91To James Madison from John Adams and Others, 12 October 1824 (Madison Papers)
By a resolution of the Citizens of Richmond we are authorised to make arrangements for the reception of General La Fayette “in such manner, as may best comport with his convenience and testify the veneration of the Citizens for his character, their sense of his Services and their affection for his person.” It will certainly be highly gratifying as well to the General as to our fellow Citizens...
92To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 12 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
By a resolution of the Citizens of Richmond we are authorised to make arrangement s for the reception of General La Fayette “in such manner, as may best comport with his convenience and testify the veneration of the Citizens for his character, their sense of his services and their affection for his person.” It will certainly be highly gartifying as well to the General as to our fellow Citizens...
93From John Adams to James Thacher, 11 September 1824 (Adams Papers)
I have had read to me, your valuable Journal of your Campaigns in the American revolutionary war, and I have no hesitation in saying, that it is the most natural, simple, and faithful narration of facts, that I have seen in any history of that period. It preserves the memory of many men, & many facts, of which I was wholly ignorant until I heard that book read to me, particularly the conduct &...
94From John Adams to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 22 August 1824 (Adams Papers)
I send this letter by my two grandsons, George Washington Adams and Charles Francis Adams to congratulate you on your happy arrival in your country after so long an absence. There is not a man in America who more sincerely rejoices in your happiness and in the burst of joy which your presence has diffused through this whole continent than myself. I would wait upon you in person but the total...
95From John Adams to James Trecothick Austin, 7 August 1824 (Adams Papers)
I ought to have answered your kind letter of the 23d July—before now, but decrepitude and imbecility cannot do what it wishes. I cannot read, & I cannot search for the Resolutions you speak of— It is in vain to enquire, who, moved this or that resolution you may depend upon it that the movers of the greatest resolution in Congress were not the Authors of them—I will not tell you who were the...
96From John Adams to Perez Morton, 7 August 1824 (Adams Papers)
I am very glad you have employed your leisure houres, in so honorable & useful a service, as the composition of you r great work on the Criminal code—I pray you to make what use you please of my name & especially to place it among your subscribers for its publication—If I was a Man of fortune I would publish it myself & place it in a conspicious view in Our Quincy Library—We have lived...
97From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 24 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
Mr Benjamin Parker Richardson, a Grandson of a neighbour of mine, who has lived in harmony with me for almost eighty nine years, is very desirous of seeing the venerable Author of the Declaration of Independence, and as this is a virtuous curiosity which I always applaud and encourage in our young men, I have ventured to give him a line of introduction to you. A freedom which I have taken too...
98From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
Mr Benjamin Parker Richardson, a Grandson of my old friend Mr Brackett, who is advancing with me far in our eighty ninth year, is desirous of an introduction to you. I hope your family will receive him with kindness. He seems to have a passion for seeing conspicuous characters, and I hope he will be gratified. He can inform you how faint and feeble I am, and how ardently I wish to see you and...
99From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 24 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
I still breathe in great weakness, but in my latest breath I shall wish for your health and prosperity and that of all your family. As to giving you advice concerning your concerns at Harvard University—I am utterly incapable of it. The conduct of that beloved and venerated Seminary is too refined and sublime for my dullness to comprehend. I presume not to censure any of its acts, though some...
100To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 24 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Benjamin Parker Richardson, a Grandson of a neighbour of mine, who has lived in harmony with me for almost eighty nine years, is very desirous of seeing the venerable Author of the Declaration of Independence, and as this is a virtuous curiosity which I always applaud and encourage in our young men, I have ventured to give him a line of introduction to you. A freedom which I have taken too...
101Toast to John Adams, 4 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
John Adams being invited to attend a celebration of the late anniversary, declined what it would have been the “joy of his heart” to have done, on account of his advanced age and increased infirmities of body. When his note was read to the company, the following toast was given— “ John Adams . Eternity yet lingers, withholding its bright rewards, till Time shall complete his earthly joy in the...
102From John Adams to Jacob Engelbrecht, 9 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
I have deeply regretted my total incapacity to comply with your flattering request in your two letters. But, I can no more write a line than, I can work a miracle. I thank you for the copy of Mr Jeffersons letter and unite with him in recommending the psalms of David, which whether we read them in our common English translation in prose, or in the versions of Tate and Brady or even those of...
103From John Adams to Anonymous, 9 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
I have deeply regretted my total incapacity to comply with your flattering request in your two letters but I can no more write a line than I can work a miracle. I thank you for the copy of Mr Jeffersons letter and unite with him in recommending the psalm of David which whether we read them in our common English translation in prose or in the versions of Tate and Brady or even those of...
104From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 1 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
I owe you a letter, but have not been able, and am not still able to acknowledge it—I am very low, but low as I am, I feel a longing to take a ride with you up your new road—to the top of Boylston Hill—Alias Waychusetts—But I might as reasonably wish to fly on a sunbeam to sirius the dog-star Our public affairs in this state go on pritty well but I am sorry for one event, the removal of Mr....
105From John Adams to Alexander Coffin, 31 May 1824 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your letter I inclose you a letter from a friend in answer to your questions—Dr. Fothergills imagination was a mere fable, the vote for Independance was never foreseen till the day on which it was past it had been postponed by the by a thousand artifices for months before it did pass, And then it was forced upon them by the loud cry of the people—Oliver Cromwell’s fourth of July...
106From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 27 May 1824 (Adams Papers)
Congress having adjourned today puts such an quantity of time at a persons disposal that many know not what to do with it—This will never be the case with me when I have a letter of yours on hand unanswered. The first moment therefore is devoted to the purpose of reducing myself from any imputation of neglect. I am the more happy to write you to day as I now have it in my power to contradict...
107From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 2 May 1824 (Adams Papers)
You see I have taken the same liberty with your last which you did with mine & what is worse I have no excuse to give for it; therefore I will let the matter rest trusting to your goodness—I was most highly delighted yesterday at meeting very unexpectedly no other person than our late classmate George Peabody. He has just arrived in this City from Salem having come round by water from that...
108From John Adams to Samuel Frothingham, 29 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
Know all men by these presents, that I John Adams of Quincy in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esqr do make Constitute and appoint, Samuel Frothingham of Boston in the County of Suffolk, Gentleman to be my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to transfer all my Seven per Cent Stock Standing in my name in the Book of the United States Loans, and to do all...
109From John Adams to Thomas McKean, 26 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
I have received your kind letter of the April 1st. And am very sorry it will not be in my power to give you more detailed information That your Father was a steadfast Patriot, of the Revolution, from its beginning to its end, is most certain—In the Congress at New York in 1765, he we though young, he was one of the most active and spirited members. In the Congress of 74—and in all the...
110From John Adams to Horatio Gates Spafford, 26 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
You have always been too good to me & I regret that I have never been able to make you any returns, your last favor to me is the most gratify in g of all because it shows that your kindness to me is not extinct, In answer to your question you may undoubtedly send any volume to me by mail free of expence, I shall be happy to receive it, though I cannot read it, I may have some of it read to me...
111From John Adams to John Taylor, 14 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
While I was prepareing to send to the Post office a letter to you, written on the 12th. I received yours of the 8th. I know not that I ever received a letter so consoleing to my heart and so refreshing to my spirits. It is kindness, candor and generosity—I am extremely sorry to hear that you have been sick, and the more so, that you are not yet well, but I still hope you will live to write me...
112From John Adams to William Elliot, 13 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your Elegant presents of a History & a Map of Washington, deserve my best thanks. The History of the rise and Progress of the City is realy delightful it is already a magnificent City—And in a few Years I think it must become one of the most beautiful Citys in the world—The Map I presume is correct—though I cannot see it—I spent but one Winter and one short Session of Congress there—And then...
113From John Adams to John Taylor, 12 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
I have received with kindness and thank fullness, your learned work upon the Constitution—I have had as much read to me as I have been able to hear—but inted to have it all read to me if I live It is long since I have ceased to write read, speak or think upon Theories of Government and now I am on at half way on my eighty ninth year I am incapable of either. I see you have treated me with...
114From John Adams to Edmund Rogers, 5 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
I have received your kind latter of November 20th. and with the handsom present, of your Coloumbian Coffee samples of which I have used in my family and sent as presents to the Neighbouring shops—we find it a comfortable beverage as we do the Columbian Whiskey which they advertice and sell— We have the Philosophey of Rhetoric the Philosophy of Grammer—and the Philosophy of the human mind, and...
115From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 28 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your last letter yesterday & now sit down to answer it although the times are so dull with us that I find it very difficult to obtain the subject-matter of an epistolary communication. Living as you do in the land of puritanism & steady habits I know not whether it is allowable for me to mention theatrical performances; but trusting that you have not by your short sojourn imbibed...
116From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 14 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
As it is delightful to be the bearer of good news or to have any hand in their conveyance without ceremony I must commence my letter by stating that the Cherokee lady & her husband as we say do not pull together or in shorter winds they fight—They have been here since his marriage but no one has seen them out. Rumour says they are war-like & I am sure I cannot say I am sorry for the fact. It...
117From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
I sincerely sympathise & condole with you in the Death of your Daughter in Law, such losses are afflictions that flesh is are to, though they are exquisitly rending to the heart, as I know by many severe experiences, I congratulate you however that your Daughter has left a Son, I hope to represent her & his father & G. B. to the entire satisfaction of all My wishes on a certain subject are...
118From John Adams to John Adams, 7 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter of the 22d: February No 15 is as pleasing to me as the former numbers. I have not seen the Pilot. The young ladies, you speak of instead of tinkling verses and frivolous novels, had better read Dr Barrows sermons, get them by heart, and deeply impress them upon their souls. As to the Caucus I am glad you have not written me upon that, fir it si a very unedifying topic. The...
119From John Adams to Tyler Bigelow, 1 February 1824 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your address to the Peace Society. I have heard it with great pleasure It is ingenious eloquent and learned. It shows a fine talent and I always read such benevolent compositions with delight. They always reccommend themselves to the best feeling of my heart—My natural wishes are for their success, but War is a mightier river than Mississippi or La Plata. We may wish it should...
120From John Adams to John Adams, 1 February 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 18th of January is full of candid, temperate and accurate criticism I know not whether a more lively idea of Mr Clay’s eloquence could have been given me, by Aristotle, Longinus, Dyonisius Halicarnassus, Horace, Vida, Boileau and Pope. Mr Clay must have great powers of Oratory. Your remarks upon emphasis, are judicious and important. I have written this pedantic list of...
121From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 1 February 1824 (Adams Papers)
After waiting somewhat impatiently I allow for your last it came to hand on friday & delighted me exceedingly as it contained much information concerning our classmates of whom I hear nothing in any other way. One thing I have heard however by the newspapers which I should have preferred not to have heard I mean the deat h of Levett. It would seem that we have hardly yet been long enough...
122From John Adams to John Adams, 12 January 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 28th: Decr. is an epistle of a sage. I will tell you a story, of ancient days. “When I was a Sophomore at College, my mother and her Sister Ann Adams, Wife of my Uncle Ebenezer Adams, came to spend the day with me. On looking round my room, they thought I wanted several little articles of accomodation, which they did not see. They asked why I had not this thing, that thing,...
123From John Adams to G. Furman, 11 January 1824 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your letter of 13th. And as I Applaud very much your occupation, I should be happy to assist you if it was in my power, but it is not, I have never preserved phamplets or newspapers, I never had leisure to attend to it, And have given away every thing of the kind, almost as soon as I had read it, The greatest collection that I know of in the World is in the Atheanum in Boston,...
124From John Adams to William Bayard, 29 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have received your circular of the 12 inst & I thank you for the honour you have done me in addressing it to me. Be assured my heart beats in unison with yours and with those of your constituents & I presume with all the really civilized part of mankind in sympathy with the Greek suffering as they are in the great cause of liberty & humanity The gentlemen of Boston have taken measures to...
125From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 29 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I return your letter at your request signified by Gen. Dearborn though it has been such a cordial to my heart—I feel much reluctance to release it. Since it has appeared in print it has been received with applause—great & universal. Our fellow citizens are determined to elect a President avec connaisance de cause—for the question has in discussion in every nook in the United States for seven...
126To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 29 December 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return your letter at your request signified by Gen. Dearborn though it has been such a cordial to my heart—I feel much reluctance to release it. Since it has appeared in print it has been received with applause—great & universal. Our fellow citizens are determined to elect a President avec connaisance de cause —for the question has in discussion in every nook in the United States for seven...
127From John Adams to Aaron Hobart, 25 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I am under great obligation to you for the Presidents message, & for the Documents of the War Office, & Navy Office, and I am proud to see how abley and faithfully the Government is conducted, & these communications are the more acceptable, as comeing from a Grand Son of my beloved Brother I wish you a pleasant and satisfactory session, / and am your obliged / Uncle MHi : Adams Family Papers,...
128From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 23 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I regret that a disagreeable but unavoidable circumstance prevented my writing to you on Sunday as my rule heretofore pursued required & this is the first moment I have had since that time. The circumstance to which I allude was an absence from this city occasioned by the sickness of a young friend & relation of mine who has just entered upon the practise of that profession, a knowledge of...
129From John Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 18 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter of the 14th. has given me great pleasure, I congratulate you on the Birth of your fifth Daughter. God Bless the lovely little creatures, may they all imitate their Mothers & Grand Mothers from the seventh or eighthth generations such a race of Mothers has rarely existed in this world I believe. I hope you will educate them as you Grand Mother was educated, by reconciling...
130From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 7 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I recieved two days since your favour of the 30th of last month for which I am as thankful as usual. By some strange combination of circumstances I find we have both chosen the Sabbath day for writing our communications. This in me is nothing as I am in the land of dissipation & what Ticknor would call “heartless frivolity” but in you who sojourn in the land of the blue laws & good habits is...
131From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have seen many of your poetical effusions from the time when you were at College, to the last Month, And there are so many indisputable proofs of natural, and social affections, and genuine poetical imagery; that if you had cultivated the muses as much as you have politicks, you might have made a Shakespear, a Milton, or a Pope, for any thing that I know— How sweet an Ovid, is in Murray...
132From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 4 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have seen many of your poetical effusions, from the time when you were at College, to this last Month. And there are so many indisputible proofs of natural and Social affections, and genuine poetical imagery that if you will had cultivate the muses as much as you have politicks you might have made a Shakespear, a Milton or a Pope, for anything that I know, how “How sweet an Ovid, is in...
133From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 27 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
“Where Adams from a noisy world withdrew Sick of Glory faction, power & pride Sure judge how empty all, who all had tried Beneath his shade the weary chief reposed And Life’s great scene, in quiet virtue closed ” I have received your kind letter of 11th. November and I believe another before it unacknowledged, for both of which, I thank you— The 30th. of October passed ever like all other days...
134From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 23 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Night before last I recieved your communication in answer to my last which was as welcome as all the others recieved from you. I must thank you for a great deal of amusement which it all afforded me; Your description of a certain society astonished me somewhat & I was glad to see that even one individual dared to raise his voice “like a pelican in the wilderness” against such a crying sin....
135From John Adams to John Adams, 18 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your account of the first part of your journey, is quite as entertaining and instructive as is that of the latter part, recorded in your former letter. The seventy persons on board the steam boat who were obliged to sleep in mats covered with a blanket, reminded me of my excellent friend and physician, Dr Holbrook’s account of the treatment of the small pox in Canada when our Revolutionary...
136From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
With real pleasure I received your kind letter of July 28th. though I received it but a few days ago. I thank you for introduceing to me Major Wolcott Huntington —whose appearance and manners do honor to both his names— I rejoice to hear that you enjoy so good health and I wish, that your Life may be prolonged for the Government of Connecticut as long as mine has been; which has been extended...
137From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your last letter was brought to me from the Post office when at breakfast with my family. I bade one of the misses open the budget, she reported a letter from Mr. Jefferson and two or three newspapers. A letter from Mr. Jefferson says I, I know what the substance is before I open it; There is no secrets between Mr. Jefferson and me, And I cannot read it, therefore you may open and read it—When...
138To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 10 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Your last letter was brought to me from the Post office when at breakfast with my family. I bade one of the misses open the budget, she reported a letter from M r Jefferson and two or three newspapers. A letter from M r Jefferson says I. I know what the substance is before I open it; There is no secrets between M r Jefferson and me, and I cannot read it, therefore you may open and read it—when...
139From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 7 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
The very great despatch with which you have answered my last not only proves to me that you are desirous of continuing the correspondence of which that letter was the commencement on my part, but requires immediate thanks & accordingly to show you that I shall not be backward in furthering its continuance I hasten to answer you although your letter was but last night recieved & although this...
140From John Adams to John Adams, 2 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for two letters written at two notable periods of your life one at the happy meeting of your family at Providence and New York, the other at Washington all in health written with the vivacity, and spirit for which you are so remarkable. They gave me and the whole family a great deal of pleasure and excite an appetite for your account of the first part of your journey. We have...