A colonist agitator against the Stamp Act of 1765, Adams helped draft the Declaration of Independence. From 1777 to 1782 he was an all-purpose diplomat for the new republic, and in 1785 he became the first American Minister to London. Under Washington he was vice-president; he beat Thomas Jefferson in 1796 to become the second president. He was respected, but not popular, and served one term, losing to Jefferson in 1800. Partly printed DS: “John Adams” as President, one vellum page, 12.5 x 9, Philadelphia, June 1799. Naval appointment countersigned “Ben Stoddert” as Secretary of the Navy. The ink has faded making it difficult to read the name of the naval officer who is, in part, “to be obedient to his orders as Lieutenant and he is to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from time to time, as he shall receive from me, or the future President of the United States of America, or his superior Officer….” In very good condition, foxed, wrinkled, a few small pin holes, adhesive tape reinforcement on reverse, the top edge possibly trimmed slightly, but Adams has signed with a large, bold signature (almost a full three inches long, and three quarters of an inch high). Preparing for possible war with France, Congress passed a naval appropriations bill on April 27, 1798. Signed into law by President Adams, it called for the building or purchase of 12 ships of war, the raising of a naval officers corps, and the creation of a budget of $950,000. Benjamin Stoddert entered upon his duties as the first U.S. Secretary of the Navy on June 18, 1798, serving until March, 1801. In May, 1798, Congress authorized U.S. warships to seize “armed vessels under authority or pretense of authority from the Republic of France” when they are found operating in American coastal waters. President Adams did not call for a declaration of war, but hostilities began at sea. At first, American shipping was almost defenseless against French privateers, but by 1800, armed merchantmen and U.S. warships were clearing the sea-lanes. Coincidentally, the U.S. Frigate “John Adams” was built for the United States by the people of Charleston, S.C., and launched near Charleston on June 5, 1799, at about the time this naval appointment was made by President Adams. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
