1From John Adams to Richard Rush, 23 August 1815 (Adams Papers)
I might perhaps agee with Mr Grattan, that Mr Burke had read more of the Brittish Poets than even Dr Johnson, who wrote their Lives, that he understood them better and tasted them with better Judgment and correct discomment; & that he had read the Latin Poets and Orators: but I can go no farther. His uncommon Reading of History, the Law of Nature and Nations of Jurisprudence in General and of...
2From John Adams to Richard Rush, 14 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
There is an height, beyond which the proudest Wave cannot ascend: there is a depth, at least a bottom, from which no Waters are left to rise or retire. There is a tide in the Affairs of Men. It is a trite observation of Historians, that there is in human Affairs, an ultimate point of depression, from whence, Things naturally but gradually rise and return to their Level. Our american Affairs...
3From John Adams to Richard Rush, 30 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 20th has given me great pleasure; because it informs me that you are happy. Your Visit to Philadelphia must have been delightful; and the Company of your excellent Surviving Parent on your return, and her domestication with you, and the fair Enchantress must be more So. This family Intercourse cannot be less pleasing to your Mother. It will preserve her health and prolong...
4From John Adams to Richard Rush, 22 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
The Copy inclosed in your Letter has tenderly affected the little Sensibility that remains in me. As a Memorial of the Friendship of Dr Rush I esteem it prescious. Mark my Words; it is Party Faction and Fashion that give Characters; Truth and Justice, are Studiously omitted neglected and forgotten. Jefferson is no more my Friend Who dares to Independence to pretend Which I was born to...
5From John Adams to Richard Rush, 26 August 1815 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 20th and the Extracts which are very consolatory. I have Sometimes thought that the People of the U.S. of both Parties were the worst Judges in the World, of themselves, their Resources, the Character of their own Nation and even of the Geography of their Country. Mr Madisons Administration, must be recorded by Historians; not with Standing all the Errors,...
6From John Adams to Richard Rush, 1 June 1814 (Adams Papers)
I long to See the narrative of Dr Rush’s Life. I hope it will be printed. The Anecdote relative to me, in 1774, and the Toast ascribed to me, at Mifflins Supper, is so exactly like me at that time, that I dare take my Bible Oath, that it is literally true. My toast then was, as you Say and I believe, “Cash and Powder to the Yankees.” You ask me what would be my Toast now? I assure you, it...
7From John Adams to Richard Rush, 11 June 1815 (Adams Papers)
“Watchman! What of the Night?” To what hour of the Evening are We advanced? How many hours remain before day break? Have you a repeating Watch that can Strike the hour and the quarter of an hour in the darkest hour of Sablest night? Rochefaucaut, Condorcet, Robespiere, Brissot, Danton, Orleans Buoneparte, Pitt, Fox, Burk, Alexander, Georges, Louis’s, Charleses, Francises Fredericks are but...
8From 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,...
9From John Adams to Richard Rush, 15 September 1817 (Adams Papers)
I will now venture to congratulate you upon your relief from a part of the heavy burthen which has been imposed upon you for So many months. And above all I congratulate you, my son and myself on your future destination. Had Providence permitted me to choose Events my heart would have dictated none other. Accept my Thanks for your uninterrupted and invariable kindness to me and my Friends, and...
10From John Adams to Richard Rush, 25 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 18th: and thank you has your “Idea”; Your reasoning upon it is that of a modest prudent philosopher & Statesman. It is more; It is classical enough for a member of the Academy of inscription and Belle letters. I who am neither Philosopher Statesman or Academician, would if I had power cause medals to be struck of every conflagration, Massacre, prison stripe,...