2261To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 November 1824 (Adams Papers)
I delay’d to write you a few lines—to congratulate you cordially on the happy arrival of the 30th of Oct—and join your Relatives and frends in celebrating the anniversary of your 89 Birthday fostering the hope, that before this time I might have Seen a happy desired conclusion in our Legislature—with regard to the Presidential election—But the caucus-cabal thus far disappointed me in my ardent...
2262To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 14 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I am honored by your letters of the 7th and 8th instant. The satisfaction which you are pleased to express at my acceptance of the mission, is the most flattering circumstance of my political concerns. I have taken passage in the ship Union for Rotterdam, & expect to sail in ten days; having notified Mr Pinckney by two vessels which are to sail this day & tomorrow, of this circumstance, & of...
2263To John Adams from John Thaxter, 28 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
At the last Term of the Supreme Judicial Court held at Ipswich came upon Trial the Celebrated Cause of John Murray vs the Inhabitants of Gloucester— (This Murray is known by the Name of Salvation Murray, to contradistinguish him from another of the same Name, who preaches a very opposite Doctrine, and is known by the Name of Damnation Murray.) M r. Murray about a twelvemonth agone brought an...
2264To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 5 March 1792 (Adams Papers)
I am hurt by your unexpected & I think unmerited resentment this morning, for I had not the most distant intention to give offence So many reflections have passed on the expenses of my office, I have redoubled my exertions to keep them as moderate as the nature of business will permit. I did accordingly at the close of the last Session agree with Mr. Heysham to bring up the business of the...
2265To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 28 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
My Commission of Governor of the Territory of the united States north west of the Ohio will expire on the 9th. day of next month. A considerable time ago, I informed the late President that it was my intention to decline being appointed again, which he may probably have communicated to You. Various causes (but particularly a broken Constitution and a broken Fortune, both of them expended in...
2266To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 15 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Sans vouloir rien opposer aux bonnes raisons que vous donnez dans votre faveur du 12e. pour la prompte publication de la Résolution du Congrès, j’aurois voulu au moins avoir pu pourtant la différer d’un ordinaire, pour les raisons que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous dire: et la Copie imprimée que vous avez, eût été un garant suffisant pour la démarche que j’aurois faite, pour vous faire entrer dès à...
2267To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 13 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
When a young man I read Sidney upon government. In one of his Chapters, he agitates the following question—“Whether A civil War, or slavery be the greatest evil” and decides in favor of the Latter. In ing and revolving that Subject in my mind, I have been led to suppose there are evils more afflicting and injurious to a Country than a foreign War. The principal evil of War is death. Now Vice I...
2268To John Adams from Balthasar Elias Abbema, 11 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Je Serois bien flatté, Si j’etois le premier a Vous informer, que les Etats de la Prove. d’Utrecht ont pris hier unanimement la Resolution de concourir avec les Autres Provinces à Votre admission, comme Ministre Plenipot. du Congres des Prov. Unies de l’Amer ique; Je viens d’en recevoir la nouvelle de Mon frere, Membre du Tiers Etat de la dite Province: Je profite toujours de cette occasion...
2269To John Adams from Pseudonym: "An Unfortunate Misled Man", 18 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
There is very generally, so little attention paid to anonymous letters, that I have little to hope; but the present occasion to is so unprecedented, that I cannot avoid giving way to the impulse of the moment, and have therefore acted accordingly. Conscious of the rectitude of my intentions, and convinced that I am barely doing my duty, I feel little repugnance at betraying the horrid designs...
2270To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 14 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
Ce matin le Concert avec la France, et la Mediation ont été résolus aux Etats d’Hollde en même temps. C’est une Singuliere Cuisine qui peut assaisonner, et un singulier Estomac qui peut avaler et digérer des choses si peu compâtibles. La Médiation est acceptée saufs les droits de la rep. à la neutralité armée; selon la resolution, on doit aussi donner connoissance de la Négociation pour la...
2271To John Adams from Daniel Morgan, 23 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
This will be handed to you by Robert Page esquire who succeeds me in Congress for the District composed of Frederick & Berkeley Counties; who I beg leave to introduce to you as a gentleman. He is a man of real information and a great supporter of the happy Government we live under, and I dare say you will find Mr. Page on further acquaintance worthy of your confidence. I hope you continue...
2272To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 21 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
May it not displease yoúr Excellency that by this present we tútch upon the unhappy afair of St. Eústacia, we do realy pity them who will be loosers thereby, as it will be a terrible stroke and rúin many people, thank heaven oúr own loss and that of oúr frinds can not be by farr so great in this moment then it could have been; and we would willingly have sacrificd a múch larger Súmm in Case we...
2273To John Adams from David Sewall, 27 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
It is some time since, I Wrote you, and I some times think I am culpable in not doing it more frequently, But my Apology to my self is, that it operates as a Tax upon your politeness, for a reply,—Be this as it may, you may be assured that seldom a Day passes, but I think of you, and it will afford me real pleasure to hear from you.—This World is yet in a troubled State—and in much confusion...
2274To John Adams from George Washington, 1 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
The letter herewith enclosed from Mr Joel Barlow (though of old date) came to my hands only yesterday.— I have conceived it to be my duty to transmit it to you without delay;—and without a comment;—except that it must have been written with a very good, or a very bad design:—which of the two, you can judge better than I.—For, from the known abilities of that Gentleman, such a letter could not...
2275From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 6 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners of the treasury have given notice to Willincks and Van Staphorsts that they shall not be able to remit them one shilling till the new government gets into action; and that therefore the sole resource for the paiment of the Dutch interest till that period is in the progress of the last loan. Willincks & V.S. reply that there is not the least probability of raising as much on...
2276To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 30 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
We congratulate Your Excellency on the happÿ conclusion of Peace wishing all possible advantage to America wh ch. can proceed of so fortunate an event. in the beginning of this month we had the honour to hand to your Excellencÿ the abstract of His acc t. Curr t. the ballance of wh ch. in our favour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ƒ 4787:11:8. we transferred in new acc...
2277To John Adams from Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, 15 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
Jacta est Alea. We are passing the Rubicon and our Delegates in Congress on the first of July will vote plump. The Bearer is a staunch Whigg and will answer any Questions You may need to ask. Have been very busy here and have stole a Minute from Business to write this. In haste Yours, RC ( Adams Papers ); docketed: “J.D. Sergeant. June 15. 1776.” The die is cast. On 22 June the Third...
2278To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 16 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I yesterday received Dispatches from Congress, refusing for the present, the Dismission I had requested, and ordering me upon an Additional Service, that of being join’d with yourself and Messrs. Jay, H. Lawrence and T. Jefferson, in Negociations for Peace. I would send you a Copy of the Commission, and of another which authorizes us to accept...
2279To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your’s of the 10 th. inst. and am happy to hear of the success of your journey to Amsterdam. there can be no doubt of it’s ratification by Congress. would to heaven they would authorize you to take measures for transferring the debt of this country to Holland before you leave Europe. most especially is it necessary to get rid of the debt to the officers. their...
2280To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Mr Sewell—and my answer, to be forwarded, if it meets with your approbation. I have consulted the heads of Departments on this subject, but the opinions are so various, that I could only write give my own to Mr Sewell. Coll. Pickering thinks the convoy ought to be granted.—But there is scarcely a considerable port in Europe, to which...
2281C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 28 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to answer briefly in poor English, your favour of the 11 th. inst. An Ideot, no.—à Lunatick, may be for what I know.— With me, and other plain people, the character is that of a bad man, near to become a Madman by disappointment. I am not misinformed, concerning the pretended principle and motive of a certain metaphysical Distinction. The nonsense I told you has been really alledged...
2282To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 22 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
The above of the 2nd. Oct. via Portsmouth by the Dutchess of Grammount Capt. Poidras. This is only to inclose a Letter for my Son, which I beg the delivery of, and to inform you of the Arrival of the Ships, Providence, Boston and Ranger at Portsmouth the 17th. Instant. The dispatches for Congress &c. are all forwarded as directed. Those Ships have Captured only Three small Prizes since they...
2283To John Adams from Daniel Eldridge Updike, 1 August 1806 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday the Schooner Ocean Capt: Richard Barney Arrived at this Port from Barbadoes via Turks Island, in which Vessel came passenger Doctr. John Kean of Philadelphia, late Surgeon of the Ship Leander, formerly commanded by Capt. Lewis of New York, Doctor Kean informs me that on the 20th of last June he left the Son of Collo. Smith of New York on board the Leander with General Miranda at...
2284To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 22 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am thankful for your favor and its inclosure of the 15th Instant. I hope my parcells go regularly for I never omit to put them in the common conveyance. Let me know if the present rupture will make any alteration. When you write Mr. W.S.C. you are requested not to direct but only mark the letter thus X on the seal part, and put it under a Cover directed to Mr. Stockdale Bookseller Piccadilly...
2285To John Adams from James McHenry, 15 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your letters of the 3d 4th and 5th of this month. It is somewhat difficult, I imagine to please the governor of Georgia. I thought I had been attentive both to himself and the State. There has been ordered to Georgia, on the 3d. of May 2 brass 6 pounders; 2 brass 3 pounders with carriages and impliments & 4 Iron 24 pounders with a sufficient quantity of...
2286To John Adams from James Lloyd, 15 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
J. Lloyd has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter of Mr Adams, numbered two, under date of the 6th. curt.— —The justification of the missions to France noticed in that letter Mr Lloyd has not read, but will Shortly advert to them with equal readiness and partiality.— —In a “field of controversy” with Mr Adams, it was not, nor is it now his design to enter—when putting on the...
2287To John Adams from Herman van Bracht, 26 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
Het is nu omtrent een Jaar geleden dat de Heer Dana de beleestheid had, om aan myne nieuwsgierigheid te voldoen, my uit Parys toetezende de fransche uitgave, der verzamelde constitutien van de Amerikaansche staten: Eenige vrienden nevens my, alle hoogagters van en welwenschers aan die volken, vonden goet dat dat werkje vertaald wierd, op dat alle nederlanderen zoude kunnen weten op wat...
2288To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 7 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
The warm season has come again and delightful as it is to me, is no doubt also very acceptable to you, Sir. The prevailing rule I believe, is a moderate heat, and one which is perhaps better adapted to afford ease to you than extremes either way. My attachment to warm weather excludes any idea of a medium or rather of what is commonly called so. And it is for this reason that I prefer the...
2289To John Adams from Jabez Bowen, 31 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
By the operation of the Commercial Regulations of the United States, those that have been friends, and for adopting the New Constitution in this State, are like to be exceedingly oppressed as well as Mortify’d. your Laws say that the productions & Manufactures of the Country shall be imported Duty Free by this the Farmers (who compose the Anti federal party) are highly favour’d, the Collecter...
2290To John Adams from Gabriel Johonnot, 8 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I Received your letter by the Frigate Alliance bearing date the 23d. Feby. last, Inclosing an Account of my son’s Expences, on his Journey from Ferrol in Spain to Paris, and feel myself not a little Affected, that you should Intimate the most distant Idea, of the Necessity of a Voucher for your Account. I could wish to be held in that view with you Sir, that not only every Expence you may be...
2291To John Adams from David Sewall, 26 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your first query, how do you do? altho’ I may not with propriety reply “ Athletice, prancratise, Valeo , ” Yet thro the smiles of a kind providence, I am free from pain or anxiety of Body or Mind, respecting the things of this life or a future—I have food and raiment convenient, and in a quiet contented frame of Mind perhaps in as much, or more so: than at any former period of my...
2292To John Adams from Moses Gill, 1 July 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am Now Acompanyg Genl. Washington and Lee from Springfield to the Camp—having been appointed by Congress with Doctr. Church to proceed to Springfield and Acompany them to the Camp aforesaid. We Meet them at Spring, lodged last Night at Brookfield and are now under the Escort of the Troop of Horse which is to Continue till we arive at Worcester—where we are to be received by an Other Troop...
2293To John Adams from Jan Willink, 10 May 1793 (Adams Papers)
We had the pleasure to address you the 22 Ulto. advising the purchase of an obligation of 4 per Ct. for the premium drawn on yr. obligation, we have now before us your esteemed favor of 1 March by whch. you desire to have the Amount forwarded in gold or Spanish dolls to Boston, with the discount of the coupons you enclose 22 instead of 21 as you mention of 50.ƒ and 20 of 40ƒ each. we shall...
2294From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 24 May 1823 (Adams Papers)
As I feel very much concerned for your dissmission from College my Dear John lest you should have some debts that may embarrass you I beg you me immediately that I may find some plan if possible to extricate you from your most pressing difficulties without disguising in the least the real state of things—My means are very small but perhaps I may find some medium which may enable me to settle...
2295To John Adams from Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 4 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
The opportunity, by which we take the Liberty to write your Excellency these few lines, is, that we’ve seen a Letter from London by the last mail, where in the writer assures that it was decided the 23 Septr. in the Kings Councel, by a unamity of all the Ministers, to declare the Independency of the United States in America, and that the Act, passed under the great Seal, should immediately be...
2296To John Adams from Humanity, 23 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Whot doth thee thenk of thes trubelsom tiems. Is thar not a caus—ye sin no dout is the caus—but among the many sins that might be named I would naem on and that is slaves keepen. Whot has the negros the afracons don to us that we shuld tak tham from thar own land and mak tham sarve us to the da of thar deth. Ar tha not the work of gods hand. Has tha not immortel soles. Ar we not the sons of on...
2297To John Adams from the President of the Congress, 20 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit you herewith enclosed Two Commissions wherein you are Authorized and appointed Minister Plenipotentiary from these United States to Negotiate Treaties of Peace and Commerce with Great Brittain; Accompanied with instructions in each Case, for your government in the Execution of those Several Commissions. For your further Information and benefit, are enclosed Copies...
2298To John Adams from James Madison, 3 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have been induced to this delay in acknowledging your letter of the 23d, inclosing one to you from Mr. Belknap of the 2d. Ulto. by a desire to obtain from my memory all the information it might have ever possessed in relation to the error in Docr. Kippis’ life of Capt: Cook. I was not a member of Congress till March 1780. It is probable therefore that, if his directions to American...
2299To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Upon the receipt of your letter inclosing the letter and deposition of Capt. Ebenr. Giles of Beverly, I turned to some communications I had some time before received from Captain Truxtun, in which he had, and I still think justly, ascribed the beating given to Giles on board the British frigate Daphne, to his own extremely improper and insolent behaviour. This I think will appear from the...
2300From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 15 November 1819 (Adams Papers)
I should sooner have answered your Letter my Son had I not expected to hear that you had received Booth’s Journal the first Number of which was sent to you last Month its he is an object of great respect and attention to our little family here the neglect and coldness with which you appear to treat his literary production has been cause of offence to all and he has determined to retaliate by...
2301To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 8 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to advise you of my arrival to this City on thursday last; the important news from Europe, furnished us on that day, by an Arrival from France, you have e’re this received The inclosed containing the Speech of Governor Jay to our Legislature I have taken the Liberty to transmit for your perusal; from the choice of the Council of appointment, We are made happy in the overthrow,...
2302From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 25 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
You will find enclosed your account, which I take the liberty to send, lest by not adverting to the state of it, some inconvenience might insue. You are I presume aware, that Mr. Clinton is to be your Competitor at the next election. I trust he could not have succeeded in any event, but the issue of his late election will not help his cause. Alas! Alas! If you have seen some of the last...
2303To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 21 May 1793 (Adams Papers)
I am obliged for your favor covering the Clerks accounts. The affairs of Europe are changed since the last autumn and indeed are daily assumg a new face. Tis generally supposed that Dumorier is filed off, whether with or without an army is not yet ascertained. The next Ship from England, and must bring important accounts. We are disturbed here with the bickerings of French and English Sailors...
2304To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 6 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
The time which has intervened between the receipt of your favor, covering D’Ivernois’ letter, and this answer, needs apology, but this will be found in the state of the case. I had received from him a letter similar to that you inclosed. as the adoption of his plan depended on our legislature, and it was then in session, I immediately inclosed it to a member with a request that he would sound...
2305To John Adams from William Crane, 7 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
In the name of the Regiment of Militia of the Borough of Elizabeth, in the County of Essex, and State of New Jersey, consisting of a company of Light Horse, a company of Artillery, a company of Grenadiers, a company of Light Infantry, all completely equipped and uniformed, and eight companies of Infantry this day assembled under my command agreably to Law, for the purpose of improving...
2306To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 16 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
Among the many Congratulations that will be presented to You, on your being elected to the high & important Office of President of the United States, permit me to present mine—I pray You not to accept them as offered to the Shrine of Power only, but as proceeding from the Heart of Friendship& the Soul of unfeigned regards— While our Country shall thus express their Gratitude to, and Confidence...
2307Abigail Smith to John Adams, 9 May 1764 (Adams Papers)
Welcome, Welcome thrice welcome is Lysander to Braintree, but ten times more so would he be at Weymouth, whither you are afraid to come.—Once it was not so. May not I come and see you, at least look thro a window at you? Should you not be glad to see your Diana? I flatter myself you would. Your Brother brought your Letter, tho he did not let me see him, deliverd it the Doctor from whom...
2308To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a Letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 19th. instant, and submit it as my opinion, that the proposals of Mr. Martin Lincoln, for erecting a Light House on Gayhead, are reasonable, and that it is expedient to authorize a Contract conformably thereto. The Act of Massachusetts requires, that the lands which may be designated as the scite, and for the...
2309To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 5 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
I return you my sincere thanks, Sir, for the petition from the City of Bristol in 1775, which I have found here on my return from Holland in the letter you did me the honor to write me the 29 th. of December. It will be of great service to prove, that the conduct of our Countrimen has been & is continually misrepresented. The petition, memorial, or address to the King, or some body else from...
2310To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 22 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I could not return You the Papers, which Mr. Thaxter was so obliging as to deliver us early this morning, without giving You my best and sincerest thanks for the attention, You had in communicating to us so fresh and so important an intelligence. Our love for truth and liberty induced us, from the very beginning of the American Contest, the first (I dare say) amongst the European News-Writers,...