4411To John Adams from Isaac Tichenor, 29 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Pursuant to the requests of the Legislature of this State, I have the honor of inclosing to you the within Address—to the sentiments it contains, in all cases, but more particularly as they relate to you Sir, and your administration, permit me to add my fullest—my most unequivocal Approbation. With the warmest wishes / for your health & happiness / I have the Honor to be your / Excellency’s...
4412The Duc de La Vauguyon to John Adams: A Translation, 30 December 1781 (Adams Papers)
You have desired, sir, that as soon as I should be arrived at Versailles, I should communicate to the Comte de Vergennes the disposition you have to take a step that has been recommended by several well intentioned members of the States of Holland, and that I should give him to understand at the same time the resolution which you have taken to abstain from it, if he disapproves it. That...
4413To John Adams from Alexander Townsend, 2 April 1818 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty to request, that you wd. at your leisure favour me wh. the chronology of the events of your life . Unless your own hand does this, I fear it will be done but imperfectly. Me it wd. cost some research. Many who have them in memory, have not your ability to put them on paper. I am aware, you never can become your own biographer. A life spent in forming materials for history,...
4414John Thaxter to John Adams, 4 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
Last Monday Dr. Mather Byles was tried by Virtue of a late Act of this State, and found by the Jury so inimical, as to render his residence in the State dangerous to the Liberties thereof. He is to be sent to some quarter, where his local Situation will deprive him of the power to injure the State. Tomorrow some others are to have their Trial—they have engaged Attornies. The Inferior Court...
4415To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 28 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
I trouble your Excellency with This to inform your Excellency, that I receved this Day the Bill of £10. on London to be applied to the Relief of five poor American Citizens. I shall write to my Friend for that purpose by the next Post. But shall not send the Bill yet, as I see that it appears on the face of it, that the value of it was paid by your Excellency, whose Name, however honored by...
4416To John Adams from Mary Nicolson, 26 May 1774 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment been enformd that You and a Number of Worthy Gentlemen, have been Honorably negatived, by Our new Governer. I most sincerely give you Joy of it, for “when impious men bear sway, the Post of Honor is a private Station.” I could have wish’d you had, at this critical Season, been one of the Honble. Council, but your Abilities, can nevertheless be of service to your Country. May...
4417To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
Nos amis sont très contents de la Déclaration réitérée que je leur ai faite de votre part, &c., & vont agir en conséquence auprès de la Cour de France, compris celle d’Espagne, & auprès de vos Excellences. Ils me paroissent persuadés, que la mesure peut & doit réussir. Cependant, à tout événement, ils me chargent de proposer encore la question suivante, pour obtenir là-dessus une réponse,...
4418To John Adams from John Wheelock, 12 June 1783 (Adams Papers)
Had I been influenced by my feelings, and by those sentiments, which I shall always retain, you would have had the burden of a letter, long before the date of this. But the truth is, that nothing in the benevolent object of my attention, has (till of late) appeared, which could give any pleasure to a liberal mind; & nothing has happened on the common theatre, which I could communicate, as...
4419To John Adams from Catherine Farnham Hay, 4 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
In this Universal Joy & celebration this day on your own Elevation to first President of the United States; I partake as much of it at my fireside. I cannot refrain to put pen to paper to congratulate you on this important event to this Country. That you have lived to see your son as Honourably situated & that he is considered decidedly the best Man for this Office, must be highly gratifying...
4420To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 18 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a Letter from Laurence Muse Esqr. Collector of the District of Tappahannock in Virginia, mentioning the resignation of Peter Kemp, Surveyor & Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Urbanna in said District. Peter Kemp & Ralph Wormley Esqrs. recommend Peter Kemp junr. for the vacant offices:—and Mr. Muse the Collector, recommends Mr. Thomas Muse—Both the...
4421To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
This morning I recieved a letter from Mr. Charles Hall, declining the office of Agent of the United before the Board of Commissioners sitting here in relation to British debts; and covering a letter to you, which I have the honor to inclose. I also inclose a letter from Mr. Coleman to Collinson Read Esqr. advising him that his son-in law, Mr. Hall, had declined the appointment of Agent. This...
4422To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 12 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
My last informed you of my Intention to send you by the Messagerie a Case of old W. India Spirit, and at the same time I requested you to send a dozen to Mr. Alexander and a dozen to Dr. Bancroft. I have now to inform you that it left Nantes last Saturday accompanied with an acquit a Caution which I request you to return to me properly indorsed at the Bureau at Paris. I must beg your...
4423To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 18 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Gerry presents his best respects to the President of the United States, & sends by the bearer ten pair of squabs, of which he requests his acceptance. They have been learnt to feed in indian dough, & when put into the pigeon House, must be supplyed daily with water & gravel, & confined to the house untill they have young—The house should be locked and under the care of one person, as they...
4424To John Adams from William Tudor, 22 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I had not the Pleasure of bidding You a personal Adieu on the Monday of your leaving this Town, because I could not have done it without being at a House, which I never will enter. And to the same Cause was it, as I have been requested to tell you, that you did not Meet so many of your Friends & the Friends to dignified Government as would otherwise have crowded about you to have paid that...
4425To John Adams from Silas Talbot, 3 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to what I conceived to be your wish, when last I had the honor of seeing you, I have made such enquiry— with respect to the Characters of Captain’s Tallman, and Double, as my circumstances would admit of— Being closely confined to the Ship, I have not had that oportunity to gain a very general knowledge respecting them. But from all I have learned; I was confident that they would...
4426To John Adams from William Goforth, 30 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
Altho I am far from haveing the honor of your personal acquaintance, and am perhaps but scarcely within the circle of your knowledge; yet being a citizen, I presume to address you. I was early and decidedly in the interest of my beloved country, and being involed, with a band of patriots in the New york company of granediers, I had the pleasure to escort you into that city when on your way, in...
4427Capellen tot den Pol, Joan Derk, Baron van der, 6 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
J’ai la Satisfaction de communiquer à Votre Excell: que les Etats d’Overÿssel ont resolu hier nemine contradicente, de reconnoitre Votre Excell: comme Ministre des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale. Dieu en Soit beni!
4428To John Adams from Joseph Barrell, 30 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Subscribers Directors of a Company called the New England Mississippi Land Company beg leave humbly to represent, That the Congress of the United States having by Law authorized the President to appoint Commissioners to settle all interfering Claims of the United States, and the State of Georgia, to Territory situated West of the River Chatahouchee North of the thirty first Degree of North...
4429To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 5 April 1818 (Adams Papers)
Since my last short Conversation with you, I have read Mr. Wirt’s Biographical Romance, a singular Book indeed! Composed more with a View to display the Author’s Talents, than those of his Subject. A better attempt at flattering Virginians, than furnishing Facts for sober, future, Historians. His Materials were scanty indeed, & he has made the most of them. Henry was undoubtedly a bold &...
4430To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 23 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
At lenght I have been able to peruse Condorcet’s book—It can not be difficult to you, to conjecture, what impression it must have on mÿ mind. If I had bestowed on it onlÿ Superficial attention, its aim wuld not have escaped me, although I had not been assisted bÿ your correct marginal notes—It is a genuine ofspring of the School of the famous Sÿsteme de la Nature. It is not less daring in its...
4431To John Adams from Jedediah Huntington, 9 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The collector’s office at New Haven being vacant, I beg leave to mention to you Mr. Nathan Beers of that city as one who I think will fill that place to satisfaction.—He served in our revolutionary war with reputation as an officer in the line & as paymaster.—he is at present Steward of Yale College.—His standing generally and connections are respectable— I am with the greatest / Esteem &...
4432To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Secy of the Treasy respectfully represents to the President of the United States. That Waterman Thomas Collector for the District of Waldoborough in the State of Massachusetts and Inspector of the Revenue for the said Port;—has neglected to comply with repeated instructions from the Offices of the Secy and Comptroller of the Treasy. requiring him to render his accounts, that no Weekly...
4433To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 11 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
You will have been informed before this letter reaches you of the bereavement that has happened to my family. My Father had only complained of indisposition, for two or three days, and had been out every day previous to his death. This took place last Thursday morning at 7 o’clock—it was sudden & without pain as he had always desired. He was buried on Friday evening. Cheif Justice Parker...
4434To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 14 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter of the 22d. of June, if it was necessary for you to Apologise for not writing sooner it is necessary also for me. But as the express conditions of my corresponding with you was to write when I had time and leave you to answer at your leisure, I think an Apology is unnecessary on either side. But I can Assure you, as you did me, that it is not for want of respect that...
4435To John Adams from Samuel Smith, 1 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor yesterday to receive your letter of the 25h. Ulto. in which you Say—“That Coll. Pickering in his letters to the people of the U.S has represented to the World, that a corrupt bargain was made between yourself and Brother on the One part and me on the other, that I Should dismiss the then Secy. of State from his office, as consideration of your Votes & influence for me at the...
4436To John Adams from Nathaniel Johnston, 15 March 1825 (Adams Papers)
Permit one of your children who although in obscurity will ever feel an ardent desire for the best interests of his Country, to congratulate you on having lived to witness your amiable and worthy Son, President of the United States. I think you may now in aspirations like Simeon of old, “depart in peace.” That your last may be your best days, and when finished you may receive the reward of a...
4437Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 June 1795 (Adams Papers)
I received yours of 23 d . it is reported here that 19 Senators are for a ratification of all but the 12 th article of the Treaty. Greenleafs paper contains daily Some weak foolish superficial sausy reflections & abuses upon the senate the President & the supposed Treaty but they cannot make an impression; but upon such minds as are, as weak, foolish, and superficial as the writers. Have you...
4438To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
When I send you last mail Basanistes, I was so much tortured with head–ache—that it was not in my power, to join to it one single line. The Post-master at first objected—if thus the postage comes higher than you might wish, I only executed your orders but should request—in that case to wait rather for a safe opportunity Perhaps—however—his scruples are unfounded. You render me nearly enamoured...
4439John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 13 October 1774 (Adams Papers)
I have been trying ever since you went away to learn to write you a Letter. I shall make poor work of it, but Sir Mamma says you will accept my endeavours, and that my Duty to you may be expressd in poor writing as well as good. I hope I grow a better Boy and that you will have no occasion to be ashamed of me when you return. Mr. Thaxter says I learn my Books well—he is a very good Master. I...
4440To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 21 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
The bearer of this, Mr. Waldo, is the Gentleman whom I mentioned, in a letter which I had the honor to address you at paris, as an applicant for the office of Consul in some part of France. he is well known & was much respected at Paris, altho he was a zealous advocate for the rights of his Country. his character, in regard to abilities, honor, probity, & politeness, stands high with all who...
4441To John Adams from Nathaniel A. Haven, 27 August 1821 (Adams Papers)
A belief that nothing is uninteresting to you that is connected with the history or character of our country, has given me confidence to address you, upon a subject in which both are concerned. Although the fact, to which I wish to call your attention, was not within your personal knowledge, you may probably recollect some explanation that may have been given of it, at the time it occurred. At...
4442To John Adams from Hendrick W. Gordon, 6 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
As you were so kind as to favour me with your name to a recommendation in my behalf, some time since for an Office which was supposed then to be vacated, but was not, nor since has been; I am emboldened to ask of you a like favour, which the enclosed will explain.— If the acquaintance I have had the satisfaction to have with you, will Justify your subscribing to the enclosed, it will very much...
4443To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 September 1817 (Adams Papers)
Having in so long a time not received a word from Quincÿ, although I was freed from all anxiety about your wellfare mrs Guild and her amiable sister Catherine, both having informed me, that you continued to enjoy not only a hum cum dignitate, which would be nothing new—but all possible happiness that can fall to the share of human mind, while your excellent Lady’s gratification must have...
4444Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your Letter of May the 24 th and shall begin tomorrow to get such things in readiness as will enable us to keep House. I feel a reluctance at striping this wholy at present, because I am well persuaded that we shall in some future period if our lives are prolonged return to it, and even supposing a summer recess, we might wish to come & spend a few months here. an other...
4445From André Jean La Rocque to John Adams, 12 April 1793 (Adams Papers)
un francois qui projete de devenir Américain, vous prie d’agréer L’homage de ses foibles productions. Les ouvrages cy joints, dont il est l’auteur, vous intéresseront, non par le maniere dont ils Sont traités, Mais par leur Sujets. c’est l’humanité qui en a déterminé Le choix. Le premier est le plan d’un établissement, que La convention nationale est au moment de decreter. Le second est une...
4446Adams Elected to Membership in Supporters of the Bill of Rights, 21 September 1773 (Adams Papers)
In pursuance of a Resolution of this Society, I am to signify to you that you have this Day been duly elected a Member thereof. N.B. Subscriptions are received by frederick bull , Esq; Treasurer to this society , at his House in Leadenhall-Street, No. 96. Printed form on folded sheet approx. 13 by 8 inches ( Adams Papers ); addressed: “John Adams Esqr. Boston”; endorsed on address leaf: “Jan’y...
4447To John Adams from Alexander Hill Everett, 31 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
I return you the pamphlets you were so good as to send me with many thanks. I have derived much pleasure from reading them. Mr. Hay has said every thing, that need be said upon the subject.—I think there cannot be much doubt of a citizen’s right under the law of nature, to quit his country at pleasure and in a case of pure self-defence, (which is really the only case of justifiable war) to...
4448To John Adams from John Bondfield, 28 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am honord with your favor of the 12 Instant. I shall pay perticular attention to see every article you have mention’d in your memorandum compleated and Shipt with care on board Captain Tucker directed as you have laid down. I hope you enjoy your health in the Air of Paris and that every thing around you contributes to your Satisfaction. Wherever my Services can be to you perticularly useful...
4449Abigail Adams to John Adams, 14 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
I received last Evening by my obliging Neighbour captain Beals your kind Letters of Fe bry 4th, and before I reply to them, I would inform you that our venerable Parent has appeard to revive for these two days past. her disorder has proved a Lung fever. the dr advised to a puke two days ago. She was rather averse to it, wishing rather as she expresst herself to dye in quiet. she had labourd...
4450Charles Adams to John Adams, 5 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday received your affectionate letter of the first instant. In return for your kind wishes, I present my respects, with an ardent hope, that you may yet many years be spared to your children, your friends and your Country; and that each returning season may still, as they ever have, find you happy, in that greatest of blessings to the just, an applauding conscience. Many are the...
4451To John Adams from Philippe André Joseph de Létombe, 1 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
Je profite, avec bien de l’Empressement, de l’occasion d’écrire à votre Excellence et de me rappeller à Son Souvenir. Mon attachement pour Vous, Monsieur, n’est pas diminué Le moins du monde par l’Eloignement et par l’absence: il ne L’est pas même par votre Silence. J’ai l’honneur de faire quelque fois ma Cour à Madame adam’s à Braintrée et à Boston. Notre Refrein chéri est toujours de parler...
4452From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 10 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
M r: Hall arrived a few days ago, and delivered to me your favours of Nov r: 17. and Dec r: 12. The first acknowledges the receipt of my N. 11. July 27. But I feel somewhat concerned lest my next number to that, written very soon after it may have miscarried, as it should regularly have reached you before the date of your last. M r: Randolph’s pamphlet had arrived before M r: Hall, but I had...
4453To John Adams from William MacCreery, 7 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am not skill’d in writing introductory Letters—I must however write one to make you acquainted with a Gentleman whose conversation you will find, at least, very agreeable. In these intrigueing times, when Politicians are obliged to Speak with caution in all companies, look at all Men with a suspicious Eye, and speak to them with reserve, an introduction becomes very Necessary, as it is apt...
4454Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 15 November 1784 (Adams Papers)
M r Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to M r Adams, and enclosos a Paper left with him by the Secretary of the Portuguese Ambassador last Night, being an Extract of a Letter from the First Minister of that Court. No Notice is taken in it of the preceding Plan of a Treaty, and M r. F. mentions for Consideration, whether it would not be right to send a Copy of the new Plan immediately...
4455Abigail Adams to John Adams, 8 January 1795 (Adams Papers)
yours of 25 December reachd me with the Book for Louissa. through the Month of December the weather was uncommonly fine, but the New Year is very inclement. we have had a fair day or two only since it commenced, very little Snow & what Snow we had, is all leaving us to day, by a plentifull Southerly rain our people have been engaged where the weather Would allow this week in the woods. I have...
4456To John Adams from John Trumbull, 19 October 1805 (Adams Papers)
‘Till I received your last of the 4th: instant I had no idea that you doubted the truth of Washington’s letter relative to the capture of Cornwallis and supposed you only questioned the propriety of his allowing a letter to be published, in which he appears to boast of his success in stratagems. You express a wish that "the veracity of the letter might be established beyond all cavil." I can...
4457To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 25 June 1820 (Adams Papers)
I indulge once more in the gratification—of Sending you a few lines, in the hope, that you enjoy So much health as generally has fallen to my Share—if I except, my weakened Sight, which renders—reading at night nearly impracticable, while it requires my utmost exertions by day light to decypher the Records—and a nearly three weeks confinement, in consequence of a Severe contusion of my right...
4458To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 2 July 1788 (Adams Papers)
Permit an old friend to congratulate you upon your safe arrival in your native country. I rejoiced in reading, of the respectful manner in which you were received by your fellow Citizens. you serve a grateful & enlightned people. may you long continue to enjoy their Confidence, & may they long—very long continue to enjoy the benefits of your patriotism & knowledge.— I have to thank you for...
4459C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 24 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
The States of Holland will not be able to form a resolution for another fifteen days or three weeks. This is because the next assembly finally demanded a translation of the proposal. Meantime this proposal has made a great impression and has caused the Anglomanes a lot of pain. I hope, sir, that you will be able to acquiesce to yesterday’s proposal, and by doing so you will alleviate the pain...
4460From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 11 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress I am honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 27th. past, acquainting me with your Appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary to the States General, on which please to accept my Compliments and best Wishes for Success in your Negociations. We have just received Advice here, that M. la Motte Piquet, met with the English Convoy...