271To John Adams from Littleton Dennis Teackle, 4 February 1823 (Adams Papers)
As Chairman of the Committee of Public Instruction, I take the liberty of transmitting a Bill reported for that purpose, and beg the favor of your views upon the System proposed, and that you will be pleased to note its defects, and to suggest Amendments. Presuming upon a knowledge of your liberal, and Philanthropick disposition, I venture to essay this claim upon your time, and attention— I...
272To John Adams from Henry J. Oliver, 31 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty of forwarding to you per the same mail, which conveys this, a pamphlet on the subject of Religious Association, both as it involves the prosperity of the religious community and as it regards those poor in large places, who have too long been neglected and have, of late in this city, elicited much of the public feeling in their behalf— The remarks must not be read with any...
273To John Adams from Thomas Herttell, 30 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
Accompanying this you will receive a Pamphlet entitled “Remarks on the law of Imprissonment for debt, shewing its Unconstitutionallity and its demoralizing influence on the Community.” I am under an impression, that compliments of books and Pamphlets have been obtruded and heaped upon you to an oppressive extent, and many times with a view to draw from you complimentory letters, some of which...
274To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 30 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
30th: January—Mr A & the boys dined at Mrs Decaturs & met us at Mr Cannings They found Mrs Decatur was very affable & agreeable & they were much delighted with their entertainment—The balls at this house are always elegant but there is still something flatt & stiff resulting from the knowledge of the Masters rigid love of ettiquette & ceremony—Beauty always appears to advantage here— 31st:...
275To 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...
276To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 27 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
At length I have the pleasure to send you a copy of my life of James Otis . I can hardly express to you the various emotions that arise in thus presenting you with a volume which may be entirely attributed to you, which in almost every page relies upon your authority, and which affords so many proofs of of your kind communications to me. Often as your name appears, I have had some difficulty...
277To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 22 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
22d The day was very unpleasant and I remained at home until the Evening when we went to the Drawing Room notwithstanding that it poured with rain. To our great surprize however we found a number of Ladies and Gentlemen and quite a sociable Party. We remained there about an hour and were rejoiced to get safe home. The young men went to the Circus to see the wonderful Rider who has just...
278To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 January 1823 to 20 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
1st January. If the weather to day is ominous of the storms of the ensuing year we must not expect much quiet—Let it come—I will not flinch be the end what it may—We went to the Presidents where we found a much larger party assembled than would have been expected considering the difficulties attendant on a sortie in such an inclement day—The Corps diplomatique paid their usual compliment and...
279To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
So much time has elapsed, Since I was delighted with the interesting affectionate Letter, which I received last Summer from Mrs Quincy—Since which I obtained not one Single line from Massachusetts, that I cannot express the delightful Surprise when I did See myself favoured with a fresh proof of your frendship in your Letter of the 5th inst. Yes, my Dear Friend! this Letter was as warm as...
280To John Adams from A. Stanton, 12 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
I take the Liberty of Sending my little work to the Nestor of the united States, who more fortunate than he of ancient times, has a Son Who So honorably fulfills the place of a Ulisses. I have the honor to be / Venerable Sir / your most humble / and obedient Servant DNA : RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.
281To John Adams from Timothy M. Cooley, 9 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
Permit the undersigned most respectfully to inform you that a Gentleman in our vicinity has made a donation to establish a Library for the benefit of the youth in this Village and as an appendage to a Classical School established here; and we have also been gratified gratuitously by several Authors and Editors of periodical publications with their several productions— We now Sir have presumed...
282To John Adams from Daniel Coney, 7 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
This morning at Sunrise the Thermometer indicated the cold 12° below Zero.—contemplating before I rose from my bed, It occured to me how does Presdt. Adams in his old age get on this cold weather; concluded to write a few lines, if able, & respectfully ask him “how do you do”—I will say nothing about Theology Am reading Dr Bancrofts 29 Sermons printed at Worcester 1822—I will say nothing of...
283To John Adams from Aaron Bancroft, 31 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
Knowing your intimate acquaintance with subjects of divinity, and believing that no individual has a more correct knowledge of the history of theology in our country than yourself, I presume to offer to your acceptance a volume of sermons. I present them, not on account of their worth, but as a token of personal respect. Fervently praying that you may on earth enjoy the consolations & comforts...
284To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 26 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
It was Not my intention to have troubled you again very soon—but an incident has occured which has made it necessary. The day after I wrote my last letter to you, requesting permission to publish yr. letter The Honbl Secy. Yates called on me & requested I wou’d submit yr. letter to immediate publication, inasmuch as he had taken the liberty to publish yours (to appear the insuing day) to him....
285To John Adams from John V. N. Yates, 24 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
A communication from a source so respectable a source , containing sentiments so worthy of the occasion, and so honorable to the Writer, cannot be passed over in Silence—We rejoice that every great and good man feels deeply interested for the suffering greeks—We rejoice that the Venerable Patriots and Statesmen of America who Knew and felt the Perils of our own struggle for freedom can...
286To John Adams from John V. N. Yates, 23 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
Your much esteemed favor was received a few days since, and I could not deny myself the pleasure of sending it to the press, though at the risk of being charged with Egotism —But the desire of the Publick is so strong to see every thing that falls from the pen of one of our earliest & most distinguished Statesmen and patriots, that I yielded to the wish of several of my friends in making it...
287To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 17 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have rec’d your friendly favr. of the 10th. Inst. I took the liberty to shew your letter to Secy. Yates the Great Orator & permitted him to take a copy to transmit to his friend Mr. Van Der Kemp. I hope I have not transgressed. By last mail I transmitted to you in conformity to your request, Robt. Troup’s pam Letter on New York Canals addressed to Brockholn Livingston. I presume you know the...
288To John Adams from Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 15 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
My Grandfather informs me that you have expressed a wish to hear from him through my means, since he is deprived of the power of writing to you himself by the accident which has disabled one of his wrists. this accident was much less serious than might have been apprehended from the circumstances under which it took place. the fall was to the ground from a terrace about three feet high; my...
289To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 14 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
& Miss Mason Capt & Mrs. Crane Mr. Kerby with several others Members of Congress—Mr. Petry came in the Eveng. and talked freely of the Bonaparté family He told me that while he was in Poland Napoleon was very much attached to a beautiful Polish Lady and that he (N.) rode fifteen miles every night during a fortnight at the risk of his life through the enemies Country to visit her—He likewise...
290To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 14 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
14th December. We were all so exhausted that we determined to keep quiet all day at home. Received a Note from a Milliner requesting I would go and look at his things, this is a thing which has happened several times—Am I so much in vogue? I am solicited to take great care of myself this Winter and not to get sick, Are People afraid of closed doors again? What a hollow hearted World How much I...
291To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 12 December 1822 to 13 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
12. December Mrs Frye called today to see me and I went with her to the Kings Picture Gallery and appointed Monday for her to sit to him—Her husband has one of the vilest things I ever saw which was taken by some miserable dauber —it is not fit to adorn a sign post—Had 21 visits and went out to see Mrs Calhoun Mrs Findlay, & Mrs Ingham—The former is a respectable looking elderly Lady the...
292From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 12 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have written to my brother this day, informing him that I have consented that you and Charles should leave Cambridge, for your journey hither on the 23d. of this month, and requesting him to furnish each of you with 80 dollars, for the expenses of your Journey; an account of which expenses you will each of you keep to be exhibited to me. Take good care of yourselves on the road—We shall all...
293To John Adams from Henry Colman, 9 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
Herewith are enclosed the two letters of Mr Jefferson, which you were kind enough to entrust to my care—I expected the pleasure before this of returning them in person which has been the reason of the delay. I regret that I cannot immediately avail myself of that privilege and gratification.— The letter of June 1. with the reply to it was published in the Christian Register, a copy of which...
294To John Adams from Stebbins Gorham, 4 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
I handed a Subscription Paper, in at your door the other day, together with a communication, humbly to solicit aid for a large School on the Island of Nantucket for the benefit of the poor,—and not recieving any information from you, sir, on the subject, I take the liberty to write to you, lest you might have forgotten to send me the subscription paper, for which I am waiting.—It is needless...
295To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 4 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice to notice by the public papers that you not only live, but that it is evident from yr. interesting letter to Ar. Coffin—that Providence Continues to bless you with an unimpaird intelect. I rejoice Sir to find a motive to address you once more. We have corresponded upwards of 40 years on various Subjects. The object of the present letter is to inclose to you a letter from Mr A...
296To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 3 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
Decbr. 3 A Snow Storm—No visitors—In the evening a small party in consequence of the extreme severity of the weather—It was however tolerably pleasant—Dr. & Mrs. Thornton Mrs Key Mr & Miss Tayloe, Mr Mrs. & Miss Pleasanton, Major and Miss Selden, Dr Wrightman, Miss Hanson, Miss Aldrich Miss Forrest, Judge McLean, Mr Cook of Illinois Mr. Rhea, Mr Lear Mr. Coxe Mr. Elgar and Dr. Huntt with the...
297To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
1 December 1822 This day being in tolerable health I renew my journal with the intention to pursue it through the Winter This Winter in consequence of the intriguing for the Presidency will be such an one as will furnish sufficient incident to make it interesting—As however I collect most of the news from mere publick rumour I do not vouch for the truth of it and it will of course be subject...
298To John Adams from Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn, 30 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have pleasure of sending you the work of M. Solnay which I promised. Please to accept my grateful thanks for the very favorable manner in which you have spoken of my book. My object was more to have the attention of this country to trade me might enjoy in the birth place of commerce, than to acquire a reputation as an author. With sincere esteem / I have the honor to be / Your most / obt....
299To John Adams from Stebbins Gorham, 30 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed, is a Subscription Paper gotten up in aid of a Lancasterian School on the Island of Nantucket, for the benefit of the poor—It is well known that what the people of that Island require, both pecuniary and literary, is acquired through serious hazards and embarrasments.—There are now 400 children waiting to enter the School—mostly of poor seamen, who are at sea, and of widows.—We had no...
300From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 26 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have been so much engaged the last week at races parties and Ball it has been impossible for me to answer your last Letter or to write to Charles Eclipse as you have heard ran down poor Sir Charles who was totally unfitted by his lameness to oppose the pride of the North and I confess the race as it appears to me was altogether so unequal I cannot see any thing to boast of on the winning...
301From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 23 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have had some time on hand your Letter of the 4th. instt. and although it would have given me great satisfaction to have known that you were continuing to rise as constantly and steadily in the scale of your Class, as you had risen rapidly in the course of the last year, yet I should much rather see you again descending as low as you had ever been, than that you should rise upon no better...
302To John Adams from Robert Waln, Jr., 15 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
Having it in contemplation to prepare the Biography of Roger Sherman Esqr., one of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and having been informed by his relatives that you were intimately acquainted with his private & political character, I beg leave very respectfully to request, that you will give the weight of your authority to the opinion which has already been formed, in relation...
303To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 12 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
I take pleasure in introducing to your acquaintance the Revd. Mr Barber, who has been some years attached to the Catholic Seminary at this place and to the College at Georgetown, and is now going to reside at Claremont in New Hampshire. In passing through Boston he proposes to pay you a visit, from which I am persuaded you will derive equal satisfaction with him. I am, Dear Sir, your faithful...
304From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 11 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
It is sometime since I have written you in consequence of indisposition I have therefore two of your Letters unanswered— It was scarcely possible for so great a belle as Miss A Quincy to take particular notice of a certain young gentleman without my hearing of it—publick rumour has many tongues and though you may not yet be a subject of sufficient importance to excite attention the young Lady...
305To John Adams from Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn, 8 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
Do me the favor of accepting a Memoir on the Commenced Navigation of the Black-Sea & the Maritime Geography of Turkey & Egypt, which has been compiled during the few leisure hours that remain to me. With sentiments of the / highest respect your most / obt. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
306To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 7 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have forwarded to you a Copy of the Additional Census of Alabama, in virtue of an Act of Congress of the 7th. of March last; the receipt of which you will be pleased to acknowledge. I have the honour to be, very respectfully, / Sir, / Your obedt: & very hu. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
307To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 6 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have recd & read with great pleausre Your very acceptable letter of the 29th ult. Next to the approbation of a man’s own conscience, that of the enlightened part of mankind, is the greatest reward a correct mind can desire. It has been always my object—”laudari laudatis viris.” And I therefore estimate at a high rate the commendation you are so good to bestow on my efforts to promote the...
308To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have racked my memory, and ransacked my papers to enable myself to answer the enquiries of your favor of Oct. 15. but to little purpose. my papers furnish me nothing, my memory generalities only. I know that while I was in Europe, & anxious about the fate of our seafaring men, for some of whom, then in captivity in Algiers we were then treating, and all were in like danger, I formed...
309From Cyrus Briggs to John Adams, 1 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
left B——e and arrived at this place the first of Octr. after an absence of 5 weeks and two days. I shall leave here for Boston on Christmas day shall be in Baltimore the 27 and as the Steamboats between there and Philadelphia will probably have stopt running before that time opt by land to P——a. we shall pass each other some where on the road if you will let me know at the houses you put up at...
310From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1 November 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I have racked my memory, and ransacked my papers to enable myself to answer the enquiries of your favor of Oct. 15. but to little purpose. my papers furnish me nothing, my memory generalities only. I know that while I was in Europe, & anxious about the fate of our seafaring men, for some of whom, then in captivity in Algiers we were treating, and all were in like danger, I formed undoubtingly...
311From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 26 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the12th. instt. In the Letter to which it was the answer, it was not my intention either to grieve you, or to threaten you with the loss of your visit to Washington, during the next vacation—It was only to encourage you by the success of your former exertions and to exhort you, by my own anxious wish for your own credit and reputation, to persevering and...
312From John Adams to John Adams, 25 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
In the reign of Charles 1st of England, Henry Adams came to America from Devonshire and settled at Mount Wollaston with eight sons, one of whom returned to England. Four removed to Medfield, Medway, Bellingham and the neighbouring towns—two to Chelmsford Thomas and Samuel by name; Joseph only, my great grandfather, and the great grandfather of Samuel Adams of Boston, remained in this place...
313From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 25 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
Your last is written under such disagreeable circumstances it partook a good deal of your general discomfort in its tone and expression. I have therefore delayed my answer until your difficulties shall be smoothed and your usual equanimity returned when I know my Letter will be welcome and you will not misconstrue the affectionate anxiety of Parents who have perhaps an exaggerated idea of the...
314To John Adams from Edward Livingston, 22 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
The honor of a communication from you would at all times have given me the highest gratification, but your letter of the 5th. Septr. was received with more pleasure, because I scarcely dared flatter myself that, fatigued as you must be with applications of this nature, you would have found time or inclination to favor me with your sentiments on the report. It was submitted to you solely from a...
315To John Adams from John Adams, 21 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
In compliance with your request in your condescending favr. of the 30th. Ulto. that I should transmit the Pedigree of my family. I applied to my Father, who had taken some pains to inform himself respecting his Ancestry—being incited thereto, very much by the important circumstance, that One of the name had risen to the highest honours of our Country; and others, to very distinguished honours...
316To John Adams from Johann Friedrich Daniel Lobstein, 21 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
To address so distinguished a personage is in a stranger a liberty perhaps unpardonable, but it is from a conviction that any effort, however feeble, that has a tendency to remove the unfavourable and erroneous impressions Europeans have imbibed of this Country, will meet your approbation, and induce you to pardon the writer for transmitting you the contents of his contemplated work—A...
317To John Adams from Edward Cruft, 19 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have seen Mr. Stuart, and he requests me to say he is ready at any moment to give you a sitting that is convenient to yourself, and it is unnecessary for me to add that we shall esteem it a great pleasure to have our house made acceptable to you— If agreable I would inform Mr Stuart the time you shall appoint to see him.—which I presume will be in the early part of the day. I am with great...
318From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 17 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
I sent you from Philadelphia an odd volume of A Sketch of Old England which I wrote your name in and addressed to Quincy—The second was stolen from me but as their some good matter in the first and as it is a book in which there is no history to break it would be worth reading though it cannot rank as a perfect work in your collection—I shall soon send you the favorite of Nature which is said...
319To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 15 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
By this day’s mail, I send you a copy of the second Edition, improved & enlarged, of the “Facts & observations, illustrative of the past & present situation & future prospects of the U.S. and am, / Very respectfully, / your obt. hble. servt MHi : Adams Papers.
320To John Adams from Alexander Coffin, 5 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you on the 22d. ult. and forwarded you a Coppy of my letter which I wrote from Amsterdam to your Secretary at Paris in 1782 together with a Coppy of a letter I wrote to Mr Saml. Adams from Nantucket in June 1785—on the same Subject of the Fisherys, with Some observations thereon—and not receiving any answer from you whether you have recd them or not, I am somewhat apprehensive they...