4271To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 14 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
Ce matin le Concert avec la France, et la Mediation ont été résolus aux Etats d’Hollde en même temps. C’est une Singuliere Cuisine qui peut assaisonner, et un singulier Estomac qui peut avaler et digérer des choses si peu compâtibles. La Médiation est acceptée saufs les droits de la rep. à la neutralité armée; selon la resolution, on doit aussi donner connoissance de la Négociation pour la...
4272To John Adams from Thomas McKean, 7 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
In your favor of 26th November last, you say “that you venture to say that about a third of the people of the Colonies were against the Revolution.” It required much reflection before I could fix my opinion on this subject; but, on mature deliberation, I conclude you are right, and that more than a third of influential characters were against it. The opposition consisted chiefly of the...
4273From Timothy Dwight to John Adams, 24 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
I have been some time employed in writing a poem, entitled Greenfield Hill ; of a rural character; in a degree descriptive; but principally didactic. In it, beside several other subjects, are treated the subjects of slavery, war, the state of society public & private, in New England, the education of children, religion, economy of private life, & the policy of this country. It is written, in...
4274To John Adams from Daniel Morgan, 23 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
This will be handed to you by Robert Page esquire who succeeds me in Congress for the District composed of Frederick & Berkeley Counties; who I beg leave to introduce to you as a gentleman. He is a man of real information and a great supporter of the happy Government we live under, and I dare say you will find Mr. Page on further acquaintance worthy of your confidence. I hope you continue...
4275To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 21 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
May it not displease yoúr Excellency that by this present we tútch upon the unhappy afair of St. Eústacia, we do realy pity them who will be loosers thereby, as it will be a terrible stroke and rúin many people, thank heaven oúr own loss and that of oúr frinds can not be by farr so great in this moment then it could have been; and we would willingly have sacrificd a múch larger Súmm in Case we...
4276To John Adams from David Sewall, 27 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
It is some time since, I Wrote you, and I some times think I am culpable in not doing it more frequently, But my Apology to my self is, that it operates as a Tax upon your politeness, for a reply,—Be this as it may, you may be assured that seldom a Day passes, but I think of you, and it will afford me real pleasure to hear from you.—This World is yet in a troubled State—and in much confusion...
4277To John Adams from George Washington, 1 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
The letter herewith enclosed from Mr Joel Barlow (though of old date) came to my hands only yesterday.— I have conceived it to be my duty to transmit it to you without delay;—and without a comment;—except that it must have been written with a very good, or a very bad design:—which of the two, you can judge better than I.—For, from the known abilities of that Gentleman, such a letter could not...
4278From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 6 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners of the treasury have given notice to Willincks and Van Staphorsts that they shall not be able to remit them one shilling till the new government gets into action; and that therefore the sole resource for the paiment of the Dutch interest till that period is in the progress of the last loan. Willincks & V.S. reply that there is not the least probability of raising as much on...
4279To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, 30 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
We congratulate Your Excellency on the happÿ conclusion of Peace wishing all possible advantage to America wh ch. can proceed of so fortunate an event. in the beginning of this month we had the honour to hand to your Excellencÿ the abstract of His acc t. Curr t. the ballance of wh ch. in our favour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ƒ 4787:11:8. we transferred in new acc...
4280To John Adams from Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, 15 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
Jacta est Alea. We are passing the Rubicon and our Delegates in Congress on the first of July will vote plump. The Bearer is a staunch Whigg and will answer any Questions You may need to ask. Have been very busy here and have stole a Minute from Business to write this. In haste Yours, RC ( Adams Papers ); docketed: “J.D. Sergeant. June 15. 1776.” The die is cast. On 22 June the Third...
4281To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 16 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I yesterday received Dispatches from Congress, refusing for the present, the Dismission I had requested, and ordering me upon an Additional Service, that of being join’d with yourself and Messrs. Jay, H. Lawrence and T. Jefferson, in Negociations for Peace. I would send you a Copy of the Commission, and of another which authorizes us to accept...
4282To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your’s of the 10 th. inst. and am happy to hear of the success of your journey to Amsterdam. there can be no doubt of it’s ratification by Congress. would to heaven they would authorize you to take measures for transferring the debt of this country to Holland before you leave Europe. most especially is it necessary to get rid of the debt to the officers. their...
4283To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 10 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Mr Sewell—and my answer, to be forwarded, if it meets with your approbation. I have consulted the heads of Departments on this subject, but the opinions are so various, that I could only write give my own to Mr Sewell. Coll. Pickering thinks the convoy ought to be granted.—But there is scarcely a considerable port in Europe, to which...
4284C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 28 December 1784 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to answer briefly in poor English, your favour of the 11 th. inst. An Ideot, no.—à Lunatick, may be for what I know.— With me, and other plain people, the character is that of a bad man, near to become a Madman by disappointment. I am not misinformed, concerning the pretended principle and motive of a certain metaphysical Distinction. The nonsense I told you has been really alledged...
4285To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 22 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
The above of the 2nd. Oct. via Portsmouth by the Dutchess of Grammount Capt. Poidras. This is only to inclose a Letter for my Son, which I beg the delivery of, and to inform you of the Arrival of the Ships, Providence, Boston and Ranger at Portsmouth the 17th. Instant. The dispatches for Congress &c. are all forwarded as directed. Those Ships have Captured only Three small Prizes since they...
4286To John Adams from Daniel Eldridge Updike, 1 August 1806 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday the Schooner Ocean Capt: Richard Barney Arrived at this Port from Barbadoes via Turks Island, in which Vessel came passenger Doctr. John Kean of Philadelphia, late Surgeon of the Ship Leander, formerly commanded by Capt. Lewis of New York, Doctor Kean informs me that on the 20th of last June he left the Son of Collo. Smith of New York on board the Leander with General Miranda at...
4287John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 20 March 1804 (Adams Papers)
A letter is now reading from Captain Bainbridge, with an account of the loss of the frigate Philadelphia, wreck’d on rocks on the coast of Tripoli—the last week in October— They were in pursuit of a Tripolitan Cruizer, and struck on rocks, not laid down in any Chart they had on board — Captain Bainbridge and 307 men, are prisoners in Tripoli.— I have already seen an account of this misfortune...
4288To John Adams from Campbell Smith, 17 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
My particular Situation will I trust plead my apology for this indirect channel of approach—Will you oblige me by directing the Secretary of War to suspend any operation upon my Letter of Resignation, addressed to Major General Pinckney, untill the arrival of Brigadier General Wilkinson, who is, I am informed, shortly expected in this quarter, or untill the state of my case shall have been...
4289To John Adams from John Brown, 24 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
The Federalest of this State are very much Alarmed that the Tunnage Act should be as is generly Supposed to be put in force Immediately on all Vessells of this State, tho the produce of the State may go Free of Impost, the Federalests are allso further Agreaved by a Law of this State which makes them First pay a Contenentell Impost hear in Spetia, which will not Exempt them from the payment,...
4290To John Adams from James Lovell, 7 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Your many Letters to Congress up to June 2d. have been read with Pleasure and I have received two from you—March 16. 29 received July 20th. Mr. Lee is not yet in Philada. perhaps he may have another for me. You will not learn any agreable Things respecting your native Country. However, the defeat of Genl. Gates on the 16. of Augst. was not so bad as we at first had reason to think. Perhaps...
4291To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 22 January 1789 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here in six weeks from the Downs whence the ship in which I came took her departure on the 5 th of Nov r ; a day which all the whigs and many of the tories of Britain celebrated as the hundredth anniversary of the revolution— The party who oppose the administration in that country being about to seize so fair an occasion of canvassing for the next parliament the ministerial myrmidons...
4292To John Adams from Joseph Lyman, 21 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
The slight personal acquaintance I have had with you would not entitle me to the honour of addressing to you a letter, which might take off your attention from more interesting employments. But, as I have had the opportunity of obtaining a Handbill, said to be printed yesterday in Northampton & put into rapid circulation in this neighbourhood, in which your name & influence are to be employed...
4293To John Adams from James Greenleaf, 14 December 1790 (Adams Papers)
The partiality of some of my American friends, has induced them to consider me, as not altogether uneligible, as Resident, from the United States, to the Court at the Hague; & they have in consequence named me, to his Excellency the President, as Candidate for that Appointment—the kind interest, I am informed, your Excellency has been pleased to express in my behalf, claims my gratitude, &...
4294From Rufus King to John Adams, 30 September 1792 (Adams Papers)
By accounts from England as late as the 23 d of August we learn that on the 10 th of that month the national assembly suspended the King, removed the ministry, and took on themselves the Executive powers— they have since decreed that the primary assm̃blies should meet on the 26. of august, to appoint Deputies to a national convention, to be convened on the 20. of Sep r. for the purpose of...
4295To John Adams from James McHenry, 15 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your letters of the 3d 4th and 5th of this month. It is somewhat difficult, I imagine to please the governor of Georgia. I thought I had been attentive both to himself and the State. There has been ordered to Georgia, on the 3d. of May 2 brass 6 pounders; 2 brass 3 pounders with carriages and impliments & 4 Iron 24 pounders with a sufficient quantity of...
4296To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 5 January 1805 (Adams Papers)
I have now two letters from you, and one from my mother, which ought to be answered more particularly, than my time will admit—The business of the Session has been delayed, untill such an accumulation has taken place, as will very much hurry the close of our Time—And although I might perhaps without injury to the public, suffer the business to be done without taking much trouble about it...
4297To John Adams from Richard O’Bryen, Zaccheus Coffin, Isaac Stephens, Andrew Montgomery, and Alexander Forsyth, 13 … (Adams Papers)
Your three Letters to us, dated London the 29 th. September, we received the 7 th. Instant, and is exceeding Sorry to find by the Tenor of your Letters to us that you can give us no comfortable Hopes or Assurances of speedy Relief. Respecting the erroneous Report you suppose we might have heard of what M r: Lamb said to the Dey, and that it is not likely that he made any Promises to the Dey,...
4298To John Adams from James Lloyd, 15 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
J. Lloyd has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter of Mr Adams, numbered two, under date of the 6th. curt.— —The justification of the missions to France noticed in that letter Mr Lloyd has not read, but will Shortly advert to them with equal readiness and partiality.— —In a “field of controversy” with Mr Adams, it was not, nor is it now his design to enter—when putting on the...
4299To John Adams from Herman van Bracht, 26 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
Het is nu omtrent een Jaar geleden dat de Heer Dana de beleestheid had, om aan myne nieuwsgierigheid te voldoen, my uit Parys toetezende de fransche uitgave, der verzamelde constitutien van de Amerikaansche staten: Eenige vrienden nevens my, alle hoogagters van en welwenschers aan die volken, vonden goet dat dat werkje vertaald wierd, op dat alle nederlanderen zoude kunnen weten op wat...
4300To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 7 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
The warm season has come again and delightful as it is to me, is no doubt also very acceptable to you, Sir. The prevailing rule I believe, is a moderate heat, and one which is perhaps better adapted to afford ease to you than extremes either way. My attachment to warm weather excludes any idea of a medium or rather of what is commonly called so. And it is for this reason that I prefer the...
4301John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 20 May 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have been looking out for lodgings, yesterday and this day, and have at length found a bed Room, in the House, where Mr. Smith lodges; and as he intends to go into the Country next week, I shall then take those Rooms which he now occupies. Captain Calohan , is expected every day, and it is very probable that within a fortnight, I shall hear from our Ladies. I have not seen Mr. Stockdale yet,...
4302To John Adams from Jabez Bowen, 31 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
By the operation of the Commercial Regulations of the United States, those that have been friends, and for adopting the New Constitution in this State, are like to be exceedingly oppressed as well as Mortify’d. your Laws say that the productions & Manufactures of the Country shall be imported Duty Free by this the Farmers (who compose the Anti federal party) are highly favour’d, the Collecter...
4303To John Adams from Gabriel Johonnot, 8 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I Received your letter by the Frigate Alliance bearing date the 23d. Feby. last, Inclosing an Account of my son’s Expences, on his Journey from Ferrol in Spain to Paris, and feel myself not a little Affected, that you should Intimate the most distant Idea, of the Necessity of a Voucher for your Account. I could wish to be held in that view with you Sir, that not only every Expence you may be...
4304To John Adams from David Sewall, 26 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your first query, how do you do? altho’ I may not with propriety reply “ Athletice, prancratise, Valeo , ” Yet thro the smiles of a kind providence, I am free from pain or anxiety of Body or Mind, respecting the things of this life or a future—I have food and raiment convenient, and in a quiet contented frame of Mind perhaps in as much, or more so: than at any former period of my...
4305To John Adams from Jean de Neufville, 5 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
It was with concern we foúnd by the letter Yoúr Excellency honord ús with in date of the 1st. instant yoúr and Mr. Thaxters indisposition, we sincerely wish a speedy restablishment of yoúr healths, that yoú may vizit as soon as yoú wish this Capital, which however we do not súppose will be hastend on Accoúnt of the small Ballance to be payd us, as we wish yoú to make it perfectly Convenient to...
4306To John Adams from Moses Gill, 1 July 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am Now Acompanyg Genl. Washington and Lee from Springfield to the Camp—having been appointed by Congress with Doctr. Church to proceed to Springfield and Acompany them to the Camp aforesaid. We Meet them at Spring, lodged last Night at Brookfield and are now under the Escort of the Troop of Horse which is to Continue till we arive at Worcester—where we are to be received by an Other Troop...
4307From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 24 May 1823 (Adams Papers)
As I feel very much concerned for your dissmission from College my Dear John lest you should have some debts that may embarrass you I beg you me immediately that I may find some plan if possible to extricate you from your most pressing difficulties without disguising in the least the real state of things—My means are very small but perhaps I may find some medium which may enable me to settle...
4308To John Adams from Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 4 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
The opportunity, by which we take the Liberty to write your Excellency these few lines, is, that we’ve seen a Letter from London by the last mail, where in the writer assures that it was decided the 23 Septr. in the Kings Councel, by a unamity of all the Ministers, to declare the Independency of the United States in America, and that the Act, passed under the great Seal, should immediately be...
4309To John Adams from Humanity, 23 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Whot doth thee thenk of thes trubelsom tiems. Is thar not a caus—ye sin no dout is the caus—but among the many sins that might be named I would naem on and that is slaves keepen. Whot has the negros the afracons don to us that we shuld tak tham from thar own land and mak tham sarve us to the da of thar deth. Ar tha not the work of gods hand. Has tha not immortel soles. Ar we not the sons of on...
4310To John Adams from the President of the Congress, 20 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit you herewith enclosed Two Commissions wherein you are Authorized and appointed Minister Plenipotentiary from these United States to Negotiate Treaties of Peace and Commerce with Great Brittain; Accompanied with instructions in each Case, for your government in the Execution of those Several Commissions. For your further Information and benefit, are enclosed Copies...
4311To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 23 February 1787 (Adams Papers)
The Notables met yesterday. the king opened the assembly with a short speech, wherein he expressed his inclination to consult with them on the affairs of his kingdom, to receive their opinions on the plans he had digested, and to endeavor to imitate the head of his family Henry IV. whose name is so dear to the nation. the speech was affectionate. the Guarde des sceaux spoke about 20 minutes,...
4312To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Upon the receipt of your letter inclosing the letter and deposition of Capt. Ebenr. Giles of Beverly, I turned to some communications I had some time before received from Captain Truxtun, in which he had, and I still think justly, ascribed the beating given to Giles on board the British frigate Daphne, to his own extremely improper and insolent behaviour. This I think will appear from the...
4313From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 15 November 1819 (Adams Papers)
I should sooner have answered your Letter my Son had I not expected to hear that you had received Booth’s Journal the first Number of which was sent to you last Month its he is an object of great respect and attention to our little family here the neglect and coldness with which you appear to treat his literary production has been cause of offence to all and he has determined to retaliate by...
4314Abigail Adams to John Adams, 30 June 1783 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you a Letter a fortnight ago to send per this opportunity, but meeting with the Consul in Boston, he informd me, that the America would sail in a few days. I gave it to him and hope it has reachd you as he promised a particular attention to it. Mr. Smith will be the Bearer of this; I need not ask your particular attention to him. He is most worthy and Good, Benevolent and kind,...
4315To John Adams from C.W.F. Dumas, 13 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
L’affection dont vous m’avez honoré pendant votre séjour en Europe, & les sentimens inaltérables de mon attachement pour Votre Excellence, m’engagent à vous présenter l’expression de ma joie, à l’agréable nouvelle de l’important Poste auquel le Peuple le plus libre du monde vient de vous élire, & que votre zele pour la patrie vous a fait accepter. Puisse ce zele trouver sa récompense dans le...
4316John Thaxter to John Adams, 10 January 1778 (Adams Papers)
The morning after my arrival to this place, I waited on the President with your letter; upon reading of which, he informed me, that he did not think it in his power to give me the place which you so kindly sollicited for me, but assured me he would use his Endeavours to procure some place for me. I then waited upon General Roberdeau and the Massachusetts Delegates, who gave me the same...
4317From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 25 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
You will find enclosed your account, which I take the liberty to send, lest by not adverting to the state of it, some inconvenience might insue. You are I presume aware, that Mr. Clinton is to be your Competitor at the next election. I trust he could not have succeeded in any event, but the issue of his late election will not help his cause. Alas! Alas! If you have seen some of the last...
4318To John Adams from Francis Dana, 25 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
I answered your letter of the 14th. of Decr: on the 2/13th. inst: by post. I have also wrote to Mr: T. through the same channel, and enclosed the paper from France which you desired I wou’d send you. I have no copy of Spain ’s. I have seen Russia and Austria to France but ’tis not probable I cou’d obtain a copy of that if I asked for it; I am loth to make a request there, which may not be...
4319To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 28 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
This morning I was honoured with your letter of the 26th. My opinion is, that by the second Monday in November, the members of Congress may assemble in Philadelphia with perfect safety. The repeated frosts which are to be expected will doubtless destroy the remnant of contagion, in the fifteen days to come. The faculty of the College & schools at Philadelphia have advertised that they will be...
4320To John Adams from John Murray, 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Having been so often blest by the soothing, chearing evidences of true greatness, in your company, I am emboldened to present myself before the first man in the Nation, with as little terror, as I would before the Being that made him so— First, then, Permit me, Sir, to congratulate you on the prospect of the recovery of your excellent Lady. I was this day made very happy by being informed she...