21To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
With reluctance I Should interrupt your Excellency’s occupations, in the persuasion, that my correspondence can not atone for your devoting to it one Single moment of your pretious time, did duty not oblige me, to consider you now as a Father, whose inestimable loss maÿ be only by them be appreciated, whose heart and hopes can be compared with yours. What can I Saÿ, afflicted Father! to...
22To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 5 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Aÿant reçú plusieurs temoignages d’amitie et d’estime de votre Excellence, pendant votre Sejour a Leÿde, je me flatte a present, qu’il ne Sera point desagreable a vous, de recevoir de ma part une preuve de ma confiance en elle. C’est un sollicitation, Monseigneur! et j’espere, qu’elle ne vous paroitra pas trop temeraire, a cause qu’elle est par un ami; un homme de talens, qui à un jugement...
23To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 May 1818 (Adams Papers)
Although only a few moments of day light are left me, I Shall take hold of these to indulge a pleasurable feeling—in cordially thanking your kindness. for Sending me the Trans. Vol. iii Both parts visited first the North—last night Part. i was returned—Part ii—was received the week before. But—my Dear friend!—How willingly I acknowledge my obligations to you—yet I must complain—you did...
24To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
Was it not to Satisfÿ the ardent wishes of a learned deceased friend, I should consider it approaching to Sacrilege to intrude upon you, and bereave you of the use of a Single one of those precious moments, which you, in this critical period, with unrelenting ardor consecrate to the Securing and promoting the happiness of millions who entrusted themselves to your care and guardianship. Perhaps...
25To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 November 1818 (Adams Papers)
I must then Submit to the painful task of condoling you with the irreparable loss—and yet—my Dear friend! I can find no words—to express my hearts anguish—alas! what must be your feelings—when that partner of your heart and Soul is torn from your Side! oh! was I with you—then I might have Shared in the Comfort from her lips before her departure—then her last blessing might have cheered my...
26To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 23 November 1793 (Adams Papers)
The knowledge of your Excellency’s principles, with the distinguished marks of attention, which with Your Excellency was So Kind of honouring me, Since manÿ years, makes me so free of introducing to you Major Peter van Gaesbeck. His character as a man entitled him to the general esteem of his fellow-Citisens, and the quality of his mind promoted so much of his Intrests by the free-holders of...
27To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Althoug it was not in my power to assist, under your roof, at the celebration of your 88th anniversary, yet I cannot deny my Self the enjoyment of congratulating you and your respected family with this event. It is my ardent wish and fervent prayer, that it may please our All-good God to pour out you and your Family his choicest blessings during the continuance of your residence here, So that...
28To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
Persuaded, that it is a gratification to be informed of our continued health—a Severe cold Since three weeks excepted—I indulge myself in the pleasure, of Sending you a few lines—although I foresee, I cannot make these interesting. But it will give you a fresh proof, that the passing years can not obliterate the deep and grateful Sense, which I cultivate, of the numerous kindnesses , which you...
29To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
Permit me, to congratulate you and your Lady, with the appointment of his Exc: John Quincy Adams to the Embassÿ at the Court of St James. He has now reached the Summit of his Diplomatic career—and will—I ardently hope—ere long bless his country with a treaty of amity and commerce. The Allmighty prolong your days, till you may See Him pressed once more at His Mothers bosom! Now I you may hear...
30To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 13 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
Since I was the last time honoured with your favour, I did not presume to interrupt Your Excellency’s occupations for a moment, more So, there I had nothing to communicate your attention. The boasted proposals of an intended refutation of your Defence—which then first will be valued according its intrinsic merit—after the high Station—which you now honour—Shall be no longer an allurement to...