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

TO B. STODDERT, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. - 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 B. STODDERT, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

Sir,

I have signed the commission for Lieutenant Parker, which was inclosed in your favor of the 19th, and sent it to him with your letter and its inclosures.

Your other favor of the 19th contains matter of more importance. I own that the navy has not afforded to our commerce that complete protection which might have been expected from it, considering the vast inferiority of all the French force, both of public and private ships, in the West Indies. Although I would never hurt the feelings of officers, or excite questions which might affect their reputations, or move suspicions without necessity, yet I am prepared to agree to your arrangement about Nicholson.1 I am not yet prepared to say whether Talbot, or Sever, or some other, ought to be appointed to command the Constitution. Talbot, I am told, was not bred a seaman, though an excellent officer. I apprehend that ship wants an officer of complete nautical skill.

[1 ]To superintend the construction of the frigates then building.