considered, as maturely as I could, the characters and pretensions of all the candidates, and had informed the attorney-general of the result, and had requested him, in case Mr. Hall should decline, to consider John Read as appointed, and employ him immediately. I now request you to make out and present him his commission.2 Mr. Hopkinson never applied, to my knowledge, till after Mr. Hall’s refusal. Though he is personally unknown to me, I have formed a good opinion of his talents, disposition, and principles, and might have hesitated longer, if his application had been in season. But, from your representation, as well as other considerations, I see no reason to alter my determination, communicated to Mr. Lee with his approbation. Mr. Read, I think, ought to be appointed.

John Adams.

[1 ]It contained an offer to convey to the United States the title to a large tract of land in Georgia.

[2 ]As agent of the United States, before the Board of Commissioners upon British debts.