1To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 5 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I am, indeed, gratified by the receipt of your letter of the 27th ulto. The approbation of those we ourselves reverence for their virtues, is, perhaps, the sweetest reward for our efforts to be useful. Only eleven volumes of the Weekly Register are yet finished. These may be forwarded, if you please, immediately to Boston, & can be easily sent to you, through Mr. Dawes; or by my agent there,...
2From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 14 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I am obliged to you for your favour of the 5th. the eleven volumes of your Register, shall be paid to your order in Boston or Baltimore as you please, as soon as I receive, or know where they are in Boston. The 12th & 13th shall be paid for in the same manner Of the destination of my Son I know nothing but by rumour, Whatever may be the determination of government I shall acquire. it is the...
3To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 26 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I am, indeed, gratified by the receipt of your letter of the 27th ulto. The approbation of those we ourselves reverence for their virtues, is, perhaps, the sweetest reward for our efforts to be useful. Only eleven volumes of the Weekly Register are yet finished. These may be forwarded, if you please, immediately to Boston, & can be easily sent to you, through Mr. Dawes, or by my agent there,...
4From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 28 April 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have received eleven Volumes of your Register, well bound and in good order, for which I have paid 41.D 75C to Mr Ballard, (according to your order,) and I thank you for the promptitude with which you have obliged me. “Vive la bagatelle” The light Sketch inclosed, is at this day of no value: not even an object of Curiosity, except on account of the critical moment in which it was crayoned,...
5To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 19 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
I gratefully return to you the little pamphlet, & send with it a copy of the Register in which I have published it. I used the license you gave me, as to your letter in full, as well for an introduction to the sketch itself, as because I thought it might be of advantage to me. Many have been much gratified in reading that sketch—& I, indeed, rejoice at having had the pleasure to disseminate...
6From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 25 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 19th and the return of the Pamphlet with a Copy. You revive me when you assure me, that the Original “Principles of the revolution are coming again into fashion: and that foreign feelings are opening giving Way to a national Character” As you are “Zealous to help on the latter,” I Should be happy, if I could, to help you. As doubts and questions are easily...
7To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 4 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
It is with warm feelings that I acknowledge the favor you have conferred upon me by your letter of the 25th ult. accompanied by the very interesting pamphlet you forwarded. After carefully using it for the purposes proposed, I will faithfully return it. I do not wish to be thought to as saying what I do not believe, which is not my point, when I assure you of my belief that this pamphlet may...
8From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 27 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have received my pamphlet & your Register, with your letter of the 20th. Inclosed are four papers. No 1. A letter from President Washington Aug 27. 1790. No 2 another letter on the same subject on the same day Aug 27. 1790. No. 3 First rough draught of an answer, in my hand writing. 4 a copy of my answer to the President, which was sent to him dated Aug 29th. 1790. & which, if it was not...
9From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 27 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
“Inclosed are four papers.—No. 1. A letter from President Washington, Aug. 27, 1790; No. 2. Another letter on the same subject, on the same day, Aug. 27, 1790. No. 3. First rough draught of an answer, in my hand writing. 4. A copy of my answer to the president, which was sent to him, dated August 29, 1790, and which, if it was not consumed in the Vandalion combustion of Washington, is probably...
10From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 30 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
The oldest Statesman in North America is no more.—Vixit. McKean, for whose services, and indeed for whose patronage, the two States of Pensylvania and Delaware, once contended, is numbered with his fathers. I cannot express my feelings upon this event in any way better, than by the publication of the enclosed letters. 1st. June 13th. 1812 2nd. August 20th 1813 3rd. August 28th 1813 4th....
11From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, June 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have received my Pamphlet and your Register, with your Letter of the 20th. “Inclosed are four Papers—No. 1. A Letter from President Washington, Aug. 27, 1790. No. 2. Another Letter, on the Same Subject, on the Same day. Aug. 27, 1790. No. 3. First rough draught of an Answer, in my hand Writing. 4. A Copy of my Answer to the President, which was Sent to him dated August 29, 1790, and which,...
12To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 5 July 1817 (Adams Papers)
I gratefully return the papers you did me the honor to send into me, with a copy of them inserted in the Register. I hardly knew how far I was authorized to give your private letter to the public; but the parts inserted seemed necessary as an introduction to the papers; & I hope I have not transcended your will in that respect. I will thank you for the papers about Miranda’s affair. It is not...
13To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 16 July 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to return to you the letters of Gov McKean, with a copy of them inserted in the Register. My early & good friend Cæsar A Rodney, of Delaware, nephew of C.R. of the “76 congress, informs me that he has some of deceased patriots’ letters dated in 1777—1799; & says he will furnish them. When they are published, I shall send a copy to you. I am gratified to observe that the...
14To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, July 1817 (Adams Papers)
After revolving upon some suitable apology for intruding myself with the following statement and request, I have thought it most respectful to decline offering any, expect to observe that if ought appears to your better judgement improper in either, that you will attribute it to any thing else than a willingness on my part to act so, in any respect towards you. For six years ending with the...
15From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 12 September 1817 (Adams Papers)
The procrastination of Old Age and the dissipation of the month of August must be my Apologies for neglecting your important Letter of July, to this day. When I heard that your Register was in danger of being discontinued for Want of Support, I regretted the discouragement very Sincerely: as nearly thirty Years ago I lamented the Period of Mr Careys American Museum. I mean not to give any...
16From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 14 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
In a former letter I hazarded an opinion that the true history of the American revolution could not be recovered, I had many reasons for that apprehension, one of which I will attempt to explain. Of the determination of the British Cabinet to assert and maintain the sovereign Authority of Parliament over the Colonies, in all cases of Taxation and internal policy. the first demonstration which...
17From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 13 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
grand Adams The American Revolution was not a trifling nor a common Event. It’s Effects and Consequences have already been Awful over a great Part of the whole Globe. And when and Where are they to cease? But what do We mean by the American Revolution? Do We mean the American War? The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the Minds and Hearts of the People. A...
18From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 7 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
I here Send you three great Authorities, James Otis Oxenbridge Thatcher and Samuel Adams, all Supported by almost an unanimous Vote of the Town of Boston, all containing every Principle, every Sentiment and every Idea in Mr Henry’s Resolution at least a Year before he moved them or composed them. Indeed this was common Place Language in Boston and Massachusetts in the mouths of all Men but the...
19To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 6 June 1818 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure to publish your letters to Mr. Tudor, presenting subjects for national paintings—much to my own satisfaction & to the gratification of the American people. I respectfully acknowledge the reception of your very interesting letters to Mr. Wirt—they shall have a conspicuous insertion in my next Register. Grateful for the honor conferred by those communications, / I am, sir,...
20From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 6 September 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have not Seen one of your register for I know not how many months I have long expected a Volume. I see I must Subscribe by the Week or the year. Please therefor e to put my name down among your Subscribers and tell me to whom shall pay the needfull. I am Sir your humble servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
21To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 19 September 1818 (Adams Papers)
My time has latterly been so severely occupied that I fear I have been remiss in sending to you the different numbers of the Register enriched by your communications. But the 13th vol. was duly sent to Mr. Ballard, & the 14th, only completed on the 1st inst—after which the index for it was to be done, is now on its way to you by water—together with a Copy of the General Index for the first...
22From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 29 September 1818 (Adams Papers)
Will you be so good as to print in your Register, the inclosed Original Letter from Mr Rodney and the Copy of my Answer.—As I never saw this Gentleman and know his name only by Newspaper fame, his Letter was as unexpected to me as if it had fallen from the Morning Star. I have his explicit Permission to publish it and am ambitious that my name should descend to Posterity in friendly Company...
23To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 10 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to return to my dear friend Rodney’s letter, with a copy of your interesting correspondence, published in this day’s Register: Permit me to tender you my thanks for the favor conferred in sending it to me. Your 14th vol & the Genl. Index I expect have reached Boston before this time. I thank you for the copies of Dr. Mayhew’s sermons. I Shall publish some extracts from to...
24From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 9 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
You asked me for papers; but I know not what papers you wish If such as the bundle enclosed with please you I can fill your register for years Whither you print any part or none I pray you to return them as you have always done to I wait for another volume of your register J.A MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
25To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 16 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your brief note, & enclosure of many letters & papers. So far as these are shew the spirit and feelings of the times, they are very acceptable; & thought not used in extremis , will furnish many interesting extracts. I shall next week put to press my long contemplated collection of revolutionary papers. I cannot yet even myself venture an opinion as to what its merits or...
26From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 5 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
I send you enclosed two pieces of paper. 1st. “Broken Hints to be communicated to the committee of Congress for the Massachusetts.” by Major Joseph Hawley of Northhampton. This is the original paper which I read to Patrick Henry in the fall of the year 1774 which produced his rapturous burst of approbation & his solemn asseveration “ I am of that Man’s mind .” 2d. A letter from Jonathan...
27From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 9 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
In one of your letters—you ask me whether I can give you the names of the Mohawk’s who were concerned in the Noyade of the ten in Boston Harbour I now tell you in the truth and upon honor—that I know not and never knew the names of any one of them during the week of that transaction— I was employed in the discharge of my duty as a Barrister at Law in the Court of Judicature—in the Town and...
28To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 18 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have your letter of the 10th in reply to mine requesting the names of those who distroyed the tea in Boston harbor, & regret to believe from it that a record of them is lost, as I cannot now see any possible object of concealing them. But I am not a lawyer, & perhaps even yet, if surviving, they might be made liable for the offence! The last or 15th vol. of the Register was delayed on...
29From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 12 March 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have not seen one of your Registers, these twelve months—the fifteenth Volume is the last I have received—which comes down only to March 1819—I sent you a long time ago a few original papers which I desired you to return to me—I hope to receive soon, the papers, accompanied with the additional Volume or Volumes which have grown since the third Volume of the new Series which is the 15th...
30To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 31 March 1820 (Adams Papers)
The 16th vol. of the Weekly Register was sent, I believe to Boston for you & the 17th, (up to the 1st of this month) is only just bound. However, finding that they are franked to you, I have put those volumes in separate packages, & sent them by the mail. I had the pleasure when last at Washington to pay my respects to your son, the secretary of state, & was much gratified with my visit. Be...
31From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 28 February 1823 (Adams Papers)
M I sent you some years ago an original short letter to me dated in ’74 from Major Hawley which you very faithfully printed in one of your collections—But you have not return’d the original to me, will you be so good as to return it as soon as convenient for I have a kind of veneration for it somewhat similar to that of the Roman Catholics for their relics—the friendship of Major Hawley from...
32From Abigail Smith Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 20 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
Upon taking up your Register the other day, a communication respecting drawing rooms, attracted my attention. Your correspondent must have been misinformed when he states, that there was any distinction of party made at the drawing room while I had the honor to preside there; any gentleman or lady, of either party, who chose to visit there, were received with equal civility. And from your...
33From Hezekiah Niles to Abigail Smith Adams, 31 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
It is with high respect that I have the honor to assure you, you have mistaken my “Register” as well as its character , in attributing to it an offensive article about “ Drawing Rooms; ” while I have to regret that this is not the first time in which my secret pride has been humbled by a similar misapprehension. And such mistakes are easily committed, because another paper is published (at...
34To James Madison from Hezekiah Niles, [ca. 15] July 1817 (Madison Papers)
After revolving upon some suitable apology for intruding myself with the following statement and request, I have thought it most respectful to decline offering any, expect [ sic ] to observe that if ought appears to your better judgment improper in either, that you will attribute it to any thing else than a willingness on my part to act so in any respect towards you. For six years ending with...
35From James Madison to Hezekiah Niles, 7 September 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of July —— was not recd. till last evening. The Baltimore post mark is of Aug. 5. There is another post mark of Aug. 18. at a place not legible; and a manuscript endorsement “missent.” These are the only circumstances explaining the delay. I sincerely regret the difficulties you experience on continuing “The Weekly Register.[”] During the period of my public occupations, I was not...
36To James Madison from Hezekiah Niles, [1 November] 1817 (Madison Papers)
National Education. Respectfully Addressed to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, Past Presidents of the United States. It is not a common occasion, venerable fathers of the republic, that could induce me to prefix your names to a public address. In my estimation, there is something in it that may make me liable to be considered indiscreet, if not impertinent, by some who will not take the...
37To James Madison from Hezekiah Niles, 6 March 1818 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of a letter from Mr. Cutts, I herewith forward the Weekly Register from March last. It was strangely neglected; as things must sometimes be even if a man can do every thing for himself, which I cannot. I take this occasion, as a member of the republic, gratefully to offer you the homage of my respect for services rendered to my country—the homage of the heart. RC ( DLC )....
38From James Madison to Hezekiah Niles, 8 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
In Ramsay’s History of the American Revolution Vol: 2. pa. 300–301 is the following passage. “Mr. Jay was instructed to contend for the right of the U. States to the free navigation of the river Mississippi, and if an express acknowlegement of it could not be obtained, he was restrained from acceding to any stipulation by which it should be relinquished. But in February 1781, when Lord...
39To James Madison from Hezekiah Niles, 19 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
I am honored with the receipt of your communication in relation to certain proceedings during the revolution as to the navigation of the Mississippi river, which are laid off for ensertion, and shall appear in the next weeks Register, unless something important & of a more immediately interesting character should intervene. With thanks that you have been pleased to select my work on this...
40James Madison to Hezekiah Niles, 20 June 1829 (Madison Papers)
I have been long a subscriber to your "Register", and retain my respect for its merits, and sincere wishes for its prolonged success; but finding it expedient at the age I have reached, to abridge the attention required for such objects, I must request you to discontinue my name on your Subscription list. According to the account presented lately by your Collector, the balance due from me in...
41Hezekiah Niles to Thomas Jefferson, 5 August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Feeling myself so sensibly the labor of reading & drudgery of answering long letters, I had almost resolved to retain the enclosed—but really & honestly, I know not well how to dispense with it, if I would effect the design p r oposed. opened after being sealed, by HN RC ( DLC ); one word illegible; endorsed by TJ as received 18 19 Aug. 1817 and so recorded in SJL . RC ( ViU: TJP
42Enclosure: Circular from Hezekiah Niles to Prominent Subscribers, 31 July 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
After revolving upon some suitable apology for intruding myself with the following statement and request, I have thought it most respectful to decline offering any, except to observe that if ought appears to your better judgement improper in either, that you will attribute it to any thing else than a willingness on my part to act so, in any respect towards you. For six years ending with the...
43Thomas Jefferson to Hezekiah Niles, [23] August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of July 31. came to hand on the 18 th inst. at this place, very distant from Monticello . I learn from it with real concern that there is danger of a discontinuance of the Weekly Register, for want of due support. I have found it very valuable as a Repertory of documents, original papers & the facts of the day, and for the ease with which the Index enables us to turn to them. these...
44Hezekiah Niles to Thomas Jefferson, 2 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I thankfully acknowledge your letter of the 22nd . enclosing 5$ in payment for the Register to Sept 1818. I have hopes that this work will survive the fate of most things of the sort. The present prospect is cheering. I find an interest for its welfare that I hardly dared to hope for, & think it will prosper by the arrangement lately adopted. “ From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh...
45Hezekiah Niles to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, [ca. 1 November 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
It is not a common occasion, venerable fathers of the republic, that could induce me to prefix your names to a public address. In my estimation, there is something in it that may make me liable to be considered indiscreet, if not impertinent, by some who will not take the trouble to ascertain whether I am influenced by an honest intention , or not. I am unwilling to be suspected of either of...
46Thomas Jefferson to Hezekiah Niles, 9 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson incloses to mr Niles a five Dollar bill of the bank of Virginia which he believes pays for the Weekly Register till Sep. 18. of the ensuing year , and salutes him with esteem & respect . PoC ( DLC ); on verso of a reused address cover from James Monroe to TJ; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Niles Henry” and so recorded (with additional bracketed notation...
47Samuel Butler (for Hezekiah Niles) to Thomas Jefferson, 16 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of 9 th Ins t is at Hand covering five dollars for your subscription to the Weekly Register for the current year—inclosed you have a rec t for the same. and please receive thanks for your polite attention and punctuality. S. Butler in behalf of Hez. Niles who at present is out of Town— RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “ Tho s Jefferson Esq
48Thomas Jefferson to Hezekiah Niles, 20 April 1821 (SJL description) (Jefferson Papers)
[ Ed. Note : A missing letter to Niles of 20 Apr. 1821 is recorded in SJL with the bracketed notation: “5.D.” In his financial records for that date TJ noted sending Hezekiah Niles “5.D. for a year’s Register” ( MB James A. Bear Jr. and Lucia C. Stanton, eds., Jefferson’s Memorandum Books: Accounts, with Legal Records and Miscellany, 1767–1826 , 1997, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson , Second...
49Thomas Jefferson to Hezekiah Niles, [7 February 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Ed. Note : A letter from TJ to “ Henry ” Niles of 7 Feb. 1822 is recorded in SJL , with the entry for this missive followed by a bracketed “5.” Nine days later TJ recorded the receipt of a reply from Niles , which was written at Baltimore on 12 Feb. A month later, on 12 Mar. 1822 , TJ entered in his column for outgoing letters yet another communication to “ Henry
50To Thomas Jefferson from Hezekiah Niles, 24 July 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknoledge your letter of the 25th, Inc g 5$ on account of the weekly Register, which now has its direction to Charlottesville instead of Milton, as required. The people of the United States, are now deeply engaged in considering who shall succeed in the presidency. May their differences of opinion be so regarded, as to inspire a belief that there is no difference of principle among...