291To John Adams from John Farmer, 12 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
Permit an humble individual to present you a memoir of one of the ancient towns of Massachusetts, which claims some affinity with Braintree, as it derived from thence some of its early and most respectable inhabitants. The Brackett and Tompson families might be mentioned among those which emigrated from Braintree, some of whose descendants were persons of influence & wealth. Both families have...
292To John Adams from John Jay, 11 June 1821 (Adams Papers)
Since my last to you of the 7th. Ult. I have recieved your’s of the 30th. of April, and 13th. of May. As in the latter (which came to hand on the 19 May) you approved of an application to Mr. Duane for copies of what he calls our Journals, I did apply to him accordingly, by a Letter of which the following is a copy—vizt. “Bedford—Westchester County—N. York—22d. May 1821—” “Sir On the 24th. of...
293From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 13 June 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your last Letter my Dear John was indeed filled with grievous news and I sincerely pity the afflicted family who are left in a situation so melancholy—The shock must no doubt have been severe to your Grandfather although it was expected; but the strongest minds insensibly repel the idea of death until the inevitable doom is sealed, and we cannot fly from conviction by its sad and solemn...
294From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 8 November 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your sudden silence after the affectionate and unremitted attention you shewed during your dear Grandmothers illness and the total want of information since on the subject of the family in general has occasioned both your father and myself much uneasiness and we are counting the mails every day to meet fresh disappointment Your Fathers Messenger has just been and I flew down in the hope of...
295From John Adams to John Adams, 28 November 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your letter, of the 21st. sprightly and entertaining like all the rest, has been recieved. I participate in all your apprehensions concerning the election. The odium, which has been conjured up against the family, is indeed a formidable motive of national action. Not a reason, not an argument even original; it is a prejudice! and it is a consolation to see that it does not prevail in...
296To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 11 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
December 11th. Went into Georgetown to see Mrs Otis, was not admitted Called on Mrs Smith and Mrs Frye both very well returned home to dinner Dr Forsythe from South America called in the evening, He too was soliciting a place to which a deaf ear was turned. 12th—Not well and could not go to church; the day cold and disagreeable Mary much better. Evening alone. 13th—Went out and paid visits and...
297From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 6 May 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have received your two Letters of 5 and 22. April—with much pleasure; and it would have been with more, had not the hopes which I had formed from your success at the last term, been somewhat damped by certain accounts which have reached me, of a less favourable character—It has given me great pain to learn that you have in the course of the present term exposed yourself to the censure of the...
298To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 14 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
14th December. We were all so exhausted that we determined to keep quiet all day at home. Received a Note from a Milliner requesting I would go and look at his things, this is a thing which has happened several times—Am I so much in vogue? I am solicited to take great care of myself this Winter and not to get sick, Are People afraid of closed doors again? What a hollow hearted World How much I...
299To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 12 May 1822 (Adams Papers)
Nothing but an absolute impossibility prevented my seeing you at Quincy before I we came to this place—I was obliged to Employ every moment for a fortnight before I set out in settleing some very important pecuniary demands, wch. the death of any one of the parties (of which there were 6 in number), would have defer’d a close untill after my Death—I had agencys & attornies to attend to, in...
300To John Adams from Leslie Combs, 8 April 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the liberty to send you by mail two books—Kentucky Productions, for your perusal and thro you to be presented to the “ Boston Atheneum ”— “The philosophy of the human mind,” is thought by some to possessess merit— “The History of the late war in the North West” contains a correct detail of facts & may give some idea of the true Indian character & manners—The distinction which it...
301To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 25 June 1818 (Adams Papers)
I ought sooner to have thank’d you for your last biographical Notices, but you had before left me to take my own time for scribling, & must not complain for my Abuse of the License. The anecdotes you have given of the Destruction of the private Papers of Mr. Otis & Mr. S. Adams has rescued two important facts from being totally lost to Posterity. They confessedly were two very extraordinary...
302To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 July 1823 (Adams Papers)
The bearer Major Wolcott Huntington, is a very estimable young Gentleman, Son of General Ebenezer Huntington of this State, who served in the American Army from the year 1775 till the close of the revolutionary War. In common with the patriotic young men of the present age, he is desirous of personally manifesting the admiration and gratitude with which all men are animated, towards the Eldest...
303To John Adams from John Jay, 27 February 1821 (Adams Papers)
On the 20th. Inst’ I recieved, and for the first Time saw, the fifth volume of Franklin’s works, published at Philadelphia. I was surprized to find in the 293d. page, a note of the Editor (Mr. William Temple Franklin) which contains a Paragraph in the following words—vizt.— “Mr. Adams and Mr. Jay had previously arrived, and in Time to share in the arduous and momentuous duties of the Mission....
304To John Adams from Benjamin Owen Tyler, 4 July 1818 (Adams Papers)
Absence from home has prevented me from receiveing your very interesting letter of the 24th of May until within a few days. If any thing could add to the gratitude veneration, and respect I feel for one of the principal founders of my countrys freedom, it is your the great compliment and respect you pay me in that letter which I shall preserve with the utmost care while I live. The sentiments...
305From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 18 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters are always welcome, the last more than all others, it’s subject being one of the dearest to my heart. to my granddaughter your commendations cannot fail to be an object of high ambition, as a certain passport to the good opinion of the world. if she does not cultivate them with assiduity and affection she will illy fulfill my parting injunctions. I trust she will merit a...
306To John Adams from William John Coffee, 26 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
I cant help Expressing my great disapointment at not being favored with an answer to my Solicitaions so Long Past, I know that I am to you a Stranger and on that accnt feel sorry to trouble or Intrude on your time or retirement, but at the same time having executed busts of all the other Presidents its proper to have yours I have also a considerable wish to Employ my talents on your bust to...
307To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 22 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
The Baron de Syon will have the honor of presenting you this letter. He has been travelling from the Western States as one of the family of Genl. La Fayette, who is desirous that he should have an opportunity of paying his respects to you, personally; he being a gentleman for whom Genl. La Fayette expressed a great affection. To gratify both Baron de Syon and La Fayette I have taken the...
308To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 12 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
I am sorry to inform you that I cannot procure a copy of The Life of Jackson, of wh this Edition is sold out. I send by this mail a copy of the Olive Branch, of which I request your acceptance. The very brief vindication of the work on the American Constitutions, is contained in page 39. I regret that it is so concise. If you have duplicate copies of any of Your recent newspaper or other...
309To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 27 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
Feby. 27 Remained at home all the morning—Mr. Adams dined with Mr. Lowndes—In the evening went to the French Ministers where Mr. A accompanied me it being their last public night—God save the King produced a great effect I understand last night, and the papers are to ring with it tomorrow—The managers—Those of whom were Members of Congress had determined it should not be played, and Mrs. Peter...
310From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 24 June 1820 (Adams Papers)
I was seriously concerned to hear of your illness and am still considerably uneasy of lest you should by any imprudence have a relapse and I entreat you will be particularly careful of the Night air—You must write me frequently even if it is only to say “I am well ” as I shall be very anxious for some time I presume you are taking the Bark? what Phyissian attended you? was your complaint...
311To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 20 March 1823 (Adams Papers)
In looking over a number of Delaplaine’s Repository , which was lent to me by Mr. Vaughan, for the purpose of reading a life of Dr Franklin written by Walsh, I was also attracted by an account of Samuel Adams which I had never seen. It contains some interesting anecdotes but there is one that strikes me as being somewhat exaggerated, and as the peice of history is a very interesting one I turn...
312To John Adams from William Bentley, 17 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
Having been requested by J Marston Esqr to send to him through your hand, a copy of the Mecklenburg N C. resolutions as printed in the Essex Register, June 5. I have taken the liberty of adding another copy for your own use, as he assured me you had sent your own copy to a friend. With increased affection, / & with the highest reverence of your personal virtues, / & unrivalled public services...
313To John Adams from Charles Hood, 3 July 1820 (Adams Papers)
The Washington Society intend celebrating the Anniversary of the American Independence, by a public Dinner at the Marlborough Hotel— They particularly request the honour of your company. by order of the Standing / Committee MHi : Adams Papers.
314To John Adams from Richard Stockton, 12 September 1821 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you my Son Robert F Stockton of the Navy at present Commanding the Schooner Alligator now in the port of Boston. I can assure you with truth that he is a youth of exemplary moral Character and conduct,—and that he has already earned for himself a professional reputation equal to that of any other officer of his age and rank in the Navy.—I could not think of his...
315To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 2 November 1817 (Adams Papers)
It is now 37 years since I had the pleasure to recieve your first letter at Anconis It was a paternal letter containing advice to a Young Man, which was peculiarly usefull to me. You than said—“ I must talk to you like an old man ”—I am now 15 years older than you was than. In several of your Subsequent letters you express’d a wish to know precisely, the conversation which pass’d between Judge...
316To John Adams from William Bentley, 19 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
After I sent my reply to Mr Marston, I received your affectionate Letter of July 15. I am persuaded your indulgent opinion has given my young friend more pleasure, than all the applause of his audience. He has not a friend, who has not seen the extract I gave him. In regard to the North Carolina declaration we have been as much surprised, as any persons who have read it. We searched general &...
317To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 7 July 1820 (Adams Papers)
On my return to this pleasant Village from a peregrination in the West, I rec’d Your favor of the 22d June— The ground my friends have assumed as to my projecting—& in co’operation with Genl. Schuyler—my efficient & successful efforts in establishing the Canal policy in this State, & vigorously prosecuting the incipient Step which has led to their present gigantic State—has call’d forth all...
318To John Adams from Roger Chew Weightman, 14 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
As chairman of a committee appointed by the citizens of Washington to make arrange for celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of A can Independence in a manner worthy of the M tropolis of the nation, I am directed to write re as one of the signers of the ever memorable Declaration of the 4th of July 1776, to honor the city with your presence on the occasion. I am further instructed to inform...
319From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 16 August 1819 (Adams Papers)
I am very uneasy my dear John at your indisposition more especially as you do not mention its nature—I hope the heaviest part of your labour is now terminated and that you will ere this Letter reaches you have acquitted yourself with honour and applause. I regret very much not being present at your exhibition still more that your father has been disappointed in consequence of the delay of the...
320From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 31 March 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 15th. instt. which informed me of the part assigned to you at the next exhibition has given me great satisfaction; and I now indulge the hope that your performance of it, will be still more creditable to you than the assignment. The question will afford full scope for all your abilities, and as I believe the affirmative to be the right side, you will have no lack of argument...
321To John Adams from John Warren, 8 August 1818 (Adams Papers)
Dr Warren presents his best respects to President Adams; and has taken the liberty of enclosing a sketch of the life of General Joseph Warren, for the President’s perusal.—He would also take the liberty of requesting the President to make any alterations or additions, which he may judge necessary or proper.— MHi : Adams Papers.
322To John Adams from John Cartwright, 29 February 1824 (Adams Papers)
Daily viewing a facsimile of your signature to that most most glorious of all human records—The Declaration of American Independence, which Independence, so early as the year 1774, expostulating with the rulers of this country, I publicly advocated, it is my request, that you will accept a two-fold work in the cause of Freedom, entitled “The English Constitution Produced and Illustrated” and...
323To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 28 January 1822 (Adams Papers)
When I had the pleasure of meeting Judge Adams in Boston on Saturday last, & to whom I gave a Note wch I took out of the Post—he intimated that it was probable you would not want for a Snow Storm, but would indulge us with Happiness of seeing you & the family some day this week, wch I was rejoiced to hear, as every appearance of Snow has passed off without leaving enough to make it possible to...
324To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 September 1822 (Adams Papers)
I am confident, you will kindly permit me to Send you a few lines—at this time—if it was only, & I candidly confess, that I have Scarce any thing else, deserving your notice—to communicate, except it was to congratulate you—in regard to your continued vigour and health—as Mrs Quincy was kindly pleased to inform me, that you twice walked this Summer from your house to her abode, to make You...
325To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 11 August 1818 (Adams Papers)
I am prepared, whenever I may have the consent of yourself & family, to commence writing your life for my National Biographical work “the Repository of the Lives & Portraits of Distinguished Americans”, the first volume of which, containing Twelve lives & portraits, is already published.— Pray inform me, from what sources I may derive the materials from which I shall be enabled to complete...
326To John Adams from Jacob Engelbrecht, 15 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
The subject of this letter is of rather an odd cast. yet I indulge the hope, that you will excuse my eccentricity when my motives are made Known, I wish you Sir, to favour me with a letter, in your own Hand writing, which I wish to preserve in honour of you, and frame after your death,—the satisfaction I would derive of being thus honoured, would be a source of pecular joy. I hope, Sir you...
327To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 December 1820 (Adams Papers)
The last tiding of your welfare, with which I was gratified—was by Judge Peter Smith. I had made an excursion to Albany and N. york, to See the Governour, and endeavour to obtain in the last place Some relief to my Sight—but it was fruitless. I met Judge Smith—whom I had not Seen during Several years—between Schenectady and Cagnarrage, where he took the Stage—we were pleased with this...
328To John Adams from Francis Henderson, 6 April 1822 (Adams Papers)
I did Myself the honor to write you, on the 3d. January last, from Newport,—Rhode Island; with sundry accompanying documents for your perusal, relative to the Claim of Myself & Family on the United States, as the Heirs and Representatives of the late Lieut. Colo. John Laurens. Myself and Son, soon afterwards, arrived here, to spend the remainder of the Winter and Spring, and attend to the...
329To John Adams from John Farmer, 20 November 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your favour was received last evening, and the subject of it shall receive immediate attention. For some time past, I have entertained the idea that the late Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford, was a descendant from the well known Rev. William Tompson of Braintree. In November, last year, I communicated my conjecture to Mr. Baldwin, of Chelmsford, son of the late Col. L. Baldwin of Woburn, and...
330To John Adams from John D. Winslow, 6 December 1820 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to have the honor of tendering my services to the Electors of President and Vice President of the United States.—for the purpose of carrying on the Votes of thier board to the seat of Government. very respectfully / I have the honor to be / Your Most humble Servant MHi : Adams Papers.
331To John Adams from Caesar Augustus Rodney, 7 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your much esteemed favor of the 26th. ulto. was received, a few days since, when I was occupied at court. My stock of letters & papers, left me, by my father & c uncle, is very large; and it constitutes my principal inheritance, which I prize, beyond any estate, preserved from the wreck of the revolution. The patriotism of that period was without alloy. The perusal of the productions of those...
332To John Adams from William Dabney, 15 January 1825 (Adams Papers)
My respect for you, (altho’ personally unknown) induces me to offer you herein enclosed, and to ask your acceptance of, one right to use for yourself & heirs a right for my Patent Pump for raising water by gravity or Weight, a Patent for which, I have obtained from the United States in November last. This Machine is of cast & wrought iron, and not bulky—is simple in its construction and...
333To John Adams from Littleton Dennis Teackle, 4 February 1823 (Adams Papers)
As Chairman of the Committee of Public Instruction, I take the liberty of transmitting a Bill reported for that purpose, and beg the favor of your views upon the System proposed, and that you will be pleased to note its defects, and to suggest Amendments. Presuming upon a knowledge of your liberal, and Philanthropick disposition, I venture to essay this claim upon your time, and attention— I...
334To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 10 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
It hath pleased Almighty God in his Goodness and Mercy to give to this great & favored people yesterday, about half past four oclock P.M., your Son John Quincy Adams, as the President elect, to rule over this nation four years from the 4th. day of March next; I rejoice with you & with those dear to you on this happy event, I rejoice the more because it must be a balm to your heretofore wounded...
335To John Adams from Thomas Mussey, 9 June 1821 (Adams Papers)
Through the politeness of your Nephew Mr Shaw, I have the pleasure to present you with an implement in domestic economy, which perhaps in some of its parts parts may be considered novel, especially in the case with which it is separated, and consequently kept clean; a circumstance not common to those which I have heretofore seen; although, professedly designed to effect the same purposes. As...
336To John Adams from J. H. Tiffany, 14 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
The 2d. & 3d. Vols. of the “Defence” with the accompanying notes are duly recieved. Deeply Sensible to those considerations which accompany presents of such distinguished intrinsic worth, bestowed with so impressive manner, the acknowledgement of my gratitude & great respects seems but a poor and inadequate return. In truth, when I pre view thes e pages, & reflect upon the thoughts & deeds of...
337From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 1 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter my dear John was brought me just before dinner and I hasten to answer it more particularly that part of it in which you mention that Messrs. Calvert and Taylor intend leaving Cambridge a week sooner then than the commencement of the Vacation and I am authorized by your father to tell you to present his compliments to Dr. Kirkland and request he will permit you to leave Cambridge at...
338To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 16 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
I am deeply sensible of all your kind feelings towards me, as express’d in your affectionate Letter of the 24th Ultimo. my wishes are in union with yours, that we were nearer each other, than we are, the sigh, is at present vain—I often contemplate a possiblity that if I sent my carriage & Thos. Alker a faithfull & well experienced driver, & you could feel strong enough to bear a ride of 10...
339From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 15 June 1823 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday brought me your Letter my Dear John and your father and myself were both pleased to see the account you give of our dear fathers health for whom we have been very anxious for some time—According to your account I am a little afraid you will get spoilt among so many belles who will so inflate your natural vanity that you will be likely to share the fate of Narcissus—Some of these...
340To John Adams from Horace Holley, 3 July 1818 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Adams was kind enough to say to me, when I was last at your house, and when I was contemplating this journey, “You will let us hear from you.” It is grateful to me to remember this remark, and to use the privilege which it confers. You and herself very often rise to my thoughts among the number of those, upon whose characters I delight to dwell as proofs of mental activity, cheerfulness,...