1From John Adams to William Gordon, 10 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d yours of 28 June & thank you for the information it contains— In all domestick Disputes I wish our countrymen, may moderate their passions, & manifest as much mutual forbearance as possible. I dread the course of our elections if parties prevail. Every publick Man is in a dangerous & perplexed Situation at present, & as few obstacles should be thrown in his way & as much Candour &...
2From John Adams to William Gordon, 27 April 1785 (Adams Papers)
I am like other Debtors, afraid to look into my Affairs lest I should find the balance against me. it is so with you, I very much Suspect. You may not be sorry to be uninterrupted, for I suppose you are busy in writing your History. I should be glad to see it, because it is time there should be some sketch or full Draught in which there may be some Resemblance, when there are so many abroad...
3From John Adams to William Gordon, 26 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter, and can assure you that the use you made of any expressions of mine concerning the refugees was not the cause of my silence, I never troubled my Head about those expressions enough to take a Copy of them, but whatever they were they were the Language of the Heart.— Base and abandoned as many of them the refugees are I should Scorn to hurt the Hair of the Head of...