31From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 5 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
The Volume of Dr Franklins Correspondence has Seemed to make me live over again my Life at Passy I rejoice that the Public are to have a compleat Edition of his Works, for there is Scarce a Scratch of his Pen that is not worth preserving. I am pleased to See you, at length appearing on the Stage of human Affairs. I presume, upon the Virtue of old Acquaintance to introduce to you Mr Theodore...
32From John Adams to William Vaughan, 5 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
A Reminiscence, as the French phrase it, of Civilities received from you and your Brothers, whenever I have met them in France England or America, emboldens, me to introduce to you a Gentleman of Virtuous Character and Worthy Connections. Mr Theodore Lyman Junr of Boston. He is modest, Studious and inquisitive.— I have had this Winter the pleasure of a Visit from your Brother and his Lady, and...
33From John Adams to Leslie Combs, 12 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have received “the history of the late war in the western country by Mr Robert B McAffe” and “the philosophy of human nature by Mr Joseph Buchanan; both of the growth, production, & manufacture of Kentucky.” I rejoice to see literature following the steps of patriotism & heroism, in a region, which since my memory, was a simple wilderness, inhabited only by the children of nature I have...
34From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 15 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
Mr William Smith Shaw has lent me the fourth Volume of his political pamphlets, the first tract of which is the Controversy between Governor Hutchinson, and the two Houses of the Legislature in 1773 concerning the Souvereign Authority of Parliament over the Colonies. I knew there was such a Pamphlet; but I had not seen it for more than forty Years, and I feared it was lost. I have enquired for...
35From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 18 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
Lyman was mortified that he could not visit Monticello. He is gone to Europe a Second time. I regret that he did not See you, He would have executed any commission for you in the litterary line, at any pain or any expence. I have many Apprehensions for his health, which is very delicate and precarious. But he is Seized with the Mania of all our young etherial Spirits, for foreign travel. I...
36From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 18 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
I pretend not to preserve any order, in my Letters to you. I give you hints, as they accidently occur to me, which, an hundred years hence, may be considered as Memoires pour Servir a l’histoire des Etas Unis.—I am about to write to you the most melancholly Letter, I ever wrote in my Life. One, which the most deeply touches my Soul with Greif.—And now, I know not where to begin, nor how to...
37John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 18 May 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Lyman was mortified that he could not visit Monticello . He is gone to Europe a Second time. I regret that he did not See you, He would have executed any commision for you in the litterary line, at any pain or any expence. I have many apprehensions for his health, which is very delicate and precarious. But he is Seized with the Mania of all our young etherial Spirits, for foreign travel. I...
38From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 25 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 19th and the return of the Pamphlet with a Copy. You revive me when you assure me, that the Original “Principles of the revolution are coming again into fashion: and that foreign feelings are opening giving Way to a national Character” As you are “Zealous to help on the latter,” I Should be happy, if I could, to help you. As doubts and questions are easily...
39From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 26 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
Mr Leslie Combs of Kentucky has Sent me “a History of the late War, in the Western Country, by Mr Robert B. McAffee” And “The Phylosophy of Human Nature by Joseph Buchanan.” “The History,” I am glad to See: because it will preserve facts to the honour, and immortal glory of the Western people. Indeed I am not Sorry that “the Phylsophy” has been published, because it has been a Maxim with me...
40John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 26 May 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Leslie Combs of Kentucky has Sent me a “History of the late War, in the Western Country, by M r Robert B. M c Affee ” and “The Phylosophy of Human Nature by Joseph Buchanan .” “ The History,” I am glad to See:
41From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 31 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment received your favour of yesterday. In some future Letter I must write you an Apology for S. Adams and J. Hancock: which your inherent good nature will not reject. Please to give to your Son the inclosed Inquiston, with / Cordial regards of, We have this Moment the news of J Q A Acceptance, and hopes to embark in all May— MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
42From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, June 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have received my Pamphlet and your Register, with your Letter of the 20th. “Inclosed are four Papers—No. 1. A Letter from President Washington, Aug. 27, 1790. No. 2. Another Letter, on the Same Subject, on the Same day. Aug. 27, 1790. No. 3. First rough draught of an Answer, in my hand Writing. 4. A Copy of my Answer to the President, which was Sent to him dated August 29, 1790, and which,...
43From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 1 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
That Mr Hutchinson repented, as sincerely as Mr Hamilton did, I doubt not. I hope the Repentance of both has been accepted and their fault pardoned. And I hope I have repented, do repent and shall ever repent of mine and meet them both in an other World, where there will need no Repentance. Such vicissitudes of Fortune command, compassion; I pitty even Napolion. You never profoundly admired Mr...
44From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 4 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
Your pathetic Letter of the 2d. has filled my heart with Sympathy and Grief. Your Son, by all that I know, or have heard of him, would have been an ornament to Society. Your Sorrow at his loss must be exquisite. I can give you no better Advice for your Consolation, than to read your favourite Dr Barrow. It is the Lot of humanity! You are not alone! If I look back for Sixty years, what a long...
45From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 5 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
You “never profoundly admired Mr. H.” I have suggested some hints in his favour. You “never profoundly admired Mr S A”! I have promised you an apology for him, you may think it a weak one, for I have no talent at Panegyric or Apology. “There are all sorts of men in the world.” This observation you may say is self evident & futile; yet Mr Locke, thought it not unworthy of him to make it and if...
46From John Adams to Henry Colman, 13 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
When I have heard you Say, and you have repeatedly Said it to me, that “you were determined to read, “The Original of all Worships”; I certainly Sympathised with you: but whether that Sympathy, had in it more of congratulation, or of Compassion; I cannot Say. When you have once read Dupuis You will find yourself, irresistably impelled to read Court de Gebeline Primative World; and then Bryants...
47From John Adams to James Madison, 17 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
Accept my thanks for your favour of last month. The safe Arrival of your books has quieted my conscience. There is nothing within the narrow Compass of human knowledge more interesting, than the Subject of your Letter. If “the Idea of a Government in one Center Seems to be every where exploded” perhaps Something remains undefined, as dangerous, as plausible and pernicious as that Idea. Half a...
48To James Madison from John Adams, 17 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
Accept my thanks for your favour of last month. The safe Arrival of your books has quieted my conscience. There is nothing within the narrow Compass of human knowledge more interesting, than the Subject of your Letter. If “the Idea of a Government in one Center Seems to be every where exploded” perhaps Something remains, undefined, as dangerous, as plausible and pernicious as that Idea. Half a...
49From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 18 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
I return the letter of JQ, which you lent me. You know his is a painter. And which of Hogarths is more moral or more satirical? Have you adjusted your Bib & Tucker to visit the President? There is no other theme of conversation at present. It is kind in him at this pressing time to give the Nation something to talk about. His plain manners will please in general. Tranquility & prosperity to...
50From John Adams to James Monroe, 19 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
From the tenderness of Friendship and the Weakness of Compassion and humanity, I have promised two Gentlemen to mention their names to you, as Candidates for Mr Daltons late Office, Captain Tucker and Mr Deblois. A Friendship of forty Years with the former, and of fifty Six years with Mr Dalton have deeply interested my Feelings in behalf of both these Gentlemen. But what Signify Feelings when...
51From John Adams to D. Lynch, Jr., 23 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honour of writing to me on the 14th of this month answering to me my election by the American Society for encouraging domestic manufactures, instituted in New York as a member, an honour made more illustrious by the President of the United States. Be pleased to present my respects to the Society, and my thanks for the honour they have done me, and to...
52From John Adams to James Monroe, 23 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
From the tenderness of friendship, & the weakness of compassion & humanity, I have promised two gentlemen to mention their names to you as Candidates for mr Daltons late office. Captain Tucker and mr Deblois. A friendship of 40 years with the former & of 56 years with the mr Dalton have deeply interested my feelings in behalf of both these gentlemen. But what signifies feelings when I know...
53From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 23 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter of the 8th. and the enclosed Biography have been read with all the interest inspired by So long a Friendship; though a great part of it was well known to me long ago. Writing has indeed become extreamly painfull to me: to such a degree, that the numerous imperious demands upon me, often compell me to neglect Some of my dearest and most honoured Friends. I have lent your Sketch...
54From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 24 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
As we have amused ourselves with looking at a few pictures, suppose we should add one more to the Gallery. The Artist makes the scene of his action that spacious Apartment that we very properly denominated Fanuel Hall. The Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Judges, the Counsellors, the Representatives, the President and Professors & Students of the University; the Docters of Law, Physic, &...
55From John Adams to James Monroe, 27 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
Another application has been made to me by Mr Elbridge Gerry, the oldest Son of the late Vice President, for a recommendation to the office of Surveyor in Boston. How can I recollect, the laborious Services, the great Sacrifices of a Gerry for forty years, and the destitute Circumstances of his Widow and Children, without Emotion. I told him I had mentioned the Names of Tucker and Deblois;...
56From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 27 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have received my pamphlet & your Register, with your letter of the 20th. Inclosed are four papers. No 1. A letter from President Washington Aug 27. 1790. No 2 another letter on the same subject on the same day Aug 27. 1790. No. 3 First rough draught of an answer, in my hand writing. 4 a copy of my answer to the President, which was sent to him dated Aug 29th. 1790. & which, if it was not...
57From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 27 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
“Inclosed are four papers.—No. 1. A letter from President Washington, Aug. 27, 1790; No. 2. Another letter on the same subject, on the same day, Aug. 27, 1790. No. 3. First rough draught of an answer, in my hand writing. 4. A copy of my answer to the president, which was sent to him, dated August 29, 1790, and which, if it was not consumed in the Vandalion combustion of Washington, is probably...
58From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 30 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
The oldest Statesman in North America is no more.—Vixit. McKean, for whose services, and indeed for whose patronage, the two States of Pensylvania and Delaware, once contended, is numbered with his fathers. I cannot express my feelings upon this event in any way better, than by the publication of the enclosed letters. 1st. June 13th. 1812 2nd. August 20th 1813 3rd. August 28th 1813 4th....
59From John Adams to James Monroe, 7 July 1817 (Adams Papers)
In the good old English Language of your Virginian and my New England Ancestors, I am right glad to See you in the oldest Plantation, in old Massachusetts, next to Salem, where you will be recd with more Splendor and I hope with equal Cordiallity. MHi : Elizabeth Smith Scrapbook; Smith-Townsend Family Papers.
60From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1817 (Adams Papers)
I am impatient to See your Plan of a University and new System of Education. To assist you in your contemplations, I Send you, a Pamplet, “The Politicks of Connecticut.” By a federal Republican in the name of Hamilton. Was there ever Such a combination? Two Copies were Sent me from the Post on Saturday last: I know not from whence nor by whom. Now Sir! please to hear a modest Proposal. Let me...