101Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The vessel which was up for Hamburgh by which I promised to write has changed her Voyage, and the vessel for London is just upon the point of sailing, so that I have only time to inform you that your old Friend William Vans Murray is appointed your successer. This will give you pleasure, because he is a sensible Worthy Man, and a firm Friend to his Country. You will now be released, and...
102Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 December 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have received two Letters from you, since my arrival in this city. the sickness of your Brother Thomas must be my excuse for not sooner noticing the first, which I certainly should have done immediatly if your Father had not told me that he had written to you, and particularly answerd that part which proposed a visit to us. I certainly cannot have the least objection but should be most...
103Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
We are still without Letters from You. the Secretary of State received one dated in December; but no private Letter has reached any of your Family of a later Date than early in Nov’ br , now six Months. I have noticed by the last English papers that many Mails were due from Hamburgh. I fear that Letters from You have been intercepted, or stoped. I have written to You a Number of times since I...
104Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 January 1804 (Adams Papers)
I am indebted to You for two Letters Since I Wrote to you. Your Letter of december 22 d I thank You for, as well as the other; to me your conduct wanted not any justification or explanation. I am fully Satisfied that You have Weighed every measure, looking much further into concequences than those who censure and condemn. Yet I like to have some reasons to give to those who feel anxious upon...
105Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 January 1804 (Adams Papers)
I am sorry to say that I write you from my Sick Chamber, where I have been confined for near a week with the Severest attack of the Rhumatism Which I have experienced for many Years in my Limbs. I hope it will not be very durable, but Submission is my lesson, and patience my Study— We last Evening received the port folio containing the Character of your much Loved Friend. I read it with a...
106Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 August 1796 (Adams Papers)
Since the date of my last July 11 th I have received an Authentic account of Your appointment as Minister Plenipo. to the Court of Portugal. it was the last nomination which the President made, before the rising of Congress, and took place after your Father came home, without its ever being hinted to him. the appointment was agreed to as mr otis informs me, unanimously by the Senate. this is...
107Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 September 1786 (Adams Papers)
Since I wrote you last I have made two excursions one to Holland, and one of a Week to the Hyde the seat of mr Brand Hollis. Here I was both entertaind and delighted. In the first place I must describe mr Hollis to you. He is a Neat, nice Batchelor of about 50 years old a learned Sensible Antiquarian. The late mr Hollis whose Name he bears could not have chosen a better Representitive to have...
108Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 May 1795 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of Feb ry 12 th reachd me on the last of April, and gave me Sincere pleasure and satisfaction to learn that both you and your Brother were in good Health and spirits, and that in the midst of such a mighty Revolution as you have been witness too, You have beheld the still greater Phœnomenon of order Peace and tranquility, that they may be durable to our good Batavian Friends, and a...
109John Adams and Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 April 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letters Numbers 1. 2. 3. 4. and 5. but not in the order, in which they were written— Number one, was the last rec d as it came to hand by the last Post. Never was a Father more Satisfied, or gratified, than I have been with the kind Attention of my sons Since they went abroad. I have no Language to express to you the Pleasure I have rec d from the Satisfaction you have...
110Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter last evening received from Bilboa relieved me from much anxiety, for having a day or two before received Letters from your Pappa, Mr. Thaxter and Brother in which packet I found none from you, nor any mention made of you, my mind ever fruitfull in conjectures was instantly allarmed. I feard you was sick, unable to write, and your Pappa unwilling to give me uneasiness had concealed...
111Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5–6 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Hay call’d, and left me your Letter. tho I have not written to you before I have had you constantly upon my mind, and have been anxious for your Health. I have heard of you several times. I think you would mind an advantage in drinking valerian & camomile Tea, for those spasm’s you complain of. I am not able to say to you as yet, when I shall go to Newyork. I have received only one Letter...
112Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
Your Last Letter was dated in july No 45, near Six Months since. the secretary of state has one, in sep’ br Since that period: a very long one to me, not a word have I heard from You I learnt from your Brother Thomas that you had been sick of an intermitting fever, that Letter was also in sep’ br . I have myself been very deficient in writing to you; My mind revolts at looking back to the...
113Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 24 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
And are you really determined my Dear Brother not to condescend to write to your Sister again till She has answered some of your letters. I must acknowledge myself rather in arrears, but you must consider that you are daily removing from one scene to another, new and pleasing objects continually engage your attention, and furnish you with new subjects and pleasing ideas which if related by you...
114Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 26 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Lyde sailed the 24th. with a long Letter for you from me, and I have now commenced N 6, which I propose giving to the Care of Mr. Storer he talks of going next week. If so, this will be but short. But alas my Brother 14 weeks have elapsd since you left us, and we not yet any account of your arrival. Hopes and fears alternately possess my mind, and I can not banish anxiety upon your account....
115Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 22 January 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have taken my pen, to frame an appology to you my Dear Brother. There are so many that offer themselvs to me, that I am almost at a loss, which to avail myself of as most sattisfactory to you—should I tell you that no opportunity of forwarding my Letter to you had been the cause of my silence since the 9th of December or that not having received any answer to my many long Letters I had...
116Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 18 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
Mr. James Jarvis called upon us yesterday but we were not at home. To day he wrote to Pappa to let him know that he should sail next week for New York, and would take any Letters from this family. Altho I wrote Last week by Capt. Calliham I will not permit this opportunity to escape me. Mamma tells me She is sure I cannot find anything to say, as I have written so largly so lately, but...
117Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 3 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
I am conscious my dear Brother that I have appeared deficient in my duty and affection by neglecting to write you often. I have very little encouragement to continue a correspondance without any return from you. I do not believe you deficient in writing; it is a disagreable circumstance that we receive so small a part of the letters that are written. Mamma has receiv’d letters from Pappa and...
118Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 27 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
Never was there a young Man who deserved more a severe punishment than yourself. I am so out of patience with you, that I am quite at a loss in what way to revenge myself. In short I know of no method that I think would be adequate to your deserts. Month after month has elapsd, ship after ship has arrived, from New York, and six months have passed since you left us, and I have as yet received...
119Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 5 December 1785 (Adams Papers)
This Morning I wrote you that we were going to the play with Mrs. Church. At six oclock we called upon her, and went to the Theatre of Drury Lane, where was performed the Confedrecy, a Comedy, which I took to be as great a satire upon the manners, of high Life, as could have been written. It was not however any thing new. The entertainment was the Jubilee of Shakespear, which is well worth...
120Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 24 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
Last fryday I closed my Last to you and Mr. Storer sailed on Monday from Graves End so that it is now on its way to Greet you with health peace and Contentment I hope. A saturday the 17th. we went to see Mrs. Siddons, in the Character of Desdemona. Altho I saw her under many disadvantages, the part not being such as I shold have chosen, and her present situation renders it impossible for her...
121Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 22 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have also to sollicit your Pardon my Dear Brother for haveing so long delayd writing you. I know that you will overlook it and forgive me. You are not at this time uninformd of the change which has taken place in our family, tho I have till now been silent my pen has lain unemploy’d from the 29th of April to this day. At present your Sister is settled in Wimpole Street about half a mile from...
122Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 27 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
When I closed my last to you on Sundey last I promised to give you an account of the excursion we proposed setting off upon the next day, either upon my return or during my visit. A Leasur hour presents itself, this morning and I embrace it to fullfill my engagements. On Monday Morning at Seven oclock, we were in the Carriage, Mr S and my self, at our door in Wimpole Street, from whence we...
123Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 9 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
This my Brother is the day appropriated for the celebration of the Queens Birth day. It really comes in june but as the Kings is in that Month they defer its celebration to this season. Kings and Princess you know may do any thing which their power will permit with impunity. But to tell you—at 2 oclock we were dressd, Mamma in a sattin of the new fashiond Colour which is Called the spanish...
124Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 10 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
Where, or in what part of the world to address you, my dear brother, I do not at present know; but I can no longer restrain my pen. It is a long, very long time, since we have had any accounts from you; not a line has your sister received since you left her, now more than three years. Is it right, my brother? Have you not written her once? I will hope you have not been unmindful. Have you not...
125Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 4 July 1785 – 11 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Every day, hour, and minute, your absence mon chere frere , pains me more and more. We left last saturday the Hotell and have got settled in peace and quiettness in our own House in this Place. The situation is pleasant. I would walk, my Brother is gone. I would ride, my Brother is gone. I would retire to my chaimber. Alas, I meet him not there. I would meet him in his appartment—but—where is...
126Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 25 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
Last night I Closed my Letter to you and shall send it to Mr Jenks’s care this Morning. I determine not to delay writing from day to day, till it becomes urkessome, but to finish my story and then go on regularly—theres a good resolution—I shall now begin by telling you a peice of News—Call all your fortitude to your aid before you proceed– here pause a moment . . . do you think yourself...
127Abigail Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 1 September 1786 (Adams Papers)
At length after long expectation your No 16 has arrived. Capt Cushing Called yesterday upon us, and delivered the Letters for Pappa, and amongst them I found one from yourself which was the only Letter I received except 2 from Dr Welsh. I have been rather unfortunate respecting Letters, mine being so long delayd by being under Cover to Mr Storer that my friends one and all have taken up a...
128From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
I endeavour that you should hear from us by writing in every direction, yet when I take my pen my heart sinks, and my hand trembles. my last Letters which were in August were Sent to Halifax by a cartel to be conveyd to England to mr Beasley, and they contain’d such heart rending intelligence that I know not how to repeat it—Bad news has swifter wings than good, I have lost, O what have I not...
129From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have already written to you, in replie to your Melancholy Letter of Sepbr 20th. and have offer’d to the wounded Bosoms of my dear Children all the consolation which a participation in their Sorrows could impart. “Some feelings are to mortals given with less of earth in them, than heaven And if there be a human tear From passions drop refind and clear A tear So limpid and So meek It would not...
130From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 December 1805 (Adams Papers)
I began a Letter to you on the 10 of this Month left it unfinishd, and so it is like to remain, an old Letter being of no more value than an old almanack—for to know how things are, when absent from the Scene, is better than to learn how they were a week before. At that period I had not heard of your safe arrival at Washington. Since I have received two Letters, one dated the 29st Novbr and...
131From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 October 1815 (Adams Papers)
Last week I Sent Letters to Newyork for you Mrs Adams, and the children. I write now to Say that we are all well, and because I would not let a vessel go without a Letter for you I inclose one for George. we have not any Letters of a later date from you than july— Harper is displaying his Anti American Principles, if Principles he has. in Maryland a Part of that State are as turbulent as our...
132From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, July 1813 (Adams Papers)
altho I wrote to you on the 14 of this month I know that my Letter will have a dubious conveyance as it had to first make its way to France & then to find a passage to you—mr Gordon who is ever attentive to us, has just informd us of a sweedish vessel & a passenger going by whom I might forward Letters to you—if you do not hear from us often it is oweing to the obstructions occasiond by the...
133From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 December 1813 (Adams Papers)
Altho I have already written to you by this opportunity, and my Letters are now quite old, I know I shall give to you renewed pleasure by adding a few lines more, as they may bear to you a token of my returning health, after a very Severe attack of a Lung fever of a very dangerous nature I am Still confined to my chamber weak and debilitated, but my Cough has nearly left me, and I feel that I...
134From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 August 1815 (Adams Papers)
I closed a Letter to you last week, and sent it to Liverpool by the Juno Captain Emery—full of wailings for Letters at that time we had not received a line since those brought to us by mr Smith, untill thursday the 23d of this month, when the Galen arrived. by her you Father received one of 19th June, and from each of my Grandsons I had the pleasure of hearing from under their own hand’s I do...
135From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 14 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
As there is Some prospect of mr Russels being appointed to Sweeden I hope to convey Letters to you through him I have been more than usually unfortunate in the loss of those which I have endeavourd to convey to you, not having omitted writing to you every Month. yet I have not any acknowledgement from even your latest Letter dated in Feby 1813 that you had received a line from me of a more...
136From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 4 June 1815 (Adams Papers)
I must abide by the rule I have establishd, which is not to let any opportunity of writing to you, pass unimproved.—altho I have no later letters from you, to acknowledge than, that, from Paris of the 19th March. Since the receit of which, I believe I have written you half a dozen. I have little more to say now, than that we are all well, anxiously longing for Letters from you, and for...
137From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
I last week received your Letter of december 3d in replie to mine of Novbr 11th, not having made any mention of it before I thought it had miscarried. I am very sorry to learn by it, that you have been unwell. you must not let the mind wear so much upon the Body. Your disposition to a Sedentary Life prevents you from taking that regular excercise which the Body requires to keep it in a healthy...
138From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
This day two years since; I was cloathed in Sable for the Death of mrs Norten’s Since which time, I have had repeated occasion to continue it, and this day, your Letter of Sepbr 20th has filld our Eyes with tears; and our hearts with anguish. most tenderly and affectionatly do I feel the sorrows of the Parents, who perhaps had too fondly “garnered up their Hearts” in their lovely Babe, without...
139From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
“Oh that I too, could make a visit to my Father,” was your exclamation in your last Letter. more than a visit You may make, my dear Son, If the Newspapers may be credited, for they announce from South to North, that you are to be recall’d and to fill the department of State. this is repeated over and again, & appears to give universal satisfaction. this I learn from all quarters—I rejoice in...
140From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 May 1811 (Adams Papers)
I Shall continue to write to you altho you may determine to leave St Petersburgh before my Letters can reach you. There may be family circumstances unknown to me at present, which may oblige you to a longer residence there than we at present Contemplate. Ladies are not always in a Situation to undertake a voyage of three, and four Months. do not make a calculation for less time, you may be...
141From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
I wrote to you on the 26 of August, and sent my Letter to N york to go in a dispatch vessel. I did not at the time know of the Humiliating and disgracefull Catastrophy which had befallen the city of Washington!! nor have I language to describe my feelings at the Torpor which blinded the Government to a sense of their danger, and their defenceless situation The Capitol is destroyed, but America...
142From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 January 1806 (Adams Papers)
This is the first Snow which we have had of any concequence; and this promisses to be keep. It began last night and has continued increasing all day. It is now mid day, and the storm is cold and severe, the wind North. I cannot tell you how the Glass stands, for when I went in the absence of your Brother & Sister; to take an observation as I promissed, the window was frozen down So tight, that...
143From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 December 1815 (Adams Papers)
By mr. Tarbel, who left here the last of Nov’br I wrote to you, and to mrs Adams, introducing him to you, as the Grandson of our Ancient, and beloved Friend, dr. Tufts, who then enjoyed his faculties and was active in buisness—but upon the 8th of this month, closed a Life of virtuous usefullness. having finishd the works assignd him, he fell asleepe asleep—for his death was not preeceeded by...
144From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 September 1809 (Adams Papers)
This day compleats Eight weeks since you embarked for Russia. I would fain flatter myself that you have arrived at your destined port—the British Ship Squirel arrived at Halifax whilst mr Boylstone was there; who sailed for that place the Same day that you sailed for st petersburgh. the commander of that Ship informd him; that he had boarded the Horace upon the 21 of August, and that Mr Adams...
145From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 July 1810 (Adams Papers)
God bless it— mr Jones was so obligeing as to come this morning to Quincy, to inform us that he was to Sail this week for st Petersburgh and that he should be happy to take Letters to you, that he proposes to pass the next winter there, This gentleman is the Son of mr J Th Jones Since he left Colledge he has been in France. he appears an intelligent well informed young Gentleman; he is not...
146From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
Altho I sent Letters yesterday to go by our Ministers from N York, yet a new opportunity offering I readily embrace it. mr Tuckerman has kindly sent us word that he is permitted to go in a vessel from Norfolk to Gottenburgh, and will take any Letters we may have, as his Brother the Rev’d mr Tuckerman came in his behalf, and will wait untill I write you a few lines my Letter must be short. I...
147From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 July 1806 (Adams Papers)
I sympathize with you in the loss you have sustained, and rejoice that the event did not prove fatal to the mother, as well as Child. Let me hear from you when you get a Letter from Washington. your affectionate MHi : Adams Papers.
148From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
I was never more at a loss what to Say to you than at the present moment. to accuse you of neglect, I cannot I will not, for I do not beleive it possible! Yet so unfortunate have I been, that not a line has reachd me from you, of a later date than the 1st of May. Two packets have since been received, containing Letters for your Father, your Brother, and for your Sons, but not a solitary Line...
149From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 December 1815 (Adams Papers)
This Letter will derive some merit from its being the latest date, and I hope will reach you soon. it comes to inform you that mr Tarbel has Letters for you—your Father has given you his opinion respecting the publication of the extract of his Letter to dr price by mr Morgan. I send you the copy from the original and am ready to ask mr Morgan, in the words of the play. “who was the dupe? with...
150From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
For three weeks past there have been many & various reports in circulation respecting the Mediation to Russia & there has been much Said and written respecting the persons to be appointed. It was not untill yesterday that your Father & I was officially notified that mr Gallatin and Bayard were associated with you in a commission to Negotiate a Peace between Great Britain and the united States,...