Henry Marchant to John Adams, February 19, 1791

Newport Feb y. 19 th. 1791—

Dear Sir,

The Congress of the United States are once more seated at
Philadelphia. I wish the People there may be more conscious of the Honor and Advantage
of the Residence of that Body with them than heretofore—And that They will discover less
of a mobish Disposition— I am sorry to see Petitions and Remonstrances beat up about the
Streets against Acts merely in Contemplation— I wish also Virginia so anxious for the
Honor of abtaining the final Residence of Congress within the Dominion, would not take
the Lead in lessening the Authority and necessary Powers of Congress, and thereby
lessening the due Influence of Government.—

I hope the speculating Genius of Georgia upon Indian Lands and Furs
will subside I did hope the paper Mony Madness of North Carolina would have ceased with
that of this State:— Or however averse to the Assumption, as puting an End to the artful
Views of some miserable wicked Polliticians,—They would not have contended, or shewn
Their Temper after, and upon the most mature Deliberation, the Wisdom of the Nation had
determined the Subject— Maryland too almost resolved to lead down the Virginia Dance.
Amongst many Disappointments, there will be some Capers cut.— This State I do pronounce
has come down to as contented and steady Fœderalisim as any one State in the Union— Some
of the Leaders of Our late unhappy Measures have since, and particularly after an
Attendance upon the Circuit Court declared, if possible, They would unsay all They had
said & done:—And that They were happily undeceived.—

People in Office cannot take too much Pains to concilliate Minds;
and cautiously carry Themselves in Their respective Offices. Let me say, that as in
England the Clerks &c carry a hautiness and Consequence about them, above the Heads
of their Departments, so, such Persons may, perhaps in some Instances do, feel too
important—Their Conduct is heard of further than They conceive— The Heads of Departments
I hope will be careful to check such a Temper and Carriage in those under them—
Americans cannot bear such little Tyrannies— Let them study by all means to oblige—
Those Things are more leading in their Consequences than may be
imagined— When a Person goes to a publick Man, or a publick Office;—He carries a Report
Home and to His Neighbours highly influential upon Their Minds, as it may be favourable
or otherwise— The Report whatever it be inlarges Circle beyond Circle;— As when a Stone
is thrown into a smooth Water—

It appears the Intent of Congress is to rise the first of March— To
me it seems almost impossible, when I consider the amazing Business before Your
honorable Body.— But I find the Heads of Departments greatly relieve the Legislature—
The Secretary of the Treasury by his Ingenuity and astonishing Industry amases all— I
beg They will not destroy his Health.— It was little conceived that such a Character
existed amongst Us:—But a kind Providence does every Thing for America—

We are suffered however to be chastised in Our Frontiers— We hope
the most decisive Measures and upon a large Scale will be adopted, to put a final End by
the Blessing of Heaven to any future Ravages of the Indians— Such Measures in the End
may prove not only most for Our Peace, but the cheapest— You will excuse me my dear and
honored Sir;—but I love to write You now and then, however unimportant, because You are
always so kind as to let me hear of You in Return—And to hear that You and Yours are
well, gives sincere Pleasure to Sir, Your / most affectionate Friend / and very humble
Serv t.

Henry Marchant