31Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 27 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you soon after my arrival here that I expected to take passage with Captain Jenkins of the Ship America, bound to Newburypor[t.] I had in fact engaged to go with him, but as he said much to me of the uncomfortableness of his vessel and refused any compensation for taking me as a passenger, I thought best to look out for another opportunity, and upon the recommendation of Capt n:...
32Charles Adams to John Adams, 28 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your very kind letter of the 13 instant was very grateful to me. We have indeed suffered a double anxiety both for ourselves and our friends it is so natural for the latter absent from the City to be more apprehensive than we have been that I have been very much pained at their remonstrances against remaining in town Nor should I have remained had I not conceived it an indispensible duty. I...
33Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Smith appeard so anxious and unhappy tho She Said nothing, that seeing it, I advised her to follow you, & sent Michial to Town hoping she would overtake you tomorrow. she appeard so rejoiced at the proposal, that in half an hour, she was gone. I hope She will overtake you by tomorrow night. I slept well last night & tho I feel very low spirited, I shall strive to be [co]ntent. I will...
34Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have rejoiced in the fine weather which we have had Since your absence, and tho to day it threatens a Change, and debilitates me, I hope it will not prove very urksome to you. I received your Letter written at Flags and should have rejoiced more in your progress, if it had not have distanced you further from Mrs smith who was following you with all speed— I fear she did not overtake you...
35Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
By the post of yesterday I received your two Letters, one from Brookfeild and one from Suffeild I rejoiced in your rapid progress as the Weather was so fine but I mournd for mrs smith, Who I knew was following you with all speed, but I fear from your rapid movement did not overtake you untill last night, if then. by a Letter which came yesterday to her from her sister Clarkson which I ventured...
36Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
you have been so good writing at every stage where you put up for the night, that I have been able to follow you with pretty exact calculation. I thought however that mrs smith would overtake you at Newhaven I received yesterday mor’ g your Letter from Lovejoys and was rejoiced to find that mrs smith had come up with you, more So, as the unpleasent weather must have retarded you on your...
37Abigail Adams to John Adams, 29 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
This is our Thanksgiving day. when I look Back upon the year past, I perceive many, very many causes for thanksgiving, both of a publick and Private nature. I hope my Heart is not ungratefull, tho sad; it is usually a day of festivity when the social Family circle meet together tho seperated the rest of the year. No Husband dignifies my Board , no Children add gladness to it, no Smiling...
38Abigail Adams to John Adams, 2 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I last Evening received your Letters, one of the 24th from Prince Town, and of the 25th from Philadelphia. I rejoiced to find you safe landed there, tho so far very far distant from me. as you wrote immediatly upon your arrival I could not expect any Family documents. I hope Brisler will inform me. I am going to send you an excellent servant as represented to me by my sister Peabody. sober...
39Abigail Adams to John Adams, 10 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received yours of 28 th of Nov’ br I have not faild of writing to you once a week ever since you left me, and I believe twice, tho the Letters may not reach you, so regularly as I wish. I have kept you informd of our Movements. mr Porter & French compleated last night getting Home the whole of our Timber, Boards, and shingles of the Boards there are more than 30 thousand, and near 50...
40Abigail Adams to John Adams, 16 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received the Centinal last Evening and found by it that the two Houses were formed and that a committe had waited upon you; that you could not as usual attend upon the day following oweing to indisposition. You will easily suppose that I must feel very anxious from reading this; because I know a Slight indisposition would not detain you; I have a Letter from you of the 4 th of December. you...
41Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I believe our Legislatures when they made the House tax were not aware of the trouble attendant upon the execution of it. to measure every House Barn out House count every square of Glass, collect every peice of Land, and its bounds—and then apprize the whole, is a Labour indeed. I have had the Gentlemen here the last week, and they have with the assistance of your Brother gone through yours—...
42Abigail Adams to John Adams, 28 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
on twesday Evening I received the Mercury, and read in it, the arrival of Capt Jenkins in the America, on sunday. you may well suppose I felt greatly rejoiced expecting from Thomas’s Letter, that he was undoubtedly a passenger. no mention was however made of him in the paper: I expected for two days to hear of him, then I conjectured that not knowing of my being here, was the reason of my not...
43Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I cannot give you any account of Thomas I have sought for him by capt Jenkins. the Barbara which saild at the same time was a better vessel, well armd. mr smith thought it probable he would prefer her, as she was for Boston. I joind him in the same opinion, and was not a little distresst in the storm on saturday Evening to hear that she had been cast away on saturday morning near Salem, but at...
44Abigail Adams to John Adams, 6 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I believe it was in some such cold weather as the present, that Solomon made the wise inquiry observation, if two lie together, they shall be warm, but how can one be warm alone? now if he had had such a Bedfellow as Louissa, he might have found, that two might lie together, and yet be cold, for I am sure I felt half frozen last night. Ever since thursday the weather has been most severely...
45Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letters of Dec br 31 & Jan’ry the 1 st I am sorry that it should fall to your Lot to nominate Col smith again, and that to a lower Grade than, as a soldier he merrits. I think however that he was placed in a difficult situation. if he had rejected the offer, those who have stiled him a Jacobin, would have attributed it to motives unfriendly to his Country, but as a Man...
46Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 12 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I arrived at this place yesterday afternoon, in the Ship Alexander Hamilton, after a passage of 46 days— The Season of the year will best explain what kind of weather we have experienced. I thank God that I tread once more the land of my Fathers. I shall wait only for my baggage to come on shore and then set out for Philadelphia—where I hope—to meet you in health. It gives me pain that I...
47Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday in high stile with his Carriage and four, His Honor the Lieut Govenour made me a visit. this is the first notice I have received of his Gaurdianship. he desired I would inform the President that he had been here, as he had promised him that he would take care of me. I told him I should certainly comply with his request; the seeing me for the first Time, since the loss of Mrs Gill,...
48Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I give you joy of the safe arrival of our dear Thomas; whom you will have cordially received before this reaches you; I shall be happy to see him as early as will be convenient for him; but if it is thought best that he should remain a while with you; I shall acquiese, now I have reason to believe him in safety. I hope his Health has not sufferd from his winters Voyage I shall the more readily...
49Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I Received yours of the 16th on wedensday, and participated in the Joy and pleasure you must have experienced in meeting a dear and amiable son after a four years Seperation. how happy should I have been to have folded him at the same time to my Bosom, and felt a pleasure which the Childless, can never experience. I have already written both [. . .] you, and to him, respecting his comeing to...
50Charles Adams to John Adams, 31 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
M r Francis Baretto has as he informs me applied for the Consulate at Madeira and has requested me to mention you to him as an acquaintance. He is a Native of that Island though for many years a Citizen of this Nation He has been known to me for more than ten years and his misfortunes of various kinds have excited my compassion and esteem as I beleive he did not merit them. If I should err...
51Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 1 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
The morning I left Philadelphia I had not an opportunity of making the necessary arrangement with the Secretary of State for the payment of my Brother’s salary, which the Secretary of the Treasury had promised to advance. I should be sorry that this circumstance should defeat my intention of subscribing to the Loan on behalf of my Brother, the sum of 4000 D ls: which each person who...
52Abigail Adams to John Adams, 4 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
your observations in your last Letter, upon your Solitude; and your reflections upon your Age and feelings, led me to a train of Reflections, upon that period of Life to which we are both hastning, to that period when the wise man hath told us, no pleasure is to be found; That Frederick who was as great an unbeliever as Voltaire, should experience this truth in its full face, I can easily...
53Abigail Adams to John Adams, 14 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
upon the 12th, our dear Thomas reachd Quincy to my no small Joy! I am as happy in his company and Society, as you have been before me, and I bless God that he has returnd to his Native Country, an honest sober and virtuous citizen I hope he will continue an honour and a comfort to his Parent’s tho it is allotted them to experience different sensations with respect to one, of whose reformation...
54Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 14 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
I arrived at Boston on Monday evening after a prosperous journey, and came out to this place the following afternoon in the Quincy Stage. I had the happiness to find my Mother in tolerable health, and shall be highly rejoyced, if my presence, should in any degree contribute to the continuance of that blessing. The rest of our friends are well, excepting Uncle Adams, who suffers much from a...
55Charles Adams to John Adams, 19 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
In your last favour you requested me to point out the appointments that have been thought improper I undertake the task with much pleasure conscious that I have no other interest but the good and wellfare of my Country at heart. Your hopes with respect to Daubeny are or may be fulfilled I know him to be well attached to Government but I also know he is an unskilful Sailor I know he is a Fop...
56Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
I cannot say that I write you from my Solitude, for who can call themselves Solitary, when in the society and company of a beloved son, who has been long absent, and who returns to his native Land, with a plentifull supply of the flowers and fruits which he has judiciously selected, from the various Countries into which he has traveld. he appears very happy surrounded by the Books in the...
57Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have not any Letter from you of a later date than the 9th; you was then unwell. I have one from william of the 12th. as he does not mention your being still indisposed I hope it was only occasiond by the Thaw, and the close air of the Theatre. I have myself been confined for a week, but got down stairs yesterday, and hope I have parted with some of my bad humours , by the application of...
58Abigail Adams to John Adams, 27 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
yesterday afternoon mr Greenleaf returnd from Boston, and as he, as well as my others Neighbours, are particuliarly attentive and kind, in bringing Letters and papers to me as well; as of communicating all New’s, he came full fraught, with the appointment of Mr Murrey Minister Plenipo to France, a measure which had astonishd all the Federilist; and was a subject of great speculation, in...
59Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 1 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
My time has been so occupied between going to Boston to get my dinner and coming back to Quincy again, that I have written to you but once since my arrival. I should have considered these frequent visits as time lost to improvement, but that they have enabled me to attend the Session of the Supreme Court, which commenced on the 19 th: ult o. . Having now complied with all the necessary forms...
60Abigail Adams to John Adams, 4 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been informd to day, that a paper from N york the daily advertizer was received in Town on saturday night, which states that the Senate have refused to concur in the nomination of mr Murrey, and congratulating the public upon it, that the Senate have offerd their Reasons, which are promised in the next Paper; We are told that [“]in a multitude of Counsellors their is safety” I cannot...
61Abigail Adams to John Adams, 9 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
Such extreem cold Weather I do not recollect to have felt in March, as it has been this week, and it has laid Thomas up with one of his Soar Throats & Rhumatism I hope however tho very threatning, that it will not be lasting; I am so well as to ride out, when the weather will permit, and able to look after my poor Lad, who I regreet has so much of his Mothers constitution & infirmities—...
62Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 18 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here safely yesterday forenoon, after an agreeable, though rather tardy passage from New-Port, which place we left on Sunday noon. During my stay at Newport, I visited fort Wolcott, being acquainted with Lieut t Ross of Pennsylvania who is stationed there. Major Toussard had the politeness to accompany me, and I was much pleased with the appearance of discipline & military decorum...
63Elijah Adams to John Adams, 23 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I embrace this opportunity to send, by Miss Hannah Adams, a copy of the genealogy of the family of Adamss according to your request. It is some years since I was requested by a number of respectable relations to prevent the genealogy from being lost; Accordingly I have been, for several years, collecting information from every source to make out the genealogy which I here exhibit to you. I...
64Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 26 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
Your very kind favor of the 14 th: inst t: has a claim upon my gratitude, not only for the obliging wish it conveys, that I should become one of your family, on your return to Philadelphia, but also for the flattering opinion, you are pleased to express, on the subject of my letters & classical taste. I shall make no scruple to accept the invitation to dwell under the same roof with my...
65Abigail Adams to John Adams, 5 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice in the fine weather you have had. accounts from N york & Philadelphia are rather unfavourable, but I hope Frosts will make the city fit for Breathing by Nov’ br I shall sit out on Wednesday the 9th for several reasons. in the first place, I shall avoid the parade of the 10th which would be very inconvenient, as I wish to put my House in order to leave it. in the next place Mr & Mrs...
66Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
Here I am at this favorite spot, I sat out on Wednesday, but was detaind at west Town on Thursday by Rain. We reachd here last Evening; and put up at capt Drapers— we have attended at Meeting twice this day—and conclude to remain here untill tomorrow morning. I have heard of you, upon the Road, & but once from you, which was from Worster. mr Hall I saw at westown, and he informd me that you...
67Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 15 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 12 th: instant came to hand this morning, and I am greatly obliged by the kind invitation it contains to join you & my cousin at Trenton, which it would give me great pleasure to do immediately, but for the desire I feel of procuring an office in to which I may enter immediately on my return to the City. The inhabitants are daily flocking to town, but I have not thought it...
68Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I reachd this place yesterday about 11 oclock and found the Family all well the col with his Regiment gone to the Jersies— Mrs Smith and Nancy reachd here on fryday from Baltimore, the fever still so bad in N york, that it is not adviseable to go in. we had two very frosty nights upon our Journey, some fogs. I took some cold. mr otis a very Bad one. I left him & Family at mrs Hortens, about 7...
69Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 22 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favors of the 17 th: & 19 th: instants and take the first moment of leisure, that has occurred, since their receipt, to acknowledge gratefully these fresh instances of parental solicitude respecting my personal concerns. I shall reply without reserve to your last letter, which relates more immediately to my professional prospects. I have always been persuaded of the...
70Abigail Adams to John Adams, 24 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received Yours last Evening of the 21st, when on the road; I could not write; I was generally so fatigued by Evening as to wish to get to Bed. we rose early and as soon we could get Breakfast sat out upon our days journey, at noon we usualy stopd two Hours; to feed ourselves and horses; and my Lame animal was a constant anxiety to me; I have got him here, and John has Physick him, and bled...
71Abigail Adams to John Adams, 29 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received last Evening yours of the 25—with a Heart filled with gratitude, for the many Blessings I have enjoyed through the 35 years of our union; I would not look upon a single shade in the picture; for if according to Rousseaus Philosophy, abstinence from what we delight in, is the Epicurism of Reason; I have had my full proportion of enjoyment; This day is very fine. I almost regreet to...
72Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 10 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
Maj r. Penniman sometime since mention’d to me, that upon further Consideration, He would take £30. for his Salt Marsh & Island, that he had been offerd £27. and refused it. For the sake of Cash in hand I rather suppose He would take £27. If you are disposed to purchase it, you will be pleased to let me know, and the highest Sum you would give for it. We have had no heavy Storms since you left...
73Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 20 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The several Matters mention’d in your last, have been attended to, so far as Circumstances would permit. The Rocks in the mowing Land, have been like to a powerful Enemy hard to conquer, it has required much of your Resolution to remove them from their strong Holds. To forward Business they were drilld in the Winter, as soon as the Ground became open, they were blown. one Blast made way for a...
74Abigail Adams to John Adams, 22 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The rain comeing on the morning I left Bristol, I reachd Vantilburys about noon & remaind there untill Yesterday Mor’g when I procceeded to Brunswick. Soon after I got there the col & Major Ripley arrived, and informd me that Mrs smith would expect me to dinner. we accordingly sit out and got here about 2 oclock. the col was not able to be absent as Gen’ ll Hamilton was on his way to Camp—and...
75Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I reachd this city in good Health last Evening I have not felt dissagreable at any place upon my Journey through absence of any Gentleman attendent, except at this North River I found a Boat just going off. with several Horses and chaises on Board, my own Carriage could not go. I saw none but Irishmen by their Tongues going on Board, decent looking people however. the ferryman appeard civil...
76Abigail Adams to John Adams, 2 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Gore came out this afternoon to see me; and informd me that Mr Dexter proposed to sit out tomorrow for Washington. by him I embrace the earliest opportunity of informing you of my safe arrival at Quincy on Saturday the last Day of May; in good health tho Something fatigued I got on very well, met with no accident, Horses all in good order. I found our Friends here well. the Hill looks very...
77John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 19 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Your letter by M r: Paleske of 28 Feb y: though short gave me great pleasure as it was so long since I had enjoyed that of seeing your hand-writing— I have indeed no right to expect that you should have leisure to write me at large upon any subject, and know that a free communication of your sentiments cannot be indulged, upon public topics.— With regard to private concerns it more properly...
78Richard and John Adams to John Adams, 28 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Perhaps you will be surprized when you find a Letter directed to you in this Character from England, be it as it will I believe there is something in Reality in it. We are of the Family of Adam’s. My name is Richard Adam’s who is the Son of James Adam’s who was the Son of James Adams my Grand Father who, (my Father told me when he was alive) was your Fathers Brother, was born at a place called...
79Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 26 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Your kind favor of the 14 th: has been some days in hand— I thank you for your tender solicitude for my health & success— As to the first I can say, with thankfulness that it is better than usual at this melting season— To the second, I can reply, that my professional success, is sufficient to keep me above despondency, though far short of my necessities. On Tuesday last I argued a cause of...
80Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 18 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received in course your favor of the 4 th: inst t: a pretty assiduous attendance at Court, during the whole of the last week prevented my making a sooner acknowledgment. Two causes of considerable moment were argued very elaborately, an outline of which may be found in the Gazette of the U.S. of the 16 th: — The question of war or no war, as it respects the relative situations of the United...