14651To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 31 August 1815 (Adams Papers)
My last Letter to you I am ashamed to say was written on the 19th: of June—I have however since then written three Letters to my Mother, and in the last of them have given her a detailed account of my occupations, which will I hope serve as some excuse for the long intermission between my between my last and present number, to yourself—In the meantime I have enjoined it upon George to write...
1465222d. (Adams Papers)
Staid at home from meeting the whole day, and was busily employ’d in writing; and yet have not been able to get letters ready to sail by Captain Folgier, who proposes sailing very soon for London.
146535th. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Went with Mr. Artaud to the shops and bought some things. Fine weather. The Thermometer at night was. 15 degrees below.0. which is the degree of freezing. On the 20th. of December last and on the 25th. of the same month our Thermometer was at 25. below 0. and at that of the academy it was at 28, which is colder than it has been here since the year 1776. In 1759 it was as low as 33. The...
146542d. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
This day I went to the Comedy where the French troop represented, Le Pere de Famille. with a Ballet. Denis Diderot, Le Père de famille, Amsterdam, 1758 ( Brenner, Bibliographical List Clarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789 , Berkeley, 1947. ).
14655From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 9 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
The Saloon, which we visited in company with the Mayor of the City, the day after the Ceremonies at the distribution of the prizes, is an exhibition of Pictures, Sculpture, and Designs of Architecture, much like that which takes place about this time every year at the Academy of Arts at St: Petersburg. But it shews a much higher state of perfection in the Cultivation of the Arts—The Paintings...
1465628th. (Adams Papers)
I received a letter from Mr. W. Smith, informing me of my aunt Smith’s Death. She was here this Day week. Coll. Thatcher, the representative, for this Town, fell instantaneously dead, yesterday in Boston Streets. I went to Mr. Wigglesworth, to Mr. Sewall, and to Mr. Pierson, in the afternoon. Almost all the Class met at Amory’s chamber this morning. Letter not found; Mrs. Elizabeth Storer...
14657John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 9 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
Mess rs: Moliere, will this day extend your credit with their correspondent at Paris, to the amount of 4000 livres more. This I presume will amply suffice for your occasions. I requested you by my last letter, to be here not later than the 25 th: of this month. There is to be a Ball on that day at the Hotel de Suéde. The Count desires me to tell you, that you will be very much wanted as a...
14658From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 15 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure of introducing to your acquaintance, Colo. Henry H. Bacot of Charleston S.C. who visits England for the recovery of his health— From the warm recommendation of him by a common friend, I present him to you as a Gentleman of the most amiable and respectable Character; and solicit for him your kind & friendly attentions. I am with the highest regard and / Esteem, Dear Sir,...
1465911th. (Adams Papers)
This forenoon, I took a ride with Mr. Shaw, to see my classmate Welch, who lives about four miles from hence. After I return’d, I called in, at Mr. Bartlett’s, where I found Mr. and Mrs. Dalton, with their two eldest daughters, and Miss Hazen. They all dined at Mr. White’s, and in the afternoon all returned to Mr. Dalton’s seat at Newtown. The eldest daughter is very much as she was two years...
14660John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 17 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Some days agone I received a letter from you dated May last. The true reason why I have not written to you since I have been in Europe, is, that as you expect that my letters would be very entertaining, by the variety of the subjects, that I have had to write upon, I do not wish to disappoint you by writing letters that would give you no pleasure. But as you have begun, I can no longer excuse...
14661From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 23 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
The whole system of Christian morality appears to have been set forth, by its divine author in the sermon upon the mount, recorded in the 5th: 6th: and 7th: Chapters of St: Matthew. I intend hereafter to make them the subject of remarks, much more at large.—For the present I confine myself merely to general views. What I would impress upon your mind as infinitely important to the happiness and...
1466225th. (Adams Papers)
It continued raining all night, and in the morning so that I could not go out of town. We went to the Chapel, and heard Mr. Freeman preach. This gentleman has adopted the antetrinitarian System, which has of late appear’d in this Country. Such religious freedom, as America, enjoys, must always have a tendency to increase the number of religious sects: but if this be a disadvantage, it is more...
14663John Quincy Adams, Notice of Sale of Part of JA’s Estate at Quincy, 19 September 1826 (Adams Papers)
It is proper to apprize persons attending the Sale, that there is some uncertainty with regard both to the quantity of the Land, and to the boundaries, of all the Lots of Wood Lands to be sold—They have all been surveyed by Mr Withington, and the plats of survey will be exhibited at the Sale, and delivered with the Deeds of Conveyance—But each Lot will be sold separately, and the Executors...
146642d. (Adams Papers)
Attended meeting all day. Mr. Hilliard preach’d; much in the old way. The meeting house however did not look as it was wont. The same deficiency I found there, that I had perceiv’d, in the colleges, and every where in this Town. All my classmates gone. I dined at Mr. Wigglesworth’s with Packard. Peggy appears as amiable as ever. I pass’d the evening with my brothers, and lodg’d with Tom.
1466527th. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day. In the forenoon Mr. Wolff came to see Mr. D. In the afternoon Mr. D went and took a ride. Pretty good weather.
1466626th. (Adams Papers)
M: de St: Olympe: Mr. Franklin and Mr. Williams dined with us. The first is a west Indian; who is going in a short time to America: Mr. Franklin has been so long in France, that he is more a Frenchman than an American: I doubt whether he will enjoy himself perfectly if he returns to America.
14667From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 30 April 1812 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed is a copy of a letter, which was written near a Month, before an opportunity occurred of sending it, on its way to you—I am afraid that the delay will entirely defeat its object, and that it will be found impracticable to send out my two Sons to me the next Summer.—The river Neva is now again open, and I trust that in about six weeks or two Months opportunities for writing to you...
1466816th. (Adams Papers)
We had no minister to day, at our meeting house. Nancy went to the other in the forenoon, and Tommy in the afternoon. I stayd at home all day. Miss Hazen, has been very unwell, for some days past, and had this afternoon, one of her teeth drawn. I wish she could be persuaded to take care of them: The want of proper attention to the teeth, is an universal failing in this Country, and is very...
146698th. (Adams Papers)
At length we have some rain, the fruits of the Earth, have long been drooping for the want of it. There were two or three showers, in the morning after which it cleared up; but at about 5 in the afternoon, there arose some of the blackest Thunder clouds that I ever saw. Mr. Ware, who read a dissertation after prayers could scarcely distinguish, his own writing, it was so dark. There was no...
1467017th. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
This day her Majesty dined with all the officers of the regiment of Preobragensky. In the afternoon I walk’d with Mr. Artaud in the Garden. Went to the play, and saw an Italian piece, with a ballet. Went to the English Library and took out some books.
1467112th. (Adams Papers)
Paris afternoon with Mrs. A. upon some business for Mrs. Hay, who is at Beaugency. Mr. Graff au magazin de dentelles Rue des deux portes St. Sauveur. Beaumarchais the author of the too famous Comedy la folle journée ou le mariage de Figaro was taken up the other day, immediately after supper, and carried to St. Lazare where he is imprisoned. I ask’d of somebody what reasons were given for the...
14672Wednesday June the 13th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning Mr. Cerisier came here and said that he had read in the Brussels Gazette, that there had been a second action between Lord Cornwallis and General Green, that General Green had been repulsed with the loss of 400 men, but he says he don’t know by which way the news comes. At eleven o’clock I went to take a walk with Mr. Bordly and brother Charles; we met Mr. Le Roi on the Way. He...
146735th. (Adams Papers)
Eliza Spent the day with us. I accompanied her home, in the Evening, and spent half an hour at Mr. White’s. Miss Betsey Duncan, return’d this Evening from Boston, and brought me a Letter from my Cousin Cranch. He attended Mrs. Tufts’s funeral last Tuesday, and very justly admires the Doctor’s Behav iour upon the occasion: it was that of a Christian, and of a Philosopher. He had always lived...
1467431st. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day; a little unwell. Mr. D. stay’d also all day at home. Rainy weather.
14675John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 2 June 1796 (Adams Papers)
You remember I was ordered peremptorily to be at Gravesend on Saturday morning by ten or eleven o’clock at the latest, though it was impossible for me to procure the necessary order to embark, and of course impossible for me to leave London before twelve. To reconcile the two circumstances was not within my competency, and indeed I think it might be given as no easy task to an abler man. I had...
14676John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 28 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I humble myself in dust and ashes to confess that I must at one and the same time acknowledge the receipt of seven letters from you—viz—of 26 and 30. October and 29. December 1799—of 31. Jany: original and duplicate of 1. and 25. Feby: of the current year— But as if you had meant to make my responsibility less burthensome to me the numbers are not regularly noted— For N. 12 is repeated; and...
1467712th. (Adams Papers)
The freshmen carry their enmity against the Sophimores, a great deal too far. They injure themselves both in the eyes, of the other Class, and in those of the government. This afternoon while Cabot, was declaiming, they kept up a continual groaning, and shuffling, and hissing as almost prevented him from going through. The freshmen, in the end will suffer for their folly, and before they get...
1467821st. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day. Mr. D went out in the afternoon. Stormy rainy weather.
14679To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 19 June 1815 (Adams Papers)
On my arrival here I received from my Sons George and John, several important Letters from you. Others have since been delivered to me, the latest of them dated 1. May. The multiplicity of occupations great and small which still absorb my time make it impossible for me to answer them at present—I shall not forget them hereafter. Mr John Gore and his Lady, are returning to America in the...
1468017th. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Dr. Franklin’s with a considerable large Company. Mr. Brillon, an old french gentleman very gay and talkative. Young Mr. Chaumont who goes to America by the April packet from l’Orient. Mr. Boling, a descendent of an Indian Queen, of somewhat a dark complexion, and his manners, are not perfectly pleasing to the Ladies. Mr. Norris, an American Quaker, turned Catholic. His turns of mind...
146812d. (Adams Papers)
We Lodged at Hamstead last night: it storm’d so all this morning, that, we could not think of returning. After dinner it was not quite so bad and we all return’d to Haverhill.
14682John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 16 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
After a long period of deep concern, and anxiety, on account of your health, I feel myself in some measure relieved by the receipt of your kind letter of 2 nd Dec r: , which I received the day before yesterday; that which you mention as having written me on the 15 th of November, has not yet come to hand. At the same time, I received from M r Pitcairn at Hamburg a line, mentioning, that the...
14683John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 20 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
This morning we left Hartford New Haven, accompanied by Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, who wishing to take a ride to Hartford, took this opportunity, which is a very agreeable Circumstance to us. We at first intended to have gone directly to Hartford this day. But as I had a Letter for Genl. Parsons, one of the aldermen of this City, and as we were told it was worth ou r while to us e this road,...
146843d. (Adams Papers)
Mrs. and Miss Adams, went into Paris in the evening: and went with young Mr. Franklin and Mrs. Hewson to the Concert Spiritual. Mary (Polly) Hewson , daughter of Benjamin Franklin’s London landlady, Margaret Stevenson. In 1770 she married Dr. William Hewson, who became a respected London physician and anatomist, but he wounded himself during a dissection in 1774 and subsequently died. Shortly...
14685[August 1782] (Adams Papers)
This forenoon Mr. Rimbert came to see us. Dined at his house. After dinner went with Mr. D. Mr. Gonset and Mr. Artaud, to Krasna-Kabak to see the hawking: but we arriv’d too late. Drank tea at Krasna-Kabak, and then return’d home. Mr. Rimbert dined with us this day. Mr. Artaud unwell. Stay’d at home all day. Rainy weather. This afternoon young Mr. Montréal came here. Mr. Hoogwerst came to pay...
14686From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 20 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
The letters by Mr. Ewing have arrived—And among them I have to acknowledge the receipt of your numbers 1. 2. and 3. of the new series, dated 20. 22. and 31. Jany. together with your account to the close of last year—I have already acknowledged the receipt of your number 4/13 and I have within a very few days recd: your 5/14 dated 3. March. In one of my late letters I sent you an exact list of...
14687John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 15 March 1804 (Adams Papers)
You will see by the folio sheet I inclose to you, that the House of Representatives have not yet done with the Government of Louisiana.— The fourth Section is the only one in which there seems much difficulty to the Legislators of the day— Many attempts were made to vary that here, and they are renewed in the House— They sport with Louisiana, as a Cat sports with a mouse— But to help our...
14688John Quincy Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 18 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
While I was at St. Petersbourg, I had, the Pleasure, of receiving a Letter from you; I answered it, but since that time I have shamefully neglected writing to you. I own my fault, and promise to repair it for the future; and I hope, that you will pardon me, upon that Condition. The only reason I had for it, was a bad one. I feared that if I wrote, you would perceive that the improvements I had...
14689From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 9 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you on Sunday, and the same Evening I received yours of 26. Feby:—Yesterday yours of the 1st: instt: came to hand—I rejoice to learn that the children are at length perfectly well; and Kitty continues to be admired. I shall be very well satisfied to part with Mr: Gurney as a Tenant, and if he can give me any good security for the payment of his rent, I shall very willingly take it. I...
1469028. (Adams Papers)
Parson Allen preached. Snow storm.
14691From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 21 October 1814 (Adams Papers)
Nothing from you since your Letter of 13. September, from which I conclude that you ceased writing, after receiving mine of 23. August. I cannot expect that you wrote again, until you received mine of 23. September, so that I have the prospect of being a full month without hearing from you—I have a Letter of 21. September from Mr Harris, and it reached me the twenty-second day from its...
14692[December 1782] (Adams Papers)
This morning I left Stockholm at about 9 o’clock A M. in company with the Count Greco and Mr. Fyrbergs a Swedish gentleman who intends to go as far as Norrkiöping. We arrived at Nykiöping at about 12. o’clock at Night, we stay’d there a couple of hours and then set out and arrived at Norrkiöping at about 2. o’clock P.M. First entry of D/JQA/6, which has no titlepage and consists of two 4¾″ ×...
14693From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 13 October 1824 (Adams Papers)
In fulfilment of my promise on parting from you, I have the pleasure to inform you of our safe arrival here; my own health being good; and that of Mrs. Adams, I hope, improved by her excursion. Elizabeth Adams stopped, and remains for some days at Baltimore. I overtook General La Fayette at Philadelphia, and spent four days there, much in company with him. I met him again at Frenchtown, and...
14694From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 15 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
The quiet Season has at length arrived. For the last six weeks I have had no occasion to go into London, except upon business, and there is some relaxation of that—Almost all the Cabinet Ministers are absent upon excursions; and Lord Castlereagh is gone to Ireland to see his father . The Morning Chronicle gives a shrewd hint, that it is the sign that Parliament will be dissolved, and that his...
14695Sunday August 27th 1780. (Adams Papers)
This morning at about half after seven o clock Mr. Le Roi came to our lodgings and at about eight o clock he went with My Pappa, brother Charles, Stevens, and myself down to a boat where we found two Gentlemen and two ladies. We set away and went out of the port on board the South Carolina for Captn. Joyner we did not go on board. We then went to Surdam Zaandam which is a Village in North...
14696[March 1783] (Adams Papers)
5. Depart de Copenhague et l’10 arriveé à Hambourg. JA wrote to AA on 28 March , informing her that JQA had been impeded by “terrible Weather” on his journey from St. Petersburg and that “my Son has been another Source of Distress to me.” Receiving a letter from JQA dated 12 March from Hamburg, JA was hopeful that his son would arrive at The Hague by the end of March, but it was another three...
14697From John Quincy Adams to Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway, 27 November 1826 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of the 18th. instt. and think you cannot do better, than invest your money in the manner proposed by Mr. Johnson; advising you only to take such security for the payment of principal and interest, as will be satisfactory to you—The best I believe, is a mortgage upon amply equivalent Real Estate— To enable you to make the investment without loss of time I have...
14698From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 23 October 1817 (Adams Papers)
My last letter to you was of the 8th inst. and acknowledged the receipt of all your letters that had then come to hand. Since which I have received your numbers 8. 11, 14 and 15 private and no. 8 public—with the huge volume of custom house laws—England’s Ægis (not major Cartwright’s) and the newspapers, Times and all, to the 6th of september inclusive; a bundle of Mr. Owen’s newspaper letter,...
14699From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 25 October 1814 (Adams Papers)
This is the day of jubile! the fiftieth year since your marriage is completed! By the blessing of Heaven, my dear father can look back to all the succession of years since that time, with the conscious recollection that it was a happy day—The same pleasing remembrance I flatter myself is yours; and may that gracious being who has hitherto conducted you together through all the vicissitudes of...
14700To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 14 September 1811 (Adams Papers)
Some time in the month of June last there was published in the Boston Patriot, a pretended State-Paper, purporting to be signed by the Duke of Cadore, addressed to His Excellency—as in extreme secrecy, and containing a common-place invective against the British Nation-Constitution, and Royal Family; mixed up with a panegyric upon the Duke of York, and the incendiary Jackson—a curse upon the...