301From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 7 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I recieved two days since your favour of the 30th of last month for which I am as thankful as usual. By some strange combination of circumstances I find we have both chosen the Sabbath day for writing our communications. This in me is nothing as I am in the land of dissipation & what Ticknor would call “heartless frivolity” but in you who sojourn in the land of the blue laws & good habits is...
302From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have seen many of your poetical effusions from the time when you were at College, to the last Month, And there are so many indisputable proofs of natural, and social affections, and genuine poetical imagery; that if you had cultivated the muses as much as you have politicks, you might have made a Shakespear, a Milton, or a Pope, for any thing that I know— How sweet an Ovid, is in Murray...
303From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 4 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have seen many of your poetical effusions, from the time when you were at College, to this last Month. And there are so many indisputible proofs of natural and Social affections, and genuine poetical imagery that if you will had cultivate the muses as much as you have politicks you might have made a Shakespear, a Milton or a Pope, for anything that I know, how “How sweet an Ovid, is in...
304To John Adams from Rev. Samuel Deane, 2 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I send you a copy of my Table of the of the Otis Family, agreeably to your request. I have searched records, and made enquiries with some diligence, in order to make the early generations correct; which I believe I have accomplish’d. The principal value of this Table, arises from the circumstance, of its rescuing from forgetfulness, the early genealogy, which, probably, would have been...
305From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 27 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
“Where Adams from a noisy world withdrew Sick of Glory faction, power & pride Sure judge how empty all, who all had tried Beneath his shade the weary chief reposed And Life’s great scene, in quiet virtue closed ” I have received your kind letter of 11th. November and I believe another before it unacknowledged, for both of which, I thank you— The 30th. of October passed ever like all other days...
306From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 23 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Night before last I recieved your communication in answer to my last which was as welcome as all the others recieved from you. I must thank you for a great deal of amusement which it all afforded me; Your description of a certain society astonished me somewhat & I was glad to see that even one individual dared to raise his voice “like a pelican in the wilderness” against such a crying sin....
307To John Adams from Edmund Rogers, 20 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Knowing the interest you take in every improvement of a national character however humble the subject may be, deeming nothing beneath your notice which may tend to promote economy, encourage industry, or add to the independence of our Country—I have presumed to ask your acceptance of the Box herewith, containing a small sample of my domestic Coffee. The dearness of the foreign Coffee, has...
308From John Adams to John Adams, 18 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your account of the first part of your journey, is quite as entertaining and instructive as is that of the latter part, recorded in your former letter. The seventy persons on board the steam boat who were obliged to sleep in mats covered with a blanket, reminded me of my excellent friend and physician, Dr Holbrook’s account of the treatment of the small pox in Canada when our Revolutionary...
309From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
With real pleasure I received your kind letter of July 28th. though I received it but a few days ago. I thank you for introduceing to me Major Wolcott Huntington —whose appearance and manners do honor to both his names— I rejoice to hear that you enjoy so good health and I wish, that your Life may be prolonged for the Government of Connecticut as long as mine has been; which has been extended...
310To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 13 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Once more I must give you my cordial thanks for this proof of your remembrance—not, that I suspected it—but I did not expect so soon an answer. Every one, which I receive every letter of myself—I consider—nearly unwillingly—that it may be the last of our correspondence—continued now since more than forty years—during which—whatever Station you fulfilled—I was allways honoured with your kind...
311To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Althoug it was not in my power to assist, under your roof, at the celebration of your 88th anniversary, yet I cannot deny my Self the enjoyment of congratulating you and your respected family with this event. It is my ardent wish and fervent prayer, that it may please our All-good God to pour out you and your Family his choicest blessings during the continuance of your residence here, So that...
312From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your last letter was brought to me from the Post office when at breakfast with my family. I bade one of the misses open the budget, she reported a letter from Mr. Jefferson and two or three newspapers. A letter from Mr. Jefferson says I, I know what the substance is before I open it; There is no secrets between Mr. Jefferson and me, And I cannot read it, therefore you may open and read it—When...
313To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 10 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Your last letter was brought to me from the Post office when at breakfast with my family. I bade one of the misses open the budget, she reported a letter from M r Jefferson and two or three newspapers. A letter from M r Jefferson says I. I know what the substance is before I open it; There is no secrets between M r Jefferson and me, and I cannot read it, therefore you may open and read it—when...
314From John Adams to Caleb Stark, Jr., 7 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
The very great despatch with which you have answered my last not only proves to me that you are desirous of continuing the correspondence of which that letter was the commencement on my part, but requires immediate thanks & accordingly to show you that I shall not be backward in furthering its continuance I hasten to answer you although your letter was but last night recieved & although this...
315From John Adams to John Adams, 2 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for two letters written at two notable periods of your life one at the happy meeting of your family at Providence and New York, the other at Washington all in health written with the vivacity, and spirit for which you are so remarkable. They gave me and the whole family a great deal of pleasure and excite an appetite for your account of the first part of your journey. We have...
316To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 31 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
I was desirous of offering you some token of my dutiful Affection, upon yesterday’s anniversary; and having as you know occasionally wasted an hour of leisure, upon the cultivation of Poetry I attempted the performance of my intention in verse—I soon found that the theme called for the Voice of a more favoured wooer of the Muse than I have ever been, or can ever hope to be—and after writing...
317To John Adams from John H. Hall, 25 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
Having not the honor of a personal acquaintance, you will pardon the liberty we take in thus addressing you in doing which we feel a peculiar delicacy on the occasion. The subject of this communication is Col. M. M. Russell formerly of the army and, late Consul to Riga, this gentleman we have been intimately acquainted with for several years and has always been considered a useful and Worthy...
318To John Adams from James Walker, 24 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
Various causes, connected with the absence & illness of Revd Mr Fay of the old church, have delayed my going into the investigations which you requested me to make respecting the elder Mr. Shepperd & the Messrs Quincys. I am sorry, now that I have made them, that it has been to so little purpose, or rather to no purpose at all. You ask whether the Records of the Town or Church were destroyed...
319From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 13 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
A man encumbered with my indispensable duties and occupations must have some apology for the allowance even of a few hours to the composition of Poetry—After perusing the three new Cantos of Don Juan, which you lent me, on board the Steam-boat, on our late journey, it occurred to me to make the experiment of writing a few Stanza’s in the same measure, with a view to ascertain whether it was a...
320To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 12 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
I do not write with the ease which your letter of Sep. 18. supposes. crippled wrists and fingers make writing slow and laborious. but, while writing to you, I lose the sense of these things, in the recollection of antient times, when youth and health made happiness out of every thing. I forget for a while the hoary winter of age, when we can when we can think of nothing but how to keep...
321From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 12 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not write with the ease which your letter of Sep. 18. supposes. crippled wrists and fingers make writing slow and laborious. but, while writing to you, I lose the sense of these things, in the recollection of antient times, when youth and health made happiness out of every thing. I forget for a while the hoary winter of age, when we can think of nothing but how to keep ourselves warm, &...
322From John Adams to Nathaniel Adams, 27 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have received your kind letter of the 20 inst & should be glad to give you any information in my power with respect to your family: There was a gentleman of your name who was a judge of the judicial court in Nova Scotia. He educated a son at Harvard college who was John Adams the poet, who was a theologian & man of genius, as his writings both in verse & prose which are still extant...
323To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
I am confident you will not take it amiss—if, once more, I address you with a few lines, less so, as I did not hear from Quincy since Febr. last—except thro Public Reports by which I was informed, that you enjoy’d health, and continued as always before, to deserve well of your country—may your Friends and Children enjoy this blessing a long while— I would have written long since, had I not...
324From John Adams to James Walker, 25 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
you will be surprised at receiving this Letter. But I hope you will pardon the curiosity of dotage, I wish to know whether the records of the Town and Church of Charleston were destroyed in the great Fire of the 17th. of June 1775. if any of them remain, I wish to know what remains concerning the Revrend Thomas Shepard once Minister of that place my Wifes Great Grand Father, Daniel Quincy...
325To John Adams from Nathaniel Adams, 20 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
What apology can an intire stranger make for intruding himself upon you? I have the honor of bearing the same family name but do not know that I am descended from the same stock. A desire of getting some information respecting my ancestors has induced me to give you this trouble; and as I have been informed that my progenitor, who came to this country, but whose christian name I am ignorant...
326From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 18 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
With much pleasure I have heard read the sure words of prophecy in your letter of Sep— 4th. It is melancholy to contemplate the cruel wars, dessolations of Countries, and ocians of blood which must occure, before rational principles, and rational systems of Government can prevail and be established—but as these are inevitable we must content ourselves with the consolations which you from sound...
327To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 18 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
With much pleasure I have heard read the sure words of prophecy in your letter of Sep 4 th It is melancholy to contemplate the cruel wars, dessolutions of Countries, and ocians of blood which must occure, before rational principles, and rational systems of Government can prevail and be established—but as these are inevitable we must content ourselves with the consolations which you from sound...
328From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 16 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your letter of the 12th I am extremely sorry to hear that Genll Miller has lost so much of his Health. I esteem him not only the bravest among the brave, but a gentlemen of superior intelligence of a very enquisitive sagasious and penetrating mind, in short One of the soundest characters I know. will you be so good as to present to him my affectionate respects—& sincere thanks...
329To John Adams from Pseudonym: "Marathon", 11 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
The writer of Marathon most respectfully encloses the first number to Mr Adams, with a sincere hope that the pain, which cannot but have been occassioned by gross breach of confidence in the publication of his private letters, may be in a good degree diminished by the veneration which it will call forth, for the greatness of his public character, and the anxiety which it will disclose for the...
330To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 4 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 15. was recieved in due time, and with the welcome of every thing which comes from you. with it’s opinions on the difficulties of revolutions, from despotism to freedom, I very much concur. the generation which commences a revolution can rarely compleat it. habituated from their infancy to passive submission of body and mind to their kings and priests, they are not...
331From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 4 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 15. was recieved in due time, and with the welcome of every thing which comes from you. with it’s opinions on the difficulties of revolutions, from despotism to freedom, I very much concur. the generation which commences a revolution rarely compleats it. habituated from their infancy to passive submission of body and mind to their kings and priests, they are not qualified,...
332To John Adams from William A. Coffey, 29 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I herewith send you a copy of “ Inside Out ,” a work lately published in this City, for the benefit of its Author —which you will please to accept from him. Divested of his profession, and with a dependent family, without the means of acquiring a livelihood but by the labours of his pen, he has made trifling attempt at Authorship in the compiling of this work, with the hope in some degree, of...
333From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 20 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I write to announce our safe arrival at this place from whence we propose to start on a visit of two days to Mrs. De Wint this afternoon to return on Friday night to meet your father and proceed in the Steam Boat on Saturday afternoon to Providence where I presume we shall remain until Monday Morning—As the Horses are very tired it is probable we shall take a Stage to Quincy and see you all on...
334From John Adams to DeWitt Clinton, 18 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have received with great pleasure your kind letter of the 6th: inst with your discourse before the Phi Beta Kappa. So kind a letter from a gentleman of your name, a name which I have respected for half a century is peculiarly gratifying to me.—I had once a friendship with the late Vice President of the U. S. and first Govr: of the State of New-York, which was very dear to me. Although in...
335From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 15 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
Watchman! what of the night!? Is darkness that may be felt to prevail over the whole world? Or can you perceive any rays of a returning dawn? Is the devil to be the “Lords anointed” over the whole globe? Or do you forsee the fulfilment of the prophecies according to Dr. Priestly’s interpretation of them? I know not but I have in some of my familiar and frivolous letters to you told the story...
336To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 15 August 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Watchman! what of the night!! Is darkness that may be felt to prevail over the whole world? Or can you perceive any rays of a returning dawn? Is the devil to be the “Lords anointed” over the whole globe? Or do you forsee the fulfilment of the prophecies according to D r Priestly’s interpretation of them? I know not but I have in some of my familiar and frivolous letters to you told the story...
337From John Adams to Maria Sophia Quincy, 14 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
You have much better advisers than I can be—but I will venture suggest one line. As Nature will attach you sufficiently to your own contemporaries may I here suggest to you to seek the society and conversation of ladies and gentlemen older than yourselves. Such is the advice of your assured friend Printed Source--M. A. DeWolfe Howe, ed., The Articulate Sisters (Cambridge, 1946)..
338To John Adams from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 13 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I Most Heartily thank You for Your Affectionate Letter of Last october which I Have received only three days Ago and Have Also to Aknowledge the pleasure You Have done me By the introduction of Mr Hinckley and His Amiable daughter; they are going to England for a short time and Have promised the much Valued Gratification of their Company at La Grange where my family are Now assembled which Has...
339To John Adams from George Hay, 12 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty, of putting into your hands, the inclosed essay, under the signature of Phocion. The subject, it is believed; is worthy of your serious consideration. The communication to me of the result of your reflections would be gratefully received. I have by the mail of today, transmitted a copy of this essay to Mr. Jefferson, and a copy also to Mr. Madison. I have never applied,...
340From John Adams to Levi Woodbury, 9 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I am greatly obliged to you for your letter of August 6th. And also for the pamphlet enclosed with it and most of all for your message to the legislature the kind expressions of your personal esteem and regard are very flattering to me. The subject of the pamphlet is too nearly interesting to my personal feelings for me to make any comments upon it: but I will say it is the most spirited and...
341To John Adams from DeWitt Clinton, 6 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to you a Discourse pronounced before a Literary Society in this State. My object in delivering it was to evince my zeal for Science and my motive in sending it to you is to indicate my respect for a distinguished Statesmen of the Revolution. I have the honor to be / with the most perfect consideration / Your most Obedt. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
342From Levi Woodbury to John Adams, 6 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your last my dear John I can only say that if the accomodations are so suitable and the price so reasonable as you say at the Exchange I should most certainly prefer them to any others but you know that your father is particular on this point and I wish you to ascertain exactly before I come so that we may decide immediately after our arrival—There will be your father myself Ellen...
343From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 6 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your last my Dear John I can only say that if the accomodations are so suitable and the price so reasonable as you say at the Exchange I should most certainly prefer them to any others but you know that your father is particular on this point and I wish you to ascertain exactly before I come so that we may decide immediately after our arrival—There will be your father myself Ellen...
344To John Adams from William Cranch, 6 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
Accept my thanks for your kind letter of the 10th. of March last, and for all your other Kindnesses to me, to my parents, & to my sister; and believe me most sincerely, respectfully & affectionately, your grateful & obliged nephew MHi : Adams Papers.
345From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 3 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter my dear John gave us great uneasiness on your Grandfathers account and we feel very anxious lest the violence of the shock should have injured his health. We hope to hear from you frequently and that your Letters may be welcomed as harbingers of good instead of ill news for the future— I propose to leave this City on the 14 as your father wishes me to travel in the Carriage I shall...
346To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., July 1823 (Adams Papers)
The legislature of Massachusetts, at its last session passed an Act to incorporate certain Gentlemen and their associates under the name of the Bunker Hill Monument Association . The undersigned a Committee in behalf of the Corporation are directed to lay before you the objects of the Association, and to inform you that you have been elected an honorary member of it. It is intended to erect a...
347From John Adams to Francis J. Oliver, 28 July 1823 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice that the gentlemen of Boston have done themselves & Capt Hull the honour of this public testimony of their respect & esteem for his character & gratitude for his public services.—I pray the committee to accept of my thanks for their obliging invita to assist at the festival but my strength is so low as to deprive me of the honour of attending & the pleasure If it were possible for me...
348To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 July 1823 (Adams Papers)
The bearer Major Wolcott Huntington, is a very estimable young Gentleman, Son of General Ebenezer Huntington of this State, who served in the American Army from the year 1775 till the close of the revolutionary War. In common with the patriotic young men of the present age, he is desirous of personally manifesting the admiration and gratitude with which all men are animated, towards the Eldest...
349To John Adams from Francis J. Oliver, 22 July 1823 (Adams Papers)
It having been publicly announced that Captain Isaac Hull is about to relinquish the Superintendency of the Navy Yard at Charlestown for a command on foreign Service; a number of the Citizens of Boston and its vicinity intend to give him a complimentary dinner at the Exchange Coffee House, on Wednesday the 30th inst, at 4 0Clock PM, in token of their respect for his public & private character,...
350To John Adams from David Sewall, 19 July 1823 (Adams Papers)
My life being yet continued, and my Scribling faculties stil remaining, I determined to address you a few lines once more to my Old Friend, I felt at a loss, for a Subject, to amuse, But upon the late Anniversary of Independence, I took up a Book which enumerated some of the causes which led to that important event—In which the Resolution of the American Lady, to proscribe the use of Tea ; so...