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

TO J. McHENRY, SECRETARY OF WAR. - 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 J. McHENRY, SECRETARY OF WAR.

Sir,

I have received your favor of the 4th, and return you the blank commission signed, and all the papers inclosed in yours.

As to Major Brooks, I know not how a man can talk of fighting “French bloodhounds” who has been capable of saying, since his appointment, that things were going very well before the arrival of the despatches of the envoys, but the publication of those despatches had ruined every thing. He must have a very loose head, if he has an honest heart. I will leave it to you and Mr. Stoddert to determine this affair according to your best judgments. The gentleman is to me a total stranger. If you think it safe to trust him, I will; if not, arrange him some other way.

General North’s letter I do not admire. I mean neither to plead, stipulate, nor negotiate with him about his acceptance. I had no idea of impressing him into the service. He may accept or reject his appointment as he pleases, unequivocally. I shall give him no other command or appointment. Upon his future behavior will depend his future appointments.

I pray you to reply to the corps of horse of Warren county, North Carolina, according to your own ideas. The others are approved by your humble servant,

John Adams.