3201Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I think myself very happy that not a week passes but what I receive a Letter or two, some times more from you; and tho they are longer in comeing than formerly oweing I suppose to the posts being obliged to travel farther round, yet I believe they all faithfully reach me, even the curious conversation between Mr. Burn and your Honour arrived safe and made me laugh very Heartily. Your Last...
3202To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 28 October 1824 (Adams Papers)
This ‘ Baby ’ of mine, the little Book sent herewith, is truly a very small Book; but thou wilt consider it a portal to a vast edifice, & as I ask thy acceptance of it, made small as it is, as a mark of my most sincere regard. Thou wilt see, by this, what a new & vast field the enterprize of New York is opening to public view: these Canals, minutely traced, 420 odd miles in length, are new...
3203To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 21 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
L’Expéditeur à Rotterdam de nos Mess rs. d’Amsterdam, m’apprend qu’il a reçu les Passeports de L. H. P. que je lui avois envoyés pour vos effets; que le vaisseau qui en est chargé est déjà descendu la Riviere; & qu’il a envoyé Aux dits Sieurs les connoissemens & le suivi de tout. Je résume aujourd’hui les honorées vôtres du 3, 10 & 14 cour t. J’ai vu avec Intérêt & plaisir la relation que V....
3204John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 31 January 1804 (Adams Papers)
This prohibition of the admission of slaves into Louisiana, is like the drawing of a jaw tooth. We have expedient after expedient introduced to answer this purpose— Breckenridge has at last concentrated all his wisdom on the subject in the Amendment, which I now inclose you.— This is a tolerably good device to reconcile the two parties of slave and anti-slave, into which the majority are...
3205To John Adams from Sc., Citizens of Georgetown, 5 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
An entertainment was given to the President of the United States, by the citizens of George-Town, on Friday last, at Mr. McLaughlin’s Tavern. A numerous company sat down to dinner, after which the following TOASTS were drunk: 1. The United States, 2. Public gratitude—May it ever be the reward of the firm and distinguished Patriot. 3. Congress—May there be no competition among the members...
3206To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 6 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
Before this reaches You I hope You will have authentic accounts of the late revolution in France. At such a distance from Paris it is difficult to asscertain the truth of such important transactions as have continually taken place since the 14 th of July, at court and in the capital. By Cap t Bond of the Washington I inclosed you a parcel of pamphlets and newspapers which afforded You I hope...
3207To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 28 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday a Letter from my dear Caroline of the 20th. inst. informing me of the better health of yourself and M rs. Adams, of which, of course I was happy to be informed Heaven grant you both a perfect restoration, and that you may continue a blessing to society and a comfort to your family and friends—The removal of Mr. Granger produces a considerable sensation—and the proposed...
3208To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to address You with few words upon your election to the Presidencÿ of the United States: Mÿ wishes in this part are entirely accomplished—May America remain happÿ in peace, and prosper under your administration—So that the names of Washington and Adams may be combined at every new election—as those of August and Trajan; maÿ its Thankfulness compensate in part the Sacrifices, which...
3209Richard Cranch to John Adams, 18 January 1780 (Adams Papers)
I was last Evening at your House and left Mrs. Adams, Miss Nabby and Master Tommy well, as are also all the rest of our Connections. The Communication between this Town and Braintree is at present extremely difficult by means of a greater Quantity of Snow on the Ground than has been known for forty Years past. I bro’t two Pacquets from Mrs. Adams which I deliver’d to Genl. Warren for...
3210Jean Luzac to John Adams: A Translation, 24 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose two more copies of the Pensées . I am not including more because you can get them more easily in Amsterdam from the booksellers listed in the advertisement appearing in today’s Gazette . I am very glad that you approve of the preface which is, however, far beneath the encomium that you bestow upon it. I agree with you regarding the intentions of the people whom you...
3211To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 31 October 1821 (Adams Papers)
Tho’ you have not indulged me with the pleasure of hearing from you, since your return to Quincy, I have been comforted with the assurances of others, who have seen you, that you thought you were benefited by your excursion and sustaind the fatigues of your journey much better than you expected—every thing that contributes to exhilarate your comforts, or pleasures, adds to mine in a decuple...
3212To John Adams from Joseph Palmer, 19 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your Several favors, the last of which, the 10th Inst., I just now received. I have not had time to write, and thro’ abundant business my health has Sometimes been reduced; I now write in Committee of Safety, a few lines at a time as I can; all the business in this Committee has been done by only 6 or 7 Members, upon whom it has fallen very heavy, public business having pressed...
3213To John Adams from C.W.F. Dumas, 27 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
N’attribuez qu’à la peine que j’ai eue de me procurer la Brochure que vous m’avez demandée, Si je ne n’ai pas répondu plutôt à l’honorée vôtre du 18. Certainement elle n’est pas imprimée ici, où tout le monde la méprise, et où elle n’est connue que des Libraires à qui on l’avoit envoyée pour en vendre ce qu’ils pourroient. J’ai donc été obligé d’attendre qu’elle vînt de Rotterdam, d’où on me...
3214To John Adams from Richard Rush, 31 December 1813 (Adams Papers)
On Sunday last I saw the President, and he mentioned to me that not a single line had been received from our commissioners in Russia since they left the U. States. He spoke of it with surprise, and seemed at a loss to account for it, unless some dispatches from them had miscarried, as it is near eight months since they went away. Yesterday he mentioned to me in conversation, that, by the late...
3215To John Adams from Jean Henri David Uhl, 1 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
Votre Excellence étant Ministre plenipotentiaire des provinces unies de l’Amerique accredité auprès des hautes puissances les états generaux d’Hollande à la Haye à fait eclater autant de marques de ses grandes qualités, qu’elles me donnent la confïance d’implorer vos secours dans un cas singulier qui m’est arrivé avec un armateur Americain. Le Plantage Fredericdorp à Suriname appartient à ma...
3216To John Adams from Timothy Alden, 1 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
I hope you will excuse the liberty I have taken in dedicating the first volume of my biographical and historical Collection to you. Taught from my earliest years to cherish an exalted opinion of the distinguished services which, under Providence, you have rendered to our beloved country, I took a peculiar pleasure in prefixing your name to a work, which is the fruit of much patient...
3217To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 27 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
Your kind concern for me, fills me with deep feelings of gratitude—I am as yet confined to my Room, where I been suffering varieties of pain & debility in so much that in various stages, I began to consider I shd never have the happiness of seeing you again—but after a hard conflict the violent inflamation in my lungs, yielded to a constant blistering of more than five weeks—& would have been...
3218To John Adams from Stephen Higginson, 10 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
I never yet have had occasion to solicit an appointment either for myself or my friends, nor do I love to interest myself in matters of the kind; but, when there is an appearance of danger from any proposed appointment, it seems to me to be the duty of every good Citizen, to give such information as appears to be material. upon this ground only I shall now take the liberty of stating to you,...
3219To John Adams from Edward Davies, 7 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Necessity compells me to make the within request, that is if you will be pleased to grant me Forty Dolls which shall be Imediately repaid on my return from Boston, I should not have deignd to make the request, But relying on your Generosity—I had every expectation of receiving of receiving Money from Congress, but was dissapointed, owing to my not laying the Papers before the House sooner in...
3220To John Adams from Robert R. Livingston, 29 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
It is with equal Surprize and concern that I find not the least attention paid to the several Letters I have written you since I have had the honor to be in Office. I attributed this to their not having reached you, till I saw an extract of a letter which I had written to Mr Dumas, and which went by the Same conveyance with one to you published in the Courier de l’Europe, from which...
3221From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 20 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I hope your Excellency received the Copy of our Instructions which I sent by the Courier from Versailles some Weeks since. I wrote to you on the 13th. to go by Capt. Smedly and sent a Pacquet of Correspondence with Mr. Hartley. Smedly did not leave Paris so soon as I expected: but you should have it...
3222To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 8 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I recollect your once expressing to me your uneasiness that nothing had then been effected towards raising the additional corps of Artillery. Since that time Congress have authorized the raising forthwith twelve additional regiments of Infantry and six troops of horse. Little seems to be done in this business; which excites real uneasiness in the minds of those who know the fact and consider...
3223To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 3 December 1790 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance M r. Blodget, tho’ I believe you may recollect seeing him in London—he will present himself to the President being charged with the prosecution of a plan relative to the building of the fœdral City, he is a young man of great property and supported in his project by most undoubted security, he will if you give him an opportunity communicate his...
3224Abigail Adams to John Adams, 14 September 1774 (Adams Papers)
Five Weeks have past and not one line have I received. I had rather give a dollar for a letter by the post, tho the consequence should be that I Eat but one meal a day for these 3 weeks to come. Every one I see is inquiring after you and when did I hear. All my intelligance is collected from the news paper and I can only reply that I saw by that, that you arrived such a day. I know your...
3225To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 21 November 1783 (Adams Papers)
Having this moment been informed that our Hon d: Friend M r: Temple is about to sail for England this Day, I gladly embrace the Opportunity of writing a few Lines to you by him. He informs me that he shall use his Influence with those in Power, to promote the forming the Treaty of Commerce on the largest and most liberal Principles, if that Business is not already finished. His great Knowledge...
3226To John Adams from Andrew Henshaw, 3 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
I this day had the pleasure to converse with the Hon. Mr. Warren who appears desirous to serve me. He informs me the present Establishment for the Navy Board is only one Clerk. I would not presume to dictate, but beg leave to suggest that the Business must be very extensive and whether there will not be ample Employ for both a Secretary and Clerk. Several Gentlemen of Character have spoke to...
3227From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 19 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
To say how much I was affected at not seeing you the day I left Boston would indeed be impossible as I supposed it was owing to the Woman’s having said we were at dinner that made you leave the house so suddenly and I could not bear the idea of your being refused admittance—I thank you very much for your very affectionate Letters which gave me the greatest pleasure and arrived so as to make me...
3228To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 14 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter received yesterday from Mr. Liston. The application he refers to I made at the request of Mr. Read, Senator from South-Carolina, who stated to me, that the King of Great Britain had formerly made a present to the then province of South-Carolina of a number of heavy cannon which had belonged to the French ship Foudroyant (captured in I think...
3229Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 February 1777 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Bromfield was so obliging as to write me Word that he designd a journey to the Southern States, and would take perticuliar care of a Letter to you. I rejoice in so good an opportunity of letting you know that I am well as usual, but that I have not yet got reconciled to the great distance between us. I have many melancholy Hours when the best company is urksome to me, and solitude the...
3230To John Adams from John Jay, 6 February 1787 (Adams Papers)
Congress at length begins to do Business—seven States are represented, and Gen l: S t: Clair was three Days ago chosen President.— Since my last to you of 17 th: Ul t: I have not had the Pleasure of receiving any Letters from you.— You will herewith receive a Letter from Congress to the Queen of Portugal, which you will be pleased to transmit in the Manner suggested in my Report, of which you...
3231Richard Cranch to John Adams, 20 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
We have received the Favour of your Letters and those from Sister Adams, by the Captains Cushing and Lyde. Cushing arrived on Sunday last and Lyde on Monday. I thank you for the further explanation of your Sentiments respecting the probable Operation of our Navigation Act, and think they are well founded. I think what you mention about the Sugar Trade with France in return for our Oil, is a...
3232To John Adams from James McHenry, 14 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit two letters from Benj. Hawkins Eqr. dated the 25th of May & 15 of June Ulto. with the documents they inclosed. As they do not require from me any immediate attention, I have prefered sending the originals which I request may be returned. With the greatest respect. I have the honour to be Sir / Your most obt / & most hble St MHi : Adams Papers.
3233From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 19 October 1819 (Adams Papers)
You who know with what painful sensations I saw you depart for College, can readily imagine how much my sufferings were encreased, when this hour arrived, in which I was to bid adieu to the home which had so kindly cherished me, where I enjoyed a felicity much beyond my deserts, and which has excited in my heart a sense of gratitude difficult to express. My poor companion with whom Doctor,...
3234To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 29 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
It was only three days since, that Mr Prescott called out here, and left your kind favour, of 2. and 11. September last, enclosing one, from Mr Richard Sears of Chatham, concerning the subject of the fisheries—I happened at the time when Mr Prescott came, to be in London, and have not yet had the pleasure of seeing him. The question relating to the fisheries has been largely discussed between...
3235To John Adams from Joseph Wharton, Jr., 4 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
To a mind endued with sensibility, and whose early passage in life, was blessed with the genial hand of prosperity, but whose old age is stricken with the sad effects of undeserved misfortune; how hard is it to apply for relief! and too often, how hopeless to expect it among contending claimants! It was my duty, and it is the duty of every man, to exert himself, in every situation, for his...
3236To John Adams from John Marshall, 4 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I pray you to accept my grateful acknowledgements for the honor conferd on me in appointing me chief Justice of the United States. This additional and flattering mark of your good opinion has made an impression on my mind which time will not efface. I shall enter immediately on the duties of the office & hope never to give you occasion to regret having made this appointment With the most...
3237To John Adams from Martha Laurens, 16 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your very kind and polite Letter, which I received in its proper time, deserved my earliest and most hearty ackowledgements, but the hopes of receiving some Intelligence from London with regard to my dear Papa, worth Communicating, joined to some other Circumstances, have been the means of my delaying a duty, which finds itself most strictly united with my satisfaction, as it is undoubtedly...
3238From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 12 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
It is now I suppose nearly a vacation time with you and you will take your flight to Quincy for a fortnight where you will no doubt enjoy yourself very much in the Society of your indulgent Grandfather and the family— Do tell me are there any hopes of Mrs. Clark’s forming a second connection—Beware of getting entangled in a quarrel with her during the vacation no matter from what cause or...
3239To John Adams from Thomas Truxtun, 10 July 1802 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to present you with a Copy of the medal voted me by Congress, and executed agreeable to Your directions (to the Secretary of the Navy) as President of the United States, and I pray you good Sir, to receive it as a Small token of the veneration, Respect and Esteem I bear towards you. May you live long and enjoy health and happiness in the Sincere prayer Dear Sir of Your sincere friend...
3240To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 29 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
Hier au soir à 8 h es. Leurs H. P. s’assemblerent; & le résultat fut l’expédition d’un Courier à 10 heures, avec l’accession de la Rép. au Traité Définitif, que nous nous attendons ici d’apprendre avoir été signé mercredi prochain 3 e. Voilà donc la fin de toutes nos incertitudes. Je vous en félicite, Monsieur, de tout mon coeur, & je souhaite pareillement, que le navire le Washington, que...
3241Joseph Mandrillon to John Adams: A Translation, 12 December 1781 (Adams Papers)
I will have the honor of delivering my work to you this evening between five and six o’clock but in the meantime, I am sending you the best map of North America that could be found here. The map of the thirteen states that I asked for is expected from England. I am also enclosing the Atlas de l’histoire philosophique et politique so that you may give me your opinion as to the accuracy of these...
3242To John Adams from James McHenry, 17 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inclose you, letters from Major General Pinckney under date, the 12th of March 19 & 20th of April, and 9th & 29th of May ulto. These will give you a continued detail of his movements and opinions, since the receipt of his instructions, and situation of things, on part of the Southern frontier. I also inclose copies of my letters to him of the 10th and 13th of June Inst....
3243To John Adams from Robert Montgomery, 24 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
During the Plague at Algiers in July last Mr Barlow wrot me Several letters very pressingly requesting I would Send over some person of my confidence to attend to the buseness of the United States While he should return to Europe as was absolutely necessary for him at that period. I had then no person I could depend on but my own Nephew Mr George Clark, from whom I have Just received the...
3244To John Adams from Seth Sprague, 23 October 1812 (Adams Papers)
The undersigned have the honor of being appointed a Committee by a large convention of Representative Senators, Representatives, and other Citizens of the Southern Electorial District of this Commonwealth, to Solicit permission to place your name at the head of the list of Candidates for Electors of President and Vice President of the United States. In this period of public anxiety, when our...
3245John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 19 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I reciev’d this morning your yesterday’s favour, in which you say, you want to hear of my beginning in Sallust; I have not begun yet but shall soon; but am for the present continuing in Cornelius Nepos. I have got a fair copy of Phaedrus bound, it is My Master’s Translation which if you desire to read, and have time for it, I will send to you. The Vacancy does not begin at the same time,...
3246To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, July 1817 (Adams Papers)
After revolving upon some suitable apology for intruding myself with the following statement and request, I have thought it most respectful to decline offering any, expect to observe that if ought appears to your better judgement improper in either, that you will attribute it to any thing else than a willingness on my part to act so, in any respect towards you. For six years ending with the...
3247To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the Aurora of yesterday—beleiving that you do not take that paper. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect & / esteem Sir Yr. most / Obed. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
3248To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Sensible pleasure, received from your Excell:s favour of the 25th Dec. with which I was honoured quite unexpected, induces me to a rescription. I hope, this will not be consider’d as abusing your Excell. condescendence, in devoting few moments of your precious time to an old client, who may boast of your Excell. esteem, continued in different Situations of life Since twenty years. Maÿ I...
3249To John Adams from Mr. North, 5 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mr North having been informed that several Gentlemen are recommended to His Excellency. The President, for the command of the Ship about to be armed & equiped at New York, thinks it a duty to join in any recommendation which may be offered in favour of Captain Thomas Robinson of that City, & who has sailed out of the Port of New York for fifteen Years & upwards. This Gentleman is in the full...
3250To John Adams from Jeremiah Allen, 26 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
On my arrivel here—I enquir’d if any person was going for L’orient that might be depended on—but no such opportunity offer’d—Therefore agreable to your orders—I sent an Express with the packet under cover to M r Barclay, who Wrote me, that he should forward them as deser’d— The charge of the Express I have paid—(ten Louis) The Vessells at L’orient and here, which Were to sail for Boston—remain...