11From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 30 May 1822 (Adams Papers)
Some of Jobs afflictions and some peculiar to myself have rendered it impossible for me to write to you even a bare acknowledgement of the favours I have received from you. The first & greatest of which is the Extract from Mr Nichols. The manly sense pure integrity & noble disinterestedness of that worthy gentleman always charms me. After such a treat it seems a sin & a shame to mention such...
12From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 23 April 1822 (Adams Papers)
Not a word at present about your delicious Cider and flounders. Miss Farnam a Grand Daughter of my Ancient acquaintance of Sixty years standing and brother barrister at Law with whom I have rode many a painful Circuit Mr Farnham of Newbury port, is a bout to remove to Princetown, in the Character of a school mistress, and is to reside in the family of Mr Clark your Revnd Pastor, her Aunt Mrs...
13From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 1 November 1821 (Adams Papers)
Though my visit to Princetown formes an Era in my Life, and afforded me as much pleasure as my nature, and state was capable of—And though I look upon every step of its progress with delight St Anthony who was as persecuting a saint as any in the Callendar took advantage of it to stir up his fires subterranean fires, and sent a violent inflamation into my eyes and face, which has prevented my...
14From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 7 August 1821 (Adams Papers)
Although I have not been able to acknowledge your kind letter, I have not been less grateful for it nor less delighted with the exuberance of the productions of your agriculture. My little hills too have been tolerably fruitful but they are mole hills in comparison with your mountains. I long to look down upon my hillocks from your lofty heights but all such delights are forbidden to and...
15From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 20 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
It flatters me to find that from your lofty elevation, so near the summit of your Wachusett you sometimes look down upon our three blue hills and even over my montezillo all of which are Molehills in comparison with your superb high places. Can you see the Boylston hill in Brookline? Your barns have been seen from that enchanting spot. I look with longing eyes from one of my montezillo’s at...
16From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 4 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
Mr Greanleaf and his Colleague in our Quincy Town Meeting thoght fitt to recommend all the Amendments, not as passed, but as the best that could be obtaind. I Said a few Words upon Some of the Articles and referred to my honourable Colleague to explain the reasons more at large. Peter Boylston Adams my Brother got together two or three Octogenarians half deaf though not half blind like him...
17From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 1 February 1821 (Adams Papers)
I have received your kind note of this afternoon. Mr De Wint and his family are all in Boston and are engaged there till next Saturday. It is utterly impossible for me to wait upon you in the present state of my health; nor in any case can I go with such an army as you have invited. All the strength nature has left me is not sufficient to endure it. Your kindness overwhelms me. My son said to...
18From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 22 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
I revoke the appellation of Son—Your conduct to me is more like that of a tender affectionate partial and too indulgent a Father—than like that of a Cousin, or a Brother or a Son You overwhelm me so with your kindness that I have no expressions adequate to my sense of obligations I have received the two Barrels of Cider, and the Bottles of Wine which I shall reserve for the best use of which...
19From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 21 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have been as Civil to Mr Lane who brought me your letter of 26. As I could. He dined with me and I was much pleased with him— I am sincerely grieved at your long continued indisposition, What can I do to restore your health—If you come to the Convention, as I hope you will; That I think will Cure you—For wrangling and Contention exhilarates the Spirits and Animates the Body—You will have...
20From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 16 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
O that I had the talent at discription, of a Homer a Milton or a Walter Scot—I would give you a Picture of all that I have Visited—with more pleasure than I should Mount Irea or Monticello—Mr David Hyslop has been importuning me for seven years to dine with him in Brookline—I have always declined, till last Wednesday—when taking my Grand Son George Washington Adams for my guide, and aid de...