1From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 1 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favr of the 28th Inst, and that of the 26th of March, and it is not for Want of Inclination, that the Letter has not been acknowledged before. I thank you for your kind Congratulations; but at my Age, and in the present and probable Circumstances of public affairs, I know not whether Condolences would not be more Natural. The Commissioners of the Federal City are Gentlemen...
2From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 30 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am as much in debt in the Litterary and Epistolary way, as our princes of modern speculation are in their pursuits; and I suppose for similar reasons, vz: want a Method in accuracy of account, no œconomy, and undertaking more than I am able of managing; to you I am indebted for three late Letters at least— The character drawn in the first and alluded to in the second, has always been civil...
3From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 22 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
I must beg your pardon for neglecting to answer your friendly letters for which I am obliged to you If congress moves the publick offices must all move as the law now stands. But all the prophets could not foresee what will happen in a year. I suppose the government will move. If there is any thing in particular that you have in view I pray you to indicate it. My disposition is so good that it...