31To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 11 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
From your Letter of the 7th. I find some Misconception has arisen between you & the Editor of the N.A. Review. Your note of the 5th. I handed to that gentleman, & told him how fully I agreed with you in the Sentiment that the Hutchinsonian Controversy & the Impeachment of the Judges, if not the Pivots upon which the Revolution turned they certainly urged on & hastened, those Measures which...
32To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I mentioned in a former letter, that Monticello’s Philosopher, desired in one of his Letters, that I might undertake, to write the life of J. C. and that I would endeavor to chalk out its outlines—which I would Submit to your considerations. Having hurted my leg through carelessnes—working in my garden, and rendered by further neglect—So painful, that I have been doomed to my cottage, during a...
33To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 6 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
My Father has communicated to me your letter of yesterday, which he means to answer particularly himself, but in the mean time, I do not wish to lose a moment in assuring you of the gratification I shall feel in being instrumental in communicating to the publick any observations from you on the points you have mentioned. The illustration of American history is with me a very favorite object,...
34To John Adams from Richard Rush, 31 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
In further answer to your favor of the 20th of last month, I beg leave to say, that I have just returned from the visit I talked of making to Philadelphia. I find it to be as decidedly the opinion of my mother and brothers, as I confess it was my own, that my fathers letters should not be given up for the press. If, therefore, you should write to Doctor Mease, may we venture to ask it of your...
35To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 29 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have acknowledged the receipt of your seven Letters, dated in July, and August, received by Mr Thacher and Mr Bigelow and also of one dated in May, but very lately delivered by Mr Brooks. It is more than time for me to reply to their contents. I never had much relish for the speculations of the first philosophy. In that respect I resemble your Eels in Vinegar, and your mites in cheese, more...
36From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 24 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
I am not conscious that I have been deficient in a return to all the Letters you have written to me, and I now acknowledge your last, july 31st you have had a long vacation—I hope it has not all been Spent in amusement, and dissipation—you knew I used to wish you back to your School; when the vacation was only a fortnight. you sometimes used to think hard of it. you will not think so, when you...
37To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 14 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your letter; dear Sir, of May 6. had already well explained the Uses of grief, that of Sep. 3. with equal truth adduces instances of it’s abuse; and when we put into the same scale these abuses, with the afflictions of soul which even the Uses of grief cost us, we may consider it’s value in the economy of the human being, as equivocal at least. those afflictions cloud too great a portion of...
38Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 14 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter, dear Sir, of May 6. had already well explained the Uses of grief, that of Sep. 3. with equal truth adduces instances of it’s abuse; and when we put into the same scale these abuses, with the afflictions of soul which even the Uses of grief cost us, we may consider it’s value in the economy of the human being, as equivocal at least. those afflictions cloud too great a portion of...
39To John Adams from James Madison, 12 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 4th. of Sepr. was handed to me, by Docr. Freeman, at my abode in Virga. just before I left it for this place. His transient stay afforded but a slight opportunity for the civilities I wished to shew to one who enjoys so much of your esteem, and who appeared so well to deserve them. He was so good as to call at the door since my arrival here; but being at the moment engaged,...
40To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 12 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
I am still not only to answer, but to acknowledge the receipt of your kind Letters of 3. 10. 18. 24. and 26. July; and 4. August—all of which I had the pleasure of receiving at once by Messrs Thacher and Bigelow, who came fellow Passengers in the same vessel Mr Bigelow has been out here and dined with us—His father, the Speaker, was one year before me, at the University, where I had a...
41From James Madison to John Adams, 12 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 4th. of Sepr. was handed to me, by Docr. Freeman, at my abode in Virga. just before I left it for this place. His transient stay afforded but a slight opportunity for the civilities I wished to shew to one who enjoys so much of your esteem, and who appeared so well to deserve them. He was so good as to call at the door since my arrival here; but being at the moment engaged,...
42To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
I Should rather guess that Basanistes would do good—It is true it is a heroic medicine, but it would not come in the hands of the vulgar—it might have a Salutary effect upon Some of the higher classes. If men of influence—either by their abilities or wealth—can be lured to become the Patrons of liberal Sentiments, and will Support them, who are bold enough to Step forward in their defence—a...
43To John Adams from Richard Rush, 29 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
For the first time since I was a lad, I have been making an excursion this season. Health and recreation were the double motive, though I am glad to say the latter predominated. I set out on horseback for the mountains in Virginia. I had never been into the antient dominion before, except merely upon its edge. Although it is filled with “Blenheims,” and “Hagleys” and “Mount Airys.” I was still...
44To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 27 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your Kind Letter of the 24th Instant did not reach my hand untill yesterday Though I knew you had a Thousand Talents, I never before disscovered you possessed that of rallery; which however late is of great advantage to me, as daily experience verifies the justice of your closeing observations and produced all the effect you intended, for neither you, or possterity, should hear more from me...
45To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 22 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
My Father has done me the favour to Communicate to me, the letters he has received from you on the subject of Grimm’s story of the Abbè de Mably. In the journal I conduct, my principal object is American literature & history past & contemporary. Anything relating to any portion of either is particularly agreable to me; and I need not say therefore how much gratified I should be, in being...
46To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 19 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday received from the Post Office your very obliging Letter of the 16th. which has completely fulfilled the kind Engagement you offered me in your’s of the ninth. My only Apology for not immediately answering it arose soley from an apprehension of too soon giving you the additional Trouble, which I fear I have occasioned you from the trembling of your hand. But I will forget it in the...
47From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 9 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have now gone through Terence, and noted a few Lines for you to consider. Many perhaps have escaped my Notice that deserved it MHi : Adams Papers.
48To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 5 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
An extraordinary Paragraph which appeared in the Boston daily Advertiser of this morning, & which I inclose, (lest you should not take that Paper) induces me to renew a Correspondence, which I regret has been so long intermitted & which was always a Source of pleasurable & important information. No American who knew the Character of at lest one of the Diplomatists whom the Baron has thought...
49To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
When I send you last mail Basanistes, I was so much tortured with head–ache—that it was not in my power, to join to it one single line. The Post-master at first objected—if thus the postage comes higher than you might wish, I only executed your orders but should request—in that case to wait rather for a safe opportunity Perhaps—however—his scruples are unfounded. You render me nearly enamoured...
50From John Adams to John Adams, 10 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
I culled a Few Flowers for George from The Andrian. I have done the Same for you here from the Step Mother, and will do the Like Soon for Charles. I Sent Georges by Mr Thatcher. A. John! Your Father and your Grandfather can attest upon Oath to a Similar Voyage in 1778. John! The Case of the Step Mother here is the Case of your Grandfather! Meditate a little upon it. MHi : Adams Papers.
51To John Adams from James Mease, 8 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
I contemplate publishing a collection of the letters of our late friend Dr Rush on political, religious & miscellaneous subjects; and as he long had the pleasure to enjoy your Correspondence, I will be much obliged by your favouring me with such of his letters as you may have in your possession, and which are not of a private Nature.—Having for many years had the satisfaction to partake of his...
52To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
I intended at first to have answered your kind favour of July 16—last week—but I was everÿ daÿ So much fatigued in the evening—having—after my gardens were cleared thoroughly, been engaged in, Sawing and Splitting oven-wood, that I rather found it requisite—to take Some amusement, in re–perusing your letter—or taking a book, while an unexpected visit of mr Varick from utica, and mr Childs of...
53To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your two philosophical letters of May 4. and 6. have been too long in my Carton of “Letters to be answered.” to the question indeed on the utility of Grief, no answer remains to be given. you have exhausted the subject. I see that, with the other evils of life, it is destined to temper the cup we are to drink. Two urns by Jove’s high throne have ever stood, The source of evil one, and one of...
54To John Adams from Stephen Miller, 1 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
Being personally unknown to you, I fear that I am chargeable with a breach of decorum in thus addressing a letter to you without a particular introduction; but as no person is at hand to give me a letter, & the object of my enquiry such as few except yourself can answer, I must depend on your goodness for forgiveness. you will probably recollect sir that Soon after the peace of 1763, the King...
55To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 1 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
The multiplicity of business, and of things that consume more time than business, have in spite of all my efforts, broken down to such a degree the regularity of my private Correspondence that I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favours of 20. and 28. March of 10. and 20. May—and of 16. and 25 June; every one of which contains matter, upon which if I had the time and the talents I...
56Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1 August 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two philosophical letters of May 4 . and 6. have been too long in my Carton of ‘Letters to be answered.’ to the question indeed on the utility of Grief, no answer remains to be given. you have exhausted the subject. I see that, with the other evils of life, it is destined to temper the cup we are to drink. Two urns by Jove’s high throne have ever stood, The source of evil one, and one of...
57From John Adams to John Adams, 31 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
I find upon my table this morning your favour of the 7. March; and I know not whether I have ever answered it. I approve of your “eating and Sleeping and living together; of your playing Football, Crickett; running, climbinge, leaping Swimming, Skateing; and have no great Objection to your play at Marbles. These are good for your Health: but what do you do for your Mind? The Mind is of more...
58To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 16 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
It is with great pleasure that I have observed, of late, the continued evidences of thy health so prolonged, and habitual activity and attention. Long may it be continued. I have lately been favored with a Letter from thy Son, at London, whom so many are anxious to see return to the United States. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, has conferred on me the honor of a Fellowship, with...
59To John Adams from Richard Rush, 13 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
In a letter from one of our family in Philadelphia, I am given to understand, that Mr Dellaplaine has, as yet, made no request for the little manuscript character alluded to in a former letter which I had the pleasure to write you. But I have obtained a copy of it, which I beg leave herewith to enclose. It may be much too imperfect for the publick eye. I will say this of it however, that as...
60To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 7 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
I make no apologÿ in not answering your gratifying favour of the 26th of may Sooner, nor do I Suppose, you required it. My avocations having been So manÿ—mÿ work So crowding—having no help but my Son, daÿ after daÿ planting and replanting, and Sowing again—what had been killed by the frost in my garden, that I really was no Sooner at leisure—and yet—often I took your letter in hand—but only to...