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Letter to Interim Secretary of State Charles Lee
John Adams1800
National Constitution Center
Philadelphia, PA, United States
In this early example of the removal power, John Adams wrote about his decision to dismiss Jacob Mayer from his duty as American consul at Cape Français (in Haiti). Mayer was originally appointed to the position by George Washington but was removed after making slanderous statements against President Adams and his cabinet.
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Details
- Title: Letter to Interim Secretary of State Charles Lee
- Creator: John Adams
- Date Created: 1800
- Subject Keywords: presidency, Cap-Haïtien
- Transcript:Philadelphia, May 21, 1800 Sir I have read your Report of the 17th of May relative to the conduct of Dr. Stephens and Mr. Mayer and the documents under the label usefull [sic]. I have also read the Report of the late Secretary of State of May 12th on the same subject and agree with both, that the conduct of Dr. Stephens ought to be approved and that Mr. Mayer ought to be removed from his office. Mr. Hammond may be appointed to succeed him. I am & John Adams Mr. Lee, Secretary of State pro temp.Hide TranscriptShow Transcript
- Original Source: U.S. National Archives
- Rights: National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
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