1To 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...
2To John Adams from Jonathan Sewall, 29 September 1759 (Adams Papers)
My Absence from home for this Week past has occasioned my delaying an Answer to your very agreable Favor of the 14th. Instant. It gives me the most sensible Pleasure to find in my Friend so becoming a Resolution to persevere in the sublime Study of the Law, maugre all the Difficultys and perplexing Intricacies with which it seems embarrassed. I call it a sublime Study; and what more sublime!...
3To John Adams from William Crawford, 13 January 1760 (Adams Papers)
I am lately come from divine Service, if I may be allowed the Expression, performd by the Revd. Mr. Cushing, whom you’re not unaquainted with. He has fill’d my head brimfull, of Portions of Sentences, concerning the spirituall and natural man. If what Mr. Locke says be true, that an intent fixedness on any particular object, will cause an alienation of the rational Faculties, I am under no...
4To John Adams from Jonathan Sewall, 13 February 1760 (Adams Papers)
In my last, if I rightly remember, I joined with you in your panegyric on the superior Rewards which ancient Rome proposed to Application and Study, and in your Satyre on those despicable praemia, which we, whose Lot it is to live in the infant State of a new World, can rationally expect. But perhaps we have both been too hasty in our Conclusions; possibly, if we peirce through the Glare of...
5To John Adams from William Crawford, 4 July 1763 (Adams Papers)
I hope you enjoy mens sana in Corpore Sano: My Body for more than six months past has been in some degree more than common tending to dissolution. I seem to have gain’d some better Health since the warm weather. I hear that you are like to make yourself happy, by a conjunction with one of the fairest parts of the fair part of the Creation. I picture in my Imagination how you sooth and soften...
6Abigail Smith to John Adams, 11 August 1763 (Adams Papers)
If I was sure your absence to day was occasioned, by what it generally is, either to wait upon Company, or promote some good work, I freely confess my Mind would be much more at ease than at present it is. Yet this uneasiness does not arise from any apprehension of Slight or neglect, but a fear least you are indisposed, for that you said should be your only hindrance. Humanity obliges us to be...
7Abigail Smith to John Adams, 12 September 1763 (Adams Papers)
You was pleas’d to say that the receipt of a letter from your Diana always gave you pleasure. Whether this was designed for a complement, (a commodity I acknowledg that you very seldom deal in) or as a real truth, you best know. Yet if I was to judge of a certain persons Heart, by what upon the like occasion passess through a cabinet of my own, I should be apt to suspect it as a truth. And why...
8To John Adams from Jonathan Sewall, 15 February 1764 (Adams Papers)
You may remember we had some Confab. together about having the Small Pox in Concert. I intend next week (Thursday) to be inoculated by Doctr. Joseph Gardner at Point Shirley, and I expect to have Brother Thacher’s Company; —now if we could make a Triumvirate, I am perswaded it would be for our mutual Support, Com fort and Edification—but if Brother Thacher should not have Courage enough, yet...
9Hannah Storer Green to John Adams, 20 February 1764 (Adams Papers)
I think myself greatly indebted to you, for the honor you do my judgment, in refering so important a debate to my decission; and I ought, in strict justice, to apologize for my not answering it before; however, I trust to your Candor to excuse the seeming neglect, I say seeming, for I have not been unmindful of you, but have well consider’d the thing, and shall give you my thoughts upon the...
10Abigail Smith to John Adams, 7 April 1764 (Adams Papers)
How do you now? For my part, I feel much easier than I did an hour ago, My Unkle haveing given me a more particuliar, and favorable account of the Small pox, or rather the operation of the preparation, than I have had before. He speaks greatly in favor of Dr. Perkins who has not, as he has heard lost one patient. He has had since he has been in Town frequent opportunities of visiting in the...
11Abigail Smith to John Adams, 8 April 1764 (Adams Papers)
If our wishes could have conveyed you to us, you would not have been absent to Day. Mr. Cranch and my Sister have been here, where they hoped to have found you. We talk’d of you, they desire to be rememberd to you, and wish you well thro the Distemper. Mr. Cranch told me that the Deacon with his children design for Boston next Saturday and that they propose going by water—that the Deacon would...
12Abigail Smith to John Adams, 12 April 1764 (Adams Papers)
Here am I all alone, in my Chamber, a mere Nun I assure you, after professing myself thus will it not be out of Character to confess that my thoughts are often employ’d about Lysander, “out of the abundance of the Heart, the mouth speaketh,” and why Not the Mind thinketh. Received the pacquet you so generously bestowed upon me. To say I Fasted after such an entertainment, would be wronging my...
13Abigail Smith to John Adams, 15 April 1764 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Cranch informs me that Hones will go to Town tomorrow, and that I may not miss one opportunity, have now taken my pen to thank you for yours by Tom, and also for that which I have just now received by Mr. Ayres. You seem in high Spirits at which you know I rejoice. Your minute description of the persons you have seen, are very entertaining to me. I cannot consent you should omit writing,...
14Abigail Smith to John Adams, 16 April 1764 (Adams Papers)
I think I write to you every Day. Shall not I make my Letters very cheep; don’t you light your pipe with them? I care not if you do, tis a pleasure to me to write, yet I wonder I write to you with so little restraint, for as a critick I fear you more than any other person on Earth, and tis the only character, in which I ever did, or ever will fear you. What say you? Do you approve of that...
15Abigail Smith to John Adams, 19 April 1764 (Adams Papers)
Why my good Man, thou hast the curiosity of a Girl. Who could have believed that only a slight hint would have set thy imagination a gig in such a manner. And a fine encouragement I have to unravel the Mistery as thou callest it. Nothing less truly than to be told Something to my disadvantage. What an excellent reward that will be? In what Court of justice did’st thou learn that equity? I...
16Abigail Smith to John Adams, 30 April 1764 (Adams Papers)
Your Friendly Epistle reach’d me a fryday morning, it came like an Infernal Mesenger, thro fire and Brimstone, Yet it brought me tidings of great joy. With gratitude may this month be ever rememberd by Diana. You have been peculiarly favourd, and may be numberd with those who have had the distemper lightest. What would I give that I was as well thro it. I thank you for your offerd Service, but...
17Abigail Smith to John Adams, 4 May 1764 (Adams Papers)
Your desire that I would write every Opportunity is punctually observed by me, And I comply with your request, altho I have nothing more to say than How do ye? and when will you return? These questions perhaps may appear trifling to others, yet to me they are matters of the highest importance. The Doctor just now sent me your Epistle, and word, that tho he had smoked it, yet he had not read a...
18Abigail Smith to John Adams, 9 May 1764 (Adams Papers)
Welcome, Welcome thrice welcome is Lysander to Braintree, but ten times more so would he be at Weymouth, whither you are afraid to come.—Once it was not so. May not I come and see you, at least look thro a window at you? Should you not be glad to see your Diana? I flatter myself you would. Your Brother brought your Letter, tho he did not let me see him, deliverd it the Doctor from whom...
19Abigail Smith to John Adams, 4 October 1764 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the care you have taken about help. I am very willing to submit to some inconveniences in order to lessen your expences, which I am sensible have run very high for these 12 months past and tho you know I have no particuliar fancy for Judah yet considering all things, and that your Mamma and you seem to think it would be best to take her, I shall not at present look...
20Abigail Smith to John Adams, 13 October 1764 (Adams Papers)
When I wrote you by the Doctor I was in hopes that I should have been out the next day, but my disorder did not leave me as I expected and I am still confind extreemly weak, and I believe low spirited. The Doctor encourages me, tells me I shall be better in a few days. I hope to find his words true, but at present I feel, I dont know how, hardly myself. I would not have the Cart come a tuesday...
21To John Adams from Joseph Palmer, 1765 (Adams Papers)
My known fondness for Agriculture and Manufactures, has given many Opportunitys, which I have often embraced, for recommending the forming Societies for their improvement; but as nothing of that kind has yet taken place among us, that I know of; I wou’d now take the liberty of proposing a Society in this Town, for improvements in Agriculture, Commerce, Arts , and Manufactures : Agriculture is...
22To John Adams from Jonathan Sewall, 5 October 1765 (Adams Papers)
The Bearers John Oliver and Michael Nagail are indicted of the ignominious narrow-Soul’d Crime of Sheep-stealing (at Taunton Superior Court). They depended on my going down to defend them but my Business at Boston Court prevents me. I have therefore advised them to you; they intend also to engage Colo: White with you. Their Defence principally rests on these two points which they expect to...
23To John Adams from William Cooper, 18 December 1765 (Adams Papers)
Boston, 18 December 1765. Printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 1:265–266 . See Notes on the Opening of the Courts 19 Dec. 1765 , and Argument before Gov. Bernard 20 Dec. 1765 , below. Printed : ( JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and...
24To John Adams from the Sons of Liberty, 5 February 1766 (Adams Papers)
You doubtless and every American must be Sensible, that where there is a Union happily established we Should Endeavour to Support it by all possible Means Especially when the grand Object in View is the Preservation of our Invaluable Rights and Priveledges . The Colonies (we Mean) New York and Connecticut have entered into Certain Reciprocal and Mutual Agreements Concessions and Associations,...
25To John Adams from Thomas Crafts Jr., 15 February 1766 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I wrote you a few Lines by Docr. Tuffts informing you the Sons of Liberty Desired your Company at Boston Next Wensday and Mentioned for What Occation. I would now Desire it as a favour if you Can spare the time to Come on Monday Next Because they want you to Write those Incriptions that I mentiond to you when Last at Boston, one in favour of Liberty Not forgiting the Tru Born Sons...
26To John Adams from Jonathan Sewall, 11 March 1767 (Adams Papers)
11 March 1767. Enclosed in a letter from JA to Hezekiah Niles (5 Feb. 1819, LbC , Adams Papers ). Sewall’s letter was “in answer to a letter I had written to him in which I JA had enclosed a copy of the notes I had taken of Mr. Otis’s argument against writs of assistants.” MS not found. Niles neither printed nor returned the original letter of Sewall which JA sent to him. See L. H....
27Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 September 1767 (Adams Papers)
The Doctor talks of Setting out tomorrow for New Braintree. I did not know but that he might chance to see you, in his way there. I know from the tender affection you bear me, and our little one’s that you will rejoice to hear that we are well, our Son is much better than when you left home, and our Daughter rock’s him to Sleep, with the Song of “Come pappa come home to Brother Johnny.” Sunday...
28Isaac Smith Jr. to John Adams, 21 February 1771 (Adams Papers)
I have very little of a political, or of any other kind of entertainment to give you. Yet I cannot omit a few lines, however small an expression they may be, sir, of my esteem and regard for you. The apprehensions of a war, the delay of Commerce, the distress of individuals, and the liberal expences of public treasure have at length ended in this—after a negociation of four months—that the...
29To John Adams from Catharine Macaulay, 19 July 1771 (Adams Papers)
A very laborious attention to the finishing the fifth vol of my history of England with a severe fever of five months duration the consequence of that attention has hitherto deprived me of the opportunity of answering your very polite letter of August 9. 1770. Your observations of the history of England are highly favorable and flattering to the Author but you must give me leave to say that on...
30Isaac Smith Jr. to John Adams, 3 September 1771 (Adams Papers)
I have just returned from an agreable excursion, in the course of which I had the pleasure of receiving your favour of April last, with that of Mrs. Adams, for each of which I beg leave to return my thanks. I am sorry to find that you have deserted Boston. You plead as an excuse, sir, “the load of public and private care, which oppress’d you.” But you would have pleased me better, if instead...
31To John Adams from William Whipple, 13 February 1772 (Adams Papers)
Portsmouth, 13 February 1772. RC ( Adams Papers ); addressed: “To John Adams Esqr. at Boston favoured P Mr. Cutts”; endorsed. Whipple gives directions for litigation in the admiralty cases involving himself and Cutt. See entry for 27 Jan. , above. RC ( Adams Papers ).
32To John Adams from Nathaniel Freeman, 4 October 1772 (Adams Papers)
Sandwich, 4 October 1772. RC ( MiU-C ); addressed to John Adams in Boston; endorsed. Freeman notifies Adams that he is appealing a case to the Superior Court and urges Adams, who has been his attorney, not to “take up against me.” Adams’ one-sentence reply that he is “ready to engage for him” is on the verso. RC ( MiU-C ).
33II. Samuel Adams to John Adams, 22 February 1773 (Adams Papers)
If you have had Leisure to commit your Thoughts to writing agreable to my Request I shall be oblig’d if you will send them by the Bearer. The Govr says the House have incautiously applied a Rule of the Common Law (see the 4th Coll. of his Speech). The Assertion is mine , upon your Authority as I thought. If it be vindicable, pray give me your Aid in that as briefly as you please. I am sorry to...
34To John Adams from Joseph Hawley, 30 June 1773 (Adams Papers)
The letter inclosed herewith contains My Answer to the young Gentn. you was pleased recommend Me to as an Assistant in his Study of the Law and it is in the affirmative. I have heard Nothing of our Publick Affairs since I left Boston. I have only to intreat, That, as I know you Sir can do Much to influence them Nothing be done through Strife or vain glory—and that in all cases which will...
35To John Adams from Catharine Macaulay, August 1773 (Adams Papers)
I was very sorry to find by your favor of the 19 of Aprill that you had so many good reasons to allege for the Depriveing me thus long of the pleasure of your correspondence. We simpathise so much in mind and Body that you cannot think me guilty of compliment when I say that I was much concerned at the account you gave me of the state of your health and the situation of your public affaires....
In pursuance of a Resolution of this Society, I am to signify to you that you have this Day been duly elected a Member thereof. N.B. Subscriptions are received by frederick bull , Esq; Treasurer to this society , at his House in Leadenhall-Street, No. 96. Printed form on folded sheet approx. 13 by 8 inches ( Adams Papers ); addressed: “John Adams Esqr. Boston”; endorsed on address leaf: “Jan’y...
37To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 11 October 1773 (Adams Papers)
MS ( Adams Papers ) in the hand of Mercy (Otis) Warren. This unsigned poem was doubtless an enclosure in a letter which has since been lost. For Mrs. Warren’s relationship with the Adamses, see Adams Family Correspondence Adams Family Correspondence , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1963– . , 1:84 , note and references there. This reference is not to Gov. Hutchinson’s brother,...
38Abigail Adams to John Adams, 30 December 1773 (Adams Papers)
Alass! How many snow banks devide thee and me and my warmest wishes to see thee will not melt one of them. I have not heard one Word from thee, or our Little ones since I left home. I did not take any cold comeing down, and find my self in better Health than I was. I wish to hear the same account from you. The Time I proposed to tarry has Elapsed. I shall soon be home sick. The Roads at...
39To John Adams from James Warren, 3 January 1774 (Adams Papers)
I Received your last and am to Acknowledge that the Contents of it gave me great pleasure. I have for some time thought it necessary that the People should strike some Bold stroke and Try the Issue. They have long enough Submitted to Oppressions and Insults following one another in A rapid Succession without finding any Advantage. They have now Indeed passed the River and left no retreat and...
40To John Adams from Edward Dilly, 4 March 1774 (Adams Papers)
The Letters you sent for Mrs. Macaulay directed, under Cover, for me, were put into the Post office on Capt Scott’s arrival at Dover, and on their coming to my Hands I immediately transmitted the same to Mrs. Macaulay. You mentioned in your Letter to her, that you had sent the Proceeding of the Assemb l y relative to Certain Letters, but upon examining the Packet, they were not inclosed. I...
41To John Adams from William Woodfall, 12 March 1774 (Adams Papers)
As the Affairs of AMERICA are now agitating in both Houses of the English Parliament, and as it would be a matter of infinite satisfaction to those subjects of the British Crown, who are natives and residents of England, Scotland, and Ireland, to know the real state of political occurrences in America, I thought it would neither be unwelcome to the English nor American public, if a news-paper...
42Mercy Otis Warren to John and Abigail Adams, 17 May 1774 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Warren being prevented by many Avocations from writing this Morning, has put the pen into the hand of his substitute: who with him presents sincere Regards to Mr. and Mrs. Adams. Lets them know they have been Repeatedly disappointed in not seeing them at Plimouth. Shall not pretend to Deliniate the painful Ideas that arise on a survey of the Evils Brought on this much injure’d Country by...
43To John Adams from Mary Nicolson, 26 May 1774 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment been enformd that You and a Number of Worthy Gentlemen, have been Honorably negatived, by Our new Governer. I most sincerely give you Joy of it, for “when impious men bear sway, the Post of Honor is a private Station.” I could have wish’d you had, at this critical Season, been one of the Honble. Council, but your Abilities, can nevertheless be of service to your Country. May...
44To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 28 June 1774 (Adams Papers)
We yesterday received your Letter directed to us, with those for Braintree, immediately on the Receipt of it, I went to Mr Cranch’s to seek a Conveyance for them but no Opportunity offered there or at the Markets. After my return to the Office, I thought it probable that we might send them from Edes and Gill’s Shop. Accordingly I run in, I very luckily met with Mr Allens Servant who promised...
45To John Adams from James and Mercy Otis Warren, 14 July 1774 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 25th. of last month never reached me, till yesterday. It would have given me great pleasure to have seen you when I returned from Salem, and I was really greatly disappointed to find you and Family gone, and more especially as I was Apprehensive I should have no Other Opportunity of seeing you, till the Time called for your Attendance at the Grand Council of America, An Assembly...
46To John Adams from Edward Hill, 19 July 1774 (Adams Papers)
This may serve to apologize for so ungenteel a piece of Conduct as the carrying away a Sum of Money (£ 13.8—lawful) which I have received in your behalf. Nothing but absolute necessity could have forced me to do it but as I am leaving my friend you will not wonder that I wanted money which could not otherwise be procured. I have stated the matter in a letter I left for my father. RC ( Adams...
47To John Adams from Joseph Hawley, 25 July 1774 (Adams Papers)
I never recd. nor heard of your letter of the 27th June last, Wrote at Ipswich until the 22d instant. Immediately on the receipt of it I set myself to consider of an answer to it. What I first remark is your great distrust of your Abilities for the service assigned you. Hereon I say that I immagine that I have Some knowledge of your Abilities, and I assure you Sir I gave My Vote for you Most...
48To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 25 July 1774 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter was this Day delivered to me in the office. Your obliging thanks for my duty gives me singular Pleasure. Mr. Hill return’d to Boston last Saturday. I very early in my Letter give you this Information because I hope it will afford you a share of consolation and happiness in proportion equal to your grief and concern you have had for his elopement. It seems his Father, as I presumed...
49To John Adams from Edward Hill, 29 July 1774 (Adams Papers)
Nothing could induce me to keep alive the remembrance of an affair which you will easily believe I wish might be forever forgotten, but the consideration of the importance it is of to me that my Character should stand fair in the opinion of a person with whom I have had, and in all probability am likely to have, such a connection as with you; and that no suspicion of my fidelity should remain...
50To John Adams from Joseph Hawley, August 1774 (Adams Papers)
“We must fight , if we can’t otherwise rid ourselves of British taxation, all revenues, and the constitution or form of government enacted for us by the British parliament. It is evil against right-utterly intolerable to every man who has any idea or feeling of right or liberty. It is easy to demonstrate that the regulation act will soon annihilate every thing of value in the charter,...