1John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 31 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I now Sit down with an intent to give you an account of the Place I dind at yesterday doctor Franklin his son a young Gentleman & I went to Place Calld montmartre at the Castle of the Count Brancard & dind there with him and some other Gentleman & Ladies, from which Place there is a most Beautiful Prospect of the City. On this hill the famous king henry the 4th incamped his army when he laid...
2John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 17 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
As there is a very good opportunity of writing to you by a Gentleman from South carolina who is about embarking for America I must write one short Letter to all my Freinds. I am in one of the schools which I was in when I was here before and am very content with my situation. I will give you an account of our hours. At 7 o clock A.M. we get up and go in to school and at 8 o clock we breakfast...
3Charles Adams to William Cranch, 14 March 1784 (Adams Papers)
NB This is not performing the promise of writing to one another every week. I know you can write if you have a mind to for you have as much enough time to write. I have just done getting my mornings lesson, began at the verbs in ao eo oo at the indicative mood have got the active voice out. Have I not been spry. Had I began Virgil when you went away. Oh yes well I have got the second Georgic...
4John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 14 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have been so much taken up these four or five days, in copying both for my Pappa and Mamma, that I have not been able to write at all for myself. I expected that Mr. Tracey and Mr. Jackson would not leave Paris till next Monday, but I dined with them this day, and they seem determined upon setting out the day after to morrow: I shall see them to morrow for the Last time, and have therefore...
5Charles Adams to William Cranch, 9 May 1785 (Adams Papers)
I receiv’d your letter of the 27th. of April sometime last week, and as your Chum is going to Cambridge next Wednesday I here see fit without more ceremony to give you a small scroll; and you will please to think that you have been at College allmost a year and an half and that between us both four letters have been the production of our Correspondence; now as to your thought’s about this...
6John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 1 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
My two Brothers, Leonard and Charles, will leave us tomorrow for Cambridge, and you would perhaps strike me from your books, was I to let them go without writing something: and as my inclination and my interest, are in this case, both on one side of the Question, I will say some thing, though it may not be worth your reading. You know not how often I have thought of you, and wish’d for you,...
7John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 6 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
I received on Saturday evening your kind favour of the day preceding, and although I was then far, very far from being in a pleasant State of mind: yet I could not help smiling at your geometrical proof that if you shared my sorrows with me, they would not be so great. I had been much affected the day before, when Mr. Thaxter returning from Salem inform’d us of our aunt’s Death. I had read the...
8John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 6 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
Although I have been writing a long Letter to Charles, I still must find something to say to you, as I believe, I am in your debt. I hope however you will not stand upon ceremonies, but write whenever you can. Your benevolence will induce you to take the will for the deed, if I am not quite so punctual, as I should wish to be. I have just this moment shook hands with one Mr. Xenophon, that put...
9John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 20 August 1786 (Adams Papers)
RC (Privately owned); addressed: “Mr: Bob Longer. In the paradise of fools.” Probably an abbreviation for “Robert Shorter” (that is, Bob Shorter), a comment on JQA ’s and Cranch’s relative heights.
10Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 23 August 1788 (Adams Papers)
Will you be so kind as to wait upon the Govenour early on monday morning with the inclosed cards and take an answer from him; which Brisler will call for on Monday at mr Fosters. if he has any objection to thursday, let it be fryday only I would wish for a decisive answer. if he agrees to the day proposed, then I would request the favour of you to go with the card to mr Brecks, but if the...
11John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 27 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I should have answered your last favour, ere this [but in?] [conse]quence of the information you gave me, I went to Haverhill [last?] Thursday and returned but the day before yesterday. Regularly the Sunday is my scribbling day, but as there are several opportunities for sending at present, I [can]not suffer the week to pass over without noticing you, and must there fore [steal?] an hour or...
12John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 7 April 1790 (Adams Papers)
As you were somewhat in my debt in the article of Letters, when I left Boston, I expected ere this to have received something from you; and I was not a little disappointed when Bridge came from Boston to find he had nothing but your compliments, or some such thing to deliver me from you. I am willing however to make allowances for the multiplicity of your avocations, and not having the same...
13John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 5 June 1790 (Adams Papers)
Phillips delivered me at Exeter a half sheet of paper from you, I trust I need not say it was very acceptable; I would only observe by the way, that I am no great friend to half-sheets. Sat verbum— We had a comfortable ordination. Phillips can give you any particulars that your curiosity may wish to be informed of. He was however by an unfortunate accident detained from the dance in the...
14John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 12 July 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have been wishing to write you, for several weeks past; I intended to have replied to your favour of the 10 th: of last month, at an early period; but for sometime I was too lazy, and for this fortnight past I have been too busy. Just upon the point of going away, I find myself crowded with a hundred little trifling affairs, which at divers times during a residence of three years I have...
15Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 4 August 1791 (Adams Papers)
Either write upon larger paper, or give an outside cover to your letters, for in the act of opening yours which I have just rec d: I took away with the wafer much of the connection of several sentences; and being interested in every word I felt rather out of humor; However I collected sufficient from the whole cloth to make quite a decent garment. The only circumstance to be regretted is, that...
16John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 17 August 1791 (Adams Papers)
I received almost a fortnight since your favour of July 23 d: and should have answered it before now, if I was in the habit of doing as I ought I sued the note immediately, but have not heard from Johonnot since The two actions to which you requested me to attend were both continued; I had not seen Nightengale, and thought it would be expedient to continue that: the other was continued at a...
17Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 23 August 1791 (Adams Papers)
I have somewhere heard an observation of this kind, “that a person should not be too anxious to return a kindness.” Had I strictly adhered to this injunction, an Answer to your last favor would not so soon have followed; but as you expect shortly to be at Braintree in person, I must either remain in your Debt, or take this opportunity to discharge the obligation. I am happy to find that the...
18Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 4 September 1791 (Adams Papers)
Influenced by the same principle as when I last wrote, viz. That of discharging a debt before it has accumulated much on the score of interest, I have determined to come to a settlement to the date hereof. You must not however expect the same degree of pure metal as that which produced the obligation; but make many grains of allowance for barrenness of Mint. Even should you be paid in Script...
19Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 23 January 1792 (Adams Papers)
The kind of silence which we have observed toward each other since I left Massachusetts, is not at all congenial with my feelings or disposition. You had just embarked in a cause in which I feel myself particularly interested; to know the success of the enterprize thus far would give me much satisfaction; the object of this letter is in some measure to draw from the source of information a...
20Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 28 January 1792 (Adams Papers)
This day week I put a letter into the Post Office for you under cover to my Brother JQA . and this morning I have receiv’d your many dated letter, the last is the 16 th: . I complained in my other letter of our long silence, and am happy our thoughts should so well unite in breaking the charm. I should not have undertaken so suddenly to answer your letter, but for this circumstance. The last...
21Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, [after 15] December 1792 (Adams Papers)
I have for some time past had it in contemplation to take my pen & devote its impressions to your service, but that noted thief, Procrastination must answer for my negligence, & supply an excuse where I have not the hardiness to offer one. It often happens that the best friendships have the fewest documents to prove their existence; as a well-kindled fire, such an one as now warms your...
22Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 20 July 1793 (Adams Papers)
I have only two or three minutes at present to devote to the purpose of answering a long & agreeable letter I received from you before my departure from Philadelphia— I had anticipated with pleasure an expected interview at Cambridge, & feel no small mortification in the disappointment. After passing a very happy week in the company of my friends & former associates I am upon the point of...
23Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 4 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
The Minister of the French Republic has litterally pursued the Instructions of his Masters, the Executive Council of France; but the Members of that Council who gave the instructions are at present in disgrace; hence a question arises; whether when a source from whence power is derived, becomes, & is declared to be corrupt, any authority flowing from thence, be sufficiently valid to justify...
24Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 26 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
I hasten within two hours after the receipt of your Letter, which came to my hands while at my Father’s lodgings, to commerce an Answer—tho’ I must frankly own, without the smallest idea of the arrangement of the matter which crouds itself upon my mind in the perusal of your favor— I wish to communicate my whole soul to a friend, of all others, most deserving of the confidence— But how I shall...
25Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 23 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
I received your kind Letter last evening. I should be glad of two shares if you would part with them. I inclose 30 dollors for the first payment, but at the same time will content myself with one rather than be any disadvantage to you yet wish you not to sell to any other person any share you may part with, should you determine to not to keep them. I would however advise you to keep as many as...
26Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 19 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
My last Letter to you was of such a nature, that I can easily persuade myself no matter arose out of it sufficient to furnish an answer. the subject was personally interesting to me alone, and as such, it deserved only to be dwelt on by me. I am manifestly also in your debt for your agreeable favor of the 18 th Jan y: . You ask me to “let you know the State of Politic’s at the fountain head.”...
27Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 25 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
This day I had the pleasure to receive by our Friend M r White your obliging favor of the 12 th: inst; your other favors by private hands have also reached me; you have the luck of discovering private opportunities of Conveyance, while I am obliged to omit writing or send my letters Pr Post— I insist that when I send you a letter for which you are taxed with postage in return your next letter...
28Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 15 August 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your last favor was handed me by M r C Hall on the road between Philadelphia and New York— It gave me pleasure to receive it, particularly as it was delivered by a Gentleman for whom I have the highest esteem, and who from the satisfaction that was visible in his countenance, discovered the pleasure he must have received in his visit, and the still greater gratification of your acquaintance. I...
29Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 8 April 1795 (Adams Papers)
A favorable occasion presents itself of dropping you a few lines by a vessel for Georgtown. It is the first direct opportunity that has offered since I have been in this Country. Indeed since the Conquest of it, by the french, external intercourse has been till very lately, altogether interrupted. You may easily conjecture that our residence here has not abounded with scenes of pleasure or...
30Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 5 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received your favour of June 26 th , and rejoice with you in the Birth of an other son, and in the safety and Health of Mrs Cranch, to whom be so kind as to present my Regards. I have shewn your Letter to the President, and he desires me to tell you, that he would not have you on any account, be the least detered from persueing any line of buisness which shall appear eligible to you, or to...
31Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 20 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter of July 12. I am inclined to think your last determination will prove a judicious one. I most sincerely hope it will. The President expects to leave this city next week. we shall go Northward for a Month or two. I could have wisht that my Health would have permitted me, to have visited the new city at this season; but the Heat is so great that I dare not make the...
32Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 15 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
After an absence of near four Months I returned, to this City the last week. I am disposed to renew my correspondence with you, if you can find leisure to attend it. The fraternal regard and affection which for many years subsisted between you and my sons is not lessned by time, or diminished by absence, but I trust has grown ripened, and matured by age, and like the Affection of your parents...
33Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 3 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving from you a very excellent Letter last week, which fully proves that neither your Patriotism, or abilities have sufferd any elimination by your engagements in the ploding buisness of an accomptant, tho a course of years might have blunted the Edge of literary persuits, which are much better suited to your Education, taste and usefulness in Life. I rejoice...
34Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 16 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter of the 8 th dated Annapolis I congratulate you my dear Sir, that altho the clouds have been darkned round you, and you have been recently call’d to mourn over the Graves of departed Friend’s, it is a consolation that others are rising up to supply their places. The opening which now presents itself to you, is such as may give you Sanguine hopes, and bright prospects, and...
35John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 6 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I received a few days ago with great pleasure your favour of 5 March. the perusal of which affected me with various sensations, some pleasing and others less so, but all, cordially participating in the circumstances affecting your welfare and happiness, mentioned in it. Neither the length of time nor the distance at which I have been from my Country, nor yet, any change in my own situation has...
36Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 12 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
It was with much anxiety and concern that I learnt from mrs Johnson the outrageous attack which was made upon you by mr duncanson, and the dissagreable circumstance of your being Badly wounded. I hope however from What I yesterday heard that the concequences of the wound will not prove so bad as was apprehended. mr Greenleaf call’d yesterday to inquire what intelligence I had received. he...
37Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 14 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
Your kind favor of the 26 th: ult o: was delivered to me by my Mother on my arrival, the 12 th: inst t: at this place. I thank you very much for it, and your friendly congratulations upon my safe return. I had before the receipt of your letter, learnt from M r: & M rs: Johnson that yourself & family were well, and I doubted not but a short time would bring me a confirmation of it from your own...
38Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 15 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have scarcely heard of you since my return excepting once through M r: Johnson, and as I had nothing interesting to communicate, I have deferred it till now, when an occasion seems to authorise it. On the removal of the Seat of Government to the City, the Office of Clerk of the Sup: Court of U. S. will most probably become vacant, as the present incumbent, M r: Sam: Bayard, has since his...
39Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 24 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 19 th: inst t: is before me, with the enclosure for Judge Cushing, which I shall forward with my next letters to Quincy, with request to have it sent on. The terms & expressions of your application, strike me as perfectly apt & proper. Judge Cushing, was taken ill on his journey to Philadelphia, and returned home, but the Court met & dispatched business as usual. I waited on...
40Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 25 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received with much pleasure a few days ago, your favor of the 15 th: instant and shall not be inattentive to those parts of its contents which relate to the subject of your application for the clerkship of the Supreme Court of the U.S. and will be careful to give you seasonable notice whether your personal attendance here in February would be likely to conduce to the success of your plan....
41Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 27 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
Mr shaw will be the Bearer of this to you it is so long Since You saw him, that I presume he will want an introduction to your recollection, tho not to your Heart. he will bring to your Remembrance those agreable Days spent under his Fathers Roof, whilst expectations, and anticipation Presented you prospects of future felicity and enjoyment, before you had seen or experienced the checkerd Lot,...
42Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 4 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received by the post of Yesterday, Your kind favour of Jan ’ry 28 th and I am the more solicitious to reply immediatly to it, in order to rectify a mistake which mr shaw must have made, if he said, that I had determined never to go to Washington. So far from it, that I know not any thing, which would give me more pleasure than visiting that city, and Many Towns in its vicinity. Mr shaw may...
43Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 15 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
Since the date of my last to you, I have received your favors of the 29 th: ult° : and 4 th: curr t: —the latter enclosing letters for the Judges of the Sup: Court, four of which, I immediately caused to be delivered, to the judges present. My Mother’s suggestion was better than mine, and I am glad you observed it. The same Gentleman who procured, or was at least greatly instrumental in...
44Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 15 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 11 th: inst t: which has this moment come to hand, found me with pen in hand; on the very threshold of writing to you, for the purpose of offering you my very sincere & hearty congratulations upon the success of your Competitor M r: Caldwell, who has obtained the appointment of Clerk to the Supreme Court of the U. S.— This exordium may appear singular to you, the more so,...
45Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 30 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge your favor of the 13 th: ult o: . The principal subject in which you dwelt; viz: the intention to destroy the main pillar of our political edifice, has since undergone a very serious discussion; and you have doubtless listened with peculiar interest to the spirited debates, which the motion of M r: Brackenridge has produced in the Senate of the United States. The...
46From John Adams to William Cranch, 23 January 1788 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged to you for your kind Letter of the 5. of December, and for a former one, and for the important Intelligence conveyed in both. Braintree could not have made a wiser Choice of Delegates to Convention, and We may now depend upon a wise decision from our Town. We can Scarcely hope to hear of the Result of the Massachusetts Convention, before We embark. March is the Month fixed...
47From John Adams to William Cranch, 14 March 1790 (Adams Papers)
Your favours of Decr 15. Jan. 24. and Feb. 17 are before me, and I thank for your Attention, and hope for a continuance of it, though I am not a punctual Correspondent to You. To the original of the Bar Meetings I was a Witness, as I was also to their excellent Effects in the Progress of them. They introduced a Candor and Liberal[ity] in the Practice at the Bar that were never before known in...
48From John Adams to William Cranch, 30 December 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter and should be happy to furnish you with any hints concerning the study of the Civil Law, which may occur to me after having laid aside all such studies for many years. Under the general phrase Civil law is often understood what is commonly considered the learning necessary to obtain a degree of Doctor of Laws LLD the common abreviation signifies...
49From John Adams to William Cranch, 18 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
Mr Robert Denison an English Gentleman from Nottingham in England proposes to visit the City of Washington. If you can shew him the City, or any other Attentions you will oblige me. He belongs to a wealthy and worthy Family of Dissenters, who have it in contemplation to fly from Persecution He is recommended to be by one of the most benevolent Men in England. I am, my / Dear Sir Sincerely...
50From Abigail Smith Adams to William Cranch, 17 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
Your dear Father has joind the Spirits of the Blessed made perfect, on saturday last he was taken sick, appeared as he frequently has upon former days was wandering in his mind,—but a general prostration of strength took place. He was sensible only for a few moments at a time; exhausted Nature sunk to rest, without pain or struggle, and heaven has been pleased to save him the anguish of...