1From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 6 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
I am favoured with your Letter of the 28th. Ulto. It has received the recollection of our former acquaintance in France, England and Holland, as well as in Several parts of our own Country. I think with you that it is the duty of every considerate Man to support the national authorities in whose hands they may be I will not Say, whatever their measures may be. To your allusion to the war I...
2From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 15 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your Letter of the 9th. I have only to Say that you may do a s you please with my Letter of the 6th. But if you expect that any Opinion of mine will have any Influence, you will find yourself mistaken. The Rushing and Dashing and Roaring of the Wor d Washington! Washington! Washington! like the Waters at Passaick or the more tremendous Cataract of Niagara deafens Stuns astonishes...
3From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 10 August 1812 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of July 19th is yet unacknowledged. The first page of it, or rather the first part of the first page compells me to Say that the real cause of the rancorous virulence with which I have been treated by all Parties French and English, Democratical and Aristocratical, and I might Add Presbyterian and Antipresbyterian, has been that I never was and never would be a passive Tool of any...
4From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 11 August 1812 (Adams Papers)
Our country is in a high fever. So in all Europe—so are the four quarters of the globe. Who first contracted, or first generated the disease? Montreal was no sooner surrendered in 1759 than the conqueror of Canada was discarded from the English Cabinet—a simple maniac ascended the throne, and a machivilian maniac who had been his preceptor became his prime minister. The design was conceived of...
5From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 16 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
Inter Arma Silent leges, is what We call an old Saying. I hope that Scientiæ will not be added. You may raise wheat when you will, by ploughing and harrowing deep enough, by plenteous manure, and by early Sowing: But while the Price is depressed by immense importations from the Southward, it never will repay the Expence. Full fifty five Years have I observed enquired, read reflected, and tried...