1To John Adams from William Bentley, 12 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your letters on the day of our nation’s birth are in consent with the wonderful character you have supported in the best services to your country. Our young orator, Mr Andrew Dunlap, has expressed our gratitude & hopes. He is a son of Harvard, on his mother’s side from our primitive families, a gentleman of the bar, a man of talents & of the best prospects. Permit me to accompany his oration...
2To John Adams from William Bentley, 17 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
Having been requested by J Marston Esqr to send to him through your hand, a copy of the Mecklenburg N C. resolutions as printed in the Essex Register, June 5. I have taken the liberty of adding another copy for your own use, as he assured me you had sent your own copy to a friend. With increased affection, / & with the highest reverence of your personal virtues, / & unrivalled public services...
3To John Adams from William Bentley, 19 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
After I sent my reply to Mr Marston, I received your affectionate Letter of July 15. I am persuaded your indulgent opinion has given my young friend more pleasure, than all the applause of his audience. He has not a friend, who has not seen the extract I gave him. In regard to the North Carolina declaration we have been as much surprised, as any persons who have read it. We searched general &...
4To John Adams from William Bentley, 22 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have received your kind letter, informing me of the doubts respecting the M ecklenburg . Resolutions. I am persuaded you hold me innocent. I saw the document as represented. I made no use of it, because I know nothing of its authority. At the bottom it was announced to be of known as well as high authority. I have requested my Printer to write to NC on the subject & whatever we hear we will...
5To John Adams from William Bentley, 23 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
I inclose for you a copy of the National Register printed at Washington City, from which we copied the Document to which you have referred. The dignity of your mind will require that I satisfy you that the document has been displayed in the most public manner without reprehension, & it may serve as a proof that I reverence the judgement of the Father of my Country. With the utmost reverence /...
6To John Adams from William Bentley, 14 August 1819 (Adams Papers)
We have received from the Editor of the Raleigh Register an account of the Mecklenburg resolutions. The editor is the Father of the Editor of the National Intelligencer, Joseph Gales. The whole will appear in our next number. I thought it however respectful to you to give you, the most early notice, & to justify the enthusiasm your patriotism had employed on the occasion of such a possible...