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...
4321To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to lay before you, in continuation of the subject of my dispatch of the 22 July inst, copy of a letter from Mr. Hawkins, which was received last Saturday. With the greatest respect I have the honour to be Sir / Your most ob. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
4322To John Adams from Robert Rowan, 13 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Post of yesterday brought me the appointment of Commissioner of Loans for this State as Successor of the late General Skinner. The duties of that office I will endeavor to execute to the best of my knowledge and ability. Whilst I feel enough conscious of the trust your Excellency has been pleased to repose in me—Permit me to add it shall be my endeavors, as it is my best inclinations to...
4323To John Adams from William Crane, 7 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
In the name of the Regiment of Militia of the Borough of Elizabeth, in the County of Essex, and State of New Jersey, consisting of a company of Light Horse, a company of Artillery, a company of Grenadiers, a company of Light Infantry, all completely equipped and uniformed, and eight companies of Infantry this day assembled under my command agreably to Law, for the purpose of improving...
4324To John Adams from William Cushing, 20 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
Amidst the trouble of our times, I have pleasure in the thought of your being on the bench and appointed to the head of it, a place I have heretofore had a Secret imagination you were destined to, which proves in event, not an enthusiastical Chimera. Reed, Paine and Sargeant it seems, have declined: and Foster, Sullivan and Warren are appointed in their room. Col. Warren has not yet accepted,...
4325To John Adams from Aeneas Mackay, 25 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
Nothing but the singular & particular distresses of the unfortunate man who with diffidence makes his unhappy situation known to your Excelly. can appologies for the liberty he takes of Addressing the President of the U States. It’s a common maxim, “That necessity has no Law—and is the mother of invention ” —I am Sir, a Native of Sutherlandshire N. Britain, a Highlander, bred what is called a...
4326To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 22 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to a vote of the Standing Committee of the Washington Society I have the honor to transmit to you the enclosed Card, and to request that you will honor the Society with your presence on the ensuing Anniversary of American Independence. With respect, / your most obt Servt— MHi : Adams Papers.
4327To John Adams from Jonathan James Maund, 26 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
It is with great pleasure I address to you the Information that on Wednesday General Henry Lee was elected the Representative in Congress for this District by a Majority of 32 Votes: Of General Marshall’s Election I presume you will be informed previous to the Receipt of my Letter the Communication being direct from Richmond to the General Post office; Of the Elections on the Post Road...
4328To John Adams from Francis Dana, 4 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure of your favour of 8 th: March last on the 26 th: of last Month, in which you acknowledge the receipt of mine of the 12 th: Dec r: last. I have written to you since then, but doing it in haste, I had not time to take a copy of my letter, and do not now recollect the date of it. I remember however to have informed you that I had laid an account of my extra expences before...
4329Abigail Smith to John Adams, 9 May 1764 (Adams Papers)
Welcome, Welcome thrice welcome is Lysander to Braintree, but ten times more so would he be at Weymouth, whither you are afraid to come.—Once it was not so. May not I come and see you, at least look thro a window at you? Should you not be glad to see your Diana? I flatter myself you would. Your Brother brought your Letter, tho he did not let me see him, deliverd it the Doctor from whom...
4330To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 2 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of April 22d. came to hand a few days since. General Lincoln is deservedly acquited from any blame. It is as you observe impossible to guard against the intrigues of the Tories and the Negligence of the Militia. However I hope with you that few such surprises will take place. I most sincerely lament the great inattention and indifference that appears among the People in general...
4331From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 12 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have written to my brother this day, informing him that I have consented that you and Charles should leave Cambridge, for your journey hither on the 23d. of this month, and requesting him to furnish each of you with 80 dollars, for the expenses of your Journey; an account of which expenses you will each of you keep to be exhibited to me. Take good care of yourselves on the road—We shall all...
4332To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a Letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 19th. instant, and submit it as my opinion, that the proposals of Mr. Martin Lincoln, for erecting a Light House on Gayhead, are reasonable, and that it is expedient to authorize a Contract conformably thereto. The Act of Massachusetts requires, that the lands which may be designated as the scite, and for the...
4333Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
I received by the last post Your favours dated 7 h 8 th & 12 of the present Month together with Pains Letter & the counter part Jasper I tremble when I look forward to the scene opening before Me. My own reflections and Meditations are similar to yours, except that I do contemplate a return to the Bar. Retirement at Peace Feild I think would be a much more Eligible situation than to be fastned...
4334To John Adams from William Cunningham, 31 December 1808 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a News-paper containing, under the Worcester head, a copy of some remarks made at a Meeting of this Town. The author is so plainly indicated by the style of his address, and by his initial, that it is unnecessary, and might appear ostentatious, to be more particular. With affection and gratitude, / I am, Dear Sir, / Your Friend & Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
4335To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 5 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
I return you my sincere thanks, Sir, for the petition from the City of Bristol in 1775, which I have found here on my return from Holland in the letter you did me the honor to write me the 29 th. of December. It will be of great service to prove, that the conduct of our Countrimen has been & is continually misrepresented. The petition, memorial, or address to the King, or some body else from...
4336To John Adams from John Marshall, 30 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have just receivd your letter of the 22d. and am happy that the proceedings with the Spanish Minister have your approbation. I inclose you a letter from Mr. Stevens which represents the part of St. Domingo which had adherd to Rigaud as being completely reducd under the dominion of Toussaint. I transmit you also a letter from a Mr. Mitchell of Charleston in South Carolina and a letter I have...
4337From William Mitchell to John Adams, 8 February 1792 (Adams Papers)
As I had the Honour of knowing you personally during your short Residence here, & had seen many Proofs of your generous & disinterested Conduct, I use the Freedom to make a direct Application to yourself in the important Character & Relation in which you stand to the united & independant States of N: America. It is more than probable, Hon le: sir, that M r: Dumas the present Agent or chargé...
4338To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 22 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I could not return You the Papers, which Mr. Thaxter was so obliging as to deliver us early this morning, without giving You my best and sincerest thanks for the attention, You had in communicating to us so fresh and so important an intelligence. Our love for truth and liberty induced us, from the very beginning of the American Contest, the first (I dare say) amongst the European News-Writers,...
4339To John Adams from George W. Talbot, 29 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Some time past my Father directed me to forward your Excellency, a copy of a Certificate given him by General Gates relative to his Service in the Continental Sloop Argo, during last War— I have made diligent Search for it, and am unable to discover where my Father put it, on his leaving this for Boston—I well remember his having refer’d to it in a letter to Genl. Hamilton, who has been good...
4340To John Adams from Thomas McKean, 15 November 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have to thank you for the introduction of the Reverend Mr; Henry Colman to my acquaintance, and am sorry his other engagements deprived me of his company as often and in the manner I wished. My last letter was (I perceived) dated in August instead of September; your’s of that date, to which mine was an answer, bore the same date, and I suppose lay before me. Old age will discover itself,...
4341To John Adams from Stephen Peabody, 23 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
My Son who is now upon a visit with me, from the district of Maine, informs me that they have been, and are, infested with Antifederalism, and characters who are exerting themselves, that all places of profit, or honor should be filled with Jacobins.—He has, as far as his influence extends, opposed the party and the Spirit, and wishes that such characters might not be promoted in the civil or...
4342To John Adams from Daniel Putnam, 15 June 1818 (Adams Papers)
Words are poor, and wholly inadequate to express the grateful feelings of my heart for your excellent letter, couched in terms of no equivocal import, but wiping with a single stroke every pretence of public odium, which envy and malignity had endeavoured to fix on the character of General Putnam. Such testimony, from such a sourse, tho’ of a negative kind, is all the occasion required to...
4343To John Adams from Henry Laurens, 12 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
An untoward Circumstance had hurried me from Bath, where I had been about a Month in the progress of health; I was waiting the Determination of this Court, whether I might, upon terms consistent with my honor, return & continue in the same pursuit during the Winter Months, or be obliged at all hazards to withdraw immediately from the Kingdom. In this dilemma, I had this afternoon the honor of...
4344From William Vernon Sr. to John Adams, 25 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I hope the Length of Time since I had the Honor of paying my Respects to you, will be no Objection to your granting my present Request, that is of great Consequence to me— In the Month of May last I had a Concern in the Ship Ascention, Sam l Chase Master, which enter’d the Harbour of the Havanna with 198 Negroes, where they were sold, principally upon a long Credit, to the Amount of upwards of...
4345To John Adams from Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, 20 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
I wrote You soon after I arrived here a Letter which I hope You received; but which you have not yet acknowledged. The many studied Embarrassments thrown in the Way of the Canada-Expedition have at last in a great Measure answered the Purpose for which I fear they were all along intended. Ever since I have seen the Inside of the Congress I have trembled. Nothing short of a radical Change in...
4346To John Adams from Aaron Black, 4 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
I trouble you at this time hearing that my Brother Moses Black of Quincy near Bosten is Dead. And being Very Uneasy to know how he Seteled his tempral affairs and what is become of his & my Daughter to Sister Jane. Understanding that he my late Brother lived Conveniant to you, I humbly beg that you may take the trouble of Writing a few Lines in Answer to this Wish all Conveniant Speed Which...
4347To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 6 March 1783 (Adams Papers)
En com̃ençant par le plus pressé, voici une Lettre de Son Excellence le Ministre Plenipo: de cette rep. auprès de nos Et. Unis. Il m’a chargé en outre de vous demander les Eclaircissemens suivants. 1 o. Quels Meubles & fournitures il lui convient principalement d’emporter avec lui d’ici, plutôt que de les acheter & faire faire à Philadelphie? 2 o. S’il devra faire une Entrée publique, ou S’il...
4348To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 5 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
I removed my family and office to this place, to avoid the danger from the present contagious fever in Philadelphia; and the progress of the disease since last Thursday (the day of departure) shows that the removal was long enough delayed. A letter from the Director of the Mint dated, and received by me, yesterday, announced the death of the Treasurer, Dr. Way; an event greatly to be lamented,...
4349To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 9 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
I consider Your opinion on the Subject of War—as expressed to me in the Letter you did me the honor to write of the 6th Inst—So just—& So decisive—that I am confident of it was published as an extract of a Letter from you—to A.B—in this County—it would do great good, in bringg. back many deluded by the farci c al Washn. benovolents—whereas I consider them the real Jacobins—& Tories of Our...
4350Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 15 June 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you a letter on the 27 th of May , which probably would reach you about the 3 d inst. and on the 9 th I recieved yours of the 29 th of May . of Lindsay’s Memoirs I had never before heard, & scarcely indeed of himself. it could not therefore but be unexpected that two letters of mine should have any thing to do with his life. the name of his