9651John Thaxter to John Adams, 22 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honour of your favour of the 20th this Morning. I am happy to hear that your Eyes are better. Altho’ I have not as yet been able to obtain a Master for the Children, yet they are pursuing their Studies. The Master that is recommended is said to be the best in the place, and has a happy Faculty in teaching the Languages. The Vacancy begins to day and lasts for three Weeks. The...
9652To John Adams from Jonathan DeWitt, 1 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Address of the Grand Jury of the County Dutchess , in the State of New-York .— On any common occasion we should not think it proper to intrude upon you our opinions relative to affairs which are entrusted to the executive and to our more immediate representatives; But when ambitious enemies affect to treat the government of our choice as a usurpation;—when under the mask of friendly...
9653Abigail Adams to John Adams, 1 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
The new year opens upon us with new Scenes of Life before us. what are to be the trials the troubles and vexations of it, are wisely with held from our view. To him who sits Supreem let us commit the hour the Day the Year, and fearless view the whole. there needs but thinking right, and meaning well, and may this ensure to you, the Souls calm sun shine, and the Heart felt Joy. I seldom think...
9654To John Adams from James Lovell, 2 February 1809 (Adams Papers)
Our Lincoln is wreathing in the Fox-trap of pretended-Friends. And the desendants of those Same Mice, who nibbled you when you sent good-Ellsworth to France, have been Striving to make holes in a Small Mole-hill here . I long to have in a proper “Hole,” Some of that “Sweet Converse” with you which the now-cautious Demos extorted into a rascally Public Gazette Chronicle. But, Sir, the Set-time...
9655To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 1 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
The day before yesterday I received from Mr. Charles Hall of Northumberland County in this State, a letter concerning a publication by Thomas Cooper, an Englishman, & a connection of Dr. Priestly, addressed to the Readers of the Sunbury and Northumberland Gazette, on the 29th of June. This address has been republished in the Aurora of July 12th which I now inclose. By Mr. Hall’s information,...
9656To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 5 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
Philadelphia Decemr: 5th: 1809 I picked up some time ago a magazine in which I met with a revival of the Old controversy concerning the divine Origin of Episcopal and Presbyterian Ordination carried on by Dr Hobart and Dr Mason of New York. After reading a few pages of it, I threw down the magazine with disgust, and committed the enclosed thoughts upon that Subject to paper. The partiality you...
9657To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 2 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
Having this moment received a Commission by which I am appointed Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, I have the honor to inform you that I accept the Office, & shall immediately proceed to execute its duties. I have the honor to be / with profound respect, Sir, / Your obedt. & faithful servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
9658To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 19 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I received the Honour of yours, with an Account of the Bills you have to pay. I have accepted your Drafts for 77,000 Crowns, at 15 Days Date. The Shortness of the Term is inconvenient; and as our Money comes to hand by Degrees, and these unexpected Demands from Holland and Spain oblige me to anticipate our Funds, for which Anticipation I pay an Interest of five Per Cent, I wish you would for...
9659To John Adams from Winthrop Sargent, 1814 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Sargent has perused the Connecticut pamphlet, & returns it with his very respectful acknowledgments. From the terrible “counterblast” against the Hartford Convention, it would hardly be supposed, that this pamphleteer could be an advocate for toleration in anything. Unless quieted by a feeling of complete security, it is to be supposed, that the “Missionary society” is by this time a...
9660To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 8 July 1811 (Adams Papers)
I recvd. your letter of the 5th, with pleasure & read it with satisfaction, as I always do, because I understand your politics, and because I see in them one uniform & everlasting principle that does not bend to the fashions & caprices of the day—Foolish people have cried out—“Mr Adams has changed his politics; he is no longer a federalist, but is changed to a republican.” I have as constantly...
9661To John Adams from Eliphalet Fitch, 11 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
I received your Favor of the 18th. Febry and the valuable Present of Books you were so obliging as to send me.—I have recieved much Pleasure and Instruction from your Defence of the American Constitutions; and I am fully of opinion that the great Offices of Government should afford the most ample Compensation; and thereby invite the Services of the first Characters in the Nation. How far it...
9662To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 9 January 1816 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your very obliging favour of the 1st. instant, giving me a sketch of your life, which is highly satisfactory, & for which be pleased to accept my sincere thanks. I shall have the pleasure of speaking to young Dr. Rush, with whom I am acquainted respecting the sketch which you have mentioned. I am glad you have settled the plan with Mr: Morse, to whom be pleased to...
9663To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 18 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
During the revolutionary War I kept notes and preserved pamphlets with a view to write memoirs of it. From the immense difference in my facts and opinions from those that were current and popular, I was sure if I had published them they would not have been believed, and would moreover have exposed me & my posterity to persecution. I therefore burnt all my notes (the characters of the gentlemen...
9664To John Adams from Benjamin Thompson, 1 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Managers of the Royal Institution of Great Britain have directed me to transmit to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences the enclosed Prospectus; I have therefore the honour to forward the same to your Excellency, and to request that you would lay it, or cause it to be laid, before that learned and respectable Body. I have likewise the honour, in conformity to the Instructions I have...
9665To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 16 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith, persuant to the order of the Senate, of yesterday, the following documents—viz Books, No 1 and 2 , containing the current Cash Account between the United States and the Bank of the United States from the commencement of the operations of that Institution until this day. Files A, B, C, D A containing a series of accounts beginning the 16th of June 1792 and...
9666To John Adams from Thomas Dawes, 8 March 1821 (Adams Papers)
The little book which I send you I saw in the shop of Williams the bookseller, Yesterday. Observing that it was written by Sir Thomas Bernard and dedicated to Shute , Bishop of Durham, I concluded that the author was a son of Govr. Bernard, three of whose sons were at Lovel’s school when I was there, Thomas, Shute and Scro s pe. John, afterwards Sir John, was much older. I suppose that Shute...
9667John Thaxter to John Adams, 26 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honour of your favour of the 24th. instant this morning. The Master has been here twice this day and given for the first time Lessons in Greek and Latin to the Young Gentlemen. I am happy that they have begun. Their Instructor appears to be well acquainted with his Business, and to proceed with great Judgment. The Greek Grammar is one of his own Composition, and at present in Manu...
9668Abigail Adams to John Adams, 2 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
I was greatly rejoiced at the return of your servant to find you had safely arrived, and that you were well. I had never heard a word from you after you left New york, and a most ridiciolous story had been industerously propagated in this and the neighbouring Towns to injure the cause and blast your Reputation, viz. that you and your President had gone on board a Man of War from N–y and saild...
9669To John Adams from William Lee, 31 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honor of writing to you the 28th. but omitted answering your Quere about the Southern States determining to embody Ne groes as an Army. I never heard of such an Idea but in the letter forged, as from Genl. Clinton, nor do I immagine such a one will ever be entertain’d seriously in those States, for exclusive of many reasons against it that appear unanswerable, those who know the...
9670To John Adams from Ma., Citizens of Quincy, 8 July 1822 (Adams Papers)
At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Quincy holden on the 8th: Day of July current, A.D. 1822— Voted —That the town accept with gratitude, affection, and respect, the very liberal, valuable, and useful donation of the Hon. John Adams, with the restrictions, limitations, and conditions, expressed in the deed of conveyance, this day presented for their consideration,— Voted That...
9671To John Adams from Thomas Foreman, November 1798 (Adams Papers)
We have seen with the anxiety, which is inseperable from the love of our Country; the situation in which the United States are placed by the aggression of committed by the French Nation, on our commerce, our Rights, and our National Sovereignty.—While the prospect of peace was in practicable view, we looked anxiously toward that event; but expected peace upon equitable & honorable terms, we...
9672To John Adams from William Tudor, 11 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
I seize a few Minutes before the Post sets out to send You a little Information. Manley took two Prizes last Saturday, a large Ship of more than 300 Tons with a Cargo of Coals (chiefly) a large Quantity of Porter, some Wine and 40 live Hogs—destin’d for the beseiged Troops at Boston. The Captain found Means to throw overboard every material Letter. The other Capture was a large Brig from...
9673To John Adams from John Randolph, Jr., 11 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
Known to you only as holding, in common with yourself, the honorable station of servant to the same sovereign people, & disclaiming all pretensions to make to you any application which, in in the general estimation of men, requires the preface of apology, I shall, without the circumlocution of compliment, proceed to state the cause which induces this address. For words of a general nature,...
9674To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 19 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
De retour d’une absence de chez moi j’ai trouvé la Lettre, dont vous m’avez honoré en date de Lundi dernier. Je dois vous demander pardon, que je n’aie pu accélérer jusqu’ici davantage la publication du Pamphlet. Des affaires de Famille imprévuës, qui me sont survenuës depuis ce tems, particulièrement la mort d’une Parente, qui m’a causé de fréquents voyages hors de Ville, m’ont ôté une grande...
9675To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 21 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Although we are exceedingly pressd with publick Business at this Juncture, I cannot omit the Opportunity that now offers of writing to you. The general Scituation of Affairs, and the particular Transactions between the British Commissioners and the Congress will be transmited to you by this Conveyance, by the Committee for foreign Affairs. Since I last came to this Place from Boston, several...
9676Abigail Adams to John Adams, 10 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I hope you are agreably lodgd and that your Company will be to your mind. I rejoice in the ReElection of mr Ames, and mr Smith of Carolina. tis Said mr Freeman is chosen for Barnstable a clasmate of our Son JQA, a Lawyer, a worthy Sensible Man as I have heard. for this district mr Reed I hear is chosen. I do not however approve of Clergymen becomeing politicians. you may mak a Chaplin of him....
9677To John Adams from Tremalaroy, 1 June 1804 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inform your goodness that since you left Madras Coast, I wrote about four or five letters but no line was favored from you an answer thereof—I last Dispatched a letter and a tiger skin by the Ship Captaïn John Neckils through the means of Ship Markee which I think would certainly have Delivered up to your goodness. I therefore hope your goodness will be pleased to Send a...
9678To John Adams from Jacobus & Jan Anthony Murray, 16 March 1783 (Adams Papers)
Il y a deja bien de tems, que nous souhaitions de trouver une occasion de feliciter Votre Exellence, avec l’heureuse & Rapide Revolution de l’Amerique, dans la quelle Votre Exellence a eu un si grand part, & qui vient de finir avec tant de gloire pour votre Patrie, & pour vous meme, nous la souhaitons avec d’autant plus d’empressement parce que Votre Exellence, durant sa residence dans cette...
9679To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 1 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you on the 24th. ulto. and sent a copy of Hamiltons Letter to Miranda as requested in yours of the 4th. of april last; you will find in the Annual Register, or Review of Politics and Literature for the year 1807 page 45 a note relative to the interest the British Government took in Mirandas Expedition, and in page 206. 7. 8 & 9 the account of his visit to Coro. in page 392 you will...
9680To John Adams from John Marshall, 8 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I was informd yesterday afternoon that you had done me the honor to name me as the successor of Mr. McHenry. While I avow the impression made on me by this additional mark of your confidence—and impression which no time will efface—I must pray you sir to withdraw the nomination. No man is more intimately persuaded than myself, of the wisdom of that political system, which has been adopted by...
9681Abigail 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...
9682To John Adams from the Duc de La Vauguyon, 17 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
J’ay recu Monsieur La Lettre par laquelle vous m’informez que le Congres des etats unis de l’amerique septentrionale vous a revetu du Caractere de Son ministre plenipotentiair auprès des etats generaux des provinces unies. J’ignore Si vous vous proposez de presenter vos Lettres de créance a Leurs hautes puissances dans ce moment mais si telle est votre intention je desirerois bien avoir...
9683From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 22 March 1821 (Adams Papers)
I feel a little uneasy about you and therefore write you again to give you a timely caution as there are whispers concerning the restlessness of your Class which lead me to dread an explosion Your own sense my dear Boy will teach you how foolish and imprudent it is to run any risk of expulsion or even rustication as the loss of a year to you who are so desirous of obtaining your liberty would...
9684To John Adams from Robert Smith, 15 December 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of herewith transmitting to you, for your acceptance, an impression of the medal, presented, to the late Commodore Edward Preble, in pursuance of the resolution of Congress, of the 3rd March 1805. I have the honor to be, / with great respect, / sir, yr. mo. ob. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
9685To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 17 March 1790 (Adams Papers)
After your Excellency’s advice, for which I am much obliged, I wrote, by this Sloop to his Excellencÿ the President, State the affair, and requested his interference, so far, as He maÿ think proper, and I flatter mÿself, that it wil be promoted bÿ you in the Same manner. But this occasion Sir! is to favourable, not to make use of it in enlarging—for a moment upon a particular article of your...
9686To John Adams from Richard Rush, 24 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
Mr St George Tucker is, I believe, a native of one of the West India islands. He was brought to Virginia quite a boy before the revolution, fought with reputation at Camden as a militia major, was next a lawyer, and has held several civil stations in Virginia, where, as I understand, he has always been greatly esteemed for his virtues and learning. He is now, on the late appointment of...
9687To John Adams from James Miller, 15 July 1822 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to you, herewith, the Book which I promised, the last time I had the pleasure of seeing you, called the Cheerokee Spelling Book, or a digest of the Cheerokee Language, this Book got misplaced among the Cheerokees, & I have been unable to procure it untill the present time, which will account to you, for the delay in forwarding it— I have the honor to be, Sir,...
9688C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 22 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
As promised, I have the honor to inform you that the expected courier arrived last night from St. Petersburg, with news of the signing of the convention between the Russian ministers and those of the republic on the third of this month. Therefore everything is in order. If you have any news regarding American affairs, please let me know, since it is necessary here to supply intelligence for...
9689To John Adams from Joseph Hawley, 18 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
I received your favour of the 25th of Novr. as soon as I arrived at this town which was last friday and a very kind and generous return I esteem it to the few lines I sent you from Brookfield. I hope the lines will not be Abandoned. I hope an Army will be inlisted for the Next year before the Spring Advances but am clearly of Opinion that the Charge of Marching in the Militia their equipment...
9690Enclosure: To John Adams, 27 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Secret United States [New York] August 27th 1790 Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain should come to the decision of Arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant and inconclusive, but very much the reverse when compared and combined) there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans and the Spanish Posts above it on the Mississippi will be among the first...
9691To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 August 1819 (Adams Papers)
Yes, I did See from your note of thanks to your neighbours the disaster, which has fall’n to your lot—tho’ I could not learn its full extent—and yet it was not in my power to inform you of my feelings. That note directly relieved my anxiety—I knew—your mind enabled you, to elevate yourself above Such a loss—great as it may have been—and the gratification of receiving Such a fresh proof of the...
9692To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 20 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
L’incluse pour vous m’est parvenue je ne sai d’où ni comment avec une Gazette de Rotterdam où l’on a inséré la Requête des Negociants de la dite Ville à leurs Magistrats. Je suppose qu’il y en a une pareille sous ce couvert. Vous aurez vu par les gazettes, qu’avanthier pareille démarche s’est faite à Leide par 64 Negociants et Fabriquants. J’ai lieu de croire, que demain il en sera présenté...
9693From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 31 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
When Mr Gallatin and Mr Bayard arrived here, they brought us letters from many of our friends, and among them one from your brother George, which gave me much pleasure—But I was sorry there was none form you; and the more so because George’s letter was in answer to one which I had written him last September; and at the same time I had also written one to you—Now I have the satisfaction of...
9694To John Adams from François Adriaan van der Kemp, 29 December 1787 (Adams Papers)
L’année passé j’avois l’honneur de communiquer a votre l’Excellence mon desir de passer en Amerique avec ma famille pour m’etablir dans l’etat de New-york: vous aviez la bonté de me donner des informations sur ce projet, joignant a cela la flatteuse promesse, de vouloir bien, dans un tel cas m’honorer de vos recommandations. Dans ce tems mon Epouse ne pouvoit prendre la resolution de chercher...
9695To John Adams from John Bondfield, 2 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am this day honord with your favor of the 25th. The post of this day from Rochfort brings advice of the arrival at Isl deé of a Small Vessel from Baltimore that left the Bay the 28 March. The Commandant at Bell Isl writes the advices brought by the Sloop are that Clinton had receved in Georgia a Compleat defeat and Genl. Washington with 14000 Man had open’d the Seige of New York. I give you...
9696To John Adams from Judith Sargent Stevens Murray, 1 November 1796 (Adams Papers)
Stimulated by the same ambitious views which first impelled me to become a Scribbler, I am solicitous to attain the highest emenance of that summit, which, with many an anxious effort, my unwearied footsteps have long sought to ascend—Hence proceeds my application to that Luminary whose refulgent beams hath brightened with transcindent lustre; this younger world, and whose unborrowed rays can...
9697To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 25 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
I can not express my feelings for the affectionate reception, which I met with at Montezillo—you honour me not only with your distinguished and partial regards, to which I am indebted for all the attentions, which I received—but you treated me as a Brother—as a friend—with cordiality—which was followed by each member of your family—It is not in my power to reciprocate it, but I thank my God...
9698To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 25 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice in the expectation of seeing you & Mrs Adams; and Miss S A—and as the Day that is most convenient to you wou’d be most agreeble to Mrs B & myself we have settled it with Mr. Vaughan & his family for Friday the 4th. April at 1/2 past two o clock but pray you will come to us an hour or two earlier, and be so kind as to let Judge and Mrs Adams know the day fixd. My Lord tells me you...
9699From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 14 July 1814 (Adams Papers)
You cannot think what a disappointment your not writing occasion’d me! I have been weighing and reflecting upon every thing which might have caused your silence and have only been able to attribute it to that of sickness, which fills my heart with uneasiness Your Aunt Smith, being about to return to America, I take the opportunity of sending you a Watch, which I request you will use in the...
9700To John Adams from United States Senate, 18 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Senate of the United States request that you would to accept their acknowledgments for the comprehensive and interesting detail, you have given, in your Speech to both houses of Congress, on the existing State of the Union. While we regret the necessity of the present meeting of the Legislature, we wish to express our entire approbation of your conduct in convening it on this momentous...