Adams, John (1735-1826) [Appointment of Samuel C. Crafts as Commissioner for fifth division of Vermont]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04426 Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Document signed Date: 7 March 1799 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24.4 x 38.2 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 21 x 15.5 cm Order a Copy
Countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering. Crafts was given power to act as one of the five commissioner in Vermont under "An Act provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses and the enumeration of slaves within the United States." The act was passed on 9 July 1798 after the XYZ Affair became public and the public clamored for war. Five days later, on 14 July 1798, another act was passed to lay and collect a direct tax within the United States. The monies collected from this tax were designated to help arm the country for an impending war with France. Crafts was appointed after Ebenezar Crafts resigned. Stipulates Crafts holds the position until end of next session of the Senate. One black and white bust engraving of John Adams included.
John Adams, President of the United States of America,
TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETINGS:
Know Ye, That reposing especial trust and confidence in the integrity, diligence and ability of Samuel C. Crafts, of the State of Vermont, I
do appoint him a Commissioner of the United States under the Act of the Congress of the United States, passed on the ninth day of July, 1798, entitled "An Act to provide for the valuation of land and dwelling-houses and the enumeration of slaves within the United States," in the room of Ebenezar Crafts (who has resigned that office) for (inserted: the) fifth ? division of the State of Vermont ??? and do authorize him together with Jonathan Hunt for the first division, Moses Robinson June for the second division, James Whitelaw for the third ? division, and Jonathan Spafford for the fourth
division of the same State; to execute and fulfil the duties of his said office according to law; and TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same, with all the rights and emoluments thereunto legally appertaining, during the pleasure of the Presidents of the United States for the time being, and ?? until the end of the next session of the Senate of the United States and no longer.
In testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. GIVEN under my hand, at Philadelphia, this seven ??? day of March ?? in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine, and of the Independence of the Said States the twenty third.
John Adams
By the President,
Timothy Pickering Secretary of State
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