201To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 24 June 1796 (Adams Papers)
A few days ago, I received your favour of April 5. which acknowledges the receipt of three little scraps from me, merely accompanying the newspapers, and some pamphlets. Your letter speaks of my long ones, but as it does not particularly notice the receipt of any that I wrote from England, I am still a little apprehensive on their account. As my long Letters to you have all been regularly...
202To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 21 July 1796 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of May 19th has lately been transmitted to me from England, and relieved me from some anxiety I had entertained for the fate of my letters written at London, as it mentions the receipt of them all to the middle of February. Since then I trust you have received three more from England, and there are now on the passage two, written since my return here. I have a letter from one of my...
203John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 24 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
I received on Saturday your favour of the 13 th: Inst t: Our Supreme Court closed their session in this town last monday, and I am thereby left with more leisure, and less care upon my hands than I had been for some time past used to. The anxieties of business carry with them an antidote, but the anxieties of no business have nothing to weaken or alleviate them. My Grandmother is still living,...
204To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 27 June 1795 (Adams Papers)
I received two or three days since your favours of March 26. April 21. and 26. all together, and I know not how to express the pleasure they gave me. The first and dearest of all my wishes is personally to give satisfaction and obtain the approbation of my parents, and in a public capacity to justify the confidence placed in me by the appointment I now hold. This wish is in both parts so...
205To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 29 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
Since the date of my last number, I have twice enclosed to you a packet of newspapers, with a line of excuse for not writing by the same opportunities. In the interval I have received your favour of Septr: 19. The pleasure I receive from every new testimony of your approbation, is pure as it is exquisite, nor can there I think belong to the lot of humanity, a sensation more delicious than that...
206To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 13 August 1796 (Adams Papers)
A few days ago, I received from England, together, your favours of March 25., May 5., and June 10. The two first were brought to London and forwarded from thence by Mr. Cook, whom as recommended by you, I shall be happy to see either here or in England, if his or my peregrinations should at any time bring us within reach of each other. At the same time I received with several other letters one...
207To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 1 January 1796 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you so copiously, a few days since, that I can embrace the present opportunity only to offer the tribute of my duty and affection on the commencement of the new year, and to enclose a few papers and a review which may perhaps afford an hour of amusement. No news of importance has transpired since the date of my last Letter. The communication between the Continent and this island is at...
208To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 16 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
Since I wrote you last I have been in constant expectation of seeing General Pinckney here, and in hopes that from conversation with him, I might have some new circumstances of interesting information to communicate to you. My letters from Paris mention that he was to leave that place on the 2d: of this month.—Some accident must have delayed him as he has not yet reached this place. As soon as...
209To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 3 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
I enclose herewith a letter from Mr: Dumas, which he requested me to transmit. The old Gentleman’s health appears to be very good, and he looks not older than he did when you saw him last. But oppression has had its proverbial effect upon him, and he can write think nor talk about any thing but representative democracy and Joel Barlow. Last Week at Leyden I saw our old friend professor Luzac,...
210To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 4 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
The reports of Peace being at hand, so prevalent when I last wrote you have in a great measure died away. It is now said that proposals have been made by this Government and the Emperor in concert, to the French Directory, which on their part have been rejected. It is very probable that this account is true: but I do not imagine that the allies expected or intended that their terms should be...
211To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 14 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
You will see by the official papers published in the "Times" of the 11th: instt: which I enclose to you by this opportunity that the Government of this Country have at length thought proper to communicate to the other Governments of Europe, and to publish to the world the result of their late steps towards a negotiation with France.—The notes of Mr: Wickham and of Mr: Barthelemi, may serve as...
212John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 5 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
I must apologize for not having answered before this your last Letter; but your conjectures with respect to Columbus were not without foundation, and what with politics and Law, what with public and private discussion, I have scarcely had a moment that I could call my own to perform my duties to you.— Columbus has been attacked in the Chronicle by a writer under the signature of Americanus,...
213To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 27 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
Mr: Ebenezer Dorr, and Mr: Edward Jones, merchants, of this Town, by this Post send a petition to Congress for leave, to send a small vessel in ballast to some port in Europe. It is a matter of great importance to them, that they should obtain their request. Mr: Dorr has bills of exchange drawn in France in his favour upon some person here, and they are protested. It becomes therefore of the...
214John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 26 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
M r: Dorr obtained a passage in the vessel with M r: Jay, and M r: Jones, had an opportunity to go from Newport, so that they had no occasion to make the application to Congress, in behalf of which I requested your favour. I drew another petition some time since, for the manufacturers of snuff and tobacco in this Town, making representations against the tax proposed upon those articles. I know...
215To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 18 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
The bearer of this letter, is Mr: Henry Rigal, who has been recommended to me as a gentleman of great respectability; he has heretofore held an office in the Service of the Elector of Bavaria, but from the present unsettled state of his Country, and a predilection in favour of America, he has determined to remove with his family and settle in some part of the United States, to whom I am well...
216To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 9 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
Under the present circumstances of affairs in this Country, I did not think it prudent to make any unnecessary delay in England, and accordingly left London on the 28th: of last month. Our passage to Helvoet was short though not agreeable; the packet being very much crowded with passengers. We were only three days from London to this place. I had been told in England, that I should perceive...
217To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 31 August 1795 (Adams Papers)
The total defeat of the Emigrants who had effected a descent in Britanny, as mentioned in my last Letter, and the Peace between France and Spain signed at Basle on the 22d: of July, and since ratified by both parties are events of such consequence that they will be fully known in America, before this letter can reach you. It is scarcely possible that any interesting intelligence should be...
218To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 23 October 1794 (Adams Papers)
On the 15th: instant in the Evening, twenty-eight days after our departure from Boston, we arrived in this place, and I now write you from our old station at Osborne’s Hotel, in the Adelphi. We landed at Deal and came up from thence by Land. The Dispatches which had been delivered to me for Mr. Jay, and which were my principal inducement for coming here, were so bulky that they could not be...
219John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 2 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
You will doubtless hear before this reaches you, the event of a Town-meeting which was called here lately for the purpose of helping forward M r: Madison’s resolutions, and of intimidating our respresentatives who opposed them. After great [exertion] had been made to raise a Committee ready for every thing, [and the?] Committee had reported a number of resolves to answer [their purpo]ses, a...
220To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 23 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
General Pinckney and his family have arrived at Amsterdam; but as I have not seen him I presume he did not pass through this place. On the other hand Mr: Monroe has arrived in Paris, upon his return from his tour through this Country.—What was the cause of Mr. Pinckney’s being ordered to leave France is yet unknown.—But the conduct of the french Government and its dependents, at the same time...
221To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 29 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
After almost four months of expectation, I have at length received a letter which permits my return to the Hague, which I shall accordingly do by the first direct opportunity which may occur. The communication between the two Countries is interrupted, but there are frequent occasions of crossing, at this Season, by neutral vessels. I have written you several lengthy letters within these few...
222John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 28 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
It has not been altogether from a neglect of my duties that I have hitherto omitted writing you; from situation as well as from inclination, I have been in a great measure secluded from such political information, as might afford you any entertainment, and from a proper modesty, I thought it best to forbear transmitting, any insignificant details concerning my own person.— Even now the same...
223To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 21 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
I hear of a vessel to sail in two or three days from the Texel, and cannot lose any opportunity to write you directly from hence at this time; as the severity of the season will in all probability soon close the rivers and suspend the expedition of any more vessels for a month or two. But I have nothing very material to say. In my letters as well to the Secretary of State (which I am afraid...
224John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 8 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
Our Electors met in this town on Wednesday last, and their Votes for President and Vice-President were unanimous this was generally expected here, and the event is supposed to have been nearly if not wholly the same in all the New-England States— New-York it is imagined was unanimous for M r: Clinton as V.P. their Electors are chosen by their legislature, where their Governor has a bare...
225To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 18 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
The bearer, Major-General Eustace, after having served with great honor and reputation in the Armies of France, retired from that service on receiving the Presidents Proclamation, declaring the Neutrality of the United States, & is now upon his return to America. It is with great pleasure that I introduce to your acquaintance, and recommend to your attentions a Gentleman of so much merit, and...
226To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 17 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
The day before yesterday, I had my Audience of the Stadtholder and delivered him my credentials. He enquired after you, mentioned the time of your arrival here and that of your acknowledgment and reception asked me if I was not here with you, and whether I did not study at Leyden. Yesterday I came here by the Schuyts through Leyden and Haerlem; I had not been here an hour before I was informed...
227John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 10 July 1794 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here last Evening, and this morning paid my Respects to the Secretary of State, who introduced me to the President.— I find that it is their wish that I should be as expeditious in my departure as possible. I told the Secretary, that the state of my own affairs would render my return to Boston previous to my departure, extremely eligible to [my]self. He enquired whether it would be...
228John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 16 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
I received last evening your favour of the 5 th: instant— The votes of the Electors in Connecticut and Rhode-Island, were unanimous it seems, as well as in this State; I have not heard any further, but we presume there was the same unanimity in New-Hampshire, which if it be the case, will I think do credit to New-England. We expect nothing but the voice of Faction from New-York; and we know...
229To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 5 April 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have more than once mentioned to you, the state of retirement from political conversation in which I live, and the restraints which I am endeavouring to lay upon a disposition inclining perhaps with too much ardor, to feel interested in public occurrences. But it sometimes happens that I am accidentally witness to conversations upon these subjects; from which I collect some trifling...
230To John Adams from Rev. Zabdiel Adams, 4 October 1791 (Adams Papers)
After my best regards to yourself and family, would immediately disclose to you the design of this letter.—Mr Jacob Welsh, an inhabitant of this Town, a gentleman of publick education, of good abilities & valuable improvements, born in Boston of reputable parents, & who spent some time in our army in the course of the last war, went to Europe before the end of it, first to France & then to...
231To John Adams from Rev. Zabdiel Adams, 24 August 1792 (Adams Papers)
Mr: L’Abbé De Mably’s Observations upon the History of France, which you long since loaned to me, I have now sent returned by my son; & thank you for the use of them. My son has had thoughts of Studying Law; & from an Uncle of his has receeived an invitation to study with him at Halifax in Nova Scotia. Could he continue there 2 years, & then finish his Clerkship in Some office in this part of...
232To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 4 October 1790 (Adams Papers)
With pleasure I received your Letter of Sept r. 12 th ; and as our good friend, to whom I dictated my last is yet in Town; I have requested of him a second favour— You ask what the World is about to become? and, Is the Millenium commencing? I have not studied the Prophesies, and cannot even conjecture. The Golden Age so finely pictured by Poets, I beleive has never yet existed; but in their...
233To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 25 November 1790 (Adams Papers)
I lately received your Letter of the 18 th: of October.— The Sentiment, and observations contained in it demand my attention. A Republic, you tell me, is a Government in which “the People have an essential share in the Sovereignty”; Is not the whole sovereignty, my friend, essentially in the People? Is not Government designed for the Welfare, and happiness of all the People? and is it not the...
234To John Adams from Samuel Adams, Sr., 10 October 1793 (Adams Papers)
The Lieut. Governour presents his respects to the Vice President of the United States, and requests his attendance at the funeral of the late Governour Hancock, which will proceed from his Mansion House on Monday next at 2 oClock P.M.— MHi : Adams Papers.
235Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 14 July 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter by my Brother was delivered a few days since; as the proposal it contains is of very considerable importance, I have taken time to consider it before I returned an answer. As you have been good enough to leave it in my option whether to adopt the plan, or not, I shall express my sentiments with the freedom which your indulgence seems to authorize. I am sensible that a young...
236Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 9 June 1793 (Adams Papers)
I have procured the Warrant from the Treasury for the payment of D 1250. and taken two Orders on the Branch Bank at Boston in the name of my Brother. One for Dls800. & the other for Dls1,190, which will be paid him on demand, on your behalf. The surplus I have reserved for the following purposes. Viz For five months Board Dls66. 50Cts; One hundred Dls sent to my Brother Charles; For two...
237Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 19 October 1794 (Adams Papers)
I embrace the earliest opportunity to acquaint you of our safe & happy arrival at this place after a Passage of 28 days. I scarcely conceive it possible at any Season of the year to have a more delightful Voyage; we got soundings on the 21 st: day after our departure, and arrived at Deal on the 28 th: in London the 29 th: exactly four weeks from the day of Embarkment at Boston. With a fast...
238Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 6 August 1796 (Adams Papers)
Since the date of my last letter, (June 24 th: ) I am favored with your’s of May 19. which gives the comfortable assurance of your safe return to Quincy. After the fatigues, vexations and anxiety, which a lengthy session of Congress always produces, I easily conceive the luxury of your enjoyment upon returning to your farm. There you meet the reward of your labors, by the appearance of...
239Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 8 May 1795 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 11 th: Feb y reached me on the 29 th: ult o: ; being the first direct communication from you since my residence in Europe, the receipt of it was peculiarly acceptable; it also had another merit, that of giving the latest intelligence from our Country and friends. M r Wilcocks has not yet visited this Country; when he does I shall certainly pay him every attention, which his...
240Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 3 June 1794 (Adams Papers)
I arrived in Philad a: on Sunday Morn g & was not a little disappointed at finding you had taken your departure only the Day before; I hastened my return from Reading, that I might reach Philad a: before you left it. My Journey has been as pleasant as I co[uld] wish, & I have returned not a little prejudiced in favor of the State of Pennsylvania. If my conject[ures] are well founded, it will...
241Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 20 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
The rumor’s of peace have almost totally subsided; those still in circulation deserve as little credit, as they generally receive. The hope is still cherished, and even encouraged by the Government here, merely to silence the importunate demands of many of its adherents. In a former letter I mentioned the report then current, that a cessation of hostilities had been agreed to, by the armies in...
242Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 13 July 1795 (Adams Papers)
The flattering reception which my Letters have met with from you, and the expressions of commendation you have been pleased to use respecting them, would excite sensations of vanity, if I could consider them in any other light, than as the effusions of parental partiality, & paternal indulgence. As a tribute of affectionate approbation, I shall cherish it with fondness, & rember it with...
243Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 3 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
The return of some Gentlemen of the Philadelphia Bar gives me an opportunity of droping you a few lines; The Court has been engaged in many important trials, & contrary to their expectations are obliged to meet this day— M r: Ingersoll however intends making part of the Journey, to Lancaster this afternoon; To prevent an interference of the Court of Com Pleas & the Supreme Court in Lancaster...
244Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 5 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
In our Journey from West Chester to this place we lodged at Strasburg, a German Village 9 miles the other side of Lancaster; I had little opportunity of viewing the town, as we arrived at dusk & started at 5 oClock the next morning; the lands about it are valuable & well cultivated, the Houses are many of them built with logs, with a Cement of gravel mortar to fill up the chincks— the people...
245Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 16 August 1792 (Adams Papers)
In my last Letter I promised to transmit the Result of the Town meetings which have been lately held in this City; the inclosed abstract will supersede the necessity of any additional remarks from me; It will be sufficient to say that the Party, which on the last meeting in which any business was transacted, had the majority, having gained all their measures prevented any further business on...
246Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 7 April 1793 (Adams Papers)
I am requested by M r: Dobson to enquire of you what disposition you desire to be made of your Book’s of which he has a considerable supply of Coppies. Whether some of them should not be sent to Boston & New York, or whether you would wish them to remain where they are. He thinks you gave him no possitive directions about them before you left the City. Various events have taken place in France...
247Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 14 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 10 has come to hand; I arrived at Lancaster a few hours before it; of course you favor of a prior date is yet to be received. I have requested the Post Master of York Town to forward it here when it reaches that places— As to the Letter’s you speak of I am at a loss what request to make concerning them— The business of Newcombe cannot be advanced till I return; if you will...
248Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 30 October 1792 (Adams Papers)
Your kind favor of the 11 th: reached me some time since. The reasons you assign for delaying your journey to Philad a: would be sufficient to satisfy me, but I have been particularly requested by several of your warmest Friends, to mention that your determination may be viewed in a different point of light by those who seek occasions & opportunities to injure you or your cause. It has become...
249Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 20 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
I was a little disappointed in not finding a letter for me in the Post Office of this place upon my arrival here yesterday— The arrangement, of the Posts is rather inconvenient in all the towns I have yet visited where there is any— In West Chester there is none, in York & Lancaster there is but one Mail Pr Week, as also in this place— the Mail arrived here yesterday from Philadelphia &...
250Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 2 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
By the Ship John, Capt n. Duer I gave you information of our safe arrival at London, and I now embrace the earliest opportunity of acquainting you that on the evening of the 31 st of October we reached the place of our destination. We left London on the evening of the 28 th. and reached Harwitch the next day at noon; about 5 oClock we got under Sail on board a Packett for Helvoetsluys with a...