101To John Adams from Edward Everett, 29 July 1825 (Adams Papers)
His Serene Highness, the Duke Bernard of Saxe Weimar has expressed a Strong desire of being introduced to you. He is the Second Son of the reigning Grand-Duke of Weimar, who so honorably distinguished himself in 1817, by being the first German Prince to give a Popular Constitution to his subjects. The Wife of the Duke Bernard is sister to the reigning prince of Saxe Meiningen. He is himself a...
102To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 28 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
It seems an age to me , since we parted, and have not since had any accounts from those who have visited me here what has been the state of your health since that period, the best evidence I have rec’d has been thro the medium of the public News papers, in one of wch. is given the toast you sent the charitable masonic association Dinner given to Gen. LaFayette. If I can draw an Inference from...
103To John Adams from J. Brazer Davis, 26 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
The Washington Society, desirous to evince their respect for one of the Fathers of American Liberty, have directed me to request you, in their behalf, to accept the enclosed Ticket to the Dinner, prepared by the Society on the ensuing anniversary of American Independence. With the highest respect, / I have the Honor to be, / Your most obedient servant MHi : Adams Papers.
104From John Adams to William Smith Shaw, 26 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
Dr Jarvis with great truth and propriety observes that “the Religion of the Indians has not been Scrutinized as it Should be.” Nor has the Religion of any other nation, from Jonah the Chaldean to the Kingdoms of Whidah and Ashantee been Sufficiently invigorated. Who knows any thing of the religion of the wild negroes in Africa, but the infernal cruelty of their Sacrifices? It is probable that...
105To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 22 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
The Baron de Syon will have the honor of presenting you this letter. He has been travelling from the Western States as one of the family of Genl. La Fayette, who is desirous that he should have an opportunity of paying his respects to you, personally; he being a gentleman for whom Genl. La Fayette expressed a great affection. To gratify both Baron de Syon and La Fayette I have taken the...
106From John Adams to William Smith Shaw, 20 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
Dr Jarvis with great truth and propriety observes that “the Religion of the Indians has not be scrutinized as it should be.” Nor has the Religion of any other nation, from Jarah the Chaldean to the Kingdoms of Whidahh and Ashantu been Sufficiently investigated. Who knows any thing of the religion of the wild negroes in Africa, but the informal cruelty of their sacrifices? It is probable that...
107From John Adams to Peter Force, 17 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
The Dr. handed me this morning Mr Websters address delivered at Bunker’s Hill, upon condition that I would give you a slight notice of it. Among other avocations I have only found time to draw up the enclosed which I have scarcely reviewed—Do as you please with it— Yrs &c— DLC : Peter Force Collection.
108To John Adams from William Sullivan, 10 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a card for the celebration on the seventeenth ; An occasion on which your presence would add, beyond that of any other man’s, to its interest and importance.— I pray leave to take this opportunity to express my deep and lasting regret, that in the sketches of professional life, it should have been my misfortune to have omitted yourself, so distinguished an honor to...
109From John Adams to Peter Force, 10 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
I recieved the enclosed extract this morning from the North. The Source from whence it comes is as Mr DeGrand would say “first rate.” Dr. Waterhouse is a well known character in Massachusetts and so staunch a Republican that any thing concerning him would be gratifying to that party—Concerning the truth of the suggestion I know nothing. Whether true or false however this indirect notice of the...
110To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 7 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
John W. Boott Esq. of this city being desirous, with his friend Mr M Cale, of Philadelphia, to pay his respects to you and has requested me to give him that opportunity. He is one of our most respectable citizens and I shall be happy to enable him to enjoy the gratification of the interview he wishes Very respectfully / Yrs MHi : Adams Papers.
111From John Adams to Anonymous, April 1825 (Adams Papers)
I am almost most ashamed to acknowledge to you my tardy obligation, for your handsom Edition of your History of the Colonies— butt I am heartily thankful for your valuable present—but ninety years are extremely heavy—ninety years are greatful to me—heavy as ninety years are MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
112To John Adams from Minott Thayer, 30 April 1825 (Adams Papers)
It is with much pleasure that I avail myself of this occasion in Sending you an address deliver’d by the Rev’d Mr. Horrs, at the celebration of the inauguration of you highly respected and beloved Son as President of the United States. a variety of circumstances are here Combined, which fill my mind with sentiments that require a more able pen than what I hold to express. we have often heard...
113To John Adams from Anne Royall, 29 April 1825 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to indulge my feelings in grateful acknowledgments for the very kind & polite rec e ption with which you sir distinguished an humble stranger—nothing but the fear of disturbing your repose could have forced me from you so soon I could have conversed with you an age—The same fear Obliged me to suppress the pleasur it would have given me to have informed you that I was present at the...
114To John Adams from Joseph Frothingham, 26 April 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have read with interest and admiration the history of your life—your assidious toils in gaining the boon we now enjoy—I have mourned over the ingratitud of our Republic which it is said “has become proverbial”. But I rejoice that you have outlived the enmity of your political opposers—and that the name of John Adams now stands preeminent on the reccords of integrity and fame.— For these...
115To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 22 April 1825 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing you five numbers of a little work, which I have undertaken with a view to encite a spirit of liberality, generosity & patriotism. If you can furnish me with any materials for this work, I shall regard it as a favour. Respectfully Your obt. hble. Servt MHi : Adams Papers.
116From John Adams to John Adams, 22 April 1825 (Adams Papers)
You have been the most punctual correspondent that I ever had except your Brother—but for four weeks past I have been constantly disappointed, whenever I have enquired for a Letter from John—but I have constantly been compelled to make an apology by recollecting that you have been overwhelmed with business of more importance to the public, than soothing my curiosity— Yet I never can be easy...
117From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1825 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Charles Sigourney & Lady, a respectable pair in Hartford, Connecticut, the Husband a Son of my old friend in Amsterdam, and the Wife, a very conspicuous literary Lady, have requested a line to you, as they are bound on a journey to the seat of your University—and wish I suppose an apology for visiting Monticello—I have lost your last letter to me, the most consolatory letter I ever...
118To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 19 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Charles Sigourney & Lady, a respectable pair in Hartford, Connecticut, the Husband a Son of my old friend in Amsterdam, and the Wife, a very conspicuous literary Lady, have requested a line to you, as they are bound on a journey to the seat of your University and wish I suppose an apology for visiting Monticello—I have lost your last letter to me, the most consolatory letter I ever...
119To John Adams from Pearson Titcomb, 12 April 1825 (Adams Papers)
May I hope that you will pardon the liberty I have taken of obtruding on your notice the enclosed trifle—being sensible that it possesses less poetry than truth , which is its only recommendation: I have indulged in the belief of your forgiveness, from the consideration, that you had the goodness, when chief Magistrate of the Union, to interest yourself in my behalf, on the following...
120From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 30 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
Your journal which has become a necessary of life to me has failed me for a long time, but I must excuse it because it is too severe a tax upon you, and I hope and presume that George is too deeply absorbed in the studies of his profession to be able to spare time to copy your records. We are here in a news-paper flurry of flickenings for Governour and they will associate your Husband with Mr....
121To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 28 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter just rec’d is a Cordial to my spirits, in the lengthend days of my confinement to a sick room since the 22d of last January, without any exercise but that of patience, under pain and debility, or even a Rocking Chair to give releif— I am now convalesing, tho’ at one time I apprehended from the attack being similar, I was soon to follow Govr Eustis & Gen Brooks—& a multitude of...
122To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 27 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice to hear you are in better health than when I left you on Sunday Evg and earnestly hope that your approaching birth day will give a promise of greater improvement—I count with impatience the pleasure we have promised ourselves of finding our hopes confirmd— Yesterday my Nephew my Sisters only Son arrived from England by the way of Canada—with your leave, we shall bring him to pay his...
123From John Adams to Catherine Farnham Hay, 22 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I recollect with great satisfaction the many pleasant days, that in time of my departed Consort, we passed together in France, in England, and in America. And I now receive with peculiar pleasure your kind congratulations on a late event, which I devoutly pray may be propitious to this great and growing Country. Though I am every day awaiting my Summons, I should be very happy to see you here,...
124From John Adams to Charles Holt, 22 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I am much affected with your kind letter of the 4th. You are not alone Sir, in your change of opinion since 98. great numbers have since been convinced that at the sacrri sacrafice of my Popularity and my office I saved this Country from a ruinous and Foreign War and Civil War—. I thank you Sir for your two candid and civil letters—and for your kind congratulations on the choice of a...
125From John Adams to William Hull, 22 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I recollect with much satisfaction the friendly and familiar intercourse between Major Fuller his Lady and Daughter with my family in the days of my blessed Consort, and this recollection made your kind letter of the 14th. more pleasing and acceptable.— I thank you Sir for your Volume of defence which I perceive has softened the asperity of public opinion very much; I am no longer capable of...
126From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 22 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
Is not your lively imagination a little exalted, you certainly have exalted my name to a greater height than it would ever have arisen to, without your sublime compliment—I presume you have laid aside the thought of building an Hospital for despair on that height—I am sure my name ought not be associated with despair How I long to make you a visit, but I cannot get out of my Chamber yet, here...
127From John Adams to William Cranch, 22 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your kind congratulation of the Feby. 17—which you have fortified with so many strong reasons, none of which I can I contradict, or wish to refute; I have great reason to believe that the public opinion has changed with respect to me, since the year 98—great numbers have since been convinced that I saved this Country from a ruinous Foreign and Civil war, and some of them...
128From Peter Force to John Adams, 21 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have been requested by a gentleman, whom I am desirous of serving, to call upon the President. Not knowing, however, whether it would be convenient to him, or better for me, to do so, without first making the inquiry, I take the liberty of asking of you the favour to inform me, if I can have an interview with the President, on the subject of this request; and if so, what time would be the...
129To John Adams from John Marshall, 19 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
To the frequent inquiries which I make respecting your health I have the satisfaction to receive the general answer that you enjoy a larger share of that blessing than usually belongs to a person who is so nearly approaching the beginning of his second century. You have my best wishes for its continuance. A desire to leave be hind me a less objectionable impression of the only work I ever...
130To John Adams from William Hull, 15 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
When I first published my pamphlet, containing the memoirs of the Campaign of the northwestern Army in 1812, I desired my Agent in Boston to send a Copy to you, in my name. I supposed it had been done according to my desire, untill yesterday, when in a conversation with my friend, Mr. Marston, he informed me, it had not been received by you.—By what accident, this omission happened, I have not...
131To John Adams from Nathaniel Johnston, 15 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
Permit one of your children who although in obscurity will ever feel an ardent desire for the best interests of his Country, to congratulate you on having lived to witness your amiable and worthy Son, President of the United States. I think you may now in aspirations like Simeon of old, “depart in peace.” That your last may be your best days, and when finished you may receive the reward of a...
132To John Adams from Edward Livingston, 14 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
The very friendly and encouraging manner with which you received my plan for a reform of the Penal laws of Louisiana induces me to offer you a specimen of its Execution. But for an accident which happened to my papers I could have submitted the whole system to your perusal. this is all I have yet been enabled to recompose I can not avoid seizing this occasion of congratulating you on an Event...
133From John Adams to Peter Force, 7 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
My father has this moment returned from Mr Owens lecture & informs me that he has not recieved any communication from the Senate relating to the confirmation of his nominations. If they have been acted upon he is not informed of the fact. The nominations you have seen—Concerning their confirmation you know as much or more than he does— Your’s &c 1/2 past ten o’clock— DLC : Peter Force Collection.
134From John Adams to Peter Force, 5 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have placed your Note in the hands of my father who has this minute returned home & he directs me to inform you that the Senate have not acted upon any one of the Nominations made to that body by him—And that of course the information mentioned in your note is incorrect. Perhaps it may allude to the confirmation three days since of some nominations made by Mr Munroe. If you do not possess a...
135To John Adams from Catherine Farnham Hay, 4 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
In this Universal Joy & celebration this day on your own Elevation to first President of the United States; I partake as much of it at my fireside. I cannot refrain to put pen to paper to congratulate you on this important event to this Country. That you have lived to see your son as Honourably situated & that he is considered decidedly the best Man for this Office, must be highly gratifying...
136To John Adams from Charles Holt, 4 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
As you may now have some respite from the respectful attentions of your more immediate friends on the auspicious result of the recent Presidential Election, I take the liberty of asking permission, also, to congratulate you upon an event so honorable to yourself, so creditable and beneficial to our country, and so fortunate for the distinguished subject of the popular choice. We perceive, Sir,...
137From John Adams to Horatio Gates Spafford, 2 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have transmitted your letter to Mr Adams but in total despair of success. The heads of Department are jealous of the interference of the President in the appointment of their clerks. I never could get in one clerk into any office during the whole of my administration. You must apply to the heads of Departments if you have any hopes of success. The Representatives from N. York will probably...
138From John Adams to Peter Whitney, 2 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, now called Quincy, in the year 1767, in the white house, near the foot of Penn’s Hill, which you sir, once inhabited. I had been attending Plymouth Court the whole week under the greatest anxiety. Returning on Saturday afternoon from Plymouth, I met Dr. Tufts on Hingham Plain between Dr. Shute’s house and Mr. Cushing’s tavern, who informed me that I had...
139From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you a letter from honest Spafford. I do it with great reluctance but he has so much merit in his New-York Gazetteer that I wish something could be done for him. I know however the difficulty indeed the impossibility that a President should get into any of the offices a single clerk. I tried to get Mr Dalton into an office in the Treasury Department. I proposed it to the Secretary who...
140To John Adams from George Blake, 1 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
The undersigned, a Committee acting under the authority, and in pursuance of the request of a large number of their fellow-citizens of Boston and the vicinity, beg leave to express to you the high gratification which is felt by them at the result of the recent election of a President of the United States;—to advise you of their intention to celebrate that event, by a Public dinner at Faneuil...
141To John Adams from George Watkins, 1 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
The result of the late presidential election, induces me altho’ quite remote & to you almost wholly unknown, to tender you an expression of my feelings on this important & highly interesting occasion. Please therefore to accept of the sincerest congratulations that Divine Providence having prolonged your life, you see & know that the first honor within the gift of the American people has been...
142From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 25 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Every line from you exhilarates my spirits and gives me a glow of pleasure—but your kind congratulations are a solid comfort to my heart. The good-natured and good-humoured acquiescence of the friends of all the candidates gives me a comfortable hope that your prediction may be fulfilled, that the ensuing administration will not be so difficult as in a former letter I had apprehended. Here we...
143To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 25 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Every line from you exhilarates my spirits and gives me a glow of pleasure—but your kind congratulations are a solid comfort to my heart. The good-natured and good-humoured acquiscence of the friends of all the candidates gives me a comfortable hope that your prediction may be fulfilled that the ensuing administration, will not be so difficult as in a former letter I had apprehended. Here we...
144From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
The events of this month, have been to me almost overwhelming. They have excited my sensibility too much for a man almost ninety years to bear. The multitude of letters of congratulations which I have received I can never pretend to answer, for it fatigues me to dictate even a few lines—but none of these letters have been more cordially welcomed than that of my friend Van der Kemp. I...
145To John Adams from George Fenno, 22 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
An event so great and truly auspicious to the best interests of our Country as the elevation of John Quincy Adams to its presidency, seems to Command the felicitation of all his father’s friends—Among that number the only surviving child (though now in his fortieth year) of John Fenno begs to be considered—No sentiment was instilled more early into his breast, by both parents, than veneration...
146To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 21 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Thou hast been pleased to command my literary labors, and to manifest toward me so much kindness, that I beg permission to ask of thee a favor. The 15 years that I have devoted to the topography, statistics, geography & history of this State, have procured me plenty of empty-handed praise, a very general public applause, but, as to pecuniary compensation for these labors, my time has been...
147From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 20 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Your letter has given me great pleasure, and so have those of your brother John—they are lively, animating and cheerful, and at the same time judicious and prudent, which to me is of more importance than all the rest. This great nation appears to me to be as well satisfied as so great a nation can be and in their satisfaction I sincerely rejoice. What obligations does this event impose upon...
148From John Adams to Julia Stockton Rush, 19 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Among all the congratulations which I have rec’d upon this occasion more have affected me more tenderly than this from the bosom friend of my ancient & excellent friend Dr Rush. I feel a regret that yr worthy Son our Ambassador in England was not on this side the water upon the occasion. My best wishes attend you Madam & all yr children and will do so as long as I have any wishes. this cannot...
149From John Adams to John Adams, 19 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
I recieved, as usual with great delight your letter of the 12th inst. Your account of all things is satisfactory—but on this great occasion, my dear Grandson, let us all reflect on the obligations this event imposes on us. Our joys ought to be no greater than the joys of the public. We ought all of us to collect ourselves and not suffer a single unbecoming word or action to escape us. A friend...
150From John Adams to Joshua Sands, 18 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have received with peculiar sensibility your friendly letter, of 11th. instant—because I knew it proceeded from a Gentleman of great respectability in society a Gentleman of great honor, integrity and worth, I wish you and yours every prosperity I long to write to our friend Jay but I am too faint and short-breath’d to dictate a few lines I am Sir your obliged friend / and humble Servant MHi...