151To John Adams from John Whitney, 23 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
The Citizens of Quincy have agreed to Celebrate the Anniversary of our National Independance on the fifth of July next; This is to solicit the pleasure of your Company to dine with them at the Town-hall on said day; not doubting but you will comply with this request should your health and strength permit, for be assured no one could add so much to the festivity and joy of the occasion; as it...
152To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 22 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to a vote of the Standing Committee of the Washington Society I have the honor to transmit to you the enclosed Card, and to request that you will honor the Society with your presence on the ensuing Anniversary of American Independence. With respect, / your most obt Servt— MHi : Adams Papers.
153To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 18 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
Thy letter duly came to my family, & I have now the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of it. I am always much gratified to hear of thy health. The Gazetteer goes with this letter, & I very ardently hope thy health & strength will so hold out as to enable thee to hear it rad. May I hope to hear from thee, afterwards? I would, if I could afford it, send a copy to the American Academy of Arts &...
154To John Adams from Henry Bond, 17 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
presuming no one living to be better acquainted than yourself with that period of our history, to which this discourse cheifly refers, or feels a livelier personal interest in it, I have ventured, tho a stranger, to send you my Address . Its literary exeortion gives it no claim on your attention, but the subject may, perhaps, interest you for a few moments. I will not doubt but my object will...
155To John Adams from Littleton Dennis Teackle, 12 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
You will probably have seen in the publick prints, that an Association has been formed, to conduct a periodical work on Political Œconomy, with intent to discover the Causes that have operated to retard the progress of our prosperity, and to endeavour to illustrate the proper Measures of Amelioration—The assistance of many scientifick Gentlemen has been freely offered, & the Society will...
156To John Adams from Jacob Engelbrecht, 2 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
On the 15th. of March last I wrote unto you, requesting the favour of a Letter in your Own Hand writing, which I wished to preserve in honour of you, and after your death, to have it framed, But having received no answer I have Since thought that the Letter was miscarried,—At all-events, I would with due deference, again intrude on your patience, and would most humbly request of you, to favour...
157To John Adams from George Hebb, 27 May 1824 (Adams Papers)
You may have observed by the Boston Patriot of the 18th: Inst: that Henry V. Somerville Esqr. had been selected, as an Elector as President & Vice-President, friendly to the Election of John Q. Adams Esq, for the District composed of Baltimore County—He called upon me some Days since and requested that I would furnish him with a List of the Most prominent Appointments and Acts of John Quincy...
158To John Adams from J.G. Swift, 21 May 1824 (Adams Papers)
Believing that the United States Military and Philosophical Society may be considered as dissolved, by reason of a non-compliance with the terms of its constitution for many years past, several of the members have proposed an application of its unappropriated funds to the endowment of the Lyceum of Natural History in New-York with a Library. Since the last meeting of the Military and...
159To John Adams from Bellamy Storer, 18 May 1824 (Adams Papers)
The novelty of the occasion that produced the inclosed address, may furnish some apology for its publication, and it is now respectfully submitted to you, as some slight evidence that the people of the west are not confined in their inquiries to their rivers and prairis— Our celebrated theorist Capt Symmes, had delivered several lectures on the subject of a concave sphere, and at the close of...
160To John Adams from Alexander Coffin, 15 May 1824 (Adams Papers)
Will you Oblidge me, so far as to inform me, the Names of the Seventeen Members of the House of representatives of Massachusets, who rescinded their Notes By direction or rather a ‘Mandate, (if I am correct,) of Governer Hutcheson’—and what year that was in, and on what Occasion those resolutions had been Passed, that he the Sd Govener was so anxious Should be rescinded—was it not on account...
161To John Adams from Samuel Wyllys Pomeroy, 15 May 1824 (Adams Papers)
During the many pleasant meetings which I enjoyed, when the board of Trustees of the Massachusts. Agrl. Society were honor’d with your presence & assistance, I observed that you always took an interest when topicks relating to vegetable physiology were discussed.—Perhaps the accompanying Circular may afford you some amusement, at least; for, as was said by the late good Dr. Belknap upon a...
162To John Adams from Joseph Gardner Swift, 3 May 1824 (Adams Papers)
When I had the honour to be at your residence in 1817 (while accompanying President Monroe) I was gratified by some account which you were pleased to give me, of my Grand Father Samuel Swift, formerly a Lawyer of Boston, whom you designated as a friend of yours & as the “Widows friend”—& whose name you had before mentioned, in some Printed Letters, as a distinguished Whig:—It is natural &,...
163To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 25 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
I take great pleasure in presenting to you the bearer of this letter, Mr Juli u s de Wallenstein, a Secretary of the legation of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia—He visits Boston & other parts of our Country for the improvement of his health, & with purposes of enlightened curiosity. Upon the most transient conversation with him, no testimonial will be needed to mark him in your estimation as...
164To John Adams from William D. Hills, 9 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
permit me, though a Stranger, to address, the honored, Servant, of the Lord, and the Rever’d, of a gratefull people, who, at this day, are in some measure sensible, of the appreciation, due to those, who offered up their lives, on the altar, of Liberty, and Independance. As the only Surviving Son, of an excellent Parent, Viz. Captain, Stephen Hills, of Revolutionary date, who, I am told, you...
165To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 8 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
Can I send thee a 3 dollar octavo volume of 620 pages, by mail, post-free? I have just published so good a thing that I very much want thee to see it. A Gazetteer & Geography of the State of New-York, the writing of which employed me, closely, for more than 2 years. As I have send all the freedom of remark that a Republican ought to do, aiming at truth, there are many things incidentally said...
166To John Adams from John Taylor, 8 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
During a long illness, from which I am not yet recovered, the reveries which usually amuse sick people, visited me; and among them the idea of writing a farewell letter to you, presented itself so often, as to leave an impression, which I have not been able to subdue. In yielding to it, my free style will I hope be pardoned, in consideration of its being the last trouble I shall give you; and...
167To John Adams from Pseudonym: "The Shade of Franklin", 26 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
What a throb of pleasure will it give to the heart of Mr Adams to learn that the Acorn he assisted to plant has grown to an Oak "in a word the Mechanics’ Apprentices’ Libraries ". have reached the City!—2000 Vols. have been given for that purpose & Govr Robinson who has accepted the humble, but interestg situation of Librarian pro tem deliverd in person the first 100 Vols. to the juornite...
168To John Adams from Jacob Engelbrecht, 15 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
The subject of this letter is of rather an odd cast. yet I indulge the hope, that you will excuse my eccentricity when my motives are made Known, I wish you Sir, to favour me with a letter, in your own Hand writing, which I wish to preserve in honour of you, and frame after your death,—the satisfaction I would derive of being thus honoured, would be a source of pecular joy. I hope, Sir you...
169From John Adams to John Adams, 7 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter of the 22d: February No 15 is as pleasing to me as the former numbers. I have not seen the Pilot. The young ladies, you speak of instead of tinkling verses and frivolous novels, had better read Dr Barrows sermons, get them by heart, and deeply impress them upon their souls. As to the Caucus I am glad you have not written me upon that, fir it si a very unedifying topic. The...
170To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 6 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
Again a Letter from Oldenbarneveld—I Suffered this winter with excruciating headache, partly owing to want of exercise partly to dyspeptic constitution. This morning I awoke with a clear head—So chearful, that I enjoy’d not So much happiness in Several weeks—I went with all Speed to my garden—examined its State—the Soil was as hard as iron—then I cleaned a part of my Seedhouse—and returned...
171To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
I would not So Soon have intruded again into your dignified retirement had it not been, that you took Such a warm interest in all your Frends concerns—be these of a good or unpropitious cast. We met with a Severe loss—a Similar one to which I was in part a witness—Several years ago—under your hospitable roof. The dear wife of my Son at Philadelphia is no more—She died in the night of Febr....
172To John Adams from John Cartwright, 29 February 1824 (Adams Papers)
Daily viewing a facsimile of your signature to that most most glorious of all human records—The Declaration of American Independence, which Independence, so early as the year 1774, expostulating with the rulers of this country, I publicly advocated, it is my request, that you will accept a two-fold work in the cause of Freedom, entitled “The English Constitution Produced and Illustrated” and...
173To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 26 February 1824 (Adams Papers)
I send you by this Mail, & request your acceptance of, some of my recent publications, in the defence of the only true interest of the Country, so lamentably ill understood by our statesmen. The flattering approbation, with which you have honoured some of my efforts in this great & glorious cause, induces me to hope that these will prove acceptable. I remain, very respectfully, / Your obt....
174From John Adams to John Adams, 1 February 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 18th of January is full of candid, temperate and accurate criticism I know not whether a more lively idea of Mr Clay’s eloquence could have been given me, by Aristotle, Longinus, Dyonisius Halicarnassus, Horace, Vida, Boileau and Pope. Mr Clay must have great powers of Oratory. Your remarks upon emphasis, are judicious and important. I have written this pedantic list of...
175To John Adams from William Charles Jarvis, 24 January 1824 (Adams Papers)
A meeting of the Republican Members of our Legislature held at the District Court Room in this place on Wednesday evening last made choice of. William C Jarvis of Pittsfield Honl. Tho. L Winthrop " Boston. " Nathl Silsbee " Salem " Shearman Lealand " Roxburey " John Mason
176To John Adams from Timothy Alden, 12 January 1824 (Adams Papers)
At a meeting of the Trustees of Alleghany College, held in Meadville, on the 9th of January, 1824, the following Preamble and Resolution were adopted by the Board; “Cherishing all due respect for those illustrious Citizens of the United States, who have successively filled the highest office in the gift of their country and who are still spared to witness the rising glory of this western...
177From John Adams to John Adams, 12 January 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 28th: Decr. is an epistle of a sage. I will tell you a story, of ancient days. “When I was a Sophomore at College, my mother and her Sister Ann Adams, Wife of my Uncle Ebenezer Adams, came to spend the day with me. On looking round my room, they thought I wanted several little articles of accomodation, which they did not see. They asked why I had not this thing, that thing,...
178To John Adams from William Elliot, 6 January 1824 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed small volume and map, relate to a subject in which you took an early and distinguished part: viz. the planning and laying out of this infant Metropolis, and believing that you still feel a deep interest in its welfare, I have sent you this small tribute of my high respect, hoping that you may find some satisfactory information in it, as regards the progress and improvement of the...
179To John Adams from G. Furman, 30 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
For some time past I have devoted my leisure moments to the task of collecting writings relating to the memorable revolution in the Government of our Country—The undertaking I find both difficult and arduous; for the pamphlets and minor writings of those days have almost become as the Sybilline leaves. “Turbata volent rapidis ludibria ventis.” But I am induced to persevere in consequence of...
180To John Adams from Thomas J. Rogers, 14 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I forward you, by this day’s mail, a small volume which I have compiled, intended for the use of schools, and which I am anxious should be placed in the hands of the youth of our country. It is calculated to give them a correct idea of the causes and principles of the American Revolution, and a knowledge of those who acted a conspicuous parts, either in the cabinet or the field, during that...
181To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 14 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
Mr Finch an English gentleman of science and great ardour in geological and mineralogical pursuits intending to pay his respects to you at Quincy has requested this letter of introduction for that purpose. He is grandson of Dr: Priestley and has visited this country for the prosecution of his inquiries into in science, and is particularly desirous of being made known to you. In which I am...
182To John Adams from Rev. Samuel Deane, 2 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I send you a copy of my Table of the of the Otis Family, agreeably to your request. I have searched records, and made enquiries with some diligence, in order to make the early generations correct; which I believe I have accomplish’d. The principal value of this Table, arises from the circumstance, of its rescuing from forgetfulness, the early genealogy, which, probably, would have been...
183To John Adams from Edmund Rogers, 20 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Knowing the interest you take in every improvement of a national character however humble the subject may be, deeming nothing beneath your notice which may tend to promote economy, encourage industry, or add to the independence of our Country—I have presumed to ask your acceptance of the Box herewith, containing a small sample of my domestic Coffee. The dearness of the foreign Coffee, has...
184From John Adams to John Adams, 18 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your account of the first part of your journey, is quite as entertaining and instructive as is that of the latter part, recorded in your former letter. The seventy persons on board the steam boat who were obliged to sleep in mats covered with a blanket, reminded me of my excellent friend and physician, Dr Holbrook’s account of the treatment of the small pox in Canada when our Revolutionary...
185To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 13 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Once more I must give you my cordial thanks for this proof of your remembrance—not, that I suspected it—but I did not expect so soon an answer. Every one, which I receive every letter of myself—I consider—nearly unwillingly—that it may be the last of our correspondence—continued now since more than forty years—during which—whatever Station you fulfilled—I was allways honoured with your kind...
186To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
Althoug it was not in my power to assist, under your roof, at the celebration of your 88th anniversary, yet I cannot deny my Self the enjoyment of congratulating you and your respected family with this event. It is my ardent wish and fervent prayer, that it may please our All-good God to pour out you and your Family his choicest blessings during the continuance of your residence here, So that...
187From John Adams to John Adams, 2 November 1823 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for two letters written at two notable periods of your life one at the happy meeting of your family at Providence and New York, the other at Washington all in health written with the vivacity, and spirit for which you are so remarkable. They gave me and the whole family a great deal of pleasure and excite an appetite for your account of the first part of your journey. We have...
188To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 31 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
I was desirous of offering you some token of my dutiful Affection, upon yesterday’s anniversary; and having as you know occasionally wasted an hour of leisure, upon the cultivation of Poetry I attempted the performance of my intention in verse—I soon found that the theme called for the Voice of a more favoured wooer of the Muse than I have ever been, or can ever hope to be—and after writing...
189To John Adams from John H. Hall, 25 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
Having not the honor of a personal acquaintance, you will pardon the liberty we take in thus addressing you in doing which we feel a peculiar delicacy on the occasion. The subject of this communication is Col. M. M. Russell formerly of the army and, late Consul to Riga, this gentleman we have been intimately acquainted with for several years and has always been considered a useful and Worthy...
190To John Adams from James Walker, 24 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
Various causes, connected with the absence & illness of Revd Mr Fay of the old church, have delayed my going into the investigations which you requested me to make respecting the elder Mr. Shepperd & the Messrs Quincys. I am sorry, now that I have made them, that it has been to so little purpose, or rather to no purpose at all. You ask whether the Records of the Town or Church were destroyed...
191From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 13 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
A man encumbered with my indispensable duties and occupations must have some apology for the allowance even of a few hours to the composition of Poetry—After perusing the three new Cantos of Don Juan, which you lent me, on board the Steam-boat, on our late journey, it occurred to me to make the experiment of writing a few Stanza’s in the same measure, with a view to ascertain whether it was a...
192To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 12 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
I do not write with the ease which your letter of Sep. 18. supposes. crippled wrists and fingers make writing slow and laborious. but, while writing to you, I lose the sense of these things, in the recollection of antient times, when youth and health made happiness out of every thing. I forget for a while the hoary winter of age, when we can when we can think of nothing but how to keep...
193From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 12 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not write with the ease which your letter of Sep. 18. supposes. crippled wrists and fingers make writing slow and laborious. but, while writing to you, I lose the sense of these things, in the recollection of antient times, when youth and health made happiness out of every thing. I forget for a while the hoary winter of age, when we can think of nothing but how to keep ourselves warm, &...
194To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
I am confident you will not take it amiss—if, once more, I address you with a few lines, less so, as I did not hear from Quincy since Febr. last—except thro Public Reports by which I was informed, that you enjoy’d health, and continued as always before, to deserve well of your country—may your Friends and Children enjoy this blessing a long while— I would have written long since, had I not...
195To John Adams from Nathaniel Adams, 20 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
What apology can an intire stranger make for intruding himself upon you? I have the honor of bearing the same family name but do not know that I am descended from the same stock. A desire of getting some information respecting my ancestors has induced me to give you this trouble; and as I have been informed that my progenitor, who came to this country, but whose christian name I am ignorant...
196To John Adams from Pseudonym: "Marathon", 11 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
The writer of Marathon most respectfully encloses the first number to Mr Adams, with a sincere hope that the pain, which cannot but have been occassioned by gross breach of confidence in the publication of his private letters, may be in a good degree diminished by the veneration which it will call forth, for the greatness of his public character, and the anxiety which it will disclose for the...
197To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 4 September 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 15. was recieved in due time, and with the welcome of every thing which comes from you. with it’s opinions on the difficulties of revolutions, from despotism to freedom, I very much concur. the generation which commences a revolution can rarely compleat it. habituated from their infancy to passive submission of body and mind to their kings and priests, they are not...
198From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 4 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 15. was recieved in due time, and with the welcome of every thing which comes from you. with it’s opinions on the difficulties of revolutions, from despotism to freedom, I very much concur. the generation which commences a revolution rarely compleats it. habituated from their infancy to passive submission of body and mind to their kings and priests, they are not qualified,...
199To John Adams from William A. Coffey, 29 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I herewith send you a copy of “ Inside Out ,” a work lately published in this City, for the benefit of its Author —which you will please to accept from him. Divested of his profession, and with a dependent family, without the means of acquiring a livelihood but by the labours of his pen, he has made trifling attempt at Authorship in the compiling of this work, with the hope in some degree, of...
200From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 20 August 1823 (Adams Papers)
I write to announce our safe arrival at this place from whence we propose to start on a visit of two days to Mrs. De Wint this afternoon to return on Friday night to meet your father and proceed in the Steam Boat on Saturday afternoon to Providence where I presume we shall remain until Monday Morning—As the Horses are very tired it is probable we shall take a Stage to Quincy and see you all on...