1To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 27 January 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have read over most part of your book with no less satisfaction than pleasure and gained much information. In conversation the other day you advanced a doctrine which appears to me new & extraordinary. neither are the consequences so evident as to prevent me thinking otherwise and that facts make against the Idea. attention to stile would ruin America. The practice of all ages has been...
2To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 15 February 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have continued to read your defence of the American states and admire the intelligence sagacity & firmness contained in it. at first it appeared to me that where there was no distinction of rank in the people there was no necessity of a balance. but you have proved your point most satisfactorily & the impractability of one general assembly. all that remains is to secure that balance...
3To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 15 May 1787 (Adams Papers)
It has been long matter of Surprise to me that the States of America when investigating the various forms of republicks should never have thought of the mode of government practised in the city of London. it is an Epitome of the constitution of England, that constitution which is so beautifull in theory & of which you are so fond tho the balance no longer exists, and perhaps in some respects...
4To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 16 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
yesterday for the first time I met with Admiral Darby and communicated to him what you said about the papers regarding America in M r Jacksons possession. he said he could give no answer at present but would look them over. with this comes some tracts by North-cote for America. many thanks for the conquest of canaan which I hope to circulate as it has great merit as a poem & full of good &...
5To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, [2 September 1787] (Adams Papers)
The conversation you honored me with the last time I dined at your house has affected me most sensibly & made me change my opinion of the person who was the subject of it. for it is impossible for me to entertain a doubt of the facts you assert, and if conviction did not strike so forcibly sooner, it must have been owing to the esteem & regard I had, for two persons, whom I could not think...
6To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 6 September 1787 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your favor this morning shall be very happy to receive you & m rs Adams your own day tuesday 11 th: pray tell Col Smith I will not say one word about the conditions of his visit but shall be glad to see him & his Lady on his own terms. these Americans will have their own way and so let them. if it was possible I should be glad to see Jennings with you. however we...
7To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 15 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have read, more than once your defence of the constitutions of America and am instructed, entertained and convinced. you have proved your principle most masterly and satisfactorily from History, nothing now remains but that your country may benefit of your labors by putting your principles in execution. “opinionum commenta delet dies naturæ judicia confirmat.” Fears I have and great they...
8To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 4 November 1787 (Adams Papers)
Tho revelling in what you justly call luxury, planting and adorning the place round me, yet you have presented me with the highest luxury in producing a people emancipated and enjoying their natural rights under just & equal laws procured by your exertions. Did envy enter into my composition you would have no small share of it. but my walk is humble and limited. I endeavour that the good is...
9To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, [ca. 2 January 1788] (Adams Papers)
I had hopes given me that I should have had the pleasure of seeing you here & I did not despair till the Snow came now it will not be long before I shall wait on you in town when I hope to find you well & in good Spirits. The late behaivour of the Judge in the case of Spotwood the attorney, by whose direction he was brought in guilty of perjury the merits of case know not but that he has moved...