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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, 1 May, 1799.

Sir,—

I received your favor of the 23d, and have read all the papers inclosed with attention and much satisfaction. With the No. 3, “Observations,” &c., I was particularly pleased.1

I can see no rational objection to any of the seven articles ultimately signed by all the heads of department, unless it be the 6th.2

When I first read this, I was apprehensive that some embarrassment might soon arise in consequence of it. We have given our word that the commerce should be open by proclamation as soon as privateering should be suppressed in the island, and the fulfilment of our promise may be claimed. But, on further consideration, I hope and presume that General Maitland will settle this point, without any difficulty to us. I am very glad that you did not detain General Maitland till you could hear from me. Upon the whole, I think the negotiation has been conducted with caution and prudence, and the result has my fullest approbation.1

[1 ]This was a production of Mr. Pickering’s, entitled by him “Observations on the ‘Sketch of proposed Regulations,’ for the trade of the Island of St. Domingo, received from the minister plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty to the United States of America.”

[2 ]This is a copy of the articles;

Points, on which there is an understanding between the governments of Great Britain and the United States of America, in consequence of the foregoing proposed regulations.

1. It is understood that Great Britain and the United States have a common interest in preventing the dissemination of dangerous principles among the slaves of their respective countries; and that they will mutually and sincerely attend to that interest, to guard both against the danger here alluded to in consequence of the proposed intercourse with St. Domingo.

2. That any infringement of the contemplated regulations which may be agreed upon with Toussaint, and which will constitute the basis of the determination of the two nations, respectively, to open a commercial intercourse with St. Domingo, or any hostility commenced, or manifestly intended, on his part, against either, shall lead to an immediate suspension of intercourse with that island, on the part of both nations, while the laws of the United States authorize such a suspension on their part.

3. That it is the interest of both nations to induce General Toussaint to refuse an asylum to any French armed vessels in the ports of St. Domingo; such an asylum being deemed incompatible with the safety of the proposed commercial intercourse.

4. That it is the positive object of both nations by pacific arrangements to put an end, in toto, or as nearly as possible, to all maritime operation or exertion of any kind in the island of St. Domingo.

5. That the American Consul-General in that island shall be instructed to assist in carrying into effect the proposed regulations.

6. That no commercial vessel of either nation shall be permitted to enter the port or ports to be opened, as before proposed, until the day to be fixed according to the fifth article of the regulations to be proposed to General Toussaint.

7. As the present political state of St. Domingo is subject to constant change and fluctuation, and as even its situation at the moment is not perfectly ascertained, it is understood that the whole of the present arrangement shall be open to such future discussion and decision as the nature of the case, in the opinion of the respective governments, may demand. Timothy Pickering.Oliver Wolcott.James McHenry.Ben. Stoddert.Charles Lee. 20 April, 1799.

[1 ]Owing to the immediate departure of General Maitland, the papers were drawn up by Mr. Pickering, with the assent of the other cabinet officers, and sent, without referring them to Mr. Adams, subject to his ultimate decision, however, to approve or reject the propositions made.