23511From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 31 July 1820 (Adams Papers)
If the twenty-five Volumes of the projected compilation of English Poetry, which were published at Philadelphia, for which I subscribed, and which I promised to give you, should be sent on to Boston, you shall still have them; but it is not worth while to purchase them there, if the remaining volumes are not to be published—You shall not lose however an equivalent for the donation, and you may...
23512From John Quincy Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 7 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
I accept with pleasure the proposal in your Letter of 27th ulto. respecting my library now deposited at the Athenæum; which is agreeable to me in every particular. I have only to add a few suggestions. There has never been at the Athenæum a complete Catalogue that of my Books.— When they were removed there in 1809 I gave Mr. Shaw the only Catalogue that I had of them, which was nearly perfect,...
23513To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 7 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
My boasted convales’cense, did not continue but a few hours after Dr. Warren & Dr Gorham left me. To the care of the former I committed the last letter I have been able to pen, from the severity of my relapse wch. has reduced me to an extreme degree of Weakness, & for 11 Nights out of 13 I was unable to lie down & caught what repose the Intervals wou’d allow me to take, bolster’d up in a...
23514From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 8 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
Harriet Welsh writes me that George and you intend to visit Mrs. de Wint during the vacation and that if your father grants you permission you intend to go on to Niagara—I had made a partial engagement to accompany Mr. & Mrs. de Wint to Niagara this fall but I do not feel quite sure that I shall be able to accomplish this purpose as your father tho’ he says I may go always appears to have...
23515From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 10 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have two kind letters from you to answer—the last—of August 7th.—has filled me with deep sorrow and affliction. I am afraid you are not so careful of your health as you ought to be. I pray you to do every thing in your power to preserve it, for it is very interesting to me and mine—and let me add, without flattery, to the public. The misnomer, an error currente calamo—needed no correction,...
23516From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 10 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
As I am much afraid that I shall not accomplish the plan proposed in my last Letter to John you will have an opportunity to take a part at the last exhibition in preference to the one you mention in October as should your father be able to go on he will probably not stay more than a fort night and that might not suit the time fixed— Your Letters to me leave me so little to answer that I can...
23517From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 14 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
I received with much concern your kind favour of the 8th instt. particularly as it mentions your being in a feeble state of health—I hope it is only a consequence of the great heat of the Season with which we are also suffering here— While I had flattered myself with the hope of being able to visit my father this Season, I had the fixed determination of paying you that visit which with my Wife...
23518From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 18 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
As I have already said every thing on the subject of your last which was necessary I will only make one observation which is that reputation is always proved by actions and the less we say about generally the better we guard it and preserve it— You are now verging on the Vacation. Are you likely to have a brilliant Commencement? who are the graduates of Note?—Who makes an entertainment?—. We...
23519From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 21 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 13th: instt. is received and gave me pleasure—It would have been still more acceptable if it had contained your opinion of Prodicus’s Fable of the Choice of Hercules; your account of which is correct as far as it goes—Its first appearance is in the Memorabilia Socratis, of Xenophon, and is I think there represented not as written, but spoken in a dialogue. You will recollect...
23520From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 21 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
There is in Boston, a Lemmon-tree of a peculiar kind, called the Sweet Lemmon, Sent to your Grandfather, by a gentleman from Malaga—and I expect it will be in the custody of our friend Mr J H Foster, by Tomorrow. Your Grandfather is desirous of presenting this plant to the Botanical garden, in Cambridge, and wishes you to call on Mr: Peck the Professor, with his compliments, tendering the Tree...
23521From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Baker Johnson, 26 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
I am engaged in preparing by order of both Houses of Congress a Report upon the subject of Weights and Measures, embracing a Statement of the Regulations of the several States of this Union concerning them—I wrote a circular Letter to the Governors of the several States requesting information, and from the Governor of Louisiana, received a Copy of the Law of the State, adopting the Weights and...
23522To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 26 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
Your affectionate Letter of the 10th. Instant, was rec’d while under a second, but more painfull relapse than the first; which reduced my Strength, flesh, & spirits so low as left me but faint hopes of recovery—I am however so far convalescent again as to walk from one Room to another & if no interveneing relapse takes place hope to be able to take the air in a few days. after a confinement to...
23523From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 2 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have been as Civil to Mr Lane who brought me your letter of August 26th. as I could, he dined with me, and I was much pleased with him—I am sincerely grieved at your long confinement and continued indisposition, what can I do to restore your health—If you come to the Convention as I hope you will—That I think will cure you—for wrangling and Contention exhilirates the Spirits, and Animates...
23524From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 3 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter has remained unanswered some time in consequence of the illness of Mary which has been pretty severe tho’ short she is now convalscent and I hope will soon be well— I propose to leave Town for Frederick on Thursday next where I shall probably remain ten days after which I shall go to Baltimore to the Wedding of Susan Buchanan who is to be married on the 21st. we shall only stay one...
23525From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
Our George has gained the first prize—and bares his honour meekly—He is a dutiful Son, for he is deeply engaged in Platonick Greek, In obedience to your advice and requisition—and what surprises me more is, that he is becoming an early riser—He was up this Morning before I was—And his Mind appears to be awakned by an Ambition to become an eminent and useful Man—John is at present devoted to...
23526From John Adams to Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway, 9 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
The circle in which I move you know is very Contracted—and when I go round regularly like a hores in a mill I do pritty well—but if I indulge in the smallest eccentricity I am sure to suffer for it—I did however venture upon one which proved an exception—I went to Boston and dined with the Venerable Dr Vanderkemp at Mr Benjamin Guilds, in Company with a social Circle of Wise, Pious and...
23527From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 12 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have to reply to at least three Letters to you, the reason of which I will tell you hereafter, if it please God—At present I only write to give you full power to do with my Penn’s Hill farm and both the Houses as you think best.—The same with that at Mount Wollaston—except that you must not strip the latter of any good wood—And beware of running me too much in debt for repairs. I was much...
23528To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 12 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letters are more likely to renew a worn down constitution than the recipe you give, for making my way to it by wrangling & Disputation in a Convential diet (if I should ever get there) tho I shall expect to see a good many coxcombs in politicks & constitution makers as will produce to my feelings what you describe When the yeas, & nays wch. were tried in this Town, several of the...
23529From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 14 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
We find ourselves so very comfortable here and Mr. & Mrs. Graham are so urgent for us to stay until Sunday Night we shall not be at home until Tuesday Evening—As I know you would be very anxious to see us at the time first appointed and might be uneasy I send you a few lines to quiet any unnecessary apprehensions— The Country is beautiful and our reception has been as kind as you can possibly...
23530From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 15 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
O that I had the talent at description of a Homer a Milton or a Walter Scott I would give you a picture of a hill that I have visited with more pleasure than I should mount Ida or Monticello. Mr David Hyslop has been importuning me for seven years to dine with him in Brookline: I have always declined till last Tuesday when taking my grandson George Washington Adams for my guide and aid de camp...
23531From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 16 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
O that I had the talent at discription, of a Homer a Milton or a Walter Scot—I would give you a Picture of all that I have Visited—with more pleasure than I should Mount Irea or Monticello—Mr David Hyslop has been importuning me for seven years to dine with him in Brookline—I have always declined, till last Wednesday—when taking my Grand Son George Washington Adams for my guide, and aid de...
23532From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 21 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have been as Civil to Mr Lane who brought me your letter of 26. As I could. He dined with me and I was much pleased with him— I am sincerely grieved at your long continued indisposition, What can I do to restore your health—If you come to the Convention, as I hope you will; That I think will Cure you—For wrangling and Contention exhilarates the Spirits and Animates the Body—You will have...
23533From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 22 September 1820 (Adams Papers)
My absence from the City must plead My excuse for not sooner congratulating you on your success in obtaining the prize and still more on the probability of your obtaining a reputation as an Orator one of the most essential requisites for a Publick man in our Country—It is a talent which may be considered as leading most directly and immediately to promotion and frequently to the highest...
23534From John Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 2 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your kind Letter of the 16th. I rejoice to hear of your comfortable health and eligible situation—I hear that most pleasing accounts of Mr Johnson and his Lady, and of all their Children A high gratification to me; And a foundation of an Ardent hope, That, that Branch of my Posterity will be useful members of Society, and consequently, consolations to their Parents; and...
23535From John Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 5 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your kind letter of the 16th I rejoice to hear of your comfortable Health—and eligible situation—I hear the most pleasing accounts of Mr Johnson and his Lady—and of all her Children—a high gratification to me—and a foundation of an Ardent hope—that, that Branch of my posterity will be useful members of Society, and consequently consolations to their Parents, and examples and...
23536From John Adams to Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway, 10 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
I am grieved at our disappointment, and at yours—and much more for the illness of my dear little Susanah—I presume you have returned to Utica—And I hope still, you will return to Montezillo, as soon as the Child recovers, and you can find a Convenient opportunity— We go on here in the old way—just now interrupted in our Harrvest, by easterly winds—and frequent rains—I find myself two much more...
23537From Ward Nicholas Boylston to John Quincy Adams, 11 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
I defer’d the acknowledgement of your very kind Letter of 14’ Augt untill I had completed the object mentiond in the Inclosed Vote—which has undergone a revission by the Corporation, (the first vote not being so full and satisfactory to me ) as I had stipulated was returned to them;) and only a few days since received it corrected— In which you will find I have taken an unauthorized liberty...
23538To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 15 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
It is so long since I have written I feel that it is difficult to offer an apology for my silence or rather such an one as would prove satisfactory: it however proceeded from the extreme dullness of the City and the excessive heat of the Summer in the first place; a journey to visit my relations in Frederick in the second; and a severe indisposition in the third which confined me to my bed...
23539From John Adams to Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway, 16 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of October 7th. has given me pleasure—by the information of your safe arrival at Utica—But much regret the necessity you was under to return there—The hopeful prospect of Susans recovery is a great Satisfaction to me. I, for one long to see her—and her Mother—and I am not alone in that wish—I pray you to return to Montezillo—I am persuaded that her Native Air from the proximity to...
23540From John Quincy Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 16 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your obliging Letter of the 8th. instt I have only to renew the request that you would procure the necessary shelves for my books though the cost should be to the extent of your estimate observing only the caution mentioned in my former Letter that the shelves be made adoptable to removal to any other place I am as ever &c &c &c. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
23541From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 21 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
My Eyes were delighted with your handwriting this Morning—And my heart Cheered with the Contents of the letter Your apology for the interruption of your Correspondence is amply sufficient, and indeed as I have previously found in my own reflections apologys for you, It was more than was necessary—I am delighted with your studing Latin—The Town of Quincy have been pleased to Elect one a Member...
23542From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 28 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
An indisposition which confined me to my bed in the first instance and moving in the next into our house in F Street has prevented my answering your Letter earlier and my papers are all in such confusion that I cannot pretend to find it now so as to answer it correctly— Our House will hardly be well fixed before you come on and at present Charles is obliged to sleep in the Drawing room which...
23543From John Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 5 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
I received with pleasure your favour of October 26th. A Seat in the Convention as it is the Spontanious evidence of the kindness of my fellow Citizens—is indeed a gratifications to my feelings—If I should make my exit in the service it will be EUTHANA—but whether my attendance will be any assistance to the deliberations of that great Assembly who are to revise the Constitution, I know...
23544From Thomas Jones to John Adams Smith, 8 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
The whole of the Weights and measures Agreeable to the Instructions I have received from and which are signed by Mr. John Millar will be £107:5:0 and the Same can be executed in a month after I have received an Order for the Same. I Have the Honor to be / Sir / Your Most Obt: Hle: St: NjP : Papers of Richard Rush.
23545From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 14 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
How grieved I am my dear John at the news we have just received you may concieve who knew what an effect the same circumstance produced on me on a former occasion—Your father and I are in a state of great anxiety for the consequences of your fault and impatiently wait for the result which must fix your future destiny—Write me immediately and let me know how the Government feel towards you so...
23546To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 15 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
I do not know if I ought to congratulate you or not on your acceptance of the trouble and anxiety attending you as a Member of the Convention my dear Sir but I hope it will yield you amusement and vary your occupations we rely on your making it as easy as little laborious to yourself as possible— Congress has convened again and as you will perceive by the papers of the day they have assembled...
23547To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 18 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
18th Received a number of visits and returned a few.—Mr Poletica passed the Evening with us—Talked much of his tour thro’ the Western States and appeared much pleased with his visit to Boston He informed us he had seen a gentleman lately from England who mentioned that the Queen had twice been seen drunk in Parliament before he left that Country— 19 Visitors came so early and staid so long I...
23548To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 22 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
Novbr. 22 Spent the day at home excepting about an hour in which I paid a number of visits—Dr. Thornton called in late last Evening and chatted some time His conversation is indeed a thing of threads and patches certainly amusing from its perpetual variety—He is altogether the most excentric being I ever met with possessing the extremes of literary information and the levity and trifling of...
23549From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Eward J. Coale, 24 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
I enclose bills to the amount of five & forty Dollars in payment of the account of Messrs. Benson & Co. and will be obliged by your taking a receipt and returning it by the Post whenever it may be convenient. This account would long since have been settled had it not been delayed without our knowledge by my husbands Steward for which I beg your excuse— Mr. Adams and myself offer our best...
23550From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 27 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
I last evening received your Letter of the 20h with great delight and assure you I require nothing but your word to satisfy me regarding your conduct having always had full reliance on your respect to truth—When I wrote I had heard a terrible account of the rebellion and was excessively alarmed at the consequences for you under this impression and trembling with lest George in his desire to...
23551From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Harriet Welsh, 27 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
According to your desire I burnt the Letter which you wrote me and respect greatly the anxiety you manifest for the subject of it, but all traces of the event having apparently disappeared I hope it will never be renewed to pain the feelings of your friend I was not aware that she was a daughter of Miss Outrums I pity her from my heart and think she was fortunate in not becoming his Wife of...
23552To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 29 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
29th Rode out and called on my patient who is fast recovering and able to raise his broken arm—In the Evening went to the Drawing Room it was well attended though not crowded—I was teazed in the course of the evening with questions concerning how I should conduct myself in that House as mistress of it for a time for it was likely I should be there in four years I laughed and said that I...
23553To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 3 December 1820 (Adams Papers)
Decbr. 3d Did not attend at Church Mr Ryland was to preach and his last sermon was such a strange medley of scraps and ends miserably put together I did not feel tempted to go again—remained at home all day. 4th The day was stormy and disagreeable—In the Eveng went into George Town to fetch Fanny Johnson. The Stage had not arrived and we drove to Mrs. Frye’s where we took Tea—She mentioned...
23554From John Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 17 December 1820 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 30th of November has filled me with grief, The untimely death of my dear Great Grand Son cast over my mind a sorrowful gloom—There has not been one of my Posterity who has excited fonder hopes that he would be a comfort to his Parents and a Blessing to Society—But Providence destroys the hope of Man—I sincerely condole with you and my Grand daughter her Mother, and your...
23555From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 22 December 1820 (Adams Papers)
This day two hundred years our adventurous Ancestors landed at Plymouth—and two years hence will compete two hundred years since a more jolly company of them landed at Mount Wollaston—I have been made an honourary member of the new Plymouth Institution, and have been urged with warm invitations to go and Celebrate the day, and hear the Oratory of Mr Webster which I doubt not will be...
23556From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 5 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
If after your example I could have keept a Journal—from the fifteenth of November, to the eighteenth of December—I could have given you a Curious history— I have had the Influenza, and with great difficulty have got the better of it—but not perfectly cured—I attended every day the Convention and the Air of that Hall—Instead of curing my Cold imperceptably increased it from day to day—And the...
23557To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 15 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
I call’d this morning upon The Treasurer of the Commonwealth—and rec’d of him Eight Dollars— to your pay as Elector—your pay as delegate he said required your order—Which I enclose for your signature & to be returnd to me, wch. I will immediately apply for payment, wch. is 70 Dollars—added to the Eight Dollars already rec’d I will pay to Mr Foster or send to you by post if he is not able to...
23558To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 19 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
I have sent my Sleigh with Bear skins, & Furs, and as the day is fine and the sleighing never better I hope you will find yourself better for a change of air, and as our Rooms are well air’d, you will find yourself as comfortably warm as you will be, in your own Room—we shall be at home to you & your own Family alone—and every thing done to make you comfortable & at your ease I have procured a...
23559From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 22 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
I revoke the appellation of Son—Your conduct to me is more like that of a tender affectionate partial and too indulgent a Father—than like that of a Cousin, or a Brother or a Son You overwhelm me so with your kindness that I have no expressions adequate to my sense of obligations I have received the two Barrels of Cider, and the Bottles of Wine which I shall reserve for the best use of which...
23560To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 27 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
I have been so much indisposed it has been almost impossible for me to keep my journal and my family has been too large to admit of sufficient quiet to do any thing but partake of the amusements of the place which however have been but few comparatively speaking. It has been remarked frequently that there has never been so gloomy a session as the present and I doubt if there ever was one which...