151To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 7 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
yes, I am thankful—I am Sensible of my high obligations towards you—how few can follow your example! to remember a friend—in the days of prosperity deserves praise, but to do So in the hour of Sorrow—to Set this a Side to Sooth his anguish is not common—I knew—you did So, and if it was possible, that I could doubt it, the few affectionate lines from your own hand would have dispelled it—She is...
152To John Adams from Joseph m. Sanderson, 9 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
I send you the prospectus of a Work I am about to publish—I wish to have your opinion on the subject & if not intruding too much on your leisure I would request some facts relative to the passage of the law & such other information as you Might think would be interesting to the people of the United States—But I fear it would be trespassing too much on your time & subjecting you to...
153To John Adams from George H. Richards, 15 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
It has long been a favourite object of my literary ambition to become the biographer of yourself and a few other the great & eminent men of our country. The varied scenes which have passed in review since you came upon the stage, & the important part you have acted in that novel & splendid drama which has been exhibited in the theatre of the new world, have created a public interest in your...
154To John Adams from James Bing, 18 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
Having been appointed by mr James Simpson (our old Consul in Morocco) his agent to settle his accounts (which have been standing since the year 1795) with our Government, and to Petition Congress in his behalf for arrearages of pay to which he has always considered himself, Justly entitled—or for such other relief as Congress shall see fit to afford him, in his present embarrassed...
155To John Adams from William John Coffee, 26 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
I cant help Expressing my great disapointment at not being favored with an answer to my Solicitaions so Long Past, I know that I am to you a Stranger and on that accnt feel sorry to trouble or Intrude on your time or retirement, but at the same time having executed busts of all the other Presidents its proper to have yours I have also a considerable wish to Employ my talents on your bust to...
156To John Adams from Theodore Lyman, Jr., 28 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have just heard here with a deep and sincere grief of the truly great misfortune which it has at length pleased God to inflict upon you. I feel most profoundly with what cruel bitterness this calamity will fall upon you, but let it be permitted to us to hope, that better and more healing consolation can be found than in the thought that God had delayed it so long. I am not ignorant of the...
157To John Adams from Haym M. Saloman, 6 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
In addressing a letter to you, One feels that profound awe & Veneration which can only be conceived by one of our present generation of native American Citizens And of which I am one, feeling the double benefit of your services Including the former and present period of your Glorious Life In approaching you with the recollections of those criticle and ardous times, in which you shewed yourself...
158To John Adams from Gulian C. Verplanck, 7 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
When I had the pleasure of passing a day at Quincy last summer, you did me the favour of giving me some information as to the character and biography of your friend Luzac. Having since delivered an anniversary discourse before the Historical Society of this state, the subject of which was the eulogy of some of the fathers and early friends of our civil and religious rights, I was happy to...
159To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 16 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with your brief note, & enclosure of many letters & papers. So far as these are shew the spirit and feelings of the times, they are very acceptable; & thought not used in extremis , will furnish many interesting extracts. I shall next week put to press my long contemplated collection of revolutionary papers. I cannot yet even myself venture an opinion as to what its merits or...
160To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 19 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
About a week before I recieved your favor of Dec. 30. the 22d. No. of the North American review had come to hand, without my knowing from what quarter. the letter of mr Channing to mr Shaw, which you have been so good as to inclose, founds a presumption that it was from mr Channing, and that he is the editor. I had never before seen the work; but have read this No. with attention and great...
161To John Adams from J.B. Binon, 21 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
Vous avez sans doute vu dans les journaux que le congrés s’occuppe d’eriger un monument à la memoire de l’immortel G. Wachington; j’aurois intention de faire un modéle de ce monument, comme je trouve differents inconvénients, a éxécuter le plan projetté par la résolution de 1783 je desirerois faire part de mes idées au committé chargé d’en faire le rapport; n’étant connu d’aucun de ces...
162To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 22 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have been persuaded (though I doubt of it’s Success) to forward to You the earnest Request of Mr. Wait, the Printer of “the state Papers & public Documents of the United States”. In a Paragraph of his printed Advertisement he expresses so strong a Regret for having omitted the inaugural Address which he now wishes to procure a Copy of, that I will hope, if in your Power, You will indulge him...
163To John Adams from Daniel Corry, 25 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
The circular enclosed regards a subject which has several times within forty years past been bro’t before the public I have taken the liberty to transmit this paper to you, with a few lines on the same subject Government being a contrivance of human Wisdom, to provide for human Wants permit me to ask will a separate state Governt. for Maine enable its Inhabitants the better to provide for...
164To John Adams from Henry Channing, 27 January 1819 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to ask your acceptance of the enclosed Register. It contains the Constitution of Connecticut, also exhibits the arrangement of the government & fiscal concerns of that State, which may not be uninteresting. I cannot forbear mentioning the high gratification afforded me, yesterday, by the opportunity of again seeing and conversing with one whom I venerate and love, whose devotion and...
165To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
Persuaded, that it is a gratification to be informed of our continued health—a Severe cold Since three weeks excepted—I indulge myself in the pleasure, of Sending you a few lines—although I foresee, I cannot make these interesting. But it will give you a fresh proof, that the passing years can not obliterate the deep and grateful Sense, which I cultivate, of the numerous kindnesses , which you...
166To John Adams from J.B. Binon, 3 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous annoncer que je viens de faire mouler votre buste; le premier éxemplaire vous est déstiné, le second à l’honnorable J’hon Quincy Adams, votre fils, et le troisiéme à l’Athéneum. Comme plusieurs personnes m’ont témoignés le desirs d’en avoir, avant de le rendre public, je crois de mon devoir de vous demander si vous n’y trouvez aucun inconvenient, ainsi je n’en délivrerai...
167To John Adams from Benjamin Guild, 4 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
The peculiar appropriatness of the enclosed letter, and the wish, often expressed by my mother, that you Could see it, induced Mrs Guild to Copy it, and is my apology for the liberty I take in sending it. The hope which, brightened the affection, and chastened the affliction, of Mr Jones, is also your hope. Such testimonies of the upholding power of the Almighty, to those who put their trust...
168To John Adams from Peter Ludlow, Jr., 11 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
Having been advised to arrange an unbiassed history of the events which have grown out of the late Seminole War, especially as relating to the conduct of General Jackson we assume the liberty of requesting your generous aid in an undertaking which we esteem laudable and important— In calculating the difficulties which might impede our project we were persuaded that no plan could be pursued...
169To John Adams from John Taylor, 20 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
I am sorry you terminated your strictures upon my Enquiry because it is probable that I may comply with a late solicitation to issue a new edition, which I incline to enrich with your observations, as I formerly intimated to you. Its value would be still farther enhanced, if you would favour me with your opinion upon banking, which corresponded, I think, in some degree, with my own. The...
170To John Adams from Henry Warren, 26 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have ever been led to believe that the Group , written in the early stage of the American revolution, was composed at your suggestion; & the manuscript copy in the hand writing of Mrs: M. Warren my mother, is one evidence of the fact: and some letters of yours to her on that subject are fully confirmatory of the authorship.—But having lately seen in print & in Ms: credit to have been given...
171To John Adams from Alden Bradford, 3 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
In your letter to me of Octo. last, for which I beg you accept my very respectful acknowledgements, you were pleased to recommend, that a pamphlet, “called an appeal to the world, in vindication of the town of Boston from the aspersions &c of Govr. Bernard & others” printed in the autumn of 1769, should also be inserted in the Vol. which I proposed to publish—And you observed, that it was the...
172To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
Although the manifold proofs, which I received from your affectionate regards can never be obliterated—no—not even weakened by lenght of time—yet I presume—it may be become a difficult task to you to recollect, when the last line to inform me of your wellfare—from Montezillo was written—You know me too well, that I could wish to extort from you one Single line, which Should cause you the least...
173To John Adams from Alden Bradford, 6 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged by the information & advice given in your Note of the 5th. instant—I hope I have not deviated materially in my plan from your views on the subject—In most instances, I have given, by way of note, the names of Committees, who prepared & reported the documents printed; especially the important ones—But it is not my intention to say who of the Committee was the writer—It would...
174To John Adams from J. H. Tiffany, 18 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
Will you be pleased to accept of the accompanying political charts of 6 tables or sheets; & may I solicit your Suggestions of improvement & correction of the plan & matter? I hope, to be enabled to furnish a more ample & correct edition in 1821. The Appendix will contain matters not susceptible of tabular exhibition; & among other things, definitions of political terms to which certain &...
175To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
I am indebted to you for mr Bowditch’s very learned mathematical papers, the calculations of which are not for every reader, altho’ their results are readily enough understood. one of these impairs the confidence I had reposed in La Place’s demonstration that the excentricities of the planets of our system could oscillate only within narrow limits, and therefore could authorise no inference...
176To John Adams from Caesar Augustus Rodney, 28 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
In the late irreparable loss, you have sustained by a severe dispensation of Divine Providence, I sincerely sympathise with you; but hope that time, reason & religion have administered their consolations, and restored your mind. Permit me to enclose you copies of two letters, from my uncle to my father, at memorable epochs in our Revolutionary annals. The first from New–York when the Stamp Act...
177To John Adams from William Willis, 30 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have some time wished, and from day to day intended to write you a letter: And your esteem’d favor of the 21st of last month encreas’d that desire. But whenever I have place’d paper before me for that purpose, my hand has been arrested by an afflicting thought, that by expressing my condolence for the trying loss you have met with, I might open in your bosom a healing wound. But a confidence...
178To John Adams from Henry Channing, 31 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of Jany 29th. directed to me in Boston, was forwarded, and received a short time after. It is always a high gratification to be honoured with a line from one, whose character and public services are held in grateful recollection. I take the liberty of enclosing the papers of 24th and 31st inst. presuming you will be, at least amused by a curious exhibition, which may be called...
179To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 3 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have often regretted I had Not inserted in my Tour in Holland—a Meml. in the original Mss:—dated 20 June 1784. as follows—“Mr. Adam’s mind appeared Settled and intent upon an American Navy—in Our pleasant rides about the Hague—he appeard at times absorb’d in a reverie and at last length wou’d brake silence by exclaiming yes it must be So—12 Sail of the Line would place us in some respects on...
180To John Adams from D.C. Ballard, 17 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
We respectfully beg leave to ask your notice of the enclosed bill—as agents for Mr Niles, we can safely vouch for its correctness; you will observe it bears date in March 1818 and is receipted. As we did not observe, untill our attention was directed to it by Mr N., that your bill for 13th. vol of “Niles’ Register”, forwarded to us in March 1818 still remained unpaid in our hands, it may be...
181To John Adams from J. H. Tiffany, 20 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
The great favour by your attention & answer to my letter is peculiarly enhanced by many considerations, & among others, the unfortunate necessity of employing an amanuensis. The public which participates largely in the motive & benefit, must be joined in the Responsibility of gratitude for what you have done— Mankind have a curiosity, an interest & perhaps a right to hear the voice of America...
182To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 25 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
Having understood that Dr. Townsend whose wife was formerly intimate in the Otis family might possibly give me some anecdotes of James Otis, I called on him, a day or two since. He said he knew nothing particular but still mentioned two or three things which I wish to mention to you to know if they will recall any thing to your mind that I can make use of—The first thing was the trial of the...
183To John Adams from Emma Willard, 25 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
The writer has no other reason to offer for again interrupting your repose with a letter and a book, but that she considers you as a Father of that country which she dearly loves, and as such she regards you with filial gratitude and reverence: and what we strongly feel nature prompts us to express.—Nature also prompts us to receive with a degree of pleasure those expressions of affection...
184To John Adams from Ann Frances Bulkeley Humphreys, 27 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
Having heard from Mr. Binon the Sculptor, yesterday, that you had graciously expressed a wish to see a little drama of “The Yankey in England” by our departed friend. I have now the honor to enclose it to you, and present Doolittle to your mercy & indulgence, with the hope that he may now & then excite a smile in your countenance. I am peculiarly interested in poor Doolittle, from the...
185To John Adams from Robert Walsh, Jr., 27 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Mathew Carey of this City did me the favor, this morning, to shew me an interesting letter from you to him, in which you suggest your inclination to promote the aim of any person who might undertake a Vindicia Americana. The misrepresentations made abroad, of this Country, particularly by the writers of Great Britain, have provoked me to engage in an enterprise of that nature; & with a...
186To John Adams from George Blake, 29 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
Two Young Gentlemen, fellow Students at Princeton University, the One, Mr S. Clay of Kentucky, a near relative of Mr. Speaker Clay; and the other, Mr. Lee a member of a highly respectable family of Virginia, being here on their first visit to the Eastern States, & having expressed to me their desire of paying their respects to you before their return, I have taken the liberty to offer them...
187To John Adams from Dummer Sewall, 3 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
At the request of a number of my friends who feel a deep sense of obligations for the distinguished services you have performed for our country on the most important occations, I take the liberty to address you on the interesting subject of the contemplated division of the state of Massachusetts by forming the District of Maine into a seperate State. I the more cherfully comply with this...
188To John Adams from Samuel Adams Wells, 3 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
Mr Secretary Bradford has shown me a letter which you wrote him respecting the probable author of the pamphlet published by the Committee of Correspondence in 1772 and wherein you express an opinion that it was written by the “great James Otis.” Having recently been employed in collecting the materials for a biography of my late grandfather Samuel Adams in the course of my investigations, I...
189To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
Although my health is very indifferent, and my eyes soo weak and dim, that within a fortnight, I could Scarce affect any thing, either by labour or in writing—yet I must indulge the gratification of thanking you, for the few affectionate lines with which your kindness favoured me with. My Physician Says—all will be Soon well—the chief remedies are—abstinentia et quiete.Was your life less...
190To John Adams from J. H. Tiffany, 14 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your kind wishes for my success secure my grateful thanks. If I rightly understand the expression “that in your investigations you have had no profit & very little, if any success”, it takes from me all hopes—Who dares attempt, if you had failed! I communicate to you chearfully, those Sentiments of Mr Jefferson alluded to in your last.—He esteems a democracy the only pure Republic,...
191To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 15 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
your letter of Apr. 2. was recieved in due time, and I have used the permission it gave me of sending a copy of that of Mar. 2. to the editor of Tracy’s Political economy. Mr. S. A. Wells of Boston, grandson of our old friend Saml. Adams, and who proposes to write the life of his grandfather, has made some enquiries of me relative to revolutionary antiquities which are within your knolege as...
192To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 18 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have your letter of the 10th in reply to mine requesting the names of those who distroyed the tea in Boston harbor, & regret to believe from it that a record of them is lost, as I cannot now see any possible object of concealing them. But I am not a lawyer, & perhaps even yet, if surviving, they might be made liable for the offence! The last or 15th vol. of the Register was delayed on...
193To John Adams from J. H. Tiffany, 1 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
I acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 24 ult. & of the Volume—which will be punctually returned when read. I have progressed about 100 pages in it, & it will be some days before it is finished, as I make extracts & shall be occasionally interrupted—The writers of the “Federalist” may have been materially aided by your labour which preceeded that production, & which, I perceive, tend...
194To John Adams from Robert J. Evans, 3 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
Profoundly impressed with the conviction, that the time has arrived when some plan should be adopted for the eventual total extirpation of Slavery from the United States; I am endeavouring through the medium of the National Intelligencer, under the assumed signature of “Benjamin Rush,” to call the attention of the American People to the subject. Knowing your devotedness to the best interests...
195To John Adams from William Plumer, 8 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to present you with a copy of my valedictory Address to the legislature of New Hampshire; and to assure you that I am with much respect and esteem / Sir, / Your obedient servant MHi : Adams Papers.
196To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
As I know not where mrs de Wint resides—I must address my Lett to your care—I could not indulge my Self of adopting this ignorance for an apology in not writing—as I have been So peculiarly gratified by their kind and courteous present of Verplank’s Oration—which I had not yet Seen—except in the Rev. of the N. Amer. It proves indeed that I am not forgotten, and that the Spirt of the Grand...
197To John Adams from John Farmer, 12 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
Permit an humble individual to present you a memoir of one of the ancient towns of Massachusetts, which claims some affinity with Braintree, as it derived from thence some of its early and most respectable inhabitants. The Brackett and Tompson families might be mentioned among those which emigrated from Braintree, some of whose descendants were persons of influence & wealth. Both families have...
198To John Adams from Robert J. Evans, 14 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
Be pleased to accept my thanks for your valuable letter. The important observations contained in it, I intend to incorporate in a future communication to the Editors of the National Intelligencer— If any thing further should occur to you as a subject equally important with any that can engage the serious attention of this Nation it would be esteemed a great favour, if you would indulge me with...
199To John Adams from J. H. Tiffany, 14 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
The 2d. & 3d. Vols. of the “Defence” with the accompanying notes are duly recieved. Deeply Sensible to those considerations which accompany presents of such distinguished intrinsic worth, bestowed with so impressive manner, the acknowledgement of my gratitude & great respects seems but a poor and inadequate return. In truth, when I pre view thes e pages, & reflect upon the thoughts & deeds of...
200To John Adams from Jeremiah Greenleaf, 24 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
Whatever has a tendency to facilitate Science, or to diffuse usefull knowledge, is generally considered by the learned and wise worthy to merit their approbation. With this impression I have presumed to transmit you a new System of English Grammar— of which I am the Author, designed for the use of Schools in the United States, to facilitate the progress of youth, and to abridge their...