1051From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, Jr., 4 May 1827 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 23d ulto. with much pleasure, and now enclose a copy of the Discourse of Mr Wirt, the perusal of which will I hope be as gratifying to you as was the Memoir of Judge Cranch Having had a recent and very painful occasion, in the performance of my own duty to become informed of many particulars relating to the Standing of your associates at the Academy, I have...
1052From John Quincy Adams to Barnard,, 4 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
Mr. and Mrs. Adams request the Honor of Capt Barnard’s Company at Dinner on Monday the 4h of January at 5 o’Clock The Favor of an Answer is requested. MHi : Adams Papers.
1053From John Quincy Adams to Leonard Bowker, 29 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
Know all men by these presents, that I John Quincy Adams of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, now abiding at Washington in the District of Columbia, for an in consideration of the sum of three hundred dollars paid me by Leonard Bowker of Salem in the County of Orleans and State of Vermont, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have given, granted, and do...
1054From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 11 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
Mindful of the very kind invitation of Mrs Boylston and of yourself, and of our own earnest inclination and promise, Mrs Adams and I propose to visit you at Princeton the next week—we hope to reach your house on Friday the 19th. and to pass the Sunday with you—The only intreaty which I permit myself to make of you, is that you will receive us as children of your own family, to the exclusion of...
1055From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 24 January 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have received with great pleasure your Letter of the 14th. with the enclosed extract from that of your friend Mr Nicholls—I am very glad to learn that he proposes to publish a new Edition of his Recollections, and I hope he will withhold none of his opinions upon the great topics of National Law to which he well refers.—His Portraits of Pitt and Fox are more true to the Life than any others...
1056From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 8 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
I fulfil my promise to inform you of my safe arrival here, rather tardily, but it affords me the opportunity of announcing that of my family—the health of Mrs Adams is improved and will I hope be restored I have confirmed myself in the opinion that the portrait should be painted in plain black pantaloons and boots under them—A round hat should be also introduced, whether in one hand or on a...
1057From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 24 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
...I now fulfil the promise I made you at my last visit to Princeton...The communications & disclosures which you made to me on the morning of the day that I passed with you, have left a deep impression upon my mind memory The sentiments to which they gave rise, mingling with the sensation which I experienced in the near view of your Wachusett Hill during the short walk we took together...
1058From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 29 March 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have received your very obliging favour of the 15th. inst and also the box; containing the bottles of raspberry Cordial, for which Mrs. Adams joins with me in requesting your and Mrs Boylston’s acceptance of our best thanks. We regretted exceedingly that the shortness of the time which we were absent from this place last Year deprived us of the gratification which we had anticipated from...
1059From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 11 December 1805 (Adams Papers)
When I pass’d through Baltimore on my way to this place, I applied to Mr: William Pinckney, late one of our Commissioners at London, and who has now returned to the practice of the Law, and left with him the management of your claim on the bills drawn in favour of Jonathan Titcomb. According to your direction I requested Mr Pinckney to draw upon you for his charges. Mr: Harper was not then at...
1060From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 24 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter of the 15th. inst. has just come to hand—It was quite a disappointment to me upon my return from Europe the year before last, and again when I visited Boston and my fathers house the last Autumn is, that the distance at which you then were prevented me from having the pleasure of meeting you. I hope to be more fortunate the ensuing Summer; it being my intention and that of...
1061From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 1 October 1826 (Adams Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of last writing you I have duly received two letters from you and six copies of Mr Clarke’s interesting discourse, for which I tender you the united thanks of the family. I have been So much occupied as a joint Executor of my fathers will, together with some other business, that I have had scarce a moment for writing to my friends. But having made as much progress in...
1062From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 14 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
I received with much concern your kind favour of the 8th instt. particularly as it mentions your being in a feeble state of health—I hope it is only a consequence of the great heat of the Season with which we are also suffering here— While I had flattered myself with the hope of being able to visit my father this Season, I had the fixed determination of paying you that visit which with my Wife...
1063From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 10 May 1825 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter of the 15th. of March has remained too long on file unanswered. That of the 7th. of the same month had been also duly received by Mrs. Adams. From the friendly interest which you have so long taken in our welfare, I was fully convinced that the result of the election would be gratifying to you; & in the sympathizing sentiments of my friends, I have always taken far more...
1064From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 13 October 1824 (Adams Papers)
In fulfilment of my promise on parting from you, I have the pleasure to inform you of our safe arrival here; my own health being good; and that of Mrs. Adams, I hope, improved by her excursion. Elizabeth Adams stopped, and remains for some days at Baltimore. I overtook General La Fayette at Philadelphia, and spent four days there, much in company with him. I met him again at Frenchtown, and...
1065From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 9 October 1825 (Adams Papers)
Mindful of the very kind invitation of Mrs Boylston and of yourself, and of our own earnest inclination and promise, Mrs Adams and I propose to visit you at Princeton the next week—we hope to reach your house on Friday the 19th. and to pass the Sunday with you—The only intreaty which I permit myself to make of you, is that you will receive us as children of your own family, to the exclusion of...
1066From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 26 August 1822 (Adams Papers)
I am quite ashamed to acknowledge at this day that I duly received both your Letters of 29th May and of 22nd July—The recess of Congress usually offers a period of some relaxation to the members of the administration but I have not been so indulged this summer. You may perhaps have some knowledge of the principal subject which has absorbed all the leisure allowed me by the ordinary current...
1067From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 14 August 1826 (Adams Papers)
A short time before my sudden departure from Washington, I received a very kind Letter from you, with a small volume, and an interesting account of the family of Boylston.—While I was postponing an Answer to it with a view to make some further enquiries, to tax again your indulgence, a melancholy summons called me away at so short notice that I forgot even to take your Letter and minutes with...
1068From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 8 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
Rec’d of Ward Nicholas Boylston Esqr. by the hand of Jno L Bolyston—Eighteen Dollars for articles furnish’d &c at the Inauguration of President Adams 4 March 1825 — $18 MHi : Boylston Family Papers.
1069From John Quincy Adams to Charlotte Sophia, 29 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
The American Minister and Mrs Adams will do themselves the honour of attending upon her Majesty, at the Queen’s House on Monday the 12th of August, at 9 o clock, conformally to the invitation which by her Majesty’s Command they have received from Mr Disbrowe. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1070From John Quincy Adams to Henry Coolman, 18 November 1818 (Adams Papers)
Will Mr Coleman do Mr and Mrs Adams the favour of coming and dining with them, this day at five O’Clock—of if engaged this day, to-morrow? NNGL .
1071John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 14 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
by your desire I now sit down to write a few lines to you and not yet having wrote to you I cannot let this oportunity pass without writing. my Pappa has received two or three packets from my mamma in which she said our family and Freinds were all well as I hope this will find them. I have nothing material to write having given an account of my voyage and travels to my Mamma. I am your...
1072John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 1773 (Adams Papers)
i thank you for your last letter i have have had it in my mind to write to you this long time but afairs of much leess importance has prevented me i have made But veray little proviciancy in reading to much of my time in play th ere is a great Deal of room for me to grow better brother charls has got a very bad cold martha feild and Naby curtis sends their love to you and sister Naby from your...
1073John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 23 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
I came yesterday as far as Boston with Sister Lucy, who is employ’d in fixing me off: I came here in the afternoon finally to settle. Your Brother goe to Boston this morning, and I have but a few minutes to write. All at Braintree are well, Mr. Tyler’s Windmill is to be raised this day. There’s another thing, that you would never let me know. I have got a number of articles of impeachment,...
1074John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 17 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Some days agone I received a letter from you dated May last. The true reason why I have not written to you since I have been in Europe, is, that as you expect that my letters would be very entertaining, by the variety of the subjects, that I have had to write upon, I do not wish to disappoint you by writing letters that would give you no pleasure. But as you have begun, I can no longer excuse...
1075John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 18 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
While I was at St. Petersbourg, I had, the Pleasure, of receiving a Letter from you; I answered it, but since that time I have shamefully neglected writing to you. I own my fault, and promise to repair it for the future; and I hope, that you will pardon me, upon that Condition. The only reason I had for it, was a bad one. I feared that if I wrote, you would perceive that the improvements I had...
1076John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 7 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
My things, are yet pretty much in Confusion, and I do not expect to get well settled till the next Quarter. I find much more, to do here than I expected; it is true that every persons who chooses, may be idle 3 days in the 6; but every one may also, find full sufficient employment if he chooses. Mr: Williams’s Philosophical Lectures, began, Tuesday the 28th: of last month; we have already, had...
1077John Quincy Adams to Lucy Cranch, 1 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
I having wrote Twice to your brother & not having yet wrote to you I now take a pen into my hand to write a few Lines to you to inform you of a Little excursion I took last. Mr. Lee his nephew My Pappa & I went to the theatre Calld the Italien Comedy where we had the women & the Secrets of which we See but very Little the next was Silvain in which the Scene represented on one side an old house...
1078John Quincy Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 12 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
My Mamma has desired me, My dear Aunt, to give a Copy of a few cursory minutes, that I took at Chantilly of the Prince de Condé’s Seat there. They are very incorrect and confused, but I dont love to make apologies, and will therefore give them such as they are, and trust for the rest in your Candour. Chantilly is the seat of the Prince de Condé, and is perhaps the most magnificent, and most...
1079John Quincy Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 8 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Thaxter will want a horse in a short time, to go a journey, and I should be glad, if mine is not wanted, that Charles should come with him; as he desires to. He will then be of some service and of no expense; if Uncle Tufts thinks proper, Charles can ride the horse here, when he comes. But if he does not think it for the best, will you favour me with a Line that I may inform Mr. Thaxter....
1080John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 31 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I now Sit down with an intent to give you an account of the Place I dind at yesterday doctor Franklin his son a young Gentleman & I went to Place Calld montmartre at the Castle of the Count Brancard & dind there with him and some other Gentleman & Ladies, from which Place there is a most Beautiful Prospect of the City. On this hill the famous king henry the 4th incamped his army when he laid...
1081John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 14 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have been so much taken up these four or five days, in copying both for my Pappa and Mamma, that I have not been able to write at all for myself. I expected that Mr. Tracey and Mr. Jackson would not leave Paris till next Monday, but I dined with them this day, and they seem determined upon setting out the day after to morrow: I shall see them to morrow for the Last time, and have therefore...
1082John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 5 June 1790 (Adams Papers)
Phillips delivered me at Exeter a half sheet of paper from you, I trust I need not say it was very acceptable; I would only observe by the way, that I am no great friend to half-sheets. Sat verbum— We had a comfortable ordination. Phillips can give you any particulars that your curiosity may wish to be informed of. He was however by an unfortunate accident detained from the dance in the...
1083John 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...
1084John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 6 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
Although I have been writing a long Letter to Charles, I still must find something to say to you, as I believe, I am in your debt. I hope however you will not stand upon ceremonies, but write whenever you can. Your benevolence will induce you to take the will for the deed, if I am not quite so punctual, as I should wish to be. I have just this moment shook hands with one Mr. Xenophon, that put...
1085John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 1 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
My two Brothers, Leonard and Charles, will leave us tomorrow for Cambridge, and you would perhaps strike me from your books, was I to let them go without writing something: and as my inclination and my interest, are in this case, both on one side of the Question, I will say some thing, though it may not be worth your reading. You know not how often I have thought of you, and wish’d for you,...
1086John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 20 August 1786 (Adams Papers)
RC (Privately owned); addressed: “Mr: Bob Longer. In the paradise of fools.” Probably an abbreviation for “Robert Shorter” (that is, Bob Shorter), a comment on JQA ’s and Cranch’s relative heights.
1087John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 17 August 1791 (Adams Papers)
I received almost a fortnight since your favour of July 23 d: and should have answered it before now, if I was in the habit of doing as I ought I sued the note immediately, but have not heard from Johonnot since The two actions to which you requested me to attend were both continued; I had not seen Nightengale, and thought it would be expedient to continue that: the other was continued at a...
1088John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 17 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
As there is a very good opportunity of writing to you by a Gentleman from South carolina who is about embarking for America I must write one short Letter to all my Freinds. I am in one of the schools which I was in when I was here before and am very content with my situation. I will give you an account of our hours. At 7 o clock A.M. we get up and go in to school and at 8 o clock we breakfast...
1089John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 7 April 1790 (Adams Papers)
As you were somewhat in my debt in the article of Letters, when I left Boston, I expected ere this to have received something from you; and I was not a little disappointed when Bridge came from Boston to find he had nothing but your compliments, or some such thing to deliver me from you. I am willing however to make allowances for the multiplicity of your avocations, and not having the same...
1090John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 27 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I should have answered your last favour, ere this [but in?] [conse]quence of the information you gave me, I went to Haverhill [last?] Thursday and returned but the day before yesterday. Regularly the Sunday is my scribbling day, but as there are several opportunities for sending at present, I [can]not suffer the week to pass over without noticing you, and must there fore [steal?] an hour or...
1091From John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 30 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
Know Ye, That in pursuance of the Act of Congress passed on the twentieth day of this present Month of May, entitled “An Act to provide for erecting a Penitentiary in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes,” I the said John Quincy Adams, President of the United States of America, Do by these presents appoint you the said William Cranch, Henry Huntt and Walter Smith, to be...
1092From John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 17 August 1826 (Adams Papers)
Your affectionate letter of the 9th. instt. came to hand two days since, and on the same evening I delivered to your sister Greenleaf the one for her which it enclosed— The loss of fathers such at least as were yours and mine, is and must be irreparable. Yet it is “Nature’s commonest theme,” and speaking from my own experience it is one of the choicest, as it is among the rarest ingredients of...
1093From John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 26 September 1817 (Adams Papers)
I cannot forbear to offer you my thanks for your kind and affectionate Letter of the day before yesterday, and to assure you how much I feel myself affected by the expression in it of that Sentiment of which as you remark, even friendship is inadequate to convey the idea. Next to brothers as we are by the ties of blood; brothers as we were by the habits and intimacies of childhood and of...
1094John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 6 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
I received on Saturday evening your kind favour of the day preceding, and although I was then far, very far from being in a pleasant State of mind: yet I could not help smiling at your geometrical proof that if you shared my sorrows with me, they would not be so great. I had been much affected the day before, when Mr. Thaxter returning from Salem inform’d us of our aunt’s Death. I had read the...
1095From John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 28 August 1826 (Adams Papers)
The most important facts in the History of my fathers Life will be found in one or another of the enclosed discourses, of which I forward to you those of Mr Knapp and Mr Webster, at your desire, and those of Mr Everett, Mr Cushing and Mr Sprague, for such use as Mr Wirt may be disposed to make of them—There are perhaps in all of them some errors of detail, but none of material importance—I...
1096John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 6 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received a few days ago with great pleasure your favour of 5 March. the perusal of which affected me with various sensations, some pleasing and others less so, but all, cordially participating in the circumstances affecting your welfare and happiness, mentioned in it. Neither the length of time nor the distance at which I have been from my Country, nor yet, any change in my own situation has...
1097From John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 31 August 1824 (Adams Papers)
I regret that it will not be in my power to take Mr Norton’s Bridge Stock I am very affectionately Yours— MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1098From John Quincy Adams to Devisees of John Adams’s Estate, October 1826 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Caroline Amelia DeWint—Cedar Grove Fish Kill Landing—New-York. The Executors of the last Will and Testament of John Adams, deceased, have proceeded to the Execution of the said Will, by receiving payment from John Quincy Adams of ten thousand dollars, with interest thereon from the time of the Testator’s decease, in fulfilment of the conditional devise to him, of the Homestead Estate...
1099From John Quincy Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 26 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
I return the enclosed letter according to your desire, painfully regretting, that I can not consistently with my sense of my duties, comply with the wish of the writer; and yours in his behalf. The reasons of this I cannot fully explain to you, but I trust you will be assured they are not incompatible with that ardent and sincere affection to which you so forcibly appeal, & the power of which...
1100From John Quincy Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 9 August 1826 (Adams Papers)
The Executors of the last Will and Testament of John Adams, late of Quincy deceased, enclose herewith a Copy of the said Will, in which you are interested as Devisees. We also deem it proper to give you notice that the said Will has been proved before the Judge of Probate for the County of Norfolk in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That we have given the bond required by law for the return...