1To John Adams from John Cranch, 17 January 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have never found so much difficulty in prevailing upon myself to do any indifferent action, as in this of convincing myself that it is not too great a presumption to address a few lines to you, with the little present of game which will wait your acceptance about the same instant: In truth I could willingly have sent the gift, without at all disclosing the giver, could I, at the same time,...
2John Cranch to John Adams, 11 February 1784 (Adams Papers)
As there is so little temptation, at present, to an englishman , to pay any attention to the wretched political informations of his country, you will have the goodness to pardon me, Sir, if, not knowing whether you have a public character at the Hague, I am so ignorant as not to know if I have misaddressed you: At the same time, I must confess, that no punctilio of ceremony will restrain me...
3To John Adams from John Cranch, 8 July 1794 (Adams Papers)
I hope your Excellency will pardon my presumption in sending to you these books, with the specimens; and condescend to accept the same in acknowledgment of my gratitude for the notices you have honor’d me with: I send two other copies to Uncle Cranch, one for himself, and the other for the Academy; and 3 or 4 more for other friends in New England,—having some apprehension that the work neither...