1To John Adams from John Cranch, 17 January 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have never found so much difficulty in prevailing upon myself to do any indifferent action, as in this of convincing myself that it is not too great a presumption to address a few lines to you, with the little present of game which will wait your acceptance about the same instant: In truth I could willingly have sent the gift, without at all disclosing the giver, could I, at the same time,...
2John Cranch to John Adams, 11 February 1784 (Adams Papers)
As there is so little temptation, at present, to an englishman , to pay any attention to the wretched political informations of his country, you will have the goodness to pardon me, Sir, if, not knowing whether you have a public character at the Hague, I am so ignorant as not to know if I have misaddressed you: At the same time, I must confess, that no punctilio of ceremony will restrain me...
3John Cranch to Abigail Adams, 7 November 1786 (Adams Papers)
Being much ignorant of the republican distinctions of preeminency in title, as well as of American etiquette in general, I must anticipate your pardon for any errors in that kind, while I acknowledge the honor of your Excellency’s obliging letter and present of books: Both have afforded me great satisfaction; only the latter moving now and then, to some untempered gusts of resentment against...
4John Cranch to Abigail Adams, 13 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
I should have addressed your excellency sooner, but that my mind, which is the weakest —(or, as I had rather settle your excellency’s idea of it, the most delicate )—thing in the world, has been for sometime suspended between the contrary fears—of trespassing upon your more important attentions, on the one hand, or against the obligations of gratitude & decorum, on the other: The last has,...
5John Cranch to Abigail Adams, [ca. 23 June 1787] (Adams Papers)
Substance of miss Palmer’s account of the University exhibition at Cambridge, the 10 th. of April: To J.C. “—— preceded by a band of Music, consisting of such of the pupils as had a taste for Music—among whom were John and Charles Adams and William Cranch: When the president and governors arrived, the exercises began in the following order: 1 st. Forensic dispute in english:—subject—’whether...
6John Cranch to Abigail Adams, 11 April 1788 (Adams Papers)
Understanding by my sister Elworthy, that your Excellency complains of having read yourself out of books, I am tempted to send you down the latest publication that I can find promises amusement enough to justify me; and accordingly I have to intreat your excellency’s acceptance of “Costigan’s view of society and manners in Portugal.” I was just now in hopes to have gratified your excellency...