1To John Adams from John Macpherson, 19 March 1792 (Adams Papers)
I beg the enclosed may be read in your Honorable House. My former Petitions, and other Papers respecting Mr. Churchmans Conduct, I have in my pocket, and wish they may be read also Your mo: obedt: / hble servt: DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
2To John Adams from John Sinclair, 18 May 1792 (Adams Papers)
I beg your attention to the inclosed papers, & will be glad to be favoured with your sentiments upon the subjects to which they relate.—I am afraid there is little prospect of our meeting again, but it will always give me pleasure to hear of your health & happiness; being with great regard, your very faithful / humble Servant MHi : Adams Papers.
3To John Adams from John Sinclair, 15 June 1793 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure of sending you by Dr Adair, (whom I beg to recommend to your attention & civilities) the printed plan of the Board of Agriculture about to be established here.—I shall have the honour of sending you the regulations we adopt, as soon as they are drawn up, & we shall have much pleasure in corresponding with all similar institutions in America.—I shall write more fully in...
4To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 17 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
Mr: Robert Bird, the bearer of this letter, is a respectable merchant of this place, a brother of the Gentleman with whom you had the pleasure of an acquaintance some years since, at New-York. He proposes making a tour in the United States, during the ensuing Season, and I am happy to have this opportunity of introducing him to your acquaintance, and recommending him to your attentions. I am,...
5To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 29 November 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have entered upon my business, and have many things to say to you, but find myself at present, pressed for want of time. The newspapers to this date are enclosed. By the next opportunity I hope to write you largely, and I wish it may then be in my power to give you an opinion more favourable, of the dispositions entertained here towards the United States than my present expectations will...
6To John Adams from John Sinclair, 5 July 1794 (Adams Papers)
I request the favour of your attention to the bearer, William Strickland Esqr, a gentleman of considerable Property in Yorkshire, and an honorary member of the Board of agricultural, who proposes taking an agricultural survey of America. Any civilities you will have the goodness to show to him, will much oblige, Your very faithful / humble Servant MHi : Adams Papers.
7To John Adams from John Henry, 2 June 1795 (Adams Papers)
I shall set out to day for philadela, but I entertain great doubts whether the State of my health will permit me to reach it. If I do not join the Senate I beg you Sir, to inform them, that it will be wholly owing to my indisposition. The least agitation affects me extremely, and I think it highly probable that after a short trial, I shall be under the necessity of declining the journey. I am...
8To John Adams from John Sinclair, 10 September 1796 (Adams Papers)
Sir John Sinclair presents his best compliments to Mr: Adams.—Has the honour of sending him, some of the papers printed by the Board of Agriculture of which he requests his acceptance, and should be happy to receive any communications upon Agriculturical subjects, with which Mr: Adams may have the goodness to favour the board.— MHi : Adams Papers.
9To John Adams from John Jay, 10 January 1792 (Adams Papers)
I cannot easily tell you how much I am pleased & obliged by your friendly Letter of the 4th. Instant:—were I to pursue my Inclinations, I should without Hesitation accept your kind Invitation—but our Inclinations even in things innocent must not always be gratified. my Visits to Philadelphia have ceased to be occasional, or I should certainly avail myself of those opportunities which your...
10To John Adams from John Bondfield, 15 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Permit me join in the United Voice of America. Accept my sincere Congratulation on the Nomination to the High Office Confer’d on you by the Choice of a free People An Honor superior to any in the Gift of Europe I hope in a few days to receive the Journals of the Opening and proceedings of Congress much more interesting than the Mock scheens of present Assembled States General of many of the...
11To John Adams from John Singleton Copley, 20 April 1792 (Adams Papers)
By this conveyance I send a case directed for you, containing two prints of the Death of Lord Chatham framed and glaized; one of which you will find marked with your name; the other with General Washingtons name; the first, I beg you will do me the honor to accept; The other, I take the liberty to request you will present, in my name to General Washington; As the painting from which the print...
12To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 14 June 1790 (Adams Papers)
By a vessel that sails for Boston tomorrow I inclose You the british king’s speech on the adjournment prior to the late dissolution of parliament—for which dissolution the next day a royal proclamation issued. From the tenor of this speech a general european war is expected. Meanwhile the most extensive naval armaments are preparing in the ports adjacent to all the great dockyards of this...
To the Honourable John Adams Vice President of the United States of America The Petition of W m: Brown & Jam̃. Hopkins with advice of the Honourable John Jay most humbly sheweth that they being now in Confinement in the new Goal of this City suffering under the greatest cruelty that can be inflicted on any human Person & from the Noble Character that Yr. Honour bears induces them to apply for...
14To John Adams from John Trumbull, 25 June 1794 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to forward to the care of your Son in Boston, a packet which I presume comes from your friend Mr. Hollis—neither Lord Wycombe nor Mr. B. Vaughan are in Town. but your Letters I have been careful to forward. The Campaign by Sea as well as by Land is thus far severe & bloody—In the Naval Engagement the French Suffer’d a severe loss, which they consider as compensated in a...
15To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 6 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
Before this reaches You I hope You will have authentic accounts of the late revolution in France. At such a distance from Paris it is difficult to asscertain the truth of such important transactions as have continually taken place since the 14 th of July, at court and in the capital. By Cap t Bond of the Washington I inclosed you a parcel of pamphlets and newspapers which afforded You I hope...
16To John Adams from John Jay, 21 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
From the Day of my appointment to this mission, my Attention has been much withdrawn from my friends, and confined to the Business which brought me here; & which has at last been terminated by a Treaty. In future I shall have more Leisure to attend to my Friends, and to my own affairs— Both your sons arrived here in good Health. I wrote to my friend John lately, but as yet have not had a...
17To John Adams from John Cranch, 8 July 1794 (Adams Papers)
I hope your Excellency will pardon my presumption in sending to you these books, with the specimens; and condescend to accept the same in acknowledgment of my gratitude for the notices you have honor’d me with: I send two other copies to Uncle Cranch, one for himself, and the other for the Academy; and 3 or 4 more for other friends in New England,—having some apprehension that the work neither...
18To John Adams from John Bondfield, 8 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
A ship Sailing in the morning as it interests you to know the state of the Nation. I have the pleasure to advice you that the appearances promises perfect accomplishment of the Revolution, All the Chiefs in opossion are fled. the National assembly proceed, and are advanct in the Ground Work of the Constition, the most Liberal that to this has been held out to any Social Body, not Excepting...
19To John Adams from John Montgomery, 14 October 1791 (Adams Papers)
By special request of my Brother at Alicante I have the Honour of communicating to your Excellency in his name of the demise of the Dey of Algeirs on the 12th of July, and that the Minister Ali Hassan Who Was always Mr Montgomery friend is now Dey and that Sir. Soliman an Algerun Nobleman Who paid him a Visit at Alicante is promoted in consequence from those circumstances Mr Montgomery has no...
20To John Adams from John Ewing, 18 June 1792 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your Notice Mr. Samuel Miller the Son of a much esteemed Clergyman, late of Dover in the Delaware State, and formerly known to you, as I understand, there were some Connections between your Families. He has undertaken a Tour to Boston to learn the political and ecclesiastical State of your Country, before he settles himself in a Pastoral Relation to any Church. He is...
21To John Adams from John Jay, 27 July 1794 (Adams Papers)
Docr. Edwards of Philada. will be so obliging as to take charge of this Letter. I regret that he & Mrs. Edwards leave this peace so soon—. You will find him a Gentleman of extensive Information.—He has visited the greater part of this Kingdom, and paid particular attention to the Husbandry of it.—Permit me to introduce him to You. I have heard, and wish it may be true, that your Son is...
22To John Adams from John Jay, 7 July 1795 (Adams Papers)
In Compliance with the Request of Sir John Sinclair I have the Pleasure of transmitting to you herewith enclosed a Book which I recd. from him two Days ago. As it is now probable that Col. Smith will meet with a greater number of opportunities of sending it than will occur to me, I shall take the Liberty of committing it to his care— Be pleased to present Mrs. Jay & my best Compts. to Mrs....
23To John Adams from John Brown, 24 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
The Federalest of this State are very much Alarmed that the Tunnage Act should be as is generly Supposed to be put in force Immediately on all Vessells of this State, tho the produce of the State may go Free of Impost, the Federalests are allso further Agreaved by a Law of this State which makes them First pay a Contenentell Impost hear in Spetia, which will not Exempt them from the payment,...
24To John Adams from John Sinclair, 18 July 1795 (Adams Papers)
I take the Liberty of inclosing the Plan of an Agreement which I am anxious should be entered into by the powers of Europe and the United States of America for the purpose of rewarding those who make any discovery of General benefit to Society. Having endeavoured in the inclosed Paper to delineate the Nature and importance of Such a measure, it is unnecessary for me to trouble you with...
25To John Adams from John Trumbull, 25 February 1793 (Adams Papers)
You will easily believe that none of your Friends rejoice more heartily than myself, in the Decided Majority, which has secured your Re-election. In spite of calumny, art & intrigue, you have the firm support of Ten States. I congratulate you on the event, but still more congratulate my Country. For nothing can be more favorable to our future prospects than to find, that one of the firmest...
26To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 7 January 1796 (Adams Papers)
I have a few papers to send you, and cannot omit the occasion to say a few words, though I have but very few to say. Our own affairs are at a stand. Mr: Pinckney will be here in the course of this week, and I have not chosen to do any thing conclusive before his return.—I believe there are people here, who like Publicola much better than they think of its reputed author. You have long known,...
27To John Adams from John Bondfield, 28 August 1792 (Adams Papers)
A Ship for Philadelphia sailing to morrow gives me the opportunity to transmit you the papers of the Day too interesting not to be acceptable The reigning Spirrit appears determin’d on a change in that part of the Constitution that delagated the Executive Power in an Hereditary Chief, The short space that has Elapst since the existence of his Power has demonstrated the Vice of that...
28To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 11 August 1790 (Adams Papers)
If ever there was a time when the volunteer exertions of a citizen of America became a duty incumbent upon him in a foreign realm—that period has existed here. For many weeks past I have not been absent a single day from the Admiralty—sundays only excepted. It is not for me to say how efficacious in resisting individual oppression or national mischief this un-intermitting attention has proved....
29To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 27 August 1795 (Adams Papers)
The bearer of this Letter Mr: Montfort is a clergyman who being compelled to leave his Country, has for some time past found a refuge in this; but is at present obliged also to retire from hence. He has some expectation of going to America; and being unacquainted with the Language and altogether unknown there, he has requested some Letter that should bear testimony in his behalf. Without...
30To John Adams from John Codman Jr., 27 August 1790 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is an Account of the Cost of your two Casks of Wine & the charges which I have paid upon it— agreeably to your desire I shall acquaint Doctor Tufts of the amount that he may discharge it when convenient I understand our friend Mr Harrison does not accept the appointment of Consul at Cadiz— My Brother Richard whom I believe is honored with being personally known to you I am flattered...
31To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 5 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
The bearer of this Letter, Mr. D’Hauteval, is a french Gentleman from the Island of St. Domingo, where he had lately the misfortune to lose a plantation of great value, by the devastation of the insurgent negroes. He has been about two months in this town, where I have frequently had the pleasure of meeting him in Company, and where his amiable manners have entitled him to as much esteem, ás...
32To John Adams from John Jeffries, 7 January 1790 (Adams Papers)
I lately received a pacquet from D r Bancroft, containing the inclosed for you.— By the date &c of the Doctor’s to me, it appears, that it was designed for me at Rathbone place, London; but not being seasonably to meet me there, has been forwarded by a friend, the latter end of October last.— The Doctor likewise mentions two Volumes said to accompany it;— but these, the friend who forwarded...
33To John Adams from John Jay, 4 January 1791 (Adams Papers)
a weeks absence on a visit to my friends at Rye, from whence I returned last Evening, prevented my having ’till then, the Pleasure of recieving your very obliging Letter of the 20 Dec r. — For the Invitation with which you honor me, be pleased to accept my cordial acknowledgements— It is conveyed in Terms which enhance the compliment, & I accept it with that Satisfaction which Politeness...
34To John Adams from John Browne Cutting, 18 October 1796 (Adams Papers)
I regret that urgent business hinders me from making yourself and Mrs Adams a visit at Braintree prior to my return to Philadelphia. It was a pleasure I had reckond upon and the rather as my friend H.G. Otis had promised to accompany me in his carriage. As it is very possible I may be absent during the next Session of Congress in Philadelphia—and considering you Sir, in the double capacity of...
35John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 21 November 1795 (Adams Papers)
Since my last Letter (15.) nothing very material has occurred. The newspapers enclosed will shew you the degree of opposition that is made against the Convention bills as they are called. The City of London has instructed its members to vote against them. They will however pass. I know not whether you have seen the review of the new Edition of your book, and therefore send the monthly Review...
36To John Adams from John Churchman, 12 September 1792 (Adams Papers)
I was requested if possible to deliver the Letter myself, which I send herewith, but as I am about setting off for Europe, I take the Liberty of sending it thro the Channel of the Post Office, it came under cover to me from Baron Vall-Travers F.R.S. & Member of several other Scientific Societies in Europe, as his Letter enclosing the enclosed is dated 15th. Feby last, it may appear that it has...
37To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 1 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
Mr: Pinckney has returned, and of course my business here ceases. I am yet waiting however for orders enabling me to return to the Hague. I expect them with a little impatience, having many reasons to wish myself away from hence. The newspapers sent herewith contain intelligence of two important Events. The armistice concluded between the french and Austrian armies on the Rhine; and the return...
38From John Jay to John Adams, 24 November 1794 (Jay Papers)
I wrote you a few Lines last Week— This Morning I was favored with two Letters from your Son of the 14 & 20 th . of this Month— Parents are gratified by hearing of or from their children— The former Letter was Dated at the Hague— the latter at Amsterdam— He had been rec d . and acknowledged by the States General, and on the 14 th had “a gracious audience of the Stadtholder”.— In his last...
39To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 12 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
In addition to the letters and Packets which I have already sent by the present conveyance, I now enclose the newspapers up to this day. This contains intelligence of very considerable importance, which proves that the king of Sardinia has been compelled to enter into negotiations for Peace with the French Republic, and to surrender two strong fortresses as a preliminary to obtain a suspension...
40To John Adams from John Lathrop, 30 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
Yours by the post, accompanying Dr. Bancroft’s learned work on permanent colors has been duely recieved. Agreeably to your request, at the meeting on the last Wednesday, the Volume was presented to the Academy, and is considered a valuable addition to the Library.— On your recommendation I nominated Dr Bancroft for a member, and he was unanimously approved by the Council: at the next meeting,...
41To John Adams from John Jay, 2 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
I was this morning favored with your obliging Letter of the 31 ult.—D’Ivernois is very industrious.—I hear no more of his plan of transplanting the University of Geneva into the united States. He is a sensible diligent man, and I suspect that his Correspondence with Mr Gallatin has done no Harm— It gives me pleasure to find that in your opinion no great mischief will be done by the combustable...
42To John Adams from John Stockdale, 16 March 1793 (Adams Papers)
You have most probably heard long before this, that I have printed “ Letters to Paine ,” by your son.— A copy was given to me by a Gentleman high in Government, to print as your production, with your name affixed, and I actually advertised it as such, but fortunately had information of its being written by your Son, and of course cancelled the Title before a Copy was seen by any one except the...
43To John Adams from John Trumbull, 20 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Result of Mr Jay’s Negotiation goes with this letter:—A Treaty which was sign’d yesterday, and which, being founded on the mutual desire first to do Justice, and then to grant accommodations, will I trust meet with the approbation of the Honest and well disposed Men of all Nations; & prove the Basis of future good understanding & good Offices between the two Countries who are Parties to...
44To John Adams from John Stockdale, 3 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
I received your favour, and return you my sincere thanks for your condescention in complying with my request: the work is now published, and I hope it will answer my purpose, but of this I cannot be certain, but whether it does or not, I am equally obliged to you. War hurts my business much, and prevented me printing it in 4to.— With this, you will receive a Copy of which I beg your...
45To John Adams from John Cosens Ogden, 25 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
I transmit you a copy of a Political rarity—which a very few men were degenerate enough to send for a day dedicated to the celebration of the progress of Liberty. You who are a Lawyer & Statesman, will make those comments in your own thoughts, which may perhaps awake a care for the liberty of the press—the honor of law, and safety of the citizen. As it came from a party, at first I intended to...
46To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 16 June 1790 (Adams Papers)
I write this note just to inclose you a couple of newspapers. Such is the variable & distracted state of affairs at present here and all over Europe that it is impossible to form an opinion one day that events of the next will not overturn. The cabinet of St Jame’s having involved this nation in the fortunes of Prussia—it is next to impossible that a general war shou’d not ensue. France has...
47To John Adams from John Verling Godwin, 17 April 1791 (Adams Papers)
This life I have experienced that Gentlemen of Zeal sense & liberal Principles are, in general, the most easy of access—tho’ my mind revolts at the very thought of my Presuming, Sir, to adopt an address of this Nature, yet I trust, Sir, your humanity and Benevolence, and the motives that impell me, will procure me Pardon and plead my apology. Before I respectfully solicit, Sir, your kind...
48To John Adams from John Jay, 24 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you a few Lines last week—This Morning I was favored with two Letters from your Son of the 14 & 20th. of This Month—Parents are gratified by hearing of or from Their children—The former Letter was Dated at The Hague—The latter at amsterdam—He had been recd. and acknowledged by The States General, and on the 14th had “a gracious audience of The Stadtholder.”—In his last Letter there is...
49To John Adams from John Trumbull, 15 July 1794 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor to forward a packet which I presume is from your friend Mr. Brand Hollis: and also to add two or three the latest Newspapers.— The Affairs of the Combin’d powers have very much chang’d their Aspect since the Opining of the Campaign within four or five weeks all Flanders, as far as Namur on one hand & Antwerp on the other is lost by them:— The Austrian Troops are said to be...
50To John Adams from John Rutherford, 28 June 1796 (Adams Papers)
I put the outline of the report on manures which you were so kind as to send me into the hands of Mr Boardley, while he was reading it he made notes on several parts of it and has transcribed them for me, as they may be of service in preparing general observations on the report in the manner proposed by the author I take the liberty to transmit them to you. I am enjoying a delightful calm,...