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

TO C. LEE, ATTORNEY-GENERAL. - 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 C. LEE, ATTORNEY-GENERAL.

Quincy, 10 October, 1798.

The session of Congress approaches faster than I can prepare for it in the afflicted state of my family and tottering state of my frame. I request you to consider whether Congress can meet in Philadelphia with safety to their persons, and also to write me your sentiments of the particulars which ought to be inserted in the speech. I shall be obliged, by the long continued sickness of Mrs. Adams and her consequent weakness, to remain here till the last moment, and set out only soon enough to meet Congress on the first Monday in December, which will make it desirable to me to receive your sentiments as early as possible, that I may make some arrangements in season.1

John Adams.

[1 ]1 A similar form was addressed to all the other cabinet-officers. Mr. Pickering answered it on the 5th of November, submitting the heads only of what he should recommend for the message. These were: 1. A review of Mr. Gerry’s transactions in France. 2. The final settlement of the St. Croix boundary. 3. The commencement of the fixing the boundary with Spain on the South. 4. Determined preparations for war, which may prevent it.

The replies of Mr. Wolcott and of Mr. Stoddert are published in the work of Mr. Gibbs. The former consists of the draft which had been prepared after consultation with Mr. Hamilton. Vol. ii. p. 115, pp. 168-171.

Mr. McHenry’s letter is dated the 25th of November. It urges the composition of such a message as would lead Congress to a declaration of war with France; it suggests the mention of the surrender by Spain of two posts on the east bank of the Mississippi, and a recommendation of the investment in the President of full power to take possession of Louisiana and the Floridas, on behalf of Spain, in case of danger of their being seized by the French.

Mr. Lee’s answer is dated the 27th of October, and relates to the place of meeting of Congress. He recommends Baltimore, in case the fever should continue in Philadelphia. In a later paper he dilates mainly upon the alien and sedition laws.