Tench Coxe to John Adams, June 15, 1791

Philadelphia June 15 th. 1791.

Sir

I have had the honor to inform you of the payment of several sums of money to your Steward. You will find enclosed an acknowledgment from him, that he has received from me the whole five hundred dollars, which you were pleased to leave in my hands. I shall be much obliged, Sir, by your covering to me the receipt I gave you for this money. 1

I had great pleasure in meeting my friend Colonel Smith on the 12 th. instant immediately on his getting out of his carriage from New-York. He spent the day with a few friends who were collecting at the moment to dine at my house. I am very happy to find from him that the British public speak a language different from what they did when you were at their court. The Government appears however to act in a manner not at all variant from their former mode of proceeding, as to their commercial regulations. The late total prohibition of our piscatory articles, the advance of the importing prices of grain, and the prevention of the discharge of vessels, which arrive when their ports are not open for that article, are as perfectly in the spirit of commercial monopoly, as their antecedent regulations.—

It is much to be desired, that some very capable person in Massachusetts, who is well acquainted with the details of the exportation, sales and consumption of the various piscatory articles would make out the best possible statement of the manner in which the whole quantity of each of the articles is usually disposed of. I have ventured on the liberty, Sir, of delineating a plan of the statement contemplated on a separate paper that you may, if perfectly convenient, put it into the hands of some suitable person for the purpose of procuring the answers.

I have the honor to be, / with the highest respect, Sir, / Your most obedient, / & most humble servant

Tench Coxe