1From John Adams to Stephen Higginson, 14 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
I received your favor of the 4 th of this month, but not till the impost bill was enacted and published. In the progress of that law, through the several branches of the legislature, the arguments in favor of a drawback on rum were insisted on by several members of each house. But I think it was not shewn with sufficient evidence, nor explained with so much precision as I expected, how it...
2From John Adams to Stephen Higginson, 21 September 1789 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of August 10 th was duly received and immediately communicated with several other letters on the same subject to the President. His determination which will be made on the best principles and from the purest motives, as well as the most universal information, for he receives letters and makes enquiries from all quarters, we shall soon know. Altho’ it is most probable to me that M r...
3From John Adams to Stephen Higginson, 14 March 1790 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged by your favor of the first instant with the report of the Committee: and glad to find that the bench has been filled with Characters to your satisfaction. The report of the Committee gives me concern, as it evidence of an unquiet restless spirit as it tends to encourage Rhode Island in their obstinacy: but most of all as I fear there is too much probability that it originated...