2711Fleury to John Adams: A Translation, 26 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have been informed by public reports that the congress of the United States has appointed you to the Court of France. Allow me to enquire if you have met a Mr. de Fleury, who went to America with the Court’s approval, about eighteen months ago. Please do not fail to give a father and mother, who have this only child, as a consolation, any information you may have about him, if he had the...
2712To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 17 June 1786 (Adams Papers)
I received in due time, from the Count of Sarcefield, the letter you honored me with, dated 20. ult o. According to your obliging direction, I have perused Hutchinson’s compilation, which the Count had of you & has been so good as to lend me. I have likewise perused Douglass’s, which I have borrowed of M r. Jefferson. I cannot find in any one of them, that “les sauvages devoient être...
2713Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 22 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 25th Ulto. I received sometime since by my Schooner and have sent your B arre l flour—As likewise a packet of yours by a schooner a few days since. A schooner that came Out with mine charged by Our Commite of Warr (Arnold Master) is suppos’d to be taken. As to my Affairs att Baltemore they fell into the hands of those people not by choice and wish I had known sooner what sort of...
2714To John Adams from François D’Ivernois, 24 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
Chaque jour ajoute à l’impatience avec la quelle j’attens une premiere réponse aux lettres que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous adresser; et cette impatience est singulierement accrue par celle qu’éprouvent en Suisse ceux de mes compatriotes aux quels j’ai communiqué mes démarches en Amérique. J’apprens que quelques Genevois actuellement dans les Etats Unis, ont formé de leur coté un autre projet d’y...
2715Richard Cranch to John Adams, 18 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
The Pamphlets herewith inclosed, I send you by favour of Mr. Benjamin Austin, Merchant (Brother to Mr. Jonathan Loring Austin) by whome I have wrote you more at large. He proposes to sail tomorrow for London with Capt. Love. I wrote you also by Cousin William Smith who sailed for London the 7th. Instant with Capt. Callahan. Last Wednesday I attended at the old Seat of the Muses, having not...
2716To John Adams from George Miller, 8 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
Our best wishes, and sincere desires is that you may be ever happy, & long to govern the united states, in peace; We sincerely wish no war, nor rupture to take place in this, our peacefull land, with any nation or power, whatever—Therefore, we have viewed with much satisfaction, the noble, wise & peacefull measures taken, for reconciling the unhappy differences now existing between the two...
2717To John Adams from Thomas Vinton, 5 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
Allthough I am Uncertain wheather you Retain The Youth that now Adresses You Yet I am Certain of Your Honours Being Aquaintd. with my parents Which Embouldens me to Take the liberty of laying My Distressd. Situation Before your Honour. Sir My Fathers name is Thoms. Vinton and lives in Brantree. So as it was my Misfortune to be Capturd Att Sea on the 10th Day of June last on Board the Esex...
2718To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 17 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
In a late dispatch in June to the secretary of state I mentioned Mr. Pichon late secretary to Genet and Fauchet last a secretary in the bureau of foreign affairs on the American side of the office at Paris & now French secretary of legation here.—I promised this gentlemen in the third interview about three weeks since (for I wished to make him talk freely knowing that his opinions have helped...
2719To John Adams from Samuel Meredith, 3 December 1791 (Adams Papers)
Permit me thro you to lay before the Honble The Senate my Specie Accot. from the 1st July to the 30th Septemr as settled at the Treasury— I have the honor to be with perfect / Respect / Sr. / Your Most humble Servt DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
2720To John Adams from Anonymous, August 1798 (Adams Papers)
It will not be denied that permitting as we did by treaty, one of the belligerent powers to alter at pleasure the destination of our Vessels not loaded with contraband Articles, nor destined for ports either blockaded or besieged, was a departure from the duties that neutrality imposes. In like manner perhaps might be considered the loaning of money to either of the powers engaged in War....
2721To John Adams from Monsieur de Salimbeni, 18 September 1793 (Adams Papers)
je suis un francois refugié dans ce pays depuis Le mois de mars dernier avec ma femme. nous sommes arivés ici fuyant la Gouadeloupe et toutes les scênes dhorreur qui y sont arivés depuis et quil etoit facile de prevoir. le peu de temp que nous avons eu a nous ne nous a pas laissé celui d’emporter une somme d’argent suffisante a nos besoins pendant bien longtemp. le peu de sucre que nous avons...
2722To John Adams from George Spooner, 31 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I hope your Excellency will pardon the liberty I take to address you by letter, tho at the same time well knowing that I should do it through the hands of the Secretary of State, but my distance from his place of residence, Join’d with that of the many Misfortunes that I have sustaind for these some years past, puts it out of my power, nor will my present situation make it convenient for me to...
2723To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 20 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
I lately did myself the Honour of addressing You, relative to a certain Character—whose Conduct, since, I hope had justified my intruding upon your important Moments, on such an occasion. The large Majority in the House of Representatives for granting pecuniary Aid to this City, is pleasing to those particularly interested in it—It did me good to hear of any tolerable Union in that Body, on...
2724Abigail Adams to John Adams, 26 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I this morning Received yours of March 7 favourd by Dr. Jackson. I rejoice to hear you are so comfortable. Col. Palmer informd me a Sunday that he is going to morrow as far as the Jersies being one of a Committe sent by our assembly to know of the General what proportion of Continental Troops will be allowed to this State; and does not know but he shall be obligd to proceed as far as...
2725To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Je me proposois d’avoir l’honneur de vous écrire demain. Mais S. E. M. l’Ambassadeur de France, m’ayant fait chercher dans ce moment, pour me dire de vous ecrire, que comme vous aviez demandé à Mr. De Berenger, Chargé des Affaires de France, les raisons pour lesquelles on souhaitoit votre présence et un entretien avec vous en France, il savoit ces raisons, et que si vous voulez vous donner la...
2726To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of State does himself the honor of requesting the favor of an acknowledgment that the enclosed summons has got safe to hand. United States March 3. 1795. The President of the United States to the Vice President of the United States, and President of the Senate Certain matters touching the public good, requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday the 8th of June next; you...
2727To John Adams from Joseph Wales, 23 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
Whilst engaged in more Important concerns,—and contemplating the additional burthen that will soon be on your mind;—I presume your goodness , will readily excuse my soliciting the relaxation of a few moments.— By a line just received from my worthy friend Mr. Cranch, I am informed of your kindness in so far attending to my situation, as that you have taken with you, a letter I wrote him on the...
2728To John Adams from Hugh Hughes, 29 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have the Pleasure to acquaint you that our Citizens had a Meeting on Monday Evening last, when it was agreed, without a dissenting Voice, to instruct our Convention on that most important of all sublunary Affairs, in order that Application may be made to your Honble. House. What will our Traitors, with you, say to this virtuous Stand? One of them, I know, will endeavour to turn it to...
2729To John Adams from Charles Storer, 5 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
By direction of your son I take the liberty to enclose to your Care a letter for him, and have to request you to forward it on to him per first Post, in case he should have return’d to Boston before this reaches Philadelphia, as it respects a suit which he has undertaken in my behalf— This memorable day in the history of America will ever be an interesting Anniversary to Bostonians,...
2730To John Adams from Christopher Gadsden, 24 June 1801 (Adams Papers)
Your highly esteemed Favour of the 16th Apl. made me happy to find my Letter of the 11th March was taken so kindly—This Moment hearing of the Departure of my Friend Mr. Wm. Crafts our late Navy Agent, I cou’d not any longer omit the Acknowledgmt. of yours, He is a Gentleman of Boston has resided here many years has a family & lately lost his Wife. He can let you know all about us here, as well...
2731To John Adams from John Lillie, 30 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
The trouble I have given you of interesting yourself in my behalf for the appointment I requested in the Army of the United States, fills a mind with gratitude, who was once a Soldier, and whose heart, I hope will ever be the seat of sensibility and consideration. I think the Secretary of War must be misinformed respecting the appointments of Officers in Massachusetts, and from my own...
2732To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 6 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
You have often complaind that taking care of the public Papers, and having the business of the Commission done in your rooms; was an unequal share of the public burthen apportiond to you. Whatever may be my sentiments on that point, yet to remove, as far as I can with propriety, all cause of discontent; I am willing to appropriate a room in my House for the meeting and deliberations of the...
2733To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 12 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
Having by a late arrival, from Aux Cayes received advice of the death of our Consul resident there, I have been requested by a number of respectable merchants to acquaint you of the Circumstance, as also of the Expediency in appointing a Successor; in the number of Characters they mention for this purpose, a Mr: George Sanderson native of Lancaster in the State of Pensylvania, but at present...
2734To John Adams from Donold McDonold [i.e. Joseph Ward], 9 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I suppose you have heard we have not taken Brunswick. If any one says we have he belies us. We are however defending ourselves, first against hunger; secondly against thirst; (which often attacks us severely by reason of our heating our coppers, and hard swearing which dries the lungs excessively) thirdly against impertinent fellows who prye into our business, and ask saucy questions, such as,...
2735Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 10 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
Maj r. Penniman sometime since mention’d to me, that upon further Consideration, He would take £30. for his Salt Marsh & Island, that he had been offerd £27. and refused it. For the sake of Cash in hand I rather suppose He would take £27. If you are disposed to purchase it, you will be pleased to let me know, and the highest Sum you would give for it. We have had no heavy Storms since you left...
2736John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 22 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have this day received two letters from you of the 20th. in one of which you say you would have me attend all the lectures in which Experiments are made, but I shall have to attend two lectures upon law, and therefore shall have no time. As to the lecture upon Greek; there is but one, and the Gentlemen with whom Mr. Thaxter has consulted, think that it is necessary, to have made some...
2737To John Adams from George Crowninshield, 1 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
We had the honor to tender the offer of two very fine fast sailing Ships to the Secretary of the Navy on loan, as you will be satisfied by our letter of the 16th August, a Copy of which, with his answer, we beg leave to enclose to you, as we fear the Secrety: has not rightly understood our meaning—We had no idea of offering the two Ships for Sale, our intention was, and still is , to present...
2738To John Adams from John Marshall, 3 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have receivd your letter respecting Mr. Nortons claim and shall observe your instructions. There appears to be considerable delicacy in engaging in the support of a claim founded on provisions furnishd the British army during our revolution War. I inclose you a letter from Mr. Wilkins to Mr. Harrison & from Mr. Harrison to me recommending a Mr. Hollingsworth as a Judge in the Indiana...
2739To John Adams from Henry Grand, 29 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
By order and for Account of M. Fr. Dana I am to credit your Account for 2658.16.10 which I have already done, and said Money will rest at your Disposal. Said Gentleman has likewise remitted me 4 Loan office Bills amounting to 2390. for your Account also, and for which you will have credit when in cash. No Body has yet drawn on me, Sir for the Madeira Wine I have in my Cellar belonging to you,...
2740To John Adams from Charles Lee, 1 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Commissioners named on the part of the United States for carrying into effect the sixth article of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation have deemed it their duty to separate from the other members of the Board, by which measure a stop is put to the proceedings of that Board, it being stipulated that to constitute a competent Board one of the Commissioners named on each side and the...
2741To John Adams from Horace Holley, 3 July 1818 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Adams was kind enough to say to me, when I was last at your house, and when I was contemplating this journey, “You will let us hear from you.” It is grateful to me to remember this remark, and to use the privilege which it confers. You and herself very often rise to my thoughts among the number of those, upon whose characters I delight to dwell as proofs of mental activity, cheerfulness,...
2742To John Adams from Eliphalet Brush, 19 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
An apology, I think, wou’d be Unnessary for addressing you; and I shall make no other than the regard I have for you. The time since I left America put’s it out of my power to give You any late inteligence from that Country.— I left Boston last May, & have been approaching Europe by degrees ever since, by the way of the west Indies & Spain.— I took the Earliest Opp y: on my Arrival in...
2743To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 31 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the 20th and should have before now sent you a copy of the Olive Branch; but the first Edition is so very imperfect, having been very much hurried in the execution, that I determined to wait till the second is ready. This will probably be about the middle of next week. Mean while I send you by this opportunity such part of the new one as is ready. You may from thence...
2744To 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.—...
2745To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 5 July 1801 (Adams Papers)
Having unexpectedly received an opportunity of conveying you my cursory remarks on some parts of Buffon’s and Jefferson’s Theory on Nat. Hist. by my Frend Col. John Lincklaen, I could not resist the temptation in Submitting them to your criticism, persuaded that you Shall bestow on me a new favour, if you condescend to their perusal and think them So much worth your attention, to communicate...
2746To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letters were received to-day. I shall take the liberty to call for them to-morrow and to receive your orders respecting them or any of them. I have the honour to be with perfect consideration / Sir / your ob st. DLC : James McHenry Papers.
2747To John Adams from David Sewall, 5 January 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your communication of Novr. 19th. ulto. came to hand a few days before my departure to attend the district Court at Portland, the duties of Which, & other engagements, has hitherto prevented paying that particular attention, which it always affords me pleasure to make on your Letters, which I have found the Copy formerly made from the Original of old Judge Samuel Sewall to his eldest son...
2748To John Adams from John Searson, 14 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
I take the Liberty to say, I thought my self happy when I waited on you personally (previous to the Publication of my Poems in Philadelphia) when I thought I had your Countenance of approbation for Encouraging Literature, and your Benevolent disposition, this was previous to your appointment to the Presidency. But alas! A few days previous to your leaving, Philadelphia when I wish’d to have...
2749To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 18 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
On my return this morning from Nyork, your two favors of May 21st. & June 17th. were received, and read, with all the sincere respect, & affectionate acknowledgment, it is in my power to express, or entertain. Although disappointed of office, I feel the consolation, that I am not thereby disgraced, for I am proud, & satisfied, to hold a place in your regards—The expectations on the score of...
2750Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
How much is comprised in that short sentance? How fondly can I call you mine, bound by every tie, which consecrates the most inviolable Friendship, yet seperated by a cruel destiny, I feel the pangs of absence sometimes too sensibly for my own repose. There are times when the heart is peculiarly awake to tender impressions, when philosophy slumbers, or is overpowerd by sentiments more...
2751Abigail Adams to John Adams, 21 February 1776 (Adams Papers)
Tis a month this day since you left me, and this is the first time I have taken my pen to write to you. My conscience accuses me, but I have waited in hopes of having something worth saying to you, some event worth relating; but it has been a dead calm of dull repose. No event of any importance upon either side excepting the burning of some houses by the Enemy upon Dorchester Neck has taken...
2752To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 31 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Four mails arrived yesterday, by them we find that Eleven East Indiamen are arrived at Brookhaven in Ireland. A Ship is arrived from N York, but no news transpires. The English Minister seems to be ready to pardon the Dutch on condition they submit. He treats them as He did the Americans, and will I Hope receive the same Treatment as from our Countrymen. One of the Court news papers says there...
2753To John Adams from Lewis Weld, 6 July 1822 (Adams Papers)
The interest you were pleased to express in the general subject of the education of the deaf and dumb and particularly in young Loring, with whom I had the honour of calling on you in May, was extremely gratifying to my feelings. In an employment like that in which I am engaged, so different form the ordinary business of instruction, and so incomprehensible in its details to most of those who...
2754To John Adams from David Mayo, 30 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
the undersigned sensible of the Alarming Crisis of our political affairs, and the danger of supineness and inactivity at the present day—Stimulated with a just indignation, & Manly resentment, towards that Nation, from whom we have so repeatedly receiv’d the most atrocious and outragious insults—prompted by the firmness of our Legislator, are Determined to defend our National Character, and...
2755To John Adams from William Mumford, 7 July 1818 (Adams Papers)
It will I doubt not be in your recollection, that sometime in the month of October 1797. I waited upon you at your Hospitable Mansion at Quincy, to solicit you for the appointment of Treasurer of the Mint; at which time I presented you my credentials, consisting of Letters from Governor Fenner, Messrs. Bourne, Foster, &c. after perusal of which you observed that my credentials were amply...
2756To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 8 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am obliged to you for your Letter of 2nd. Instant. I intirely agree with You in Sentiment as to the Propriety, nay the Necessity of assuming and exercising all the Powers of Government. Our Convention only met yesterday afternoon. I shall, if possible, induce our People to set the Example, and first take Government. We have no News here worthy of your Notice. I cannot but intreat your...
2757To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 23 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
The 17th Instant the Pirates all abandoned their Works in Boston and Charlestown and went on board their Ships, and on the 20th they burnt and destroyed the works on Castle Island. They now lye in Nantasket Road waiting for a fair wind; we keep a vigilant eye over them lest they should make an attack on some unexpected quarter. The particulars with regard to the Seige, the Stores taken, &c....
2758To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 2 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
I receive with great satisfaction your congratulations on the peace, dated the 22d. ulto. the day of the great rejoicings in Boston, I have noticed the detail of the processions, and ceremonies, they must have been great indeed—The Bostonians have always been remarked, as doing things upon a great Scale. I suppose you did not see, the regular confusion, or hear the enthusiastic shouts of the...
2759To John Adams from Robert Monroe Harrison, 11 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Humble petition of Robert Harrison Shewth That your petitioner having been bread to the sea and a native Citizen of the United States of America recedd a Warrant as a sailing Master; and have since on board the Frigate Constellation fulfilling every particular part of the duty assighned to a sailing Master; untill and accident happened to me that Cap Truxtun thought my discharge as...
2760To John Adams from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 13 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I Most Heartily thank You for Your Affectionate Letter of Last october which I Have received only three days Ago and Have Also to Aknowledge the pleasure You Have done me By the introduction of Mr Hinckley and His Amiable daughter; they are going to England for a short time and Have promised the much Valued Gratification of their Company at La Grange where my family are Now assembled which Has...