1Richard Cranch and John Adams to Mary Smith, 30 December 1761 (Adams Papers)
I was at Boston yesterday and saw your Brother who was well. I have but a moments notice of an oportunity of sending to you the enclos’d which I took at your Unkle Edwards’s. Here we are Dick and Jack as happy as the Wickedness and folly of this World will allow Phylosophers to be: our good Wishes are pour’d forth for the felicity of you, your family and Neighbours.—My—I dont know what—to Mrs....
2Richard Cranch to John Adams, 19 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have just received the within Letters, and as I hear Capt. Young is to sail tomorrow I take the liberty of inclosing them to you. By Capt. Cushing who sailed a few Weeks ago I sent you the News-Papers from last May, and by Capt. Young I have sent the Papers since and a Register for 1786. I have also sent a little Bundle for Sister Adams. I wrote you largely by Capt. Cushing, and have wrote...
3Richard Cranch to John Adams, 24 July 1775 (Adams Papers)
Sister Adams informs me that you complain that your Friends this way neglect writing to you. I believe a share of the Blame belongs to me, and shall now endeavour to make some amends. We have lately had several little Expeditions from this quarter against the Enemy, a particular account of which, as near as I can collect it from those who were present, I shall give you.—On the 11th. Inst. in...
4Richard Cranch to John Adams, 18 January 1780 (Adams Papers)
I was last Evening at your House and left Mrs. Adams, Miss Nabby and Master Tommy well, as are also all the rest of our Connections. The Communication between this Town and Braintree is at present extremely difficult by means of a greater Quantity of Snow on the Ground than has been known for forty Years past. I bro’t two Pacquets from Mrs. Adams which I deliver’d to Genl. Warren for...
5To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 21 November 1783 (Adams Papers)
Having this moment been informed that our Hon d: Friend M r: Temple is about to sail for England this Day, I gladly embrace the Opportunity of writing a few Lines to you by him. He informs me that he shall use his Influence with those in Power, to promote the forming the Treaty of Commerce on the largest and most liberal Principles, if that Business is not already finished. His great Knowledge...
6Richard Cranch to John Adams, 20 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
We have received the Favour of your Letters and those from Sister Adams, by the Captains Cushing and Lyde. Cushing arrived on Sunday last and Lyde on Monday. I thank you for the further explanation of your Sentiments respecting the probable Operation of our Navigation Act, and think they are well founded. I think what you mention about the Sugar Trade with France in return for our Oil, is a...
7Richard Cranch to John Adams, 31 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have the happiness to inform you that your Son Charles arriv’d at Beverly from Bilboa last Week, in the Ship Cicero, after a Passage of 51 Days. He is in fine Health and behaves himself with such good Breeding as gives pleasure to all his Acquaintance. He return’d to Braintree the day before Yesterday where he found his joy full Mother and Brother and Sister all well. His Trunk and Things...
8Richard Cranch to John Adams, 26 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have this Moment heard of an Oportunity of writing a line to you by Coll. Tyler of this Town who sets out this Day from hence and is going in a Vessel bound to France from New London. I would in the first Place (to fore-close Anxiety) inform you that your Wife and Children, your Mother, Brother &c. are well. Mr. Partridge is return’d from Congress last Week—brings no News of importance....
9Richard Cranch to John Adams, 3 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
By Capt. Haydon who arrived here the day before yesterday I received a Pacquet of News-Papers and Pamphlets from you, also I received two other Pacquets by Capt. Brown a few Days ago, for which I thank you. I had however the mortification of not finding a Line in either of them from you or Mr. Thaxter. I have wrote you often but have not had the Happiness of receiving a Letter from you since...
10Richard Cranch to Abigail Adams, 17 August 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Alliance arriv’d yesterday after a Passage of about 36 Days. I went this Morning to see Mr. A. Lee (who came in her) but he was engag’d in Writing and could not be spoke with, his Nephew inform’d me that Mr. Adams and the Children were well, as were also Mr. Dana and Mr. Thaxter. Mr. Blodget bro’t a Letter from Mr. Adams for you. I sent it (just before Peter came) by Mr. Seth Spear, who...
11From Richard Cranch to Abigail Smith Adams, 23 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to your request I have been recollecting some particulars respecting the antient and honourable family of Quincy (from which you are descended) that I have met with in reading or that my long acquaintance with the family have brought to my knowledge. It appears from antient historians, particularly from Mathew Paris, who flourished in the thirteenth century, that Robert De Quincy...
12To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 10 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed Letter to the Honble: Mr. Brown a Senator from Kentucky, I would ask the favr. of you to deliver to him: It is about the late Mr. Thos. Perkins’s affairs, who died at Kentucky. I have desired Mr Brown to inform me (when he has Leisure for it) what is become of the Lands that were located to Mr Perkins, and whether or not there is any Estate of his remaining for his Heirs. I am in...
13Richard Cranch to John Adams, 3 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
This will be handed to you by a worthy young Gentleman Mr. Bulfinch Son of Doctor Bulfinch; I doubt not but his Conduct will render him worthy of your Notice. I have not time to write you on publick Matters at present. The County have put me into the Senate this Year and we have very hard Service. I have enclosed the Speech of our new Governour &c. He is a Man of System and Application, and I...
14To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 15 October 1774 (Adams Papers)
I hear that a letter from one P——s, a clergyman in Connecticut, has been intercepted, and that an attested copy of it is now before our congress. The contents of it are very extraordinary—he informs the person to whom it is addressed, that he has received advice that several regiments more from England, and a number of men of war, are expected, and that when they arrive, hanging work will...
15Richard Cranch to John Adams, 12 August 1784 (Adams Papers)
After a long Interval, I had Yesterday the great Happiness of receiving your esteemed Favour of the 3d. of April. I immediately sent the inclosed to Mr. Tyler. I have not seen him since your Letter came to his Hand. When I consider the amazing Exertions of Mind that you must have been continually making, and the Anxieties that must necessarily have prey’d upon your Spirits while Events of the...
16Richard Cranch to John Adams, 29 December 1785 (Adams Papers)
When the Senate was last sitting I desired the Honble. Mr. Goodhue≠ of Salem, to answer your Request to me about the Cod-Fishery, and give you a Statement of it—and I learn by Capt. Geo: Williams that a Letter he deliver’d me a few Days ago (which I herewith send you) contains his Observations on that Subject. The Hon: Peleg Coffin Esqr. of Nantucket, the Senator for that County, also promised...
17To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 14 April 1804 (Adams Papers)
Received of Hone John Adams Esq. by Cotton-Tufts one Hundred Thirty five Dollars Six Cents in full for one years Interest on his said Adams’s promissory Note to me bearing Date March 29th 1802. MHi : Adams Papers.
18To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 3 October 1786 (Adams Papers)
The Gen l Court met here last Wednesday being called together much sooner than was expected, on acc t. of the Disturbances that have taken place in several Counties by unlawfull Assemblies of armed-Men to stop the Courts of Justice. I herewith send you the News-Papers in which you will find a general account of the Proceedings in the Counties of Bristol, Hampshire, Worcester, and at Concord in...
19Richard Cranch to John Adams, 10 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have just been inform’d by Uncle Smith that a Vessel will sail for Holland this Day; and as I wish to let you hear from your dearest Connections here by every oportunity, I hope you will excuse this Domestick Epistle. I left your Lady and Children all well this Week, your Mother and Brother and all our other Friends are as well as usual. I have had the happiness of receiving your esteemed...
20Richard Cranch to John Adams, 28 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
Having an Oportunity by Doctor Dexter, now bound to Europe, I gladly embrace it to write you a few Lines. We have been longing to hear from you a great while—not a line received from you or Mr. Thaxter for near six months. A Dutch War—Northern Powers arming for Defence of their Trade &c. are important Events since we last heard from you, which we wish to have an account of from you with your...
21Richard Cranch to John Adams, 18 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
The Pamphlets herewith inclosed, I send you by favour of Mr. Benjamin Austin, Merchant (Brother to Mr. Jonathan Loring Austin) by whome I have wrote you more at large. He proposes to sail tomorrow for London with Capt. Love. I wrote you also by Cousin William Smith who sailed for London the 7th. Instant with Capt. Callahan. Last Wednesday I attended at the old Seat of the Muses, having not...
22Richard Cranch to Abigail Adams, 13 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
Last Evening I received a few Lines from you dated the 23d of Decr., with Newspapers to the 4th. of January 1786. The shortest Note from a Friend, when it contains an Information with which our Happiness is intimately connected, must be highly esteemed. Yours informs me that you and your most amiable Daughter are well. I have also, pr favour of Mr. King, received Bror. Adams’s Letter of the...
23To John Adams from Richard Cranch, October 1756 (Adams Papers)
Tho’ I acknowledge that one ought never to be asham’d to speak the truth; yet I find my self much inclin’d to it, when I’m about to tell you that I have two of your very kind and ingenious Letters by me unanswer’d. I assure you sir, that my neglect arises not from any want of esteem for my Friend, but (to tell another ungratefull truth) from downright dullness; I must wait with patience for...
24Richard Cranch to John Adams, 22 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Those that are dearest to you are here, under Inocolation. Charles was Inocolated with me on Thursday, the 11th. Instt. Our Symptoms are very promising; Mrs. A. and the other three Children underwent the operation the next Day. I suppose the enclos’d will be more particular. The Declaration of Independency which took place here last Thursday, was an Event most ardently wish’d for by every...
25Richard Cranch to John Adams, 11 June 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have just now deliver’d to your Friend Genl. Warren of the Navy-Board, a Pacquet from Sister Adams directed to you. The Genl. informs me that a Vessell will sail for Nants next Sunday, by which he will send it. Tho’ I cannot learn that any of my former Letters have reach’d you, yet I gladly take hold of the same Oportunity to try again to convey a Letter to so dear a Friend. I have had the...
26To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 22 January 1790 (Adams Papers)
This will be delivered to you by my esteemed Friend M r. Nathan Reed, who was a very worthy Tutor to your eldest Son, and to mine, when at the University. He is a Gentleman whose acquaintance with the Principles of Natural Philosophy and the Mathematicks is very extensive, and he is more particularly well versed in the application of those Principles to the purposes of constructing usefull...
27Richard Cranch to Abigail Adams, 5 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
Capt. Cushing having informed me that he shall sail tomorrow, I have requested him to take the Charge of a small Packquett containing a few Letters and News-Papers, which he has promised to deliver with his own Hands. You will see in the Papers an Account of the surprizing progress of Art, and effect of Industry, exhibited in the Completion of the Bridge across Charlestown Ferry, which was...
28Richard Cranch to John Adams, 9 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer Mr. John Leverett has just now inform’d me that he is bound to Holland and intends to wait upon you at Paris before he returns. I gladly embrace the Oportunity of writing a Line to you by him. I am again chosen by the Town of Braintree to represent them in the Genl. Court which is the reason of my being here as the Court is now sitting in this Capital. We have been certified by a...
29Richard Cranch to John Adams, 22 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you by Doctor Dexter on the 28th Ulto. which I hope will come safe to hand. Tho’ I have not had the Happiness of a Line from you since you left America yet I shall gladly embrace the Oportunity that now offers (by a Ship bound to Denmark) to write you a few Lines. We have just received Letters from Spain giving an account of the very great successes against the English in India by...
30To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 11 January 1786 (Adams Papers)
M r. John Jenks, the Bearer, has this moment inform’d me that he shall sail for London this Day in Cap t. Lyde. As he has been so long connected with our most valuable Friend Doct r Tufts, and is knowing to so many of our Friends and Relations, I think it must be a Pleasure to you and you Family to see him in London. He comes, as I am inform’d, in behalf of some Merchants in Salem to transact...
31Richard Cranch to John Adams, 18 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
As there is a Vessell now here bound for Holland by which (if not sooner) you will doubtless hear various accounts of the Affair that has lately happen’d in the Pensilvania Line of the Army, I embrace the Oportunity to let you know the true state of that affair as far as the Genl. Court has been inform’d of it, to prevent your being misled by false Reports. Genl. Knox who left Head Quarters...
32Richard Cranch to John Adams, 3 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you a few Lines by your most amiable Partner who sailed in a Ship commanded by Capt. Byfield Lyde, from Boston, the 20th. Ulto. I hope that before you receive this you will have had the inexpressible Happiness of meeting her and your dear Daughter in Europe. Our worthy Friend the Honble. Cotton Tufts Esqr. wrote you this Morning, since which the Secretary has deliver’d me the inclosed...
33Richard Cranch to John Adams, 16 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have enclosed to you a Copy of certain Letters lately transmitted to Congress by B:F: Esqr.—Copies of them having been sent from Congress Philadelphia to your Friends here, I tho’t it my Duty to let you know as soon as possible what treatment you receive from that Gentleman. I have heard (sub rosae) that influence has been used in a certain Place august Assembly to have the Regulator of...
34Richard Cranch to John Adams, 30 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am just come from Braintree, and hear a Vessell is to sail for France directly: I have only time to enclose you two Hand-Bills, on the Contents of which I heartily congratulate you. —American Affairs never wore a more agreeable Aspect than at present. I want to hear how this News will be relish’d at St. James’s. Captains Brown, and Skinner are arriv’d from Amsterdam last Week, and Capt....
35From Richard Cranch to Elizabeth Quincy Guild, 23 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to your request I have been recollecting some particulars respecting the antient and honourable family of Quincy (from which you are descended) that I have met with in reading or that my long acquaintance with the family have brought to my knowledge. It appears from antient historians, particularly from Mathew Paris, who flourished in the thirteenth century, that Robert De Quincy...
36Richard Cranch to John Adams, 26 June 1783 (Adams Papers)
Your most esteemed Favour of the 15th. of December came safe to hand, for which I heartily thank you. I have also been favour’d with the sight of several of your other Letters, particularly one to Uncle Smith about the Fishery; and I got liberty from him to let some of your Essex Friends have a sight of it, particularly your Friend and Class-mate Mr. Dalton (the Speaker) and some other Members...
37Richard Cranch to John Adams, 1 February 1792 (Adams Papers)
I have lately received a Letter from my worthy Friend and Nephew M r. William Bond of Portland, informing me that he wishes, thro’ my intervention, to offer his Service to Congress as an assistant in the Mint of the United States which he supposes will be soon established. I have reason to think that very few Persons can be found at present in the United States who are so well acquainted with...
38To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 10 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you largely by Cap t. Cushing who sail’d from hence about 3 Weeks ago. I therein take notice of the State of our Trade, its Embarrasments &c— I have since received your esteemed Favour of Aug: 22 d , 1785. It came to hand the Day before the Gen l. Court met for the present Session. Your Opinion concerning our Navigation Act strengthened our Hands much who were in favour of that...
39Richard Cranch to John Adams, 24 May 1787 (Adams Papers)
I herewith send you the News-Papers by which you will see the state of our publick proceedings. Our most excellent Governor M r. Bowdoin is to be left out this Year—M r Hancock will doubtless succeed him. Strenuous efforts have been made at the present Election to get a Gen l. Court that will suit the minds of the Insurgents and their Friends—Many good Men, however, will be chosen into both...
40To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 13 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
Your esteemed Favour of the 27 th of April came safe to hand. As you had then but just heard of your Appointment to the Court of G: Britain, you could only give me your Sentiments, as a Statesman, what would probably be your Difficulties, and what your Prospects of surmounting them. We have since had the Happiness of receiving a number of Letters from your most excellent Lady, and amiable...
41Richard Cranch to John Adams, 18 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Benjamin Austin is a Son of the Honble. Benjamin Austin Esqr. of this Town, and Brother to Mr. Jona. Loring Austin who was lately in Europe. He expects to see France and Holland before he returns, and wishes that he may have an Oportunity of being made personally known to your Excellency. I am not very particularly acquainted with this young Gentleman, but the great Esteem that...
42Richard Cranch to John Adams, 18 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
The Oportunity that now presents of sending this by your most amiable Friend, while it makes me glad to think that so great an Addition will be made to your Happiness by the arrival of two Persons so deservedly dear to you; yet at the same time our Loss is such, as, in spight of all our Philosophy must throw a melancholly Shade over our remaining social Enjoyments. May Heaven preserve those...
43Richard Cranch to Abigail Adams, 31 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the happiness of informing you that your Sister Cranch, is much better than when you went away. Your Mantle has fallen on M rs. Black, who with a Sister’s tenderness has attended to the preparing of the Wine Whey, and doing every thing for her that the warmest Friendship can dictate. The rest of our Family are growing better but slowly. A young Man at M r: Jn o. Newcomb’s and the worthy...
The enclosed Letter from my Son mentions a Law Case that was Reported in the National Intelligencer. As you take that Paper I would thank you to look it up for me, as it may be of use in the Suit now depending. I am, with Compliments to Mrs. Adams, your obliged Friend and Uncle— Please to return my Son’s Letter. MHi : Adams Papers.
45Richard Cranch to John Adams, 20 January 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have received your esteemed Favour of the 10th. of Sepr. 1783, and am sorry to find that the Happiness we flatter’d our selves with soon enjoying on your Return, is postponed to a more distant Period. But the Consideration of the very important Services for your Country that you are still engaged in, makes it our Duty to sacrifice our private Enjoyments to the greater Good of the Public. The...
46Richard Cranch to Abigail Adams, 10 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the great Happiness of informing you that M rs. Cranch remains better. Her Boyls, with which she was much troubled, are broke and have discharg’d matter that I hope will be salutary. She received your most kind and affectionate Letter from New Haven of the 2 d Inst t: We are glad to hear you got so far safe, and hope our great Preserver will be with you still, and keep you from every...
47Richard Cranch to John Adams, 15 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
To wish you Joy on your advancement to the high Station you now hold will perhaps, at present, be premature; I shall therefore rather wish you Patience. The comprehensive and clear Views that you have acquired from an accurate Examination of all the ancient Forms of Government and their consequences in actual operation, and your great Experience in the modern Systems that have been exhibited,...
48Richard Cranch to John Adams, 26 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
Tho’ I have often wrote to your Excellency, yet I have not had the Happiness of a Line from you since you left us. I have this Day heard that Mr. Codman, who had his mercantile Education under our worthy Uncle Isaac Smith Esqr, will sail tomorrow Morning for Spain. I therefore take the liberty of sending a few Lines by him, tho’ the Conveyance be somewhat circuitous. Our Affairs at the...
49Richard Cranch to John Adams, 20 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
This will be convey’d to you by the Honble. Natl. Gorham Esqr. our late Speaker, who return’d this Summer from Congress in which he has Serv’d this Commonwealth as a Delegate, with great Ability and Honour. I hope he will, if possible, have a personal Interview with you, as he can doubtless throw much Light on many of the Transactions of that Body. The special Purpose for which Mr. Gorham now...