Primary sourceDocument1797

Statement by John Adams on the Treaty of Tripoli

John Adams · 1797

Adams's proclamation as president ratifying the 1797 Treaty of Tripoli and ordering it observed by all citizens.

Adams signed and issued this proclamation as president, ratifying the treaty in his own words.

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Scanned text of a proclamation beginning 'Now be it known, That I John Adams, President of the United States of America', stating that having seen and considered the Treaty, he ratifies it and orders it observed and fulfilled by all citizens and inhabitants. — John Adams, Statement on the Treaty of Tripoli, 1797. Scanned government document.

About this source

What it is

This is a scanned government proclamation signed by John Adams as President of the United States, announcing that he has reviewed and ratified the Treaty of Tripoli with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Why it matters

The document shows Adams exercising his constitutional power over foreign treaties and ordering officials and citizens to honor the agreement. It is a primary record of early U.S. foreign policy and the presidency's role in diplomacy with North African states.

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Why does Adams mention the Senate's role in this process?
Who would have been responsible for making sure this order was carried out?
What does this document suggest about relations between the young United States and other nations?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of John Adams on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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