1Abigail Adams 2d to Abigail Adams, 6 January 1784 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday afternoon Mr. V——handed me your letter. I am sorry that you were prevented from communicating your farther sentiments, as I wished to know them fully. I presume you do not propose the question, “whether I would consent to your leaving this country without me,” with an intention of being influenced by my reply, if you did, I confess I should not know what to determine. I had rather go...
2John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 March 1788 (Adams Papers)
After a Passage of two days, against contrary Winds, and a terrible Jolt through the Mud, from Helvoet, I arrived here this day, in good health and not bad Spirits. The Princes Birth day is on Saturday: so that I shall not be able to take Leave before Monday, and if I go to Amsterdam afterwards, I shall not be able to leave that City before Wednesday or Thursday: so that I fear you cannot...
3John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
We have received from Congress a Resolution by which We are to be impowered to negotiate a Treaty of Commerce with G. B. My self Mr. Franklin and Mr. Jay. This will detain me in Europe this Winter. If this Letter arrives in Season, that you can come to me this Fall with Miss Nabby, I shall be Supreamly happy to see you. But Still Things are so unsettled in Congress that you may expect to...
4John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 March 1788 (Adams Papers)
I have past through the Ceremonies of taking Leave of the States General, the Prince and Princess &c to the Satisfaction of all Parties—and have been feasted at Court, and all that.— made my Compliments to the Prince on the 8. of March his Birth Day, and to the Princess at her Drawing Room &c &c &c. and should have been in London at this hour if you had not have laid a Plott, which has brought...
5John Adams to Abigail Adams, 26 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 23d. has made me the happiest Man upon Earth. I am twenty Years younger than I was Yesterday. It is a cruel Mortification to me that I cannot go to meet you in London, but there are a Variety of Reasons decisive against it, which I will communicate to you here. Meantime, I Send you a son who is the greatest Traveller, of his Age, and without Partiality, I think as promising...
6John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 October 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have had another Fever, which brought me low, but as it has carried off certain Pains and Lamenesses the Relicks of the Amsterdam Distemper, I am perswaded it will do me, much good. I am going next Week to London, with my son. I may Stay Six Weeks, if nothing from Congress calls me away Sooner. I have only to repeat my earnest Request that you and our Daughter would come to me, as soon as...
7John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 December 1788 (Adams Papers)
Before this time I hope you have the Happiness to See your Daughter out of all Danger and your Son in Law and your two grand children in perfect health. I have no Letter from you, Since that you wrote at Hartford, and I cannot find fault because this is the first I have written to you. We are all very well, and go on very well. Charles came home and Thomas went to Haverhill, last Week.— We are...
8John Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 November 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have this Day, by Special Permission from their Majesties obtained by Mr. West the Painter who with Mr. Copely do so much honour to our Country, Seen the Appartements in the Queens House, as it is called, or Buckingham House. It is a great Curiosity indeed. There is an inestimable Collection of Paintings by the greatest Masters, Raphael, Rubens, Vandyke, and many others. There is one Room...
9John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 November 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have time only to inform you that We are well, and to repeat my earnest Wish and Expectation to see you as soon as possible. Draw upon me for Whatever Money You want and it shall be paid at Sight. I have been invited by the Duke of Portland and Mr. Fox to See them and I have Seen them and Mr. Burke an d met a cordial Reception from all three. These would do right if they governed. But I am...
10John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have been so diligent on the Road and so much interrupted by Company at the Taverns that this is the first time I have been able to get an opportunity to write to you. We arrived at this house last night (Saturday) Shall rest here to day and go into N. York tomorrow.— at Hartford, the Manufacturers presented me with a Piece of Broadcloth, for a Suit of Cloaths. at N. Haven the Corporation...
11John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
We are lodged in our old Chamber at Amsterdam, and Sleep as soundly as if there were not a dozen houses plundered every night. The two nights before the last were very Seditious. last night was quiet, and the Precautions which Secured the Peace then, will be continued, so t[hat] all will be still.— dont be anxious for Us, nor believe half the Reports that will be circulated. Such Events are...
12John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 December 1786 (Adams Papers)
This moment returning from Mr Bridgen where I had been to deliver him a Letter to you, written this Morning I found your very agreable favour of the 23. Am very glad you are so well Situated, So much pleased with your Journey, and present Accommodation. Dont be solicitous about me. I shall do very well—if I am cold in the night, and an additional quantity of Bed Cloaths will not answer the...
13John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have the Satisfaction to inform you that the definitive Treaties were all Signed yesterday, and the Preliminaries with Holland were Signed the day before. Ours is a Simple Repetition of the provisional Treaty. So We have negotiated here, these Six Months for nothing. We could do no better Situated as We were. To day We dined with Mr. Hartley and drank Tea with the Duchess of Manchester. Thus...
14John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 January 1784 (Adams Papers)
I was much disappointed, on the Arrival of Mr. Temple in London, at not finding a Letter from you, but last Week at Amsterdam, I had the Happiness to receive your kind favours of Sept. 20. and Oct. 19. Mr. Trumbull is not arrived. The Loss of my kind Father, has very tenderly affected me, but I hope, with full Confidence to meet him in a better World. My ever honoured Mother I still hope to...
15John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
This Morning for the first Time, was delivered me the Resolution of Congress of the first of May, that a Commission and Instructions Should be made Out, to Me, Dr. Franklin and Mr. Jay to make a Treaty of Commerce with Great Britain. If this Intelligence had been Sent Us by Barney, who Sailed from Philadelphia a Month after, the 1st of May, and has now been Sailed from hence on his return home...
16John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 March 1788 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 7. th — I have written you on every Post day. M r Jefferson is so anxious to obtain Money here to enable him to discharge some of the Most urgent demands upon the United States and preserve their Credit from Bankruptcy for two Years longer after which he thinks the new Gov’t will have Money in their Treasury from Taxes; that he has prevailed upon me to open a new...
17John Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 November 1783 (Adams Papers)
Yours of Jany. 10 to Mr. Robbins, he shewed me this Moment and informs Me, he goes on Board on Monday. I regret that I have had no earlier Knowledge of this young Gentleman. My son and I have been here, this fortnight, and have been very civilly and obligingly treated, by some private Gentlemen. But this Government? It is a fine Country; but it is undone by Prosperity. It has the Vertigo in...
18John Adams to Abigail Adams, 5 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
We have Seen Magnificence, Elegance and Taste enough to excite an Inclination to see more. We conclude to go to Birmingham, per haps to the Leasowes, and in that Case shall not have the Pleasure to see you, till Sunday or Monday. Love to my dear Nabby, and to Coll Smith. He will be so good as to give this account of Us, if any Questions are asked. Yours forever RC ( NhD .) JA and Thomas...
19John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 August 1784 (Adams Papers)
Your favour without a Date, just now received and Mr. Jeffersons Arrival, a Month sooner than he expected, have indeed changed my Plan. Stay where you are, and amuse yourself, by Seeing what you can, untill you See me. I will be with you in Eight Days at farthest, and sooner, if possible. I will cross from Helvoet sluis to Harwich, by the Packet of the day after tomorrow if I can. If this is...
20John Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 December 1788 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d your favours of the 3 and 13 th and have opened that to our Son, who has been absent from me these 3 Weeks at Newbury, where I Suppose he is very well.— I am as anxious as you are about your coming home. There are but two Ways. 1. if Coll Smith can bring you and his Family with you, will be the more obliging and agreable. 2. if he cannot, I must send your eldest son, with a Coach...
21John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you Yesterday, that I had executed the Contract and should return to England by the Packet of Wednesday the Sixth of June. But as the Money Lenders, whether to make a mere Compliment to me, whether to shew their Patriotism, or whether from simple Caprice, made it an original Condition that my Name should be Subscribed to all the obligations, as it was in the first loan, instead of...
22John Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
This is the first Moment I have been able to Seize, in order to acquaint you of my Arrival and Situation. Governor Clinton The Mayor of New York, all the old officers of the Continental Government, and the Clergy, Magistrates and People, have Seemed to emulate the two houses of Congress, in shewing every respect to me and to my office.— For Particulars I must refer you to the public Papers....
23John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 December 1786 (Adams Papers)
Mr Murray, whom I am glad to see out again will carry to Bath this Memorandum that We are all very well. He will arrive for what I know before Mr Bridgen. The Weath’s is very cold, but by a good fire and a good Walk I have not yet been obliged to recur to my Expedient of an immaculate Virgin Bottle of hot Water. I sent Yesterday—Packetts to Coll Smith from Paris. The News from Boston is very...
24John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 December 1786 (Adams Papers)
I hope you have had a Pleasant Journey and are happy in your tour. I am, in a state of Phylosophic Solitude, that has hitherto been very tolerable, because I know my Treasures are not far off. But, as soon as the Novelty of it, wears off, and my occupation shall cease it will grow tedious enough. Dont hurry yourself however nor your Friends, but improve the opportunity to see, whatever you...
25John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
From the first of April to this time, I have been in constant and anxious Expectation of hearing of your Arrival in London. Your Letters encouraged me to hope and expect it, otherwise I should have been with you at Braintree before now. I still expect to hear of your arrival every moment, but as your last letters by Mr. Warren expressed a doubt, it is possible, even that this Letter may find...
26John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
I am afraid my dear Mamma, will accuse me again of neglect for not having written to her, since I left her, before now; several Circumstances have concurred to prevent me; and among the rest, the want of an opportunity to convey any Letters; the stagnation of commerce, has of late been so great; that no vessel since my arrival, at Boston has sailed from thence to any port in Great Britain, and...
27John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 August 1787 (Adams Papers)
At length the scene of my collegiate life is closed, and about a fortnight ago I made a public exit from the university: by the public papers you will have some account of the performances of the day. In one of them (the centinel) you will see it very positively asserted that Freeman, who spoke the other oration is my indisputable superior in style, elegance and oratory. in another paper that...
28John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 30 December 1786 (Adams Papers)
Three months have now elapsed, since, I have received, one line from Europe; and the only information I have had in all that time, were a couple of paragraphs in the newspapers, the one mentioning your departure from London, and the other your return there; I feel very impatient and anxious for letters, a vessel arrived a few days since; but, I do not hear, that she brought any: if I have been...
29John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
Several months have again elapsed, since, I wrote you, but I shall henceforth, be able to spare more Time, than I could since I went to Haverhill before this. There is now neither the Necessity, nor indeed the possibility, for me to keep as close, as I was in the Winter. I was obliged in the Course of 6 months, to go through the studies, which are perform’d here, in 2 years and 9 months. So...
30John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 September 1788 (Adams Papers)
M r: Lincoln, the bearer, is a young preacher, who belongs to Hingham; he is going home, and I cannot suffer the opportunity to pass unimproved; though I have little to say: except that I have been unwell: my nerves have been disordered, and the words of Henry have [. . .] obtruded themselves upon my mind, at the midnight hour. I came here last Saturday, and have such excellent care taken of...
31John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
As you have ordered me in a Letter which I have Lately receiv’d to give you my own Observations on the Countries thro’ which I have travelled, the following are some upon Russia; but I must previously beg you will remember, that you Say in your Letter that you expect neither the precision of a Robertson, nor the Elegance of a Voltaire, therefore you must take them as they are. The government...
32John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 December 1787 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time since I wrote you last, but I am perfectly weary of making apologies. I have no doubt but my friends will forgive me, when they recollect the causes which have prevented me from informing them frequently of those trivial events, which the partiality of friendship alone can render interesting. When I was last in Boston, which was about two months ago, I wrote a few hasty lines...
33John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 December 1785 (Adams Papers)
It is mortifying to me, to be again obliged to offer an excuse, for not having written more frequently to you, and to my father however conscious I may be, of its having been out of my Power, yet the Idea, of your suspecting me of neglecting you, worries me very much. But it has been and still is absolutely necessary for me, to apply myself with unremitting attention to my studies. About ten...
34John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I expected to have received ere this some Letters either from Braintree or Boston; But excepting what I have collected from the Newspapers I have heard neither directly nor indirectly from either. Had any good opportunity for sending, presented itself I should have written, although the only topic of information, would have been concerning myself.— The sum total of my news is that since I...
35John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 17 July 1785 (Adams Papers)
We are now sailing up North River; and have met the french packet about 6 leagues from New York: she will sail to morrow morning; and has sent her boat on board, while we are at sail. I profit of the only minute instant I have to inform you, that after a tedious passage of 8 weeks, we expect by noon to be at New York. I have not even time to seal the Letter I have prepared for my Sister, and...
36John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I should deserve, all the reproaches which my friends in America have made me if I neglected writing, by so good an Opportunity as the one that presents itself at this time. Mr. Thaxter who will deliver you this expects to sail for New-York in the course of this Month. He will probably carry the Definitive Treaty, (which was at last signed yesterday,) to Congress. So you will not receive this...
37Edward Baldwin to Abigail Adams, 17 January 1786 (Adams Papers)
Understanding that through the means of some improper and unjust Conduct in your Servants you have had reason to doubt the honesty of some of your Trades-people and as such have come to a determination of changing them. I beg leave to observe, that, truly sensible of my own Integrity throughout the whole time I have had the satisfaction of serving you, the very first moment that I heard of...
38Mary Barclay to Abigail Adams, 5 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
I did not know till this moment that Coln. Franks would set out this evening, who has just Call’d on me for my Commands. I dare not detain him long, and cannot let him depart without a few lines to assure you of my attachment and best wishes. I am glad to find you are agreeably fixed and that you enjoy a good society which is certainly much superior to all the fashionable amusments of, this,...
39Lucy Paradise Barziza to Abigail Adams, 12 January 1788 (Adams Papers)
If I have failed in my duty untill now, I will differe no longer from emploring my pardon for my neglegence, and to shew you at the same time the sentiments of my perfect remembrance of the many politeness you and your good family have always shown me; and of the perfect esteem, with which I profess myself. I cannot however differe any longer having heard that your husband and family quits...
40Elizabeth Otis Brown to Abigail Adams, 11 August 1786 (Adams Papers)
As I have been in Daily expectations of seeing London, I have defered answering your Letter, meaning to pay my respects in person. But seeing by the Papers Mr: Adams is just on the eve of his departure for Spain I have taken up my pen to request the favour of you to inform me whether you have heard from Mr: or Mrs: Warren since you wrote last, I still remain in the same situation I was then...
41John Callahan to Abigail Adams, 31 January 1788 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor to Receive a few lines from you yesterday, relitive to your passage to America, agreeable to your request, I here Send you the times in writing which will vary little or Nothing From your owne; I apprehend you, missunderstood me the other day, I do Assure you Madam, I had No Such intentions as to increace my Demands. I Only wished to have Convinced you how much pleasure it...
42John Callahan to Abigail Adams, 8 April 1788 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honor of Receiving a letter from you yesterday— we have had such—Boysterous weather Since your Departur from here that for 6 day s. I had the Pilot on board, & he Would not ventur to moove the Ship: but She is Now in the Downes & will be at Portsmouth the first fair wind: I Shall proceed from here so as to get to Portsmouth before the Ship so that my Departure from here will in some...
43Susanna Clarke Copley to Abigail Adams, 28 March 1788 (Adams Papers)
M rs: Copley presents Compliments to M rs: Adams: would have called uppon her this Morning, but that she thinks it must at this time be inconvenient to M rs: Adams: will be very happy if it is consistant with M rs: Adams’s engagements to have the pleasure of her company at Tea in George street before she leaves London: (but least she should not have that pleasure) takes leave to say that her...
44Elizabeth Cranch to Abigail Adams, 7 January 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have not wrote you my dear Aunt for a long time, much too long I confess; and even now those motives which have prevented, continue in force: A barreness of Subject is of all preventives the most dissagreable and I find it is like to prevail and increase in me daily; motives however more powerful have overcome this; and I am induced to write—tho—I triffle. Love, gratitude and esteem, I feel;...
45Elizabeth Cranch to Abigail Adams, 25 April 1785 (Adams Papers)
How shall I express to you the grateful Sense I feel, for your kind remembrance and attention in favouring me with such charming Letters? I find indeed that I cannot do it as I wish; if you know my heart, tis unnecesary to say more. I have written so much to Cousin Nabby, that I find it difficult to find a Subject for another Letter. —I have informed her of all my past adventures; but have not...
46Elizabeth Cranch to Abigail Adams, 1 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment heard that Cushing will sail for London in 3 days, It mortifies me to let one oppertunty pass unimprovd that might convey to my Aunt the assurances of my grateful affection, and earnest wishes for her happiness; Time nor absence have abated that (may I not call it) filial regard which your tender kindness, early inspired my heart; the recollection of inumerable instances of...
47Elizabeth Cranch to Abigail Adams, 23 September 1787 (Adams Papers)
A Letter from my dear Aunt Adams recievd last July remains unanswered; I am almost ashamed to reccollect it; but for a long time indisposition tottally prevented my using my pen at all: it was under absolute prohibition— within these few weeks my health seems mending—& possibly I may injoy a comfortable degree of it this winter: the pleasing hope of your return in the Spring, which I now...
48Elizabeth Cranch to Abigail Adams, 5 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
My Papa came in this evening and brought a great Letter directed to Mama, superscrib’d by my Uncle Adams. Mama is at Braintree, we had no Letters to satisfy us. The Pacquet was laid upon the table. I took it up, examined the seal, and wanted much to get at the contents, then took the stocking, (which I was lining the Heel of for your Charles), and work’d upon it a little, all the time...
49Elizabeth Cranch to Abigail Adams, 20 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
We have sat off our English Friends for Boston. Mama has accompanied them; Sister Lucy has gone to your deserted habitation, and taken our Boy with her to clean the closets, rub the furniture &c. The dampness for want of Fires being kept in the Rooms moulds the things very much, and makes the Paper peal off, and it requires considerable care, to keep them in tolerably good order. And here is...
50Elizabeth Cranch to Abigail Adams, 26 September 1784 (Adams Papers)
The last evening we were all made happy by the reciept of Letters from you and Cousin Nabby, How happy, you may more easily concieve than I describe; 8 days since we heard of the arrival of Captn. Lyde, but not particulary from you. Mama recieved a few Lines from you dated London the second of August. She has been at Haverhill these 10 days last past, and we sent the Letter to her. She is now...