This morning I did See in a N.Y. paper—the announced death of your Revered Father—my beloved and respected Frend—during more than forty years—alas! He is no more—I am nearly left alone—and fostered—in vain—the hope, that I Should See Him once more! You with your Dear Lady and family enjoy’d this happiness, and rendered Him by your unrelenting attentions—in his last moments—thankful to His God....
2To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
So many months are past Since I received a Single line from Massachusetts—in former days I was now and then remembered with kind regard by mrs Quincy—my frend Tyng allways men tioned to me the State of your health now and then your beloved Emily honoured me with Some information about her beloved Relatives—and—now—I appear worse as a Stranger—of one thing I remain nevertheless confident, that...
3To Thomas Jefferson from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 28 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your unexpected favour of Nov. 30 was highly gratifying—I am too much acquainted with the infirmities of old age, to presume or even to wish, that my insignificant lines should be punctually attended to—It is more than enough if now and then I may be informed of your welfare—and it is with deep regret, I saw—you suffered so long under such a severe indisposition—which—I thank my God, that it...
It is with an inexpressible delight, that I received and perused your affectionate Letter of the first of this month after a long Silence. I cannot expect, that I Should more often receive similar favours—I Shall continue thankful, if I am permitted to See these now and then. I mentioned the name of your grand Son George, the Son of the Judge, not knowing that he was already engaged in...
I thank you for your kind Letters I agree with you that we can never be thankful enough for the blessings we enjoy—I congratulate you upon the blessings you enjoy —and the prospects you have in your children and Grand Children—Virtuous children are the greatest comforts, and the greatest Blessings we old people can enjoy— I regret that I cannot write to you oftener As to your project of making...
6From Thomas Jefferson to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 30 November 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16 th is just recieved, and your silence in it on the subject of your health makes me hope it is good. a dozen years older than you are, I have no right to expect as good. I have been now confined to the house 6. months, but latterly get better, insomuch as, for a few days past, to ride a little on horseback. I duly recieved the favor of mr Vreede’s book, & meant, in my first...
7To Thomas Jefferson from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 November 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I trust, that you will not deem it amiss, if, after such a long silence, I take once more the liberty of writing you to assure of my continued affectionate regards. It might be the last time, as, although your age is far more advanced, mine is already arrived at 74 and the dimng of my eyes—dayly increasing makes reading and writing highly difficult. Since I was honoured with your favour of...
You will not be displeased, I am confident, if I address you again a few lines—perhaps—one or other of your family may consider it proper, to favour me at a proper period with Some information—with respect to your continued health—of which the N. papers assure us, you enjoy a considerable Share—What a blessing at Such an advanced age! My family was with me highly gratified—in Seing in these...
9To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, September 1825 (Adams Papers)
Often when I labour in my garden,—and I do so usually from sunrise till its setting—I expatiate with you and your son in your delightful mansion. Soon everything around you shall brighten, you shall revive a while, when the president your son visits you. Indeed your last days appear to me your best days. Printed Source--Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, An Autobiography, Together with Extracts from...
10To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 18 September 1825 (Adams Papers)
After Such a long protracted Silence you will not find fault, that I indulge once more in writing you a few lines—your kindnesses, of which I received So many proofs during more than forty years—your affectionate esteem, which never was abated would be a Sufficient apology—even if I had from time to time obtained a few lines from one of your family. But the last pertinent account of the...