1From Charles Francis Adams to John Adams, 16 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I wrote a letter to Brother George, and so I thought that I ought to write you one too; for I love both my Brothers equally well, and I hope it will not be much longer before we shall all meet together again. I want to go home, to see my Grandpapa and Grandmama, who have always been so kind to you and Brother George, and to live where it is not so cold as in this Country; for here,...
2To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 17 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have been learning to write more than a year; and it is high time for me to try to turn my learning to some use; and I can make no better use of it than by writing to my Grandparents and my Brothers to give them tokens of my duty and affection. It is so long since I came from home, that I cannot remember how they look, nor the place where I was born; but I shall never forget the love and...
After having written to my Grandpapa, and my Brothers, I must not omit writing to you, to express my gratitude for your kindness to my Brothers, as well as to myself, longer ago than I can remember. We have now vacation time at school; and one Evening, Papa and Mama permitted me to have a party of my school-mates, and a few other young Gentlemen and Ladies of my acquaintance. We had a great...
4From Charles Francis Adams to John Adams, 5 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
I am staying at home from School, because I have got a bad Cold and Cough: but I love to be always doing something good, and I think I cannot be doing any thing better than writing to my Brothers. I told you in my last Letter that it was very cold in this Country: and since I wrote it, I have been to see the Rope dancers, and Tumblers, and other Show men, who have their Stages built upon the...
5From Charles Francis Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 6 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
At Mr: Fishwick’s School, where I am, there are sixteen boys besides myself, and besides his two daughters, Charlotte and Eliza. We learn on Mondays and Fridays Russian; on Tuesdays and Thursdays German; and on Tuesday Morning, Drawing; on Wednesdays and Fridays, French, Every day English Spelling and Grammar. Writing every day except Saturdays and cyphering sometimes. On Saturdays in the...
6From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I went to School on Monday as usual in a Boat because the bridge is not yet put up. When I arrived at Mr: Fishwick’s the Boys told me that Tuesday was John Dahler’s Birth-day; he gave us some nice Cake. Thursday a new Boy came whose name is Duncan. Once Priestly looked into his Drawers and saw that there were some playthings and a flute which he had brought with him. Pray do not forget to Send...
7From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I went to School last Wednesday, as I could not cross sooner on account of the Ice. At Dinner, I heard that mr: Severin’s House in the Country, was burnt to the ground; the fire spread so fast, that it was impossible to put it out. Mrs: Severin lost all the Clothes, Table-linen &c. of all the family, which had been sent out the night before. Mrs: S. had left town herself, and was met on the...
8From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 June 1814 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your very kind letter of the 31st: of May, which Mama gave me the day before yesterday. I came to Mama’s Country house last Saturday. There is a very small Garden, in which I play; Mama is going to give me some seeds to sew, and I hope to become quite a Gardener. I have already got a Spade, a Rake, and a Wheel-barrow. You ask me what part of the Bible I am in? the lesson I read...
9From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 July 1814 (Adams Papers)
Mama presented me your kind Letter of the 20th. of June, No 2, which I read with great pleasure, particularly that part of it which tells of the dress, of the Boys and Girls; in Holland. I laughed very much at the large breeches, and Umbrella petticoats, and wished very much I could be with you, to see all these droll things. I have come home for a Vacation of three weeks, but Mr Fishwick has...
10From Charles Francis Adams to George Washington Adams, 16 July 1814 (Adams Papers)
There have been two grand illuminations, the first was for the taking of Paris, the second was for the general Peace in Europe, and there is to be another much finer for the Emperors return. They have also built a superb Triumphat Arch, which he is to pass through on his way to Petersburg. I hope you will be satisfied with the Watch Mama sends you, She says she tried to get them both alike,...
11From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your kind Letter, of the 22 July, and was very glad you were so much pleased with my Letter. I still keep my Journal, and Copy my Letters in my Letter Book. Mama had some Cucumbers planted in her Garden, first there came green leaves, afterwards yellow Blossoms, and when the flowers dropped off, I found a number of little Cucumbers. We had also a great many Strawberries and...
12From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 4 September 1814 to 6 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
I was very happy to recieve your Letter of the 12 August, which I have been waiting for with much impatience. I am sorry my writing was not good, but I hope in time I shall learn to write, with as much ease and elegance as Brother George; I will take more pains for the future. You ask me what I mean by a colour? it is a small piece of red paint used in painting Pictures. The rose-bud which you...
13From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 October 1814 (Adams Papers)
As you desired I left off writing although I had prepared a letter. As Mama has just recieved your Letter of the 23 September permitting us to write again I send you an extract from my Journal because I have so much to do for my Masters I cannot get a letter ready for the next Post. You will be surprised to learn that I have acted a part in a french play which was performed at Mrs: Krehmers on...
14From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
By some accident my letter was too late for the last Post I therefore only send you this letter of Charles’s with assurances of our mutual affection— Dear Papa St Petersburg Novbr: 18th: 1814 I am quite a Soldier since Mrs: Betancourt made me a present of a Gun, and I exercise every day. Mama has got a new Servant who has been a Solider, and he drills me; it is a real gun, and George Krehmer...
15From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 January 1815 (Adams Papers)
The last letter that you wrote to me was dated of the 16 of December I was very glad to get it as I am always when I receive Letters from you. I wish you would tell Mrs: Smith to write to me she has promised to write to me but I do not receive any Letters from her. I went to a Ball at Mrs: Krehmers and Danced eight Country Dances. I would have Danced ten Dances but I Missed out two of them. I...
16From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
I am very sorry that I broke the glass, but I could not help it, and for that, I write you these verses. Tendre appuis de mes premiers ans Toi qui pris soins de mon enfance Je te dois tout, savoir, talens, Je te dois meme l’existence. De tant d’amour de tant de soins La récompense est ma tendresse Papa, tu me verras un jour, Étré l’appui de ta vielliesse. Accept this offer, I am, dear Papa, /...
17To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 26 July 1815 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your letter of the 6 of May, 1815 I was very glad to hear that you were very well. I have been to a gentlemans house by the name of Mr. Clarkson; we stayed three days: there were 5 young ladies and a young gentleman namely, Anna Clarkson, Sophia Clarkson, Mary Clarkson, Louisa, and Emma. Mr. Clarkson is the brother of the famous Mr. Clarkson, that wrote the book upon Quakers. I...
18To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 11 September 1815 (Adams Papers)
We Have left School for a day because John was not quite well. we go to Ealing School kept by Doctor Nicholas of Wadham College, Oxford. There are 275 boys of which I know a 140 I learn Latin, Greek, Drawing, Dancing, French, Music, English, Arithmetic, Writing, and Fencing. Papa has bought a Curricle, and a Landau. It is the fashion at Ealing, for Ladies to ride on Donkeys, which is the...
19To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 3 October 1815 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your Letter of the fourth July. I will write you what I have seen at Paris. I have been to the Theatre des Variété. Feydeau l’Odéon. Francais. l’Opérá, l’Ambigu, la Porte de Saint Martin, Cirque Olympique, Robertsons & les Funambules. J’ai aussi vue le Musée Napoléon le tableau de Raphaêl étoit le plus beau, et la bataille de Marengo qui etoit superbe. J’ai ainsi été a la...
20To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 26 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
All the things are arrived from Russia among them are a great many of my books Berquin, Lafontaine, & Boisards fables Conte ama fille, French Bible six or 7—English Grammars a German Book and an arithmetic book. The arithmetic book has got a nail driven through it. I am very happy to see the boys play at School and I in the middle of them but I only play in my play hours so I only have 3 ac :...
21From Charles Francis Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 January 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your idea of Osterley park being near our house is correct it now belongs to the Countess of Jersey the grand daughter of Mrs: Childs whose daughter married the Earl of Westmoreland. Papa is so bysy he cannot take us any where not even to the play these holidays. I am afraid not but I hope so because I have not seen the Theatre Covent Garden or Drury lane but I hope in the Summer that Papa...
22To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 15 January 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your letter dated the 17 November 1815 and I was very happy to have got it or that is to say to have recieved your letter and hope to recieve a couple more before the end of the holidays I have not recieved as many letters from you as I want. I think you are right I think too that General Scott is a very good General and he has done the Americans and America a great deal of...
I must beg of you to tell the Doctor to give me and my brother our pay they are going to arrest me of Breaking down the door of Number one and I and my brother say we did not do that I think we ought to have our pay Mr Stradway wont give it to me I am your affectionate Son MBAt .
24To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 7 March 1816 (Adams Papers)
I am very glad you like my letter of the third October, 1815 and hope you will like all of, them, as they come. I have lived in, la rue de Richelieu &, I have been to Passy and Au teuil, and to the place de Carousal, and from there I came here to visit Grosvenor Square, with my Father, and Mother; but as to Amsterdam, Leyden, and the Hague, I dont know where they are. I hope some time or other...
25To 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...
26From Charles Francis Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 1 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
I am now come home for the holidays and I hope to receive a great many letters but too I must mind to write to you as many times as you do to me There has been a latin play acted at Ealing called the Andrian one of Terences it was acted three times this year that is to say three times running as to the Actors I can not tell, I suppose you will soon hear Who they are; all I know is that George...
27From 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...
28To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 8 August 1825 (Adams Papers)
One week has passed already since my arrival here and to us by no means a quiet one. General La Fayette arrived two days after me and has since engrossed almost all our attention. Dinner has succeeded to dinner and party to party, although the weather has been warm constantly. We now enjoy a few days of quiet as my Father and John have accompanied the General and suite and will not return for...
29To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 21 August 1825 (Adams Papers)
The past week has scarcely been marked by any occurrence worth relating in a letter, the weather after having been intensely warm on Sunday and Monday cooled off and we have had an Easterly storm ever since. This makes me quite dull as I prefer the Sun with all his fires. General La Fayette after having thrust his benign countenance among us; has gone to other places to make them happy for a...
30To 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...
You will by this time (I hope), have obtained some days of rest after the fatigue of your journey. I have been extremely afraid of the effect of it upon you before you started but am in hopes now that the change once obtained will be of some service. How long you will remain under the present circumstances, I am unable to guess but I should scarcely imagine that a sudden return however...
32To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 13 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
Time has slipped by most unaccountably during my resolutions constantly expressed of writing to you. And I can give little or no account of it. The arrival of the family safe and sound at home again was matter of so much gratification after my anxieties that I have scarcely been sufficiently composed since to do any thing. And each day has closed with the consciousness on my part of much left...
33To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 27 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
In the present dearth of news, and of every thing to make a letter interesting, I am afraid I shall only be very stupid in my attempt to amuse. But since it is the day on which I am bound to write and you expect it from me, I hope this will be sufficient apology for any want of animation which you may perceive. The monotonous course of life so very secluded as the one in which I now live gives...
34To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 11 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
I was much delighted yesterday by the receipt of the letter from you. It assured me that you was still in good health and spirits, about which things I was a little anxious, from the time I had heard of your intention to “submit” as Mr Browere not inappropriately terms it. I had been very much incommoded I must confess, in the operation, as my hair and ears were not so easily extracted from...
35To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 25 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
On this day, one which in this part of the country is considered much as Thanksgiving day is in New England, I beg leave to express my wishes for your welfare & comfort during the cold weather which accompanies the Season in which the festival comes. It is not properly speaking a festival this Year with us as it comes on a Sunday, but the family dinner which for years past hast happened at my...
36To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 15 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
An unaccountable fit of dullness and inability to do any thing, prevented my writing to you on last Sunday, the weather is of such a nature as to create languor to an astonishing degree. It is very warm and humid which produces colds almost universally. Our family has not escaped for my brother and Elizabeth have both been affected and I although free from cold, have not been in a State to...
37To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 29 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
Since my last letter the whole family have been suffering from violent colds. I did not escape lightly, on the contrary, I was two days in greater trouble than was ever occasioned me by any cold before. My father has also been attacked and indeed every member of our family in regular order. To make the assertion more general, I might say that the whole City had been under the influence of this...
38To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 12 February 1826 (Adams Papers)
A fortnight has passed over, since I last addressed you, and scarcely any thing of interest has happened. The City having considerably recovered from the severe epidemic which has been raging here, the gaity is becoming rather more extensive, and the number of Strangers who accompany the Supreme Court upon its Session here, have a tendency to enliven us. The town is always most full at this...
39To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 26 February 1826 (Adams Papers)
Another fortnight has passed since I had the honour to address you, and the end of it has found me but little wiser than the beginning. It has in fact been spent in the lounging dissipated manner which Washington society so soon produces. My seceding from society produced so much dissatisfaction in the family, that I have again thrown myself into the middle of the stream and my law in...
40To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 12 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
The past week has brought us summer weather and makes the city look as green as it is wont, in the month of May. This appearance is the more strange to us, as we do not associate easily with it the idea of Congress. But as we are to have a session here until June this season there will be abundant time to become reconciled to this state of things. Politics are now much the order of the day as...
41To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 26 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
"Who doth time gallop withal?" Instead of answering this as Shakespeare has done, I would say that it gallops with persons in the days of youth and pleasure without any great care to oppress them. Such I deem mine to be and such is the passage of time. It is hardly possible to keep the regular count of the weeks as they go, and to notice the revolution of months, which has already brought me...
42To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 9 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
I have even less than usual of interest to relate today, since Tuesday last, I have been entirely at home owing to a slight attack of sickness. And my time has been employed in reading the later productions of the day and thereby making up a deficiency which I have long been guilty of. Indeed it is such a waste of time generally speaking that were it not for the ugly appearance one makes in...
43To 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...
44To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 7 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
The warm season has come again and delightful as it is to me, is no doubt also very acceptable to you, Sir. The prevailing rule I believe, is a moderate heat, and one which is perhaps better adapted to afford ease to you than extremes either way. My attachment to warm weather excludes any idea of a medium or rather of what is commonly called so. And it is for this reason that I prefer the...
45To 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....
46From Charles Francis Adams to Peter Force, 10 July 1826 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your note, I herewith send you a letter from my brother, George W. Adams, containing all the information which we ourselves possess on the subject. With the request that it will not be published as a letter , as I have no authority to warrant such a step. Any information which it contains you are welcome to use. And be pleased to return it as soon as you have done with it, since...
47From Charles Francis Adams to James Keyte, 10 December 1826 (Adams Papers)
I take the opportunity of writing these few lines as an accompaniment to a copy of the President’s message in a documentary shape, which I beg you to accept as a token of the sense in which I held your kind civility during the short time we were together in the journey to New York, last summer. Should you require any information which it is in my power to give, I shall be very happy to afford...
48Charles Francis Adams to James Madison, 30 September 1835 (Madison Papers)
The relation in which you stand to the Constitution of the United States has emboldened me to send an humble attempt of mine to defend it. It is with regret that I have seen in the public papers some accounts of your suffering health. This may render the controversies of the day very uninteresting to you—I have only to urge in apology for my intrusion my earnest desire to shew that even if...