8701To John Adams from James Lovell, 29 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I promise myself much from the eight or nine scrawls which I have sent to you since your departure from America, in the spirit, I own to you, with which Indians make their presents of feathers or bark. I must depend upon your imagination to comprehend what I will not undertake to describe—our chagrin and perplexity at our total ignorance of the situation and transactions of the Commissioners...
8702To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 26 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Je n’ai rien, pour le coup, de nouveau à vous marquer, Si ce n’est, que je viens d’apprendre qu un certain nombre de Marchands de la grande ville fera enfin la basse démarche auprès du Mre. Br. d’envoyer des Députés à L—— négocier la restitution de ce qui leur appartient des effets capturés à S. E. Quelques bons Patriotes, quoi, qu’ils y perdent aussi, ont refusé de souscrire à cette...
8703To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The late collector of Portsmouth Mr. Whipple has often spoken and written to me respecting his removal from Office and wished me to converse with you on the subject which I declined being persuaded of the impropriety of the measure without evidence to substantiate the facts he set up. But at last upon his admitting the Justice of his removal upon the proof adduced in the case and giving up all...
8704To John Adams from R. Riker, 30 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
The ensuing Fourth of July being the Semi=Centenial Anniversary of the Declaration of American Independence the Corporation of this City have resolved to celebrate it with encreased demonstrations of respect, and—we are appointed a Committee to make the necessary Arrangements— While the coming day fills our minds with emotions of pride and gratitude, we are naturally led to contemplate those...
8705To John Adams from Lewis A. Tarascon, 3 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
I Come to you as one of the fathers of our family to tell you my views, to shew you my work and ask your opinion. you have Created the Navy and from its Mooring in the East it has been allready a Great Mean of power for America. it seems to Me that a Branch of it in the Bay of Columbia should be a Great Engine on the pacific; but it seems to me also that Establishments in that Bay Could not...
8706To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 15 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
Although the Wars, which broke out in the course of one Week, last Summer, both in Europe and America, appear to have deprived our friends in the United States, totally of the few opportunities which they had before, of writing to us, so that we still remain without a line from any of them bearing a later date than last April, we have hitherto had the means of Communication to them,...
8707To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 15 May 1787 (Adams Papers)
I rec d. Yours by Capt. Cushing with 50 Vol. of the Defence &c Thirty of which, I put into the Hands of M r Guild Bookseller, which were sold in the Course of 5 or 6 Days— Twenty I reserved—and took the Liberty to add to Your List of Distribution, One to Hon. Sam. Adams at the Instance of Bro r Cranch & myself, One to the Hon James Lovell at the Desire & advice of Un c Smith and one by y r...
8708To John Adams from Joseph Gardoqui & Sons, 15 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
We have in course been honour’d with your much esteemed 25th. Feby. and 1st Instant and are happy to hear of your safe arrivall at your place of residence where most sincerely wish you all manner of success. We expected ’ere now to have had the pleasure of giving you some agreable intelligence from America, from whence we dayly expectt some arrivalls, but none has apear’d to this day, however...
8709To John Adams from Jeremy Belknap, 24 July 1795 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed was left with me by Mr Ledlie to be sent to you, He did not receive it till after he had made his visit to you. I have recd another letter from Mr Tucker of Williamsburg stating the difficulties attending the emancipation of the blacks in Virginia and requesting my advice—The letter is now not in my hands or I would enclose it, When I get it again I will send it to you & shall be...
8710James Sullivan to John Adams, 22 November 1784 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 7th Sep r. I had a few days ago, shall Set off for Trenton within three days, and shall not fail to communicate One Paragraph of your Letter, the inconvenience of public parsimony I have experienced So much as gives me a full Idea of your feelings. I rejoice with you that you are again with an agreeable and charming family after so long an absence from domestic felicity, I...
8711Enclosure: James McHenry to John Adams, 31 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I respectfully take the Liberty to state to you my recollection of the substance and incidents of the conversation which passed between us on the evening (the 5th instt) preceding my Resignation of the Office of Secretary for the Department of War. I dined on the same day with Mr Nicklin, and was at table when informed that my Servant waited at the door to see me. He brought me a Note which...
8712To John Adams from Armistead Smith, 12 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a Meeting of the Citizens of the County of Mathews at the Court-house of the said County on the 12th day of June 1798. Resolved that The Revd: Armistead Smith be requested on this occasion to take the Chair, and that John Patterson Esqr do Officiate as Clerk to this Meeting. Resolved Unanimously, that, at this Crisis, when there is a strong appearance, that our pacific wishes are likely to...
8713To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 7 July 1788 (Adams Papers)
Permit me tho late to congratulate you & your amiable Lady upon a return to your native Country, The pleasure & delights of which you must relish peculiarly after so long absence. I have never been much of a traveler, but I can hardly conceive of a Country under all circumstances more eligible; And the prospect of public felicity seems the brighter from the accession of ten states to a System...
8714Abigail 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...
8715To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 16 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
Since I wrote you last I have been in constant expectation of seeing General Pinckney here, and in hopes that from conversation with him, I might have some new circumstances of interesting information to communicate to you. My letters from Paris mention that he was to leave that place on the 2d: of this month.—Some accident must have delayed him as he has not yet reached this place. As soon as...
8716To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 5 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
Do not Suppose, that I waited to answer your verÿ interesting letter of March 18—till I received the other promised anecdote of Quaker’s benevolence—no Sir! and I believe, you know me too well—art too well convinced of the high value I place on the distinguished proofs of your regard and frendship with which you continue to honour me, to attrbute mÿ Silence to anÿ Such unbecoming motives. The...
8717To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 4 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor of receiving your Excellencys Letter of the 21st ultimo and by the next post to England executed your Excellencys Command with respect to our unhappy Countrymen, who I doubt not will soon receive the relief, your Excellency has sent them. I wrote at the same time what I had in Command from your Excellency about Mr Lawrens. A Letter lately come to hand from my Friend tells me...
8718To John Adams from J. Senman, 31 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The schoolmaster of this little village is happy to see you once more reposing from the toils of State and in the bosom of Your family, as he has the best heart in the world towards Your administration, in the Small Sphere that he moves in, he is ever anxious to promote the public welfare if the inclosed little peices for your Inspection at a vacant hour if they meet your Approbation I will...
8719To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 26 July 1790 (Adams Papers)
As you were so obliging on saturday last as to inform me of your design to recommend my brother Samuel Russel Gerry to the office of collector for the port of Marblehead, I think it necessary to inform you that of all the candidates, he is the only one who has received any appointment under the State & he has received three offices commissary, naval officer, & collector of excise. in the two...
8720To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 24 October 1783 (Adams Papers)
We have the honour to acknowledge the Receipt of yoúr Esteemed favoúr of 14 th. Instant. by which we observe with much Sorrow the Attack of a fever yoúr Excell y. has been troubled with, We hope it will not have been of any Continuance, but that we Shall Soon have the pleasúre to be informed of yoúr Excell y. being Restored to perfect health. Our Last to yoúr Excell y. was of the 16 th. Inst...
8721To John Adams from James Warren, 22 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
If any Conjecture may be formed from the Intelligence or rather reports prevailing here you may leave Philadelphia before this Letter will get there. It is said the Britons are determined at all Events to Attempt that City, and I presume the discretion and Prudence Wisdom of your Body will Induce you to decamp and retire, before the Seige Commences. If our Army is in the situation we are told...
8722To John Adams from James McHenry, 6 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to recieve by this mornings mail your letter dated Quincy Augt. 29 Ulto. In making out the commissions for General Knox Pinckney & Hamilton, I shall follow the order you prescribe, and date Gen. Knox’s on the first day, General Pinckney’s on the second, and General Hamiltons on the third. You observe to me “There has been too much intrigue in this business, both with General...
8723To John Adams from John Jay, 1 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
{It is the pleasure of Congress that you protract your negotiations with the Court of great Britain respecting the posts which should have been before this surrendered to the United States, and other infractions of the said Treaty by that power—so as to avoid demanding a categorical Answer respecting the same untill the further orders of Congress—} I have the Honor to be with great Respect / D...
8724To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 24 September 1779 (Adams Papers)
I cannot omit this opportunity of congratulating you, on your being again in the bosom of those you love; after delays so many and so mortifying. I have signifyd my hope to our firm friend , that you will be immediately sent to Congress as a Member, where I hope you and M. de la Luzerne will be able to put a stop to those unworthy proceedings, by which little and malignant Spirits joind with...
8725Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 17 May 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I was so unfortunate as not to recieve from mr Holly ’s own hand your favor of Jan. 28. being then at my other home . he dined only with my family, & left them with an impression which has filled me with regret that I did not partake of the pleasure his visit gave them. I am glad he is gone to Kentucky . rational Christianity will thrive more rapidly there than here. they are freer from...
8726To John Adams from Hanson Catlett, 26 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
Nothing of less value to me than my reputation should tempt me to this bold intrusion, as, nothing but conscious innocence could promise me advantage thereform— Raised Sir, by your appointment to the station which I have held, I am justified in the confidence I feel, that to spare the reputation of a young man whose tender buds of hope had scarcely blown, (if it can be done consistently) will...
8727To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 15 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
An unaccountable fit of dullness and inability to do any thing, prevented my writing to you on last Sunday, the weather is of such a nature as to create languor to an astonishing degree. It is very warm and humid which produces colds almost universally. Our family has not escaped for my brother and Elizabeth have both been affected and I although free from cold, have not been in a State to...
8728Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 November 1783 (Adams Papers)
Your favour dated at Amsterdam in july was last evening handed to me; and this evening your Letter of the 10th of Sepbr. by Col. Ogden reached me. I had for some time supposed that the delay of publick buisness would retard your return; hearing that the definitive treaty was not compleated untill september, and knowing that the commercial Treaty was still to form; I had little reason to expect...
8729To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 19 August 1780 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed, which you will be so Kind as to peruse, seal, and send to its destination, will inform you with my situation, my views, and my wants. Among the last I have thought proper not to mention the money necessary to bear my expences, as they know that I live on what I can raise on my own credit, which cannot honorably continue too long. You see, Sir, in what need I am of information. I...
8730To John Adams from James McHenry, 20 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit you herewith, a list of Invalid-Pension-Applicants—who have been re-examined by Physicians, agreably to a Resolve of Congress of the 18th of April 1796. I am with great respect / Sir / your obedient servant. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
8731To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 2 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Shaw has written to me to procure, and forward to him the President message, the reports of departments and generally Such State papers as Shall be laid before the house of representatives, and has requested me to direct them under cover to your address—. but Sir however warrantable I might feel myself in so doing from the Suggestions of my friend whom I wish much to Serve, I dare not...
8732To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 5 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have now before me your letters of the 15th, 17th and 18th of October last. I am sorry to find that your Health has suffered by the climate, but hope that the setting in of the winter has e’er this reestablished it—I am not directed to return any answer to your request to come home, should I obtain the sense of Congress upon it before this is closed, it will be transmitted by this...
8733To John Adams from James Lovell, July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Genl. Roberdeau & his Friends attributed his escape from Death, while in the flying Camp of 77 under a mortal Dysentery, intirely to the use of the arrow-Root, much famed in the W Indies. Though I abominate all quack Interferences, yet my affectionate Esteem for your Family will not let me omit to send Part of what I happen to possess of that rare Powder; having, or thinking I have,...
8734Abigail Adams to John Adams, [28] February 1796 (Adams Papers)
Thursday is My Red Letter Day. then I usually get your favours, and a package of papers. the last thursday was particularly so. I received yours of the 10 13 15 & 17 th of Feb ry , and two Letters from our Dear Sons one dated Helveotsluice Nov br 7 th from the Minister, the other of the 9 th from the Hague. the wind had been contrary for near three weeks, and he poor fellow cooped up in a...
8735To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 7 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
This morning I was honoured with your letter of the 2d.—Yesterday I saw Dr. Rush at this place. His information agrees with what I have heard from others, that very few persons have the yellow fever in the city of Philadelphia. The sickness is principally among the poor people in Southwark . The Doctor is now about four miles from Trenton, & I will endeavour to see him before he returns to...
8736To John Adams from Amasa Stetson, 31 August 1812 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to congratulate you, on this glorious event. The Constitution Capt. Hull has captured and sunk the British Frigate Guerreer, after a short but Brilliant Action, inclos’d are the particulars. I have the honor to be, / with great Respect / Sir / your most Obedt. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
8737To John Adams from William MacCreery, 23 February 1793 (Adams Papers)
Previous to my departure from Baltimore for this place, I address’d a few lines to you at Philada. but learn’d afterwards that you had not then come forward from the Eastward. From the knowledge I had acquired from the commerce of this Country during the late War, I was fully perswaded that a commercial intercourse, to a much greater extent than has been carried on since the peace, might have...
8738To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 4 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
The Army marched from Middle Brook yesterday and arrived here last Evening and encamped. I presume we shall not remain in this place long. If Howe moves up the North River, or towards New England, I suppose we shall immediately push after him; but at present I apprehend the designs of the Enemy are not known, and therefore we must remain some time longer in a suspense. The unsettled state of...
8739From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 21 March 1823 (Adams Papers)
Worn out by fatigue parties influenza and all sorts of weariness both of mind and body I have really been too idle to attend to my correspondence and have scarcely taken a pen in my hand—The apology is a poor one but such as it is you must be content to accept it for it is the truth— The City has been profoundly dull since the adjournment of Congress and we have had but one event to enliven us...
8740To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 29 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 24th.—During the late session of Congress, Mr. Thatcher spoke to me once or twice, proposing Mr. Savage for the agent of the U. States at Jamaica; and left with me a letter from Mr. Savage on the subject. This letter was mislaid; and the business postponed. However, information of the impress of our seamen on that station, and the suffering of the sick,...
8741From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 1 July 1818 (Adams Papers)
This Letter will reach you I hope on Saturday evening and present you the sincere congratulations of your Mother who is truly happy to have given birth to a Son hitherto so worthy of her fondest affection—may evry future year add to the joy which at present fills her heart and insure not only her love but every blessing of which mankind is susceptible; the respect of your fellow Citizens, and...
8742Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 27 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you a few days since by a ship which goes in Company with this of the success under Genl. Morgan in the Caralinions Over the famous Tarleton. Since which we have the Agreeable Advize of an Expedition of a 64 ship and 2 frigates part of the french fleet att Rd. Island, haveing been to Virginia in order to ketch Genl. Phillips and Arnold, which business they have compleated haveing saild...
8743From John Jay to John Adams, 14 October 1785 (Jay Papers)
Since the Date of my last to you which was the 6 th . Sept r . last, I have been honored with yours of the 10 th . & 26 th . June, & 19 & 29 July— with the Papers mentioned to be enclosed within They are now before Congress, and I am persuaded that the strong Marks they bear of Industry and Attention will give them Pleasure. I perfectly concur with you in Sentiment respecting the conduct...
8744Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 26 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
Soon after the Removal of our Enemies from Boston, I sat myself down to write You the Proceedings of our Army from their Cannonading the Town to their taking Possession of it. But meeting with some Philadelphia Papers (before an Opportunity of sending it presented) I found that You had a History of the whole, since then I received Yours of the 29th March and find that You had not then received...
8745To John Adams from Stephen D. Kingston, 12 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
The honor of the Company of the President of the United States his Lady and Family is requested to a Ball at Oillers Hotel on Thursday 22d. Instant in honor of the Birth of George Washington MHi : Adams Papers.
8746To John Adams from Rufus King, 4 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
By the January Packet I was honored with your letter of the 23. of December, and by M r. Anstey who arrived in the February Packet, I received your’s of the 22. of January: I pray you to accept my acknowledgments for these Kind attentions, and to be assured that if any communications in my power concerning our common country, will afford you any information, the pleasure of transmitting them,...
8747To John Adams from François Barbé-Marbois, 29 September 1779 (Adams Papers)
printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:174 ( JA ’s English translation); for the French text, see JA, Works The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, ed. Charles Francis Adams, Boston, 1850–1856; 10 vols. , 7:116–117. Barbé-Marbois was touched...
8748To John Adams from Joseph Priestley, 29 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
You are indeed very kind in expressing your wish to hear from me when all I can do is to ask favours. As You mention your readiness to assist me with respect to arrangements in the Post Office , I will take the liberty to inform you of our situation in that respect. The state Post goes no farther than from Philadelphia to Reading, and Mr Williamson of the Genasee undertakes to carry the...
8749To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 18 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
With great pleasure I saw it announced in the public news papers that you was able to attend the celebration of the 4th Instant—it was at least an evidence that your Health & Strength had improved since the date of the last letter you favor’d me with—I have since been solicitous to gather from every wayfareing passenger thro’ this place who have called on me, what they knew or could learn of...
8750To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 9 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Colonel Johonnot who sails in the Frigate Alliance, I expected would have tarried with us a day or two longer. His sudden and unexpected Call to go on Board this Ship which now lies at some Distance from the Town allows me but a Moment to write you. The Colonel can give you all the News. Colonel Laurens who goes in the same Vessel upon some secret and important Errand of Congress is capable of...