41To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 11 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
you and your dear family may have wondered at my silence for some weeks past, but I have been very, seriously indisposed, this I have not communicated to my Children at Newyork nor to our family at the Valley or Utica, it could only tend to excite painful sensations to them, therefore I have been silent—It is of course a satisfaction to me, to state to you, that I feel as if, I had perfectly...
42To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 7 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
When I was in the woods, I could write you freely, and venture my opinions upon men, measures and passing scenes; but now, on the plains of the District of Columbia, I pause, hesitate; and gazing on the political confused aspect feel a diffidence in putting my calculations & conjectures on paper, I dare not state even to you, what my impressions are, least they should produce a pang in your...
I was made very happy by the receipt of your letter of the 7th. I have enclosed two papers to your uncle; they contain the proceedings of the last week. I am appointed a member of a committee to inquire whether any, and if any, what, provision ought to be made, for the more effectual protection of the northwestern frontier of the U.S. against the incursions of the savages and other enemies. I...
44To James Madison from William Stephens Smith, 17 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
My son William Steuben Smith Secretary of Legation to the Court of Russia, having with the approbation of the Secretary of State returned to America on a visit to his family, with permission to return to Europe should it be agreable to him, I have the honor to state, that being nearly six years absent from his family and friends, it is not his wish to revisit Europe again, in the capacity of...
I received your letter of the 6th instant, and mourn most sincerely with you for the loss your brother and sister have met with in the death of their amiable child. You wonder why it was sent to entwine itself around your hearts, and then to be thus snatched away, is amongst the mysterious ways of Providence. Read Parnell’s Hermit: “Be taught by these, confess the Almighty just, And where you...