This extraordinary season has prevented all ideas of regular correspondence for few employments are so irksome as writing when the thermometer stands at 100, but it is so agreeable to receive letters from home that one endeavours to seize every opportunity to obtain them. Grandfather has been favoured lately with a visit from his highness the Duke of Saxe Weimar, a gentleman who intends soon...
We suffer too much from the heat my Dear George not to make allowance for your purisse but I am very glad to see that at least it does not affect your spirits or that the lovely brides (for brides you know must always be lovely old or young) have not produced a marrying mania and set you to seek too hartily for that which neither time nor care can ensure in its perfection—In the selection you...
2603From John Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 17 August 1825 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for a very pleasant letter, and I supplicate a continuance of them—I have given up the hopes of seeing the family, or any part of it this Year—but when the Marquis is gone I hope to have letters from your Brother, John, and yourself, which will help to keep up my old spirits a little longer, my heart & wishes and Prayers are with you forever—We have nothing to tell you here but...
2604From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 18 August 1825 (Adams Papers)
Thomas J. Hellan is to be offered as a Candidate for admission at Harvard University this year—I wish you to give him all the assistance which he may need for that purpose, and to consider him as under your parental, or brotherly care—You will be one of his bondsmen and request my brother to be the other—You will attend to the payment of his quarterly bills, and other necessary expenses,...
2605To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 21 August 1825 (Adams Papers)
The past week has scarcely been marked by any occurrence worth relating in a letter, the weather after having been intensely warm on Sunday and Monday cooled off and we have had an Easterly storm ever since. This makes me quite dull as I prefer the Sun with all his fires. General La Fayette after having thrust his benign countenance among us; has gone to other places to make them happy for a...
2606From Alexander Bryan Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 21 August 1825 (Adams Papers)
With a reluctance, commensurate with the liberty which I am taking, I am constrained, by obligations of friendship, to trespass one moment on your time The death of Judge Skinner, of the Northern District Court of New York, has lately been announced; & among the competitors, for the vacant office, is Nathan Williams Esqr. of this village. Mr. Williams is one of the circuit Judges of our...
I am very sorry to learn from your Letter to Charles my dear George that you had hurt your eye. I have certainly been suffering from sympathy for I never had such an inflamation in my eyes before in my life— We are again expecting the good General to take up his abode with us until his departure for France which I confess I shall hail with joy—I admire the old gentleman but no admiration can...
As you know me to be an Amateur of the horrible incidents of human Tragedy if my Dear George you will not be surprized at receiving some lines written by me on a melancholy event which recently took place in the City—The Actors were in a middling class of society and the circumstance has died away like the poor miserable victims of passion with out eliciting a remark excepting from the levity...
2609To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 4 September 1825 (Adams Papers)
It was an unexpected pleasure which I received in your letter of the 17th. of last month, as I had not calculated upon your making such an exertion merely for me. If by writing I can do aught to amuse you a moment I shall think that I am well repaid but my vanity was not so great as to desire an answer, however gratified I may have been at receiving one. The General La Fayette is near on his...
2610From Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette to Mary Catherine Hellen Adams, 6 September … (Adams Papers)
On this Sad time of My departure I find a Consolation, My dear Miss Hellen, in Expressing the Grateful Sense I Shall ever Retain of Your kindness to Me, and the Affectionate Wishes for Your Happiness, Which an old friend Entering His 69th Year most Cordially Offers DSI .
2611To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 8 September 1825 (Adams Papers)
It is a very long time my dear venerated father since I have written to you; but the events of yesterday were altogether so interesting I cannot refrain from giving you an account of them— The genl in his travels through this Country has been so much the publick idol, and the devotion of the people has been continued with so much fervour until the last moment of his residence among us, he...
2612From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 11 September 1825 (Adams Papers)
You will be quite worn out my dear George with my would be poetic effusions; but as I told you in my last I know that the événemens de tout les jours are so well and so constantly sent to you by your brother, I have nothing left but to send you the singular scraps of my folly elicited occasionally by unlooked for circumstances On the departure of General Lafayette from our own house I felt...
2613From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 22 September 1825 (Adams Papers)
I am suffering under a bitter repentance in neglecting to write & thank you for your last kind letter & for the valuable present of Cider whose only fault is that too good I am obliged to mix more than half water with it— I begin to look forward with great delight to the prospect of your return to Roxbury with Mrs Boylston, hoping that you both will come and see me before I go hence, to be...
2614From Ward Nicholas Boylston to John Quincy Adams, 4 October 1825 (Adams Papers)
You can hardly conceive the dissappointment and regret I felt from the Information I rec’d from my beloved Friend your Father of the 22d Ultimo, that he had no expectation of your being able to leave Washington this season,—two days after my despondency was dispel’d by the Public prints announcing your arrival at Philadelphia on your route to Quincy, in this however there was great alloy at...
2615To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 6 October 1825 (Adams Papers)
You cannot Immagine the comfort your Letter of 22d Ultimo gave me I fear’d Indisposition had so far disabled you to dictate a Letter, as to leave me expossed to the contradictory accounts I now, & then had by transient visitors, who had heard from others something concerning your health; young Mr Quincy exceptd who gave me a more direct account of you, and since then thro’ Mr T P Davis who...
2616From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 9 October 1825 (Adams Papers)
Mindful of the very kind invitation of Mrs Boylston and of yourself, and of our own earnest inclination and promise, Mrs Adams and I propose to visit you at Princeton the next week—we hope to reach your house on Friday the 19th. and to pass the Sunday with you—The only intreaty which I permit myself to make of you, is that you will receive us as children of your own family, to the exclusion of...
You will by this time (I hope), have obtained some days of rest after the fatigue of your journey. I have been extremely afraid of the effect of it upon you before you started but am in hopes now that the change once obtained will be of some service. How long you will remain under the present circumstances, I am unable to guess but I should scarcely imagine that a sudden return however...
2618From Edward Everett to George Washington Adams, 17 October 1825 (Adams Papers)
I will thank you to Send Me by the bearer the diplomas of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences of which We Spoke at Mr Lloyd’s. If they do Not happen to be in Your Keeping may I trouble You to let me know when I shall send for them. Your friend & Servant MHi : Edward Everett Papers.
2619From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 21 October 1825 (Adams Papers)
We had a boisterous passage of 47 hours from Providence to this place—After reaching Newport in 2 hours and a quarter from the time when you left us, it blew so fresh a gale, and the aspect of the sky was so threatening that Captain Bunker concluded to remain the Night there.—We sailed again the next morning at 9 but a strong and steady head wind slackened our progress so that we only arrived...
In the course of my ride from New Brunswick yesterday my Dear George the wish you expressed for something like a translation or imitation of the Lines I wrote in french and I dictated to Elizabeth while she wrote the very indifferent lines which follow—One verse is added and I beg you to alter or correct as you please—I know they are not good but they in a great degree convey the ideas...
We have arrived safe after a very tedious and on the whole disagreeable journey as the state of my health tho’ much improved still makes me a burthen to all I most love in the world and I fear there is little prospect of a change for the better—There is something in this great unsocial house which depresses my spirits beyond expression and makes it impossible for me to feel at home or to fancy...
2622From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 8 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
I enclose herewith a Certificate of two Shares, N. 657. 658. in the Middlesex Canal, transferred to you in consideration of which, I expect you will pay some attention, to the direction of that Corporation and to the management of its concerns. I received your Letter announcing the departure of your mother, and her attendants from Quincy; they arrived here on the 18th. instt. all well except...
2623From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 8 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
I fulfil my promise to inform you of my safe arrival here, rather tardily, but it affords me the opportunity of announcing that of my family—the health of Mrs Adams is improved and will I hope be restored I have confirmed myself in the opinion that the portrait should be painted in plain black pantaloons and boots under them—A round hat should be also introduced, whether in one hand or on a...
2624To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 13 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
Time has slipped by most unaccountably during my resolutions constantly expressed of writing to you. And I can give little or no account of it. The arrival of the family safe and sound at home again was matter of so much gratification after my anxieties that I have scarcely been sufficiently composed since to do any thing. And each day has closed with the consciousness on my part of much left...
2625From Anonymous to Abigail Brown Brooks Adams, 20 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
Sonnet. to Miss Brooks by a friend What shall I, maiden, to thee Say, Thou Art, so full of life; so gay; ’Twere Sui, to check thy mirth; By musty l aws, or sermons long; And yet, in spite of Mirth, or Song Thou must, with all the sprightly throng; Descend, to mother Earth. Yet, let not this, your spirits chill; All, must obey dame Nature’s Will; But whilst you still, have Youth; Make choice,...
2626To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 27 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
In the present dearth of news, and of every thing to make a letter interesting, I am afraid I shall only be very stupid in my attempt to amuse. But since it is the day on which I am bound to write and you expect it from me, I hope this will be sufficient apology for any want of animation which you may perceive. The monotonous course of life so very secluded as the one in which I now live gives...
2627John Quincy Adams, Receipt, 29 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
Recd on board the schooner Velocity Luther Hammond master for Washington City. a Boston directed His Excellency President Adams, which I promise to deliver him on his order freight being paid here by shipper Ward Nichs Boylston $1.00 A C Lombard Recd for a Box of Raspberry Cand iece Sent. President Adams—29’ Novr 1825—$1 MHi : Boylston Family Papers.
2628From William Wirt to John Quincy Adams, November 1825 (Adams Papers)
W. Wirt acknowledges the honor of Mr & Mrs. Adams polite invitation to dinner on the 15th. but not having been into company this winter, hopes to be excused for declining it. MHi : Adams Papers.
2629From John Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 3 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your two letters—and I wish you would continue to write to me twice a week—my dear Charles Mathematicks and Law are the two rocks on which a Man of business may surely found his reputation, as well as his capacity for doing good, to himself, his friends, his country, as well as to mankind. Study my dear Charles makes the man. It is not novels or Poetry It is neither Scott or...
2630From John Adams to John Adams, 11 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your kind Letter—and your Father still more for his permission in permiting you to send me a Copy of his Message, which if it had not been delay’d in Boston, would have reached me before any body else— It is every thing I could wish, or desire it to be, it cannot fail to give general, or, if not, universal satisfaction to the nation, and to all Nations—It proves so particular...
2631To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 11 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
I was much delighted yesterday by the receipt of the letter from you. It assured me that you was still in good health and spirits, about which things I was a little anxious, from the time I had heard of your intention to “submit” as Mr Browere not inappropriately terms it. I had been very much incommoded I must confess, in the operation, as my hair and ears were not so easily extracted from...
2632From Henry Clay to John Quincy Adams, 15 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Clay has the honor to accept the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Adams to dinner on Tuesday next. Mrs. Clay regrets that she feels herself obliged to decline the honor of dining with them at the same time, which was extended her— MHi : Adams Papers.
As you are determined not to write to your Mother or in any way to continue an intercourse always yielding her so much pleasure I shall only send you some very indifferent lines written to accompany the portrait now in the hands of Stewart— We are all well and only want your company to make us quite happy—Charles say’s you are the fortunate one of the family all the rest will be ruined— Accept...
2634From John Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 19 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
Knowing as I do the whirlwind of business, ceremony, Levee’s Drawing rooms Dinners, Parties, with which you are hurried away, I acknowledge it a great favour for you to write a letter to me—and when I receive one, it is so much the more pleasure— As to the Message a Father says, that a more meritorious state paper has never appeared on the American Annals; And I think it gives as universal...
2635From John Adams to Henry Clay, 21 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
The President requests that all resolutions from either House of Congress, as soon as acted upon by the Departments may be returned to him. Will you send me that which I sent to the Department confirming the appointment of Mr Conkling of N–Y— Your’s &c DNA : RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.
2636From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 22 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
I enclose herewith the Policy of Insurance upon the house in Court Street and also that upon the House in Hancock Street—Both of which you will safely keep: and remember to have them renewed at the proper time. I am greatly concerned to learn, that you were suffering with the toothache, and inflamation of the face; but hope that it has before this subsided. I propose to seize upon the first...
2637From Ward Nicholas Boylston to John Quincy Adams, 22 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
I am honor’d with your Letter of 8th of Novr with the devise & explanation, when which is truely beautifull & interesting. I shew’d to Mr Stuart with your wishes, he expressd great pleasure in Complying with them, but I regret to add, that in defiance of every persuasion of mine, & many of his Friends, Mrs Adam’s and your portraits, are as you last saw them. My first visit to Boston, after our...
I am so much concerned my Dear George to learn from your last letter what a state of suffering you were in that I have been anxiously looking for a second letter to assure us of your recovery—We learn from the newspapers that the cold has been intense and I fear you do not take precautions to guard against its extreme severity— We are here in the midst of the busy bustling scene of a session...
2639From Christopher van de Venter to John Adams, 24 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your letter of to day covering the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 23d Inst. Truly yours MHi : Adams Papers.
2640To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 25 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
On this day, one which in this part of the country is considered much as Thanksgiving day is in New England, I beg leave to express my wishes for your welfare & comfort during the cold weather which accompanies the Season in which the festival comes. It is not properly speaking a festival this Year with us as it comes on a Sunday, but the family dinner which for years past hast happened at my...
2641From George Washington Louis Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 28 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
C’est avec une bien vive reconnoissance Madame, que j’ai reçu la lettre que vous avez eue la bonté de m’écrire, et les vers qu’elle renfermoit. il est bien précieux pour moi de les tenir de vous même, et j’acquère par là le droit d’en devenir le dépositaire.— j’ose espérer madame, que vous voulez bien me pardonner d’avoir été si longtems sans vous adresser mes remerciemens. depuis six...
2642From John Adams to Daniel Brent, 1825 (Adams Papers)
The President directs me to request of you to procure as soon as possible from the Printer some Copies of the Proclamation as he is very anxious to send them to Congress to day Yours &c DLC : Peter Force Collection.
2643From John Adams to Peter Force, 1825 (Adams Papers)
Will you be good enough to have fifty copies of the enclosed invitation printed for me before the evening. If you can you will much oblige / Yours &c DLC : Peter Force Collection.
2644From John C. Calhoun to John Quincy Adams, 1825 to 1828 (Adams Papers)
9th Decr. Mr Calhoun accepts with pleasure the invitation of Mr. & Mrs Adams for thursday next 29th Decr. Mr & Mrs Calhoun regret that a previous engagement of Mr Calhoun for friday prevents them from accepting the invitation of Mr & Mrs Adams for that day. MHi : Adams Papers.
2645From John Adams to Peter Force, 1825 to 1829 (Adams Papers)
What is the News ? Please send me some Copies of the Message if ready— Yrs &c— DLC : Peter Force Collection.
2646From John Adams to Peter Force, 1825 to 1829 (Adams Papers)
Mr Elliot has sent to ask permission to have a copy of the Message, so as to put it in his evenings paper. The President directs me to say that he has no objection to gratifying Mr Elliott— Yrs in great haste— DLC : Peter Force Collection.
I cannot suffer the day to pass my dear George without offering you the best wishes of your Mother on the return of the day which generally calls forth the good natured gratulations of our friends. May the ensuing year prove auspicious my beloved Son and ensure to you all the happiness you can desire pure unmixed and if possible without alloy.—As you are now the only one of the family who are...
2648From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Bailey, 8 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
You was kind enough to send me a Copy of the Message, for which I thank you. By an arrangement made with my Nephew, Mr J Adams, I receive the documents and Mr Hobart has forwarded a set to my Father. I do not remember ever to have read abler state papers from each department. As you are well acquainted with the forms of Office, I wish to call your attention to an application I made to the...
2649To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 10 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed papers numbered 1. and 2. are copies 1 Of a Letter from Mr Bassett, Chairman of a Committee of the House of Representatives of the United States to me. 2 Of a Letter from Mr G. W. P. Custis to him, enclosed by him in his own Letter to me, and referred to in it. I am to request you to have the goodness to state, whether your recollection coincides with that of Mr Custis, with...
2650To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 15 January 1826 (Adams Papers)
An unaccountable fit of dullness and inability to do any thing, prevented my writing to you on last Sunday, the weather is of such a nature as to create languor to an astonishing degree. It is very warm and humid which produces colds almost universally. Our family has not escaped for my brother and Elizabeth have both been affected and I although free from cold, have not been in a State to...