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

TO J. MARSHALL, SECRETARY OF STATE. - 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 J. MARSHALL, SECRETARY OF STATE.

Quincy, 18 September, 1800.

I received last night, and have read this morning, the copy of your letter to Mr. King, inclosed in your favor of the 9th. I know not how the subject could have been better digested.1

An idea has occurred to me, which I wish you would consider. Ought not something to be said to Mr. King about the other board? That, I mean, in London.2 We understand it, no doubt, all along, that those commissioners are to proceed, and their awards are to be paid. But should not something be expressed concerning it, in this new arrangement, whether by explanations or a composition for a gross sum? Can it be stipulated that the gross sum, if that should be accepted, should be paid, in whole or in part, to American claimants before the board in London, in satisfaction of awards in their favor? These, perhaps, would loan the money to government, and receive certificates on interest, as the merchants have for ships. I only hint the thing for consideration; am not much satisfied with it.

[1 ]This clear and statesmanlike despatch proposed the settlement of the questions under the sixth article of the British treaty by the payment of a gross sum.

[2 ]That constituted under the seventh article of the same treaty.