1From John Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 15 January 1811 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for two presents, the Message and the documents. Mr. Madison follows the example of Mr. Jefferson in this instance; but is the difference between a speech and a message of much importance? Does the aversion to speeches and the partiality for messages arise or proceed from the spirit of democracy or aristocracy? The glorious uncertainty of the law is a proverbial expression; and why...
2From John Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 9 February 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have received with much pleasure your favor of the 29th of January. Before I proceed, let me premise a few preliminaries. 1. I disdain all pretentions and Thoughts of Authority, Superiority or Influence arising from Age, Experience or any thing else: and expect and desire and insist that you give no more attention or respect to any opinion of mine than if it were the opinion of the...
3From John Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 18 February 1811 (Adams Papers)
I owe you thanks for your Speech, on place and Patronage. The moral and Patriotic sentiments are noble and exalted; The Eloquence masterly and the satire inimitable. There are not in Juvenal nor in Swift any images to be found more exquisitely ridiculous than the Charleston Hack, and the Treasury swill Trough, and Pigery. But are you right in supposing the rage for office more eager and...
4From John Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 21 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your speech, in relation to Maritime protection, and much more for making it. It is the speech of a Man, a Citizen, and a States-man. It is neither Hyperbole nor flattery in me to say it is the most important Speech ever uttered in that House since 1789. I care not a Farthing, whom I offend by this declaration. But I am puzzled and confounded to see that not one Member from New...
5From John Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 26 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
As the best speech in favor of a naval Arm of defence, next to that of Mr Loyd, that was ever made in Congress, at least the best that I have ever read was made by yourself I beg leave to present to you, a first essay towards an history of the rise and progress of an American maritime military power. As I consider a naval power essential, to the preservation of our liberties and independence...