1To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 7 January 1790 (Adams Papers)
Long before I read your Excell̃: defence of the Constitutions &c I saw their Criticism bÿ the Reviewers, which enlarged my desire of perusing itself, flattering mÿ with the idea, that I should acquire a fair opportunity of Sending Some Strictures upon it to Mr. Adams; because the first announcing a fear of a to ardent Love for Democracÿ, and the following declaration, that those fears were...
2To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 17 March 1790 (Adams Papers)
After your Excellency’s advice, for which I am much obliged, I wrote, by this Sloop to his Excellencÿ the President, State the affair, and requested his interference, so far, as He maÿ think proper, and I flatter mÿself, that it wil be promoted bÿ you in the Same manner. But this occasion Sir! is to favourable, not to make use of it in enlarging—for a moment upon a particular article of your...
3To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 June 1790 (Adams Papers)
Your Excellencÿ’s favour of March 27. I received the 17̈ apr.—and was it not for a particularity attending this Letter, I would not so soon have troubled you with these. Your Superscrbed the cover with your name, joining to it, Free — this word together with your name was erased, and in their place put none free — Is this a consequence of the new regulations of the Post-office? With regard to...
You, who are acquainted with mÿ character, cannot favour the opinion, that I should have forgotten, the different and conspicuous marks of favour friendship and confidence, bestowed upon me since manÿ years, or be indifferent about it, how inconsiderable the sentiments of a forgotten farmer should seem to anÿ other man in your elevated station. I know, your Excellency is it not, and it is upon...
5To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 August 1793 (Adams Papers)
Though I can not find a pretext, valid enough to exculpate me, in interrupting your Excellency’s serious occupations, however I am inclined to believe, that ÿou will excuse it after a silence of seven months, in the persuasion, that a due sense, of what everÿ American owes to your merits and character, with which since more than a dozen years I have been acquainted, being a witness of a great...
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...
I hope not, that I shall be importune in writing again; it is my anxious concern for America’s prosperity which prompts me to it—though I flatter myself, that the wisdom and Integritÿ of the majority of Both houses maÿ preserve us be the blessings of Peace, however I cannot set aside a Suspicion, that too manÿ are entangled bÿ the intrigues of European Emissaries, whose boasted love for the...
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...
9To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 28 August 1794 (Adams Papers)
Confiding that mÿ moving to the western Parts, and arrival there Shall be by your Excellency a Sufficient plea for the excuse of this Letter, being unable to give a more valid, I am So free to renew for a few moments the remembrance of him whom you honour’d to this time with your esteem. The Situation here is delightful—the Soil rich enough—and my Seat in particular would admit everÿ...
10To 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...