51John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 February 1804 (Adams Papers)
I will write to you, if it be only for the Pleasure of giving you a Proof under my hand, that I am alive.— We have had no Topicks this Winter but Banks, Insurance offices, Toll Bridges and Turnpike Roads, till lately a Manifesto has appeared of the Republican Democrats against Governer Strong, made up partly from Dallas’s and partly from the Connecticutt one which Mr Tracy answered. Your...
52From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 March 1808 (Adams Papers)
Your luminous Letter of the 27th of Feb. and 6. March are is before me. Was this an homogenious Nation under a consolidated Government, the Provision in the Constitution of Massachusetts would be Sufficient. But in a Confederation like ours there is danger. In Holland they have thought unanimity necessary in all most every Thing. Under our old Confederation, a Concurrence of nine States out of...
53From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
Many Thanks for your favor of the Eleventh. It is very odd, but no less true that I not only never Saw, Mr Bentley, but I never heard of his fame or name, till I read his Election as Chaplain in a Newspaper. Since that time I have heard much, and among other things that he is an intimate Friend of James Winthrop the Judge. Mr Bowdoins appointment is the best, the President has made in this...
54From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 November 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have not written to you, though I have received two kind Letters from you, Since your departure, giving me very pleasing accounts of your comforts in your Travels. Soon after you left Us, I took the resolution instead of Sending George to Atkinson by the Stage or any other accidental and precarious conveyance to convey him myself. Accordingly We Set out, your Mother your Son and myself, and...
55From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 November 1804 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for my Letter from N.Y and the Pamplet inclosed. Commodore Morris’s Defence contains Information which appears to be wanted by our President and all his Ministers, by his senators and Representatives, by his Officers and Men of his Navy, and by the commercial Citizens of our Country. To be sure to protect the Commerce and Seamen in the Atlantic and Mediterranean and blockade...
56From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 January 1805 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of Decr. 24. was received in the regular course of the Mail and in good order. It refreshes me to See that you write in good Spirits. Your Family and private Friends must console you, under all your humiliations in public Life. For fifteen years, i.e from the year 1760 to 1775 I was in the Valley, the dark Valley of Grief Gloom and disappointment; Unalterably devoted to Principles...
57From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 14 December 1807 (Adams Papers)
Knowing very well by too long Experience the nature of your Employment, I wish you to understand that I never expect or desire any answers to my Letters except when I expressly request Information, more than a bare Acknowledgment of the Recipt of them. I Say this however upon a very patriotic and Self denying Principle because every Line from you is a cordial to my Spirit. Mr John Smith of...
58John Adams to John Quincy Adams, February 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have been confined, with a cold for three Weeks and the family have been generally affected in the same Way: We have not heard from yours for Some time. I long to see you all: but the Weather and the roads will keep Us, at a distance I fear for Some days if not weeks. I have read Seven Volumes of De la Harpe in course, and the last seven I have run through and Searched but cannot find what I...
59John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
The 11 th. of September is reckoned among the happiest days of my Life: The Navy officers who composed the late Court Martial on Capt Little, came out to visit me, with M r shaw who brought me your favor of the 4 th dated at Philadelphia, informing me of your arrival on that day with my Daughter and Grandson in as good health as could be expected.— You do not expressly say whether you intend...
60From 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...
61From 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...
62From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 February 1805 (Adams Papers)
I received your favour of the 24 of Jan. this morning. I must repeat to you that I neither expect nor desire that you should answer my Letters. I write for my own Amusement and on a Supposition at the same time that a little diversion from your Studies and Labours might give a little pleasure. Neither you nor the Gentlemen who commonly vote with you, ought to discard your concern relative to...
63From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 February 1808 (Adams Papers)
In Answer to your Letter of the 27 of January I request you to make Provision for Advancing me, by Mr Shaw one thousand one hundred and twenty five dollars and fifty Cents, or thereabout, which is the amount of an Obligation I owe to Miss Thaxter, or if you choose and I think there is but one remaining due to that Family. Your Mother has written you on the Subject of Caucus’s. I am not of her...
64Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 August 1804 (Adams Papers)
Since your favor of the twenty third I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you and I suffer the most dreadful anxiety lest illness should be the cause of your not writing. Oh God of Heaven forbid I cannot support the idea of your being sick and I so far from you the thought is torture and I shall know no peace untill I hear Oh this separation life is not worth having on such terms rather...
65Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 April 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your letter my best friend the day before yesterday which afforded me much pleasure as it assured me of your safe arval at home I know not but it appear’d to me that you r letter were not in good spirits when you last wrote you do not say you are well and I fear the fatigue of your journey has proved injurious rather than serviceable beneficial I had 20 Cents to pay Postage for your...
66Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 September 1804 (Adams Papers)
I last night had the satisfaction of recieving your kind favour of the 10 th. my beloved friend and am inclined to believe it has been as efficasious as any remedy Weems could have offer’d for my recovery. as my indisposition the last two days has been chiefly on the spirits. you know your power and must exert it I suffer a degree of weakness and languor I scarsely ever experienced before and...
67Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 May 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your kind favour of the 24 th Yesterday morning never did a letter prove more welcome as I had suffer’d a great degree of anxiety at not hearing from you it is three weeks since the date of your last and I was very apprehensive you had been prevented from writing by indisposition I am wretched if you do not write me once a week at least to inform of your health— It is perhaps fancy...
68Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 May 1804 (Adams Papers)
I sieze the earliest opportunity of answering your very kind letter of the 9 th which I did not recieve untill friday evening owing to a violent of Storm of Thunder and Lightning and the heaviest Rain ever known in this part of the Country by which the roads have been so much injured that the mail was delayed one day I never witness any thing like it M rs. Hellen who continues in a very weak...
69Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 4 October 1801 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your very kind letter late last night and hasten to answer it although I have already written by this post. You need be under no apprehension about your dear Boy as it is impossible for a child to be in better health and the terrible eruption proved to be nothing more than bug bites he has taken his weaning like a little hero and continues to grow very stout and hearty I talk to him...
70Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 June 1804 (Adams Papers)
I send you enclosed a couple of Profiles one of which I wish you to present to M rs: Adams if you think they it will prove acceptable I am told mine is a very fine likeness and Caroline who likewise takes this opportunity of offering one to your mother has I think been equally fortunate the other you can keep or give to M rs. Whitcomb if you do not want it they were taken by a M r. Todd. a...
71Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 June 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your kind favor of the 31 st on Friday Evening with the Bill enclosed for which I return you many thanks I am rejoiced to hear that your Garden affords you so much amusement and hope to find it in high order against next summer I think if you intend to make any alterations in the House as there is nobody at present residing there it would be better to have them done this Summer We...
72Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 4 July 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your last very kind letter two days since and return you many thanks for your verses the idea is extremely beautiful and I should be much delighted to see it dressed in some other form by you I do not admire the versification at precent whatever you do write must be more grateful to me than the best piece that ever was pened— I followed the multitude to day and went to pay my...
73Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 July 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved yours of the fourth only two days since & cannot concieve the reason of your letters being so long on the road I scarcely ever get one under a fortnight your last I believe was owing to your not having sent it to the post office untill eight four days after it was written I know nothing that adds so cruelly to the bitterness of separation as a want of punctuality in writing— Since...
74Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 August 1804 (Adams Papers)
Your kind favour of the 23 d arrived in due time and afforded me sincere pleasure as it contained the pleasing intelligence of the health of yourself & friends and I unite with you in prayers for its long continuance— Our dear children I hope & trust are recovering from the effects of the Season although we have had little or no hot weather it has been unusually sickly & the Summer complaint...
75Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 14 August 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your very kind letter of the 3 d on Sunday evening & was inexpressibly shocked at the melancholy news it contain’d 1 Poor M rs: Sargent. I most sincerely sympathize with you my beloved friend in grief for her early death amiable & lovely as she was every ene who has seen her must deplore her loss but you my best friend who have known her so long and once loved her so well must...
76Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 April 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your very kind letter and was rejoiced to hear that you had arrived safe at New York as I was a little apprehensive Patty might occasion you some trouble on the road I am extremely glad she performed her journey so well— It is painful to me to renew the subject of our last letters but I cannot suffer you to suppose that I remained here from choice had I had the slightest prospect of...
77Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
I was so much fatigued from my journey that I found it impossible to write by Whitcomb he will tell you how very much the poor baby suffered and I hope it will be an inducement for you to come and fetch us as I really feel that George will be almost too great a charge for me alone he has quite recovered his fatigue and looks as well as ever the meeting with my friends was almost too much for...
78Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 September 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved last night your charming letter of the 16 and was much distressed to learn that your mother had again been unwell the weather here is quite cold winthin this few day, and we all seem to revive I hope e’re this you have had a change as favorable and that you may all soon enjoy the blessing of health— I was so unwell when I last wrote I scarcely answer’d any part of your letter assure...
79Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 1 October 1804 (Adams Papers)
Your three last letters have arrived at the promised time I am concern’d to learn that mine have fail’d however as the news they contain’d was not of the most pleasing nature I should be grateful for their detention as in all probabily you will recieve three of them by the same opportunity which will be the means of saving you from a state of extreme anxiety and Solicitude— I am excessively...
80Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 May 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your favor of the 3 d three days since it gave me real pleasure as you appear to be in good spirits and write much more cheerfully than you have done some time past— I was much surprized at the change you mention in M rs. Whitcombs person she wrote Caroline she had been unwell but I did not think she had been seriously sick— I have just done reading Madame de Staals new Novel which...
81Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
I should have answered your very affectionate letter by this days post had I not been confined by one of my fits of the cramps &c: which owing to the fatigue of my journey and the unusual agitation of my spirits was attended with a considerable degree of fever I am however much better today and should be perfectly well if it was not for my hands which are extremely painful it is a return of...
82Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 October 1804 (Adams Papers)
More fortunate than yourself my beloved friend I last night received your very kind though somewhat too philosophical letter when we are distant and a beloved & suffering object is not constantly before our eyes imploring for relief we find it impossible to afford it is easy to advise, reason has full power to act and we are not exposed to those dreadful alarms excited by every change &...
83Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 May 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your very kind favors of the 14 th 20th &. 24 th. on Friday & Saturday & Should certainly not have delayed answering them so long had I not been prevented by a severe attack of the Spasms attended with a considerable degree of Fever which have tormented me these three days I am pretty well to day and certainly am should not complain as though the Spasms were very violent they were...
84Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 October 1804 (Adams Papers)
Your letters Profiles & Money have arrived safe for which I return my thanks It is true I felt severely disappointed at not finding yours among them but I endeavour’d to console myself with the transporting idea of soon possessing the dear original and every regret vanished in the sweet anticipation of our approaching meeting— I wrote you that you might possibly be at a Wedding in the course...
I am all impatience to hear from you, my beloved friend, and cannot concieve the reason, of your not having written from New York, according to your promise. there are some reports about that have occasioned me some much uneasiness and I wish very much to learn, that our friends there are all well , not a line having been recieved here. I have sent your Bank book, &c, as you desired, and have...
I enclose two letters my be loved friend which I request you will give to Adelaide I have not recieved your promissed letter I will not say that I anticipate much pleasure from its perusal as I think it is an answer to a letter I wrote you which has caused me much regret still to hear from you at all affords me so much real satisfaction. I anxiously await its arrival firmly convinced that you...
My health continues to mend rappidly and the prospect of soon rejoining you and my little darlings supports my spirits and enables me to bear the dreadful stroke that has befallen me with more fortitude than otherwise I fear I should have done— I can safely assure you that this misfortune was not caused by any imprudence on my part Dr. Weems is satisfied that the Child had been subject to...
Mr Gurney having called on me yesterday, to give notice that he should quit your house next quarter day, and that he wished to settle with you as soon as possible, I have thought it best to write you my beloved friend, he having expressed a desire to leave it immediately, which I did not think you would approved; he mention’d not having it in his power to pay you at present, but will give you...
I have this moment recieved your kind letter my best friend it has removed a load of anxiety from my heart which was becoming almost insupportable I wrote you yesterday that I was well to day I am even better as my mind is at ease your letter laid two days in the Cambridge post office which accounts for the unusual delay— The Death of Col. Wythe was attended with the most horrid circumstances...
I am rejoiced my best friend to find by your last that you have at length recieved one of my letters your anxiety must have been great but I flatter myself that you know me too well to have suspected me of negligence I every hour feel your absence more, sensibly and shall most heartily happy when the period arrives which is to restore you to us three long months must yet elapse before I can...
Tomorrow week being the 1st. March I presume this must be the last letter I address to you at Washington supposing you will set off on your journey home the earliest opportunity after the Session closes— I yesterday recieved your favor of the 9th. and was rejoiced to find that you supported the extreme severity of the Cold with so much philosophy Poor Quincy, what would he have done here when...
I last night recieved your letters of the 10 and 13 together and the extreme satisfaction of learning that your long silence was not caused by any new misfortune and that your health and that of our dear children was good. Your mother and, Sister Smith both wrote me last week who writes in better spirits than I expected. I am not surprizedat any thing Yrujo does. He has every reason to think...
To offer you, the kindest wishes of the season, my best friend, is almost unnecessary; my happiness, & felicity, in this world, is so interwoven with yours, that I fondly believe, the one cannot be sensible of a joy, or a pain, which is not sincerely participated by the other. To say that I hope each revolving year, may produce additional felicity, is poorly to express describe my feelings;...
We return’d to Town yesterday morning which was one of the most bitter Cold I ever experienced but fortunately were not frozen The Children bore the ride better than I expected though George could not refrain from tears nothing contributed so much towards producing a free circulation as the sight of Mr. Shaw with a letter from you my beloved friend written apparently in great spirits and...
I arrived here yesterday after a very fatiguing journey but find my health tolerably good Your Sister is in charming health and spirits and I think looks better than I ever saw her Capt Hull on his arrival here recieved new orders and is uncertain about going on to Newport however as Mrs Smith insists on our staying here untill after Commencement I hope we shall if he should not proceed be...
I have impatiently waited for letters, my best friend, having recieved none, since last Thursday I sincerely lament, having mentioned Georges Cough. which though it still continues, will I fervently hope, not be attended with any bad consequences. I take every possible precaution to prevent it, and by Dr. Welsh’s advice, do not suffer him to go out of the House, unless the weather is very...
Having arrived thus far safely my best friend I write you a few lines merely to inform you that I have borne the journey much better than I could possibly have expected though I find myself unable to proceed as rappidly as I wished we arrived here this morning at two o clock Came by Water from Baltimore with 60 passengers in the Newcastle Packett all Irish just arrived in this Country We left...
I am much disappointed at your Sisters not having accompanied you to Boston, having flatter’d myself with a hope that her society would have proven a great compensation for the loss of your wife and Children but I admire her resolution it was almost impossible for her to leave the Col. at so critical a period of his affairs—Mr. Hellen who is again in Baltimore return’d last Sunday and staid...
The extreme anxiety you appear to suffer, my best friend, causes me great uneasiness; you have alarmed yourself unnecessarily for George, his cough appears to have affected his Lungs considerably, but he has no fever, his appetite is good, and his spirits equally so, he does not lose flesh. Dr. Welsh reccomended his not being exposed to the air, because the weather was excessively severe, and...
Assured that a few lines from me will be acceptable to my best beloved friend on his arrival I seize the earliest opportunity of enquiring after his health and giving the pleasing information of the return to health of our darling Children Poor Kitty is suffers severely for her imprudence she has a large Blister on her side and though not absolutely confined to her Bed it almost amounts to it...