101From Jacob Norton to John Quincy Adams, 16 September 1824 (Adams Papers)
Received of John Quincy Adams the sum of five hundred Dollars, in full payment for fifteen shares of Stock of the Potowmack Bridge at Washington City, belonging to me; and to be transferred to the said Adams, by William Cranch Esqr of Alexandria, duly empowered to that affect—The quarter’s dividend payable on the first of next Month to be retained for me. MHi : Adams Papers.
102From Ward Nicholas Boylston to John Quincy Adams, 26 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
With sincere pleasure I rec’d the assurance of my beloved Friend, your Father, that you intended very soon to make him a visit—I use thus early to claim your and Mrs Adams’s flattering promise of passing sometime with us before your return to Washington—en route, either going to Quincy or returning thither:—as its now assertain’d by the establishment of a new post stage Line which passes thro...
103From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
Mr Benjamin Parker Richardson, a Grandson of my old friend Mr Brackett, who is advancing with me far in our eighty ninth year, is desirous of an introduction to you. I hope your family will receive him with kindness. He seems to have a passion for seeing conspicuous characters, and I hope he will be gratified. He can inform you how faint and feeble I am, and how ardently I wish to see you and...
104From Thomas Jefferson to John Quincy Adams, 18 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have safely recieved the two copies of the facsimile of the Decln of Indepdce which you have been so kind as to send me under a resoln of Congress. with a due sense of respect for this mark of attention to myself I contemplate with pleasure the evidence afforded of reverence for that instrument, and view in it a pledge of adhesion to it’s principles, and of a sacred determination to maintain...
105From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
13 July— After I closed my Letter and just as we were sitting down to supper in came Mr John and to my great astonishment in a Hack—He tells me that one of our Horses gave out at Middletown and he was obliged to leave him there with the Coachman to take care of him as he would not be able to move for some days.—He looks remarkably well and is in high spirits—Miss Lewis continued very ill all...
106From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
11 July. This day we celebrated and drank the health of my best friend accompanied by every good wish for his future happiness Dr Watson and several Gentlemen dined with us but I did not mention your name to them or give publicity to the occasion—Our company encreases fast we have a Mrs. Dawson Mrs. Lyons an old Lady who came ninety Miles on horseback and a Mr. Baily from Newington Pensylvania...
107From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
July 9 I think I closed my last to you my best friend on Thursday I shall therefore continue to give you an account of our proceedings although I fear they do not prove very amusing. A short time after breakfast Mr. Rankin arrived and engaged apartments here for three or four weeks—I rode out with Mr. & Mrs. Justice in the morning and did not see him until dinner time—I perceived that our...
108From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter is this moment brought me my dear John and I confess I was very much disappointed in not seeing you in propria personea as my last epistle was to be considered positive if your father did not go soon to Boston—I trust however that the one I last sent will induce you to start immediately— I had written thus far when it occurred to me that John would probably have left Washington...
109From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
Mr Crane brought me your Letter last Eveng from Bedford but although I was rejoiced to receive it I fancied either that you were not well or that your spirits were not so good as usual—I hope I was mistaken or that it was only a momentary depression occasioned by the heat— John writes that you have been unusually harrassed by business and I am glad to learn that the President is gone as I hope...
110From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 July 1824 (Adams Papers)
2 July I must continue journalizing for want of something better to do as the time hangs heavily on our hands and we must do something to guard against that all devouring complaint ennui—While we were riding with Mrs. Brewer we met a Carriage going to the Springs with a fresh supply of company—We went to the Chalebrate Spring about two miles from Bedford and drank some of the Water which is...
111From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
29th June—The Eveng was very dull and Mr Crane though in all probability a very good man has not the talent of conversation; or rather of that kind of talk which animates and amuses—Johnson is evidently much better but still thinks himself very bad—His complaints are half of them imaginary in consequence of living too much alone— 31 I believe I have gone back a day as I think I mentioned the...
112From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 June 1824 to 27 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
June 25. Johnson went to Town and on mountain mounting his Horse; the Beast trod on his foot and hurt him very much— 26 He went to see Mr. Caruthers who was too ill to admit him—He is beginning to feel the effect of the Water which promises to be very salutary, and is in high spirits at the appointment of Dr. Watkins; I am very glad of it but could not help exclaiming poor Frye! He is also...
113From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
27 I sent to know if Mrs. Morgan would see me but it was so late when I received an answer that I could not go—We took a long walk. Mr Morgan is again worse and it is now thought the melancholy news scene will soon be closed— 28 Govr & Mrs. Findlay called with Capt Porter of Easton Pensylvania they sat an hour during which time the Govr was quite chatty and witty—Mr Porter asked if it was not...
114From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
June 24 I closed a sheet last Eveng. to send you and was quite low spirited at not hearing from you or John—This Morning Mary and myself were gratified by the receipt of your packet which gave us an excellent appetite for breakfast and contributed largely to her recovery—I hope George will acquit himself handsomely on the fourth as I am sure it would gratify his Grand father very much—I am...
115From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
22 Notwithstanding I have just closed a sheet I shall continue to write, as I know however trifling my subject; you will be pleased to see that I am sufficiently recovered to be amused or interested by the little occurences which pass around me— Yesterday was a day of incessant rain and we were shut up in the House the whole day of course obliged to seek amusement in whatever shape it might...
116From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
19 June—Although we have no variety to amuse us or nor any striking incidents to relate I must resort to my old practice of journalizing; and will begin, as I know your anxiety on the subject by stating, that I am a great deal better and resuming my usual tone of spirits—We all met at breakfast in a more social manner than common, and Mr Porterfield who is the quiz of the party was...
117From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
Johnson arrived last Eveng. and brought me your very kind Letter my best friend and I am truly grieved to learn that you were so anxious; more especially as I did not write until I arrived at this place, in consequence of having omitted to bring some paper for that purpose—As the Stage only goes three times a week, I took the earliest opportunity after taking possession of our appartments to...
118From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
I enclose a Letter from Mary to Mrs. Gelbot and at the same time have the pleasure to inform you that we are pretty well—Mr. Todd the M.C. has done me the honour to call on me with two other Gentlemen We have four invalids here besides ourselves all elderly men three Virginians and one from Carlisle—The life we lead is so quiet we have not a single incident to note excepting that yesterday was...
119From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
We have arrived safely at this place—after a very fatiguing and anxious journey on account of the roads which are worse than you can imagine— often created apprehensions for the safety of the Horses as the trial was almost beyond their strength— The Country through which we have passed is extremely beautiful but the Mountains, though high cannot compare with those of Silesia The Soil in the...
120From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 26 February 1824 (Madison Papers)
I find that my letters to Mr. Rush are recd by him so punctually & conveniently when passing from the Dept. of State that I must continue to avail myself of your kindness by requesting that the inclosed one may have that advantage. With high esteem & cordial respects Draft ( NjP : Jasper E. Crane Collection of James and Dolley Madison).
121From Richard Mentor Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 28 January 1824 (Adams Papers)
My friend Mgr. Luckett will hand this to you to enquire whether you have had an opportunity to see the President as to his Case. your attention to this matter, will oblige me. you must excuse this trouble as it is a peculiar case. I shall see you as soon as possible as to the florida appointment as I have Some letters to present you— Sincerely your MHi : Adams Papers.
122From Andrew Jackson to John Quincy Adams, 20 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
Genl Jackson presents his compliments & thanks to Mr & Mrs. Adams for their polite invitation to a Ball at their house on the 8 of Jany— He had designed not to visit during the winter after night owing to his ill health; but their politeness on the present occasion influences him to alter that determination, and he begs leave to say that he will with great pleasure wait upon them on the...
123From Daniel Webster to John Quincy Adams, 10 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
Mr Webster accepts with great pleasure Mr and Mrs Adams invitation to dine on the 18th. MHi : Adams Papers.
124From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have seen many of your poetical effusions from the time when you were at College, to the last Month, And there are so many indisputable proofs of natural, and social affections, and genuine poetical imagery; that if you had cultivated the muses as much as you have politicks, you might have made a Shakespear, a Milton, or a Pope, for any thing that I know— How sweet an Ovid, is in Murray...
125From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 4 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have seen many of your poetical effusions, from the time when you were at College, to this last Month. And there are so many indisputible proofs of natural and Social affections, and genuine poetical imagery that if you will had cultivate the muses as much as you have politicks you might have made a Shakespear, a Milton or a Pope, for anything that I know, how “How sweet an Ovid, is in...
126From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 21 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
Having received a letter from Mr. Rush to which I wish to give a very safe as well as early answer, you will add to your former favors by having it forwarded with the first communications to him from your Department. Praying you to excuse the trouble I am giving, I offer anew assurances of my high esteem & cordial respects RC ( MHi : Norcross Collection); draft ( DLC ). RC docketed by Adams...
127From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 26 July 1823 (Madison Papers)
My experience of your kindness leads to another trespass on it. You will oblige me by havg the enclosed forwarded to Mr. R. with the next despatches to him and by accepting assurances of my great esteem & cordial respect. Draft ( DLC ). Filed at 26 July 1825. Year not indicated; conjectural year assigned here based on the assumption that the letter referred to was JM to Richard Rush, 22 July...
128From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 April 1823 (Adams Papers)
Having forgotten to order Georges bed to be removed into my dressing room I now write to ask you to tell Antoine to have it prepared and all his paraphernalia placed within his reach—He is much better to day after having had a very bad night and a great encrease of fever in consequence of too great excitement during the day which the Doctor says must be carefully avoided for some time to come...
129From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 April 1823 (Adams Papers)
Mr Young the Bar keeper visits Washington to day and I write a few lines to say that though George is doing well the inflamation of the Arm subsides so slowly it will not be possible to flex it for some days and our stay here I fear will be considerably lengthened—You must not be anxious as he is doing well but makes too many efforts to help himself which makes me tremble for the arm in future...
130From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 April 1823 (Adams Papers)
Our poor George is so much better to day that we shall probably be able to get home sooner than I at first anticipated although I cannot fix the time as the arm is not yet in a state to curve. The inflamation has entirely subsided and the feverish symptoms are so much diminished that the Doctor says his case is more thriving than could possibly have been expected—We this morning changed his...
131From William Cranch to John Quincy Adams, 2 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the 7th. Vol. of Wheaton’s Reports, the supplemental census of Alabama, and the commission of Tench Ringgold; as Marshall of the Dist. of Columbia, untill the end of the next session of the Senate. With great consideration / I have the honour to be / sir, yr. obed. servt, DNA : RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.
By the frendship, with which I was gratified and honoured by your Beloved Parents’—during the best part of my life, and which I yet continue to enjoy unabated—By the courtesy with which you obliged me—voluntarily, and by your Literary endowments I feel my Self Sufficiently justified, in Submitting to your examination sundry paper—although I know that your High Station, your more Serious...
133From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 November 1822 (Adams Papers)
I received the letter you did me the honor to write me, on the 7th. of this month. Inclosing a copy of an additional return of the Census of Alabama in virtue of an act of Congress of the 7. of March 1822 / and salute you with the respect and affection / of your obid: & very humble Servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
134From Thomas Jefferson to John Quincy Adams, 3 November 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
A mr Runnels of S t Bartholemew’s, having a son George Runnels now in N. York, has requested me to be the channel of communicating to the government his wish that his son might be appointed Agent of the US. at Trinidad, S t Vincent’s, S t Lucia or S t Kitts. being a stranger to me he referred me to the Baron de Stackleberg for his character, who answers me in these words. ‘ j’ai l’avantage de...
135From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 24 October 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have received with your favour of the 11th. a copy of the “Collection of Documents” which you had recently published. The Treaty of Ghent forms a prominent epoch in our National History; and will be a lasting monument of the Ability and patriotism with which it was negociated. Incidents elucidating the transaction, can not therefore but be interesting, and they are made the more so by the...
136From Thomas Jefferson to John Quincy Adams, 23 October 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to mr Adams for the copy of the Ghent Documents which he has been so kind as to send him. so far as concerns mr Adams personally, the respect and esteem of the public for him was too firmly and justly fixed, to need this appeal to them. but the volume is a valuable gift to his fellow citizens generally, and especially to the future historian whom it will enable...
137From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for the present of your Book and your kind letter of the 24th. September. It was wisely done to collect all those papers together and arrange them in order that posterity might see them in one view without ransacking twenty libraries for the newspapers and the pamphlets of the day. Without this prudent precaution they would probably have never been all read by any one individual....
138From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
6 October Mr. Smith called to make a visit to my brother, stating to me, that he was so interesting a man he was desirous to become acquainted with him; to all of which of course I assented—I am trying to read Madlle. Le Norman’s memoirs of the Empress Josephine, which however I find so inflated and bombastic, I cannot read much at a time—It is lent me by Mrs. Manigault, and I must peruse it...
139From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
When I closed my last sheet I expected to be laid up again but Dr. Physick has decided that it is unnecessary at present and I am still at large. He has however determined to operate on my brother again tomorrow morning which will delay our return untill the middle of the week. I went out and returned several visits and afterwards took a family dinner at Walsh’s where I met de Menou Mr. Allen...
140From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
It is my intention to return to you early next week unless my Dr. forbids; I will therefore beg you to send me some Cash to pay his bill although I fear you will think me very extravagant—. I am so surrounded by company, that I have not been able to continue my journal—Going this Even’ to Mrs. Hopkinson’s and to Mrs. Manego’s—Elopements appear to be the fashion among the medical tribe—Dr...
141From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
2 October The day was so stormy we were entirely shut up but I received several visits notwithstanding—Miss Verplank and her father Mr. Lee &c and Mr. Connell who intends to visit Washington in a short time. We are becoming dull and fretful and I expect to embrace you on Tuesday or Wednesday next at farthest—Dr Physick is unwilling to part with me as I have gone through the operation but he...
27 Sept—In the Evening the Count and Countess came to visit us and sat above an hour conversing very pleasantly though not very favourably of Miss Keene who appears to be no favorite with him notwithstanding her evident desire to attract his attention—The young Lady seems to have taken a sort of partiality for me; and politely expressed a wish that I would prolong my stay in Borden Town as my...
24 Sept We dined at the Counts and while walking in the garden he told me an excellent anecdote of a beautiful Quaker Lady who had paid him a visit—During their promenade in the Garden they came to the figures of Cupid and Psyche who are represented looking tenderly at each other. She turned to him with great naiveté and said, “had she been so situated” she would not have remained long in that...
144From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 September 1822 to 23 September 1822 (Adams Papers)
21 Sept Still at Borden Town methinks I hear you say? “I hope my dear your head is not quite turned by all the fine things you meet?” I answer I hope not, but almost fear to ask myself the question—My last I believe informed you of the party at Mont Point Breeze. This Eveng the Count and his family spent here with Mrs. Hopkinson; and we laboured hard to amuse them, and I fear did not atchieve...
19 Sept My last I believe closed on this day; I will therefore continue the account of our proceedings—While we were at Table the Count and his daughter paid us a visit and left Cards—and in the Evening we received an invitation to a water party at four o’clock tomorrow afternoon; and to spend the Evening which we graciously accepted. After which we strolled to the burying ground, where Miss...
16 Sept Finding myself very weak after my tedious confinement to my chamber I determined to accept the invitation of Mrs. Hopkinson, and took my passage in the Steam Boat accompanied by Mary—The day was fine but contrary to our usual good fortune, we found no one with whom to have a chat, excepting an old Quaker Lady; who was on her travels for the first time in her life; and full of terrors,...
Nothing worthy of Notice occurred yesterday, excepting a visit from Mrs. Hopkinson; and a Letter from Hariet Welsh brought by Miss H. Otis, who is come to this place to Nurse Mrs. Delavand whose recovery is deemed impossible—Miss Welsh informs me in her Letter, that John is gaining in standing at Cambridge: but I do not know what sources of information she has , although she states it to be...
Yesterday passed without any material change—Mrs. Harrison called and Major Jackson and in the afternoon Mr. & Mrs. Walsh but I did not see them—They have just returned from Baltimore—Doctor Physick informed me that he hoped my brothers health would be firmly re-established in the course of a short time—I think it probable however he will operate once more— This morning I ventured down stairs...
Mr & Mrs. Bache Mrs. Dallas, and Mr U S. Capt Biddle called but I did not see them—Your letter was brought me, and you need not fear my leaving it about; as I am in the habit of filing and locking up my letters immediately after reading them—it is true that there are great machinations against you at this time going forward; and that they must and will continue as the time draws nearer which...
Another attack of St Anthony confines me to my chamber since I wrote last and as it has been attended by head ache &c. with considerable fever I put myself into the hands of the Doctor; who is in hopes of eradicating the complaint altogether, though it is so stubborn it will require time, patience, and some confinement to my chamber—You have been too long accustomed to see me suffer in this...