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

TO W. S. SMITH. - 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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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 W. S. SMITH.

Philadelphia, 26 May, 1800.

Dear Sir,—

Upon the receipt of your letter of the 21st, I sent a copy of it to General Hamilton, and the original to Mr. McHenry, and asked their candid opinion of it, without favor or affection. From General Hamilton I have as yet received no answer. From Mr. McHenry I have the inclosed, which is, I believe, a very honest answer; and, although I am not of his opinion in all points, I think there is enough in it to convince you that it would be highly improper in me, and therefore impossible, to adopt your project.1

I am, with affection to Mrs. Smith and Miss Caroline, sincerely yours,

John Adams.

[1 ]Mr. McHenry doubted the power of the President to make the appointment, for the reasons expressed in a former letter. Moreover, although speaking highly of Colonel Smith, as an officer of infantry, he questioned the fitness of transferring him to the command of a corps of artillery. This last argument seems to have decided the point. See vol. viii. pp. 632, 647.