1John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 29 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
I should, certainly have written before this, at least to show how gratefull a Sense, I retain, of the numerous obligations, I was under both to my Uncle, and Aunt, while I was at Haverhill. But what with going to Braintree, and what with having been since I ca me here, much more closely engaged, than I shall be for the future, my in tention till now has failed. About 10 this morning, the man...
2John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 8 July 1795 (Adams Papers)
About three months have elapsed since I received information by Letters from America, of the distressing trial you were called to endure, and the heavy affliction you sustained so soon after my departure from my native land. The intelligence affected me sensibly not only from the disposition to sympathize with your sorrows, but because I felt the loss myself of a friend, whose affections were...