1To John Adams from Rev. Horace Holly, 4 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have not ventured before now to write to you since I heard of the melancholy event which has afflicted you and your family. I fear that even now I may mistake the impression which I wish might be made upon your mind by a letter expressive of the sympathy that I feel in regard to the loss you and your children have sustained. Although I came late to the acquaintance of Mrs Adams and yourself,...
2John G. Jackson to Thomas Jefferson, 4 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I had learned through the public prints, & other channels of communication; of your recent severe, & alarming illness; & the deep distress I felt during all that period, having been succeeded by the fullness of joy, & thankfulness for your restoration to health: I cannot without committing violence to my feelings, refrain from expressing my sincere gratification at your recovery; & my fervent...
3Thomas Jefferson’s Anecdotes of Benjamin Franklin, [ca. 4 December 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
Our revolutionary process, as is well known, commenced by petitions, memorials, remonstrances E t c from the old Congress . these were followed by a non-importation agreement, as a pacific instrument of coercion. while that was before us, and sundry exceptions, as of arms, ammunition E t c were moved from different quarters of the house, I was sitting by D r Franklin and observed to him that I...
4Thomas Jefferson to Robert Walsh, 4 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the Nov. 8. has been some time recieved; but it it is in my power to give little satisfaction as to it’s enquiries. D r Franklin had many political enemies, as every character must which, with decision enough to have opinions, has energy & talent to give them effect on the feelings of the adversary opinion. these enmities were chiefly in Pensylvania & Massachusets . in the former they...
5To John Adams from Richard Rush, 4 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
Out of the circle of your own family, there are none who can feel more sorrow at the heavy affliction that has fallen upon you than we do here. We heard the melancholy news two days ago. “What exalted and long-tried excellence, exclaimed my wife, has gone to the tomb.” “As soon as my confinement was over,” she continued, “I had intended that my first letter, after one to my own mother, should...