Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow T. PICKERING TO JOHN ADAMS. - The Works of John Adams, vol. 9 (Letters and State Papers 1799-1811)

Return to Title Page for The Works of John Adams, vol. 9 (Letters and State Papers 1799-1811)

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

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

T. PICKERING TO JOHN ADAMS. - John Adams, The Works of John Adams, vol. 9 (Letters and State Papers 1799-1811) [1854]

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. 9.

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 TO JOHN ADAMS.

Trenton, 24 September, 1799.

Sir,—

The subject of the proposed mission to France is so important, that, whether it proceed or be suspended, your decision will certainly be the result of your mature consideration. But as the idea has occurred to you of coming to Trenton, and you have intimated that you would do it, if judged best, I have consulted my colleagues, and they concur with me in opinion that it will be an eligible step. Governor Davie will probably be here the first week in October, and Judge Ellsworth will doubtless be ready to meet him; or if you should conclude to come on, the judge would certainly be gratified in waiting to accompany you.

Governor Davie, having relinquished his government and made arrangements for the voyage to Europe, will probably be better satisfied, after making the long journey from North Carolina, to return home again, if the further suspension of the mission take place, after a personal interview with you and his colleague; and your final determination relative to the mission will doubtless give more general satisfaction to the community at large, when accompanied with these solemnities.

If, however, the news expected from Europe should be of a nature, not only to strengthen your reasons for the temporary suspension which you have already deemed expedient; but if new facts should be decisive of the course proper to be pursued, the trouble of your journey may be saved.

These observations are most respectfully submitted to your consideration1 by

Sir, your most obedient servant,

Timothy Pickering.

[1 ]It would appear from the tone of this letter as if the cabinet, at this date, had concerted their measures to secure the defeat of the mission, and felt confident of success. Hence the extent of their surprise and mortification when the combination proved of no avail.