2931From Edmund Randolph to John Adams, 16 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I could not resist the impulse of my long affection for Geneva, to postpone for a moment the papers, which you were so obliging as to send me last night. Its fate is truly afflicting and injurious to humanity. The transplantation of its academy would fill up a vast chasm in the education of the United States. For I do not believe, that a complete system is to be found in any state, and I...
2932To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 27 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honour to inform the President, that he received Mr. Pintard’s papers here inclosed, from Mr. Wolcott—read & handed them to Mr. McHenry—& has this moment received them back from Mr. Stoddert. It appears that Mr. Pintard himself first gave them to Mr Lee. The Secretary of State sees no remark upon them from any of the gentlemen; nor has he any to make himself. MHi...
2933From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 30 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Arriving this moment, I received your Favour of 26; and am happy to find that you continue in the Same Sentiments. I am Still of the Same mind too, and I Shall call on you, tomorrow, when we will arrange all Things. I wish you would loose no time, in getting a certain Paper, well translated into Dutch. Tr ( PCC , No. 101, II, f. 181). JA ’s memorial of 19 April , above, was translated into...
2934Baron Franz von Reischach to John Adams, 30 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Cest bien malgré moi, que je n’ay pu repondre tout de Suitte à Votre lettre de ce matin, mais mon peu de Coñoissance de la langue Angloise m’at obligé d’attendre à cet effet la rentré d’un de mes Secretaires pour en Coñoitre la Substance; et Satisfaire à vos intentions. Il apert par la traduction qu’on m’a faite que vous Suposés et vous doutés que c’est à Bruxelles, que l’Exprès qui vous...
2935To John Adams from William Cunningham, 18 April 1811 (Adams Papers)
So much time has elapsed since the date of my letter in February, that I have dismissed all expectations of an answer. Of the destruction of Babylon, and the birth of Cyrus, considering how much the evidence of a system of Religion is depending on that event and on that character, I may have spoken more at random than a due regard to prevailing sentiments will allow. The whoredoms of Babylon...
2936To John Adams from Isaac Stephens, 24 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
Sir By the hand of Doctor Warner Consul Logie Doctor which Returns to London I hope you will Ricive these few Lines He has attended Us Since being in algirs By order of Count D Espilly When Under his protection Since as we Could Not Clam any wright to the Spanish Hospitle without going into it which was Not agreable without Dangeros ill I think he has paid a friendly attention to Me as I have...
2937To John Adams from Thomas McKean, 20 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I can now answer the questions in your favor of the 30th. July last, viz. Who shall write the history of the American Revolution &c.? Major General James Wilkinson has written it. He commences with the battle of Bunker’s or Breed’s hill at Boston and concludes with the battle near New-Orleans on the Missisippi, a period of forty years. It will be published in three volumes large octavo, each...
2938To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 26 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
On the 24th, two messengers arrived with dispatches from Mr. Ellicott and lieutenant Pope, dated the 27th & 28th of June, at the Natchez. Copies of those addressed to me I have now the honor to inclose. The Secretary of War informed me that he should, for want of time, transmit to you his originals from lieut. Pope. We have conversed together on their contents; but conceiving nothing to be in...
2939To John Adams from George Sullivan, 11 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
As you take a deep interest in our College and the conduct of its affairs, I enclose you Mr Websters report made on that subject to the convention. Its object is to confirm by constitutional provision the law of Judge Parsons’ contrivance in 1810, re-enacted by an additional act in 1814.—laws admitted by the amendment itself to be invalid without this confirmation! This devise, to say the...
2940To John Adams from Warner Mifflin, 24 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I hope I may address the first magistrate in the United States in this Stile without Offence , as I do esteem him my friend, and have a due respect unto him, & for the Office he fills; sincerely desiring to conduct myself under his Administration in every respect consistent with my conscience, as a good & faithful Citizen ought to do. I therefore inform the President, that being in this City...
2941To John Adams from John Bondfield, 15 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Permit me join in the United Voice of America. Accept my sincere Congratulation on the Nomination to the High Office Confer’d on you by the Choice of a free People An Honor superior to any in the Gift of Europe I hope in a few days to receive the Journals of the Opening and proceedings of Congress much more interesting than the Mock scheens of present Assembled States General of many of the...
2942To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 5 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I am, indeed, gratified by the receipt of your letter of the 27th ulto. The approbation of those we ourselves reverence for their virtues, is, perhaps, the sweetest reward for our efforts to be useful. Only eleven volumes of the Weekly Register are yet finished. These may be forwarded, if you please, immediately to Boston, & can be easily sent to you, through Mr. Dawes; or by my agent there,...
2943From John Jay to John Adams, 13 December 1784 (Jay Papers)
One of these Days I shall devote a Leisure Hour to forming a Cypher, and will send it to You by the first good Conveyance that may afterwards offer. At present I am engaged on many Committees, so that my attendance on them and on Congress, keeps me fully employed. I observe with Pleasure that in this Congress there appears to be good Talents & good Dispositions. None of their more important...
2944From Wilhem & Jan Willink to John Adams, 29 December 1791 (Adams Papers)
since our last of 5 July, we are without any of your esteemed favors, we take now the Liberty to recall ourselves to your friendly remembrance, and to make you the Compliments of the season, wishing you many happy years. You’ll be acquainted that M r. Short effectuated thro’ our hands with Mess rs: VSt. a Loan of 5 per C: of Six Mill s. […] & that he afterwards caused one to be made of 3 Mn....
2945From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 12 October 1810 (Adams Papers)
I recieved your letter my dear Child only a few days since and am charmed to find that George and you are such good boys I am sure you are much obliged to Cousin Abby for your letters. and I you will soon learn to write them yourself I hope as they will afford me double pleasure George is now near ten years old and is I am sure too much of a man to play truant any more and I am sure you never...
2946William Stephens Smith to John Adams, 21 October 1791 (Adams Papers)
The information I gave you relative to M r. Hammonds official Character at the moment of your departure for Philadelphia, you will probably have confirmed previous to the receipt of this— The various important stations I have filled and the particular agency I had in producing this conciliatory advance of the British Court to the Government of The United States, Justifies to my mind the offer...
2947To John Adams from Francis Dana, 6 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
I do not ask you to consider this as a letter to you. I have writen so much for several days that I am absolutely beat out; and my health besides begins to fail me. A most constant head ach hangs upon me, and almost stupifies me: Consider this therefore only as a cover of the enclosed letters. I shall probably trouble you more frequently in this way than I have ever done; but it must be upon...
2948To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 16 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Voici une petite Cargaison de Lettres, qui m’ont été remises par M. le D. De la Vauguyon pour vous. J’ai bien reçu l’honorée vôtre du 14, et ferai bon usage du contenu, premierement avec nos amis, et puis avec les autres. Quant au projet conciliatoire, je puis vous assurer, that the convalescent is not at the Bottom of it. Ceux-mêmes qui l’ont conçu et modifié ne l’ont jamais regardé que comme...
2949To John Adams from Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, 31 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
While I feel with keenest anguish the late Dispensation of Divine Providence, I cannot be insensible to the mournfull Tribute of respect and veneration which are paid to the memory of my dear deceased Husbad—and as his best services, and most anxious wishes were always devoted to the welfare and happiness of his country—to know that they were truly appreciated and greatfully remembered,...
2950To John Adams from Jean de Neufville, 3 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
May I begg leave to inform yoúr Excellency of the invitation I have gott on a súdden to vizit Paris for a few days, where I had the honoúr to wait on His Excellency B Franklin, who did me the honoúr to receive and treat me with the utmost politeness. I have mentioned again the Bill which yoúr Excellency had projected that we should Accept, as belonging to the former parcell bútt Mr. Franklin...
2951To John Adams from William C. Somerville, 8 May 1823 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the liberty to forward you by mail a volume of Letters on the past & present State of France, which I beg you to accept as a testimonial of my high sense of the services you have rendered to the cause of real freedom—I cannot flatter myself with the belief that their perusal will afford you any information since they relate to a period of history with which you are perfectly...
2952Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 14 July 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter by my Brother was delivered a few days since; as the proposal it contains is of very considerable importance, I have taken time to consider it before I returned an answer. As you have been good enough to leave it in my option whether to adopt the plan, or not, I shall express my sentiments with the freedom which your indulgence seems to authorize. I am sensible that a young...
2953To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 28 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
Le Baron Dedem a échoué. Mr. Van Berkel le Bourguemaître de Rotterdam, frere du Pensionaire d’Amst. s’est présente subitement, & l’a emporté venit & vicit. C’est donc lui qui sera Min re de la Rep. en Amérique. Je viens de l’en féliciter cordialement. Vous avez ses respects. Il sera charmé de vous avoir pour compagnon de Voyage. J’ai les respectées votres des 18, 22 & 23. Je fais de mon mieux...
2954To John Adams from Rufus King, 27 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
I intended to have written to you previously to my departure from New York— M r. Jay has undoubtedly transmitted to you the late Acts of Congress permitting your return to America after the expiration of your Commission to the English Court, and giving you the unequivocal thanks of the U.S. for the diligent, faithful, and able discharge of your various public Duties since your Residence in...
2955Christian Lotter to John Adams, 30 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
The orders I have lately reicived from Your Son M r: J: Q: Adams for packing up his goods, on purpose to be Shipped to another End of the World, gave me very great concern, I rather like to unpack, then to pack up, especially for Such for whom I maintain the greatest Esteem and am proud to Serve; I am in this point alike the Hollander, all under een dak van’t huÿs, but changes will and must...
2956To 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...
2957To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 7 August 1807 (Adams Papers)
I know not how to satisfy the demands you make upon my time and patience without entering into discussions, which, at this late day, I have no wish to call up. Yet the chain of your illiberal criticisms still kept up in your subsequent letters, obliges me, however reluctantly, to pursue my remarks. I shall, therefore as leisure permits, attend to most of your paragraphs, exclusive of the...
2958To John Adams from Francis Dana, 9 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
I reached Leide in the Scout at 6. o Clock, and finding it impossible from thence to get to Roterdam that night in a Scout, I took a Carriage, and rode on to that place, where I arrived between 10 and 11 Clock at night. There I luckily found a French Gentleman who was bound for Antwerp; with him I took another Carriage at Rotterdam, and tho’ the road was exceedingly bad, we got on within one...
2959To John Adams from Mark Lynch, 8 July 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have the favor to acquaint you that pursuant to the directions of Philip Mazzei Esqr. I have Sent you by the Diligence that parted hence this morning for Paris, a Small case to your adress containing 7 Vol. in 4to. which Said friend left with me at his departure from this place. I have given Said case in the care of a young Man, Mr. John Kirwan, who is going to the Irish college of Paris, he...
2960To John Adams from Collen Williamson, 26 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The petition of Collen Williamson houmbly saieth that your petitioner recived a letter when residing in new york, signd by the first three commissioners, of this City dated—Aprile 92 Inviting me to come forward as it was but a few days stage travle, so that they might have a personal conversation with me, at heir request I came forward to georgton And was with the commissioners eight ore ten...
2961Samuel Tufts to John Adams, 6 January 1778 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed you have a letter from Saml. Moody Esqr. dated the 5th. Inst. came to my hands by his Brother, unsealed. You will therein read his propossals respecting your son. If you should send him, I shall be ready to offer him my Service so far as lays in my power, in any respect, to make his life happy in his Absence from his Friends. The Owners and Agents of the Civel Usage have followed your...
2962Antoine Marie Cerisier to John Adams: A Translation, 15 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
Since you know the ardor and sincerity of my feelings for the cause of liberty, you can understand my gratitude at receiving the honor of your trust in the letter of 23 October. I regret only that I cannot devote all my powers and abilities to the defense of this noble cause. The duties with which I am burdened at present leave me scarcely a free moment. This did not prevent me, however, from...
2963To John Adams from Va. Freeholders of Prince Edward County, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a meeting of the freeholders of Prince Edward county, in the state of Virginia, convened on Monday the twentieth of August 1798, for the purpose of considering the present state of American affairs, in consequence of five weeks previous notice: Resolved, by a large majority; that the following address be immediately transmitted to “The President of the United States.” Sir, If amidst the...
2964To John Adams from William John Coffee, 10 November 1818 (Adams Papers)
I Som three weeks ago took the liberty of writing to you in Concequen ce of the Advice of Mr Jefferson’s but he I fear will no longer have Permission to give Advice he being given Over by his Physicians, but that Sad news you no doubt—Sir are too well aquainted with now Sir as I must Shortly go to Washington and the Cold wether would hinder my proceeding in The Modeling Sir will your goodness...
2965To John Adams from Perez Morton, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Agreable to the Direction of the inclosed Resolution, I am to acquaint you that by a joint Ballot of both Houses of Assembly for the Colony of Massachusetts Bay You are elected one of the Delegates to represent that Colony in American Congress untill the first Day of January AD 1777 And the enclosed Resolve you are to make the general Rule of your Conduct. RC ( Adams Papers ); with enclosure,...
2966To John Adams from Antoine Marie Cerisier, 10 August 1786 (Adams Papers)
J’apprends dans l’instant par l’une de nos Gazettes Hollandoises que Votre Excellence est actuellement à la Haye; & je m’empresse de vous faire passer le renouvellement du respect & de la venération que j’ai toujours eus & invariablement fait éclater pour votre Personne & vos vertus. La confiance & l’amitié dont vous avez bien voulu m’honorer dans les tems de votre Residence dans ce Pays-ci,...
2967Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 14 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter, dear Sir, of May 6. had already well explained the Uses of grief, that of Sep. 3. with equal truth adduces instances of it’s abuse; and when we put into the same scale these abuses, with the afflictions of soul which even the Uses of grief cost us, we may consider it’s value in the economy of the human being, as equivocal at least. those afflictions cloud too great a portion of...
2968To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
A Gentleman of Maryland, not long from France, where he was a Prisoner, but after a time was suffered to go at large, mentioned to me last night, that a Colo. Hickbourn had lately arrived at New York from France & had gone on to Boston, where he has connexions—that he was supposed by the Americans in France to be an Instrument of the French Govt.—and that tho’ he was ordered to leave France in...
2969To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 30 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have really occasion to make an Apology for troubling you so often with my personal concerns—perhaps I presume too much on the Score of private Friendship—That, and Your Candor, I will hope, may plead my excuse— On the 21st of the last month I did myself the Honor of writing to You–when I took the liberty to mention the probability of a dissolution of my Copartnership with Mr Lear— It is...
2970To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 12 February 1790 (Adams Papers)
Ever since the last week in Octo r I have been engaged in composing & delivering a new Course of lectures on the theory & practice of medicine in the College of this city. This arduous business has employed me so closely that it has seperated me from my friends,—detatched me from all Other pursuits—and—what I regret most of all, has deprived me for a while of the pleasure of your...
2971To John Adams from John Jay, 26 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
I hope I may by this Time congratulate You on your safe Arrival, and happy meeting with your Son at amsterdam. M r. Laurens is here, & in better Health than I have heretofore seen him since he left America— His Stay will probably be short, for his Permission to return creates Doubts in his Mind as to the Propriety of his continuing to act with us, unless by our particular Request; and M r...
2972To John Adams from Matthew Ridley, 13 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
I did not write you last Tuesday as I had it not in my power to inform you with any certainty on the Subject my Letter was intended for. I can now assure you the Marquis de la Fayette will not leave home this summer. Monsieur de la Touche with the Eagle and some other Frigates have by this time sailed, with sundry Vessels under Convoy, having on board Stores Cloathing &ce for both Armies. A...
2973To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I inclose a letter which I received last evening under cover from Mr. Pedro Josef Caro, accompanied by a letter from Mr. King intended as an introduction to Mr. Caro; but the latter having missed a passage to the U. States in the British Cutter which sailed from Falmouth for New-York on the 20th of April, & circumstances requiring his arrival in So. America with as little delay as possible, he...
2974To John Adams from Ralph Izard, 22 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
A considerable time has elapsed since I had the honour of conversing with you on the subject of the Proclamation, and Manifesto of 3d. Octr. issued by the British Commissioners in America. Every attempt should be made to prevent their carrying their bloody purposes into execution. The more I think on the subject, the more I am convinced that it would be proper for the Representatives of our...
2975Richard Cranch to John Adams, 24 July 1775 (Adams Papers)
Sister Adams informs me that you complain that your Friends this way neglect writing to you. I believe a share of the Blame belongs to me, and shall now endeavour to make some amends. We have lately had several little Expeditions from this quarter against the Enemy, a particular account of which, as near as I can collect it from those who were present, I shall give you.—On the 11th. Inst. in...
2976To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 24 April 1779 (Adams Papers)
By the enclosed Letter from M. De Sartine expressing his Majestys Desire that the Alliance should be retained here a little longer, you will see that I am under a kind of Necessity of disappointing you in your Intentions of making your Passage immediately in that Vessel; which would be more unpleasing to me but for these Considerations, that possibly it may be safer for you to go in a Ship...
2977Abigail Adams to John Adams, 29 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
Three days only did it want of a year from the date of your last Letter, when I received by Capt. Newman in the Brig Gates your welcome favour of May 22d. By various ways I had collected some little intelligence of you, but for six months past my Heart had known but little ease—not a line had reachd me from you, not a syllable from my children—and whether living or dead I could not hear. That...
2978To John Adams from John Jay, 19 August 1786 (Adams Papers)
I wrote to you on the 7 th: of last Month, and also on the 18 th: of this enclosing some Papers respecting an american Vessel seized at Barbadoes by a british Man of War. I have been honored with yours of 16 th. 25 th. and 28 th. May and 6 th. June last, which with the Papers accompanying them were immediately laid before Congress.— The Situation in which the Want of an adequate Representation...
2979From John Montgomery to John Adams, 22 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
My Brother Rob t in his respects of the had the honour of returning his most greatfull acknowledgments for your kind support of obtaining for him the Consulship of this district and as he on every occation transmits to the Secretary of State such informations as may be usefull to Goverment I have suspended my pen from trobling your Excellency With any letters on Political matters— The Port...
2980To John Adams from Uriah Howell, 25 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty of Recommending to you John Rousby Plater Esqr. as one of the Judges for the Territory of Columbia. He is a Man of Understanding and of Honor. He Read Law about five years, with the present Chancellor of Maryland, and practiced about three years, in the lower Counties of this state, where He then Resided; and for some time acted as the Attorney of the State in two of the...