1491From John Adams to Richard Rush, 5 November 1813 (Adams Papers)
My most reverend Dearling presents her compliments. She highly applauds and greatly admires a complaisant Husband. Quare! Entre nous, can you divine whether this is more a civillity to you, or a Satyrick touch at me? For my part I See nothing very wonderful, that a Lady of whose fascinating attractions I have had Such ample information from the very best authority, Should take her Lover away,...
1492From John Adams to William White, 1 November 1813 (Adams Papers)
Almost at the moment, when I entered my 79th year I recd. your kind letter, and a valuable present of your lectures on the Catechism and your Sermon on the Epiphany. The Sermon has been read to me in my family and I have made some progress in the Lectures. The candour and moderation which I have known in the Author for 35 years appears in these compositions; for which I pray you to accept my...
1493From John Adams to N. G. Dufret, 30 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
I duely received your present from Mr Jefferson to me of Dr Priestleys Doctrines of heathen Philosophy compared with those of “Revelation:” and immediately acknowledged the receipt of it to Mr Jefferson— The Letter you did me the honour to write me, on the 30th of August, must have arrived with the Book; but I never saw it till yesterday. As I have no Clerk, Secretary or Amanuensis, but my...
1494From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 21 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
I find with some Surprise, in looking over unanswered Letters, One from yourself of 26 August. We gave Letters to Mr Wiger; but I must own I was not much fel fascinated with his conversation; and if his principles of honour and integrity are pure, I have since heard so little in favour of his discretion, that I think Govt ought to be cautious of the Trusts they commit to him. The sympathy of...
1495From John Adams to Mathew Carey, 19 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a sketch of the unfortunate enterprize against Penobscot in 1779. drawn by an eye witness. Mr Clarks materials for the modern History of the Navy are multiplying so fast and are so much more splendid than those of ancient date that I begin to be apprehensive he will not have room for all of the latter that ought to be preserved. There is the more reason for inserting these because...
1496From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 19 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
Little did I think when I last wrote you, what a monument was erected to me. I have since received an immense volume of 630 pages printed in large Octavo, full page, small type, No name, no place, no printer, no date. I have not a suspicion or a conjecture, who the author is. the whole book is devoted to the chastisement of me and my books. There is no personal scurrility against me; but my...
1497From John Adams to Horatio Gates Spafford, 16 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your Ambition to Spread information of the growing prosperity of your country is amiable and deserves encouragement. The Safest conveyance of your Work, to the Emperors of France and Russia, would be through their Ambassadors to The President of The U.S. The Correspondence between my Family and my Son which was always interupted under brittish Orders or french Edicts, has been wholly Stopped,...
1498From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 15 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
On the 5th. your mind was relieved from its Uncertainty; and your Anxiety must have been Succeeded by Grief. But why Should We grieve, when grieving We must bear? I Should have visited Charles and Should have asked to See him when I was at his fathers house with you; if I had not been apprehensive that the Sight of an entire Stranger would distress and fatigue him. It is melancholly, that Such...
1499From John Adams to Richard Rush, 12 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
Hendrick William Gordon Esquire I understand has been recommended to be Collector of direct taxes for the County of Middlesex. My acquaintance with this gentleman, commenced with the departure of my Son for St. Petersburg. He has been invariably obliging to me and my family in transmitting our letters and all intelligence to and from that mission. These personal and family obligations alone...
1500From John Adams to Thomas McKean, 9 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of Aug. 28th has been duly received and highly esteemed. I say with you, the Will of eternal Wisdom and Benevolence, be done.— I wish to know, where the Anecdote of Sir William Keith is to be found. I have my doubts whether any History of America would “sell well.” Gordons, Ramsays, Warrens, even Marshalls I believe have not been very lucrative. No Party has been quite satisfied...