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

JOHN SEVIER 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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JOHN SEVIER TO JOHN ADAMS.

Knoxville, Tennessee, 6 February, 1798.

Sir,—

In a letter of this day from the Hon. David Campbell, Esq., one of the judges of the superior courts of law and equity in this State, he complains that on the 3d instant, about ten o’clock at night, on his own premises, and not within the Indian line, he was arrested by two of Colonel Butler’s officers, and conducted a prisoner to his cantonment, and there detained until the next day, before he was liberated.

Permit me, Sir, with all due deference to observe that no act hostile to the general government has been committed or attempted by the State of Tennessee, nor can any transaction of our government warrant the imputation of any thing of the kind. Our laws are sufficiently wholesome and energetic, and also faithfully administered in a manner fully competent and adequate to the suppression of every kind of crimes and enormities that may be committed.

I do not harbor or entertain a doubt that the President ever gave any orders that will warrant or justify a procedure so despotic and inimical to the liberties of our citizens; but, on the contrary, believe he is entirely uninformed that a transaction of the kind was contemplated.

Permit me to express that it is painful in the extreme that such an event has happened, and been exercised on a character that has served with fidelity the United, as well as several of the States, in very high and dignified stations. I therefore request with much solicitude that a stop may be put to such unwarrantable and unconstitutional conduct; if not, the disorder may progress into an incurable disease.

I cannot admit or suppose that martial law has any right to be enforced, when the civil meets no obstruction or impediment; but if such has been directed, we hope to be advised in order that we may know in what manner to conduct in future.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, &c.

John Sevier.