11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 September 1822 (Adams Papers)
I am confident, you will kindly permit me to Send you a few lines—at this time—if it was only, & I candidly confess, that I have Scarce any thing else, deserving your notice—to communicate, except it was to congratulate you—in regard to your continued vigour and health—as Mrs Quincy was kindly pleased to inform me, that you twice walked this Summer from your house to her abode, to make You...
18To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 December 1820 (Adams Papers)
The last tiding of your welfare, with which I was gratified—was by Judge Peter Smith. I had made an excursion to Albany and N. york, to See the Governour, and endeavour to obtain in the last place Some relief to my Sight—but it was fruitless. I met Judge Smith—whom I had not Seen during Several years—between Schenectady and Cagnarrage, where he took the Stage—we were pleased with this...
19To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 17 January 1803 (Adams Papers)
I must answer your favours of Dec. 14 ult. and Jan the 3th. Want of time will once have the happy effect, to emportune you not with a Long Letter. How can you insinuate, that your correspondence is of no value? Is not every line of you then an act of kindness towards me? Not to saÿ, that I never received one, without some kind of instruction. But why Should I use any motif—to entreat you to...
20To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 5 July 1801 (Adams Papers)
Having unexpectedly received an opportunity of conveying you my cursory remarks on some parts of Buffon’s and Jefferson’s Theory on Nat. Hist. by my Frend Col. John Lincklaen, I could not resist the temptation in Submitting them to your criticism, persuaded that you Shall bestow on me a new favour, if you condescend to their perusal and think them So much worth your attention, to communicate...
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...
31To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 13 August 1821 (Adams Papers)
It is a gratification, that I have it in my power, to cause you Some pleasurable emotions—by the commu ni cations, that an increase of enjoyment has fallen to our Share—although Some what moderated by our Daughter’s indisposition, which however—we have much reason to hope, that is only a passing cloud which Soon Shall pass by. Mr and mrs Busti—in returning from Batavia renewed their visit to...
32To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 5 October 1814 (Adams Papers)
I hope not, I dare Say more, I am confident, you deem it not an intrusion, when I write you So often—would you not willingly admit me into your presence, if I lived in your neighbourhood? and in part I reap this comfort, in conversing with you in writing—and yet, I have nothing to saÿ—although mÿ Spirits are not much depressed, and mÿ vigour rather restored by renewed exertions. I do not like...
33To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
The last time, I was gratified with Some tidings from Quincy—was by a Letter of the 8th of this month, in which your grand-daughter Carolina Amelia—informed me, that received a Letter from her grand-Father, which breathes a continuance of good health and tolerable Spirits.—That both these may continue—and crowned with the choice of God’s blessings, is my fervent wish and prayer—You have again...
34To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
As I know not where mrs de Wint resides—I must address my Lett to your care—I could not indulge my Self of adopting this ignorance for an apology in not writing—as I have been So peculiarly gratified by their kind and courteous present of Verplank’s Oration—which I had not yet Seen—except in the Rev. of the N. Amer. It proves indeed that I am not forgotten, and that the Spirt of the Grand...
35To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 October 1796 (Adams Papers)
Washington’s resignation, which crowns that excellent man with glory, opens the career for my worthy and much respected friend, to bestow new obligations upon his Country-men, if they are wise enough to take hold of this favourable opportunity. Can your Excell—without compromitting yourself procure your old friend a place among the Electors in this State—you know upon to whom he Shall paÿ the...
36To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 29 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
As you felt So Sensiblÿ for mÿ Sorrows, it is highly becoming, that you Should be among the first, to whom I Should communicate mÿ happier prospects. Mÿ Eldest Son John at Philadelphia did ask me, two days past, for my consent in his marriage with a Miss Julia Taylor, of a respectable familÿ and connections, with a moderate fortune, adequate to his wishes. His former prudent conduct made me...
37To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
I would not So Soon have intruded again into your dignified retirement had it not been, that you took Such a warm interest in all your Frends concerns—be these of a good or unpropitious cast. We met with a Severe loss—a Similar one to which I was in part a witness—Several years ago—under your hospitable roof. The dear wife of my Son at Philadelphia is no more—She died in the night of Febr....
38To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 7 February 1803 (Adams Papers)
In returning you my remarks—I hope to enjoy ere long the satisfaction, that, after a Second perusal, you may find them worthÿ a place among the Mem. of your Academÿ: if So, my debt towards you will be increased, as you may claim their additional value. However this may be, I am preparing a Memoir on the use of copper by the Greeks, addressed to John Luzac—to pay a part of the Intrest—if I can...
39To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 August 1819 (Adams Papers)
Yes, I did See from your note of thanks to your neighbours the disaster, which has fall’n to your lot—tho’ I could not learn its full extent—and yet it was not in my power to inform you of my feelings. That note directly relieved my anxiety—I knew—your mind enabled you, to elevate yourself above Such a loss—great as it may have been—and the gratification of receiving Such a fresh proof of the...
40To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 March 1811 (Adams Papers)
Although I have so lately written, I will not, as mÿ restored health can be no pretext, delaÿ for one single daÿ, to send you a few lines more; now I have seen the confirmation of the good news from Washington—and, certainlÿ, if we maÿ claim a friend’s comfort in distress, then he too must be entitled to share our joys. I do so indeed, and congratulate you and your Excellent consort most...
41To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
Although I have nothing at present to communicate deserving your attention, but the continuance of our health and contentment with my Sincerest wishes, that you may enjoy the Same happiness—I wil not delay of presenting You the promised Salade Seeds—of which the excellent Franckforter is offered to you, with his respectful compliments by my frend Col. Mappa—I Shall write for the Brussel...
42To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Once more I Shall enjoÿ the Sensation in addressing you as the President of the U.S. but your leaving the chair will not bereave you of a more exalted title, that of being the Father and Benefactor of your Countrÿ. To your indefatigable cares America owes her continuallÿ increasing prosperity—to you we owe—that our peace had been undisturbed—our independencÿ consolidated—and our Friendship...
43To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 25 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Althoug I am not So happÿ to be the first in making mÿ Compliments to your Excellencÿ; I am however persuaded that not one of mÿ countrÿmen is more addicted to the cause of America and more attached to your Excellencÿ than I am. I congratulate mÿself with the favour of your Excellency’s acquaintance—with a part of the friendship of your Excellencÿ, and I flatter mÿself, that the aknowledgment...
44To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
Musing on Molière, the last precious gift of de Gyzelaer, which I received this summer, I was as usual diverted from him to you, recollecting your kindness. My own health is improved, my old enemy raps only now and then a lady’s knock at the door; though I am not always permitted to say not at home, our pour parler does not last long. I shall go to-night to make a party of Quadrille with my...
45To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
Fill the glass to the brim—and empty it till the last drop—now you rejoice with your friend on the reëstablished ancient Dutch Government—My friends rule once more—The Almighty make them prosper, and confound their enemies, and humble them in the dust. was John Adams now America’s President I would beg him, how ungracefully I may beg, to send me immediately on an extraordinary mission—to...
46To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 13 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
You will not be displeased, I am confident, if I address you again a few lines—perhaps—one or other of your family may consider it proper, to favour me at a proper period with Some information—with respect to your continued health—of which the N. papers assure us, you enjoy a considerable Share—What a blessing at Such an advanced age! My family was with me highly gratified—in Seing in these...
47To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 23 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Since long I received not a more Sensible pleasure, as when I Saw me favoured with your approbation on my lucubrations I desire no more, and prepare it immediately for the press—The difficulty Shall be to find a Printer. I perused many years ago Ubbo Emmius—and read it again with attention before I brought my matereals in order. if I have Succeeding in Spreading Some new light on Some parts of...
48To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
Informed by the Resolution of the House of Representatives that our Government intends to arm Six frigates, I find me Self obliged, to make your Excellency acquainted with a worthÿ American, to whom, if known, perhaps maÿ be adjudged the command of one of them. at least—He will come in consideration if an excellent character, a prudent and manlÿ behaviour, experience in the art of navigation...
49To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 14 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I regret, that So often I must wearÿ you with mÿ complaints about myself, and yet I must do it, in apologÿ to myself, when I write a dull Letter. I have again be tortured with head-ache, and enjoÿ now only a little relief, which I am apprehensive Shall not last long—but I must take hold of this interval, to give me the pleasure, of answering your last favour of the 2d inst. I believe, I Shall...
50To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 September 1824 (Adams Papers)
Confident, that, after Such a long Silence, a few Letters of an old friend, who allways revered you, and will continue to do So till his last breath, Shall not be unacceptable, I once more take up my pen I can not—after approaching my 73th foster the hope, that I Shall be permitted to do it often—But I will not delay it longer—as I hear neither from you or my N. England frends a word—except...
51To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
He published—his opinions on Jus Eccles. Protest . in the Ses—which were—under his presidium—defended publicly by his most eminent Students. This could not be performed without awakening the intolerant zeal of the clergy—Their rage—increased when manÿ of their Brethren Strengthened him with their open Support—then the Church became in danger. Spies—under pious pretexts were Send to him for...
52To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 5 August 1811 (Adams Papers)
Tu m’aduli, ma tu mi piace says anÿ where Chesterfield—but so you do in a most egregious manner—but you make your Physic so highly palatable, that it is swallowed, before reason can with sufficient coolness examine, if the encomium—so kindly bestowed is really deserved. You want not to be informed—that I am highlÿ pleased, when I am favoured with your encouraging approbation—and whÿ should I...
53To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 August 1812 (Adams Papers)
I have now before me your favour of July the 15th, with which, as usual, I was highlÿ gratified. I could have wished, to have delay’d its answer longer, till the assaults of that relentless Demon of head-ache had been abated, who possesses me again Since three weeks, but I know not, to what charm he will listen—So that I must Submit with resignation, till he is tired of the contest. Indeed...
54To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 13 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Once more I must give you my cordial thanks for this proof of your remembrance—not, that I suspected it—but I did not expect so soon an answer. Every one, which I receive every letter of myself—I consider—nearly unwillingly—that it may be the last of our correspondence—continued now since more than forty years—during which—whatever Station you fulfilled—I was allways honoured with your kind...
55To 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...
56To 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....
57To 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...
58To 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...
59To 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...
60To 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...