1To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 24 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
Inasmuch As I never mean to solicit an Office of any kind under Congress for myself, I am induced to solicit with the more boldness, Appointments for my friends. Never have I undertook that business in favor of a person of more merit than the bearer of this letter Mr: Peter Baynton—a gentleman of connections, once among the first in our State for Rank and property, and who stands very high in...
2To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 22 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
Accept of my sincere congratulations upon your arrival in New York, and upon your advancement to the second honor in the United States.— Your influence in the Senate over which you have been called to preside, will give you great weight (without a vote) in determining upon the most suitable characters to fill the first offices in government. Pennsylvania looks up with anxious Solicitude for...
3To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 19 March 1789 (Adams Papers)
From the influence as president of the Senate, and a citizen of Massachusetts, that you will have in the Councils of our nation, I have taken the liberty of addressing a few thoughts to you upon the subject of the residence of the Congress of the United States. 1. The active and useful part which the Eastern states have taken in the establishment of our independance & new government, and the...
4To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 21 February 1789 (Adams Papers)
Few events have happened since the 17th of Septemr: 1788, which have afforded more pleasure than your election to the Vice President’s chair. It is the cap–stone of our labors respecting the new government. Mr. Rutledge had some friends in Pennsylvania—but your friends prevailed. Mr. Wilson had great merit in this business. Mr. Morris likewise advised it. There is an expectation here which I...
5To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 22 January 1789 (Adams Papers)
Your affectionate and instructing letter of Decemr 2nd. did not reach me ‘till yesterday. I Embrace with my Affections, as well as my judgement that form of Government which you have proved from so many Authorities, to be the only One that can preserve political happiness. It was my attachment to a constitution composed of three branches, that first deprived me of the Confidence of the Whigs...
6To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 2 July 1788 (Adams Papers)
Permit an old friend to congratulate you upon your Safe Arrival in your native country. I rejoiced in reading, of the respectful manner in which you were received by your fellow Citizens. You serve a grateful & enlightened people. May you long continue to enjoy their confidence, & may they long - very long continue to enjoy the benefits of your patriotism & knowledge. I have to thank you for...