1051From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 8 March 1807 (Adams Papers)
My project of coming from Washington to this place, by the way of Annapolis was disappointed, by the badness of the roads, which prevented the arrival of the Stage from Annapolis in Season for us to take it the 4th:—so I took my passage on the usual way to Baltimore, Thursday and arrived here by the new line of Packets last Evening—To-morrow, I shall pursue my journey to New-York, where I...
1052[September 1780] (Adams Papers)
To day Pappa came here and brought me a letter from Mr. Thaxter. Pappa Says that the news of the English East and west India fleet is confirmed. As I shall have but very few things to put down I shall keep a Journal only the days when there will be something Extraodinary. Probably that of 21 Aug. ( Adams Family Correspondence, Adams Family Correspondence , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others,...
105330th. (Adams Papers)
Snow’d all the morning. Mr. Cranch went to Boston and Charles with him: he return to Cambridge. As the supreme judicial Court is to sit there this week, there will be two or three companies of militia, in order to prevent riots; for the insurrections of this kind, are not yet quelled, and indeed I know not when they will be. There is not sufficient energy in the government, and the strength of...
1054John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 12 July 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have been wishing to write you, for several weeks past; I intended to have replied to your favour of the 10 th: of last month, at an early period; but for sometime I was too lazy, and for this fortnight past I have been too busy. Just upon the point of going away, I find myself crowded with a hundred little trifling affairs, which at divers times during a residence of three years I have...
105524th. (Adams Papers)
Went in the forenoon to St. Paul’s church and heard Mr. Doughty preach a sermon upon a text in Corinthians, concerning the knowledge of ourselves. He spoke to the general satisfaction of the Congregation. I afterwards went with the Captain on board our packet, and dined there. Saw Mr. B. Jarvis who invited me to go over next Sunday to Long Island. We went and engaged a Phaèton at Brooklyn, a...
1056[11th.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday went from Boulogne to Amiens.
1057John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
Having now a good opportunity I Cannot Let it Slip without writing a few Lines To You as it is not often That I have That Pleasure & So I must not let Slip one opportunity in writing To So kind and Tender a Mamma as you have been To me for Which I believe I Shall never be able to Repay you I hope I Shall never forget the goodness of God in Preserving us Through all The Dangers That We have...
105827th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hutchinson sailed yesterday for Ireland. The weather for several days past has been quite moderate; but this afternoon blew up very cold again. I pass’d the evening with Townsend and Pickman at Dr. Sawyer’s. Play’d quadrill with Mrs. Sawyer and Mrs. Hay; the family is very agreeable.
105924. (Adams Papers)
Gunning in the morning with Charles. Tired.
1060John Quincy Adams, List of miscellaneous obsolete papers left by John Adams, 22 July 1826 (Adams Papers)
List of Miscellaneous, obsolete papers left by John Adams, late of Quincy, at his Decease 4. July, 1826. An Account with Peter B. Adams settled 26. Septr. 1766. Two Bonds—J. Adams to Shrimpton Hunt 31. August 1772. paid & cancelled. Bond—Adam Winthrop to Peter Boylston—30. Jany 1740. Bond. Joseph Field to John Adams 11. April 1764. Letter of Administration to J. Adams. of Benjn. Hunt jrs....
1061From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 19 August 1821 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letters of the 9th and 10th. and am able now only to ask you not to be disappointed if I should not reach Dedham next Saturday as I have proposed. The day before yesterday I was obliged to send an Express to the President, who is at Shannondale Springs—His answer might have obliged me to put off my visit to the North entirely—The Express has just returned—I cannot start...
106228th. (Adams Papers)
Dr. Crosby came and paid me a visit in the morning. I went to see Mr. Jay, and staid about an hour with him. Dined at Cape’s tavern with the Captain and officers of the Packet. The stage for New Haven leaves this place every Monday, and thursday; it goes from Cape’s: I wish much to get away by next monday but fear I shall not be able to. Saw Major L’Enfant, and Mr. van Berkel in the Evening....
106317th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Parsons held a court this forenoon at ten; and at the same hour I attended at Mr. Atkins’s, with several actions, brought before him. Mr. Parsons in the afternoon went from home to return to Boston. I pass’d the evening at Mrs. Hooper’s. Play’d quadrill as usual. JQA adds, in his line-a-day entries, “Townsend unwell” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 16).
106414. (Adams Papers)
Justinian’s Inst. Foster’s Cr. Law. Gibbon &c. Justinian’s Institutes , a textbook of Roman law and a foundation of continental law, originally issued by Justinian I in 533.
1065John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
I believe it is almost three months since I wrote you last. The interval has been a disastrous and distressing period to me, and as while our misfortunes were pressing upon me, I had not the time to write even to my dearest friends, so now that as I hope they are past, I feel little inclination to give you pain by a minute recital of them. It may suffise to say that soon after the date of my...
1066John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 30 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received within these few days your letters of the 17 th: and 29 th: of March, together with the books and pamphlets mentioned in the former. The last was forwarded to me from England by M r: King, and at the same time one from the Secretary of State of the 10 th: ult o: — I had long been without letters, and they have now been pouring in by floods at once. I have written to you and...
1067To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 27 August 1795 (Adams Papers)
The bearer of this Letter Mr: Montfort is a clergyman who being compelled to leave his Country, has for some time past found a refuge in this; but is at present obliged also to retire from hence. He has some expectation of going to America; and being unacquainted with the Language and altogether unknown there, he has requested some Letter that should bear testimony in his behalf. Without...
1068From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 9 August 1806 (Adams Papers)
I left Cambridge yesterday, after having finished my weekly performance, to come here and meet my wife whom I expect hourly here—I received this morning letters from her, dated one at Philadelphia 30. July—and one at New-York 3. August—She was with my Sister, who was well and in good Spirits—She intended to stay over Commencement which was last Wednesday, and then come on as soon as possible—I...
1069John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 9 December 1803 (Adams Papers)
I inclose you a letter from my wife, who would have written you earlier but that George has been very ill with a fever, for several days— He is however, thank God now recovered. I have not written to you so often myself as I ought to have done, the only reason for which has been the ardour with which I have thoughtlessly thrown myself into the vortex of public business— The only object or use...
1070List of Securities and Vouchers of John Adams Personal Estate, 25 July 1826 (Adams Papers)
List of Securities and Vouchers of personal Estate belonging to John Adams late of Quincy deceased. Middlesex Canal Shares—Thirteen N. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75.—205. 206. 207. 208. 209. 210. 269. 270. 3380 West Boston Bridge–Shares—Five— N. 17. 19. 171. 172. 237 1500 Massachusetts Fire and Marine Insurance Company 2700 One Certificate 54. Shares— 15. July 1809. New-England Marine Insurance Company...
10717th. (Adams Papers)
I went with Thompson, to Mr. Atkins’s, to answer to an action which we had brought before him this day. The first Monday in April, being the day appointed by the Constitution for the choice of Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Senators The Town meeting here began at ten in the morning, and the poll was closed at four in the afternoon. Mr. Hancock and General Lincoln, had a great majority in...
10724. (Adams Papers)
Very cold. At Mr. Cranch’s. Dr. Fogg. Mr. Thayer.
1073From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 17 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
With the copy of my last Letter, which was entrusted by me to Mr Dallas, I now transmit also one of a preceding Letter, written last January—We have reason to hope they will all arrive safe as they go by Cartels, and this appears to be the only good effect that will result from the Negotiation at Ghent. I have nothing now to add to what I wrote you in my two last Letters, concerning my affairs...
1074To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 29 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed small packet, addressed to your lady, has just been received from Mr Hughes, our Charge d’Affaires to the Netherlands. To account for its present appearance, I have to remark that it was by Mr Hughes transmitted to me open, with permission, of which I have availed myself to peruse its contents. To this indulgence of Mr Hughes I am indebted not only for the knowledge of the...
107521st. (Adams Papers)
I can read tolerably well when I am alone in the office, and make as much progress in one day, as I can sometimes in a week, when all the other gentlemen are here. I have read through the first volume, and have made some progress in the second of Blackstone... And I read it I think with more advantage, than I did the first time; but my progress is slow; too slow. JQA ’s ellipses. In his...
1076Friday Novr. 21st. (Adams Papers)
Dined with Mr. Fitch at the St. Albans Tavern. The Tavern, on St. Albans Street, Pall Mall, was renowned for political and fashionable dinners and meetings ( Wheatley, London Past and Present Henry B. Wheatley, London Past and Present: Its History, Associations, and Traditions , London, 1891; 3 vols. , 1:12).
1077Thursday 3d. (Adams Papers)
This morning Mr. Jennings came and at about nine o clock he took leave of us and we set out from Bruxelles. After we had got out of the town we passed along a very beautiful canal. At about 4 o clock we arrived at Anvers, which is 4 Posts or 24 Miles from Bruxelles. After we got there pappa went and made a bargain with a boat man to go to Rotterdam but having arrived at our lodgings Pappa...
107811th. (Adams Papers)
I set out with Pickman this morning at about nine o’clock: the weather was clear though rather windy: before twelve we arrived at Haverhill. I went immediately to Mr. Shaws; and Pickman, went to the tavern to meet a carriage, which he expected from Salem; but very unfortunately he found the Carriage, had past through the Town, not more than a quarter of an hour before he got there: such...
1079From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 10 July 1822 to 11 July 1822 (Adams Papers)
Receiving on Sunday your rebuke for the blank covers I had forwarded to you, I should have felt it more severely had I not concluded that about the same hour you would be receiving from me the proof that I had not been altogether so remiss as you had supposed. We have had since the beginning of the month such a succession of roasters, day and night that I have felt myself almost reduced to the...
108029. (Adams Papers)
Tea at Mr. Adams’s.
1081From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 31 July 1811 (Adams Papers)
No more scolding about your accounts—No more petty complaints about trifles instead of hearty thanks for the faithful care, and trouble which you have taken in the management of my affairs—The hints about the state of your health, given in your letter of 7. April No 16/6 which I received the 22. of this month, have not only given me the heart-ache in themselves, but have brought me under my...
1082Saturday 20th. (Adams Papers)
This morning about 6 o clock spy’d a sail about 2 miles of f . We sent the courier de L’europe to speak with her. She put about and run. About nine o clock she set royals studden studding sails and chased us. About one o clock she came up with us and hoisted american colours. We hoisted french flag and pendant; we spoke with her. She was a brig eight weeks out of Salem. She has taken three...
1083From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 31 March 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 15th. instt. which informed me of the part assigned to you at the next exhibition has given me great satisfaction; and I now indulge the hope that your performance of it, will be still more creditable to you than the assignment. The question will afford full scope for all your abilities, and as I believe the affirmative to be the right side, you will have no lack of argument...
108417th. (Adams Papers)
My Chum went to Boston, but return’d early in the afternoon. After tea we went down to Mr. Dana’s. Miss Ellery was there, and Miss Jones with her; Bridge accompanied this Lady home, and after they were gone, I had a deal of chat, with Miss Ellery, who has a larger share of Sense, than commonly falls to an individual of her sex. We conversed upon diverse subjects, but I can never give any thing...
1085Thursday May 1st. 1788. (Adams Papers)
Pickman returned this afternoon from Salem. The Club were in the evening at my room: Young Fowle, Thompson’s poetical Class-mate spent the evening with us. Pickman went off quite early. He attended a ball in Salem, last evening, and what with the fatigue of dancing, and that of riding this day he was tired out.
1086Wednesday Novr. 26th. (Adams Papers)
Went again to the Covent Garden Theatre, and saw the Magic Picture with the Quaker. The Magic Picture , London, 1783, by Henry Bate Dudley; The Quaker , London, 1777, by Charles Dibdin ( Biographia Dramatica David Erskine Baker and others, eds., Biographia Dramatica; Or, A Companion to the Play House ... , London, 1764-1812; 3 vols, in 4. ; DNB Leslie Stephen and Sidney Lee, eds., The...
10877th. (Adams Papers)
This morning I returned to my old quarters N: 6. My Brothers and Cousin got here just before dinner. There were commons at noon, but it is most generally somewhat confused in the hall, the first day in the Quarter: I preferred not attending: Miss Ellery dined at the professor’s: After dinner I took my leave of the folks of the house: in the evening White arrived from Haverhill. Very few of our...
10884th. (Adams Papers)
I this day concluded the first volume of my author: and employ’d all the afternoon in copying from it, under heads. As Parsons goes to Boston next week and will stay there so long, that I shall probably finish the book I am now reading before he returns; I enquired of him, what would be best to take up next. He recommended, Sullivan’s lectures, then Wright’s tenures, and then Coke Littelton....
1089Wednesday 24th. (Adams Papers)
This morning the Courier lost herself in the fog but at about ten o clock we found her again. I will now give a list of the names of the officers and principal passengers on board the Sensible. Captain Bidé de Chavagnes. A chevalier of the order of Saint Louis and captain of his most Christian Majesty’s frigate La Sensible. Le Ch evalie r de Gois briand Goësbriand 2’d in command Mr. Riordan Le...
109021st. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hilliard again entertained us all day, with his own composition. Bridge, and I dined at Mr. Dana’s. Miss Almy informed us of all the circumstances which attended our party the other day; and among many other anecdotes, told us that Bridge was deeply smitten with a Miss Hall, who had I thought much of a sleepy appearance and I forsooth, am the humble admirer of Miss Dixey. If personal...
10917th. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Mr. Bartlett’s. There were 15 persons at Table, of whom I was not acquainted with Mr. McCard, Mr. Parsons, and Mr. W. Codman, from Boston. Mr. Parsons, is a great wit; but not a Christian. He is very fond of ridiculing the Bible. He pass’d a number of jests upon it, at Table. There was no man, he said in this Town, who read the Bible more, than he did, or who made less use of the...
109219th. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
This forenoon the younger Mr. Montréal came here. Mr. Artaud dined at Mr. Rimbert’s. Stay’d at home all day. Mr. D went and took a ride after dinner. Cloudy weather.
1093Friday 3d. (Adams Papers)
Pleasant weather. A fresh breeze from the S.W. The Captain intends to go to Spain to search the ship and see if he can find the leak. At twelve o clock We were according to our agreement at 180 leagues from Cape Finister.
109411th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hilliard entertained us all day, with a couple of Sermons, upon the whole armour of god. The shield, and the helmet, the sword and the arrow, afforded subject for description, and application. The improvements which might result from these two discourses, are wholly concealed to me; that it is the duty of man, to avoid Sin, is a self evident maxim, which needs not the assistance of a...
109529th. (Adams Papers)
Attended parson Wibird the whole day. He recommended very highly humility, or spiritual poverty; his sermons were I thought, better than usual. Miss Sarah Taylor, a young lady between 60 and 70 years old dined here this day. I have seen, when I was a child in books of fairy tales, figures very much like this lady, astride upon a broomstick riding Jehu-like through the air. This is a sufficient...
10969th. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day. The young gentlemen from Mr. Rimberts dined here. Cloudy weather.
1097From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 18 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
The John Adams is to sail from the Texel on the 25th: of this Month, and Mr Dallas, who is to be the bearer of our Dispatches to the Government is to leave this City on the 21st. I employ the last moments that will be left me previous to his departure, to perform they duty of writing to you, and of acknowledging the receipt of your favour of 1. May. It came by the return of the French ship...
109811th. (Adams Papers)
Finished in the forenoon, the second Book of the Cyropaedia; which I began, the 2d. of this month, and in the afternoon I began upon the book of Luke, in the Testament. I finish’d Matthew, last Thursday, and passed over Mark, in which it is supposed there is no difficulty, and which I may go through, in case, I have leisure. Miss Nancy, went in the afternoon with a large Party on slaying; and...
1099Thursday March 1st. 1787. (Adams Papers)
Charles went to Boston this morning: in the afternoon, I was at Foster’s chamber; he introduced me to his father and to Mr. Bissi, a young french gentleman, who lives with the french Consul. He had been three years at a school at Passi, which I left in 1780, so that we had a fund of conversation, ready to our hands. We accompanied the gentlemen, into the library, the museum, and the philosophy...
110023d. Monday. (Adams Papers)
This afternoon Mr. D went and took a ride. Walk’d in the summer garden after supper. Cloudy weather all day.