Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow T. PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE, TO JOHN ADAMS. - The Works of John Adams, vol. 8 (Letters and State Papers 1782-1799)

Return to Title Page for The Works of John Adams, vol. 8 (Letters and State Papers 1782-1799)

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

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

T. PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE, TO JOHN ADAMS. - 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.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


T. PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE, TO JOHN ADAMS.

Philadelphia, 10 May, 1799.

Sir,—

I have the honor to inclose Mr. Liston’s note of the 8th, requesting the usual exequatur for Thomas Barclay, Esq., and Benjamin Moodie, Esq., whom his Britannic majesty has appointed, the former Consul-General for the Eastern States, and the latter Consul for North and South Carolina, and Georgia.

Mr. Barclay is the gentleman who was the British commissioner for settling the question of the St. Croix boundary.

Regularly, the commissions of those gentlemen should be produced; the allowance of the exequaturs being predicated on the inspection of the consuls’ commissions.

After a very indulgent but fatiguing trial of nine days, during which the jury were kept together, of John Fries, on a charge of high treason, the jury, at ten o’clock last evening, brought in their verdict, Guilty.

I have just learned that the jury decided without debate, or the least difference in sentiment. I before knew that the two judges were perfectly agreed as to the treasonable matter, and the guilt of the prisoner. The prompt verdict of the jury is the more remarkable, as there were two or three of them in the party in opposition to the government. But the nature of Fries’s offence, and the evidence of his guilt, were so clear as to remove or prevent doubt in the mind of every impartial man. Thus the case is represented to me, for I was not present at the trial. The length of the trial was owing chiefly to the examinations of many witnesses, a number of whom being Germans, interpreters were necessary.

This conviction is of the highest importance to vindicate the violated laws, and support the government. It was, therefore, anxiously expected by the real friends to the order and tranquillity of the country, and to the stability of its government. Among such men I have heard of but one opinion, that an example or examples of conviction and punishment of such high handed offenders were essential, to ensure future obedience to the laws, or the exertions of our best citizens to suppress future insurrections. The examples appear singularly important in Pennsylvania, where treason and rebellion have so repeatedly reared their heads. And painful as is the idea of taking the life of a man, I feel a calm and solid satisfaction that an opportunity is now presented, in executing the just sentence of the law, to crush that spirit, which, if not overthrown and destroyed, may proceed in its career, and overturn the government.

With great respect, &c. &c.

Timothy Pickering.