31From Abigail Smith Adams to Richard Rush, 29 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
As my Husband has thought it proper to inclose a Letter, received from our Son to the president, which I presume you may read, I inclose one to me, for your perusal, the political part of which you may read to the president if you judge best; it is a more fre e expression of his feelings, and opinions, respecting the continuence of this farze of a negotiation on the part of the British...
32From John Adams to Richard Rush, 24 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
The first Thing that Struck me when I recd your favour of the 15th. was the Seal. I will not tell you, at present how many reflections this excited before I opened the Letter. I determined at once to answer it by my Seal. You will See it on the Outside of this. An Ellipsis Surrounded by 13 Starrs, protecting a Pine Tree, with a Codfish and a Buck. A very bright Starr at the Top of the Pine....
33From Abigail Smith Adams to Richard Rush, 20 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have not yet replied to your kind letter from Philadelphia—I designed it Sooner, but overwhelmd as we have been, by the unexpected Stroke of providence, in the premature (as to us weak Mortals) it appears, in the death of the Greatest Man our State could boast, and one of the best, what could I say? but be dumb and silent, for thou O Lord hast done it.—A Nations Tears flow upon this...
34From John Adams to Richard Rush, 24 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
“Alexander a Republican”! Was not Napoleon a Republican? A Republican Signifies, “any thing, every Thing and nothing.” The Romans were Republicans. Obscuro loco natus” was a Plebeian, i.e. nothing. The Virginia Gentlemen are all Republicans pro moro romano. Not one of their Posterity is to be “obscuro loco natus.” Mr John Taylor lives in “ Hazelwood, ” Mr Madison lives in Montpelier , Mr...
35Thomas Jefferson to Richard Rush, 31 May 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
No one has taken a more sincere part than myself in the affliction which has lately befallen your family, by the loss of your inestimable and ever to be lamented father . his virtues rendered him dear to all who knew him, and his benevolence led him to do to all men every good in his power. much he was able to do, and much therefore will he be missed. my acquaintance with him began in 1776. it...
36From James Madison to Richard Rush, 11 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I am informed thro’ confidential channels, that Joseph Bonaparte is arrived at N.Y. under an assumed name, that he considers it proper to report himself to this Govt—that he would set out from N.Y. on tomorrow (tuesday,) accompanied by Commodore Lewis, for that purpose; and be in Washington on thursday or friday on his way to Montpelier, under cover always of an assumed name. The motive to...
37From John Adams to Richard Rush, 3 June 1816 (Adams Papers)
I know not whether I am in your debt, or you in mine, but I can no longer refrain from writing The death of mr Dexter has awakened my most latent feelings; I am personally so deeply interested in this event, that I dare not trust myself to write, or even think, on the importance of it. Poor, short sighted mortals as we are! I consider my own reputation, & the true character of my...
38From John Adams to Richard Rush, 2 January 1815 (Adams Papers)
Thanks for yours of Dec. 24. I Still entertain hopes that New England will not be forever alienated from the Southern and the middle States, and therefore take with pleasure, the Liberty of introducing Some of our most promising Young Gentlemen. Mr Gray is on his Travels and Mr George Ticknor. I believe I did not give the latter a Line to you. He has a most amiable Character. He is Said to...
39From John Adams to Richard Rush, 8 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
I know not, whether Perry’s Victory is not the greatest Action in naval History. His Age, the horrible Slaughter, and total Disability of his own Ship, his presence of mind, his cool and prompt transition to another Vessel, his masterly and daring Attack on the Center of the Enemies Line, his Modesty, his humanity are traits of a great Commander, who God willing, will wear well. The...
40From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Not being possessed of the answer from the War Dept. referred to in the inclosed, I can not compare the grounds of it, with the opinions to which it has given rise. It would seem however that the Soldiers in question must be entitled to such a discharge as will secure to them all the recommenc [ sic ] stipulated for serving during the war. Will you be so good as to take a legal view of the...