101From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 11 March 1822 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday received your Letter and was very much concerned to observe the depression of spirits under which you laboured, but the rapid approach of Spring will I hope restore you to all those blithsome feelings which are so charming and so natural to your nature character and disposition—. It is too true alas that in the attainment of the knowledge of human nature we are obliged to wade...
102From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 26 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have been so much engaged the last week at races parties and Ball it has been impossible for me to answer your last Letter or to write to Charles Eclipse as you have heard ran down poor Sir Charles who was totally unfitted by his lameness to oppose the pride of the North and I confess the race as it appears to me was altogether so unequal I cannot see any thing to boast of on the winning...
103From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 28 March 1822 (Adams Papers)
It has given me great satisfaction to learn that a part has be assigned to you to perform at the exhibition, fixed for the 30th. of April—and should be well pleased if it if it were in my power to be present at the performance—But as that will not be practicable, I wish you to let me know what dialogue it is that you are to speak—I feel also some anxiety for your performance, and quite...
104To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of Nov. 23. the banks, bankrupt law, manufactures, Spanish Treaty are nothing. these are occurrences which like waves in a storm will pass under the ship. but the Missouri question is a breaker on which we lose the Missouri country by revolt, & what more, God only knows. from the battle of Bunker’s hill to the treaty of Paris we never had so...
105To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 6 June 1818 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure to publish your letters to Mr. Tudor, presenting subjects for national paintings—much to my own satisfaction & to the gratification of the American people. I respectfully acknowledge the reception of your very interesting letters to Mr. Wirt—they shall have a conspicuous insertion in my next Register. Grateful for the honor conferred by those communications, / I am, sir,...
106To John Adams from Nathaniel F. Williams, 21 May 1823 (Adams Papers)
Altho’ I have not the honor of Knowing you personally, but as one of the few illustrious Patriots of the revolution Still living,—and one for whom I feel a great Veneration & attachment for great & distinguished Services rendered to our Common Country in her Utmost Need,—I take the liberty to ask you to furnish me with a Copy of a letter from the late General Washington to yourself,—giving his...
107To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 15 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
I call’d this morning upon The Treasurer of the Commonwealth—and rec’d of him Eight Dollars— to your pay as Elector—your pay as delegate he said required your order—Which I enclose for your signature & to be returnd to me, wch. I will immediately apply for payment, wch. is 70 Dollars—added to the Eight Dollars already rec’d I will pay to Mr Foster or send to you by post if he is not able to...
108To John Adams from Daniel Webster, 26 June 1823 (Adams Papers)
Genl. Iredell, of North Carolina, son of the late Judge Iredell, & Mr. Hitchcock, son of the late Judge Hitchcock of Vermont, & now Attorney Genl. of Alibama, are desirous of calling to pay you their respects. They are Gentlemen of much respectability; & I regret that I am not able to have the pleasure of attending them to Quincy. I pray you to allow me to add an expression of the great...
109To John Adams from James Brackett, 2 August 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 29 ulto I duly received, And in answer to Mr Farmer’s enquirey Honour’d through your medium. I beg leave to observe,—As to any account of the family of Tompson’s I can say no more than—they were once respectable in the town of Braintree but for many years they have disappear’d. And as respect’s the family of Brackett’s in this place, by the best information I can obtain,...
110From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 3 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
Tomorrow is the great National anniversary and at the same the anniversary of your birth which event was to me as joyful as the other to the nation; and I always hail its return with pleasure and gratitude, Oh may this sentiment exist as long as you I have life, and may no unpropitious event cast a cloud over the brightness of this day which hitherto has been a day of joy. accept my...
111From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 19 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
I received with much pleasure you new year’s Letter, with the copy of the Lamp–lighter’s address, and the hint from the fount of the Centinal about a Present; which your uncle Thomas will tell you I have not forgotten. Your Parents were very highly gratified with what Mr Gould gave you leave to write to me concerning your promotion to the second Class, in which you will no doubt take care to...
112To John Adams from LeRay de Chaumont, 28 November 1818 (Adams Papers)
I was travelling in the wilderness of the West part of Pensylvania, where I have some property when your most esteemed favour of the 6th ulto reached LeRaysville, from whence it has been sent to me at Philadelphia, to wait for my arrival—The pleasure I received from it was soon turned into morning when the public voice learnt me the irreparable loss you met with—My sympathetick heart knows too...
113To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 13 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
Feby 13—A very bad cold—The day very stormy which prevented my going out—Mr. Bailey passed the evening with us—The question on Genl. Jackson’s affairs appears to be given up in the Senate—The popular opinion is too favourable—and though the Gentleman from Georgia who is to take the lead, might have found it useful in procuring the attention of the Ministry in the Country which he is about to...
114To John Adams from Henry Dearborn, 11 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
This will be presented to you by Mr. Binon the sculptor who waits on you, as proposed, to form a model, from which he will sculpture your Bust in marble.— with the highest respect / I am Sir your / Humbe.Servant MHi : Adams Papers.
115To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 21 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Thou hast been pleased to command my literary labors, and to manifest toward me so much kindness, that I beg permission to ask of thee a favor. The 15 years that I have devoted to the topography, statistics, geography & history of this State, have procured me plenty of empty-handed praise, a very general public applause, but, as to pecuniary compensation for these labors, my time has been...
116To John Adams from Joseph Bartlett, 2 March 1823 (Adams Papers)
It gives me the most heart-felt pain—to address you another line on the subject of my little Vol: —My only apology Must be—”et necessitate rei .”—to a mind like yours, it will be Sufficent—: My old friend Doctor Danforth—advised me, to remove for a few Weeks into the Country—My State of health, imperiously demands it—I wish to go this Week—if I can gain a trifle for the purpose —I am now out...
117To John Adams from George Blake, 1 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
The undersigned, a Committee acting under the authority, and in pursuance of the request of a large number of their fellow-citizens of Boston and the vicinity, beg leave to express to you the high gratification which is felt by them at the result of the recent election of a President of the United States;—to advise you of their intention to celebrate that event, by a Public dinner at Faneuil...
118To John Adams from Mrs. Derby, 31 July 1821 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Derby presents her respects to Mr. Adams, and altho’ he gave her leave in presence of many witnesses, to put his name to the Subscription paper for Mr. Freeman’s Book; She cannot deny herself & others, the pleasure of seeing so honored a name written by his own hand. She is join’d by her Mother & Mr. Derby in presenting their respects to Mr Adams & the Ladies of his family—. MHi : Adams...
119From John Adams to John Adams, 25 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
In the reign of Charles 1st of England, Henry Adams came to America from Devonshire and settled at Mount Wollaston with eight sons, one of whom returned to England. Four removed to Medfield, Medway, Bellingham and the neighbouring towns—two to Chelmsford Thomas and Samuel by name; Joseph only, my great grandfather, and the great grandfather of Samuel Adams of Boston, remained in this place...
120To John Adams from J. H. Tiffany, 7 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
This morning’s mail brought me the new & valuable vol. of Novanglus & Massachutensis, for which I pray you to accept my profoundest thanks. The topics & the times to which these essays belong, are interesting beyond all others historical or political, unless we except the revolution itself, to which they furnish the prologue. It is a cruel alternative to oppose one’s bosom friend, or country;...
121To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 6 February 1820 (Adams Papers)
6 Feb My Boys went off in the six oclock Stage, and Mr: A– myself, and Mary went to the Representative chamber and heard Mr: Rice, one of the Indian Missionaries, who had great reputation in the Western States—I thought very little of him—there was a great attempt at eloquence, which however to my idea proved entirely abortive, his language was mean, and ill chosen, and when he rose at all...
122To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 8 September 1817 (Adams Papers)
A month’s absence from Monticello has added to the delay of acknoleging your last letters; and indeed for a month before I left it our projected College gave me constant employment; for being the only Visitor in it’s immediate neighborhood, all it’s administrative business falls on me, and that, where building is going on, is not a little. in yours of July 15, you express a wish to see our...
123To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 6 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have recd & read with great pleausre Your very acceptable letter of the 29th ult. Next to the approbation of a man’s own conscience, that of the enlightened part of mankind, is the greatest reward a correct mind can desire. It has been always my object—”laudari laudatis viris.” And I therefore estimate at a high rate the commendation you are so good to bestow on my efforts to promote the...
124To John Adams from Alexander Bryan Johnson, 16 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have long waited impatiently the moment when I could congratulate you & our country:—you, on a consummation of the most exalted parental hopes; & our country, on the manifestation of a public virtue, which must elevate our nation in the estimation of foreigners, & endear it to the best feelings of our citizens. I rejoice that you have lived to see this day. And, amid the numerous...
125To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 24 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
In pursuance of a joint Resolution, of the two Houses of Congress, a copy of which is hereto annexed, and by direction of the President of the United States, I have the honour of transmitting two fac simile copies of the original Declaration of Independence, engrossed on parchment, conformably to a secret Resolution of Congress 19 July 1776, to be signed by every member of Congress, and...
126To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
My grandson Th: Jefferson Randolph, being on a visit to Boston, would think he had seen nothing were he to leave it without having seen you. altho’ I truly sympathise with you in the trouble these interruptions give, yet I must ask for him permission to pay to you his personal respects. like other young people, he wishes to be able, in the winter nights of old age, to recount to those around...
127To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 21 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
Is it not Strange, that this year—I Should not have received one Single line from those—whom I So highly respect, at Boston? No—not even of Montezillo? It cannot be—that you are indisposed—or any of the family—your promising George would have mentioned it to me—The last notice I obtained of the family was from Fish-kill—and will the 4th of march your’s was of 18 Febr—Could it be possible, that...
128To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 August 1822 (Adams Papers)
Although I hear no more of Montezillo than of Boston—Yet I trust, that it is not unacceptable to receive again a—few lines—and the N. papers tell us—from time to time—that He—whom we love and respect—continues to enjoy health and happiness—and yet Sometimes—from a foul mouth ed an adders tongue endeavours to poison those who are less acquainted with them whom we respect and admire—and it may...
129To John Adams from Rev. Samuel Deane, 2 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I send you a copy of my Table of the of the Otis Family, agreeably to your request. I have searched records, and made enquiries with some diligence, in order to make the early generations correct; which I believe I have accomplish’d. The principal value of this Table, arises from the circumstance, of its rescuing from forgetfulness, the early genealogy, which, probably, would have been...
130To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 5 March 1822 (Adams Papers)
A few weeks ago I had the honour of informing you that I have a fine portrait by King, of your distinguished son, the Honourable John Quincy Adams, in my National Gallery of portraits.—I took the liberty at the same time, to request the favour of you to forward to Charles Shaw Esqr. of Boston, a package which I then enclosed to your special care.— A letter which I had the honour of receiving...
131To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 4 September 1825 (Adams Papers)
It was an unexpected pleasure which I received in your letter of the 17th. of last month, as I had not calculated upon your making such an exertion merely for me. If by writing I can do aught to amuse you a moment I shall think that I am well repaid but my vanity was not so great as to desire an answer, however gratified I may have been at receiving one. The General La Fayette is near on his...
132To John Adams from T. D. Clark, 6 October 1825 (Adams Papers)
In order not to be tedious or Embarrassing to you I must be brief. I am a son of a Republican who fought and Bled in the Cause of liberty and Equality. he died in 1804 but in the Revolutionary he was so Disabled by his wounds Recd. that he had his leg amputated—he belonged to Genl. Greens Division his name was Samuel Clark. he bore a Majors Commission in the Continental army. My whole object...
133To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 21 August 1822 (Adams Papers)
When I rec’d your Letter dated from Badimage Hall, I then read it, according to the meaning of the French term—but I since find by the News paper of Saturday last, that it was in plain English—no joke—but that you have carried your truely magnificent Intention into immediate effect—the object as announced in the papers do not exactly define the purport of it as your Letter Mentions—no doubt...
134From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 20 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I write to announce our safe arrival at this place from whence we propose to start on a visit of two days to Mrs. De Wint this afternoon to return on Friday night to meet your father and proceed in the Steam Boat on Saturday afternoon to Providence where I presume we shall remain until Monday Morning—As the Horses are very tired it is probable we shall take a Stage to Quincy and see you all on...
135To John Adams from Jacob de La Motta, 7 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
To confer the tribute of respect to the venerable statesman and Philosopher; and the man who has held with distinguished abilities, the higst station in the gift of our Republic; would have been sufficient inducement to have solicited the acceptance of a Discourse pronounced on the occasion of the consecration of the new Hebrew Synagogue recently erected in this City. But, in this act, I have...
136To John Adams from David Sewall, 13 November 1821 (Adams Papers)
This is to acknowledge and thank you for your favour of Novr. 5 . (a day anciently memorable in this Country on account of the Gunpowder plot, to destroy the King and Parlamment) And the application therein made to our great Men of Mayne, in their anxiety and eagerness to Acquire an Independence from Massa. and the Indifference to its places of Honour and profit, after they had acquired...
137To John Adams from Thomas B. Wait, 10 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
When I had the honour of calling on you, I only conjectured that the printing of the Journals of the Convention, &c would be under the direction of the Secretary of State; but by the inclosed N. Intelligencer it appears to be very certain that the publication will be committed to his care.— You will recollect that in the letter wh. I shewed you from Mr: King, it was suggested that, were I on...
138To John Adams from A. Stanton, 12 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
I take the Liberty of Sending my little work to the Nestor of the united States, who more fortunate than he of ancient times, has a Son Who So honorably fulfills the place of a Ulisses. I have the honor to be / Venerable Sir / your most humble / and obedient Servant DNA : RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.
139To John Adams from Charles Holt, 27 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
It will possibly amuse a few of the leisure moments of your latter years, to receive an act of political justice and literary homage, not the less to be valued as it is late in offering, when accompanied by my sincere regret that it had not be tendered before. Twenty years ago, Sir, I was the editor of a party newspaper in Connecticut (the Bee), and was imprisoned under the Sedition law for a...
140To John Adams from James Ronaldson, 16 February 1820 (Adams Papers)
In the generation that follows the Heroes and statesmen of the Revolution, General Andrew Jackson is a most distinguished character, one who has laid aside all personal consideration when the interest of his country required the sacrifice. Under the belief that there exists a fellowship of feeling between strong minds; men who acted on the theatre of War & politics; when , life and reputation...
141To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 23 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
My last letter I believe, evinced a degree of excitement very uncommon for me. But the transactions of that week were of a nature to act upon the blood of persons less impetuous even than myself. And the feeling was shared by almost all persons in the city. You are probably aware of what took place the day before I wrote although at that time I was ignorant of it myself. Persons will praise or...
142From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 23 October 1817 (Adams Papers)
mr Dexter will come to Boston tomorrow for the Trunks you must go with him to mr Crufts who when you pick out the Trunks will deliver them—I See that nobody here will attend to them if I do not—they are lodged at mr Thorndikes Store Custer lies very dangerously sick your GM MHi : Adams Papers.
143To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 31 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
The extreeme distress of mind under which Mr Adams labours in consequence of our dear Mother’s distressing illness, totally incapacitates him from writing to you on the subject which excites in us both the most painful anxiety—. Most readily will I set out to Boston if in any shape I can afford assistance, and I should delight in giving every testimony of dutiful affection and respect to our...
144From Charles Francis Adams to John Adams, 7 November 1819 (Adams Papers)
I am glad to find you so happy at college and I myself assure you I feel as much so here there is one thing I regret and that is the loss of Mr Gould for certainly let Ironside be himself whatever genius he may yet he does not know the right way of keeping school nor will he till he keeps order; but as it is now every boy in the school is talking from the minute he goes in till he comes out. I...
145To John Adams from John Marston, 1 September 1818 (Adams Papers)
Parental solicitude for the welfare of a beloved son, I hope will excuse the liberty I take of inclosing you, a letter from Mr Bailey at Washington, who has kindly interested himself in behalf of my son, who you know is a Cadet at West point. My Son has been at the Academy four years, & in consequence, of not passing his last examination in mathematicks, was not included in the list of...
146To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 21 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
The summer has come upon us very rapidly without giving us any of our usual Spring weather. Some few days within the past week have been almost as warm as any during the last summer. This brings us at least peace and quiet. Almost all strangers have left the place and many members of Congress. Both houses adjourn tomorrow, having been excessively hurried in their business during the week....
147To John Adams from Harriet Welsh, 11 March 1822 (Adams Papers)
Having met with the answer & recantation of Campbell the poet to Mr. Everett and being pleased I have thought you too might like to have it read to you, regretting that I cannot receive the pleasure and benefit of reading it to you myself—it has suggested an inquiry which it will gratify my curiosity if you will have the goodness to answer—viz—whether you think that at any period of our...
148To John Adams from Henry Bond, 17 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
presuming no one living to be better acquainted than yourself with that period of our history, to which this discourse cheifly refers, or feels a livelier personal interest in it, I have ventured, tho a stranger, to send you my Address . Its literary exeortion gives it no claim on your attention, but the subject may, perhaps, interest you for a few moments. I will not doubt but my object will...
149To John Adams from Hiram Haines, 4 June 1822 (Adams Papers)
A desire not only to see, but to possess and preserve relicts of those venerable Heroes and Sages whose exertions won, and whose counsels have preserved that glorious liberty which I, in common with millions of my happy fellow citizens enjoy is the cause of my addressing you at present, in which I hope you will excuse the liberty an intire stranger , has thus unceremoniously taken. My wishes...
150To John Adams from Jacob Brown, 18 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have the satisfaction to acknowledge your kind Letters of the 19th: Novm. & 1st. inst. The favourable opinion you have been pleased to express of my Address is very grateful to my feelings. The belief, that the effort I was about to make when I commenced this Address, would plead strongly with minds like yours in favour of the Author, altho, his work should not merit much praise cheered me...