7651To John Adams from John F. Watson, 12 July 1818 (Adams Papers)
I frankly confess I am a Stranger & have need to bespeak your indulgence for my freedom—But men of your eminent character, become a kind of Public property & are necessarily more liable to have their time encroached upon than other men. Without further apology, I will acknowledge to you, that I entertain the hope, that if I could but influence you to believe as I do, that your memoirs would be...
7652To John Adams from James Warren, 30 March – 3 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
When I wrote you last I was at Plymouth sick, and Confined. I did not return to this place till three days ago. In my way Mrs. Warren and I lodged at Braintree, and had the pleasure of finding Mrs. Adams, and Family well. Here I find the world turned Topsy Turvy to such A degree that I can scarcely realize the present Appearances of things. The Enemies Army fled, and our own marching into...
7653To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 15 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I cannot find a french form to adress you at the head of my Letters which pleases so much to my heart as this English. Give me leave therefore to make use of it even when I write to you in French, which, you know, is more easy to me. Le Comte de Welderen, et son Epouse, sont de retour ici. Ce qui, comme vous voyez, dément l’opinion, où étoient certaines gens, qu’il Se tiendroit à portée de S....
7654To John Adams from Samuel Miller, 14 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to You a copy of a discourse, which I lately delivered, and which was designed as an humble tribute to the memory of that illustrious Man, for the loss of whom our nation mourns. Be pleased to accept it, as a small testimony of the respect and veneration with which I have the honor to be / Sir, / You most obedient / humble servant MHi : Adams Papers.
7655To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 24 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Dana’s journey to Russia (the first notice of which I have it in Mr. Favi’s Letter of the 6. instant) will probably have retarded my answer to your Excellency’s favour of the 18 of January. I hope Mr. Favi has forward it to you through a safe channel. I send this, through the french Minister at this Court, to a gentleman in the bureau of Mr. de Vergennes, who is desired to convey it safe...
7656To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 4 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 15. was recieved in due time, and with the welcome of every thing which comes from you. with it’s opinions on the difficulties of revolutions, from despotism to freedom, I very much concur. the generation which commences a revolution can rarely compleat it. habituated from their infancy to passive submission of body and mind to their kings and priests, they are not...
7657To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 4 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday General Maitland and Colonel Grant arrived here in a sloop of war from England, which they left the 6th of February. Their business respects St. Domingo. I have not yet seen them. Yesterday afternoon Mr. Liston sent me a packet of letters brought by them, one of which for you I have the honor to inclose. Several of Mr. King’s I am decyphering, the contents of which I will transmit as...
7658I. To John Adams, 28 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The public and the public papers have been much occupied lately in placing us in a point of opposition to each other. I trust with confidence that less of it has been felt by ourselves personally. In the retired canton where I am, I learn little of what is passing: pamphlets I see never; papers but a few; and the fewer the happier. Our latest intelligence from Philadelphia at present is of the...
7659To John Adams from Francis Dana, 27 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
I have the satisfaction to inform you that I have at last receiv’d from the Secretary of the Treasury the money which Congress granted me for my expences for a private Secretary while at the Court of St: Petersbourg: and can now refund you the whole expence you have been put to on John’s account while with me there, as well as upon his return to Holland—In pursuance of your letter of the 4th....
7660To John Adams from Elijah Cooper, 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
It has been suggested to me by a number of respectable Gentlemen of this town and vicinity, as an object worthy attention, to publish a new & elegant edition of your Defence of the American Constitutions ; and I have promise of much support. If I can obtain the honor of your approbation, I shall immediately put the work to press, & finish it with all possible speed:—it will be impressed on the...
7661To John Adams from William Wenman Seward, 1 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
Having perused the ordinance of the United states dated 20 th. May last, concerning the disposal of lands in the Western Territory; and finding that the money arising from the sale thereof is to be applied to the discharge of the Debt incurr’d by that Country during the late War: I feel the strongest desire of contributing my mite, toward the benefit of a People, who deserve so much from every...
7662From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 3 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me of the 24th past. I am glad you have been at Brest, as your Presence there has contributed to expedite the Operations of Capt. Landais in Refitting his Ship. I think with you, that more has been made of the Conspiracy than was necessary; but that it would have been well...
7663Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Capt. Caznew is now just about to sail. I wrote large packets to go by him a month ago, but hearing Capt. Trash was going from Newbury to Bilboa I sent them by him. It was thought that Caznew would not sail till Febry. But all of a suden I am calld upon unprepaird having but an hours warning—he shall not however go without a line or two. Your last which I have received was by way of...
7664To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
Absences and avocations had prevented my acknoleging your favor of Feb. 2. when that of Apr. 19. arrived. I had not the pleasure of recieving the former by the hands of mr Lyman. his business probably carried him in another direction; for I am far inland, & distant from the great line of communication between the trading cities. your recommendations are always welcome, for indeed the subjects...
7665To John Adams from Philippe André Joseph de Létombe, 4 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have answer’d, three days ago, at Paris the Letter I have been honour’d from your Excellency by the honourable James Searle Esqer. My heart is full of gratitude and desires nothing more than to deserve to be instructed with your Excellency’s absolute confidence. I shall be at Paris Saturday next. Will sett out for Brest at the End of the following week from whence I hope to sail towards...
7666To John Adams from Pseudonym: "Neptune", 22 July 1822 (Adams Papers)
A single volume from your Library for the above cause will be the means of giving us many hundreds if not Thousands—especially if you accompany it with your sentiments upon the utility of the plan .—we have within the last week presented to upwards of Twenty Ships 20 to 25 Vols. & they have been recd by the Crews with thanks and 9 Cheers!—the Bible Sir is an excellent volm. so are tracts but...
7667To John Adams from Dr. Delafond, 6 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
J’ai eû l’honneur de dédier a Votre Excellence un manuscrit intitulé, “observations sur l’Epidèmie américaine,” dont je crois avoir développé d’une manière assès satisfaisante les causes, la nature et les moyens de la prévenir. Le Paquet a été mis par moimême a la Poste le 12 8bre. dernier, et adressè a Votre Excellence dans sa terre de Quincey. j’ai osé vous inviter, Monsieur Le Président, a...
7668To John Adams from Richard Howell, 24 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
From the Consequences of a slight but neglected hurt, I am compelled to lose the honor of personally presenting the Address of the Commander in Chief, the General, General–Staff and Field, Officers of the Militia of the State of New Jersey, who almost to a Man have, as I am well informed, cheerfully signed it. From numerous Communications received from the General and Field Officers, but one...
7669To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 28 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
Quoique je n’aie pas réussi jusqu’ici à me procurer rien de satisfaisant, pour la demande qui vous a été faite pour le Département de la guerre, je n’en continuerai pas moins mes recherches à cet égard, & vous en rendrai compte. On vient de m’assurer positivement, qu’il S’agira la semaine prochaine sérieusement de désigner & pourvoir un Ministre pour l’envoyer après l’hyver aux Etats-Unis de...
7670To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secy of the Treasy respectfully reports to the P. of the U.S. That the inclosed Letter from the Collector of the District of Baltimore and the documents therein mentioned, contain the result of the enquiry which has was instituted by the Presidents direction into the facts stated by in the petition of William Smith. As the conduct of the petitioner is believed to have been exceedingly...
7671To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 6 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose copies of letters this Day recd. from Capt. Murray,—being the only information I have recd. for several Days past, from our Vessels in the West Indies. Barry has a considerable force under his Command at Dominica—and I am mortified to find, that so late as the 18th March, no part of it had Visited Curacoa; a place particularly pointed out to his attention by his...
7672Arthur Lee to John Adams, 12 August 1784 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 6 th of April found me here two days ago, waiting for the necessary preparatives to a definitive treaty of peace & boundary, which in conjunction with some other gentlemen I have undertaken to negociate with the indian nations. To œconomize, by saving the expence of a monthly bounty to which the troops of Massachusetts & N. Hampshire, were entitled, A Majority of Congress...
7673Abigail Adams to John Adams, 19 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I received by Saturdays post Yours of Nov br 8 th , and was happy to find that you had got well to Philadelphia, and that there was a fair prospect of Peace on all sides. I was fearfull that they would make a senate before you reachd Philadelphia. Butlers conduct is much like the Man, unsteady and wavering. the Democrats have found a spirit in the Body of the people too enlightned, & too...
7674To John Adams from John Davis, 28 September 1804 (Adams Papers)
It has again become my duty to address you on a melancholly subject. The excellent President Willard , whose discourse we so lately heard at the funeral of the lamented Howard is now no more. I am In making arrangements, yesterday, for the funeral, the family requested the Corporation to name the Pall Holders. It is the wish of the Corporation, that you would consent to be one, if you it...
7675To John Adams from Samuel Holden Parsons, 15 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favors of the 3d. and 11th. Instant I received this Day for which I am much obliged. I know not whither the Promotion of Generals will give perfect Content, the Uneasiness amongst the Brigadiers who are promoted I beleive will Satisfy them, the Promotion of Colonels I dont hear objected to, except that None One from Rhode Island are not promoted; on my Part I ought to be contented when...
7676To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
On the petition of Richard Graham, the Secretary of the Treasy. in obedience to the directions of the Presidt. of the U. S. respectfully submits the following Report. The petitioner Richard Graham, and Samuel Spring, both of the State of New York, but residing at Rehoboth in Massachusetts, were convicted, before the Circuit Court of the United States holden at Boston on the first day of June...
7677To John Adams from James Lovell, 10 March 1808 (Adams Papers)
Hoping to have, very speedily, an opportunity of testifying my Esteem of you, at your own house, in propria personâ; I now take the freedom of making a previous intreaty that you would find from Judge Cranch the origin of the Katascoptic Club; which met at the Chamber of Edmd. Quincy 3. times in a Chamber at in the Widow Salter’s House where Gl. Donnison now lives; – in 1756 or 57. I beg you...
7678To John Adams from Turell Tufts, 8 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I think it proper to inform you personally that having recd. a Newspaper containing, an Account of the dismissal of Mr Pickering and the resignation of McHenry, as well as the nomination of Mr Marshall & Mr Dexter to fill their places I imagined it would be well with for me to communicate these important changes in Office to His Execley the Govr. and to Genl Magan. as the treatment of...
7679To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 27 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Your last is of the 25 Sepr. Mr. W.S.C. lately got the annexd note —it is Sent for your government. No news but what you will read in the papers as soon as this Letter—A great portion of the people here are hurt and as much astonishd as You can be at the treatment Mr. L—— has met with—the rigour is no ways abated. This, with Lord Cornwallis’s military Executions and cool butchery of...
7680To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the direction of the President of the United States respectfully makes the following Report; That the Letter of Governor Mifflin to the President of the United States dated the 12th Instant contains the following requests. – 1st. That the President would direct the American Ministers in Europe to use their influence to obtain permissions from the...
7681John Thaxter to John Adams, 19 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
This Evening Capt. Simeon Sampson of the State Ship Mars of 20 Guns arrived here, and delivered me a large Budget of Letters for You and Mr. Dana. According to your direction, I opened your’s, and read them excepting Mrs. A dams’ which I had no business to read. Postage for her Letters you will never think dear, I therefore have forwarded them with the highest satisfaction. I have the honor of...
7682To John Adams from William Campbell, 12 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
Have I mistaken your political principles or have I rightly understood them as being truly federal upon the Basis of our Constitution and the government of our own choice. The People of the United States at the time of choseing their Convention-men for the formation of the Federal Constitution upon which government as been Administered must have had all the zeal of Freemen emancipated from the...
7683To John Adams from Samuel Osgood, 23 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
Without apologizing for interrupting you a short Moment I have to inform you that Genl. Frye not receiving any Intelligence respecting himself, and being informed that Genl. Washington had received Word from the Honorable Congress that the Appointment of another Brigadier was suspended for the present, he left us about the 10th of Octr. unable to account for his not having any particular...
7684To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 22 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have been persuaded (though I doubt of it’s Success) to forward to You the earnest Request of Mr. Wait, the Printer of “the state Papers & public Documents of the United States”. In a Paragraph of his printed Advertisement he expresses so strong a Regret for having omitted the inaugural Address which he now wishes to procure a Copy of, that I will hope, if in your Power, You will indulge him...
7685To John Adams from Joshua Cushman, 2 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
As a token of my high respect, I inclose to you an oration delivered on the late anniversary of American Independence. I present it not from an impression that it contains any uncommon excellence; but because it inculcates doctrines and countenances a Spirit of loyalty to the Powers that be , which, I believe, you have uniformly Sanctioned, not less in the Shade of retirement than when...
7686Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 13 May 1784 (Adams Papers)
I am favor’d, with your letter of the 4 th. and thank you for the Trouble you took with the letters for Amsterdam— I am about half Converted to your opinion on the subject of the Vouchers, and will try to get them by other means than your Interposition— I have made a Memorandum of the Repairs which will be Necessary at Auteuil, and will finish the affair Tomorrow. I left it unclosed untill I...
7687From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 28 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
Since I wrote you last, which was on the 23d: of June, we have received your letter to your mother, dated 2. March, in which you express the wish that we should come home: that you might have the pleasure of knowing, and loving, and paying every attention of an affectionate brother to your little Sister—These were good and laudable wishes, but it has pleased God, to determine that they should...
7688To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 10 August 1815 (Adams Papers)
The simultaneous movements in our correspondence have been really remarkable on several occasions. it would seem as if the state of the air, or state of the times, or some other unknown cause produced a sympathetic effect on our mutual recollections. I had set down to answer your letters of June 19. 20. 22. with pen, ink, and paper before me, when I recieved from our mail that of July 30. you...
7689From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 17 July 1820 (Adams Papers)
We were a long time without hearing from your brother George or you, at all, and when at last we did hear it was with pain that you had been unwell, though happily mingled with the comfort of learning that your health was restored. My own occupations deprive me of the satisfaction of writing to you so often as I would, but you have other Correspondents here who have more leisure to be...
7690From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 31 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I received yours of the 10th Instant, and am of Opinion with you, that the English will evacuate New York & Charlestown, as the Troops there, after the late Resolutions of Parliament, must be useless, and are necessary to defend their Remaining Islands where they have not at present more than 3000 Men. The Prudence of this Operation is so obvious, that I...
7691John Adams’ Authorization to Accept Bills of Exchange Drawn on Henry Laurens, 28 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Resolved, That the Honble. John Adams be and hereby is authorised and instructed to accept the bills of Exchange drawn on the Honble. Henry Lawrens in pursuance of the resolution of Congress of the 6th. instant in the same manner as he is authorised and instructed to accept those heretofore drawn on Mr. Lawrens according to the resolution of November 23d. 1779, and in case of the absence of...
7692To John Adams from John Thomas, 24 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
I Received your favour of the fifth Instant, am Pleased to hear the Unanimity of the Colony’s Increase, as the Salvation of our Country Depends on the United Efforts of the whole. Altho: our Number of men in the New England Colony’s may be Sufficient to Repell any Force the Ministry may be able to Send; Yet the Expence of Such an Army as is Necessary to be kept up for that purpose, would be...
7693From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 14 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have read the pamphlet you sent me my dear John and am much pleased to find that you begin to turn your attention to literature in any shape—I admire exceedingly the principles which actuate the society for whom this address was made, but I am afraid that their doctrines are not made for our corrupt and perishable world and that like old fairy tales they will only serve to prove to the world...
7694From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 16 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 12th instant, that is to say, by the last post. But as that channel of conveiance is sometimes unfaithful I now inclose you a copy of my letter of that date, and of the one of Fiseaux & co. inclosed in that. I have since received my letters by the packet, but, among them, nothing from the Board of Treasury. Still their orders may be among the dispatches with which Paul Jones...
7695Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 25 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 30th. of June came safe to Hand. A particular Answer to Your several Queries, for want of sufficient Information, must defer for the present. In general, Powder is made at two Colony Mills—Stotingham and Andover. Cannon is cast at Abington by Hobart, who has hitherto been unsucessful, not having cast above 8 or 10—he is still pursuing the Matter. Messrs. Nicho., Jos. and Jno....
7696To John Adams from William Cranch, 8 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
Mr Norton paid me five dollars for your subscription to the National Intelligencer. As I am entirely out of the secrets of all departments of the Government, and of every political party, I can give you no political news. For myself, I think the nation would disgrace itself if it did not now provide the means for carrying into effect the system it has adopted. I am therefore not sorry to find...
7697To John Adams from Timothy Dwight, 10 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
I received your answer, & permission, with much pleasure; & should not have delayed this expression of it so long, but thro’ necessity. An extensive, &, in many instances, fatal sickness has prevailed among my Parishioners, & together with no small share of the same calamity in my own family, has engrossed almost all my attention & duty. The unmerited testimonies of esteem, contained in your...
7698To John Adams from Henry Laurens, 19 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Will you permit me to congratulate with you upon the favorable appearances in our American concerns and particularly upon your safe arrival at Paris, and further to request you will forward in the best manner the times will afford, the two inclosed Letters, one to Ralph Izard Esquire and the other to my daughter in Law in London the latter if War is kindled between France and England must take...
7699From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 22 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
You reproach me unjustly my dear John and I suspect you received a long letter from me the 15 or 16 of the Month, in answer to your last; so that I am not so heavily indebted as you pretend It is very flattering to me, and affords me unspeakable pleasure, to find you so desirous of obtaining Letters from me, and it is so gratifying to me to seize every opportunity of evincing my affection for...
7700Antoine Marie Cerisier to John Adams: A Translation, 18 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor of a visit from Mr. Sarsfield here. He spoke to me about a manuscript that he sent to you, and he seemed to want me to see a copy of it also. He deferred giving me a copy until after his trip, which, he said, he was only making to put final touches on this work. I doubt that he had the least bit of difficulty in getting it for me for a few days while he was at The Hague. There...