91From John Adams to P. Mallet, 10 November 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 20 Oct and have communicated its melancholly contents to the mother and other relations of the deceased Mr. William Smith. They all sympathize with you in your affliction.—I know nothing of Mr Smiths affairs and I cannot learn that any of his relations are better acquainted with them. They desire that their respects may be...
92From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 November 1801 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 3. oct....I Should be obliged to your friend Mr Mappa if he would commit to writing a description of the Phenomena, he observed in the Eastern Asiatic Seas; and the various species of foam which he saw floating on the waves and thought preparatory matter for testaceous and crustaceous fishes. The Spat, or Eggs of oysters, float on the Waves, and are deposited...
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 16 Oct together with your “considerations on the substance of the sun.” This pamphlet I shall transmit to Dr Lathrop of Boston, the librarian of the society, to be laid before them at their next assembly. In the mean time, I thank you for the pleasure you have given me of reading it. I will venture to say it contains much...
94From John Adams to Philip Peck, 16 November 1801 (Adams Papers)
The request, in your Letter of the 4th: which I received on Saturday, is somewhat embarrassing. On the one hand, to refuse my consent to a proposal which must be thought by some so obliging and by others So flattering, would be severe and uncivil: on the other I do not approve, in general of the practice of giving double names of Baptism to Children: Although the Influence of Grandmothers and...
95To John Adams from Robert Purviance, 19 December 1801 (Adams Papers)
By the Maryland Sloop of war Cap. John Rodgers a Box or case was directed for You, and was delivered in the public Store in September last. Since that I have been in daily expectation that it would have been called for by your order, and as that does not appear to be the Case, I suppose You have received no advice of its being shipped; in consequence thereof, I have taken the liberty to...
96To John Adams from Adam Gerard Mappa, 30 December 1801 (Adams Papers)
Mr. van der Kemp communicating to me your desire of committing to writing a description of the Phenomena Which I Saw floating on the Surface of the African & Asiatic Seas, commonly call’d and known by the name of Portuguese Men of war, I do cheerfully undertake,—unhappily I am not Sufficiently informed of the variety and species of foam, to be found in those Regions, which undoubtedly are very...
97To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 2 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Shaw has written to me to procure, and forward to him the President message, the reports of departments and generally Such State papers as Shall be laid before the house of representatives, and has requested me to direct them under cover to your address—. but Sir however warrantable I might feel myself in so doing from the Suggestions of my friend whom I wish much to Serve, I dare not...
98To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
Had I not been favoured with so manÿ proofs of your kindness I should have hesitated to undertake the task in writing this letter; more so, as I flatter’d meself, that it should have been in mÿ friend’s power, to satisfy in this article the utmost of your wishes. But here I fear I shall be disappointed, as this is the time of the ÿear of making up his annual accounts, which require all his...
99To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 9 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
Permit me Sir to add to the documents forwarded to Mr. Shaw the National Intelligencer; Since the doors of the Senate are opened, to Stenographers, the editor of this paper attends in Senate, and as the Subject of repeating, that part of the Judiciary System which passed last Session of Congress is now taken up in Senate, the Speaches of the Senators will I presume be interesting to you, if I...
100To John Adams from Rufus King, 12 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to send you enclosed the copy of a convention which I have signed with Lord Hawkesbury concerning the 6. & 7. Arts. of the Treaty of 1794—As the discussions which led to this Result were begun and conducted under your instructions, I feel it to be my Duty, as well as a mark of Respect that is due to you, to send you this Copy by the same opportunity that I avail myself of, to...
101To John Adams from Wilhem Willink, 15 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
We have but shortly received Your much esteemed and friendly favor Copy of October 9. last directing us to hold Subject to the orders of Your Son J. Q. Adams Esqr. all the property of yours in our hands, and to follow his instructions in every particular, as fully as if we had your particular directions to that purpose: we shall attend duly to Your Son’s orders and conform strictly to the...
102From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favors of the third, and am much obliged to you and to Mr. Mappa for your Observations on the generation of shell fish &c My Privilege of franking extends to all Letters and Packetts. I return your letter to Chandler Livingston with this, and will return that to Mr. Boon, in a short time. I can afford you no ideas on the Subject of the mammoth because I have none. The Spirit...
103From John Adams to Joseph Wheaton, 26 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have received our letter of the 9th and a former one. You may inclose to my address the public documents which Mr. Shaw desires, and I shall have the use of them, when they arrive. I thank you for the newspapers, containing the debate on the motion for repealing the judiciary bill & for the expressions of personal kindness to me in both of your letters. I congratulate you on your continuance...
104To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 4 February 1802 (Adams Papers)
This will be handed you by Mr Charles Coffin, son of Dr. Coffin of Newbury port, educated at Harvard College, a prime scholar, & now a Candidate for the Ministry, & Vice President of Greenville College in Tennessee—He is commissioned by the Trustees of sd. College to sollicit contributions to the funds of sd. College, & was sollicitous to confer with you, sir, on the subject, it being...
105Claim Against the Estate of Norton Quincy, 15 February 1802 (Adams Papers)
There is due from me to the Estate of Norton Quincy Esq. late of the Town of Quincy deceased. One Thousand and Eight Dollars it being for a Pasture called Babel Pasture sold and conveyed to me by the Executor of the said Norton Quincys last Will & Testament— Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Cotton Tufts of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executor of...
106To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 18 February 1802 (Adams Papers)
Your favor with which I have been so highly gratified, & which so deeply impresses me with a Sense of your goodness & consideration, came to hand the fiftenth instt, the long detention by the way adds to the Idea which had formed, that the spoilers hand might have been laid on some of the papers directed to your address—I hope my f e ars are groundless—I will deem myself permitted Suitable to...
107From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
I now return your remarks on Jefferson and Buffon. If I had your permission I would communicate them to the American Academy of Arts & sciences. I think them valuable. The panegyricks upon these philosophers are however too sublime for the region of New England, and would diminish the useful influence of your observations. I sent your letter to Livingston sometime ago I am as usual MHi : Adams...
108To John Adams from James Asheton Bayard, Jr., 19 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to send to you a speech delivered upon the subject of the Judiciary when lately under the consideration of the House of Representatives and beg you, to be assured of the very high Consideration / with which I have the honor to be / Sir / your very obt. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
109To John Adams from John Redman Coxe, 19 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
Having received from you by the hands of your Son, the very acceptable Donation of the 2nd & 3d vol of your Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America; which renders the work complete, I am directed by the Society to transmit their thanks for your assistance, in thus advancing the design of their institution. I have the honour to be, / Your obedient servant, MHi...
110To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
You know too well mÿ attachment to your person, and am persuaded how highly I value your honoured correspondence, not to Suspect that Some weighty reason must have prevented my not answering your favour of Jan. 26—I dare not wait longer now I am honoured with another of March 8—With my remarks on Buffon. I am always apprehensive, to bereave me of the Sensible States faction, which you bestow...
111From John Adams to Richard Cranch, 29 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
For Value received I promise to pay Richard Cranch Esq, o n order, Two thousand two hundred and fifty one Dollars in twelve months from this date, with Interest untill paid Testis Cotton Tufts 1806. October. 13th. Received Sixty Seven Dollars and Fifty Three Cents for one half years Interest on the above Note also the further Sum of fifty one Dollars in part of principal recd. by the hand of...
112From John Adams to Jonas Pierce, 1 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
This Indenture made the first day of April in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & two by & between John Adams of the town of Quincy Esquire & Cotton Tufts Junr. of Weymouth Merchant on the one part & Jonas Pierce of said Town of Quincy Husbandman on the other part. Witnesseth, that the said John & Cotton for the consideration hereafter mentioned, hath demised, leased & Farm letten, and...
113To John Adams from Dudley Leavitt, 7 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
I some weeks since had the pleasure of seeing an advertisement issued by your order, for the purpose of encouraging discoveries relative to Light & Heat.—Such a laudable stimulus to the promotion of Science from so eminent a Patron of useful Knowledge, must, I think, meet the approbation it merits, and contribute to useful discoveries, not only by exciting the emulation of the aspiring &...
114From John Adams to James Asheton Bayard, 10 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
I received your favor of the 19th March and am much flattered by your kind recollection of me. Your Speech which was inclosed I had read in detached parcels in newspapers more than once.—I have now read all together and at once. I shall not take the time to recollect enough of my Cicero and Quintilian to give a critical dissertation and comparison of the various orations in both houses of...
115To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 20 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the honour & advantage of your name to head the list of subscribers to the Gazetteer of the Eastern Continent. I wish the Work may not be found unworthy such patronage. The high & sincere respect I have for your character, the gratitude I feel for the eminent services you have rendered our country, & the many acts of kindness I have received from you, prompt me to...
116To John Adams from Rev. Manasseh Cutler, 22 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose the late Census of the United S t ates, presuming it to be a document which it will be agreeable to you to possess. I should have been happy to have forwarded to you any documents you would wish to have received, & should have taken the liberty to have sent such as I conceived would have been acceptable, but the number provided for the house, have generally been...
117To John Adams from James Asheton Bayard, Jr., 25 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have been extremely flattered by the letter which you did me the honor to write me on the 10th. Inst. It is no virtue to be insensible to the praise of great & good men. I could not have received a more grateful reward for any labour than your approbation. I beg the favor of being presented very respectfully to Mrs. Adams. and / have the honor to be / with sentiments of the highest...
118To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 28 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
Know All Men by these Presents that I Cotton Tufts of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executor of the last Will and Testament of Norton Quincy late of the Town of Quincy, Esquire, deceased, being in the County of Norfolk aforesaid. By Virtue of the Power and Authority given to me in and by the said last Will & Testament, as well as by the free Consent of...
119From John Adams to Rev. Manasseh Cutler, 10 May 1802 (Adams Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 17 of April. The letter from Dr Mitchell & the project of the society at N York of a national academy shall be laid before the american academy of Arts & sciences at their next meeting. Your other favor, of April 22 has since come to hand. I thank you Sir for your obliging persuit of the census. If the government for the second twelve years by undoing all that...
120To John Adams from Elisha Sylvester, Jr., 20 May 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have taken liberty to call at your house in a friendly way Several times, and as I respected you as President of the united States, and liked the laws and administration, while you was in that office,—and as I was in much trouble and am yet, I occasionally travelled in your parts, to contrive some means of redress.—I have call’d on your Kinsman Revd Norton also, and suspect such visits are a...
121To John Adams from John Sinclair, 3 June 1802 (Adams Papers)
I expected to have had the Honour of hearing from you before this time, on the subject of the publication of General Washingtons Letters, but I hope to have that pleasure soon. In the interim I beg to send an engraving of the proposed Monument and a plan of the new town of Thurso in which it is proposed to be erected. You will also herewith receive a paper on Longevity. Permit me to request...
122To John Adams from William Cushing, 9 June 1802 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Cushing joins to present our best respects to you & Mrs Adams and our best wishes for your health & happiness. We returned through Providence, & have been unwell since we got home (the 4. May) with bad colds coughs & influenza, but are beginning to be restored. I hope to have the honor of calling upon you in the fall, when the new circuit begins. This new mode may make the burden rather...
123To John Adams from Thomas Truxtun, 10 July 1802 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to present you with a Copy of the medal voted me by Congress, and executed agreeable to Your directions (to the Secretary of the Navy) as President of the United States, and I pray you good Sir, to receive it as a Small token of the veneration, Respect and Esteem I bear towards you. May you live long and enjoy health and happiness in the Sincere prayer Dear Sir of Your sincere friend...
124From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 July 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of the 1. of June and read your Sketch of the Achaic Republick. It is a valuable Addition to American Litterature, and richly deserves to be printed. It will do Some good. I fear however, that all Men in Power will generally Say with Oliver Cromwell, on reading Harringtons Oceana, that they will not be frightened out of their Power by a few paper Shot. I should be...
125From John Adams to National Intelligencer, 4 August 1802 (Adams Papers)
It has been often Said, and as often as denied, that there are Men in this Country attached to Democracy. Simple Democracy: to a Government in every State, of a Single Assembly of Representatives, without a Senate and without a Governor; to a Government of the Nation in a Congress of Delegates in one House without a Senate and without a President. The Charge is Supported by the Declarations of...
126To John Adams from Stephen Peabody, 7 August 1802 (Adams Papers)
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That We Stephen Peabody of Atkinson in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshre, Clerk and Elizabeth his wife in Consideration of two thousand two hundred and fifty one dollars paid by John Adams of Quincy in the County of Norfolk, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and...
127To John Adams from William Cunningham, 10 August 1802 (Adams Papers)
It is intended with the leave of Providence to settle a Gospel Minister in this Town, the solemnity to be performd on Wednesday the 6th. of October next, at which time it will be highly gratifying to Willm. and Abigail Cunningham to be honoured with a visit from your Excellency and Lady. the pleasant season for travelling, the high and well ventilated situation here, whch is favourable to...
128To John Adams from David Humphreys, 28 August 1802 (Adams Papers)
A combination of circumstances having prevented me from having the honour of paying my respects in person to Mrs Adams & yourself, I could not proceed on my journey to the Westward, without expressing in this manner my extreme sensibility of the disappointment. When I was in this Town, a few weeks ago, on my way to the Province of Main, I so fully indulged the expectation of making the visit,...
129To John Adams from David Brown, 7 September 1802 (Adams Papers)
From the encouragement which literature has received from you, I am encouraged to solicit the honor of your name to the inclosed Proposals... not doubting, if obtained, but what a people, daily increasing in learning, will follow the example,—as being made by the late Guardian of their country. I have the honor to be, / Sir, / your Excellency’s most obdient, / And most humble servant, MHi :...
130To John Adams from C. P. Wayne, 17 September 1802 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed you will receive Proposals for publishing by Subscription, a History of the late General George Washington; your presenting it to any of your friends, will greatly oblige me, and should you think proper to sanction it with your own name, it will be duly appreciated / By Sir, / Your most obedient Servant, MHi : Adams Papers.
131From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 28 September 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have recd yours of Aug. 1802. I agree with you that “the deadly infection has not Spread thro every Limb.” But what Shall We Say when Such a Writer as Mr Callender, can write down the Administration of Washington, write up an administration of Jefferson and then write it down again. The Editors of Newspapers, have no Check, and yet have Power to make and Unmake Characters, at their Will; to...
132From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 29 September 1802 (Adams Papers)
Looking over, this morning what I wrote yesterday, I thought I would extend a little what was said of France. I wish our good Men who write so much about Barrel and Robertson , would make themselves acquainted with La Harpe. He has written 14 or 15 volumes of a course of Litterature, at the Lycæum, in which is a great deal concerning the French Revolution. I have read the work. If you have...
133Notes on the History of Mt. Wollaston, 19 October 1802 (Adams Papers)
Mount Wollaston Hutchinson’s Hist. of M. Bay. Page 7. In 1625 one Capt. Wollaston with about 30 Persons began a Plantation near Westons. They gave it the name of Mount Wollaston. It was known by that name some years after, but at length the name was lost in that of Braintree, of which Town it is a part. The particular Hill, which caused the name of Mount is in the farm of John Quincy Esq late...
134From John Adams to James Lovell, 20 October 1802 (Adams Papers)
I return you "The Messenger" with many Thanks. The Politicks of Europe are written with a Splendid display of ancient and modern Information, and a Studied Elocution: but like almost all other political Writings of those Times betray an Insincerity, a Want of Candor and Integrity, which to me, I own, is extreamly disgusting. In France before the Revolution they had their "Ecrivains des...
135From John Adams to Ma., Citizens of Quincy, 30 October 1802 (Adams Papers)
I should rejoice in the prolongation of my life for another year, were it only for the pleasure of seeing and embracing so many of my Friends.— As every Gentleman here is at least as independent of me, as I can pretend to be of him; as there is no imaginable motive of hope Apprehension or any Sinister or private Interest, which could have prompted you, to such a manifestation of your friendly...
136To John Adams from Bernard Hubley, Jr., 30 October 1802 (Adams Papers)
Having undertaken to publish a Journal, during the period I was an Officer in the Army, upon condition of Eight hundred subscribers to proposals made; I take the liberty of Writing to you a few lines, and enclosing one of the Hand Bills, wishing that you may do me the honor, that your Name may be placed at the head of the list of Subscribers Names.—Should the Book be dedicated to any...
137To John Adams from Ma., Citizens of Quincy, 30 October 1802 (Adams Papers)
The return of this anniversary cannot fail to awaken in our breasts the warmest sentiments of gratitude and esteem. It recalls to view the many important events of your public life, events intimately connected with those principles and proceedings which constitute the greatest glory of our country, and will form some of the most valuable pages in the history of nations. We hope the liberty we...
138To John Adams from John Davis, 11 November 1802 (Adams Papers)
It had been impressed on my mind, that the next meeting of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences would be on the third Wednesday of the present month, and I did not discover my errer until it was too late to give the usual notice. It ought, by statute, to have been held yesterday (the 2d. Wednesday) at Cambridge. I request this in advertence, and would wish to know whether you will authorize...
139To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 November 1802 to 28 November 1802 (Adams Papers)
Mÿ occupations in gathering seeds—and preparing my fields and garden for ensuing spring have thus far prevented my answering the favour, with which I was honored bÿ you last month—Tho’ mÿ hope of receiving, before this time, a decision about the Achaic Republick, had influenced this delaÿ. I sent it to Philadelphia, where my correspondent J. Mifflin will charge himself with super intending the...
140For the Port Folio., 27 November 1802 (Adams Papers)
In this Port Folio we have deposited some papers, illustrating the plan and criticising the execution of the celebrated "Lyceum" of La Harpe. We now present an extract of a literary letter from an ancient scholar, in our own country, and are delighted to discover, that men of learning and genius, at home and abroad, are unanimous in favour of a learned and virtuous Frenchman, who, disdaining...