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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.

Quincy, 7 May, 1799.

Sir,—

I have received your favor of the 29th of April, and have considered the subject of it with as much attention as will be necessary to agree in general to your principles.2 Merit I consider, however, as the only true scale of graduation in the army. Services and rank in the last war, or in any other war, are only to be taken into consideration as presumptive evidence of merit, and may at any time be set aside by contrary proof. Services and rank in civil life, and in time of peace, I think, ought not to be forgotten or neglected, for they are often of more utility and consequence to the public than military services. The officers, I think, ought not to be flattered with any positive assurance of rising in succession. The right, authority, and duty of government to depart from the line of succession, in clear cases of unusual merit, of extraordinary services, or uncommon talent, ought always to be asserted and maintained, and constantly to be held up to the view of the army.

Inclosed is a letter from Joseph Woodward, recommending Baldwin and Brown to be lieutenants. Another from Josiah Waters, soliciting some appointment. Another from Daniel Tillotson, soliciting a captaincy of infantry. Another from General Brooks, recommending Samuel Fowle. Another from Major Lillie. I own I am not able to read such histories without strong emotions. As this, however, might be intended to be confidential with me, I pray you to return it to me.

[2 ]Mr. McHenry recommended that the relative rank at the close of the revolutionary war, of all such officers as had served in that war, should govern, liable to exceptions in cases of extraordinary service or merit.

On the 23d of April, Mr. McHenry had addressed a letter to Mr. Hamilton, requesting his opinion on this subject. The reply does not appear, but it is fair to infer that it was the same as that presented by Mr. McHenry to the President as his own. Hamilton’s Works, vol. v. p. 250.