1515117th. (Adams Papers)
At home all the forenoon, reading Tom Jones, one of the best novels in the language. The scenes are not only such as may have taken place, but they are similar to such as almost every person may have witnessed. This book cannot lead a person to form too favorable an opinion of human nature, but neither will it give a false one. Pass’d the afternoon and part of the evening at Mr. White’s. The...
1515215th. Friday. (Adams Papers)
Fine weather all day. Thermometer at 28 degrees below.0. At the Academy it was 30. Finished the 5th. Volume of Hume’s history of England 577. pages, and begun the 6th.
15153From John Quincy Adams to Executors of John Adams’s Estate, 24 September 1826 (Adams Papers)
Know all Men by these Presents, that I John Quincy Adams of Boston in the County of Suffolk, Esquire, am held and firmly bound, in my individual capacity, to the said John Quincy Adams, and Josiah Quincy also of said Boston, Esquire, Executors of the Last Will and Testament of John Adams, late of Quincy in the County of Norfolk, Doctor of Laws, deceased, in the sum of forty four two thousand...
1515412th. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day. Mr. D. unwell. Cloudy weather.
151558th. (Adams Papers)
I arose in the morning quite refresh’d, and immediately after breakfast went and took my station in the office. I began upon the first volume of Robertson’s history of Charles the V. which Mr. Parsons recommended as containing an account of the feudal institutions, from which were derived many of the laws which are now established in different parts of Europe. I have already read the book; but...
15156From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 19 April 1818 (Adams Papers)
Mr John Edwards Holbrook the bearer, is a Gentleman recommended to me, as of a highly respectable character, nephew of George Edwards Esqr. of Charleston, South Carolina—He is going to Scotland, and afterwards to London, with the intention of completing a medical education, and other views of liberal improvement and curiosity. I beg leave to recommend him to your kind attentions, and if...
15157From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 17 November 1805 (Adams Papers)
We embarked at Providence on Tuesday morning, as I wrote you we purposed to do; and after a tolerably pleasant passage of three days and Nights arrived here the day before yesterday about noon; much to the satisfaction of my Sister and her children, who have thus reached the end of their Journey. But we for our part have accomplished not more than one half of ours; and we have taken Seats in...
15158John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 26 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
M r: Dorr obtained a passage in the vessel with M r: Jay, and M r: Jones, had an opportunity to go from Newport, so that they had no occasion to make the application to Congress, in behalf of which I requested your favour. I drew another petition some time since, for the manufacturers of snuff and tobacco in this Town, making representations against the tax proposed upon those articles. I know...
1515921st. (Adams Papers)
Hazy weather again all the forenoon. I went and pass’d an hour with my friend White before dinner. Spent the afternoon with Mr. Thaxter at his office. Mr. Dodge was there, a great part of the Time. We conversed upon various subjects. Mr. Thaxter whose feelings are very warm, express’d his sentiments quite openly with respect to a gentleman, whose political conduct has been of late somewhat...
151605th. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Went to Mr. Wolff’s and to Mr. Rimbert’s in the afternoon to carry letters to be sent to Holland. Mr. D. went after dinner to take a walk. Cloudy weather. In addition to his own letter of the 4th to his father, JQA probably carried Dana’s to JA of the same date ( Adams Papers ).
151612d Saturday. (Adams Papers)
This morning at about 11 o’clock we set off from Wibourg for Frederichshamm; we rode all night and arriv’d, the next day at about 4. o’clock P.M. The Diary continues into the following day’s entry without a break.
15162To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 18 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
The bearer of this letter, is Mr: Henry Rigal, who has been recommended to me as a gentleman of great respectability; he has heretofore held an office in the Service of the Elector of Bavaria, but from the present unsettled state of his Country, and a predilection in favour of America, he has determined to remove with his family and settle in some part of the United States, to whom I am well...
15163To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 3 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of 23. Septr: & 3. Octr. was brought to me by my old friend and Classmate I. M. Forbes, and that of 13. Novr. by General Boyd, who both came fellow-passengers in the same vessel. Mr Everett has since arrived, by whom I received a Letter of 26. November, from my dear Mother. I have briefly replied to my Mother upon the advice, which you and she have given me to return to the United...
15164John Quincy Adams, Notice at the sale of part of John Adams estate at Quincy, 27 September 1826 (Adams Papers)
Terms of Sale, cash , to be paid on delivery of each Article—on Friday or Saturday the 29th. or 30th. instt. No earnest required —but every Article not taken and paid for on that day will be considered by the Executors as not sold—and will be resold at the risk of the first purchaser The Tomb is sold only because it was considered the Law required that it should be—The Executors reserve to...
1516512th. (Adams Papers)
Training day for the alarm list. From 16 to 60 years the inhabitants of this Common-wealth, are subjected to the duties of militia-men: As a student of Harvard University, I shall be exempted for three years: for all the sons of Harvard are considered as students at that seminary untill they commence masters of arts. This forenoon I finish’d the first volume of Robertson’s Charles V. and as I...
15166From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 5 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
I now enclose you a Letter for George Davis, which you will deliver to him—The subscription as I told you is conditional to be paid only, unless a sum of (I think 50000) Dollars should be subscribed before the first of January next and deposited in Bank—If you are admitted to attend the Meetings, I shall expect you will give me an account of the proceedings and of the progress of the object,...
15167From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 28 May 1812 (Adams Papers)
I find in your letter of 5. Jany: last that you make mention of others which you had written in Septr: Octr: and Novr: preceding—Of those, when the original of the enclosed was written, I had received only the last—that of 17 Novr:—But on the twelfth of this Month I received your’s of September 24. 1811—and last Monday that of 17. Feby: 1812—N:2. Your letter of October is yet to come; unless...
1516826th. (Adams Papers)
I was greatly disappointed to find, that neither of my Cousins nor my brother had any Letters for me from Europe. Surely my Sister did not let both opportunities slip. I began to day upon the Testament but shall not I fear proceed far this week. Company in the afternoon to drink tea.
15169To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 9 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
Under the present circumstances of affairs in this Country, I did not think it prudent to make any unnecessary delay in England, and accordingly left London on the 28th: of last month. Our passage to Helvoet was short though not agreeable; the packet being very much crowded with passengers. We were only three days from London to this place. I had been told in England, that I should perceive...
1517018th. (Adams Papers)
Rain’d a great part of the Day. Miss Hiller is only fourteen, her person comes very near to my ideas of a perfect beauty. A pair of large black eyes, with eyelids, an inch long, and eye brows forming beautiful arches, would be invincible if they had a greater degree of animated, and if she was conscious enough of their power, to make use of it. She has not yet I believe been much into Company,...
1517127th. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day. Mr. D. took a ride in the afternoon. Rainy weather the greater part of the day. Clear’d up at about 5 o’clock P.M.
15172From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of 26. November, is yet the latest that I have received from you—But since my last to you, and since mine of the 3d. instant to my father, I have received one from him, more earnestly calling upon me, to ask my recall from this Mission, and return home—I have in my last Letters both to him and you, expressed my sentiments and intentions on this subject, and have alledged such...
1517326th. (Adams Papers)
Paris afternoon. Froullé, books upon astronomy. Went to see Mr. West and Mr. Waring but neither was at home. Messieurs Van den Yver bankers Ruë Royale , Butte St. Roch . Spent part of the evening with the abbés. While I was there a Gentleman came in, who was a great partisan, for animal magnetism, that he very strenuously defended. Speaking of Dr. Franklin, he said j’aime beaucoup M: Franklin,...
15174Saturday June the 23d 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning I went with Mr. Dana to the old Man House to buy a few things. We hear that a courier is arriv’d at the Hague from Madrid who was only eleven days upon the Journey, he brings news that two Dutch fregates commanded by the Captains Oorthius and Melvill had been out to meet the Dutch East India Ships which were coming home; and had done it accordingly, and were returning to Cadix...
1517515th. (Adams Papers)
All day at home. My Uncle, was applied to last Saturday by a man, to do a little jobb for him, as he term’d it, which was to marry him. So he went in the afternoon: My Aunt and Eliza went in the Chaise. I made in the Evening a few reflections, which I had not time to write down, now, but, must remember to do it some other day. The weather begins to grow cold, and it is probable, we shall have...
151768th. (Adams Papers)
Read through the remainder of the Dialogues, which Reid says, “prove by unanswerable arguments, what no man in his Senses can believe.” There are however, great objections to the System which are not mentioned. This work appears to me, to confound the cause with its effect for ever. Thus if I burn my fingers, they say, the fire by which I burnt them is in my mind, because, the Sensation which...
15177To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 26 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr: Wagner having informed me by his letter of the 11th: instt: that neither copy of the within papers which I had forwarded from Hamburg, had then arrived at the seat of the government, I have now the honour to transmit a third copy of them; and am with great respect, Your very humble & obedt: Servt: RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Duplicate Originals of J. Q. Adams, 1800–1801, 1809–12). Docketed by...
15178John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 20 November 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have indeed, my dear Sister, been guilty of a neglect, in omitting so long to write to you, which I cannot upon any principle justify to my own heart; I am sure it has been totally inconsistent with the ardent and sincere brotherly affection which that heart invariably acknowledges for you, and which no length of time, no absence, no course of circumstances, shall ever impair: I have very...
1517922d. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Shaw went over to Weymouth. Mr. Cranch returned from Boston, and Mr. Standfast Smith came with him. My brothers and myself pass’d the night at the bottom of the hill.
1518011th. (Adams Papers)
Dined with Mr. Adams at the Marquis de la Fayette’s. There was not much American Company: M: le Marquis de St. Simon, who has served in America. Mr. Grandchamp, Capitaine de Vaisseau, and M: le Marquis de Rosanbot premier president au Parlement de Paris. Mr. Ruston was there. This is the first comfortable day we have had this Season: the roads are exceedingly dusty for want of Rain. Madam...
15181Thursday July the 5th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning I went to see when the boats go for Utrecht. Mr. Dana and Mr. Thaxter din’d at Mr. Sigourney’s; I din’d at home. After dinner went to see Mr. Greaves; but found only Mr. Brailsford at home; I stay’d there but a little time, and went for Kaa’s; in the way I met Mr. Greaves and Captn. Henzel; and went to take a walk with them out of the Haerlem Porte and down along upon the Dyke; as...
151825th. (Adams Papers)
After passing all the day, at pretty Close Study, I went and spent the Evening at Mr. White’s. Mr. Osgood, and Major Bart lett, with their Ladies, were there: I had at length, an Invitation from the former, to go to his House. The terms that subsist between his family and Mr. Shaw’s, are such, that, I did not expect any notice from him: nor had I any right to expect it: but as a man possess’d...
15183From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 30 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your number 6. dated 22. February, brought by the Henry Captain Harris; a vessel of which we had heard nearly a Month since, and which has at length arrived after a passage from Boston of 100 days.—The arrivals from America now crowd upon one another in multitudes which I am afraid will prove not very profitable to many of the adventurers.—From Quincy...
1518431st. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Went this morning to the English Library. Went to a bookseller’s shop and bought some books. Mr. Wolff came here in the forenoon. Rainy weather. One that can be identified is Jean de La Bruyère’s Les Caractères, 2 vols., Paris, 1768 ( Catalogue of JQA’s Books Worthington C. Ford, ed., A Catalogue of the Books of John Quincy Adams Deposited in the Boston Athenaeum. With Notes on Books, Adams...
1518530th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Adams dined at the Spanish Ambassador’s, Count d’Aranda, an old man 70 years of age, who married, last year a young woman of 20. Peace be with him!
1518612th. (Adams Papers)
Charles and myself went over to Weymouth, and dined at Doctor Tufts’s. We were overtaken by a violent thunder shower. The lightening fell at a very small distance from an house where we took shelter while the Cloud pass’d over. When we return’d to Braintree we found Mr. Dingley at my uncle’s.
15187John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt since I wrote you last of your two kind favours of 15. November and 1. February last— The latter is the latest letter, from America that I have, and I still continue to receive as I have ever since I have been in Europe, received from you the most recent intelligence both public and private— As in this case the first direct notice of my brother’s arrival came...
15188To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 3 June 1811 (Madison Papers)
I received on the 29th: of last Month, together with some other despatches from the Secretary of State, one, enclosing a Commission to me, as an associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States; a new letter of leave to His Majesty the Emperor of Russia; a blank Commission for a Secretary of Legation, or Chargé d’Affaires, and an Instruction, in consequence of this new appointment...
1518916th. (Adams Papers)
Went with Mrs. A into Paris in the afternoon. Got a book of Pissot, and Brindley’s Terence, la folle journée , and Vossius de hist. grae: of Froullé. Left the Ladies, on the quai des Augustins, and went to see Mr. West, whose hand is still very much swelled. The Ladies came, in the evening, and took me at the Hôtel de Bretagne. Pissot, a publishing firm in Paris. The book has not been...
151902d. (Adams Papers)
I have been too busily employ’d, to have much to say. Study, does not afford, a rich source for description. We had a moot Court in the afternoon at Fiske’s Chamber. Packard was condemned. Mr. and Mrs. Cranch were here.
15191John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 18 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
M r: Newcomb has executed a power of Attorney, authorising you to receive his interest due. I herewith enclose it.— You mention in your Letter to your mother, that you expect to leave Philadelphia the 28 th: of this month. But not where you purpose to go. I should be glad to hear from you once in a while. I think you are now in my debt upon the score of our correspondence. War—seems to be now...
15192John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
Since the date of my last I have received your favour of 8. April, with the pamphlets mentioned in it.— The communications of the American Commissioners have resounded through every part of Europe, and produced a very sensible impression in the public opinion with regard to the characters exposed in them.— An attempt at defence has been made, by a publication in the official newspaper of the...
15193From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 5 January 1807 (Adams Papers)
On new year’s day I received your very agreeable Letter of Decr: 21st: which I should have answered immediately; but it was not sitting day; and I find no time for my correspondence but while we are in Session—The reason of which is that having become a Jack of so many trades, I employ all the time I have to spare at home , in preparing for my bussiness at Cambridge next Spring—I have...
15194John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 15 April 1795 (Adams Papers)
By the arrival of M r: Van Rensselaar, I am favoured with your letter of Nov r: 29. I have not yet seen that Gentleman, who is still at Amsterdam, but proposes visiting this place in a few days; you well know what a pleasure we always derive in foreign Countries merely from the sight of one of our own Countrymen, and in this instance I shall be still more gratified in meeting a person, who...
151952d. (Adams Papers)
Mr. A and myself went and dined with the Marquis de la Fayette, Comte and Chevalier de la Luzerne, Comte de la Touche, General du Portail: A Letter was brought after dinner to my father from Dr. Franklin, informing him that Mr. Randall arrived from New York in the last Packet, and that he has Letters from Mr. Jay for my father. We went immediately to the Hôtel d’Orléans Rue St. Anne, and found...
15196[August 1783] (Adams Papers)
This morning, I set out from the Hague, in Company with my Father; at about half past 4. o’clock in the morning. At 7. we arrived at Rotterdam; passed the Maes Meuse , and rode as far as Moerdyk, where we arrived at about 12. We were obliged to stay till 4. o’clock, because the wind, and tide were both contrary. We arrived at about 11. o’clock at night at the last Post before Antwerp, and...
15197From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 11 November 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour to acknowledge the Receipt of your several letters, with their respective enclosures, from No 1 to No. 10. inclusively. Mr. Rush, who takes charge of this Despatch, having been appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States in England, your office of Charge ‘d affairs will of course cease upon his presenting his letter of Credence to the...
15198To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 27 October 1814 (Adams Papers)
The situation in which I am placed often brings to my mind, that in which you were situated in the year 1782. and I will not describe the feelings with which the comparison, or I might rather say the contrast, affects me—I am called to support the same interests, and in many respects the same identical points and questions—The causes in which the present war originated, and for which it was on...
15199To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 18 November 1824 (Madison Papers)
I take much satisfaction in having the opportunity of introducing to you Mr George Sullivan a Citizen of Massachusetts the son of a former governor of that State in his life time I believe personally well known to you & distinguished during the period of our Revolutionary War as well as in more recent times. Mr Sullivan is at this time agent of the State for certain claims on the Government of...
15200From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 2 November 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 28th. of last Month, has this day brought me the most distressing intelligence that I ever received; yet my dear John, if there was any thing that could soften its bitterness, it was that it should first come from a beloved and affectionate hand—Such it was coming from yours, and I thank you, for the kind and filial attention with which you immediately communicated the...