Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow TO O. WOLCOTT, SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. - 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

TO O. WOLCOTT, SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. - 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.


TO O. WOLCOTT, SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.

Quincy, 15 June, 1799.

Sir,—

Inclosed is a petition from John Sylvester for a pardon, a copy of the record of his conviction, a petition which he presented to Governor Sumner, and a certificate and request signed by a large number of respectable and worthy citizens of Plymouth in his favor. My answer to his relation, who brought me the petition, was, that the crime was of so serious a nature, that, whatever might be my disposition, I dared not to pardon it, without serious deliberation and the best advice. I promised him, however, to transmit the papers to the Secretary of the Treasury, and Attorney-General, and request their opinions. This promise I now perform by praying you to take the opinion of the heads of department if you think it necessary, or at least of the Attorney-General, and transmit to me the result of your and their deliberations. If you should recommend a pardon, I request you to send one on for signature to, Sir, &c.1

John Adams.

[1 ]On the fifth of July, a report was made upon this case, and signed by the four secretaries, concluding as follows;—

“As the crime is of a dangerous tendency, and as the tender of service in the navy cannot be accepted consistently with public policy, we are respectfully of opinion that a pardon ought not to be granted.”