11From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 March 1808 (Adams Papers)
Your luminous Letter of the 27th of Feb. and 6. March are is before me. Was this an homogenious Nation under a consolidated Government, the Provision in the Constitution of Massachusetts would be Sufficient. But in a Confederation like ours there is danger. In Holland they have thought unanimity necessary in all most every Thing. Under our old Confederation, a Concurrence of nine States out of...
12From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 14 December 1808 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time since I had a Letter from you. In the last I think you prophesied “Wonders in November.” I understood you to mean, a wonderful revolution in the sentiments of the people, and a restoration of the Federalists to the Government of the Nation. But the month of November is past, and there appears, notwithstanding all the terrors and horrors of the Embargo a wonderfull adherence...
13From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 November 1804 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for my Letter from N.Y and the Pamplet inclosed. Commodore Morris’s Defence contains Information which appears to be wanted by our President and all his Ministers, by his senators and Representatives, by his Officers and Men of his Navy, and by the commercial Citizens of our Country. To be sure to protect the Commerce and Seamen in the Atlantic and Mediterranean and blockade...
14John Adams to John Quincy Adams, February 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have been confined, with a cold for three Weeks and the family have been generally affected in the same Way: We have not heard from yours for Some time. I long to see you all: but the Weather and the roads will keep Us, at a distance I fear for Some days if not weeks. I have read Seven Volumes of De la Harpe in course, and the last seven I have run through and Searched but cannot find what I...
15From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 15 April 1808 (Adams Papers)
You ask me whether “an armed Vessel of a belligerent Nation has a right to search a vessel of a neutral.” I answer No, except for contraband of war. This exception is established by the law and practice of nations; and confirmed by Treaties. But there is no right to search for men. The King of England acknowledges that he has no right to search for men a neutral ship of war even for deserters...
16John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
The 11 th. of September is reckoned among the happiest days of my Life: The Navy officers who composed the late Court Martial on Capt Little, came out to visit me, with M r shaw who brought me your favor of the 4 th dated at Philadelphia, informing me of your arrival on that day with my Daughter and Grandson in as good health as could be expected.— You do not expressly say whether you intend...
17From John Adams to John Davis, 14 August 1804 (Adams Papers)
The disposition of every member of the Accademy to Show every respect and do every honor to the Memory of their Reverend and Learned Associate Dr Howard is unquestionable, and nothing but the heat of the Season in my present State of Health should prevent me from having the Honor of attending his Funeral with the other Members. It is my request to you, Sir to give public Notice of the...
18From John Adams to John Marshall, 4 February 1806 (Adams Papers)
I have received from you, three Volumes of the Life of our late General and President Washington in a condition of convenience and ornament, which has not yet been exceeded by any of the Arts or Artists of our Country, nor indeed much inferiour to any in the most refined Countries of Europe. I pray you, Sir to accept my best Thanks for this elegant present. Exegisti monumentum ære perennius....
19From John Adams to John Thornton Kirkland, 5 January 1807 (Adams Papers)
Upon the recommendation of General Washington Gen Hamilton and General Pinckney I appointed your brother George an officer in the American army in which he served from its creation to its dissolution in that division of it which was under the general superintendance of Gen Hamilton and the immediate command of Col Smith. When he left the army in 1799 I well remember that several letters or...
20From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 February 1808 (Adams Papers)
In Answer to your Letter of the 27 of January I request you to make Provision for Advancing me, by Mr Shaw one thousand one hundred and twenty five dollars and fifty Cents, or thereabout, which is the amount of an Obligation I owe to Miss Thaxter, or if you choose and I think there is but one remaining due to that Family. Your Mother has written you on the Subject of Caucus’s. I am not of her...