251To John Adams from Stephen Peabody, 9 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
With a trembling hand, I inform you of the removal of my dear Companion and best friend, by the stroke of death, this morning, between three & 4 OClock. She was seiz’d with a lung-complaint, was yesterday unwell but not confind; went to bed comfortable, and slept till after midnight, waked in distress, and soon was call’d without any peculiar struggle, in the full exercise of reason, I trust...
252To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 23 June 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter dated May 15th. 1816 which I was very much interested with, and pleased me very much. As to your question of what country man I am, I think you ought to know that I never would desert my own country not for any thing Where I was born I do not remember nor I think never knew till you told me, that was in your last letter and so I take the liberty to fill my letter up...
253To John Adams from Hendrick W. Gordon, 19 November 1813 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, having given me the Office of Collector of Direct Taxes & Internal Duties for the County of Middlesex in this Commonwealth, and as you were so obligeing as to honor my letters of recommendation with your name, to which I attribute in a great measure the success of my application, I should do injustice to my feelings, were I to omit to thank you for this...
254To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 21 December 1815 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 28th. is before me, My son, & his parents feel much obliged to You for your polite & kind invitation to him, to visit you at your house for the purpose of taking your Portrait. He will deem it an honor & a privilege to enjoy the Society of Mrs Adams & yourself for a few days. He, therefore, authorises me to say to you, sir, that should it not be convenient to you to visit him...
255To John Adams from Richard Sharp, 25 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
Few letters have ever given me so much pleasure as that which you did me the honor to write in February last. The gratification which I felt in the receipt of it arose not only from meeting with a fresh mark of your attention, but from the singular importance of the remarks, which it contained, on the real æra & true spirit of your great Revolution I am fully sensible of the justness, or...
256To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 24 October 1815 (Adams Papers)
In your last letter from Quincy of April 4th. you wished I would furnish you with a Copy of Hamiltons Letter to Miranda and asked in what Journal, Magazine, Review or Newspaper it s deposited—At the time, I could only furnish Mirandas Letter to Hamilton, since my return home I have found among my books a Vol entitled South American emancipation a London edition By J.M. Antipara, a Native of...
257To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 19 May 1812 (Adams Papers)
Your two letters of yesterday & to day have made me serious. They discover a profound knowledge of times past, present & to come. I have directed one of my daughters to copy two sentences from your letter of this day to be sent to my son Richard at Washington who, poor fellow! is swamped in a beleif of the infallibility and perpetuity of the “powers that are”. I know he reveres your judgment....
258To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 6 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your letters of the 11th of February has given me great pleasure. I regretted exceedingly that the incidents of the day, at our last interview, deprived me of the pleasure you then proposed, of conversing fully & freely on the subject of the Navy. I have this day written to Captain Selman (Commodore Broughton being no more) & have requested of him every information, & a copy of every document...
259From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 10 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
pray how did you succeed with your new commission? I heard you was made Commander-in chief of the Regiment of Poultry, on Board ship—with full powers to deal out their Rations, at your pleasure, and I learnt from a Letter of mr Ticknors two days after you sail’d, that you were well, and studied to his satisfaction. While I am writing this I flatter myself that you have made half your voyage,...
260To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 4 March 1811 (Adams Papers)
Herewith th r ough the politeness of Mr Quincy you will receive the Coins for your son. I regret that some of them are not recently coined. None such have been issued lately from the mint. Your Son Thomas’s friend Mr Erving has paid me for them. Permit me to Congratulate you upon your Son John’s honourable Appointment to a Seat upon the bench of the United States. It gives great Satisfaction...
261To John Adams from William D. Williamson, 12 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
Acquainted with your ready disposition to communicate information, tho unacquainted with you personally, I would, with due deference, beg leave to make of you a few enquiries. Previously, however, I would give assurance, that all means, within my power, have been used to get the wished-for information, without encroaching, in this way, upon your moments: I have consulted the different...
262To John Adams from Richard Sharp, 19 December 1810 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge your favour of the 13 July, which Mr Harris did not deliver till last week— Nothing could afford me more pleasure, or flatter me more, than so obliging an instance of recollection from a gentleman for whom I entertain so high a respect & so much regard— To Mr Harris and his companion Mr Bruce I shall be happy in shewing my best attention—Before the delivery of your letter...
263To John Adams from Joseph Bradley Varnum, 23 November 1812 (Adams Papers)
With much pleasure I have this day received your communication of the 15th Instance, and I shall always be happy in Receiving Any Communication from, so Eminant a Statesman of the Revolution who in common with thousands of Others, both in the Cabinet and in the field, have put danger at defiance, and as it were, with Halters about their necks, did boldly contend for, and thro the Aid of divine...
264To John Adams from Cyrus Kingsbury, 23 December 1815 (Adams Papers)
I hope you will excuse me for troubling you with a line relative to the subject on which I called at your house. the remarks which were then made, have left a deep impression on my mind. I say to myself, can it be possible that President Adams is opposed to any exertions, which may tend to enlighten society, & render it virtuous & happy. No, I will not, I cannot indulge the thought. I do...
265To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 26 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
I am lately favored with a Letter from thy Son, one of our Ministers at Ghent, acknowledging the receipt of two copies of my Gazetteer, which thou wast good enough to forward for me. That Gentleman, in my estimation, stands on very high ground, & I am gratified to thee for having, so far, procured me his favorable notice. While lately at Washington, I learnt, both from the President & Col....
266To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 28 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
Act 1. Scene 2nd. Mr Adams alone in his Study. Enter B Rush. A: Aye Rush is that you? What is that paper you hold in your hand? R A Summary view of the physical, moral and immoral effects of certain hymns upon the body & mind of man & upon his Condition in Society. Permit me Sir to request your Acceptance of it. A What must I do with it? R: Send it to the parson of your parish, but if he “too...
267To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 30 June 1814 (Adams Papers)
The subject of this letter, is the celebration of the 4th of July at Lexington; a fete which I hope will be honored by your company. The crisis appears to require every measure for animating the friends of our Independence. In this quarter they are sensible of it, & are making every exertion for honoring the day. Your ideas on this subject, as communicated by accident, always struck my mind...
268To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 19 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
In complying with the directions of the American Academy & transmitting the inclosed vote I cannot refrain from expressing my individual pain and regret at the dissolution of a tie which to me has been, always as pleasant as honourable. Be assured, Sir, that I cannot cease to feel or to express the sentiments of esteem and respect with which / I am your hl St At a meeting of the American...
269To John Adams from Alexander Coffin, Jr., 4 July 1814 (Adams Papers)
Be pleas’d to accept the inclosed little Poem, presented by the Author, as a small testimonial, of the respect He has for you, and to whom he has taken the liberty to make the dedication;—The Poem you will perceive attempt to celibrate an important & glorious event of the Revolution. In fact it my Justly be call’d the opening scene of the Drama. I will now Sir, make a Poets apology for the...
270To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 April 1814 (Adams Papers)
Now I hope, you have already perused my Oration—although I have not Seen it yet in print—I doubt not, or friendship Shall influence your judgment. You desired, to know my opinion about mr. English book. I received it lately—and, as your requests, when it is in my power to grant them, are always considered—equal to commands—I taught it the best way—to do it in this manner. We cannot much...
271To John Adams from Dudley A. Tyng, 21 July 1810 (Adams Papers)
In pursuance of the permission given by your very obliging favour of yesterday I have notified the trustees &c to meet at your House in Quincy at one o clock on Saturday next the 28th instant.— The very sudden Departure of the late President of our University is I believe most heartily lamented by all the friends of Virtue and Science in our Country. His Death is peculiarly inauspicious at the...
272To John Adams from Pseudonym: "Cassandra", 6 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
I offer you a glorious opportunity of adding to the laurels you acquired during the American Revolution—of preserving the Edifice of Liberty, in the erection of which you so ably co–operated. There appears but one sovereign remedy for the traitorous & nefarious schemes of those apostates who seek to overthrow the glorious form of government we enjoy—& that it to fight them with their own...
273To John Adams from Samuel Elliot, 26 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
As I think it will give you pleasure to hear of Judge Vander Kemp’s arrival at Barneveld in health & safety yesterday, week, when he found his family pro s pering, I use the first moment to hand you the pleasing intelligence. The short acquaintance I had with this gentleman gave me every reason to believe that his heart was as good, as his head is powerful! Had any doubt remained on the...
274To John Adams from William Cunningham, 23 September 1809 (Adams Papers)
My letter of the 9th. inst. had an enclosure which it is so interesting to myself, as well as to you, that it should get to your possession, that I cannot suppress my solicitude to be advised of its safe reception. The present covers the last National Aegis, in which you will find your juvenile Letter to your friend Webb, which I have caused to be inserted in the paper according to your...
275To John Adams from Hendrick W. Gordon, 12 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the pleasure to enclose for your perusal, a letter which I recd from the Hon Mr Calhoun, a member of Congress from So. Carolina. I have had the honor of holding a correspondence with this Gentleman for some time, and from what I can learn, he stands high in the estimation of both parties, as it respects his talents & integrity. Captain Story I find will not be able to get away...
276To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 17 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
I began a long & confidential letter to you two weeks ago upon the Subject of one of your late letters, but an unusual pressure of business has prevented my finishing it. Judge of my the nature & extent of my engagements, when I add, that after lecturing twice, and visiting my normal number of patients this day, and entertaining some of my pupils at tea, I have since written six Answers to...
277From James Madison to John Adams, 3 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 21st. Ulto. inclosing one to yourself from Mr. Malcom. I return the latter as desired. Mr. Malcom was not in time to be taken into consideration along with others having the same object with him. I need not say that if it had been otherwise, and his comparative qualifications had entitled him to the appointment, I should have felt a pleasure in knowing that...
278To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 25 December 1810 (Adams Papers)
I am honord with your 2d. letter of the 15th. instt. covering a letter from Messr. Wilson Marsh & Son in Answer to my Letter Addressed to their factory—for which Sir Please to accept my thanks—While I feel diffident on this Subject; the riseing State of this City, and the increased and increasing business done here I flatter Myself by taking this early advantage of introducing the Articles of...
279To John Adams from William Gray, 22 July 1815 (Adams Papers)
My Son Major Samuel Swett, who has served in the American Army attached to Gen. Izards Staff as a Topographical Engineer, wishing to Visit France to compleat his Education in the Study of Military Tactics. May I presume to ask the favor of you, Sir, to furnish him a letter of introduction to the Marqui s de Lefaete, or any other distinguished Characte r? I have the honor / to be with great /...
280To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 22 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have forwarded to you The Report of the Department of war on the subject of our military force the past Campaign I now enclose you Documents from The Secretary of the navy, relating to the navy of the United States—both of which will put you in full possession of the present real state of these two important departments, of course will be thus far satisfactory to you—The House have been for...
281To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 31 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
The restrictive System is raised and The President this day recommended to The two Houses of Congress to raise the Embargo—The communication was refered to The Committee of foreign relations, who will report to-morrow—The Papers of tomorrow will fully inform you, and I will forward them by the post of the 2d. of april— To make comments to you must be Superfluous, I mark the aspect of the...
282To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 31 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the 20th and should have before now sent you a copy of the Olive Branch; but the first Edition is so very imperfect, having been very much hurried in the execution, that I determined to wait till the second is ready. This will probably be about the middle of next week. Mean while I send you by this opportunity such part of the new one as is ready. You may from thence...
283To John Adams from David Sewall, 5 January 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your communication of Novr. 19th. ulto. came to hand a few days before my departure to attend the district Court at Portland, the duties of Which, & other engagements, has hitherto prevented paying that particular attention, which it always affords me pleasure to make on your Letters, which I have found the Copy formerly made from the Original of old Judge Samuel Sewall to his eldest son...
284To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 18 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
On my return this morning from Nyork, your two favors of May 21st. & June 17th. were received, and read, with all the sincere respect, & affectionate acknowledgment, it is in my power to express, or entertain. Although disappointed of office, I feel the consolation, that I am not thereby disgraced, for I am proud, & satisfied, to hold a place in your regards—The expectations on the score of...
285To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 2 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
I receive with great satisfaction your congratulations on the peace, dated the 22d. ulto. the day of the great rejoicings in Boston, I have noticed the detail of the processions, and ceremonies, they must have been great indeed—The Bostonians have always been remarked, as doing things upon a great Scale. I suppose you did not see, the regular confusion, or hear the enthusiastic shouts of the...
286To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 27 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
Be assured that I receive, with the sentiments of respect and humility, which I ought the very high approbation, you have been pleased to express of my exertion in behalf of the Navy. I had hoped a different event from that which followed. But what sailors call an undertow sunk our hopes, while they were yet vivid and perfect. The “base and mean and disgraceful motives” of which you intimate...
287To John Adams from Richard Rush, 15 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
Your valued favors of the 5th and 10th, have gratified, instructed, and consoled me. As far as I stand informed, the administration have never dreamed that the war, or the treaty of Ghent, diminished the nicest hair of our rights to the fisheries, as we have ever before enjoyed them. On the 10th of November 1814, the joint mission wrote to the British commissioners exactly as follows—“In...
288To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 16 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
Mr Jefferson and I exchange letters Once in six, nine or twelve Months. This day I received a few lines from him in which he introduces your Name in the following Words. After mentioning the Visit paid to you by his two neighbours—the Messrs Coles last summer he adds, “Among Other things he [Mr Adams] adverted to the unprincipled licenciousness of the press against myself—adding— I always...
289To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 15 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
I recd from my venerable & respected friend, Dr Rush, sundry communications from you , forwarded by you for the use of the author of the Naval History, which I have just published. I now return them with thanks. A mistake of the post office prevented the first of them coming early enough to answer the purpose. I request your acceptance of a copy of the work, which I send herewith. Any As it...
290To John Adams from Jabeil Kinson, 2 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
The pleasure which I feel, in addressing one of the first sages and patriots of my country, is sensibly repressed by the consciousness of the trouble the intrusion may produce. I could wish to strew the evening walk of the man I address with roses, and not to embarrass it with litigious interrogatories; because I have witnessed his noble independence and patriotism, have experienced his...
291To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 7 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
On my return from a Journey I rec’d your two favours of the 11th & 12th. Ulto.—On the Subject of Siberian wheat—as respects its culture on the Seabord your remarks are doubtless correct—I yet console myself it will be found congenial with the Interior Soil & Climate As proof off which I am promised a bushel from Collo. Whipple Collector of Portsmouth, the only person who retains of that wheat...
292To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 12 March 1811 (Adams Papers)
I here send for your Perusal The Preface to the Botanist. The Publisher has printed off a few Copies dozen by Way of Sample of type, and to give Some general Idea of the Work, as well as a Short History of its origin. I thought there might be another Service in it, viz, if any thing appeared to egotistical, or too assuming in it, my Friends would probably give me the hint. I mean it as an...
293To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 2 February 1817 (Adams Papers)
An attack of rhumatism which has confined me to my room & kept me in such a feverish, irritable state as to be almost incapable of any thing, has alone prevented my writing to return my thanks for the few hints on the subject of the Jesuits; I hope Sir, you will be willing to continue the subject which has long appeared to me one of the most interesting in modern history. The peice you sent...
294To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 26 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
I return you Col Smiths & Dr Waterhouse’s letters The former is replete with good Sense. Alas! the evils of party Spirit! It is a greater Curse to our country than our War with Great Britain. It sacrifices every to itself . Unless appointements are made hereafter with a more wise and impartial hand, our Union cannot last. I am afraid the app situation in the medical department of the Army...
295To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, January 1810 (Adams Papers)
Accept of my thanks for your last letter.—I enclose you a few numbers of the Aurora. Shall we descend in a Calm or a storm to the our Graves? We are told your son is gone to Petersburg to put a torch to the flame of War, and that we are to be Allies of France and of all the powers on the Baltic in it. Mr Jackson has just left our city. He has been visited & entertained by Some of our first...
296To John Adams from Richard Sullivan, 21 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
A Letter from you of the 25th. ult. expressive of your intention to decline a reelection to the office of President of the Masstts. Society for promoting Agriculture having been read by the Chairman at the annual meeting for the choice of Officers, I was thereupon directed to make known to you the regret of the Society at the loss of a name from the head of their institution, and of counsels,...
297To John Adams from Jonathan Webb, 8 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
Agreeable to your request I have considered the Substance of Mr. Dearborns letter— And hereby inform you what little I know respecting the several enquires therein mention’d. This Town abounds mostly of boot & shoemakers there appears to be about 20 shops employing from 80 to 100 hands, can be carried on with a small capital— It is not so good as it has been, no doubt the interuption of our...
298To John Adams from Andrew Dunlap, 9 January 1815 (Adams Papers)
Mr Matthew Carey of Philadelphia has written me, that he has forwarded to you, part of the Sig na tures of the Second Edition of the “Olive Branch” for perusal, after which, to be handed to me, for the purpose of Striking of an Edition of 1250 Copies in Boston. I am very desirous to Commence the publication of this Valuable work, with the least possible delay. I therefore take the liberty to...
299To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 26 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
By the request of Mr Wyer, lately appointed a Consul of the U States to Riga, I have the pleasure of introducing you to this Gentleman, who proposes soon to embark for Russia. Mr Wyer is governed by those principles of integrity & honor, & is possessed of such liberality & candor as cannot fail to meet your approbation & friendship. Permit me, With Mrs Gerry & my family, to express, in terms...
300To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 10 July 1814 (Adams Papers)
It is very many days since I address’d a line to any of my Quincy friends, and as I think I have been some time in arrears for a very agreeable letter from the late President, my first attention is due to desire and I am quickened to discharge this obligation from having recently heard by my Sister Otis, that your health is declining.—The years you have counted up admonish that the harbingers...