101From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 10 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have read your discourse with pleasure, and the notes with terror. they open a field of controversy so solemn, as to intimidate the boldest champions of which race of heroes, I certainly have not the honour to be one. I may however pretend to be a humble projecter, and in that character would propose, 1st. To petition the holy league to purchase of the Turks, peaceably if they can, forcibly...
102From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice in all your Felicities described in your favour of 29th. Nov. What a Contrast between your Existence and mine! You have travelled to Boston to Philadelphia and to New York, and been the delight and Admiration of all Men of Science, Letters and Taste in Massachusetts Pensilvania and that World of itself the State of New York. I am “fixed like a plant, to one peculiar Spot To draw...
103To John Adams from Josephus Bradner Stuart, 10 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have obtained from Wm. Temple Franklin, Esqr. a selection of the manuscript writings of the late Dr. B. Franklin, which I am now arranging & intend ere long to publish.—It is my intintion in this work to present to the publick a political view of the times from 1770 to 1790. & to transmit to posterity the united fame , of those celebrated worthies to whom we are indebted for the glorious...
104To John Adams from John Jackson, 11 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
Who can better explain the character of a patriot of our Revolution, than his copatriots in the field or in the council? With the approbation of Judge McKean I am collecting materials for a life of his late father. Will you, Sir, many of whose nights were consumed, with Thomas McKean, in watchings for your Country’s sake, communicate to me any anecdotes of him, which are reposited in your...
105To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 13 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter with pleasure, and read it with high satisfaction. You have paid the highest compliment on the President’s Message or rather, Elogium, that I have yet seen, or have ever heard of—Our proud federalists however are displeased & mortified that he did not tell the whole world, how grand, how rich, how powerful, how gifted & how virtuous they in Boston are above all other...
106To John Adams from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 16 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged to You for the Very Agreable Acquaintance of Mr Theodore Lyman; to Him I Will Be Under obligation for the kind Care He takes to forward this Letter: He lives in the Capital: I in the Country Where the pleasure and occupation of farming are to Me a Continual source of Enjoyment. Not So Exclusive However as to Render me insensible of What is Going on in the political line. our...
107From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 19 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 13th. has touched my feelings. Deeply infected with a dangerous distemper you ask my advice as a Physician. The Faculty sometimes cure their Patients by relating facetious Anecdotes. I could give you a hundred within my own Experience and little reading but your Malady is two inveterate to be cured by Jocularity. It must be treated Seriously. I know not the Facts. Has the...
108To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 22 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
Accept my most cordial thanks for your truly friendly epistle. I loose not a moment in answering your interesting query. The Lady in question is, I conceive legally divorced. Her quondam husband is now in the jail of New York, for the third or fourth time; a mere vagabone. They were divorced in 1810, by the Supreme Court of Vermont. The Lady & her father, with the aid of Judge Dawes were...
109From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 25 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
It was not friendly in you to involve me in your domestic & family Controversies Major Pierce Butler told me that he made a voyage to England from S Carolina to ask his fathers consent to marry a Lady, whom he was determined to marry, whether his father consented, or not. And I believe you ask my advice with the same resolution I have seen Fanaticism in all its forms. the fanaticism of honour,...
110To John Adams from John Trumbull, 26 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
You will forgive my long delay in replying to your very interesting & confidential favor of the 18th. March:—I was reluctant to write until I could inform you that I had made some progress in the work so honorably confided to me by the Nation. You justly observe that the intended size of the paintings appears to you vast:—They will considerably exceed the dimensions of the descent from the...
111To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 29 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
Habituated as I have long been to consider your judgement as infallible, I have not found it exactly so on the subject of our two last letters. When I wrote to you on that subject of the heart, I had come to a fixed resolution of following the advice of my family & friends. I have penetrated their thoughts, & have discovered their opinion which taken collectively amounts to this— we censure...
112From John Adams to John Jackson, 30 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
In 1774, I became acquainted with MacKean, Rodney, and Henry. Those three appeared to me to see more clearly to the End of the Biussiness than any others of the whole body. At least, they were more candid and explicit with me than any others. Mr. Henry was in Congress only in 1774, and a small part of 1775. He was called home by his State, to take care a military Command. mackean Rodney...
113From John Adams to William Wirt, 5 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your Sketches of the life of Mr Henry have given me a rich Entertainment. I will not compare them to the Sybil conducting Eneas to the Regions below to see the Ghosts of departed Sages and Heroes: but to an Angel convoying me to the abodes of the blessed on high to converse with the Spirits of just Men made perfect. The Names of Henry, Lee, Bland Pendleton Washington Rutledge Wythe Dickenson...
114From John Adams to John Jay, 9 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry, by William Wirt of Richmond Virginia has been Sent to me by Mr Shaw of the Atheneum. My Family are reading it to me every Evening, and though We have not finished it, We have proceeded far enough to excite an earnest desire to know your Opinion of it There is a Section fourth, page 108. a passage which no Man now living but yourself can...
115To John Adams from Thomas B. Wait, 10 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
When I had the honour of calling on you, I only conjectured that the printing of the Journals of the Convention, &c would be under the direction of the Secretary of State; but by the inclosed N. Intelligencer it appears to be very certain that the publication will be committed to his care.— You will recollect that in the letter wh. I shewed you from Mr: King, it was suggested that, were I on...
116From John Adams to John Trumbull, 12 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of 26 of Decr and request you to insert my Name among the Subscribers for your Print of the declaration of Independence. In great / haste I am your Friend PWcS .
117From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 12 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
In your Letter of the 21st. of October you Say that Mrs Knox said to you that “her husband was the parent of the American Navy.” It is interesting to enquire what Idea that Lady could have had in her Mind. Have you Seen Mathew Careys History of the Rise and Progress of the American Navy? If you have read it you have Seen that the American Navy was begotten and born and a System of Naval...
118To John Adams from William Wirt, 12 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
I am just honored with your letter of the 5th. inst. and am truly gratified to learn that my sketches of Mr. Henry have afforded you entertainment. If I could have anticipated such an effect, I would have taken the liberty, on the first publication of the book, to have ordered you a copy, as a slight proof of that sincere respect, which, in common with my countrymen, I feel towards you as one...
119From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 14 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
In a former letter I hazarded an opinion that the true history of the American revolution could not be recovered, I had many reasons for that apprehension, one of which I will attempt to explain. Of the determination of the British Cabinet to assert and maintain the sovereign Authority of Parliament over the Colonies, in all cases of Taxation and internal policy. the first demonstration which...
120From John Adams to William Wirt, 23 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your kind letter of the 12th of this Month. As I esteem the Character of Mr Henry an honour to our Country and your Volume a masterly deliniation of it, I gave orders to purchase it as soon as I heard of it: but was told it was not to be had in Boston. I have seen it only by great favour on loan, a Copy from the Author would be esteemed worth many by purchase. It may be sent me...
121To John Adams from Joseph Gales, Jr., 26 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
Hereto adjoined is a copy of a Circular, which we have addressed to each Member of both Houses of Congress. The work therein suggested, we consider important to the public; and further, feel little anxiety for the result.—We deem it respectful to trouble you with our views on the subject, as if the work be undertaken, we shall ask with confidence your advice and direction as to the authorities...
122From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you Mr Horace Holley, who is on his Way to Kentucky where he has been invited to undertake the Superintendance of a University. This Gentleman was Settled very young at Greenfield as Successor to Dr Dwight; but having a Mind too inquisitive for Connecticut he removed to Boston where he has been Settled nine years and where his fame has erected one of the loftyest...
123From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 30 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
As “the accurate Jefferson” has made the Revolution a Game of Billiards, I will make it a Game of Shutle Cocks. Henry might give “the first impulse to the Ball” in Virgina but Otis’s Battle Lore had Struck the Shuttle cock up in air in Massachusetts and continued to keep it up for Several Years before Henrys Ball was touched. Jefferson was but a Boy at Colledge of 15, or 16 Years of Age at...
124To John Adams from Nathaniel Niles, 30 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
I was favored with your communication in due time, and have gratefully published it in this day’s Register—of which a copy is herewith transmitted. I am much mistaken if the public will not feel greatly indebted to you for this sketch of the character & conduct of a man so distinguished as Mr. Otis. When your inclination wills it, I will thankfully receive, & I trust pay due respect to, any...
125To John Adams from John Jay, 31 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
I recd. your Letter of the 9th. by the Mail which arrived here on the 24 Instant on the Return of Mr. Son and his Sisters from their Tour thro’ the Eastern States, it gave me pleasure to learn from them, that they had paid their Respects to you—that they found you and Mrs. Adams in good Health, and that I might expect a Letter from you—that expectation induced me to postpone expressing to you...
126From John Adams to Thomas Dawes, 3 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
I thank you, with all my heart, for your Christmas Oration; which I have read and reread with increased pleasure, loving the philanthropic heart which directed it not less than admiring the ingenious head which composed it. With any Man who denies the Legitimacy of our Revolutionary War or my Quasi War with France or Mr Madisons War with England I will not dispute, because there can be no...
127From John Adams to James Monroe, 4 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
I should ask leave without scruple to transmit the enclosed letter to you were it not for the foolish compliment in it to my pretended influence, which you know to be unfounded & therefore may pass over with a smile. I do not hesitate to comply with his request, by enclosing a copy of a letter, I wrote to Mr Madison, on the 2nd. February 1813 nor scruple to say that no opinion or sentiment in...
128To John Adams from LeRay de Chaumont, 4 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
To you who like the greatest men of the Roman Republic, after having as them rendered the most eminent services to your Country, cast off the Robe of State, to cultivate your spot of ground, and give to your countrymen the best example.... I take the liberty to Send my maiden speech, in this Country, upon that great art, Agriculture. I have never forgot that the first words of English I...
129From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 5 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
Clarks History of the Navy is the Same with Mathew Careys. Wilkinsons History I have not Seen. I believe with you that the Battle of Bunkers Hill has never been faithfully recorded. It would require an hundred Volumes in Folio to investigate the “Roost Cock” who produced the Sacred mysterious Egg, to which you allude in your Letter of 17. Jan. The Antiquity of this Egg and its Universality...
130From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 6 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
you ought to tell me the name of that animal, who “faced you down” against dates and Otis. he must have been an inveterate, indurated Old Tory , with an Iron heart, and a brazen face. or at least a Son, or Grandson of such an one, who has inherited all his Ancestors Envy, Malice, Hatred, mortified pride and demoniacal revenge. “James Otis had no Patriotism”!!! Had the adored Hutchinson...
131From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
James Otis Counsellor, Colonel &c &c &c Said to me Some fifty or Sixty years ago “John; when I meet with good Luck or bad luck, I Say nothing about either; because I know that more will be glad than grieved at my Misfortunes, and more will be mad than glad at my Prosperity.” This Old Fellow understood Mankind; and So do I. and therefore, when I am happy I never boast of it; and if I were...
132To John Adams from Henry J. Knox, 12 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
In addressing this letter to you I rely not less on your liberal feelings, than on your ability, persuaded that the detail will not be uninteresting, the following is my situation, resulting from circumstances that I could neither foresee nor controul;—When, at the commencement of the late war, you were kind enough to patronise my attempt at getting some active employment, I did hope that a...
133From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 13 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
grand Adams The American Revolution was not a trifling nor a common Event. It’s Effects and Consequences have already been Awful over a great Part of the whole Globe. And when and Where are they to cease? But what do We mean by the American Revolution? Do We mean the American War? The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the Minds and Hearts of the People. A...
134To John Adams from Jacob Flint, 17 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
You may recollect that some time since, your Excellency, speaking of the fisheries in New-England, expressed a curiosity to know the quantity of fish, taken in one season by the people of Cohasset. I told you I would endeavour to ascertain it, & would do myself the honour to communicate an account of to you. I then thought I should be able to do it immediately. But I found, on inquiry, that...
135To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 19 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
Though I had no personal views whatever in proposing the Resolve which I had the honor to introduce which went to request you to permit your Bust to be taken for the purpose of being placed in the State House; yet I have thought you might permit me to say a few words on the subject. My motive was a conviction of high state expediency. I intended to follow it with the portraits of those other...
136From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 21 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
I presume you have read the elegant life of Patrick Henry by Mr. Wirt the Attorney General of the United States. If you have not you have ju a dilicious pleasure to come. Mr Wirt has accurately stated the Virginian Resolves and Mr Henrys Motion in suport of them and theory of treason that excited against him and a glorious anicdote it is. But we ought not to forget our own Massachusetts...
137From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 25 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
As Mr Wirt has filled my head with James Otis; and as I am well informed that The Honourable Mr Benjamin Austin alias Honestus alias Old South alias Old North alias Politicastor roundly asserts that Mr “Otis had no Patriotism”; and that “he acted only from Revenge of his Fathers disapointment of a Seat on the Superior Bench” I will tell you a Story which may make you laugh, if it should not...
138From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 25 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
As Mr Wirt had filled my head with James Otis; and I am well informed that the Honourable Mr Benjamin Austin alias Honestus alias Old South alias Old North alias Politicaster roundly asserts that Mr Otis has no Patriotism; and that he acted only from revenge of his Fathers disappointment of a Seat on the Superior Bench I will tell you a story which may make you laugh if it should not happen to...
139To John Adams from Committee of Citizens Boston, 1 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
Being deputed by a numerous body of our fellow citizens of Boston, we have to request that you would permit a Marble bust of you to be executed by an able artist now resident in that Town to be placed in Faneueil Hall In thus soliciting your assent to this tribute of our high respect and veneration we are particularly influenced by a desire of transmitting to our children the features of the...
140To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
It is not before now, that I can answer your favour of the 18 last—My daughter, who fully Sympathises with my feelings, and knows, how highly I value every line, with which you continue to honour me, Send it to Albany, and last week it was returned here. I was there to examine the Dutch Records of last cent—and finally engaged to try, if I could translate—them—I declined the first proposal of...
141From John Adams to Anonymous, 3 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
Please Sir to excuse J and C Adams from School as they were detained here by the weather NBLiHi .
142From John Adams to William Wirt, 7 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
Be pleased to accept my cordial Thanks for the present of and elegant Copy of your Sketches of Mr Henry. I know not whether I shall ever have time to make you any other return than Thanks. But as I see you wish to investigate the Sources of the American Revolution, if you will give me leave, I will give you Such hereto as my memory affords to assist you. In 1764 was published in Boston a...
143From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 7 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
I here Send you three great Authorities, James Otis Oxenbridge Thatcher and Samuel Adams, all Supported by almost an unanimous Vote of the Town of Boston, all containing every Principle, every Sentiment and every Idea in Mr Henry’s Resolution at least a Year before he moved them or composed them. Indeed this was common Place Language in Boston and Massachusetts in the mouths of all Men but the...
144To John Adams from Thomas Dawes, 7 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
I had this day an opportunity to examine our Town Records. In May 1765 the representatives chosen were James Otis, Thomas Cushing, Oxenbridge Thacher and Thomas Gray. In May 1766 were chosen James Otis, Thomas Cushing, Samuel Adams and John Hancock. I am very respectfully PS. I have read Mr. Wirt’s sketches of Mr. Henry and also a review of them in the North American Review for this month....
145To John Adams from Richard Sharp, 7 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
I regret that my absence on a tour to the north of Italy, deprived me of the pleasure of seeing your young friend W Lynam, as it must always be a gratification to me, to have an opportunity of shewing my regard, & respect, for so old, & eminent, a friend— Most heartily indeed do I join in your wish that you could once more spend even a single month in London, for though many are gone forever...
146From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
I Sincerely condole with you in the loss of your Friends Walker Wislar and Bray. I Sincerely Congratulate you on the Acquisition of an honourable Usefull and profitable Employment and Amusement for Life. And more cordially as it is a providential Rescue from your metaphysical and delirious Project of Writing Cosmogonies and Metempsichosies of Worlds. A Week before I recd. Your Letter, I...
147From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 11 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your Pupil Mr Minot was a young Gentleman of excellent character; pure, spotless in Morals and Manners, loving Truth above all things. Agreed. But can you accuse me of prejudice or Malignity when I perceive a Tang of the Old Cask of Toryism in his History? He Studies, he labours for impartiality; but does he always hit it? In page 142 of his Second Volume, he Says “There was a Pause in the...
148To John Adams from Henry Dearborn, 11 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
This will be presented to you by Mr. Binon the sculptor who waits on you, as proposed, to form a model, from which he will sculpture your Bust in marble.— with the highest respect / I am Sir your / Humbe.Servant MHi : Adams Papers.
149To John Adams from Arnold Welles, 16 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
In behalf of a numerous body of Citizens of Boston, we request your consent, to set for a Bust , in Marble, to be executed by an eminent Artist, now resident in that Town, to be placed in Faneuil Hall.— In soliciting your assent, to this tribute of our high Respect & Veneration, we are particularly influenced, by a desire of transmitting to our Children, the Features of the Man, whose...
150To John Adams from Henry Dearborn, 16 March 1818 (Adams Papers)
In behalf of a numerous body of Citizens of Boston, we request your consent; to set for a Bust , in Marble, to be executed by an eminent Artist, now resident in that Town, to be placed in Faneuil Hall.— In soliciting your assent, to this tribute of our high Respect & Veneration, we are particularly influenced by a desire of transmitting to our Children, the Features of the Man, whose patriotic...