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

C. LEE, ATTORNEY-GENERAL, 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.

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C. LEE, ATTORNEY-GENERAL, TO JOHN ADAMS.

Winchester, 6 October, 1799.

Sir,—

Hoping it will not be deemed improper in me to give my opinion, before it is asked, relative to the suspension of the mission to France, I will take the liberty of expressing it. I have reflected on the subject a good deal, and I cannot perceive any sufficient reasons for the suspension.2 Such a measure would exceedingly disappoint the general expectation of America, and, exciting the jealousy and suspicion of many concerning your sincerity in making the nomination, would afford your enemies an opportunity of indulging their evil dispositions. If the envoys proceed, as I think they ought, it does not appear to me that any inconvenience will be felt by the United States, even if they should find a monarch on the throne of France, which I by no means expect will very soon happen.3

I am, Sir, with perfect respect, &c.

Charles Lee.

[2 ]Mr. Jay’s opinion is quite as clear. See his letter to Theophilus Parsons. Jay’s Life of John Jay, vol. ii. p. 296.

[3 ]On the other hand, Mr. Hamilton had worked himself up to the apprehension that the execution of this measure would “involve the United States in a war on the side of France with her enemies.” Mr. Pickering does not seem to have apprehended so much that no treaty could be made, as that it would be made too easily, and would go too far against Great Britain. Mr. Wolcott concurred with Mr. Hamilton. Mr. McHenry, on the contrary, although agreeing in their views, seems to have foreseen the possibility of what really happened. See his letter to Washington. Hamilton’s Works, vol. vi. p. 414. Gibbs’s Federal Administrations, vol. ii. pp. 280, 281, 282.