1John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 30 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
On a lu, Tabius, avec beaucoup de plaisir. Il est tres Sage tres Scavant et tres elegant.— The Article he vindicates is now well understood here and is I believe universally allowed to be no Violation of our Engagements with any other power.— Even higher and Stronger ground is taken by Some of the ablest Lawyers and it is even contended that We had a right to go back to the Statu quo, and...
2John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 27 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
You have it right in yours of 22 d. — A Rivalry between George Cabbot and Elbridge Gerry, for the Tittle of Excellency in Massachusetts, produced all the opposition of Federalists in that State to my Administration and has now thrown the whole Party in the back ground. I am afraid that is not the worst. Their unbridled rage and violent opposition to Peace with France, will exasperate the...
3John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 24 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 20 th. is before me.— The Senate I hear is perfectly Satisfied at length, by a Message and some papers I sent them this Week at their request, that there is no Collision between The Convention with France and our Treaty with England: but other points labour. I choose not to say at present what I think. There has been, about two or three hundred Persons in the Union, who from the...
4John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 16 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
In your Letter of the 9 th you Say, that you will not Say you disagree with Manlius, in his opinion “that the downfall of the federal Cause is to be attributed to the Mission to France.”— In this opinion I fully believe that both of you are mistaken: and I am confident I could convince you of this, if I had an opportunity of recalling to your recollection the Passages of the times before and...
5John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 14 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for yours of the 9 th and its contents, and for the pains to have taken to search Authorities upon the Collision of Treaties. The Point I think is explained and proved very fully, and So it is understood in England. The Sixth Article however is by no means nugatory. It is of great importance to France. Our Treaty with Britain expires in two years after the termination of the...
6John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 17 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d this Evening yours of the 14 th. — My little bark has been oversett in a Stor Squal of Thunder and Lightening and hail attended with a Strong Smell of Sulphur. Nothing remains for me, but to indulge that Vanity which I have found out lately is considered as the predominant feature in my Character, by Singing the Song of Horace The Soothing considerations Suggested by you, my dear...
7John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 6 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am greatly pleased with your Letter of the 30 of August. Every Part of it shows a Sound Understanding and a manly honest heart. Your Conduct at the meetings was wise, as well generous. Never mind Majorities. Weigh well and judge right and never fear being in a minority. You are right to mix with your fellow Citizens at their invitation to their Consultations. Although Horatius has Sacrificed...
8John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 23 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received last night your favor of the 18 th. I thank you for your account of the proceedings of the Supreme court.— I really believe you are right & that I was erroneous, in what we have said about the influence of politicks at the bar in Pensylvania. Indeed any where affected politicks do a man no good. I did not mean to prejudice you against your Quakers friends, who I doubt not are...
9John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 4 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of July 26. I always rejoice to hear of your Arguing Causes. This Arguing is the Way to business. Argue; Argue; Argue; forever when you can, and never be concerned about the issue, any further than you ought to interest yourself for truth and Justice. If you Speak in public, tho you loose your cause, it will Serve your reputation, if you Speak well, as much as if...
10John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 14 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have not received a letter from you since I left you. As I hear nothing of the epidemic in Philadelphia, I begin to hope that such a calamity will this year be spared to that city. I should be gratified to hear of your health and success. I could fill a sheet with curious anecdotes of politicks & electioneering, but as this is a subject on which I ought not to permit myself to write speak or...