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,...
2To 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...