Charles Adams to John Adams, January 31, 1799

New York Jan y 31 st 1799

My dear Sir

M r Francis Baretto has as he informs me
applied for the Consulate at Madeira and has requested me to mention you to him as an
acquaintance. He is a Native of that Island though for many years a Citizen of this
Nation He has been known to me for more than ten years and his misfortunes of various
kinds have excited my compassion and esteem as I beleive he did not merit them. 1 If I should err with respect to my
sentiments of what are here called Hamilton’s appointments I hope you will not impute it
to any wrong motive He has become the Universal Recommendator Many of the appointments
made as I have reason to beleive at his request are spoken of as extremely improper I
could mention many Daubeny for instance as first Leutt of the Navy when there is not a
single Merchant who would trust him with the Command of a Sloop of Twenty tons

Nay he even went so far as to say at his own Table when I was
present; that he had, in his own words “ Been that day
appointing a Son of the Notorious Bill Livingston’s
a Midshipman in our Navy” This modest speech was addressed to Church whose reply was you
have then I find weaknesses not confined to the female sex: which produced a laugh and
perhaps was not thought of by any person but myself afterwards. 2

We are all well and happy in the company of my brother Thomas who I
think is less altered than any person who has resided so long in Europe. Little pratler
Susan says, she must go to Philadelphia to see Grandpapa who loved her so much and told
her to come She looks at the picture and says Grandpapa will have me go to him he told
me so himself

With sincere affection and respect / I am Yours

Charles Adams