1971From John Adams to Henry Colman, 10 October 1812 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your Thanksgiving Fast Sermon which I have repeatedly read, with much pleasure. It is a Model for Sermons on Such Occasions. Phylosophy Morality and Divinity, appear in it, in So much Harmony, that I could almost Subscribe it as a Creed: Yet I would not Subscribe it in Obedience to human Authority, much less would I pass an Act of Uniformity to compel a Nation to Subscribe it....
1972From John Adams to Henry Colman, 28 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
Basanists might have gone farther. he might upon the same principles & with the same arguments have produced a greater number of candidate for apotheosis. By the doctrine of Rome, and of England, the king eternal, immortal, & invisible, the only wise God that is the holy Ghost was communicated to his Apostles by the Son of God, or God the Son, & by them, transmitted down from St. Justin and...
1973From John Adams to Henry Colman, 11 November 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 2d is among the dearest of my Consolations. The whole World Sympathises with me. All Animosities and Party feelings are forgotten. It is impossible that Relations, Friends, Neighbours or the Public could have been more kind. An Example to the World has dissapeared but cannot be forgotten. I can Say no more. Your Friend MWA : Paine Family Papers.
1974From John Adams to Henry Colman, 13 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
When I have heard you Say, and you have repeatedly Said it to me, that “you were determined to read, “The Original of all Worships”; I certainly Sympathised with you: but whether that Sympathy, had in it more of congratulation, or of Compassion; I cannot Say. When you have once read Dupuis You will find yourself, irresistably impelled to read Court de Gebeline Primative World; and then Bryants...
1975From 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...
1976From John Adams to Henry Colman, 9 July 1818 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for giving me an Opportunity to read a Discourse which I greatly regretted that the feeble State of my health would not allow me to hear. Your Text is the Sublimest Expression of Patriotism, that ever was penned as far as I know.—Your Simple Scrutiny into the physical and moral Motives to Patriotism, proves that a Man who does not love his Country Native Country is a Monster, an...
1977From John Adams to Columbian Centinel, 22 October 1804 (Adams Papers)
“J. Adams presents his compliments to the Committee of arrangements—Friendship for Mr. King and respect for the Company would have been more than sufficient to have induced him to have accepted with pleasure the obliging invitation to the dinner in honor of a gentleman whose wisdom, independence and integrity have done so much honor and real service to his Country ; but the present ill state...
1978From John Adams to Leslie Combs, 12 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have received “the history of the late war in the western country by Mr Robert B McAffe” and “the philosophy of human nature by Mr Joseph Buchanan; both of the growth, production, & manufacture of Kentucky.” I rejoice to see literature following the steps of patriotism & heroism, in a region, which since my memory, was a simple wilderness, inhabited only by the children of nature I have...
1979From Benjamin Stoddert to Commanders of Armed Vessels, 10 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Instructions to Commanders of Armed Vessels belonging to the United States:— Given at Philadelphia, The tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred and ninety eight, and in the twenty third year of our Independence.— In pursuance of the Acts of Congress passed the 28th day of May, the 28th. day of June, & the 9th day of July;— You are hereby authorized instructed,...
1980The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 28 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; incomplete copy: Massachusetts Archives; copy: Harvard University Library Our Dispatches of Decr. 18. which would have acquainted you with the State of our Affairs here, and our Expectations of a speedy Conclusion of the Treaties with this Court, are unfortunately returned; the French Man of War which went on purpose to carry them, having met with some...