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

TO MRS. WASHINGTON. - 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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TO MRS. WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, 27 December, 1799.

Madam,—

In conformity with the desire of Congress, I do myself the honor to inclose by Mr. William Smith Shaw, my secretary, a copy of their resolutions passed the 24th instant, occasioned by the decease of your late consort, General George Washington, assuring you of the profound respect Congress will ever bear to your person and character, and of their condolence on this afflicting dispensation of Providence. In pursuance of the same desire, I entreat your assent to the interment of the remains of the General under the marble monument to be erected in the capital, at the city of Washington, to commemorate the great events of his military and political life.

Renewing to you, Madam, my expressions of condolence on this melancholy occasion, and assuring you of the profound respect which I personally entertain for your person and character,

I remain, with great esteem, Madam, &c.

John Adams.

TO THE PRESIDENT.

Philadelphia, 13 January, 1800.

We have by the President’s direction considered Mr. Randolph’s letter,1 and we are of opinion that the public interest requires that the contemptuous language therein adopted requires a public censure.

If such addresses to the Chief Magistrate remain unnoticed, we are apprehensive that a precedent will be established, which must necessarily destroy the ancient, respectable, and urbane usages of this country.

Timothy Pickering.

Oliver Wolcott.

James McHenry.

Ben. Stoddert.

[1 ]Mr. John Randolph’s letter to the President, attempting to make him responsible for certain alleged insults received by him at the Theatre from officers of the marine corps, was the first act which gave him any notoriety in the country. The Attorney-General, who did not sign the above opinion, seems to have furnished the draught of the message finally sent to the House of Representatives, simply referring the letter, as a question of privilege, to that body.