John Quincy Adams to John Adams, March 15, 1804

15. March 1804.

You will see by the folio sheet I inclose to you, that the House of
Representatives have not yet done with the Government of Louisiana.— 1 The fourth Section is the only one in which
there seems much difficulty to the Legislators of the day— Many attempts were made to
vary that here, and they are renewed in the House— They sport with Louisiana, as a Cat
sports with a mouse— But to help our authority, it is
already found necessary to send a military force— And in order to avoid the appearance
of a standing army ; they are recruiting here the corps of marines — One hundred of whom are to depart from […] next
week to strengthen the garrison at New-Orleans— 2 Mari [ nes ], to garrison New-Orleans! Oh! the breadth & the length &
the depth of the learning of bifront denominations and specific appropriations.

I fear I shall not have it in my power to complete your set of
journals; I have sent you all the spare numbers I can collect; but there are three of
the House’s and several more of the Senate’s still wanting.

Your’s.