351To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 21 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I was highly gratified with your affectionate Letter, and answer it directly, not to renew my thanks, as I can no more express these as lively, as I See it impossible to reciprocate these—and then you dare to ask me, if my residence at Montezillo had been tolerable—did not then my friend read my contentment—in every gesture, in every feature of my visage—then certainly my countenance...
352Franklin and John Jay to John Adams, 29 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society We received the Letter you did us the honour of writing to us the 10th. Inst, with the project of a Treaty that had been transmitted to you by the Baron de Thulemeier, which we have examined, & return herewith, having made a few small Additions or Changes of Words to be proposed, such as Citoyens for Sujets and the like, and intimated some Explanations as...
353To John Adams from Henry Guest, 15 June 1808 (Adams Papers)
Your Very Frindly Letter of the 14th. March last Came Duly to hand. it gave and Still gives Me Much pleasure—I am allso Much pleased with my son Henry for doing himself so Much Sattisfaction As his Paying you that respect that He Knew I should have done if Near you on a Journey to Boston—He realy gave Me Much Sattisfaction that his Pollitical ideas pleased you. His Lettes to Me Are full of...
354To John Adams from William Brown and John Hopkins, [ante 14 April 1790] (Adams Papers)
To the Honourable John Adams Vice President of the United States of America The Petition of W m: Brown & Jam̃. Hopkins with advice of the Honourable John Jay most humbly sheweth that they being now in Confinement in the new Goal of this City suffering under the greatest cruelty that can be inflicted on any human Person & from the Noble Character that Yr. Honour bears induces them to apply for...
355To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 1 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor of receiving your Excellencys Letter of the 23d Ultimo, acknowledging the Receipt of mine of the 19th. I am happy to find my Sentiments of things confirmed by your Excellency. What your Excellency has said with respect to the Improbability of Peace, and Treatment of Mr. Lawrens affects me much. I have taken the liberty of writing it to England for the public Perusal and...
356To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 24 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Senate of the United States request you to accept their acknowledgments for the comprehensive and interesting detail you have given, in your speech to both Houses of Congress, on the existing state of the Union. While we regret the necessity of the present meeting of the Legislature, we wish to express our entire approbation of your conduct in convening it on this momentous occasion. The...
357To John Adams from the President of Congress, 1 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
You will receive herewith enclosed, a Commission as Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Provinces of the low Countries, with Instructions for your Government on that important Mission; as also a Plan of a Treaty with those States, and likewise a Resolve of Congress relative to the Declaration of the Empress of Russia respecting the Protection of neutral Ships &c. Proper Letters of Credence...
358Hendrik Bicker to John Adams: A Translation, 7 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am glad that you were able to meet with Mr. Bouwens, but mortified that his broker, Blomberg, is so ill that you have to resort to another one. Please allow me to suggest that you ask Mr. Bouwens’ advice or let his bookkeeper find you one whose references you can check. You may not be able to find one who speaks French or English for they are rare. Mortier and Merckemaer have the best...
359To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 25 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you four numbers of Duane’s paper. They contain a good deal of matter relative to the dispute between our Country & great Britain. I have not read a column of it, but it excites general attention in our city, and of course is probably worth the notice of a Man who has not, like myself, outlived his patriotism. My wife, Uncle Mr Boudinot and his daughter it is said, have lately paid a...
360To John Adams from John Stoughton, 28 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Agreeable to your request on the 13th Instant: I did myself the pleasure of addressing the Honble: Timothy Pickering Esqr. Secretary of State to the following Effect as Per Copy annexed, to which at present have received no answer much to the disappointment of the poor Captain and injury of the Cargo he h as on board— Should your Excellency have received any reply, thereto shall think myself...
361To John Adams from the Chevalier de Pinto, 7 September 1787 (Adams Papers)
J’ai eû ordre de ma Coûr de faire parvenir à votre connoissance, que quoique on ait differé jusqu’ici de repondre au project d’un Traité de Commerce, sur le quel nous êtions concertés à Londres, ne a moins, Monsieur, les desirs de Sa Majesté Trés Fidelle ne sont ni moins vifs, ni moins efficâces pour Conclure avec Les Etâts Unis d’Amerique ce même Traité, a des Terms et a des Conditions...
362To John Adams from Stephen D. Kingston, 8 September 1815 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to address you on a point of the treaty of Peace of 1783, become important in a case of ejectment pending in this State, for property which I purchased in the Island of Barbados in the year 1807, not doubting immediate possession on a title perfectly clear. The 6th. Act provides that “no more confiscations shall be made” The estate in controversy, was then, in 1783, the...
363Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 15 August 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I am a great defaulter, my dear Sir, in our correspondence, but prostrate health rarely permits me to write; and, when it does, matters of business imperiously press their claims. I am getting better however, slowly, swelled legs being now the only serious symptom, and these, I believe, proceed from extreme debility. I can walk but little; but I ride 6. or 8. miles a day without fatigue; &...
364To John Adams from Nathaniel Bowditch, 30 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the liberty to forward to you a pamphlet containing a few papers prepared for the 4th vol. of the Academy’s Trans with a request that you would do me the honor to accept it— It gives me great pleasure to find that the situation of your health permits you to accept a seat in the convention, where your advice & influence will be extremely important in preserving a constitution,...
365To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The House of Representatives have passed the bill sent from the Senate for concurrence, entitled ’An act for granting lands to the inhabitants and settlers at Vincennes and the Illinois country, in the territory northwest of the Ohio, and for confirming them in their possessions,” with amendments, in which amendments they desire the concurrence of the Senate. Printed Source--Senate Journal.
366To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
The extreme bad traveling for some time past has prevented my calling and paying to you the debt of my most dutiful Gratitude While I sympathise with my country in the loss which they have sustained by the events of the late election it is some consolation that you will suffer less by the change than any other of your fellow citizens in the Union. Some few of them may be ingrateful for your...
367[Sarah Yard’s Bill for Board.] (Adams Papers)
Mr. John Adams Dr. To Mrs. Yard. 1775 Augt. 1st. To your Board & Lodging from the 10th May to this day 11 1/2 Wks.à 30s. per Wk. £17: 5 To your Servants Board for 7 Wks. 4 days à 15s. 5: 12: 6 To your Proportion to the Parlour and Candles 11 1/2 Wks. à 4s. 2: 6 To your proportion of the Liquor 13: 10 £38: 13: 6 38
368To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 28 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
Being here on a few days visit with Mrs. Gerry to her aged parents, & having left six small children, the eldest of whom has the care of the rest and of the domesticks, I am deprived of the honor of paying my personal respects to you at this time. When I wrote to Mr. Monroe, I supposed he was in Philadelphia: it being so announced in the news papers, his conduct in making an inmate of Paris...
369To John Adams from Henry Knox, 15 November 1792 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit to the honorable the Senate, by order of the President of the United States, an extract of a letter from James Seagrove Esq, temporary agent to the Creek Nation, dated the 28th ultimo, containing further information relative to Indian affairs in the Southern department. I have the honor to be, sir, with perfect respect, your most obedient servant, Printed...
370Jacques Le Maire to John Adams: A Translation, 10 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
My departure being fixed at the end of this month by the contract made by Mr. Lee with Mr. Bonnefil to transport the goods here belonging to Virginia, I dare, sir, to solicit a letter of recommendation from you in my favor for the Governor of Virginia. Also be so kind as to send me the reply to the letter I delivered to you from him. I apply to you all the more eagerly knowing that your...
371To John Adams from William Tudor, 25 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you by the Post 3 Weeks ago but have not been honour’d with a Line since your Returnto Philadelphia. I should write oftener but every Thing of Importance is communicated in the Prints, and I am in no Secrets at Head Quarters, and I hate to set down to write when I can’t tell You something worth reading. About 10 Days ago two floating Batteries were ordered down Cambridge River to fire...
Since your Excellency has purchased our house in Fluwelen Burgwal where I am residing until May 1st, and where I must continue to be present in order to attend to my business affairs, I ask you permission to stay on for a month longer, or at least two weeks. In exchange, I offer to put the rooms and garden in order before your arrival and while hoping for a favorable reply, I have the honor to...
373To John Adams from R. Bourne, 6 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
The employment of Individuals is a matter of Concern—The unfinished House in Chesnut street might probably be made of Much value to the State by being made into a Mint and Treasury I am with Much respect MHi : Adams Papers.
374To John Adams from Robert Montgomery, 6 July 1779 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour of adressing your Excellency the 26th Ultimo advising that by the officious impertinence of the asesor to this Governour, I had been Arrested and my house Embargoed notwithstanding I had presented my Certifycate and Passport, given by the Plenipotenciarys of the united States Residing at Paris, and allso proved that I had always Subscribed a subject of those States, in the...
375John Thaxter to John Adams, 1 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
The time of M rs— A s. departure draws so near, & the Conveyance is so unexceptionable, that I can hardly be excused from forwarding a few Lines.— I wish it was in my power to write you a particular state of our public Affairs; but my life for six months past has been so recluse, and I have seen so few Persons from whom certain Information could be obtained, that you must not expect any very...
376Charles Adams to John Adams, 9 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
Suppose that for a few moments we should indulge in the regions of fancy and imagine a nation about to form into civil society Suppose their fundamental law to be that no member of the community should possess more land than he could actually cultivate Suppose them determined to be an agrest people without commerce without communication with foreigners. Could not thier exist in such a...
377From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 13 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday brought me your Letter of the 7th which I was sorry announced a mishap which gave me some concern—I recommend you for the future on a rainy day to put your Seals in your pocket before you set out to school as a sure guard against such accidents— If your father will permit me I will lend you the American Revolution with pleasure as I am sure you will read it carefully and not injure...
378To John Adams from W. K. Cole, 15 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Residing as we do, in a remote part of the State of New Jersey, it cannot be expected, we can with so much promptitude, discharge our duty, to you and our fellow-Citizens, as those, placed in situations, more exposed to the current of public information— Anxious, however, when in our power, to disclose to you and to the world, our loyalty; we at this late day, (in immitation of our Friends,...
379John Thaxter to John Adams, 13 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
The day before Yesterday Mrs. Adams was delivered of a daughter; but it grieves me to add, Sir, that it was still born. It was an exceeding fine looking Child. Mrs. Adams is as comfortable, as She has Just inform’d me, as can be expected; and has desired me to write a few lines to acquaint you that She is in a good Way, which I am very happy in doing. RC ( Adams Papers ).
380To John Adams from David Ramsay, 20 September 1787 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of July 14 th with the pamphlet of letters addressed to D r. Calkoen came to hand a few days since. Many thanks to you for that production. Your predictions of the consequences of the British successes in the Southern States have been so exactly realised as to fill me with admiration of that political sagacity which could so accurately foresee the connexions between causes &...
381From George Washington to John Adams, 13 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour on the evening of the 11th instant to receive from the hands of the Secretary of War, your favour of the 7th announcing that you had with the advice and consent of the Senate appointed me “Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief of all the armies raised, or to be raised for the Service of the U. S.” I cannot express how greatly affected I am at this New proof of public...
382To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
I am to thank you, my dear Sir, for forwarding M. D’Ivernois’ book on the French revolution. I receive every thing with respect which comes from him, but it is on politics, a subject I never loved, & now hate. I will not promise therefore to read it thoroughly. I fear the oligarchical executive of the French will not do. we have always seen a small council get into cabals & quarrels, the more...
383To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 21 August 1825 (Adams Papers)
The past week has scarcely been marked by any occurrence worth relating in a letter, the weather after having been intensely warm on Sunday and Monday cooled off and we have had an Easterly storm ever since. This makes me quite dull as I prefer the Sun with all his fires. General La Fayette after having thrust his benign countenance among us; has gone to other places to make them happy for a...
384To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
If anÿ man rejoice in the prosperity of the united States i wil hope that me shal not be denied a place amongst them, and I think it mÿ dutÿ to congratulate your Excellencÿ with the complete victorÿ of your arms in the chesapeak-baÿ and the Burgoynishing of that mighty Lord with his many thousand Slaves. Now wil the proud of the British nation be humiliated—now shal a venal and corrupt...
385From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 21 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
There is in Boston, a Lemmon-tree of a peculiar kind, called the Sweet Lemmon, Sent to your Grandfather, by a gentleman from Malaga—and I expect it will be in the custody of our friend Mr J H Foster, by Tomorrow. Your Grandfather is desirous of presenting this plant to the Botanical garden, in Cambridge, and wishes you to call on Mr: Peck the Professor, with his compliments, tendering the Tree...
386To John Adams from Joseph Hawley, August 1774 (Adams Papers)
“We must fight , if we can’t otherwise rid ourselves of British taxation, all revenues, and the constitution or form of government enacted for us by the British parliament. It is evil against right-utterly intolerable to every man who has any idea or feeling of right or liberty. It is easy to demonstrate that the regulation act will soon annihilate every thing of value in the charter,...
387To John Adams from Daniel Story, 13 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
Assured that every degree of progress made in civilization, morality and religion will be pleasing to you, I have taken the Liberty to present the enclosed, which shows the state of Society and Religion in Marietta and its Vicinity— The necessity of leaving the City, early tomorrow morning deprives me of the pleasure of waiting upon you in Person.— With sentiments of the greatest esteem and...
388To John Adams from Jonathan Fay, 25 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
When we contemplate the Wisdom and Firmness, the Integrity and Magnanimity of our National Executive; we rejoice that we are Men; we boast that we are Americans!— When Britain treated America with more than step-dame Cruelty, the daring Infant manfully asserted her rights and bade Defiance to her Foe. A surviving few of us acted on the memorable 19th. of April—We saw unsheathed the first...
389To John Adams from Pierre Deschamps, 29 September 1789 (Adams Papers)
Il m’a été informé que je dois m’adressér a Vr̃e Excellençe; Je le fais avéc confiançe. C’est au Sujet de deux balles de Lainages qui furent chargées a Londres pour mon compte sous la marque PSD N o 1 & 2. Sur le n re La Concorde, qui Fut pris par un de vos Corsaires dans sa traversée venant içy: ce n re était neutre, ainsi que moi etant Français; attestation que Je remis du consul de ma...
390To John Adams from John Sinclair, 29 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor herewith to transmit to Your Excellency, An account which I have just printed of The origin of The Board of Agriculture and its progress for three Years after its establishment, by which you will perceive the nature of our Exertions for the Internal Improvement and general benefit of this Country. I shall much esteem your casting an eye over this paper when your leisure...
391To John Adams from Brandenburg & Company, 28 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
Monsieur Vôtre fils à été ici pendans cet hiver, et nous a été recommender de Petersbourg par nos amis et M r Dahne. Nous Lui avons fournis L’argent necessaire pendans Son Sejour qui n’a eté que d’un mois, et il nous à eté un Vrai plaisir d’avoir pû Lui rendre tous Les Services qui ont pû dependre de nous. C’est une jeune personne qui S’est acquit beaucoup d’amitié ici et qui merite bien qu’on...
392To John Adams from James Sullivan, 22 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
Since I received your favour of the 27th of May on the Subject of Representation I have heard of a Letter being in the post office in Boston for me which I flattered myself was from you in reply to my answer to yrs above mentioned but some body has taken that with one other out of the office and embezzled them. In my answer to yours of the 27th of May I let you know that I was convinced, that...
393To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 2 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
I wrote You from Ostend the 27th Ulo and stated what I had done with Dr. F. I arrivd here the last mail day but too late to look about me and to write so fully as I could have wishd. I found the intire kick up of the great ones to make much noise and to give universal pleasure. As the Parliament is not setting no fixd measure of the new people is yet talkd of and the reports are various and...
394To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have been so much engaged, in consequence of the Arrival of so many Vessels, that I have not been able to communicate so much information on the business of the Navy as I ought to have done. The United States—The Constitution, the Delaware, the Montezuma, the Herald, and the Revenue Cutters, Govr. Jay, the Virginia, the Scammel & Genl. Green, are all in different ports in the United...
395To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 10 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
The day before yesterday I took the liberty to trouble you with a few lines by M r. Prentis, & expressed my determination to do it more at large by the next opportunity, which now offers in D r. Bancraft. Knowing my way of thinking you must, I suppose, have been surprised at hearing my return to Europe. The friendship with which you have constantly honored me, ever since I had the pleasure to...
396To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 26 November 1792 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose you the minutes of the last week and to repeat my wishes to see you here as soon as possible, and as I hear Mrs Adams has quite recovered her health and that your own is restored I flatter myself those wishes will soon be gratified. I have every day less fears of an unfavorable election of the two first officers in the Government—People seem to look with solemn...
397To John Adams from M. Quillau, 29 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Je viens de voir Monsieur Dubourg à qui je dois l’honneur et l’avantage d’être Connu de vous, qui m’a dit que vous m’avies écrit au sujet de Livres que vous voulies vous procurer. Il faut que la personne que vous aves chargée de votre lettre, ne se soit point acquittée de sa Commission, Car je n’ai reçu aucune lettre de votre part. Si elle me fut parvenue, vous deves etre persuadé que j’aurois...
398To John Adams from William Gordon, 7 January 1784 (Adams Papers)
You have very fairly & fully discharged your epistolary account of the preceeding year; which is an encouragement for me to begin anew. There is both pleasure & profit in corresponding with You; & notwithstanding some desponding expressions, I trust your strength & spirits will not be exhausted, till the business is completed. Finesse & subtilty are ministerial qualifications; & the only...
399From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 3 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter my dear John gave us great uneasiness on your Grandfathers account and we feel very anxious lest the violence of the shock should have injured his health. We hope to hear from you frequently and that your Letters may be welcomed as harbingers of good instead of ill news for the future— I propose to leave this City on the 14 as your father wishes me to travel in the Carriage I shall...
400To John Adams from Jacob Van Buskirk, 10 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Whereas Philip Desh and Jacob Kline, both Mauungy Township, in the County of Northampton, and State of Pennsylvania having been some time Ago apprehended and Committed to the Goal of Philadelphia, for Treason, and are still there confined, and Whereas the said Philip Desh, and Jacob Kline, and their Wives and Children, having so earnestly requested of us the Subscribers to Petition his...