From John Adams to James Monroe, 31 July 1819
Montezillo July 31 1819
Dear Sir
Had I not been poisoned by the mephytic effluvia of blossoms and roses to Such a degree as to deprive me of the Sight of letters and the feeling of a pen: I Should have long Since acknowledged the honour of your obliging letter of the thirteenth of the month. It is perfectly Satisfactory to me, and it ought to be So and I presume will be So to Dr Waterhouse.
I am hapy to hear that your heal[t]h is generally very good, and congratulate you on the great and just Success of your Administration. My health is much better, though feeble enough, than at my Age I have any right to expect.
Although We hapily enjoy a profound tranquility and a remarkable prosperity, the State of the World is Still alarming, But I have heard that “The Buisness of the World will do itself.” and there is a Sense in which it is true. There can be no doubt it will be well done. With great respect and Sincere esteem I have the honour to be your obliged friend
John Adams
NN: Papers of James Monroe.