1451From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, October 1815 (Adams Papers)
Mr John C. Gray, Son of your Friend the once Lt. Governor will present this Letter to you. By the Letter, C. in his name, I presume, is signified Chipman, for he is a Grandson by his Mother of John Chipman Esquire a Barrister at Law in Marblehead, with whom I lived very pleasantly a Week at a Tavern in Pownalborough in 1764. Mr Gray proposes to travel, all over Europe, but wishes for your...
1452From John Adams to John Jay, 16 December 1787 (Adams Papers)
Two Days ago, I received the Letter, you did me the Honour to write me, on the 16. of Oct r. with its Enclosures. The Approbation of my Conduct in Europe expressed in the Resolution of Congress of the fifth of October, does me honour, and demands my Acknowledgments. The Permission to return to America and the termination of my Commission in Holland, having removed all Difficulties, It is my...
1453From John Adams to John Jay, 29 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
The United States began their Career upon the most liberal System of Policy Commerce: France met them with a liberal System too, or rather with an Artfull Appearance of it. Her Practice during the War was more liberal than the Treaty. Since the Peace She has contracted it a little, as She had a Right to do, by excluding Some of her Produce and Some of our Ships from her West India Islands; and...
1454From John Adams to Samuel Adams, Sr., 11 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
It was but two days ago that I recived your obliging Letter of the Seventeenth of April by Mr Wyllis. I have found this Gentleman as you represent him intelligent, observing and impartial. I have had much pleasure in his conversation and expect more. I thank you Sir for your kind congratulations. As to party Papers they will represent Us as they please: and there is no remedy but Patience, and...
1455From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 January 1808 (Adams Papers)
As I know you hold a higher Rank in the intellectual Scale and a more estimable Situation in the moral Gradations of the Universe than Admiral Nelson, I know of no reason why I should not borrow his Fathers Epithets and for once or twice bestow them upon you. I, who perhaps ought to be indifferent to all Things in this World, and certainly Should conscientiously resign all Men Measures and...
1456From John Adams to James McHenry, 23 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am so continually entertained with applications to be chaplains & surgeons, that I pray you to give me some idea of your designs upon this important subject. Inclosed is a letter from Dr. Blake. Be so good as to send me a list of the twelve candidates to be Surgeons of Col Rice’s regiment. Are we to appoint regimental surgeons or only hospital surgeons? MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1457From John Adams to United States Senate, 3 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Enoch S. Lane of Virginia to be a Lieutenant of Marines DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
1458From John Adams to William Smith, 5 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, requests the Pleasure of Mr. Smith’s Company to Dine, on thursday next, at ½ past 2 o’clock. An answer is requested. MHi : Adams Papers.
1459From John Adams to Henry Colman, 14 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
In compliance with your request in your favour of the 12th I have written to the President and the Secretary at war letters which will go in the mail tomorrow. The substance of all I have written is that from a personal knowledge and agreeable acquaintance I am fully persuaded. The Government may repose entire confidence in the candour and integrity of any representations you may make relative...
1460From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 24 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I inclose a petition of Mr. Joseph Morgan & a letter from Mr. John Brown of Providence for your examination. I perceive Mr. Morgan has an inclination to be Superintendent at Springfield. But it is not yet certain there will be a vacancy there & if it were I know not what other candidates may be on your lists With great regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1461From John Adams to John Taylor, 9 April 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have received from Mr. John M Carter, Your “Inquiry,” in 656 Pages, neatly bound. If I had any rational Expectation in my 79th. Year, of Life health, unclouded Eyes and unparralysed fingers, for 20 Years to come: I would chearfully engage with you, in an analitical Investigation of all those Subjects, which you Say, have amused Some of your Leisure hours for 20 Years past. The Field is vast....
1462From John Adams to Samuel Perkins, 15 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
I commit my Grandsons to the Guardianship of yourself and Mrs Perkins and pray you to hold them under your Wings till you can deliver them to their Parents. I will thank you to write to their Father and receive his requests concerning them.— Your drafts for necessary Expences, will be honoured by him in Europe, by his Brother or by me, as you find convenient. I hope they will be little, for I...
1463From John Adams to Samuel Smith, 13 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of the first of this month, in answer to mine of the twenty fifth of November—It is not less frank and candid, than prompt and punctual. I have only to remark that you were certainly mistaken when you thought that I “was personlly hostile to you.” Your brother Robert I never saw in my life, nor had any communication with him of any kind while I had any share in...
1464To John Jay from John Adams, 9 October 1787 (Jay Papers)
France appears at this Moment, in the Light of a Simple People Sincerely disposed to Peace, benevolence and Humanity, and judging of the dispositions of others by her own. She Seems by her late Glory and Prosperity to have been Soothed into a Security and Tranquility, out of which it is Scarce possible to awaken her. England on the other hand appears, like a Nation Smarting under her Wounds,...
1465From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 1 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am much pleased with your project for the employment of the United States and Constitution explained in your favor of the 25 June & am willing you should unite the Boston with them but mean not to enjoin it. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1466From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are Recommendations of Rufus Graves and Joseph Dunham, from Mr Freeman and Letters from themselves requesting Appointments in the Army. And some notes of Observations made to me verbally and put down on paper at my desire, which you may consider at present and return to me when I meet you again, if ever DLC : James McHenry Papers.
1467From John Adams to United States Congress, 19 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
In the Report of the Secretary of State, and the documents, herewith transmitted, will be found such information as is in our possession, of the losses recovered by the citizens of the United States, under the treaty made with Great Britain, which are now presented to the House of Representatives, in compliannce with their request, in their resolution of the first of this month. DNA : RG...
1468From John Adams to United States Senate, 4 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
The President of the U.S. yesterday approved & signed a Resolve, which originated in the House of Representatives, authorizing the Secretary of State to procure and transmit to the Govenor of N.C. a number of copies of the Laws of the U.S. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
1469From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Last night I received your favour of the 5th: The Blank Commissions inclosed I return signed. I also return Mr. King’s and Mr. Humphreys Letters. I am anxious to receive the Result of the Conference with Mr. Liston, Gen. Maitland & Colo. Grant and their written propositions— I have the honor to be, Sir / Your very humble Servt. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1470From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 12 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return the papers inclosed in your favor of the 4th. relative to the consulship at the Havanna and am very well satisfied with the recommendation of Mr John Moreton, whose commission may be prepared for him when you think fit. As I am preparing to attend the funeral of my esteemed relation & beloved Gov Sumner, I have not time at present to advert to any other matters in your late...
1471From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from John Frederick William Stintt as he says a Prussian requesting to be sett at liberty. If you see no impropriety in it, you may write to the commander of the castle to examine into the facts, & if he finds them true, sett the man free. With great regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1472From John Adams to United States Senate, 21 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
Having received the original treaty concluded between the United States and the Government of Tunis, I lay it before the Senate of the United States, whether they advise and consent to its ratification. Printed Source--American State Papers. 38 vols. (Washington, D.C.: Gales and Seaton, 1831-61)..
1473From John Adams to Willis Foreman, 24 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your Address of the twenty ninth of November has been presented to me, by your Representative in Congress Mr Baldwin. I rejoice to hear that you have shaken off supineness, and are in a state of readiness to oppose a foreign foe and that if occasion should require it you will sue for Peace, sword in hand Although you are all personally unknown to me, I wish you very sincerely every felicity....
1474From John Adams to Richard Varick, 7 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 28th of last month, with two copies of Mr. Morris’s oration on the death of General Washington, and I pray you to present my thanks to the common council of your city, for this obliging mark of their attention. I had before read with much pleasure this oration, and found it distinguished among the multitude of productions on this melancholly occasion, which I...
1475From John Adams to William Gillespie, 18 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have lately received the letter you did me the honor to write me from Glasgow on the 14th of March. The letter is a very handsome testimonial in honor of my friend & predecessor, & I must consider it as a very elegant compliment to me. I pray you to accept of my hearty thanks, for a valuable monument, in a handsome guilt frame of our deceased General, whose memory deserves to be preserved,...
1476From John Adams to John Trumbull, 5 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I take an opportunity by this Express, to thank you for Me Fingal, a Poem which has been shewn me within a few days. It is excellent, and perhaps the more so for being misterious. It wants explanatory Notes as much as Hudibrass. I cant conjecture the Characters either of Honorius or Mc Fingal. Am Sorry to learn that We are likely to loose some of our best Men. We may have better in their stead...
1477From John Adams to John Jay, 9 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
France appears at this Moment, in the Light of a Simple People Sincerely disposed to Peace, benevolence and Humanity, and judging of the dispositions of others by her own. She seems by her late Glory and Prosperity to have been Soothed into a Security and Tranquility, out of which it is Scarce possible to awaken her. England on the other hand appears, like a Nation Smarting under her Wounds,...
1478From John Adams to John Jay, 24 January 1787 (Adams Papers)
I must beg the Indulgence of Congress, while I Sollicit their Attention, for a few moments to Some Particulars which are very interesting to me personally and have Some relation to the foreign Affairs of the United States.— It is now, in the Beginning of the tenth Year Since I embarked first for Europe in Obedience to the Commands of the United States. The various Services to which they have...
1479From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 31 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 21 has excited my Sympathies, visible and irascible. I never had the Shadow of a Shade of doubt that you was my legigtimate Son. But if I had been afflicted with Jealousy, the frank confession in your Letter of your impatience with Barrel would have cured me. For never were two Peas parching in the Same fire more alike. This however is no laughing Matter. If there is any...
1480From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from Mr Rutledge at Newport and recommendations from a great Number of respectable Inhabitants of Charleston in favour of George Cross to be a Captain in the Navy. To this Letter and these recommendations I pray you to pay a particular Attention. DNA : RG 45--Naval Records Collection.
1481From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 2 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a petition of George Schaffer Daniel Swarts, Henry Stahler, Christian Rhodes & Henry Shafford for a pardon of their crimes to which is subjoined a petition in their favor signed by many. I pray you to consider this with a number of others I sent you sometime ago & say whether I ought to give any answer. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1482From John Adams to United States Congress, 20 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed report to me, made by the Acting Secretary of War, on the 14 of this month, appears to be so well founded in all respects, that I recommend it to the consideration of Congress DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
1483From John Adams to James Drake, 18 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I sent 600 dollars this morning to the Bank to purchase a Postnote and they sent me the inclosed. I hope it will answer your purpose: But it is not exactly as I wished and intended. You will please acknowlege the rest of it by return of Post I am Sir your obliged servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1484From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 30 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I return signed all the blank commissions sent me with your letter of the 25th and am content you should fill up as many of them as are necessary with the names of the gentlemen you mention I have the honor to be Sir your most obedt. / st. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1485From John Adams to Jonathan Jackson, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of this day. Col Dawes has declined his appointment—if you can suggest to me a proper person to fill his place, I shall be much obliged to you. Cannot the other commissioners meet & go on till a successor can be appointed to Mr. Dawes? I know of no man so fit, but he is a freeman, & cannot be compelled to serve.—I shall be at all times glad to see you. your friend...
1486From John Adams to United States Senate, 30 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Chauncey Whittlesey to be Collector of the Customs for the District of Middletown in Connecticut, in the Place of George Phillips, Superceeded DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
1487From John Adams to John Jay, 4 January 1786 (Adams Papers)
A day or two after the receipt of your Letter of Nov r. 1 st. & that of President Lee. which came with it I wrote to the archbishop of Canterbury, by Col o. Smith, for an Hour when I might have the Honour to pay my Respects to his Grace—And was answerd very politely that he would be glad to have the Honour of seeing me, next day, between Eleven & twelve, accordingly I went Yesterday & was very...
1488From John Adams to Daniel Jackson, 23 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The firewards of the town of Boston have requested permission to deposit at castle Island a quantity of Gunpowder now lying in the harbor of Boston and more that is soon expected to arrive. As I can foresee no material inconvenience from granting from such permission. I request that you would give orders that for such gun powder as the firewards shall desire to be deposited at the castle, at...
1489From John Adams to John Jay, 30 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have received, the Letter you did me, the Honour to write me, on the Sixth of June, with the Ratification of the Treaty with Prussia. As the Term limited, is near expiring, I Shall go over to Holland or Send Col Smith, to make the Exchange M r Penn, a Member of the House of Commons, whose Character is well known in America and in England as a Steady Friend, to our Country will be the Bearer...
1490From John Adams to United States Senate, 20 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I request of the Senate that the letter and journal of our late envoys to France and the copy of their instructions and other documents relative to that negotiation may be returned to me or to the Office of State. Printed Source--A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, 1789-1897. 10 vols. (Washington, 1896-1899)..
1491From John Adams to William Gray, 25 July 1815 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter for Major Sweet. I leave it open, that he may shew it at his discretion in France. He may shew it to Monsieur Le Ray de Chaument, to the Count Marbois, to Mr Benjamin Beale, or to the whom he will.— My old Friends in France, (and I had Some) are all dead. I would venture to write to the Gentlemen above mentioned: but my Eyes and hands admonish me to forbear. If Major Sweet...
1492From John Adams to United States Senate, 4 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
I nominate John Hall of Pennsylvania to be Marshal of that district, in the room of William Nicholls resigned: and David Mead Randolph, the present marshal of the district of Virginia, for the term of four years, to commence on the fifteenth instant, when his existing commission will expire. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
1493From John Adams to John Sullivan, 23 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your agreable Favour of May the fourth has lain by me unanswered, till now. The Relation of your Negotiations at New York, in order to convince the People of the Utility and necessity of instituting a new Government, is very entertaining, and if you had remained there a few Weeks longer, I conjecture you would have effected a Change in the Politicks of that Region. Is it Deceit, or Simple...
1494From John Adams to United States Senate, 2 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Richard Wall Esqr. of Georgia to be naval officer for the port & district of Savannah in the place of Lach. McIntosh Esqr. resigned. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
1495From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
According to your request in your favour of the 9th. I inclose your Letter to Mr King N. 7 and remain, Sir your most obedient MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
1496From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 January 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have regularly received the Journals and Documents you have been So good as to inclose and two Short Letters for which I thank you. I have recd also the Economica of Mr Blodget for which I pray you to thank him. It is I presume a work of merit and Utility. I have not been able as yet to attend to it very carefully. I have not written to you before, because I had nothing to write, unless it...
1497John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 April 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have but lately received your kind Letters of the 3 d and 21. of Dec r. — They were like cold Water to a thirsty soul.— While I acknowledge your and your Brothers goodness in writing to me, I am afraid I ought to make an Apology to both, for having written so seldom to You. The late Elections to Congress have gone in general in favour of the Fœderal Government, in the Senate especially. The...
1498From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 February 1811 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received by the Post from New York, your obliging Letter of 9. Novr.—Whether Letters are Sent through London Paris Gottenbourg or directly to Boston or directly to St. Petersbough they get along through all the Crannies and Gauntletts. I must Say that every Body has been very friendly in assisting our Intercourse by Letters. I have considered your Mothers Letters as written for me...
1499From John Adams to Samuel L. Southard, 1826 (Adams Papers)
Mr J. Adams presents his compliments to Mr Southard, and will be much obliged if he will inform him what arrangement has been made regarding the draft which Mr A. had the honour to present. As it is a money matter of some amount Mr A wishes to give all the information in his power to Mr Cruft of Boston by whom it was sent— NjP : Samuel L. Southard Papers.
1500To John Jay from John Adams, 10 August 1785 (Jay Papers)
The Arret of the King of France, in his Council of the Tenth of July, has a preamble which deserved to be well considered in America. The increasing Liberality of Sentiment among Philosophers and Men of Letters, in various Nations, has for sometime given Reason to hope for a Reformation, a Kind of Protestantism, in the Commercial System of the World; but I believe that this Arret is the first...