24451To John Adams from Alexander Bryan Johnson, 16 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have long waited impatiently the moment when I could congratulate you & our country:—you, on a consummation of the most exalted parental hopes; & our country, on the manifestation of a public virtue, which must elevate our nation in the estimation of foreigners, & endear it to the best feelings of our citizens. I rejoice that you have lived to see this day. And, amid the numerous...
24452To John Adams from William Cranch, 17 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to congratulate you on the result of the late election. I rejoice because it has not been the work of faction—because it is the triumph of Independence over the despotism of party; because it has broken down that old Virginian aristocracy which for 24 years has been sitting like an incubus upon the Administration of our country; because I see that the country is returning to the good...
24453From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of the 9th: Never did I feel so much solemnity as upon this occasion—the multitude of my thoughts and the intensity of my feelings are too much for a mind like mine in its ninetieth year—May the blessing of God Almighty continue to protect you to the end of your life as it has heretofore protected you in so remarkable a manner from your cradle. I offer the same...
24454From John Adams to John Adams, 19 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
I recieved, as usual with great delight your letter of the 12th inst. Your account of all things is satisfactory—but on this great occasion, my dear Grandson, let us all reflect on the obligations this event imposes on us. Our joys ought to be no greater than the joys of the public. We ought all of us to collect ourselves and not suffer a single unbecoming word or action to escape us. A friend...
24455From William Cranch to John Quincy Adams, 19 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Mr John Douglas Simms of Virginia is the son of Col Charles Simms for many years collector of the Port of Alexandria, and wishes to obtain employment under government. You are not unacquainted with the revolutionary Services of his father, who was a very brave officer & distinguished himself at the defence of the fort at Mud island. He was the personal friend of Genl. Washington and a uniform...
24456From William Cranch to John Quincy Adams, 19 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Mr. John Douglass Simms of Virginia is the son of Colo. Charles Simms for many years collector of the port of Alexandria, and wishes to obtain employment under government. You are not unacquainted with the revolutionary services of his father, who was a very brave officer, & distinguished himself at the defence of the fort at mud island. He was the personal friend of Genl. Washington and a...
24457From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 20 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Your letter has given me great pleasure, and so have those of your brother John—they are lively, animating and cheerful, and at the same time judicious and prudent, which to me is of more importance than all the rest. This great nation appears to me to be as well satisfied as so great a nation can be and in their satisfaction I sincerely rejoice. What obligations does this event impose upon...
24458From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Louisa Smith Adams Johnson, 22 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Among the congratulations of my friends upon the issue of the recent election none have given me more cordial satisfaction than those contained in your affectionate & elegant letter of the 15 instt. Although we have generally lived so widely separated from each other, I ever remember with kindly feelings the ties of blood between us, & I retain a grateful recollection of the few days of our...
24459From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
When I borrow a sentiment from Machiavel’s “plan of a perfect Commonwealth” to accompany my congratulations and to participate in the joyful issue of the greatest spectacle which the Christian World has ever beheld, I cannot with hold my admiration of the aptness of the quotation for the occasion to which I would make it subservient, should it reach you on the day of your induction to the...
24460From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you a letter from honest Spafford. I do it with great reluctance but he has so much merit in his New-York Gazetteer that I wish something could be done for him. I know however the difficulty indeed the impossibility that a President should get into any of the offices a single clerk. I tried to get Mr Dalton into an office in the Treasury Department. I proposed it to the Secretary who...
24461From John Adams to Peter Force, 5 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have placed your Note in the hands of my father who has this minute returned home & he directs me to inform you that the Senate have not acted upon any one of the Nominations made to that body by him—And that of course the information mentioned in your note is incorrect. Perhaps it may allude to the confirmation three days since of some nominations made by Mr Munroe. If you do not possess a...
24462From John Adams to Peter Force, 7 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
My father has this moment returned from Mr Owens lecture & informs me that he has not recieved any communication from the Senate relating to the confirmation of his nominations. If they have been acted upon he is not informed of the fact. The nominations you have seen—Concerning their confirmation you know as much or more than he does— Your’s &c 1/2 past ten o’clock— DLC : Peter Force Collection.
24463From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 8 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
Rec’d of Ward Nicholas Boylston Esqr. by the hand of Jno L Bolyston—Eighteen Dollars for articles furnish’d &c at the Inauguration of President Adams 4 March 1825 — $18 MHi : Boylston Family Papers.
24464From Ward Nicholas Boylston to John Quincy Adams, 15 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure to address our amiable friend Mr Adams last week, expressive of my Intentions of offering you my heartfelt felicitations on your elivation to the most honourable and important rank the Nation can confer— I have not its true, (from the enfused state of my health) been in the front rank of your Frinds who have at an earlier day offerd you their congratulations—but to this I...
24465From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 19 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have received your kind Letter of congratulation with the very appropriate passage from Machiavel’s an author, with whose works I have never been familiar, and whose reputation as a political writer is problematical—The Sentiment which you have quoted from him is perhaps correct in its first part—certainly in its second. The congratulations of all my friends are entitled to my gratitude....
24466From George Washington Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 20 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
A most unpleasant journey was completed by our arrival at Quincy last week where we had the satisfaction of finding grandfather in better health and more comfortable than when we had last seen him. Two days afterwards Charles left us and returned to Cambridge anticipating much pleasure from the remaining months of his residence there but a little afflicted by the assignment of a part to him...
24467From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 20 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
As I know you will be very anxious to hear from me my Dear George I hasten to write merely to inform you that my health though still very weak is much better and I am able to ride out— No change has yet taken place in our establishment and we have all the trouble of our removal still in anticipation but my chief concern is the disposal of our house which I fear will be attended with much...
24468From Peter Force to John Adams, 21 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have been requested by a gentleman, whom I am desirous of serving, to call upon the President. Not knowing, however, whether it would be convenient to him, or better for me, to do so, without first making the inquiry, I take the liberty of asking of you the favour to inform me, if I can have an interview with the President, on the subject of this request; and if so, what time would be the...
24469From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 22 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
Is not your lively imagination a little exalted, you certainly have exalted my name to a greater height than it would ever have arisen to, without your sublime compliment—I presume you have laid aside the thought of building an Hospital for despair on that height—I am sure my name ought not be associated with despair How I long to make you a visit, but I cannot get out of my Chamber yet, here...
24470From John Adams to William Cranch, 22 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your kind congratulation of the Feby. 17—which you have fortified with so many strong reasons, none of which I can I contradict, or wish to refute; I have great reason to believe that the public opinion has changed with respect to me, since the year 98—great numbers have since been convinced that I saved this Country from a ruinous Foreign and Civil war, and some of them...
24471To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 27 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice to hear you are in better health than when I left you on Sunday Evg and earnestly hope that your approaching birth day will give a promise of greater improvement—I count with impatience the pleasure we have promised ourselves of finding our hopes confirmd— Yesterday my Nephew my Sisters only Son arrived from England by the way of Canada—with your leave, we shall bring him to pay his...
24472To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 28 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter just rec’d is a Cordial to my spirits, in the lengthend days of my confinement to a sick room since the 22d of last January, without any exercise but that of patience, under pain and debility, or even a Rocking Chair to give releif— I am now convalesing, tho’ at one time I apprehended from the attack being similar, I was soon to follow Govr Eustis & Gen Brooks—& a multitude of...
24473From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 30 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
Your journal which has become a necessary of life to me has failed me for a long time, but I must excuse it because it is too severe a tax upon you, and I hope and presume that George is too deeply absorbed in the studies of his profession to be able to spare time to copy your records. We are here in a news-paper flurry of flickenings for Governour and they will associate your Husband with Mr....
24474From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 30 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have this day drawn upon you, at sight, for ten thousand Dollars, in favour of Richard Smith, Cashier of the United States Branch Bank or Order—I drew for the whole sum, because I cannot comprehend, how you should want five hundred dollars, to supply any claims upon you, on my account, while you are in the receipt of all the rents due not only on the first of January last, but on the first...
24475From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 30 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have this day drawn upon you, at sight, for ten thousand Dollars, in favour of Richard Smith, Cashier of the United States Branch Bank or Order—I drew for the whole sum, because I cannot comprehend, how you should want five hundred dollars, to supply any claims upon you, on my account, while you are in the receipt of all the rents due not only on the first of January last, but on the first...
24476From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 20 April 1825 (Adams Papers)
The perpetual trouble and occupation we have found in getting into our new residence has prevented my writing to you my dear Charles and even now I have no subject on which to occupy your attention— The situation in which we found the House made it necessary to furnish almost entirely anew a large portion of the apartments and the whole time of John and my self has been engrossed in...
24477From John Adams to John Adams, 22 April 1825 (Adams Papers)
You have been the most punctual correspondent that I ever had except your Brother—but for four weeks past I have been constantly disappointed, whenever I have enquired for a Letter from John—but I have constantly been compelled to make an apology by recollecting that you have been overwhelmed with business of more importance to the public, than soothing my curiosity— Yet I never can be easy...
24478From Mary Y. Pearson to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 25 April 1825 (Adams Papers)
You will no doubt my dear Mrs. Adams, be much surprised at receiving a letter from one of whom you have seen and known so little as myself; but the kind, and I may almost say affectionate manner that you have always shown towards me in our occasional meetings at Mr. Hopkinson’s, has emboldened me to sue for a favour which perhaps I should not otherwise have thought of— My brother has been for...
24479From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 1 May 1825 (Adams Papers)
The frequent and violent attacks of sickness which assail me my Dear George render me a wretched correspondent as the few days of comparative health which I enjoy are attended with a degree of debility which incapacitates me from any exertion of thought or rather of sedentary occupation without reproducing disagreeable sensations in my head and eyes.— We perceive with much delight an entire...
24480From George Washington Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 6 May 1825 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 1st. instant has affected me deeply: it was received this morning and afforded me more real pleasure perhaps than any you have ever addressed to me. Your style in writing is known to be that of the most animated conversation but in this instance it seems to obliterate the ideas of time and distance and to bring me near to you not in the mood of mortified affection and...
24481From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 6 May 1825 (Adams Papers)
I was much pleased with the flow of good spirits which your last Letter indicated my Dear George more particularly as I considered it a strong evidence of returning health which I hope will now be substantially confirmed— That you will make a good Soldier if you aim at distinction in that line I have no doubt—but the Company into which you have entered is much more famed for dissipation than...
24482From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 10 May 1825 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter of the 15th. of March has remained too long on file unanswered. That of the 7th. of the same month had been also duly received by Mrs. Adams. From the friendly interest which you have so long taken in our welfare, I was fully convinced that the result of the election would be gratifying to you; & in the sympathizing sentiments of my friends, I have always taken far more...
24483From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 5 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday received your melancholy Letter my Dear George informing me of the low state of Mrs. Welshs health and the painful anticipation of the family of her speedy demise—I always had a high opinion of Mrs. Welsh since I had the pleasure of first making her acquaintance and have always been very sensible of her kindness to myself and my children—The external polish of life acquired by...
24484From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Welsh, 6 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
We have just learnt the afflicting dispensation which has befallen you, and while forwarding the enclosed Letter to your daughter I cannot forbear adding the assurance of the deep sympathy which I feel with you on this melancholy occasion—May you, and all your children, be comforted under this bereavement with all the consolations, that earth can afford, or Heaven bestow—Prays / Your...
24485To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 7 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
John W. Boott Esq. of this city being desirous, with his friend Mr M Cale, of Philadelphia, to pay his respects to you and has requested me to give him that opportunity. He is one of our most respectable citizens and I shall be happy to enable him to enjoy the gratification of the interview he wishes Very respectfully / Yrs MHi : Adams Papers.
24486From William Duer to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 8 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
Presuming upon an acquaintance it was my happiness to form, many years ago, and upon the experience it afforded me of your affability and kindness, I venture, after this lapse of time, and the changes it has produced, to obtrude myself on your recollection, and to solicit your aid in submitting to the consideration of the President, a statement, which nothing but a sense of duty to those who...
24487From John Adams to Peter Force, 10 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
I recieved the enclosed extract this morning from the North. The Source from whence it comes is as Mr DeGrand would say “first rate.” Dr. Waterhouse is a well known character in Massachusetts and so staunch a Republican that any thing concerning him would be gratifying to that party—Concerning the truth of the suggestion I know nothing. Whether true or false however this indirect notice of the...
24488From John Quincy Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 11 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
I regret much that an usage, which has been uniformly observed since the existence of our Government, interdicts me the pleasure which I should take in complying with your request to furnish a Letter of Introduction, for Mr Greig to some person in London. Praying to be remembered affectionately to my Niece, I remain / Dear Sir, your friend and humble Servt MHi : Alexander B. Johnson Letters.
24489From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 13 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
As it is possible my dear George that you may hear a rumour that your father was drowned I hasten to write you a few lines to assure you that he is safe although he did run some risk this morning in one of his swimming expeditions. In crossing the river this morning in a small crazy boat in company with Anthony the boat filled with water and upset when about half over but he fortunately had...
24490From John Adams to Peter Force, 17 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
The Dr. handed me this morning Mr Websters address delivered at Bunker’s Hill, upon condition that I would give you a slight notice of it. Among other avocations I have only found time to draw up the enclosed which I have scarcely reviewed—Do as you please with it— Yrs &c— DLC : Peter Force Collection.
24491From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Johnson Hellen, 19 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
Your Sister informs me my dear Thomas that you are preparing to enter College in the Month of August next and the information give me so much pleasure I write to tell you how much I am gratified as it convinces me that you have been industrious and laudably ambitious to perfect your advantages in the completion of your education. There is but little passing among us that can afford topics of...
24492From John Adams to William Smith Shaw, 20 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
Dr Jarvis with great truth and propriety observes that “the Religion of the Indians has not be scrutinized as it should be.” Nor has the Religion of any other nation, from Jarah the Chaldean to the Kingdoms of Whidahh and Ashantu been Sufficiently investigated. Who knows any thing of the religion of the wild negroes in Africa, but the informal cruelty of their sacrifices? It is probable that...
24493From George Washington Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 20 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
Let me express to you my gratitude for your last note on reading which I had a foretaste of the suffering I should have undergone had the dreadful rumour you mentioned preceded it. I most heartily thank God that my Father was saved to you, to his children, to his country. The idea of his loss is too terrible to think of and at the time when your note arrived; not having recovered a calm tone...
24494From William Cranch to John Quincy Adams, 21 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Thomas Grafton Addiron junr. having a wish to be employed in the public service has requested a letter of introduction to you. I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr. Addiron, but am assured from a very respectable source “that he is a very correct young man in his moral character;” his family connections are highly respectable. With great respect, I am, / Dr. Sir, your...
24495To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 22 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
The Baron de Syon will have the honor of presenting you this letter. He has been travelling from the Western States as one of the family of Genl. La Fayette, who is desirous that he should have an opportunity of paying his respects to you, personally; he being a gentleman for whom Genl. La Fayette expressed a great affection. To gratify both Baron de Syon and La Fayette I have taken the...
24496From Thomas Baker Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 23 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Johnson presents his respectful Complimts. to Mr. Adams, & encloses for Mr. Adams perusal two letters received by him this morn’g from New Orleans recommending certain gentlemen therein named for the places of Naval Officer & Inspector of the Customs of that Port, which have recently become vacant by the death & resignation of the late incumbents. Of their suitableness for the offices in...
24497From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 25 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
I enclose here with the two Policies of Insurance on my two Houses in Nassau Street Boston, which will expire on the first of next Month; and which you will take care to have renewed. Keep the new Policies in your own custody, till further order from me— I hear a pleasing account of your industry and attention to your profession—Send me a list of the Law Books that you have, and I will...
24498From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 25 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
I was very happy to hear from you my dear George as I felt anxious on account of the great heat knowing you would be exposed to all the ferver of an intense Sun and am very glad to find that you have not suffered from it— You say so little concerning the brilliant display of which we are told so much in the papers, that I suppose you were in too enthusiastic admir a state of admiration to find...
24499From John Adams to William Smith Shaw, 26 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
Dr Jarvis with great truth and propriety observes that “the Religion of the Indians has not been Scrutinized as it Should be.” Nor has the Religion of any other nation, from Jonah the Chaldean to the Kingdoms of Whidah and Ashantee been Sufficiently invigorated. Who knows any thing of the religion of the wild negroes in Africa, but the infernal cruelty of their Sacrifices? It is probable that...
24500From John A. Shaw to Thomas Boylston Adams, 27 June 1825 (Adams Papers)
I wish you would have the goodness to speak to your Brother concerning my tending the Light on Owlshead in Thomaston as it is near don & as I live near By & can tend it cheaper than any other Person if you will attend to this you will, Obb / Yours With Respect. NB if your Brother is not at Quincy I wish you would Wright him MHi : Adams Papers.