101Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 April 1795 (Adams Papers)
I received your very excellent Letter No 4 written from the Hague, dated 11 of November. accept my thanks. Your Letters are a source of consolation for your absence and do honor to the Hand which indites & the Heart which dictates them. I hope you have received those which I have written to you. my last No 3 was sent by way of Hambugh Mr W Cunningham has a vessel going immediatly to Amsterdam....
102Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 27 April [1796] (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure yesterday to receive your kind letter of the 23 d of Febuary from London— we supposed that you had returnd to the Hague ere that period— the communication is so much more regular from England to this Country that we should hear more frequently from you from there than from Holland—which is a sufficient inducement to me to desire that you should remain there— you receive I...
103Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 August 1790 (Adams Papers)
I congratulate you upon your having setled yourself thus far, and am pleasd to find you so well accommodated. you have a good office, a Good Library, and an agreable Family to reside in. be patient and persevering. you will get Buisness in time, and when you feel disposed to find fault with your stars, bethink yourself how preferable your situation to that of many others, and tho a state of...
104Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 November 1796 (Adams Papers)
William Shaw came from Boston last Evening to keep Sabbeth with me and brought me your Letter of August 16. 1796 which came by way of N York, and one for your Father of 13 th . he Sat out for Philadelphia on the 23 of this Month. I forwarded it to him this morning. it was the Duplicate which first came to hand, and tho it almost put out my Eyes to read it, I did, and made a coppy of it before...
105Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 17 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your letters of Jan ry. 28. and 31. which have afforded me more real satisfaction, than I have latterly been accustomed to experience— I think, I have at length discovered the meaning, of those very disagreeable expressions suspicion , and distrust , and can assure my best friend, if he alludes to what I said, respecting the circumstance that happened in our family, from the...
106Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 17 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your very decisive letter of 20 th December, which has astonished and mortified me so much, that I can scarcely believe you recollected to whom you were writing— You seem to complain of a want of confidence on my part, and tell me it is what you have repeatedly solicited and what you again think it necessary to recommend— Surely you cannot imagine the authoritative stile of...
107Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 September 1795 (Adams Papers)
I am ashamed to say how long it is Since I last wrote to You. I have received Your Letters to No 6. I believe only one, viz that from England has been lost. So valuable are Your Letters that I regreet the loss of a Line. Freeman as you fear, will not be heard of again, untill the Sea gives up its Dead. to his Parents he is a loss that never can be made up. they are disconsolate and almost...
108Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 September 1790 (Adams Papers)
yesterday mr Howard arrived here and brought me Letters from your Brother Thomas, and one from you to Charles— I was rejoiced to find that he was on his way here, as the delay had been the source of a good deal of uneasiness. I am fully of your mind with regard to Thomas, and know that if he studies Law it will be a force to his inclinations. the want of capital I Suppose is one great...
109Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
It was with great pleasure that I received by Captain Perkings from Rotterdam your Letter of the 15th of December, which reachd me on the 7th of this Month, and is the first line from your Hand. A fortnight Since Your Father Sent me two Letters received from Thomas, one to him, and one to me, written in London the Day after His arrival. at the Same Time the Secretary of State received Letters...
110William Cranch to John Quincy Adams, 1 October 1789 (Adams Papers)
Altho I have written you before, I know you have no objection to recieving another letter before you answer my last— My greatest motive for writing now is to know the truth of a Report which has been industriously spread here within this week past, “that there is so great a Coolness between the P——t & V-P——t that they do not speak to each other.” I know that there are some people, (I hope but...
111Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
It has been announced in the Dutch Gazettes as an extract from those of London, that you had delivered Credentials to his Majesty as Envoy from the United States. The article somewhat terrifies me, from the apprehension, that your visit will be protracted, beyond the term of our first expectations. M r: Pinckney is probably in England by this time, as he was some weeks since said to be at...
112William Cranch to John Quincy Adams, 16 September 1796 (Adams Papers)
The want of opportunity, and leisure, has a long time prevented me from writing you. The ship Mary Peggy, from Georgetown for Amsterdam has moved down & now lies in the stream opposite my house, waiting for the wind & tide. I have tried for a fortnight past to get a moment’s leisure to write you, but Mess rs. Morris & Nicholson are now here and their business together with the settlement &...
113Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 18 April 1790 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive a letter from my Dear Brother many weeks since, I must acknowledge that I have been very deficient in attention by thus long neglecting to acknowledge its receipt, and I cannot find any sufficient appology to you, except a certain Indolence which at times takes possession of me and unfits me for writing—and which I presume others are not more exempt from them my...
114Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 20 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
Almost immediately after I had dispatched my last, I recieved yours of 31 st December, and was delighted to see that you were again become the tender and affectionate friend I had always found you. All the family but me recieve letters from Boston, and Tom excuses himself by saying, it is generally supposed I am married and have accompanied you to Lisbon. he desires Mama to send him my...
115Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
I came into Town Yesterday with your Father, and was surprizd to find mr Gore upon the point of Sailing for England. I had lookt for him at Quincy before he went, but being himself Hurried and having but just returnd from Philadelphia, he had not Time to come out. Mrs Gore accompanies him. mr Tudor is also Passenger in the same vessel with many others from this place. It will be needless to...
116Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 28 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
Yes, my friend you have answered me as I deserve, and made me feel the striking difference between us, from the moment I had dispatched that letter, I regretted my folly, and felt sincerely ashamed of my ridiculous conduct— Dictated by anger, without time for reflection, I scarcely know what I wrote— you appeared to think I had not acted with delicacy, and my pride was wounded at the manner in...
117Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, [ca. 28 September 1795] (Adams Papers)
Mr J Quincy calld upon me Yesterday to let me know that a vessel of mr Higginsons was going to Amsterdam. I wrote by Way of Hamburgh both to you and your Brother about ten Days since. I have not much to say at present, because I dare not say much least some characters which are now criminated might be injured, when we would wish to find them Innocent. Time must Develope. the sudden Resignation...
118Charles Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 October 1790 (Adams Papers)
Upon my return from Law Society this evening I found my father in my room with a letter in his hand from you to me. He asked me to see what you had written concerning your downfall. Upon opening the letter I soon found what he alluded to, but could find no marks of any downfall That you should have been somewhat confused upon your first exertion was by no means a matter of astonishment to any...
119Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 October 1795 (Adams Papers)
I hear of a vessel going to Amsterdam, and tho I presume you are not in Holland, I shall write a few lines just to let you know that we are all well, and that your Letters by capt Trevett, who saild from Roterdam arrived safe and the Books, but the Bracelets you mention intending to send by it, I have not any tydings of. it would have been fortunate if you had given them to the Captain, as...
120Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 6–16 June 1790 (Adams Papers)
your letter my Dear Brother of May 1 st I received three or four weeks past —just at the moment when I was removeing, and Commenceing, again Housekeeping it takes three or four weeks to settle our minds to new Situations—and domestick Concerns employ a Considerable portion of the attention of good Housekeepers—even if they are favoured with good Servants— thease causes must Constitute my...
121Charles Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 November 1790 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter of the 29 th Ult o by the last post. The reflections which it raises in my mind are by much too interesting to afford me great pleasure. The anxious path you are now pursuing must soon be trodden by me. A prospect is before me not less clouded than yours and the faint ray of my abilities will not be able so soon to dispel the gloom which obscures the day. I have not the...
122Charles Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 January 1796 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 15 th September arrived yesterday I own I have not so much cause to complain of my brothers as they have of me. It is reported and generally beleived that our Present Chief will decline serving for another term. I have been informed from good authority that such are his intentions. It is to be hoped that he will not make the trial as I am confident The People of this Country...
123Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 30 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your letters which afforded me infinite pleasure as they assured me you were well and in good spirits— You tell me you are to remain at the Hague, and that you hope a greater distance, and longer time of seperation than we had contemplated, will have no effect upon my affection— I am almost angry when I read that part of your letter, as it implies a sort of doubt which I am...
124Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 July 1790 (Adams Papers)
I believe this is your Birth day, may you have many returns of this Period, encreasing in wisdom knowledge wealth and happiness at every Aniversary. it is a long time since I wrote to you, yet I have not been unmindfull of you I am anxious for your welfare, and Solicitious for your success in Buisness. you must expect however to advance slowly at first and must call to your aid Patience and...
125Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 31 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
Yes, my beloved friend, my spirit is roused , and I am determined to bear with fortitude what it is vain to lament— E’re this, you will have recieved my letter in answer to yours of December the 20, in which I have explained my sentiments as clearly as possible, it probably has displeased you, but remember my situation admits not of hesitation, or affectation , and though while I wrote it I...
126Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 November 1796 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledg the receipt of two kind Letters from You Since I wrote You last, No 21 from the Hague June 30. and No 22 July 25. for both of them accept my Cordial Thanks. Letters from either of my sons, give me a flow of spirits for a week, and a Durable gratification in the perusal of them, as they contain judicious reflections and observations which would do honour to the most...
127Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 8 March 1792 (Adams Papers)
it has been oweing to the multiplicity of business that I have had upon my hands for a forghtnight past that I have omitted giving my Brother earlier information of our intended departure for Europe— we expect to sail in the course of this month— at first we intended going in the March Packett—but found it impossible to get ready we have therefore postponed our departure a few days untill the...
128Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
On the 19 th: inst: the packets entrusted by you to the care of Erving, were handed me by M r: Skinner. The letter for Mess rs: Willink was sent them the day following, at which time I made application for a Bill in your favor as desired. The enclosed letter for Mess rs: John & Francis Baring & C o will be equally efficacious as a Bill; & the reason why this mode is prefered will readily...
129Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 July 1796 (Adams Papers)
This is the Aniversary of the Birth which of that Day when as the poet expresses it, We have in commemoration of it Drank the Health of the American Minister at the Hague nor did we forget to Breathe a fervent petition to Heaven for a perfect restoration of the Health of his equally beloved Brother. I am Maternal Heart of is pained & distresst to hear of the repeated Sickness of my Dear...
130Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 January 1796 (Adams Papers)
I came to Town yesterday, and find a vessel going to sail for England tomorrow, and I would not let the opportunity pass without writing You a few Lines. I have not received a line from You since the 31 of July. Your Father sent me by the last post from Philadelphia Your Letter no 12 dated the 30 of August which he received two Days before. that Letter further unfolds the Secreet Machinations...
131Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 December 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have received two Letters from you, since my arrival in this city. the sickness of your Brother Thomas must be my excuse for not sooner noticing the first, which I certainly should have done immediatly if your Father had not told me that he had written to you, and particularly answerd that part which proposed a visit to us. I certainly cannot have the least objection but should be most...
132Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 27 December 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have lived long in expectation of the pleasure of receiving a letter from my Dear Brother but at length I am reduced to despair; and am led to inquire what has prevented the fullfillment of a promise which you made at your departure upon my requesting you to write;— I hope you did not suppose that my absence during your visit arrose from any inattention towards yourself;— most certainly if I...
133Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 29 November 1796 (Adams Papers)
In my last I told you I believe how inadequate I found myself to the task of answering your very painful letter of the 12 th — Indeed my beloved friend my heart had at that moment recieved so deep a wound I scarce know how I acquired resolution sufficient to acknowledge it— Days are elapsed and I have in vain implored the friendly aid of reason, but she like the world in the hour of trial is...
134Elizabeth Smith Shaw to John Quincy Adams, 9 June 1794 (Adams Papers)
My Dear Nephew could not suppose a Friend to merit, could read a Paragraph in last Saturdays Paper, without feeling themselves gratified, by finding that the opinion of Persons of the highest eminence entirly coincided with their own— He who has obstinately, & undeviateingly persevered in a course of Study, who “can bring back at Eve, the manners of the Morn immaculate,” & steadily pursue the...
135Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 August 1796 (Adams Papers)
Since the date of my last July 11 th I have received an Authentic account of Your appointment as Minister Plenipo. to the Court of Portugal. it was the last nomination which the President made, before the rising of Congress, and took place after your Father came home, without its ever being hinted to him. the appointment was agreed to as mr otis informs me, unanimously by the Senate. this is...
136Charles Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 December 1790 (Adams Papers)
I fear that my receiving your letters so late may be some disadvantage to you. The information I shall now give you perhaps may reach you too late. By the last post I received your favor of the 14 th instant and this morning went into town for the one dated the 11 th which Harbach brought. The newspapers before this time must have informed you concerning some of the business you have written...
137Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 May 1795 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of Feb ry 12 th reachd me on the last of April, and gave me Sincere pleasure and satisfaction to learn that both you and your Brother were in good Health and spirits, and that in the midst of such a mighty Revolution as you have been witness too, You have beheld the still greater Phœnomenon of order Peace and tranquility, that they may be durable to our good Batavian Friends, and a...
138Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5–6 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Hay call’d, and left me your Letter. tho I have not written to you before I have had you constantly upon my mind, and have been anxious for your Health. I have heard of you several times. I think you would mind an advantage in drinking valerian & camomile Tea, for those spasm’s you complain of. I am not able to say to you as yet, when I shall go to Newyork. I have received only one Letter...
139Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 3 July 1792 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your kind Letter of the 18 th of May by Barnard and was much releived by being informed that our Mother was recovering her health as rapidly as could be expected— I feared from not having received a Single line from her; that she was not so well as my friends represented her to me we have had Letters from all my other friends except herself since our arrivall and...