51To John Adams from William Gordon, 28 June–2 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
Should you find in this ms a deal of the caput mortuum don’t wonder, for the weather is & has been very hot for several days. The last wednesday the house opposite to the old brick was so violently hot, that in their zeal against the absentees they broke the good frame of government you had a hand in erecting. The brains were for providing that persons taken up as such, should have a trial by...
52To John Adams from Harry Innes, 30 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
Pardon me if my zeal for the public good hath induced an address to you in your official capacity different from the common rotine of business; yet sir when you reflect on both the importance & delicacy of the subject, I trust this deviation will be excused as I would not be willing to commit myself upon the occasion to any other person except yourself. Thro’ the medium of a correspondence...
53To John Adams from Samuel Purviance Jr., 18 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
I hope youle excuse the Liberty of this Adress from a Stranger, which I presume to take on the Strength of my Brothers Acquaintance with you, And he at present is from home. The Bearer John Sterrit Esqr. my good Freind and Neighbor is Jointly with myself and some other Freinds Interested in the Privateer Enterprize of this Port, Capt. Campbel, who has sent in a Valuable Prize to Dartmouth in...
54To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am this Day honored with your two letters of the 19th. Inst. the contents of which shall be strictly attended to. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir Yr most / Obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
55To John Adams from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 14 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the death of Colo. Innes it is probable that a variety of characters will receive recommendations to you to obtain an appointment so respectable & important as that which is now vacant by his decease. I have seen the name of Colo. William Davies mentioned with particular respect as being every way qualified to fill that office with advantage to his country; &, indeed, as...
56To John Adams from Jonathan Jackson, 10 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your Letter from Paris of the 18 th. March just before I embarked from Ireland for America— but had not the pleasure till my Arrival here of being informed that you were appointed Minister to the Court of London where we are told that you are removed with your Family & where I expect this to meet you Since my Arrival which was in May I have postponed writing to...
57Abigail Adams to John Adams, 4 May 1775 (Adams Papers)
I have but little news to write you. Every thing of that kind you will learn by a more accurate hand than mine; things remain much in the same situation here that they were when you went away, there has been no Desent upon the sea coast. Guards are regularily kept, and people seem more settled, and are returning to their husbandry.—I feel somewhat lonesome. Mr. Thaxter is gone home, Mr. Rice...
58To John Adams from Rufus King, 28 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I avail myself of the opportunity of a vessel about sailing from Hull for Boston, to say that a Danish frigate with a small number of ships under her convoy, having resisted a search attempted by a squadron of British frigates, has together with the merchant ships been captured and sent into an English Port. Several persons on each side were killed in the action between the frigates. If...
59From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 18 July 1823 (Adams Papers)
I cannot imagine my Dear John what can be the reason of your not writing to me. You used to be a very regular correspondent, but I suppose the Ladies have such demands on your time you have none to bestow on your poor Mother. We are very happy to learn from Mr Pomeroy, that your Grandfather is so entirely recovered he tells us the old Gentleman has not looked so well this two years as he does...
60Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 20 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am told that a Vessell will this Day sail for Holland. I know not how to neglect so fair an Opportunity of Writing, convinced that a Line from your Friend will be acceptable, if it be only to inform you that we have an Existence in America as an indepen den t Nation, that our Commonwealth lives, that our annual Election is Compleated, the Legislative and executive Bodies organized, That our...
61To John Adams from William Cunningham, 14 June 1809 (Adams Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 7th. inst. After telling me that the employment of your thoughts upon your public essays precludes your attention, for the present, to my letters, I should be bereft of apology for filling again a whole sheet, if you had not also said that you are in no apprehension of being inundated. Amidst the heaviest outpouring which may be supposed to be congregating in...
62To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of September 14—No person can more sincerely commisserate the situation of Mr Jarvis and his family than I do—and I am certain that the Comptroller who has directed the proceedings for the recovery of the debt due to the United States has been influenced by the same feelings—It is now about three years since Mr Jarvis was removed from Office and not...
63To John Adams from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 16 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am informed that the students of this College, seized with the general spirit that is pervading the country, have presumed to offer you their address on the present state of public affairs. As this measure has been entirely planned & executed without the privity, or participation of any of the Masters of the College, I fear it must be at least imperfectly, perhaps, imprudently executed—Most...
64Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 10 December 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of Nov. 23. the banks, bankrupt law, manufactures, Spanish treaty are nothing. these are th occurrences which like waves in a storm will pass under the ship. but the Missouri question is a breaker on which we lose the Missouri country by revolt, & what more, God only knows. from the battle of Bunker’s hill to the treaty of
65From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 10 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society I have received a Letter from a very respectable Person in America, containing the following Words, Viz “It is confidently reported, propagated, and believed by some among us, that the Court of France was at bottom against our obtaining the Fishery and Territory in that great Extent in which both are secured to us by the Treaty; that our Minister at that...
66To 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...
67To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
As I consider the Appointment of a Judge, for the fifth Circuit, of very great Importance to the Public, and to the judiciary Department, I take the Liberty to recommend to your Excellency Philip Barton Key Esqr.—I know no Gentleman, in this State (who will accept) better qualified, in every Respect, to discharge the Duties of the Office; and I am well assured, that only Want of Health, of...
68To John Adams from Edward Hill, 4 September 1774 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you a fortnight ago by Mr. Sullivan, since which almost every day has produced some new matter of joy to the friends of Liberty. The proceedings of the people at Salem Cambridge and other places —the resignation of many of the new Councillors—the behaviour of both juries at the Superior Court held here the last week; are some of the most important. I had proposed to send you a very...
69To John Adams from James McHenry, 16 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment received the inclosed letter and list of persons proposed for military appointments from Major General Pinckney, and take the liberty to request, if the names should be approved of that it may be returned as soon as convenient, with authority to announce to the persons therein named their appointments and to make alterations therein should any intervening information or...
70To John Adams from James McHenry, 2 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am informed that Tench Frances Eqr Purveyor of public supplies, died last night; This event creates a vacancy in an important office, which the necessities of the service, require, should be filled with as little delay as possible. Permit me respectfully to present to you, the name of Mr. Jonathan Williams as a successor to this office. He is a gentleman of intelligence, activity, experience...
71To John Adams from John Jay, 10 January 1792 (Adams Papers)
I cannot easily tell you how much I am pleased & obliged by your friendly Letter of the 4th. Instant:—were I to pursue my Inclinations, I should without Hesitation accept your kind Invitation—but our Inclinations even in things innocent must not always be gratified. my Visits to Philadelphia have ceased to be occasional, or I should certainly avail myself of those opportunities which your...
72To John Adams from Captain Ryk, 2 September 1825 (Adams Papers)
Captain Ryk takes his leave and presents the Expression of his Veneration to His Excellency President Adams. Among all the pleasant recollections his stay in Boston never will fail to give him. certainly he allways will remember with the greatest interest that he had the honour to be introduced to the Veteran of the American liberty, ones the first Magistrate now the father of the first...
73Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 9 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Adams not knowing of this Opportunity by Mr. Sears and Capt. Cheevers, who are going in a Dutch ship, who probably may call on you as the ship is designed to touch at Bourdeaux. I wrote you by a Vessell of my Own a few days since by the way of Cadiz, I then wrote you I had received a Trunk by Capt. Tucker, for Mrs. Adams, in good order. You will doubtless have heard by the packet Count...
74To John Adams from William Gordon, 13 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Yours by your son was a very agreeable letter. I rec d it last wednesday while at the President’s, where I had the pleasure of viewing your living picture. You have confirmed me in my suspicion, that tho’ there were many pictures abroad there was little likeness. I shall do my best, & it may be well for one who is not a writer of the first talents, nor been employed thirty years in making my...
75To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 30 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President of the United States, the following report upon the petition of Slocum Fowler.— The petitioner states that at the last February term of the District Court for the District of Rhode Island, judgment was recovered against him in favour of the United States, for the sum of four hundred dollars, being a penalty incurred by him in...
76To John Adams from the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, 23 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Vous Sçavez, notre Cher Monsieur, que l’interest de l’amerique a toujours été le notre; nous n’avons jamais perdu de vue cet heureux pais depuis la glorieuse époque de sa revolution, le premier motif de ce Sentiment est la justice que la nature reclame Contre l’oppression et la tirannèe. Nous ne voyions que des hommes malheureux. Des hommes libres qu’en vouloit soumettre à la honte de...
77To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 October 1821 (Adams Papers)
Although I did not hear from Montezillo—Since your very affectionate Letter of 30 May—except by our friend Tyng, on 27 July—I am confident, that I can not be forgotten—and Supposed, that health and contentment must have remained your familys Share, increased yet by the presence of the Secretary of State, and the distinguished progress of your grandson—yet these pleasing contemplations were...
78To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury in Obedience to the command of the President of the United States respectfully submits the following Report. That the facts stated in the petitions of Robert Wanton herewith transmitted, praying for the pardon of an offence committed by him against the Revenue Laws of the United States are verefied by the Letter of the Collector for the District of Boston and...
79To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 13 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter with pleasure, and read it with high satisfaction. You have paid the highest compliment on the President’s Message or rather, Elogium, that I have yet seen, or have ever heard of—Our proud federalists however are displeased & mortified that he did not tell the whole world, how grand, how rich, how powerful, how gifted & how virtuous they in Boston are above all other...
80To John Adams from James Warren, 1 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
An Event has lately taken place here, which makes much Noise, and gives me much Uneasiness not only as it Affects the Character, and may prove the ruin of a Man who I used to have a Tolerable Opinion of, but as it may be the Cause of many suspicions and Jealousies and what is still worse, have a Tendency to discredit the Recommendations of my Friends at the Congress. Dr. C——h has been detected...
81To John Adams from James Francis Armstrong, 2 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Armstrong wishes to insinuate to the President of the United States his wish to know whether the President proposes to communicate with our Church tomorrow as we expect the administration of the Lord’s Supper then by Dr. Woodhull—The Communicants sit with us not at a common Table, but in the Pews around the Pulpit—mine in which the President sat last Sabbath week is one, which I wish he...
82To John Adams from William McCarty, 15 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
Having been taken the 25th. January last, in the Brig Active, on my passage from Philadelphia to L’Orient and Carry’d into England, The British took from me, all my private paper’s and Bills of Exchange, among which were several setts, drawn by Congress, on Holland; Colo. Palfrey in the Shelaly, who had the Seconds, not being arrived, leaves me without any to Present untill I can receive the...
83To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 17 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
After the letter we had the honour of writing to your Excellency having got a Conversation about the Prospectus of the Loan, we think it would be more easy and convenient for yr. Excellency, to pass five Bonds, each of one Million of Guilders in our favour, authorising and empowering us to divide them in Bonds of thousand Guilders each, under our hands, which Should be Saving a good deal of...
84To John Adams from Richard Rush, 24 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have given the above extract exactly as I find it in a book of my venerated parent that I have just been reading, and which is full of interesting anecdote. I avow it in part as my motive, that I may ask you what toast you would give now if I had the happiness of being in your company at Quincy. That we shall have to fight longer is, as I intimated to you a few days ago, highly probable. The...
85To John Adams from James Warren, 5 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Inclosed Letter was sealed to go by the last Post, but I Unluckily missed it. I have now An Opportunity to Inclose one from Braintree. Doctr. Church is Arrived here. Is not your resolve relative to him somewhat Extraordinary. I fear the People will kill him if at large. The Night before last he went to Lodge at Waltham was saved by the Interposition of the selectmen but by Jumping out of A...
86To 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...
87To John Adams from David Campbell, 2 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
With this letter you will receive an Address from part of the Citizens of the State of Tennessee, under my signature. I being appointed by a very respectable body of people to draw up, and forward the same, it becomes my Duty to transmit it to your Excellency. I have the honour to be with very / great Respect / Your Excellency’s / Most Obt. Hbl. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
88To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 15 January 1812 (Adams Papers)
“Arma, Cestusque”, parmamque “repono,” upon the offensive subject of one of my late letters to you.— I sincerely rejoice in the successful issue of the operation upon Mrs Smith’s breast. I would reciprocate your expressions of pleasure upon the appearances of a recussitation of the Spirit of 177 4 at Washington did I believe they would terminate in any thing but in upon Speeches, Embassies...
89To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 17 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
V. E. Verra par les copies ci-jointes, qu’il ne s’est agi que de rendre à ces Messieurs d’Amsterdam un service, qu’ils me demandoient instam̃ent, & auquel j’ai cru, & devois croire, ne pouvoir honnêtement me soustraire, quand même vous ne m’auriez pas recom̃andé le soin de vos Livres: ce qu’ils ignoroient quand ils m’écrivirent la premiere de ces Lettres. Je viens de recevoir l’honorée vôtre du...
90Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have not any Letter from you of a later date than the 9th; you was then unwell. I have one from william of the 12th. as he does not mention your being still indisposed I hope it was only occasiond by the Thaw, and the close air of the Theatre. I have myself been confined for a week, but got down stairs yesterday, and hope I have parted with some of my bad humours , by the application of...
91To John Adams from Richard Rush, 31 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
In further answer to your favor of the 20th of last month, I beg leave to say, that I have just returned from the visit I talked of making to Philadelphia. I find it to be as decidedly the opinion of my mother and brothers, as I confess it was my own, that my fathers letters should not be given up for the press. If, therefore, you should write to Doctor Mease, may we venture to ask it of your...
92To John Adams from James R. Willson, 25 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
An offective son, & one of the children of the church presumes to address you an epistle. I long admired your measures in preparing to expend this nation in time of peace, & thus prevent war from spreding ruin over the land. Now all the nation is convinced of the propriety of your measures respecting the navy & impropriety of the measures of your successors. Our navy has done wonders. God...
93John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 3 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Church proposes to embark on board the british Packet, which is to sail to-morrow. He has offered to take my Letters, and I suppose, he will be the bearer of dispatches from Congress.—Our Passage, though it was not a stormy one, was very tedious. Of eight weeks, that we were at Sea, we had at least four of such calm weather as not to proceed more than 8 or 10 leagues a day. As we were...
94To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 24 October 1821 (Adams Papers)
Several times since my return home, I have thought it wd be proper to write you on the subject of the Conversation that took place at your table as both business, & a certain reluctance to resume the subject, have prevented me from enacting this purpose.—Further reflexion has convinced me that justice to myself and to the cause of truth, imposes a duty on me, to vindicate the Olive Branch &...
95To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 5 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
By the inclosed letter of July 30 from Mr. King, it seems that the King of Denmark intends to name a Consul to reside in the United States; but desires first to know whether it will be agreeable to the American Government. With your permission I will communicate to Mr. King the requested assurance that such an appointment will meet your approbation. The inclosed letter of Sept. 6th from...
96Jonathan Jackson to John Adams, 27 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
To the care of Doct r Parker who I am told will be a safe conveyance, & who has promised to deliver ’em himself, I inclose you two Letters from America—one of which particularly from M r S Adams I was desired to keep ’till I could see you or trust it only in safe hands—the other is from M r Dalton— I heard upon my first arrival in Ireland which was in Feb y that you were in England, & hoped to...
97Abigail Adams to John Adams, 17 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
I received your two kind favours last Evening of march 2 d & 8 th . the seasons I belive have been very near alike both here and with you. we have had several days of warm & muggy weather, the Ground thawing the slug & miller very industerous, and as the Scripture assures us that tis Lawfull to do good upon the Sabbeth, my people are employd in Annoying these destructive Enemies, who make not...
98To John Adams from John Williams, 17 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letter will be handed to you by Mr. Van Flick, as the Bearer alluded to in the Letter has been taken Sick, but as Mr. Van Flick is an intimate Acquaintance & Friend of mine, & his; you may confide to him any Thing you please for the assistance of the unfortunate Person, who was to be the Bearer of the inclosed Letter, and please to excuse my Freedom in applying to you, for to...
99To John Adams from David Hosack, 29 September 1824 (Adams Papers)
You are respectfully informed, that at a meeting of the NEW-YORK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, held on the 31st day of August 1824, you were elected an HONORARY MEMBER. By order of the Society, MHi : Adams Papers.
100To John Adams from Thomas Wren, 22 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
At the request of Sir John Carter, I take the liberty to inform your Excellency, that Rob t. Muir, detained in our goal, having lived upon his own money till about a week ago, is now according to the custom of the goal allowed 3 d. per day which is paid by the parish. But the parish officers object somewhat to the making this allowance, as this man’s offence, they say, does not principally...