901From William Smith Shaw to John Quincy Adams, 15 April 1808 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honour to send you with this Parson Gardners sermon—also a few more copies of your letter—There have been five thousand of them published here for circulation and five thousand more ordered from Salem— Mr. Atherton formerly of the house Cram Poor Atherton has requested me to mention his name to you for a n commission in the army if the selection should be left to the Senate as...
902John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of State called upon me this morning to inform me by order of the President, that it was determined to nominate you to go to Holland as Resident Minister. The President desired to know if I thought you would accept. I answered that I had no Authority from you— But it was my Opinion that you would And that it would be my Advice to you, that you should. The Salary is 4500 Dollars a...
903From Thomas Jefferson to John Quincy Adams, 23 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
My grandson, Th: Jefferson Randolph, bearer of this letter being on a journey to the North, I could not permit him to pass thro’ Washington, without enjoining on him the duty of paying his respects to you. I presume he will find you approaching the close of your winter’s campaign, a term as welcome to the civil as military officer. I am glad to avail myself at the same time of the occasion of...
904From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 June 1806 (Adams Papers)
I write you a few lines although with difficulty having been for some days extremely ill and still remaining too unwell to be able to attend to anything my illness was I believe occasion’d by walking though a very small distance and nearly threaten’d a premature confinement I am so much better that I trust I have escaped the danger and make no doubt I shall get through very well your charming...
905From Ward Nicholas Boylston to John Quincy Adams, 11 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
I defer’d the acknowledgement of your very kind Letter of 14’ Augt untill I had completed the object mentiond in the Inclosed Vote—which has undergone a revission by the Corporation, (the first vote not being so full and satisfactory to me ) as I had stipulated was returned to them;) and only a few days since received it corrected— In which you will find I have taken an unauthorized liberty...
906From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, April 1808 (Adams Papers)
A1tho I have not so frequently written to you It has not been oweing to Your having been less frequently in my Thoughts than formerly; I found it so difficult to determine from a partial view, what were the wisest and best measures for the government to pursue, in a day so dark, and in times so perilious, that Silence was best for me, after having once given my opinion upon a subject where we...
907From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
I am anxious for Susan.— I wish to be informed, whether Mr Clark has left any and what Property? And whether any public provision is made for the Widows and Orphans of Officers who died After the War? though they undoubtedly Sacrificed their Health and Their lives in it. I wish to know whether She is with you, on a Visit or as a dependent. I wish also to know, whether her consumptive, dying...
908Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have this morning received your letter of the 18 th: with the enclosure from M r: Pitcairn. My letter to M rs: Adams of the 17 th: under cover to you, must have reached you in course— By the last post I sent her some little sketches or drawings of the neighbourhood of this place, but I can now assure her that the originals are incomparably finer than the copies. Since you condescend to ask...
909Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 1 October 1804 (Adams Papers)
Your three last letters have arrived at the promised time I am concern’d to learn that mine have fail’d however as the news they contain’d was not of the most pleasing nature I should be grateful for their detention as in all probabily you will recieve three of them by the same opportunity which will be the means of saving you from a state of extreme anxiety and Solicitude— I am excessively...
910From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
I must begin my Letter by wishing you and yours, many returns of the Season, as pleasent, as delightfull as the present for the winter hitherto has been as mild, as the Summer was cold. “Sterne Says, God tempers the wind to the Shorn Lamb” and the winter as yet; has been temperd to the wants, and necessities of the people: altho their Herbage was cut off, and the Herds in their stalls will be...
911From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
As the tops of the Houses here are cover’d with Snow and the winds continue to be contrary I venture to write you a few lines, my best friend, in answer 2 No 4, which I recieved this morning. the extreme irregularity of the Posts, has prevented my addressing my letters to Reval, and I have already forwarded three or four to Stockolm, and Gottenburg, which you will find on your arrival.—I am...
912From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 August 1822 (Adams Papers)
After closing my Letter yesterday Mr G. Harrison called on us and sat with us near an hour—He is a singular being and has a very energetic style of conversation thickly beset with ornaments now nearly exploded—There is however something odd in his manner—Speaking of the Post Master here—He said that he was a defaulter to a large amount and that he believed it was only for the sake of his Wife...
913From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 31 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 21 has excited my Sympathies, visible and irascible. I never had the Shadow of a Shade of doubt that you was my legigtimate Son. But if I had been afflicted with Jealousy, the frank confession in your Letter of your impatience with Barrel would have cured me. For never were two Peas parching in the Same fire more alike. This however is no laughing Matter. If there is any...
Sept 3. The Evening closed with a very heavy thundergust After which we had a most delicious evening—During the last Night there was an alarm of Fire, and for two hours the City was in an uproar—I do not know to what extent the damage amounted, and have only heard that it began in a Blacksmith’s shop and had been smothering throughout the day of Sunday—King Joseph and Mr. Anduago met it seems...
915Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 July 1796 (Adams Papers)
This is the Aniversary of the Birth which of that Day when as the poet expresses it, We have in commemoration of it Drank the Health of the American Minister at the Hague nor did we forget to Breathe a fervent petition to Heaven for a perfect restoration of the Health of his equally beloved Brother. I am Maternal Heart of is pained & distresst to hear of the repeated Sickness of my Dear...
916John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 December 1790 (Adams Papers)
Your Brother Charles arrived on Saturday night from New York and has dissipated some of the Gloom of the Family. Your Mother however Seems pretty well recovered from her Indisposition: and Your Brother Thomas, tho very weak is on the Recovery, as We hope. The rest of the Family is well. In a Letter to your mamma, you intimate an Inclination to make Us a Visit. Nothing I assure you would be...
917From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 January 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have regularly received the Journals and Documents you have been So good as to inclose and two Short Letters for which I thank you. I have recd also the Economica of Mr Blodget for which I pray you to thank him. It is I presume a work of merit and Utility. I have not been able as yet to attend to it very carefully. I have not written to you before, because I had nothing to write, unless it...
918John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 April 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have but lately received your kind Letters of the 3 d and 21. of Dec r. — They were like cold Water to a thirsty soul.— While I acknowledge your and your Brothers goodness in writing to me, I am afraid I ought to make an Apology to both, for having written so seldom to You. The late Elections to Congress have gone in general in favour of the Fœderal Government, in the Senate especially. The...
919Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
I cannot close the packet, without acknowledging the recept of your Letter, and thanking you for it. You have great reason for thankfullness to your kind preserver, who hath again carried you through many dangers, preserved your Life and given you an opportunity of making further improvements in virtue and knowledge. You must consider that every Moment of your time is precious, if trifled away...
920From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 February 1811 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received by the Post from New York, your obliging Letter of 9. Novr.—Whether Letters are Sent through London Paris Gottenbourg or directly to Boston or directly to St. Petersbough they get along through all the Crannies and Gauntletts. I must Say that every Body has been very friendly in assisting our Intercourse by Letters. I have considered your Mothers Letters as written for me...
921Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
I wish you to direct the inclosed Letter—to your Father I read Barnevelt in Mondays paper. it may be necessary to defend himself, but I look upon his opponent in a contemtable light, and that no honour or reputation is to be obtaind in a contest with him. I therefore wish to see Barnevelt close Your Father is really affraid that columbus may be inflated with vanity and too much emboldened. he...
922From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of May 6th. like all your other Letters for more than 20 years has been a cordial to me. I approve of your judicious Œconomy in the purchases of Books. I have need of Parcimony. Your great grandmother used often to Say “What a Mercy it is, that the Lords keeps some People poor.” If I was not poor, I should plague you to death, in hunting Books for me all over Europe. Oh! What a...
923From Walter Hellen to John Quincy Adams, 11 January 1811 (Adams Papers)
However melancholy the occasion, my dear friend, yet I cannot refrain from imparting to you the Heart breaking circumstance, which it has been the Divine Will to cause to take place—Oh my dear Sir, I cannot find words to convey to you what my sufferings & feelings on this trying occasion are: You who are so completely competent to judge, can best tell when you are apprized it, has been the...
924John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
No Letters from you by the two last Posts. Let me hear from you as Soon and as often as you can. This is the only Substitute for the Pleasure of Seeing you, which I fear I cannot enjoy for Some time, as the Conferences for the definitive Treaty languish more than I could wish. When I desired you to send me an Account of your Expences, I did not mean a particular Account, but only the Amount,...
925From Alexander Contee Hanson to John Quincy Adams, 1 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
Mr. & Mrs. Hanson are highly flattered by having it in their power to acknowledge the honor of an invitation to dine with Mr. & Mrs. Adams, and certainly do not regret less than Mr. & Mrs. Adams the circumstances which will deprive them of the pleasure of accepting it. They take pleasure in reassuring Mr. & Mrs. Adams of their very high respect & consideration. MHi : Adams Papers.
926From 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...
927From William Cranch to John Quincy Adams, 1 March 1819 (Adams Papers)
I enclose the sermon of Mr. Whitney which you was so kind as to lend me. My daughter Nancy has copied that part which speaks of the character of th at e venerable friend whose loss we deplore. I was in hopes that my elder daughters would have had an opportunity of being personally acquainted with her; but as that is now impossible, I shall endeavour to impress upon their hearts the virtues...
928Louisa Catherine Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 May 1804 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your favor of the 3 d three days since it gave me real pleasure as you appear to be in good spirits and write much more cheerfully than you have done some time past— I was much surprized at the change you mention in M rs. Whitcombs person she wrote Caroline she had been unwell but I did not think she had been seriously sick— I have just done reading Madame de Staals new Novel which...
929From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 January 1816 (Adams Papers)
Having been attacked this morning with a dangerous Complaint, I have requested Louisa to write you a few lines enclosing a Note, The disposition of which, I wrote you my request, in my last Letter dated December 1815—which Letter, and note, I deliver to Louisa Smith—to keep untill your return— MHi : Adams Papers.
930From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 February 1816 (Adams Papers)
Among a million of Things I want to Say to you, which Shall I choose. Publick affairs? What are these to me? What care I, who is President or Governor, Monroe or King, Cousin Brooke or Friend Dexter. What is it to me who makes Judges and Justices Collectors of Revenue or Tide Waiters? Nevertheless, I Still interest myself in Some Things, I have read, with Eyes as bad as yours, four Volumes of...
931From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 10 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison requests the pleasure of Mr. Adam’s company to dinner on Tuesday next at half past 3 o’clock. MHi .
932Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have not written you a single line since you left me. Your sisters punctuality I saw would render my pen unnecessary and I have resignd to her all the minutia, as her leisure is much greater and her cares fewer. Capt. Dashood is to sail in a few days for America, and tho as you may well imagine I have much upon my hands, and miss your assistance not a little, I have determined to write you a...
933John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
If there are any extraordinary Productions of Nature or Art, exhibited, at the Fair of Leyden, write me an Account and a description of them, and insert them in your Journal. There were so many Rarities, at the Fair of Amsterdam, that I think these Fairs worth seeing. A Youth may store his Mind with many new Ideas, and with many usefull Reflections by attending to these Things. To open your...
934From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 July 1820 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a letter, and an account from Mr. Gales for the National Intelligencer— I am very loth to trouble you—and I must beg the favour of you to pay Mr. Gales his account and take his receipt and his Certificate—My subscription is stoped—for I hereby request, and Order, that it may be stoped—for I never read it—I am overwhelmed with a Cart-load of Newspapers for which I never...
935From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
This day compleats five weeks since my dear Boys embarked for Liverpool, and now I anticipate their arrival and your, and their Mothers joy at the prospect of meeting them. if it is equal to the pain I felt at parting with them, I can wish you no greater enjoyment. My Reason and judgment, both approved of their going to you, for they were approaching an Age, when more vigilance was necesary,...
936Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 December 1783 (Adams Papers)
Your Letters by Mr. Thaxter I received; and was not a little pleased with them; if you do not write with the precision of a Robertson, nor the Elegance of a Voltaire, it is evident you have profited by the perusal of them. The account of your northern journey and your observation upon the Russian Goverment; would do credit to an older pen. The early age at which you went abroad; gave you not...
937From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 August 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your No. 50. 29th. May is before me. You wisely persevere in your habitual accuracy, and I hope will compell your Sons to follow your Example. I have been So long incapable of Observing my rules that I know not the number of this Letter, or any other that I have written for many Years. I regret this Negligence I repent of it; and wish my Posterity, to follow Your Example and avoid mine. Yours...
938From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
I was most unfortnate in not hearing, untill two Days before the Cartel from N york sailed, that there was one orderd by Goverment to take Mr Strong the consul to Sweeden, as a Special messenger. he was first to proceed to England with his dispatches for the Brtish Minister; and then immediatly to St Petersburgh. I sent my Letters to go by him, to John Smith at N york; one half hour before the...
939From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 October 1821 (Adams Papers)
The Enterprize has just arrived and brought all the stray baggage which will be delivered to us tomorrow morning—A Gentleman has just called to announce to us this very acceptable inform news who says he made every exertion to expedite its return—Of the Coachman and Elizabeth we have heard nothing but are in hopes they will be here tomorrow night and should they arrive I propose to leave New...
940From 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...
941From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of Oct. 4 was Sent to me from the Post Office this morning. Although I sincerely condole with you and your Lady in the loss of your Child, and feel a deep Affliction in my own Breast, for the loss of a lovely Rose, which I might probably have never Seen; Yet We ought all, to collect ourselves, and reflect that the constitution and Course of Nature in the physical, moral and Social,...
942From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 14 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Adams and incloses a letter just recd. from Mr. Randolph in answer to the letter from Mr. Adams, lately forwarded in one from Mr. M. to Mr. R. RC and enclosure ( MHi : Adams Papers). RC docketed by Adams. For enclosure, see n. 1. Edmund Randolph to Adams, 9 Jan. 1802 (1 p.; cover marked by Randolph: “To be read by the secretary of state”; docketed by...
943From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 14 July 1822 (Adams Papers)
Your N. 3 arrived yesterday and I thank you for the lines although I cannot say I was much pleased with the close of your Epistle which was too gloomy for my taste—Last Eveng. I accompanied Mr. Walsh to a concert and was delighted with Mr Phillips who has a charming voice and sings with great taste and science—Miss Davis gave us the Mocking Bird, and proved that contrary to common notions on...
944From 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...
945Joshua Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 19 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of what M rs. Johnson tells me, had passed between you & her on Sunday, I am induced to believe that a matter of Delicacy on your part retards your Union with my Child. the uncertainty how long you may remain here, together with the shortness of my stay makes me ardently wish to see it compleated, do not then lose sight of personal happiness, by the supposition that the request...
946John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
It grieves me to think how long it is Since I have written you a Line. But public Affairs are forbidden and private are indifferent or disagreable. Your sister and youngest Brother have given me much Pleasure this Winter by their Company: but At the same time have excited a Strong desire to see You and your best Friend my amiable Daughter, your Wife. A Being who has violated a Trust committed...
947Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
As capt Scott has not yet saild, it gives me an opportunity of informing you that last Evening I received the Miniatures, and they were next to personally Seeing you; for the likenessess are very good. the Painter however, it is said has given a more flattering Likeness of you than of Thomas I am perfectly satisfied with them and want to be constantly looking at them. Tis now a long time Since...
948Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 May 1791 (Adams Papers)
we have reachd this place this day, but whether I shall be able to travel tomorrow is uncertain, for I am so unfortunate as to be attackd with the intermitting fever last night was so very ill that I had not the least expectation of being able to proceed on my journey, but to day I am better. I was taken last fryday in N york with it, and prevented sitting out as we intended on monday I am now...
Your kind letter with that of Mrs Smith reached me the day before yesterday and I hasten to answer it merely to state that we are well and making as much dispatch as well the nature of things will admit I think in my last letter I mentioned a possibility of leaving this place on Sunday I find this arrangement very premature and shall not mention untill I am actually on the point of setting off...
950From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 June 1806 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter and deed came safe to hand last evening and I immediately sent to beg Mr Cochran to come as Doctor Thornton was out of Town owing to a bad gust this gentleman disappointed me and I find by the Laws of the State here it is necessary to go before two Justices which I intend least there should be any objection hereafter I am no great judge but it appears to me that you have sold...