11To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 21 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I was highly gratified with your affectionate Letter, and answer it directly, not to renew my thanks, as I can no more express these as lively, as I See it impossible to reciprocate these—and then you dare to ask me, if my residence at Montezillo had been tolerable—did not then my friend read my contentment—in every gesture, in every feature of my visage—then certainly my countenance...
12To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
If anÿ man rejoice in the prosperity of the united States i wil hope that me shal not be denied a place amongst them, and I think it mÿ dutÿ to congratulate your Excellencÿ with the complete victorÿ of your arms in the chesapeak-baÿ and the Burgoynishing of that mighty Lord with his many thousand Slaves. Now wil the proud of the British nation be humiliated—now shal a venal and corrupt...
13To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, July 1820 (Adams Papers)
As you will not wait in bestowing your kindnesses, till I arrive at Montezillo, you must permit me to give you my cordial thanks for this renewed proof of frendship—If well, then I leave my family—half of August—and hope to See you befor, the end of that month. I Shall be at mrs Eliot’s about the 21—if I come Safe as far at Cambridge.— Saturday we were unexpectedly visited by mr Dwight Miss C....
14To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to address You with few words upon your election to the Presidencÿ of the United States: Mÿ wishes in this part are entirely accomplished—May America remain happÿ in peace, and prosper under your administration—So that the names of Washington and Adams may be combined at every new election—as those of August and Trajan; maÿ its Thankfulness compensate in part the Sacrifices, which...
15To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Sensible pleasure, received from your Excell:s favour of the 25th Dec. with which I was honoured quite unexpected, induces me to a rescription. I hope, this will not be consider’d as abusing your Excell. condescendence, in devoting few moments of your precious time to an old client, who may boast of your Excell. esteem, continued in different Situations of life Since twenty years. Maÿ I...
16To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 15 March 1807 (Adams Papers)
As your Letter of the 29 of Jan—afforded me a Sensible pleasure, I will procure meself another in writing you again. God be praised, that your health is unimpaired—it must continue so manÿ daÿs, if the warm wishes of your Relatives and friends obtain their accomplishments—our own interests—mÿ Dear Sir! prompts this wish. I spent this winter verÿ agreablÿ—partlÿ with mÿ old Classick friends...
17To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 6 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
I will not delay to Send you a few lines—in answer to your favour of June 24th—with which I was gratified—at my return from a Short excursion to the Oneyda Lake—when I went to bid a last farewell to a friend, decaying in mind and body—He can not be long here, neither is it desirable either for him or his Children—It is mr J. Bernhard—who followed my Steps from Europe; and whose worthy Son...
18To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
I intended at first to have answered your kind favour of July 16—last week—but I was everÿ daÿ So much fatigued in the evening—having—after my gardens were cleared thoroughly, been engaged in, Sawing and Splitting oven-wood, that I rather found it requisite—to take Some amusement, in re–perusing your letter—or taking a book, while an unexpected visit of mr Varick from utica, and mr Childs of...
19To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 27 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
It is with an inexpressible delight, that I received and perused your affectionate Letter of the first of this month after a long Silence. I cannot expect, that I Should more often receive similar favours—I Shall continue thankful, if I am permitted to See these now and then. I mentioned the name of your grand Son George, the Son of the Judge, not knowing that he was already engaged in...
20To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 29 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
Although much indisposed duty compells me to Send you a few lines—and as I feel allways Somewhat reliev’d, when I write to you, it may now have the same beneficial Success—and So I Shall reap the reward of my Labour, even before hand. Now I am nearly certain to know—why in Such a vast course of time I did not receive a Single letter from Quinceÿ. The New-york Spectator of last Saturdaÿ—informs...
21To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, September 1825 (Adams Papers)
Often when I labour in my garden,—and I do so usually from sunrise till its setting—I expatiate with you and your son in your delightful mansion. Soon everything around you shall brighten, you shall revive a while, when the president your son visits you. Indeed your last days appear to me your best days. Printed Source--Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, An Autobiography, Together with Extracts from...
22To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1813 (Adams Papers)
Although I am not perfectlÿ free from head-ache a fixed oppression in the forehead which leaves a disagreable Stupor, and without whose removal I shall be unable to return to my charge with usual alacrity, I got in so far the better of it, that I take up mÿ pen and I hope, ere long it shall again be in mÿ power to expel everÿ gloomÿ thought by plunging head long in Philosophical enquiries:...
23To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 September 1803 (Adams Papers)
How Shall it be in my power, to paÿ you mÿ Sincere thanks for the favours with which you continue to honour me—even above mÿ warmest expectation. I was not vain enough to attend at So much condescendence from your part, to offer mÿ Inset —with your own hand—to your illustrious Academÿ—by which I received the most unequivocal pledge of your high approbation—a more than equivalent reward for my...
24To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
I am again favoured with your kind letter of Jan. 23. It bears with it the usual Stamp of Serenity and health of bodÿ and mind. Maÿ both be continued as long you become not entirely dissatisfied with your abode here—and maÿ everÿ occurrence, which might distress either be long time averted! I presume—neither I think, that I presume too much, that if you visited once Smith’s valleÿ—you would...
25To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 21 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
Is it not Strange, that this year—I Should not have received one Single line from those—whom I So highly respect, at Boston? No—not even of Montezillo? It cannot be—that you are indisposed—or any of the family—your promising George would have mentioned it to me—The last notice I obtained of the family was from Fish-kill—and will the 4th of march your’s was of 18 Febr—Could it be possible, that...
26To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 August 1822 (Adams Papers)
Although I hear no more of Montezillo than of Boston—Yet I trust, that it is not unacceptable to receive again a—few lines—and the N. papers tell us—from time to time—that He—whom we love and respect—continues to enjoy health and happiness—and yet Sometimes—from a foul mouth ed an adders tongue endeavours to poison those who are less acquainted with them whom we respect and admire—and it may...
27To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 February 1811 (Adams Papers)
It is certainlÿ a long while, that you received not a line from me, and this nothwithstanding I was So highly gratifiede, and as it were buoy’d by your kind favour of 30 Nov. last—But—how could I do else, as I wrote not even to mÿ Son—labouring Since the three last months under an increasing debility, which Seemed to threaten the total destruction of the machine. As long however it was only a...
28To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 15 February 1805 (Adams Papers)
As I esteem a peculiar favour that you continue to honour me with your correspondence, for which I chieflÿ am indebted to your friend Ship and condescending kindness; Is deemed a duty to renew from time to time mÿ assurances of high respect, tho’ fullÿ Satisifed, that my gratefulness for received favours never was doubted. Your generosity—if I might Seem to interrupt you too often—will make...
29To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
I can not express you—how warmlÿ I am obliged to you for your your last kind favour of May 20th. It Saÿs—nothing that it pleased and instructed—no—it did much more—It relieved mÿ drooping Spirits it dissipated in part the deep gloom, which has latelÿ taken possession of me—listen—mÿ Dear! I have one friend yet left—he would Soothe mÿ Sorrows—was he in the neighbourhood, altho he participated...
30To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Alex. Bryant Johnson returned me the ms—Had I more time I Should be tempted to write a geogological history of a part of this western world—Say between the little falls and Lakes—but now I give it up, and, nevertheless, can not cease of collecting materials. I lately finished a treatise—on agriculture—I ought rather to Say—its Skeleton—but it remains yet in the brouillon. And now I am...
31To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 21 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
Never Shall be obliterated the few days, which I enjoy’d at Quincÿ—I fostered allways indeed a faint hope—to See you once more, and know, that I Should meet with a cordial reception—but never my ardent imagination did reach to that which I received—From you I expected all the warmth of an old friend—but—even if I was more presumtuous—I could laÿ no claim whatever on the numerous civilities,...
32To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 November 1824 (Adams Papers)
I delay’d to write you a few lines—to congratulate you cordially on the happy arrival of the 30th of Oct—and join your Relatives and frends in celebrating the anniversary of your 89 Birthday fostering the hope, that before this time I might have Seen a happy desired conclusion in our Legislature—with regard to the Presidential election—But the caucus-cabal thus far disappointed me in my ardent...
33To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 7 July 1806 (Adams Papers)
At lenght I take again mÿ pen, to assure you of the high respect, with which I am So fortunate to feel mÿ bosom glow for the un-appreciated blessings, which you have bestowed on a dear an ungrateful Countrÿ, for the kindness, which with you continue to honour your old frend—and what less can I return to the man, of whom a Washington declared, that none could more cordially than himself approve...
34To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 November 1807 (Adams Papers)
Much time has elapsed indeed, Since you have favoured me with your last Letters—and more, Since I dropt to you my last line—I do not plead another excuse than my particular Situation—Tho at times I was not in want of leisure, to acquit meself of an incumbent duty, but then mÿ mind was not often enough composed, and a numerous correspondence within and without this continent imposed imperiously...
35To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 23 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
At lenght I have been able to peruse Condorcet’s book—It can not be difficult to you, to conjecture, what impression it must have on mÿ mind. If I had bestowed on it onlÿ Superficial attention, its aim wuld not have escaped me, although I had not been assisted bÿ your correct marginal notes—It is a genuine ofspring of the School of the famous Sÿsteme de la Nature. It is not less daring in its...
36To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
When I send you last mail Basanistes, I was so much tortured with head–ache—that it was not in my power, to join to it one single line. The Post-master at first objected—if thus the postage comes higher than you might wish, I only executed your orders but should request—in that case to wait rather for a safe opportunity Perhaps—however—his scruples are unfounded. You render me nearly enamoured...
37To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 September 1817 (Adams Papers)
Having in so long a time not received a word from Quincÿ, although I was freed from all anxiety about your wellfare mrs Guild and her amiable sister Catherine, both having informed me, that you continued to enjoy not only a hum cum dignitate, which would be nothing new—but all possible happiness that can fall to the share of human mind, while your excellent Lady’s gratification must have...
38To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 25 June 1820 (Adams Papers)
I indulge once more in the gratification—of Sending you a few lines, in the hope, that you enjoy So much health as generally has fallen to my Share—if I except, my weakened Sight, which renders—reading at night nearly impracticable, while it requires my utmost exertions by day light to decypher the Records—and a nearly three weeks confinement, in consequence of a Severe contusion of my right...
39To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
Since the 7th of Febr—I did not receive a line from my frend—but having been honoured with two Letters of your Ladÿ, without a hint, that your health was not So good, and having read in the N. papers—that you were present at a festival at Boston, I presume, that other more Serious occupations kept you employ’d—or that Letter writing became rather to you a penible task, whenever you could not...
40To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 25 February 1805 (Adams Papers)
How can I make a return for your favors which you continue to bestow upon me—as having nothing to offer besides an unfeigned gratitude. Had I an higher opinion of mÿ Letters, whose acceptance I chiefly owe to your indulgent kind partiality: and would saÿ with Horace—Gaudes Carminibus, carmina possumus Donare—Now I have not even this plea—but I have three of your Letters before me— I have been...
41To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 6 October 1815 (Adams Papers)
I will trÿ to answer your very kind favour of Sept. 3—as the chilly weather and a violent pain in my Shoulder, occasioned by having yesterday worked to excess, and imprudently exposed myself to rain, without changing cloaths, when returning home, for which I now do penance, forbids to do a great deal in mÿ garden. Was your residence nearer I would Soon forget pain, recruit my Strenght, and...
42To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 27 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
I thank my God, that I enjoy the high gratification in congratulating you with the tribute, paid, so handsomely, by your enlightened fellow-citizens—to your talents virtues and Character;—to render my bliss perfect, and this may not be expected here—I ought to have been at your side, at Montezillo, and seen you, which crowns the Splendid Eulogÿ of New-England—possessing yet—firmness enough, to...
43To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 18 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
Again a few lines from your old friend, who continuallÿ receives fresh proofs of your unabated attachment. I owed to your distinguishing friendship, that I have been honored once more with a valuable Letter of your Ladÿ, which filled my breast with joÿ, and makes me nearly belief, that I must possess Something, worth noticing—to have in So far attracted her notice—I do not longer Suspect that...
44To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 November 1802 to 28 November 1802 (Adams Papers)
Mÿ occupations in gathering seeds—and preparing my fields and garden for ensuing spring have thus far prevented my answering the favour, with which I was honored bÿ you last month—Tho’ mÿ hope of receiving, before this time, a decision about the Achaic Republick, had influenced this delaÿ. I sent it to Philadelphia, where my correspondent J. Mifflin will charge himself with super intending the...
45To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
I Shall now make an experiment, if I can dispell a malignant Spirit of gloom, which hovers about me, without any other incantation besides acknowledging your both Favours of the 4th and the 9th of april with which I was So kindly honoured by you. Indeed—Sir! this intercourse is nearly the only pastime left me in my deep retreat and then mÿ Situation imperiously often forbids me to indulge...
46To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Long time since I should have acknowledged your favour of 12 March had I not hesitated, to interrupt your Excellency’s dignified retirement. To continue, however, in Silence could Seem, that I undervalued the honor, of your Excellency’s condescending, in communicating with me his ideas about a Subject, intended, to promote the Public good. Encouraged by your Excell: flattering opinion, I...
47To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 7 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
yes, I am thankful—I am Sensible of my high obligations towards you—how few can follow your example! to remember a friend—in the days of prosperity deserves praise, but to do So in the hour of Sorrow—to Set this a Side to Sooth his anguish is not common—I knew—you did So, and if it was possible, that I could doubt it, the few affectionate lines from your own hand would have dispelled it—She is...
48To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 30 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
It is Long ago, that I was honoured with your favour of Dec. 6 and April 18—in which your Excellency communicated with me the unhappy situation of the worthy Luzac, worthy indeed the high encomiums, which you have bestowed on him, and more so to have merited in such high a degree your Excellency esteem and adprobation. I should have sooner accused this favour, had I not feared to interrupt...
49To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
My Sending the wreath unaccompanied bÿ a Single line was occasioned bÿ a Short excursion to Sacket’s Harbour—to take a view of the boasted powerful defence of our frontiers, after the Surprise of Ogdensburg, courted So long bÿ the iterated incursions on the defenceless and peaceble Canadiens. It was indeed a Severe retaliation from which the Inhabitants Shall not recover in manÿ years—although...
50To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
At lenght I succeed in Sending you the outlines of the contemplated work, which I could have, wished to have been executed by you had you twenty years less. It will however not loose of its value—if the Son charges himself—with the payment of his Father debt. It is true, it requires Some Skill to prove it, altho I would not hesitate to run the risk of making it pretty evident, that you could...
51To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 17 May 1807 (Adams Papers)
You shall not expect an excuse, for mÿ dilaÿing a few days to return the inclosed. Mÿ heart was too much oppressed with grief: I took refuge to Labour to assuage its pain. My young friend Mappa brought me your Lett. in mÿ garden—first I thought to keep it unopened—till I arrived home—its unusual thickness impelled me to break its seal—I perused first Cremer’s Letter—glanced over your lines—and...
52To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
So many months are past Since I received a Single line from Massachusetts—in former days I was now and then remembered with kind regard by mrs Quincy—my frend Tyng allways men tioned to me the State of your health now and then your beloved Emily honoured me with Some information about her beloved Relatives—and—now—I appear worse as a Stranger—of one thing I remain nevertheless confident, that...
53To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
Had I not been favoured with so manÿ proofs of your kindness I should have hesitated to undertake the task in writing this letter; more so, as I flatter’d meself, that it should have been in mÿ friend’s power, to satisfy in this article the utmost of your wishes. But here I fear I shall be disappointed, as this is the time of the ÿear of making up his annual accounts, which require all his...
54To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
I Should not have importuned your Excell—this year with another Letter did I not believe it dutiful to acquaint you with everÿ material change in mÿ circumstances—not that I Consider them impertant enough to merit much your Excell. attention, but that it Seems to bestow some impertance on me, in persuding me Self that you believe me not unworthy of communicating them with you. the Council of...
55To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 March 1820 (Adams Papers)
How can I, in any manner, reciprocate your kindnesses? I know I can not, and yet I feel cordially thank full—I received both your Lett. at the same instant. How I could wish, that I was at liberty, to communicate to my frend Tyng—these great Characteristic Strokes, by which you delineated S. E.’s character! he would be delighted with these, as they are correct—and designate the masterly hand...
56To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 November 1806 (Adams Papers)
How long have I waited in answering your favour of 23th. of aug–with which you again honoured your old frend? To anÿ other I should be obliged, to make an apologÿ for my silence, during such a long interval of time—but your kindness—acquainted with mÿ circumstances, relieves me of this burden. You enjoÿ—honored and loved by all what surround you, otium cum dignitate, while I see my Labours and...
57To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 June 1801 (Adams Papers)
Long Since I Should have acquitted me of my duty in congratulating you with your Safe arrival at your beloved Quincÿ, but the apprehension of interrupting your contentment—the onlÿ reward for all—your Services and Sacrifices—during a long meritorious life, if you could disregard the applauses of enlightened Europe—persuaded me to postpone it a while. Tho in the medden of your friends—in the...
58To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 28 November 1809 (Adams Papers)
I listen onlÿ to a pleasant emotion of my heart, in congratulating my Self, that among So manÿ blessings, with which the good God favours me till this instant, is the preservation of your precious life during another year. How precarious is it, if I Shall enjoÿ that favour once more: your age, alreadÿ above, what is commonlÿ allotted to men, mÿ own advancing years, with the frailties and...
59To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 September 1796 (Adams Papers)
Though I was not fortunate enough to See Dr Belknap and Morse, as you Excellencÿ kindly intended, there they went not so far to the western as the place of mÿ abode. the first of these Gentleman favour’d me with an Letter, and included yours of Jan. 3th. How retired my way of living maÿ be, to which I am obliged as wel as inclined, I Should have rejoiced—at becoming acquainted with Such...
60To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 April 1814 (Adams Papers)
Now I hope, you have already perused my Oration—although I have not Seen it yet in print—I doubt not, or friendship Shall influence your judgment. You desired, to know my opinion about mr. English book. I received it lately—and, as your requests, when it is in my power to grant them, are always considered—equal to commands—I taught it the best way—to do it in this manner. We cannot much...