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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.

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 T. PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.

Quincy, 20 July, 1799.

Sir,—

I have your favor of the 13th, received only last night. I sent you lately Mr. Liston’s two letters, with one from Governor Mifflin, and a copy from Chief Justice McKean. I will not comment on the letters of Mr. Liston, nor examine whether all his sentiments are just or politic.2 But I heartily reprobate the outrage on the British government, in violating the seals of its accredited minister to the United States, and am desirous of taking such notice of it, as the respect we owe, not only to the government of Great Britain, but to ourselves, demands. I pray you, therefore, to refer this business to the attorney of the district, in the absence of the Attorney-General, with instructions to make a diligent inquiry, and strictly to prosecute the persons he may find guilty of any breach of the law of nations, or the land. The publication of these letters is a crime in somebody, I know not whom.3

I am, &c.

John Adams.

[2 ]They were addressed to Mr. Russell, president of the British frontier in Upper Canada. They are curious as imputing to the administration a design to encourage the revolt of Toussaint against France, in St. Domingo, when Mr. Pickering expressly declares that the President would do no such thing. Hamilton’s Works, vol. vi. p. 399. See page 635, note. Wharton’s State Trials, p. 683.

[3 ]Two indictments were drawn, but the grounds being found insufficient, the prosecution was discontinued.