61To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
When I send you last mail Basanistes, I was so much tortured with head–ache—that it was not in my power, to join to it one single line. The Post-master at first objected—if thus the postage comes higher than you might wish, I only executed your orders but should request—in that case to wait rather for a safe opportunity Perhaps—however—his scruples are unfounded. You render me nearly enamoured...
62To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
I Should rather guess that Basanistes would do good—It is true it is a heroic medicine, but it would not come in the hands of the vulgar—it might have a Salutary effect upon Some of the higher classes. If men of influence—either by their abilities or wealth—can be lured to become the Patrons of liberal Sentiments, and will Support them, who are bold enough to Step forward in their defence—a...
63To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I mentioned in a former letter, that Monticello’s Philosopher, desired in one of his Letters, that I might undertake, to write the life of J. C. and that I would endeavor to chalk out its outlines—which I would Submit to your considerations. Having hurted my leg through carelessnes—working in my garden, and rendered by further neglect—So painful, that I have been doomed to my cottage, during a...
64To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 15 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
ἀναπέτομαι δὴ πρὸσ ολυμπον πτερυγεσσι κούφαις — μ’ ἐπίβωτον κατὰ γειτόνας ποιήσεις. And I was gratified by your condescending kindness—as to this I was chiefly indebted to that distinction, with which I was honored in your state—and even here—but with what pleasure I have accepted these favours, may you conclude from—hence—that—ornandus et tollendus sum—where and whenever you find it...
65To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
Although I continue to be an invalide by a relapse Since three weeks—I will endeavour to amuse myself—while I have once more a prospect of recovering Soon—in perusing again and answering your affectionate lines of the 27 of Dec. last. you will not deem it a triffle for a man—who know not Sickness as by name, to be confined to his chair—during three months—often under torturing pains—But—it...
66To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 February 1817 (Adams Papers)
What a gratification again have you bestowed upon me in your Letter of Febr. 7th. not never to mention ing the cadeau of which I disposed directly with the next mail, as you intended—and which Shall I doubt not, be highly acceptable to Monticello’s Philosopher. It Seems—I see you in all your grandeur in your Superb castle—and yet the most admirable part was its owner—I Should Saÿ so, as once...
I presume, it is not abusing your kindness, in addressing you with a few lines, to assure you of mÿ Sincerest thanks for the unexpected gift of Quincÿ Adam’s Lectures—which you have bestowed on me. What enhances the value of this present, is that Seems to have been a mark of filial affection of a beloved Son, now endorsed to me bÿ your own hand. It is mÿ misfortune—Madam! that I can onlÿ...
The unexpected and exquisite gratification I received from the polite Letter, with which you honoured me, convinced me more than ever of the truth, that in pleasure, as well as in the pain it is often difficult to ascertain the point, at which it can not bear a farther increase. I am entirelÿ at a loss, Madam! how to address you with empty hands, more So, as you Shower Such–a–profusion of...
Among Several letters—laid aside—during my late exertions in behalf of a countrÿ, which I cannot cease to love, I must do my Self the pleasure, of paying you a debt of the gratitude for your favour of Febr. 23, with which you was So obliging to honour me again. Knowing the yet infirm State of your health, I had not dared to flatter mÿ Self, to receive So Soon a fresh proof of your kind...
This morning I received the letter, with which you was pleased to honour me the 28th of June. your medical advice, how Salutarÿ in its effect, Should, I believe, not have prompted me to answer it So Soon, had you not destroy’d its beneficial influence—by rousing all mÿ fears for the live of a man, whom you know, I love and revere. By recollecting, it appears to me, that I am unjust towards...