1To John Adams from Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 13 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I do not upon this occasion experience the truth of a received opinion–that we make second, or third steps, in any given path, with more facility than the first—for, while presuming once more to address you, I am conscious of a greater degree of inferiority than while penning, nearly two years since, my petitioning letter to you. Is it that I am dazzled by the new effulgence which your high...
J. Sargent Murray, approaches the President of the United States, with every possible sentiment of esteem, and veneration. She endeavours to form an adequate idea, of the distance between the Father of a great Nation, and an obscure individual. Yet, considering herself a member of that Community, over the interests of which, an illustrious, and a philanthropic Chief, presides, she has presumed...
3To John Adams from Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 29 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your attachment to your Country is not, in the calculations of reason, considered as problematical; and this attachment, giving you a paternal interest in all those individuals that constitute the Community; may possibly , induce you in some moment of leisure to take a cursory view of the pages of the Gleaner. In this hope they are now presented, and while I have need of the shield of...
4To John Adams from Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 11 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
Glowing with gratitude for your last condescending favour, it is beyond my ability to preserve that respectful silence, which would, perhaps, best become me. Accept, Sire, such thanks as are proper for me to give, and for you to receive: and may that august Executive, who hath delegated to you a portion of his authority, long preserve you, in your illustrious career, and continue you a rich,...