1From John Adams to Joseph Bradley Varnum, 15 November 1812 (Adams Papers)
I presume upon our former acquaintance, and Correspondence as an apology for this Letter. The wild spirit of Anger, discontent and disaffection, which appears at least in four of our New England States, ought to excite Us all to enquire into the causes that have produced it. The Laws to which the national government has judged it necessary to resort in defence of our Rights and Independence, I...
2From John Adams to Joseph Bradley Varnum, 7 December 1812 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 23 Novr. I am very Sensible that “many wise and good Men,” have thought that the restrictive System would have procured Us Justice. But perhaps they were too wise and too good to know the virtue of the People was not Such as to Submit to it. Of all People in the Universe, those of the U.S. are the worst qualified to bear Privations, unless supported under...
3From John Adams to Joseph Bradley Varnum, 5 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
Thanks for your favour of the 12th of last month. The momentous Information is Since confirmed. As to the Bonds, I have little to Say. It is best to pardon them, upon the whole. The pressure is really hard, very hard upon our Cities and the Countries about them, and the agitation of Mind very great. The foundation of an American Navy, which I presume is now established by Law, is a grand Æra...
4From John Adams to Joseph Bradley Varnum, 9 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
With much pleasure have I read your favour of January 23d. I have thought that Nature, which has given to the Ant & the Bee to the wild geese & the storks, as well as to most other Animals in certain foresight necessary for their preservation; & to men a more extensive circumspection & sagacity: should have dictated to this nation, a more careful & provident preparation for National defence by...