13751John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 December 1803 (Adams Papers)
I received two days ago your kind favour of the 3 d: inst t: and it was very precious as containing information of your health, and that of my father, and friends at Quincy.— I have been and am sensible of the inconvenience there would be in any free interchange of political sentiments upon the passing events, by a correspondence which must pass through the channel of the Post-Office— I...
13752From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 February 1809 (Adams Papers)
On leaving Boston I had formed the Resolution of travelling only in the day-time, but at the close of the second day, arriving at Hartford, I found I should be four days more in getting to New York, unless I proceeded that same Evening, about forty miles to New-Haven—The roads were excellent for sleighing; I was alone in the Stage, and there was a moon bright almost as the morning—I therefore...
137538. (Adams Papers)
Left Braintree. Went as far as Wilmington. Rain.
13754[2d.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday morning went into Paris.
13755From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 10 August 1818 (Adams Papers)
It is a great affliction to me to be deprived as I am by constant and indispensable obligipations, of the pleasure of writing to you, at least every week; but so it is, and I am now to acknowledge the receipt since I wrote you last of your Letters of 17. May. N. 8.—of 1. June. N. 9. and of the 2d: of this Month, which is without number but should have been numbered 10. Your observations upon...
1375625th. (Adams Papers)
Copies of all the actions which are to be entered at the next Court of Common Pleas were this day sent to Salem, to be filed in the clerk’s office; seven days before the sitting of the court, as the law directs: And as we have now got through the hurry of business, we have this day been very idle: Mr. Parsons has been talking all day with some one or other who came to the office: much of our...
13757From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 3 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
I received some days since your kind letter of the 11th: of last month, and was delighted to find you had so far recovered as to be able to write—Since then I have been informed by my brother and Mr: Shaw, that your health continued improving and I sincerely pray to the great disposer of Events that it may be entirely restored and long continued, for your own comfort and the happiness of us...
1375822. (Adams Papers)
Went to Boston. Return’d with W. Cranch.
13759John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 14 January 1804 (Adams Papers)
The Louisiana revenue bill (of which I sent you some time since a copy) has this day pass’d the third reading in the Senate— But with various amendments so that it must go back to the House of Representatives, where it will probably pass on Monday— The first section has been altered in point of form, and made as I conceive more vague and uncertain than it was at first— In thirty-five days from...
13760Monday 7th of August 1780 (Adams Papers)
This morning we got up at about 7 o clock and at about half after eight we set away from our Hotel. We went down to the boat and went on board. We went along down by some very beautiful meadows Where the cattle were feeding made it very beautiful. We went through Delft. We changed boats there. At Rotterdam Pappa bought a book which gives a description of Delft and I will take it down. This...
13761To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 17 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
There are still here a small number of Americans, who came to the Country upon commercial pursuits; and who after bringing their affairs to a conclusion, successively take their departure to return home, and thereby afford us opportunities of writing to our friends. One of them is Mr Hurd of Boston, who goes to Gothenburg there to embark, directly for the United States, and by whom I propose...
1376215th. (Adams Papers)
The weather was quite disagreeable, for exhibition; in consequence of which there was but little company. Phillips began the performances, with a Latin Oration. His subject was General Washington; a subject which must be inexhaustible or it would long since have been exhausted. He spoke well. Treadwell and Gardner , next came upon the stage, in a forensic disputation. Their question was...
13763From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 15 July 1822 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your affectionate remembrance of my birthday—We passed it as pleasantly as circumstances would admit at Mr Frye’s; but I was not very well that day and was more than usually overpowered by the heat—On returning home too we were caught in a thunder–shower and throughly drenched. The Metropolis is daily thinning off—The Secretary of the Navy and family are gone—The President goes...
1376412. (Adams Papers)
Company chiefly gone. Russell. Rode with Thompson. Dancing again.
13765From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 30 September 1814 (Adams Papers)
Who of all the world should bolt into my bed-chamber yesterday-morning before 8 O’Clock, but George Boyd!—He comes as bearer of Dispatches to us, and to Mr Crawford, from the Department of State—Left Washington the 12th: and New-York the 16th: of August. in one of the swift-sailing Baltimore Schooners, arrived at Bordeaux, the 17th: of this Month, at Paris the 23d: and here about 6 O’Clock...
13766From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 12 August 1811 (Adams Papers)
On the 10th: of August 1811. we received your favour of 22. September 1810 to my wife; not quite eleven months after it was written; and the next day we received that of 8 June 1811. which has performed its voyage in a little more than two. Whether the Passage has been short or long the letter always gives pleasure, and always contains some intelligence that is new. You have repeatedly...
13767John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
Though not many days have elapsed since I wrote you last, and I scarcely know what I can write for your amusement, I cannot omit the acknowledgment of having recently received your kind Letter, dated November. 11. which besides the pleasure which your Letters always afford, had the additional merit of relieving me from great anxiety on account of your health. The address of the President...
13768To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 30 August 1824 (Adams Papers)
I take much satisfaction in presenting to you, the Bearer of this Letter, the Count de Medem, recently arrived, from St. Petersburg, and attached to the Legation of His Majesty the Emperor of Russia, in this Country—On his visit to Boston, it affords me pleasure to have the opportunity of making him personally known to you.— I hope to have in a few days the satisfaction of presenting myself...
137695th. (Adams Papers)
I began this morning at the Office upon Foster’s Crown Law, a book admirably written I am told, and notwithstanding the barrenness of the subject as entertaining as it is instructive. I pass’d an hour in the beginning of the evening at Mrs. Hooper’s and then went with Thompson to Mr. S. Hooper’s. Miss Roberts was there; I think I have already mentioned this Lady; she is uncommonly sensible,...
13770John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 6 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
Coll. Vallentin having been detained some time at Amsterdam by the arrival of the Grand Duke there, and having been sick on the road, did not arrive with your letters of the 13th. of May last until the day before yesterday.—As to my return; if I can go with a French Courier from Hence as far as Frankfort on the Mayne, and from thence down the Rhine it will be the best course I can take; but if...
13771Friday the 11th of August 1780 (Adams Papers)
This morning we got up and breakfasted. After breakfast Pappa went to the premiere bible to see those American Gentlemen. While he was gone a French Gentleman whose name is Duneville came to our lodgings but not finding my Pappa he went away but soon after came back again with Commodore Gillon. They both Gave their address’s and went away. At about 12 o clock Pappa got back with my brother...
137728th. (Adams Papers)
Attended at the office; and wrote diligently, all day. Cold weather coming on apace. Thomson and I had some conversation, before we left the office at night. He is in low spirits, and sees gloomy prospects. I hope he will realize more happy ones, for he is an amiable worthy youth, with a clear head and a sound heart. From the office we went to Putnam’s lodgings. There Sam, and I, play’d,...
13773From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 15 August 1811 (Adams Papers)
Some time since, your Mama and I received two letters from you at once—the first to your Mama was dated 18th. January, and the other to me 5th: February—I was glad to see that you had taken pains to write them as well as you could and that your hand-writing was improved.—I intreat you my Dear Son, to pay constant attention to your hand-writing—It is now more than four years since you first...
13774Sunday 28th. (Adams Papers)
6 o clock. Calm and cloudy. 9 o clock. It begins to freshen. 6 o clock P.M. A very fresh breeze. I beleive that we shall have no other sail but our fore sail sot set to night.
1377525th. (Adams Papers)
The weather has been all along quite unsettled. Yesterday was very cold, but to day, it thaws fast again. Mr. Andrews past the evening with us at the professor’s. Miss Jones, rather more agreeable, than I have sometimes seen her, but not perfectly sociable. Mr. Andrews and she appear to go on as easily, and with as little rubbing as any person: less indeed than I should expect from the...
13776Friday September the 1st 1780. (Adams Papers)
To day Pappa came here and brought me a letter from Mr. Thaxter. Pappa Says that the news of the English East and west India fleet is confirmed. As I shall have but very few things to put down I shall keep a Journal only the days when there will be something Extraodinary. Probably that of 21 Aug. ( Adams Family Correspondence, Adams Family Correspondence , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others,...
13777To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 21 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1801, Berlin. No. 186. Reports continuing British embargo on Swedish shipping is likely to close Elbe and Weser to British vessels. Relays hearsay that among British seamen detained in Russian ports there are some Americans as well. Has pressed Russian minister to free such persons; recounts minister’s reluctance and his suggestions that U.S. appoint a consul in Russia and recall...
13778Tuesday 7th. (Adams Papers)
Last night about nine o clock we saw a number of fish. We could not tell what they were; some say they are Dolphins some that they are Porpoises but it being dark we could not perceive them well only the path they made in the water. I write it in this days Journal because the Captain dont allow any light in the night for fear that there are some british frigates hereabouts; and I could not...
1377915th. (Adams Papers)
I went down in the morning to Mr. Pearson’s, with an intention of inviting Miss Bromfield to dance with us this evening but she was out of town. There are several young ladies in this place, who have not attractions to charm the gentlemen, but in the case of a dance, there is no choice, we must either take up with those ladies or have none. We drew lots therefore, to determine, who should go...
1378012th. (Adams Papers)
The day pass’d as usual, except, that I had some political chat with Mr. Parsons. He favours very much the federal constitution, which has lately been proposed by the Convention of the States. Nor do I wonder at all that he should approve of it, as it is calculated to increase the influence, power and wealth of those who have any already. If the Constitution be adopted it will be a grand point...
13781From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 3 September 1810 (Adams Papers)
Your Mama and I have received your letter dated the 28th: of February last; which gave us much pleasure—I suppose by the hand-writing that your Cousin Susan was kind enough to write it for you; for which we thank her.—By the time when you will receive this I hope you will be able to write me an answer to it yourself: and I shall expect you write to me, or to your Mama, as often as you know of...
1378215th. (Adams Papers)
Snowy weather all day. We attended however both the meetings. The forenoon text was from Isaiah VII. 13. And he said, Hear ye now, o house of David, Is it a small thing for you, to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Somewhat of a foul weather Sermon, pretty short, and upon a subject of which little can be made. The field for expatiating, was much wider in the afternoon from Acts X. 38....
137835th. (Adams Papers)
Snow’d moderately, a large part of the day. We recite to Mr. Burr. Professor Pearson, gave a lecture with which he concluded his observations upon the article. I did not hear many of them. At 7 this evening we had a meeting of the ΦBK at Cranch’s chamber. Mr. Ware, was excused from reading a dissertation. I had written with White in opposite composition, and read the following piece. Whether...
1378427th. Friday. (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day. Mr. D walk’d out before dinner and took a ride in the afternoon. Cloudy weather all day.
13785[Titlepage] (Adams Papers)
Titlepage A Journal by John Quincy Adams Continuation From The Xth Of December To The Last Of The Same Month MDCCLXXIX
13786From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 September 1815 (Adams Papers)
The Opportunities for writing to you are now so frequent, that it is impossible, to avail ourselves of them all—They are indeed principally from Liverpool, through which place, I have for the last two Months and upwards sent Letters or despatches almost every week—There are however occasionally Vessels going from the Port of London, and by one of them I now write—I have determined to forward...
13787From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 10 June 1806 (Adams Papers)
I have just this morning received your kind favour of the 2d: instt: which at once confirmed my apprehensions, and in some degree relieved my anxiety—From the time that the Saturday pass’d over untill now I have had an aching heart, and although I learn from your letter that you had been very ill, yet to know you were on the recovery, and had pass’d what I had long looked forward to as a very...
137885th. (Adams Papers)
A Snowy day. Two Sermons from Hebrews XI. 1. Now faith is the Substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I should not conceive how one Sermon could be made out of this text, much less two. However, what with faith, and the immortality of the Soul they were made out. That ancient and celebrated Poet Homer, had taken notice of a place, which he called αδης and supposed it to...
1378917th. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
This day I dined at Mr. Rimberts with Mr. D. Return’d directly after dinner. Mr. Artaud stay’d There. Cloudy weather.
13790John 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,...
1379128. (Adams Papers)
Diné chés Mr. W. Willink. Wilhem Willink of Wilhem and Jan Willink, one of the three Amsterdam banking houses which raised the first Dutch loan for the United States in 1782 ( JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 3:125 ; 2:451 ).
13792[Back Cover] (Adams Papers)
Mamma | | Letters to America Sister | Mamma | Brother | Sister | | Mr. Thaxter | | | | | | | | | | | | Tommy | Uncle Smith | Harry Warren | Pappa | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Josh Green | Charles | | | | | | | | | | | | | Cousin Billy | Col. Jonno | | Cousin Lucy Sammy | | | | | | | | | | | | George Warren
13793From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 3 December 1805 (Adams Papers)
This morning I had the satisfaction of receiving your kind letter of the 21st: ulto: which partly relieved me from the anxiety occasioned by the letter of a previous date from my brother, mentioning your illness and confinement—The weather has of late been so remarkably fine and mild in this quarter that I hope its benign influence has been extended to your regions, and has restored you...
1379426th. (Adams Papers)
I did not attend meeting this day—Employ’d myself chiefly in reading and writing. Mr. Weld preach’d for Mr. Wibird, and dined here. Miss Street and one of Captn. Beale’s sons, with Mr. J. Warren dined with us likewise. In the evening Mrs. Cranch and Dr. Tufts return’d from Boston. My uncle Smith has been for some time very ill of a complication of disorders. The Doctor thinks he is at present...
13795John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Adams, 23 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
I hope you have duly received the letter which I wrote you, from New-York, giving you a regular account of my proceedings untill I reached that city.— T[he] packet on board of which I took passage was detained by adverse winds untill Friday , the 18 th: when we sailed at about 5 in the afternoon— Of all the passages by water that I ever made, this I think was the most perfectly pleasant; and...
137967th Thursday [–8th Friday]. (Adams Papers)
This afternoon at about 4 o’clock we passed thro’ Borgo Borga which is a small fortified town. We rode all night and arrived at about 7 o’clock in the morning on the 8th. at Helsingfors, a small town not very strongly fortified, but remarkable for the fortress of Sweaborg Sveaborg an island situated at about ¼ of a Swedish mile from Helsingfors and which they say is as strong as Gibraltar. At...
13797From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 31 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
By the last Post I sent you the Journal of my Voyage from Reval to this place, and at the close of it, had just time to acknowledge the receipt of your kind favour, and my dear Charles’s Letter of the 8th:—Mr Peyron arrived here only one day after me, and brought a Post-Office of Dispatches and letters for me, among which one and the most precious of all, was your’s of the 15th:—which with the...
1379824th Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Finished the 8th. and last volume of Hume’s history of England 327. pages. Mr. D. went to Mr Wolff’s in the forenoon, and dined at Mr. Rimberts. Mr. Artaud dined out also. Mr. D. receiv’d a letter from England in the afternoon. Cloudy weather. Stay’d at Home all day.
13799John Quincy Adams, Memorandum of Deeds of John Adams’s Estate, September 1826 (Adams Papers)
Deeds. Dates 1/3 1 Cotton Tufts—to John Adams 1802 February 18th. Book 17 page 42 April 1st. 1803 1/9 Richard Cranch & wife do. 1802 Book 18. p—14 March 29th 1802 1/9 Stephen Peabody & wife do. do. Book 18 page 100—August 7th 1802. 1/18
1380021st. Monday. (Adams Papers)
This day Count Greco, My travelling companion to Stockholm dined here. In the evening I went with Mr. Artaud to the Concert. An Italian gentleman of dubious reputation. Facts supplied by a Mr. W olff and later confirmed compelled Dana to write to JQA shortly after his departure from St. Petersburg. He asked JQA to leave the Count at the earliest opportunity, but until that time warned him to...