Papers of John Adams, volume 21

Samuel Allyne Otis to John Adams, 26 November 1792 Otis, Samuel A. Adams, John

From Samuel Allyne Otis

Sir Philadelphia Novr 26th 1792

I do myself the honor to enclose you the minutes of the last week and to repeat my wishes to see you here as soon as possible, And as I hear Mrs Adams has quite recovered her health and that your own is restored I flatter myself those wishes will soon be gratified.1 I have every day less fears of an unfavorable election of the two first officers in the Government— People seem to look with solemn astonishment at the Scenes in France & on comparison felicitate themselves on their enjoyment of peace liberty and good government— Whilst the squibbs & crackers continually let of by 153 inflamatory malcontents bounce for a few minutes & go out in their own stench—

The two houses have hardly set about business in earnest nor perhaps will they much before Chrismass

Mrs Otis joins me in respects to Mrs Adams and all friends.

I am / Sir / With esteem & respect / Your most humble Sert

Sam. A. Otis

RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “The Vice President / of / The UStates.”

The enclosure, not found, was Otis’ routine summary of congressional activity. Between 19 and 23 Nov., the Senate read letters on the sinking fund balances and the public desire for peace with Native Americans, as well as Revolutionary War veterans’ petitions for compensation, and George Washington’s 22 Nov. instructions regarding the payment of federal excisemen implementing the Whiskey Act (U.S. Senate, Jour. , 2d Cong., 2d sess., p. 459–460; Washington, Papers, Presidential Series , 11:423–424).

Alexander Contee Hanson to John Adams, 6 December 1792 Hanson, Alexander Contee Adams, John

From Alexander Contee Hanson

Sir, Annapolis Decr. 6, 1792

I cannot flatter myself, that after the lapse of sixteen years, you can have any recollection of the man, who now addresses you. In the year 1776 he had the pleasure of lodging with you, under the same roof, at Philadelphia; and he has often since reflected on the circumstance, with satisfaction—1

I take the liberty of introducing to your notice Mr. Elie Valette, a young gentleman of real modesty and worth, whom the electors for this state of a President and Vice President have prevailed on to take charge of the certificate, by law directed to be transmitted to the President of the Senate of the United States.—2 I shall think myself obliged by any attentions, which you may be pleased to favour him with; and I beg leave to assure you, that I am, with profound veneration, / Your obedient servant

A C Hanson

RC (Adams Papers).

Hanson (1749–1806) was an attorney who studied at the University of Pennsylvania and acted as a secretary to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. He served as chancellor of Maryland from 1789 until his death ( ANB ).

Elie Vallette delivered Maryland’s presidential election votes to the Senate. He served as a U.S. naval chaplain on the frigate Philadelphia from 1800 to 1801 (Clifford Merrill Drury, The History of the Chaplain Corps, United States Navy, 9 vols., Washington, D.C., 1948, 1:13).

154