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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.

I have received your favor of the 12th, and have considered the opinions of the heads of department.2 I wish that courtsmartial may be advised to be as cautious as possible, in all their proceedings, especially in cases of life, because the discipline of the army will depend much upon this habit. But the crime of Richard Hunt is of so deep a die, that I have not seen my way clear to avoid the signature of the warrant for his execution, which is here returned. Yet if you and General Hamilton think that one example may suffice for the purposes of public justice, the execution of Hunt or Pierce may be respited.3

[2 ]See page 656, note, for the substance of these opinions.

[3 ]This suggestion seems to have been adopted by General Hamilton, in the case of Hunt. Hamilton’s Works, vol. v. p. 289.