11From John Adams to Christopher Gadsden, 16 April 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 11th. of March and, with a pleasure far exceeding all my powers of Expression perceive that your friendly Sentiments for me are as kind and indulgent as they were six and twenty years ago. I read with the Same Satisfaction your publication last fall, and with a tenderness which was almost too much for my Sensibility. While Wythe and Pendleton and McKean and...
12From John Adams to Louis André Pichon, 16 April 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 19th of March, and thank you for your care of the Letter which you inclosed from my Friend La Fayette. The inclosed Lett Answer from me to him I pray you to transmit to him with your dispatches. I congratulate you on your Arrival in this country and I wish you much honor and pleasure in your public and private Intercourse with our Government and Citizens. I...
13From John Adams to Bernard Hubley, Jr., 10 May 1801 (Adams Papers)
I duly received your favor of April 9 & am much gratified with that affectionate attachment, which you express for me. The mode you have adopted to mark your regard is very flattering. All that I can say to you upon this occasion is, God bless the brave boy to whom you have given the name of MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
14From John Adams to Louis André Pichon, 10 May 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 20th of April and in answer to the enquiry in it, I have the pleasure to inform you, that on the 16 of April I answered your former favor, acknowledging the receipt of it with the letter inclosed from my friend La Fayette. In this letter I inclosed an answer to that illustrious but unfortunate gentleman and requested the favor...
15From John Adams to Eliphalet Fitch, 12 May 1801 (Adams Papers)
In writing to you, on the present Occasion, I have to express my Concern that I am disappointed in the Intention of paying my Respects to you and Mrs. Adams at Quincy, during the ensuing Summer.—The Gentleman, Whom I had appointed my Attorney in Jamaica, writes me that he has been very ill, and will be under the Necessity to take a Voyage to Europe for the Recovery of his Health; and thinks my...
16John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 29 June 1801 (Adams Papers)
If any one had foretold that three or four months would have passed away at Stonnyfield, and that I should have written but one short line to my dear Thomas, I should have resented the prediction, as an affront to my understanding, if not to my heart—yet so it is. I have not even acknowledged yours of 21 st. of May. My heart was too full to write upon the subject of that of your letter which...
17John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 11 July 1801 (Adams Papers)
I received yours of the 4 th with double pleasure occasioned by the Encouragement you give me to hope that I shall See you Soon at this chosen Spot. There are indeed in this Country, all the Characters and humours that you describe, and there will be such for many years to come, which will keep alive the extravagant Spirit of democracy, longer than it would live of itself. Exaggerations of...
18From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 13 July 1801 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 20 of June has been long on its Journey. I cannot recollect, in detail, the particulars of the Conversation you allude to at Mr De Neuvilles.—Capellen de Poll was a noble man by Nature. A frank, manly, generous Soul. Wherever I have met such spirits I have always felt them. Capellen was frequently with the Reports fabricated by the Anglomanes, representing the affairs of...
19From John Adams to Aaron Bancroft, 27 July 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the first of this Month with a copy of your Election sermon. That which I heard with delight when it was delivered. I have read with increased pleasure upon more deliberation. I thank you for this obliging instance of your attention & remain with great esteem / Your friend & humble / servt MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
20From John Adams to Charles Paine, 27 July 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have recd and read with great pleasure your oration on the 4th. of July. While I thank you for this instance of your obliging attention to me I take the liberty to say that I observe with sincere pleasure the many proofs of genius and accomplishment in the Family of one of the most ancient of my friends, Judge Paine, both among the Males and Females. With much respect & esteem / I am Sir...
21From John Adams to Elias Boudinot, 18 August 1801 (Adams Papers)
I received, by my Son, your kind Letter of the 13th of July, with a present of the Age of Revelation; and pray you to accept my cordial thank for both,— My Son had been attentive enough to his Fathers Wishes to send me this Valuable Work as soon as it appeared, and I had read it through, with pleasure and Advantage some time before the Copy Arrived by him. It is both ingenious and learned: nor...
22From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 August 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 5th of July with your Letter to Chanceller Livingston on Some Points of the natural History of Buffon and Jefferson, and your other Letter to Gerrit Boon. Col. Lincklain by whom you Sent them has not favoured me with a Visit—if he Should I Shall Shew him all the Civility in my Power. I have read the Letters with great pleasure. There are too many Subjects of...
23From John Adams to John Churchman, 3 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour from Rhode Island, and in Answer to it, take this opportunity to Say, that I was early made Acquainted with the Theory of your Universal Variation Chart and have always wished you Success in the Pursuit of it: that I have been acquainted with you many years, that I never knew or heard of any Thing to the disadvantage of your Character: and that I have always...
24John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
The 11 th. of September is reckoned among the happiest days of my Life: The Navy officers who composed the late Court Martial on Capt Little, came out to visit me, with M r shaw who brought me your favor of the 4 th dated at Philadelphia, informing me of your arrival on that day with my Daughter and Grandson in as good health as could be expected.— You do not expressly say whether you intend...
25John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 15 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
Have a care, that you do not let Captain Duane know, that I am reading Cicero de Senectute again: because he will immediately insert in his Aurora Borealis, that I recollected, those Words in the 17 th Chapter “nihil ei tam regale videri, quam Studium agri colendi.” He will Say that there is nothing in building Stone Wall, or in collecting Heaps of Compost, but the tang of Royalty and...
26From John Adams to Jan Willink, 9 October 1801 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time, since I had the pleasure to write to you: but this omission has arisen from engagements in public Business, which left me no time for any Attention to my private Affairs. It is now time for me to think of my own little concerns, and this Letter is to inform you, that I have engaged my worthy Son John Quincy Adams, late Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the...
27From John Adams to P. Mallet, 10 November 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 20 Oct and have communicated its melancholly contents to the mother and other relations of the deceased Mr. William Smith. They all sympathize with you in your affliction.—I know nothing of Mr Smiths affairs and I cannot learn that any of his relations are better acquainted with them. They desire that their respects may be...
28From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 November 1801 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 3. oct....I Should be obliged to your friend Mr Mappa if he would commit to writing a description of the Phenomena, he observed in the Eastern Asiatic Seas; and the various species of foam which he saw floating on the waves and thought preparatory matter for testaceous and crustaceous fishes. The Spat, or Eggs of oysters, float on the Waves, and are deposited...
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 16 Oct together with your “considerations on the substance of the sun.” This pamphlet I shall transmit to Dr Lathrop of Boston, the librarian of the society, to be laid before them at their next assembly. In the mean time, I thank you for the pleasure you have given me of reading it. I will venture to say it contains much...
30From John Adams to Philip Peck, 16 November 1801 (Adams Papers)
The request, in your Letter of the 4th: which I received on Saturday, is somewhat embarrassing. On the one hand, to refuse my consent to a proposal which must be thought by some so obliging and by others So flattering, would be severe and uncivil: on the other I do not approve, in general of the practice of giving double names of Baptism to Children: Although the Influence of Grandmothers and...
31From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favors of the third, and am much obliged to you and to Mr. Mappa for your Observations on the generation of shell fish &c My Privilege of franking extends to all Letters and Packetts. I return your letter to Chandler Livingston with this, and will return that to Mr. Boon, in a short time. I can afford you no ideas on the Subject of the mammoth because I have none. The Spirit...
32From John Adams to Joseph Wheaton, 26 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have received our letter of the 9th and a former one. You may inclose to my address the public documents which Mr. Shaw desires, and I shall have the use of them, when they arrive. I thank you for the newspapers, containing the debate on the motion for repealing the judiciary bill & for the expressions of personal kindness to me in both of your letters. I congratulate you on your continuance...
33John Adams to John Quincy Adams, February 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have been confined, with a cold for three Weeks and the family have been generally affected in the same Way: We have not heard from yours for Some time. I long to see you all: but the Weather and the roads will keep Us, at a distance I fear for Some days if not weeks. I have read Seven Volumes of De la Harpe in course, and the last seven I have run through and Searched but cannot find what I...
34John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 1 February 1802 (Adams Papers)
Politicks are forbidden fruit to me, at present, and what other Subject can I choose for a Letter? Shall I tell you what Books I read? or how many times a Week I go into the Woods? These Informations would not be interesting to you. I Suppose I may hint at a Question of Law without giving offence to the Powers that be, or the Powers that once were, but be not. A great noise has been made about...
35Claim Against the Estate of Norton Quincy, 15 February 1802 (Adams Papers)
There is due from me to the Estate of Norton Quincy Esq. late of the Town of Quincy deceased. One Thousand and Eight Dollars it being for a Pasture called Babel Pasture sold and conveyed to me by the Executor of the said Norton Quincys last Will & Testament— Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Cotton Tufts of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executor of...
36John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 1 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
M r Dobson the Bookseller has an Account open with me.— It is of 13 or 14. or 15 Years Standing.— Several Years ago he Sent his account to me, but, intending to take the ballance due to me in books I did not Sign it. I wish you would call upon him, and presenting him my Compliments pray him to Send his Account to me through you. I presume there is a ballance due to me. This ballance you may...
37John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
We feel, my dear Sir the Want of your Society on sundays and hope the Weather and Roads will soon bless us with it. Never at the Age of 18 when I was a great Reader and Admirer of Tragedies did I take more pleasure in them, than I have lately in Reading La Harps […]ent of Corneille Racine Voltaire Moliere La Fontaine &c did not mean to express a Wish that you should make a serious study of...
38From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
I now return your remarks on Jefferson and Buffon. If I had your permission I would communicate them to the American Academy of Arts & sciences. I think them valuable. The panegyricks upon these philosophers are however too sublime for the region of New England, and would diminish the useful influence of your observations. I sent your letter to Livingston sometime ago I am as usual MHi : Adams...
39John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 12 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
I rec d. last night, your Letter of the 3 d.— It was far from my thoughts to assign you a task. I meant only to turn your mind to a Subject, which must necessaryly engage much of your contemplations, as long as you live. The Folc Right, the Peoples Right, the common law, is the natural, Inheritance of Us all. It is our Birth Right. But precious as it is, and dear as it ought to be to all our...
40From John Adams to Richard Cranch, 29 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
For Value received I promise to pay Richard Cranch Esq, o n order, Two thousand two hundred and fifty one Dollars in twelve months from this date, with Interest untill paid Testis Cotton Tufts 1806. October. 13th. Received Sixty Seven Dollars and Fifty Three Cents for one half years Interest on the above Note also the further Sum of fifty one Dollars in part of principal recd. by the hand of...
41From John Adams to Jonas Pierce, 1 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
This Indenture made the first day of April in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & two by & between John Adams of the town of Quincy Esquire & Cotton Tufts Junr. of Weymouth Merchant on the one part & Jonas Pierce of said Town of Quincy Husbandman on the other part. Witnesseth, that the said John & Cotton for the consideration hereafter mentioned, hath demised, leased & Farm letten, and...
42John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 10 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
I rec d in due Course your favour of March 18 and thank you for your prompt and punctual attention to my several requests. The Harleyan Miscellany I should be glad to have. M r Dobsons account I presume is correct. I know not the Cost of the Harleyan Miscellany: but if any ballance should remain you may take it in any Books you may want, or Send any to me that you think have merit. I have rec...
43From John Adams to James Asheton Bayard, 10 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
I received your favor of the 19th March and am much flattered by your kind recollection of me. Your Speech which was inclosed I had read in detached parcels in newspapers more than once.—I have now read all together and at once. I shall not take the time to recollect enough of my Cicero and Quintilian to give a critical dissertation and comparison of the various orations in both houses of...
44From John Adams to Rev. Manasseh Cutler, 10 May 1802 (Adams Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 17 of April. The letter from Dr Mitchell & the project of the society at N York of a national academy shall be laid before the american academy of Arts & sciences at their next meeting. Your other favor, of April 22 has since come to hand. I thank you Sir for your obliging persuit of the census. If the government for the second twelve years by undoing all that...
45John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, July 1802 (Adams Papers)
I am much alarmed at the Intimations in the public Prints of the appearance and prevalence of the Fever in Phyladelphia. Anxiety for the public in all our great Cities as well as in Philadelphia, is not So easily removed as our concern for your Person may be by your own discretion, in removing immediately from the Scene of danger. It will be a favourable moment to make a Visit to Us. I long to...
46From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 July 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of the 1. of June and read your Sketch of the Achaic Republick. It is a valuable Addition to American Litterature, and richly deserves to be printed. It will do Some good. I fear however, that all Men in Power will generally Say with Oliver Cromwell, on reading Harringtons Oceana, that they will not be frightened out of their Power by a few paper Shot. I should be...
47From John Adams to National Intelligencer, 4 August 1802 (Adams Papers)
It has been often Said, and as often as denied, that there are Men in this Country attached to Democracy. Simple Democracy: to a Government in every State, of a Single Assembly of Representatives, without a Senate and without a Governor; to a Government of the Nation in a Congress of Delegates in one House without a Senate and without a President. The Charge is Supported by the Declarations of...
48John Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 26 September 1802 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favour of the 17 th and thank you for the pamphlets you sent me— I had read these before. Most of the pamphlets are sent me by one or another, as well as the newspapers. To read so much malignant dulness is an odious task; but it cannot well be avoided— I have the History too of my Administration.— Good God! Is this a public Man sitting in Judgment on Nations? And...
49From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 28 September 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have recd yours of Aug. 1802. I agree with you that “the deadly infection has not Spread thro every Limb.” But what Shall We Say when Such a Writer as Mr Callender, can write down the Administration of Washington, write up an administration of Jefferson and then write it down again. The Editors of Newspapers, have no Check, and yet have Power to make and Unmake Characters, at their Will; to...
50From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 29 September 1802 (Adams Papers)
Looking over, this morning what I wrote yesterday, I thought I would extend a little what was said of France. I wish our good Men who write so much about Barrel and Robertson , would make themselves acquainted with La Harpe. He has written 14 or 15 volumes of a course of Litterature, at the Lycæum, in which is a great deal concerning the French Revolution. I have read the work. If you have...
51John Adams. (Adams Papers)
Begun Oct. 5. 1802. As the Lives of Phylosophers, Statesmen or Historians written by them selves have generally been suspected of Vanity, and therefore few People have been able to read them without disgust; there is no reason to expect that any Sketches I may leave of my own Times would be received by the Public with any favour, or read by individuals with much interest. The many great...
52Notes on the History of Mt. Wollaston, 19 October 1802 (Adams Papers)
Mount Wollaston Hutchinson’s Hist. of M. Bay. Page 7. In 1625 one Capt. Wollaston with about 30 Persons began a Plantation near Westons. They gave it the name of Mount Wollaston. It was known by that name some years after, but at length the name was lost in that of Braintree, of which Town it is a part. The particular Hill, which caused the name of Mount is in the farm of John Quincy Esq late...
53From John Adams to James Lovell, 20 October 1802 (Adams Papers)
I return you "The Messenger" with many Thanks. The Politicks of Europe are written with a Splendid display of ancient and modern Information, and a Studied Elocution: but like almost all other political Writings of those Times betray an Insincerity, a Want of Candor and Integrity, which to me, I own, is extreamly disgusting. In France before the Revolution they had their "Ecrivains des...
54From John Adams to Ma., Citizens of Quincy, 30 October 1802 (Adams Papers)
I should rejoice in the prolongation of my life for another year, were it only for the pleasure of seeing and embracing so many of my Friends.— As every Gentleman here is at least as independent of me, as I can pretend to be of him; as there is no imaginable motive of hope Apprehension or any Sinister or private Interest, which could have prompted you, to such a manifestation of your friendly...
55For the Port Folio., 27 November 1802 (Adams Papers)
In this Port Folio we have deposited some papers, illustrating the plan and criticising the execution of the celebrated "Lyceum" of La Harpe. We now present an extract of a literary letter from an ancient scholar, in our own country, and are delighted to discover, that men of learning and genius, at home and abroad, are unanimous in favour of a learned and virtuous Frenchman, who, disdaining...
56From John Adams to Bernard Hubley, Jr., 30 November 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have received our favor of 30 October & return the subscription paper for Hubly’s journal with my name to it. The journals of officers who served with reputation in the revolutionary war must be valuable and authentic original documents for history. I rejoice in the prosperity of your family and pray for blessings on your promising and deserving children—As to the dedication you may do as...
57From John Adams to Thomas Truxtun, 30 November 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have many apologies to make for omitting so long to acknowledge the receipt of your obliging favour of the 10 of July— The copy you have done me the honor to present to me, of the medal voted by Congress, and executed according to my directions, to the Secretary of the Navy, I accept with great pleasure, not only from a personal regard to the giver, but because I esteem every laurel bestowed...
58From John Adams to David Humphreys, 1 December 1802 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 28 from Boston has remained through a multiplicity of agricultural occupations unacknowledged to this hour and notwithstanding the lively sensibility it excited both in Mrs. Adams & myself, we sincerely regretted that we were not to have the pleasure of receiving you and Mrs Humphreys at Quincy as we had hoped & expected. If in the course of your affairs you should again...
59From John Adams to David Ramsay, 2 December 1802 (Adams Papers)
You may very justly be surprised to receive under this date my acknowledgment & thanks for your review of the improvements, progress & state of medicine in the eighteenth century. The truth is I could never find time to read it till yesterday when I had much pleasure in the perusal of it & I sincerely think it a very valuable acquisition to American Literature. Medicine anatomy chemistry &...
60From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 14 December 1802 (Adams Papers)
"Il ne vaut pas un sou d’etre votre ami" Said Count Sarsofield to me, on day in London.—Upon a curious occasion which I will explain to you another time. Mean while I believe you will find that he estimated my Friendship at as much as it was worth. My Correspondence is not worth one groat. I am more occupied in gathering Seeds and preparing Fields than you are if I may judge by the fruits of...