1From John Adams to John Beale Bordley, 25 April 1803 (Adams Papers)
At the request of our mutual Friend Mr van der Kemp, I have inclosed to you his learned Memoir, on the Use of Copper among the Greeks. I hope you have got the better of that painfull disorder which once afflicted you, and that your Friends are all prosperous and happy. With great Esteem and regard / your most obedient PHi : Adams Papers.
2From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 June 1807 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is the Certificate of forty Shares in the Fire and Marine Insurance Company. The third part of the Capital which is to be paid off, you will please to receive in shares of the Boston Bank, if you approve of it, and hold them as you propose. I am your affectionate / Father MHi : Winthrop Family Papers.
3From John Adams to John Churchman, 3 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour from Rhode Island, and in Answer to it, take this opportunity to Say, that I was early made Acquainted with the Theory of your Universal Variation Chart and have always wished you Success in the Pursuit of it: that I have been acquainted with you many years, that I never knew or heard of any Thing to the disadvantage of your Character: and that I have always...
4From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 27 March 1806 (Adams Papers)
I am much pleased with the temper and spirit of your Letter of February 28th: The subjects of your future Examination, are judiciously chosen and I hope you will acquit yourself to your own satisfaction as well as that of your Instructor’s. I know of no Characteristic of a weak head a dull discernment and superficial reflection more remarkable than the opinion you mention of many young Men who...
5From John Adams to John Marshall, 17 July 1806 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received from the Post Office your obliging Letter of the Sixth of this month. It is not necessary for me to recurr to my Letter Books, and examine the few Letters I wrote to General Washington, before I assure you, that I Shalt take no offence at your inserting in your History, parts or the whole of them. They were written under great Agitation of Mind, at a time when a cruel...
6From John Adams to John Trumbull, 6 February 1805 (Adams Papers)
Colonel Humphreys and Col Tudor did me the honor of a Visit on Saturday and We had much Conversation about you, which made me feel as if I was Sitting at my Fire Side among my Children whom I had not found together for many Years. I was highly rejoiced to hear of your health, and the honor Esteem and respect which the Men of Connecticutt, which the Men of Connecticutt, have at length the Sense...
7From John Adams to John Davis, 11 April 1804 (Adams Papers)
I received Yesterday your favour of the ninth. Of Mr Baron I know neither the Person nor the Character: but it Seems to me that a demonstration will not be the less mathematical for the Nation or the Morals of the Author. The Accademy can not know the Manners of all their correspondents, and if the Cause of Truth and Science is really promoted by a bad Man even whom they know to be Such, I...
8From John Adams to John Sinclair, 24 May 1805 (Adams Papers)
A natural history of this country has been long desired, by every inquisitive mind. Although the calls of my profession, and the more serious demands of the political interests of my country, turned my attention, almost half a hundred years ago, from investigations of this nature, yet I have never been insensible to their pleasures and advantages. In 1779, called upon to frame a constitution...
9From John Adams to John Davis, 26 February 1806 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Mr Spauldings Bill of Mortality for Portsmouth for 1805 and a Letter from Mr Benjamin Henfrey to me a total stranger to his Name as well as Person. Please to communicate both these Papers to the Academy at their next meeting. I hope Something will be done to be communicated to the Public, if nothing Should be decided among the Candidates for Count R Præmium, as Soon as may be...
10From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 14 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
In my Letter of the 14th Ult. I believe I misunderstood the Presidents Position. His Expression that the Judges ought to hang American Citizens who should commit homicide &c meant no more than to express his opinion that the Fact amounted to a Capital Offence. His opinion that it is a Capital offence to resist French Revenue Laws, in the West Indies is totally unfounded. The President was also...
11From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 March 1808 (Adams Papers)
Your luminous Letter of the 27th of Feb. and 6. March are is before me. Was this an homogenious Nation under a consolidated Government, the Provision in the Constitution of Massachusetts would be Sufficient. But in a Confederation like ours there is danger. In Holland they have thought unanimity necessary in all most every Thing. Under our old Confederation, a Concurrence of nine States out of...
12From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 14 December 1808 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time since I had a Letter from you. In the last I think you prophesied “Wonders in November.” I understood you to mean, a wonderful revolution in the sentiments of the people, and a restoration of the Federalists to the Government of the Nation. But the month of November is past, and there appears, notwithstanding all the terrors and horrors of the Embargo a wonderfull adherence...
13From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 November 1804 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for my Letter from N.Y and the Pamplet inclosed. Commodore Morris’s Defence contains Information which appears to be wanted by our President and all his Ministers, by his senators and Representatives, by his Officers and Men of his Navy, and by the commercial Citizens of our Country. To be sure to protect the Commerce and Seamen in the Atlantic and Mediterranean and blockade...
14John Adams to John Quincy Adams, February 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have been confined, with a cold for three Weeks and the family have been generally affected in the same Way: We have not heard from yours for Some time. I long to see you all: but the Weather and the roads will keep Us, at a distance I fear for Some days if not weeks. I have read Seven Volumes of De la Harpe in course, and the last seven I have run through and Searched but cannot find what I...
15From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 15 April 1808 (Adams Papers)
You ask me whether “an armed Vessel of a belligerent Nation has a right to search a vessel of a neutral.” I answer No, except for contraband of war. This exception is established by the law and practice of nations; and confirmed by Treaties. But there is no right to search for men. The King of England acknowledges that he has no right to search for men a neutral ship of war even for deserters...
16John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
The 11 th. of September is reckoned among the happiest days of my Life: The Navy officers who composed the late Court Martial on Capt Little, came out to visit me, with M r shaw who brought me your favor of the 4 th dated at Philadelphia, informing me of your arrival on that day with my Daughter and Grandson in as good health as could be expected.— You do not expressly say whether you intend...
17From John Adams to John Davis, 14 August 1804 (Adams Papers)
The disposition of every member of the Accademy to Show every respect and do every honor to the Memory of their Reverend and Learned Associate Dr Howard is unquestionable, and nothing but the heat of the Season in my present State of Health should prevent me from having the Honor of attending his Funeral with the other Members. It is my request to you, Sir to give public Notice of the...
18From John Adams to John Marshall, 4 February 1806 (Adams Papers)
I have received from you, three Volumes of the Life of our late General and President Washington in a condition of convenience and ornament, which has not yet been exceeded by any of the Arts or Artists of our Country, nor indeed much inferiour to any in the most refined Countries of Europe. I pray you, Sir to accept my best Thanks for this elegant present. Exegisti monumentum ære perennius....
19From John Adams to John Thornton Kirkland, 5 January 1807 (Adams Papers)
Upon the recommendation of General Washington Gen Hamilton and General Pinckney I appointed your brother George an officer in the American army in which he served from its creation to its dissolution in that division of it which was under the general superintendance of Gen Hamilton and the immediate command of Col Smith. When he left the army in 1799 I well remember that several letters or...
20From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 February 1808 (Adams Papers)
In Answer to your Letter of the 27 of January I request you to make Provision for Advancing me, by Mr Shaw one thousand one hundred and twenty five dollars and fifty Cents, or thereabout, which is the amount of an Obligation I owe to Miss Thaxter, or if you choose and I think there is but one remaining due to that Family. Your Mother has written you on the Subject of Caucus’s. I am not of her...
21From John Adams to P. Mallet, 10 November 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 20 Oct and have communicated its melancholly contents to the mother and other relations of the deceased Mr. William Smith. They all sympathize with you in your affliction.—I know nothing of Mr Smiths affairs and I cannot learn that any of his relations are better acquainted with them. They desire that their respects may be...
22From John Adams to Bernard Hubley, Jr., 10 May 1801 (Adams Papers)
I duly received your favor of April 9 & am much gratified with that affectionate attachment, which you express for me. The mode you have adopted to mark your regard is very flattering. All that I can say to you upon this occasion is, God bless the brave boy to whom you have given the name of MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
23From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 January 1806 (Adams Papers)
The Mail of yesterday brought, me, the Documents and in the Evening I received from Boston your favour of the 14th. By the Journals of the Senate I see, that you have Work enough, to excuse you from private Correspondences. By all that I read in the Documents, Journals, and Newspapers, it seems to me that the reigning Principle is to crouch to france & Spain and be very terrible to Britain....
24From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
Has there ever been an Instance, in the World, of two Persons living together without Emulation and Jealousy.? Is it possible there should be one? When I was finishing the Letter I wrote you on the 22d, the Ladies of the family without knowing what I was about read me, a passage in Hayleys Life of Cowper from p. 122. to p. 127. Vol. 1. Mrs Unwin was eclipsed by the Brilliancy of Lady Austen,...
25From John Adams to Louis André Pichon, 16 April 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 19th of March, and thank you for your care of the Letter which you inclosed from my Friend La Fayette. The inclosed Lett Answer from me to him I pray you to transmit to him with your dispatches. I congratulate you on your Arrival in this country and I wish you much honor and pleasure in your public and private Intercourse with our Government and Citizens. I...
26From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 February 1806 (Adams Papers)
In the first place, I must, in conformity with one of the rules ordained by you orators, endeavour to conciliate the affections of my reader, by quieting your Anxiety for your Children, which I can do with a good conscience by assuring you that George and John are in very good health and very fine Spirits. My Sheet would not hold the history of their Studies, their Sports and frolicks. In the...
27From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 November 1804 (Adams Papers)
The Republicans have exerted their Energies, and propagated their lying Pamphlets so secretly, and with such effect as to make Federalists almost doubt their Empire in Massachusetts. They do not yet despair however: but their majority will not be so great as they expected. The Defection of the County of Essex is greater than was foreseen. The Causes of this are many, more than I know perhaps....
28From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 November 1804 (Adams Papers)
Last Night, my Dear Son, I received your kind Letter of the 3d of the Month and hold myself under great Obligations for so much information of various kinds at once. It is my determination to be a better correspondent than I was last Winter. I never explored that route through New Castle and Frenchtown but am very glad you have found it, because I believe it will Save you many an unpleasant...
29From John Adams to John Trumbull, 18 November 1805 (Adams Papers)
I had indeed no doubt of the Truth of the Letter relative to the Capture of Cornwallis. My Confidence in the honor of the Writer was such, that the violent Philippic against it only convinced me of the Malevolence and Prejudice of the orator. But as I had heard it not only called in question but vehemently contradicted, I thought it might be well to hear some testimony in corroboration of it....
30From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 April 1808 (Adams Papers)
In your favour of March 25th. you express a hope that nothing like a distribution of Money, among the Principal Leaders of our Parties, has occurred or will occur, among Us. I agree with you in this hope and I will add that I Still entertain this belief. At least there is no one, on whom I can fasten even a Suspicion. But that foreign Money has been received by Sebastian, has been adjudged:...
31From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 January 1805 (Adams Papers)
I received in Season, your kind Letter of the 5th. and have been so very busy that I have not found time to acknowledge it, till now. When I write to you it is with no Expectation of any Answer, unless it be in a bare Acknowledgement to Some of us, i.e. to me, your Mother or your Brother of the receipt of my Letter. I know that the public Business must as it ought to engage all your time and...
32John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
We feel, my dear Sir the Want of your Society on sundays and hope the Weather and Roads will soon bless us with it. Never at the Age of 18 when I was a great Reader and Admirer of Tragedies did I take more pleasure in them, than I have lately in Reading La Harps […]ent of Corneille Racine Voltaire Moliere La Fontaine &c did not mean to express a Wish that you should make a serious study of...
33From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 January 1805 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the fourteenth, with its ample Enclosures of Documents, has arrived in good order....I deliver all the Journals of Senate and House, all the printed Bills and other printed Papers you send me, to your Brother, who I presume preserves them all in order for your Use and his own. The Season here has been unexampled. We have had an Abundance of Snow but it has been melted almost as...
34From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
I am glad to know by your favour of the 23d of November, that you have received two Letters from me, since which I have written a third and this is No. 4. As I keep no Copies, you must either burn them or keep them very carefully to yourself. I will Number them, that We may know whether all are received. Whatever Reflections or Opinions you may receive from me, you will consider them as...
35From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 February 1806 (Adams Papers)
My Exordium must inform you that George is and has been a long time in perfect health. John has been as plump and gay and hardy and hearty as you could wish him, till yesterday when he looked a little paler or rather a little less ruddy than usual but he worked and played as usual all day: but this morning he discovered symptoms of qualms in his stomack and puked a little, but a Tea Spoonfull...
36From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 November 1804 (Adams Papers)
In your Letter of the 19th, which I have received with its Inclosures, you mention a Letter of the Sixth received from me but take no notice of an other, whose date as I take no Copies I cant remember. I have written you, two before this. Your Mother is much better, and now lives with us but is so zealous about the affairs of the Family that I am almost as anxious for her, as when she was...
37From John Adams to Aaron Bancroft, 27 July 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the first of this Month with a copy of your Election sermon. That which I heard with delight when it was delivered. I have read with increased pleasure upon more deliberation. I thank you for this obliging instance of your attention & remain with great esteem / Your friend & humble / servt MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
38From John Adams to Thomas Perkins, 14 September 1804 (Adams Papers)
I am quite ashamed to have neglected to this time any acknowledgement of the various civilities I have received from your friendly hand. I very heartily thank you for the fromage de Rocford, which was a high regale to me and Some of my friends, who had learned in france to estimate the value of it. The Segars are excellent, as well as those heretofore received. I Shall never be able to make...
39From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 February 1808 (Adams Papers)
Since you will not allow me the whole of Parson Nelsons Epithets for his Son I will insist upon retaining the better half of them. Nothing was farther from my intention than to underrate the Character of Admiral Nelson. I can Subscribe to all that you Say in his praise: yet I would not exchange Sons with the Parson, though the Admiral were still living with all his Wealth, Virtues, Titles and...
40From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
In your Letter of the 26 of November, to your Brother, you express a “Wish that I could See the course of Things with more indifference.” But this is impossible. The Habits of a whole Life of Man, are not to be changed without difficulty. While Life and Breath and being last, I shall love my Country: and neither the Interests of Posterity nor the Happiness of the present Generation, can ever...
41From John Adams to Benjamin Hall, 28 March 1806 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of March 14th. and have not sent you an answer. It is not from any feelings of resentment or disaffection to the interest of the Canal corporation; but from necessity, that I consent to the advertisement of of and sale of my shares. I may candidly assign the true reason of this consent as well as not. I have not money to pay the assessments, and I know not that I...
42From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 August 1803 (Adams Papers)
Know all Men, by these Presents, that I John Adams of Quincy, in the County of Norfolk, in the State of Massachusetts, Esquire, in Consideration of Twelve thousand Eight hundred and Twelve dollars paid me by John Quincy Adams of Boston in the County of Suffolk, and State aforesaid, the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give grant Sell and convey unto the Said John Quincy Adams...
43From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 December 1805 (Adams Papers)
I ought, before now, to have acknowledged the Receipt of your favours and even now I can do no more than acknowledge them, for what Subject have I for a Letter? Shall I Send you diagrams of my Grounds, which the fine Weather of November and December has enabled me me to plough, for Corn, Potatoes, Barley Clover and Timothy? But what a Miniature picture of a Lilliputian Plantation, would Six...
44From John Adams to Caleb Strong, 19 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
Commodore Truxtun has requested me, to forward to your Excellency his Vindication and circular Letter. I acquit myself with pleasure of his Commission, as it gives me an opportunity of anticipating the Compliments of the approaching Season, and renewing to your Excellency assurances of the Sincere Esteem and affection of your Friend and Servant IGK .
45From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 March 1808 (Adams Papers)
Livy in his 42. Book and chapters 29 and thirty, as an introduction of his History of the War between the Romans and Perseus King of Macedonia, says that all the Kings and States of Europe and Asia had their Attention fixed upon those two powerfull Nations upon the Point of engaging in War. He first explains the Views of the Kings Eumenes, Prusias, Ariarathes, Antiochus, Ptolomy, Massinissa,...
46John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 February 1804 (Adams Papers)
I will write to you, if it be only for the Pleasure of giving you a Proof under my hand, that I am alive.— We have had no Topicks this Winter but Banks, Insurance offices, Toll Bridges and Turnpike Roads, till lately a Manifesto has appeared of the Republican Democrats against Governer Strong, made up partly from Dallas’s and partly from the Connecticutt one which Mr Tracy answered. Your...
47From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 10 October 1808 (Adams Papers)
It gives me great pleasure to observe in your letter of the first of this month your increasing thirst for knowledge and attachment to your profession. Your natural aversion to politics will soon too soon wear away. A lawyer must be a politician. It is impossible to avoid it; he breathes constantly in a political atmosphere. The companies with whom he associates are all politicians. Judges,...
48From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
Many Thanks for your favor of the Eleventh. It is very odd, but no less true that I not only never Saw, Mr Bentley, but I never heard of his fame or name, till I read his Election as Chaplain in a Newspaper. Since that time I have heard much, and among other things that he is an intimate Friend of James Winthrop the Judge. Mr Bowdoins appointment is the best, the President has made in this...
49From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 November 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have not written to you, though I have received two kind Letters from you, Since your departure, giving me very pleasing accounts of your comforts in your Travels. Soon after you left Us, I took the resolution instead of Sending George to Atkinson by the Stage or any other accidental and precarious conveyance to convey him myself. Accordingly We Set out, your Mother your Son and myself, and...
50From John Adams to John Trumbull, 4 October 1805 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for the Information and conjecture, in your favour of the 16th which I received yesterday duly, concerning the origin of the Letter. It is probable enough and I have pleasure in believing it. The Generals Secretaries were first Col. Reed, afterwards Governor of Pensylvania then Harrison, afterwards, Edmund Randolph, Hamilton Humphries, Pinckney I believe, but in what order of time...