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

TO S. DEXTER, SECRETARY OF WAR. - 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 S. DEXTER, SECRETARY OF WAR.

Dear Sir,

I have read the inclosed tedious proceedings, but cannot reconcile myself to the severity of the sentences. One of the officers certainly ought to be dismissed, and compelled to do justice to the men. But the circumstances of degradation and infamy might work upon the compassion of his neighbors powerfully enough to make him a great man in the militia or some State government. The other, perhaps, ought to be dismissed only, but of this I am not decided. Let them rest till I see you, which will not be long after, nor much before, Mrs. Dexter will make you healthy and happy.

I am, with great regard,

John Adams.