51From John Adams to John Adams, 11 September 1815 (Adams Papers)
You cannot imagine, how much pleasure, your Letter of July 24th gave me. Your Father and Mother have improved Your hand in a few days, more than We were able to do, in as many Months. I enter So feelingly into the Spirit of your Amusements that I wish you had mentioned the names of the principal Dancers male and female at the Opera. I have been present at all those Scenes of life that you...
52From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 31 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
When Mr Gallatin and Mr Bayard arrived here, they brought us letters from many of our friends, and among them one from your brother George, which gave me much pleasure—But I was sorry there was none form you; and the more so because George’s letter was in answer to one which I had written him last September; and at the same time I had also written one to you—Now I have the satisfaction of...
53To John Adams from John Langdon, 3 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
I am honor’d with your letter of the 27th Ult. which has awakened many pleasing sensations in my bosom. The regret you feel on my declining a reelection to the Office I now hold, and the interest you are pleased to take in my Public life for nearly forty years past, demands my most sincere thanks, and what most delights me is, that I am now confirmed in my opinion, that our old friendship has...
54To John Adams from John Trumbull, 26 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
Twenty Eight years ago, I had the honor of painting in London your portrait in my picture of the Declaration of Independance,—the long succeeding period of War and Calamity palsied and suspended thy progress in the work of which that picture was a most important part. Peace is at length restored; I have resumed my task; that Picture is finished; Trenton, Princeton & York Town are far advanced;...
55To John Adams from John Taylor, 24 April 1814 (Adams Papers)
Lest any letter of December the 24th. last, in answer to yours of the 12th. of the same month, may not have come to hand, I mention it, in acknowledging the receipt of yours of the 9th. inst. with the discourses on Davila, you are so good as to present me. Truth having been the object of the enquiry you mention, it is a publick misfortune and a matter of regret to me; as it is hard to find and...
56To John Adams from John Holmes, 7 August 1815 (Adams Papers)
You may perhaps deem it evidence of my vanity, that I have ventured to submit the enclosed to your inspection—But I commit it to your liberality & candour, with views, I confess somewhat selfish—It is my hope that should you think it worth the perusal, you will generously point out to me its imperfections & erroneous sentiments—We, who have some trouble in resisting the opposition to repu...
57To John Adams from John Adams Harper, 30 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 20th. of this month, for which you will be pleased to accept my most grateful acknowledgements.— That any remarks of mine, should receive the approbation of any fellow citizens, is a cause of gratification—but when I find that they meet with the warm applause of the most intelligent and virtuous of the community, it is truly pleasing— I have...
58To John Adams from John Vaughan, 11 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
Mr Colman’s visit, highly acceptable in itself, to us all, has been the more So to me as he brought me a letter from yourself—Our endeavor to establish a more liberal religious Socy than had before existed here, (& of which you witnessed the Commencemt under Dr Priestley)—met with many Serious obstacles after he left us—We are overcoming them, & have built a Church, & the occasional Visits of...
59From John Adams to John Adams, 14 December 1815 (Adams Papers)
Your classical letter of the 4th. of Octr, does you honour, upon every Supposition that I can make. If you have composed it yourself, it is highly honourable to the Skill and care of your Preceptors and to your own Application to your Studies; All of which must have concurred in producing Such a proficiency in so Short a time. If, by your dutiful and submissive behaviour to your Masters you...
60From John Adams to John Adams, 18 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I am charmed with the Chirography of your Letter of the Eleventh of September to your Grandmother. If your proficiency in your other Studies is in proportion to your improvement in your hand writing you will soon be a first rate Scholar. Your Account of the Accademy at Ealing is quite Satisfactory. If under Such Masters pursuing Such Studies and Exercises, with Such Companions, you do not lay...
61To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 23 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
More trouble hangs over the Camp The President last night, indulged The Secretary of War, by consenting to the arrest of Major General Wilkinson—The Court martial is detailed, and dispatches with an official arrest were this morning, sent off from the War office, to the Army of the North—somebody must be sacrificed to cover the blunders of the War— Yours respectfully, MHi : Adams Papers.
62To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 8 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I received some five weeks ago, an order from the President of the United States, an order to repair immediately to Gothenburg, in Sweden, upon an errand, the object of which being public, is well–known to you—It reached me just at a time when the Passage between Russia and Sweden was impracticable, or becoming so before it was possible for me to carry it into Execution. To avoid as much as...
63To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 13 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
I was closing up a letter, which I wrote yesterday to my dear Mother when I received, from Archangel, your favour of 7. April—hers of 12. of the same Month, and that of my brother of 18. March—A former letter from him, had already excited our anxiety for his infant Child—A subsequent paragraph in a Boston Newspaper, had apprized me of its decease—My Heart bleeds again with his, at this Event;...
64To John Adams from William Lyman, 1 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour at this time to address you for the purpose of requesting your acceptance of the Report of the Examination before the House of Commons into the Conduct of the Duke of York late Commander in chief, which is herewith transmitted by the Messenger of the United States Reed, in the Pacific via New York. I trust it will not prove uninteresting, and that you will pardon the liberty...
65To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 16 August 1811 (Adams Papers)
My Son in Law Doctr. Thomas Ewell & my Daughter are making a Visit to Boston, and I have charged them not to leave that Neighbourhood without paying their respects to you & Mrs. Adams— I rejoice to hear as I have lately done, that you continue to enjoy health & I hope happiness—and am with the / most perfect respect & esteem / Dr sir Yr Obed Servt. MHi : Adams-Hull Collection.
66To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 1 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your very polite & friendly favour of the 26th. ult. I duly recd. It is before me, & demand my thanks. I enclose the extracts from John Marston’s Communications, which I have had copied for the new Edition. Agreeably to your directions, I send by this day’s Mail, a copy of the Naval History, & shall send two more by the succeeding mails. Accept the assurances of very sincere respect from /...
67To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 19 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
I intended in my last Letter to have mentioned to you the Circumstances which procured me somewhat unexpectedly the pleasure of an acquaintance with Sir Francis d’Ivernois, when the more singular incident which introduced me to that of Madame de Stael crossed my purpose, and engrossed the latter to itself—I now return to Sir Francis. Lord Cathcart, on his arrival here, sent me the usual Card...
68To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 5 November 1812 (Adams Papers)
Having not received directly from you, or from any of my friends at Quincy, a line later than the 10th: of April, it was with no small pleasure, that a few days since, I met in an English Newspaper, an extract of a letter from you to Mr E. Watson, dated the 6th: of July—It relates to the War, and expenses your opinion that this was both just and necessary—Although I am unable to maintain by...
69To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 1 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
The multiplicity of business, and of things that consume more time than business, have in spite of all my efforts, broken down to such a degree the regularity of my private Correspondence that I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favours of 20. and 28. March of 10. and 20. May—and of 16. and 25 June; every one of which contains matter, upon which if I had the time and the talents I...
70To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 9 November 1810 (Adams Papers)
One hundred and twenty American vessels have sailed from the Port of Cronstadt for the United States during the present Season—The two last of them were Captain Bainbridge, for Philadelphia, and Captain Leach for Boston, in the American Hero a vessel belonging to Lieutt: Governor Gray.—They sailed on the first of this month and both of them carried letters from us.—They were the last vessels...
71To John Adams from Stephen D. Kingston, 29 March 1816 (Adams Papers)
The obligation confered by the letter you did me the honor to write in September last will always be highly estimated, and as the subject on which I took the liberty of troubling you appears to involve important considerations particularly as to our treaties. I beg leave to inclose the printed documents laid before the Legislature of this State. I am sorry to add in vain. With great Respect...
72To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 8 October 1810 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you a small publication which contains an account of a new auxillary or palliative remedy for madness. It will serve perhaps be acceptable to some of your medical friends. You will I have no doubt amuse yourself and your fire side by wishing that it could be applied for the relief of napoleon,—George the third, and all the mad federalists & democrats in our country.— From Dear Sir /...
73To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 15 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
Under the present afflicting scene of Providence that you Mr. Adams and connections of the deceased, may enjoy the consolations of religion and every needed support is the devout prayer of / Your symathizing Friend MHi : Adams Papers.
74To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 13 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
The extract contained in one of your last Winter’s letters to me from the Astronomics of Manilius, excited my attention to that writer, of whom I had previously known nothing more than the name—I have not been able to purchase it here, but General Pardo da Figueroa the Spanish Minister at this Court, one of the most learned classical scholars in Europe has had the goodness to lend me this...
75To John Adams from Arnold Welles, 2 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
The Committee take the liberty to hand you the enclosed.—& they flatter themselves they shall be honored, on this occasion, by your company. In this attention, to Capt. Hull & his Officers, we are happy to find, there appears to be but one common sentiment , that it is a tribute justly due to American gallantry. With sentiments of the / highest respect / I am Sir / Your very Humb. Servt. MHi :...
76To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 25 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
The fortieth American vessel, which has arrived at Cronstadt, since the opening of this years navigation, was the John Adams, Captain Thomas Downing from Savannah; she arrived last Saturday the 22d: instt:—and the first which sailed for America was the Laurel, Captain Burnham, belonging to Mr: Gray; by whom I sent the letter to you of which the enclosed is a press-copy—She sailed the 10th:...
77To John Adams from Charles Jared Ingersoll, 10 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
As an inconsiderable testimonial of the deep veneration I entertain for your talents, virtues and patriotic services, allow me to ask your acceptance of a copy of an oration delivered at our last anniversary festival by your / Most respectful / and Sincere / humble servant— MHi : Adams Papers.
78To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 7 July 1814 (Adams Papers)
The last Letter that I had the pleasure of writing to you, was dated 8. May, at Reval—since which this day completes two Months. During the interval, if the idea in your favour of 28 November, that a wandering life is not compatible with human Nature, be correct, (I ought to ask your indulgence for questioning the correctness of any opinion that you express) I have been most unnaturally...
79To John Adams from Alexander Townsend, 13 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have it in contemplation to devote a portion of my leisure to Recollections of the Life of Samuel Dexter . Any facts, public anecdotes, or pertinent data you may be good enough to supply, wd. be a tribute of respect to his memory, I am well aware, your heart and hand are both open to pay. I add only as apology for a stranger’s application, that obligation indeed wd. thus be conferred on,...
80To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 12 July 1815 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 28th. ult—is duly recd I believe there is not a copy of the first Volume of the Defence, to be had in the United States, for Sale. This work, revised & corrected, would, I believe, at a future day, bear a small Edition. It is a pity itshould be out of the market I am, very respectfully, / Your obt. hble. servt MHi : Adams Papers.
81To John Adams from Simeon Draper, 23 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
being a perticuler Friend of yours, Take the liberty to inclose this Letter, and ask the indulgence of an answer respecting its being a fabrication as is thoughts by some of your old substanciel Friends I want an answer for my own Sattisfaction and will not make any use of it then the answer shall Dictate, Should I be indulged. I am with the Highest / Consideration your / Excelences Very Huml....
82To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 18 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
By last Mail, I sent you a copy of the new Edition, & I now send you two, of which I request your acceptance. I hope this Edition will meet with as much approbation from you, as the former. It has cost the editor much pains & trouble. If it answers no other purpose, it will be of considerable service to future historians. Your obt. hble servt MHi : Adams Papers.
83To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 29 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have acknowledged the receipt of your seven Letters, dated in July, and August, received by Mr Thacher and Mr Bigelow and also of one dated in May, but very lately delivered by Mr Brooks. It is more than time for me to reply to their contents. I never had much relish for the speculations of the first philosophy. In that respect I resemble your Eels in Vinegar, and your mites in cheese, more...
84To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 26 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
Mr Hughes, the Secretary to the American Mission for negotiating Peace, was dispatched early this morning with one copy of the Treaty signed by the British and American Plenipotentiaries the Evening before last. It was executed in triplicate to provide against the accidents which might befall any single copy on the passage—Mr Clay’s private Secretary, Mr. Carroll is to go this day with another...
85To John Adams from Joseph Gales, Jr., 16 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
We have the pleasure to acknowledge your favor of the 5th ulto. directing us to call on Judge Cranch for $10 in payment of your subscription to the Intelligencer. In transmitting our annual accounts to subscribers, which were in February last sent off, we apprehend, from your letter, that our clerk forwarded your account to you; and we trouble you with this letter to say, if such was the fact,...
86To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 12 June 1812 (Adams Papers)
Within a few days I have received your kind favours of 19. Feby: and 10. Decr: last; the first of which was forwarded to me by Mr Hall, from Gothenburg, and the last by Mr Russell from London—Mr Hall came from Boston to Gothenburg, and has since arrived here in the Minerva, a vessel belonging to Mr W. R. Gray—he brought your letter of 19 Feby. and although from thence he transmitted it by the...
87To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 6 July 1811 (Adams Papers)
Yrs. of June 21st. came safe to hand. I shall reply to it give you the echo of it in a few days. Not knowing to whom it is proper to send the enclosed packet from Lord Bircham, I have taken the liberty to address it to you. It contains (I suppose) a curious, heterogeneous oration by his Lordship delivered before some Americans in Edingh: on the Anniverrsary of General Washington’s birth day.—...
88To John Adams from John Marston, 12 May 1813 to 15 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
Novr 1 1775. A bill passed to establish a Court of Admiralty, & fixing away armed Vessells.— Decemr 16—A resolve to “fit out” ten Vessells, to go to the West Indies for military stores.— Decr 29 John Adams & J Palmer were appointed a Comr to report a plan for “fixing away” armed Vessells for the protection of American liberty. Jany 6 1776—Eight thousand pounds were appropriated for the...
89To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 20 September 1815 (Adams Papers)
Since I have got settled here in the Country, eight miles distant, from Hyde Park Corner, I can find or make leisure about once a week to write a Letter, short or long, to you, to my mother or to my brother, and to enclose with it to you a weekly Newspaper—They will not reach you with equal regularity, for winds and waves will always be capricious—And thus after having received in three months...
90To John Adams from Richard Rush, 18 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
I beg you will do me the honor to accept a Copy of a discourse I delivered on the 4th of July at this place. The present crisis of our country, sir, is most momentous; but it seems greatly to be feared that the powerful and intelligent state of Massachusetts will not yield her zealous cooperation to the nation in its present struggle. With constant wishes for your health and happiness allow...
91To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 19 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
Dr James Rush, yesterday, put into my hands your letter of the 30th. ult. which came too late to answer the purpose intended. As I propose to publish in one time a new Edition of the Naval History, I shall, if you judge proper, retain this communication; or otherwise return it to you. I remain, with sincere respect, / your obt. hble Servt MHi : Adams Papers.
92To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 17 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
There are still here a small number of Americans, who came to the Country upon commercial pursuits; and who after bringing their affairs to a conclusion, successively take their departure to return home, and thereby afford us opportunities of writing to our friends. One of them is Mr Hurd of Boston, who goes to Gothenburg there to embark, directly for the United States, and by whom I propose...
93To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 8 April 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your indifference, as to the result of the Elections to the Presidency of the United States, and to the office of Governor of your own Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which I find avoided in your favour of 7. February is the best of all possible political symptoms—It proves, first that you consider all the Candidates as men likely to fill the respective Stations, if elected to them, with credit...
94To John Adams from Hosea Hildreth, 9 March 1810 (Adams Papers)
We, whose bosoms have often glowed at the names of Washington and Adams, and who have often admired that firmness and wisdom, which guided the helm of state during the two first administrations of our general government, beg leave to ask the favor of your opinion of Mr Gerry’s qualifications, for the chief Magistracy of this Commonwealth. At the same time we assure your Honor, that we should...
95To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 25 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
I had yesterday the satisfaction of receiving your favour of 1. March, after the interval of nearly a year during which I had not enjoyed the same pleasure. I well know how irksome it is to sit down and write, with so many restraints upon the pen, that we must be in perpetual anxiety, not what to say, but what to omit—But one of the comforts that I always derive from your letters, and which...
96To John Adams from Daniel Johnson, 28 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the liberty to enclose to you a Prospectus of a work, which I am about printing, should sufficient encouragement be found, to justify the undertaking. I have been casting my eyes over the list of our venerable political fathers, to select some man to commence my lists, and from whom I might at the same time be enabled to gain some chara c ter of the author. I have been induc e d...
97To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 22 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
Towards the close of the last summer arrived here as a sort of a semi official appendage to the British embassy an old acquaintance of yours Sir Francis D’Ivernois who as you know has been for many years a distinguishd political writer in the French language and in the Interest of the British Government. He came not I believe with but very soon after the Embassador Lord Cathcart Just at the...
98To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 21 July 1811 (Adams Papers)
American vessels are now pouring upon us in floods—I wrote you less than a month since that there had then arrived at Cronstadt forty since the opening of the year’s Navigation; and already the number exceeds ninety, besides as many more at Archangel and the other Russian Ports—They have already glutted the markets untill they are forced to disgorge; but I hear that they are still coming by...
99To John Adams from William Eustis, 31 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
Accustomed to receive your recommendations in the nature of commands I regret that at present there is no vacancy for the second Mr Norton. By accounts from General Hull of the 14th. instant it appears that our troops in upper Canada have hitherto met with little or no opposition. He is probably about this time in the neighbourhood of fort Malden, where he may meet a warmer reception; unless...
100To John Adams from Richard Rush, 11 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed papers have just been sent on to R. Rush by this days southern mail, and he loses not a moment in forwarding them to Mr Adams, with renewed apologies, with renewed thanks, with cordial respects and compliments, with a hope that they will find him in his usual health. His mother also, under whose roof he now has the happiness to be a guest for a few days, desires that he will make...