4411To John Adams from Edward Cruft, 19 February 1821 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Cruft and Myself have been very much gratifyed by your present of two Silver cans. & for which you will please accept our united thanks. and be assured Sir, this Valuable token will be held by us in lasting Remembrance of the donor.—We felt ourselves much honord & gratifyed by your Visit, and it will give us pleasure at all times if we can contribute to your happiness by making our house...
4412To John Adams from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 17 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have found a little Inconvenience in having nobody here on the Spot, that I could call my Guardian. I spoke to Doctor Franklin of it who directed me to write to you and to inform you that if you would agree to it he would take me under his Care. I receiv’d the other Day a Letter from my Grandpappa in which he told me that my Father had sent you a large Remittance which if you receive and...
4413Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 October 1789 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday received your kind favour dated at Fairfield and am happy to find that you had advanced thus far with no greater inconvenience than Rocky Roads & a Blundering Servant I will take better care of his Horses than he appears to have done of his master, for the old Proverb was never more verified, what is every bodys buisness, is nobodys buisness, than in Roberts going of without your...
4414To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 22 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
We have received here with uncommon Pleasure the Accounts of the Success of your important Negotiations in Holland notwithstanding the Opposition and Traversings of a pow’rful British Party in that Country. By the last Vessel from France, which left Nants the Beginning of June, we are told, that the Independence of these States has been acknowledged by all the States of Holland, and your...
4415Encosure: Van Zeebergh’s Notes on the Dutch-American Treaty, 25 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
Consideratien op Art. 22. & 23. van het project Tractaat tusschen Haar Hoog Mog. en de Vereenigde Staaten van America. Wanneer men den generaalen inhoud van die twee Artt. admitteerde, en dús van wegens Hún Hoog Mog. toegaf, dat dit geheele Tractaat in alle zyne Clausulen en Artt. nú en voor ’t vervolg verstaan zal moeten worden niet te contrarieren aan de Stipúlatien, voorkomende in de twee...
4416To John Adams from Richard Rush, 4 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
Out of the circle of your own family, there are none who can feel more sorrow at the heavy affliction that has fallen upon you than we do here. We heard the melancholy news two days ago. “What exalted and long-tried excellence, exclaimed my wife, has gone to the tomb.” “As soon as my confinement was over,” she continued, “I had intended that my first letter, after one to my own mother, should...
4417To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 4 December 1775 (Adams Papers)
I received your Favour of the 5th of Novr and the Enquiries relative to Vessels suitable to be armed, Commanders and Seamen to man the same, secure places for building new Vessels of Force &c. are important in their Nature, and to have the same effectually answered I propose to submit them as soon as may be to the Court that a Committee may be raised for obtaining the Facts from the Maritime...
4418To John Adams from the Comte de Vergennes, 30 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 21 de ce mois. Je me rappelle très bien de vous avoir dit que votre présentation seroit insérée dans la gazette de France; Mais d’après les informations que j’ai prises, je me suis convaincu que jamais les présentations, soit des ambassadeurs, soit des Ministres Plénipotentiaires, n’ont été annoncées dans notre...
4419Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 15 February 1802 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive, this morning, your favor of the 1 st: curr t: and now hasten to acknowledge it, with more eagerness, on account of the long interval, which has elapsed, since I have written particularly to yourself. I am not sorry, that you consider politicks, as forbidden fruit, for though you cannot fail to form an opinion, upon the very novel & extraordinary occurrences, in...
4420To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 6 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
I keep a constant search on foot for the books which in any of your Letters, you have expressed the desire of procuring; but the excessive prices at which all books are held, deters me sometimes from taking those that I find, and I am not always successful in finding those for which I am on the lookout.—The Translation of the New Testament by Beausobre and L’Enfant is in two Quarto Volumes,...
4421Abigail Adams to John Adams, 10 September 1777 (Adams Papers)
The accounts you give of the Heat of the weather, gives me great uneasiness upon account of your Health. I fear it will through throw you into a fever, or relax you so as to ruin your Health. We have had some extreem Hot weather here when the glasses have been at 92. I have slept many Nights this Summer with all my windows open which I do not remember ever to have done before. Our Hot weather...
4422To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 15 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
Under the present afflicting scene of Providence that you Mr. Adams and connections of the deceased, may enjoy the consolations of religion and every needed support is the devout prayer of / Your symathizing Friend MHi : Adams Papers.
4423To John Adams from Thomas Pinckney, 6 August 1796 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of forwarding herewith two parcels addressed to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences at Cambridge & a letter addressed to yourself as President of that Society, which were committed to my charge by Count Rumford. A duplicate of the letter and one other parcel are sent by a different conveyance.With my best wishes for the prosperity of that valuable institution & for your...
4424To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 4 April 1775 (Adams Papers)
At the same time that I make my Gratful Acknowledgment, for the instructive sentiments and Friendly hint, Contained in yours of the 15th March I must ask your indulgence so far as to Favour me with your opinion (by my son who will Call on you on Monday Next) of the present dark and Gloomy aspect of public affairs. Is there no hope that the Dread Calamity of Civil Convulsions may yet be...
4425From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 15 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
So, so master John, your Back is up, because you have not been written to, as often as you thought your dignity required—why I really think there is Some reason for you to complain of your Hingham School Mates—but I beleive they are Scatterd now, not one of them remaining with mr Thimbull who were your companions—new ones Succeed Politeness requires that notice Should be taken of letters of...
4426To John Adams from George Washington, 4 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Not being in the habit since my return to private life, of sending regularly to the Post Office (nine miles from hence) every Post-day, it often happens that letters addressed to me lye longer there, on that account, than they otherwise would do. I have delayed no time, unnecessarily, since I had the honor of receiving your very obliging favour of the 22d. Ulto. to thank you for the polite and...
4427To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 19 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Returning the day before yesterday from Boulogne, I had the Honor of receiving your Excellencys Letter by the Hands of Mr. Bowdoin, to whom I shall pay every attention due to your Excellencys Recommendation and his own Merit. Before this comes to Hand your Excellency will have heard of the Disaster in Carolina; the Consequences of which may be sensibly felt by us. However there are Matters,...
4428To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 5 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor to receive Your Letter of the 6 of April. It is indeed a “grave prospect” which is now presented to this Country But I entertain hopes that a wise national conduct, may soon brighten the scene. The French have long been in a political delirium; but if the Americans exhibit upon this trying occasion that wise magnanimity which is worthy of their former character, I have...
4429To John Adams from William Tudor, 23 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday ask’d Permission to resign my Post of J.A.G. and to retire from the Army, but met with a Refusal, which, though softened by a Compliment from the General, gave me some Chagrine. A Person at my Time of Life ought to be, if possible in the Road to Wealth or Fame, or both, my Office will never intitle me to either. For the Pay annexed to it, from the Depreciation of the Currency and...
4430From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 25 January 1818 (Adams Papers)
It is impossible for me to express the happiness I feel at the news which comes by so many different channels from Boston concerning you, & which has been so agreeably confirmed by yourself. the rapid improvement which is evident in your style & writing is itself a sufficient indication of the pains you are taking to cultivate your mind, and take all the benefit and advantage which your father...
4431To John Adams from Rufus King, 1 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
Seven States only have been represented in congress since October, of consequence very few questions of national importance have been under the examination of this Assembly— The meetings of the Legislatures have probably detained many of the Delegates, but it is expected, that Ten States will, within a short period, be represented—There is some ground to expect that several of the Southern...
4432To John Adams from Joseph m. Sanderson, 9 December 1818 (Adams Papers)
I send you the prospectus of a Work I am about to publish—I wish to have your opinion on the subject & if not intruding too much on your leisure I would request some facts relative to the passage of the law & such other information as you Might think would be interesting to the people of the United States—But I fear it would be trespassing too much on your time & subjecting you to...
4433To John Adams from William Gordon, 8 May 1779 (Adams Papers)
We are just returned from visiting your good Lady at Braintree, where I had a complaint exhibited against me for not writing to you, which I mean to answer totidem verbis. But before I proceed further must mention, in brief, that news which will be the most important and agreeable of all you will meet with in the letter, viz, that Mrs. Adams and children are well and as chearful as can be...
4434Abigail Adams to John Adams, 6 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received an hour ago your Letters of the 22 d and 27th. I have been anxious enough for you since I saw the proclamation. I advised you to take for your cough Rhubarb & calomil. do not omit it, but take it immediatly. it will serve You for the complaint which usually afflicts you in the spring as well as for your cough. I will obey the summons as soon as possible but there are many...
4435Edmund Jenings to John Adams, 7 May 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honour of having received your Excellencys Letter, wherein I find a most Obliging Introduction to M rs Adams, which I shall certainly make Use of, should I Ever have an Opportunity. I return your Excellency many Thanks for the Abbé de Mablys Book— it is put in to the Hands of a Gentleman to be translated & published, under the Stipulations, you have prescribed. Will your Excellency...
4436To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a letter dated the 15th. instant, from William Payne Esquire, advising of his resignation of the Office of Commissioner of Direct Tax for the tenth Division in the State of Virginia, and recommending Augustine J. Smith Esquire, as his successor.— Having no reason to doubt that Mr. Smith is a suitable character to fill the vacancy, I enclose a blank commission for...
4437To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 18 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
Feby. 18th The Evening brought my expected guests or rather a small part of them and on the whole the party appeared to enjoy themselves tolerably well—The night was fearfully cold and my company left me early on account of the complaints of the Coach men who refusd to wait for them—We are drawing near a conclusion and I certainly shall not regret it—Some Music and some dancing— 19 Went out...
4438William Smith Shaw to John Adams, 6 April 1801 (Adams Papers)
After living uninteruptedly in your family, for almost three years, and uniformly receiving, both from you and my Aunt, all the affection and tenderness of the most indulgent parents, I should do injustice to all the honorable feelings [of a gr]ateful heart, were I to omit this opportunity and leave you, Sir, without [ex]pressing to you my warmest acknowledgments, for the innumerable favors I...
4439To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 26 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
The House of Representatives have received with great respect the communication which you have been pleased to make to the two Houses of Congress at the commencement of the present session. The final establishment of the seat of National Government, which has now taken place, within the District of Columbia is an event of no small importance in the political transactions of our country, and we...
4440To John Adams from Hezekiah Balch, 21 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
Learning in our country has been hitherto sadly neglected—Those of us who wish to promote it, are very poor—Providence has inclined the hearts of a number to help us—I intend to wait on the members of Congress with our subscription— We have understood, that you, Sir, are very friendly to the promotion of learning— Your name at our subscription, would be of unbounded service— I am, Sir, with...
4441To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 11 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a letter to Capt Tryon, covering Warrants for Loudon Baley, Sailing Master, Joseph Dorr, George Tryon, Owen Tudor & Matthew Talcott, for Midshipmen: which will require your signature should you think fit, that the appointments should be made. These Gentlemen, are wanted for the Connecticut, & have been named to me by Capt. Tryon. I have the honor to be, / with...
4442To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 19 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
The Committee of the corporate Body of Merchants, Manufacturers and Traders of this City have charged me, as their Counsel, to present Your Excellency with two printed Copies of the Petition, they have put up Monday last to the Great-Council of Leyden, in order to pray for the conclusion of commercial connexions with the United-States of America. They hope, Your Excellency will accept those...
4443To John Adams from John Weddleton, 17 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Subscribers having by their labour and Industry & at a great expence, errected Machinery &c, at the North part of Boston, in order to carry on the Woolen Manufacture, & in consequence of said expence they find themselves unable to procure Stock sufficient to carry on the said Manufacture, humbly solicit the aid & patronage of the President of the United States, & such other Gentlemen, who...
4444To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 7 [August] 1783 (Adams Papers)
I am much Obliged to you for your Letter of the 26 th Ult. it was so long that I had heard from you, that I was fearful either mine or yours had Miscarried especially as I did not recive One from his Excellency until a Month after date. We Agree in the effect that the late Proclamation’s relative to the American Trade will have on the Temper of our Countrymen, who must besides at this Time be...
4445To John Adams from Jan Willink, 5 July 1792 (Adams Papers)
Your esteemed favors of 30 April inclose to us 60 coupons of ƒ 40. ƒ 2400 66 " 50 " 3300 the premium of " 1000 ƒ 6700 to your Credit, we have purchased for you 70 Cl: ƒ 7000 . at an Agio of 1 pCt " 70 Brok:1/4 " "
4446To John Adams from Jonathan Hastings Jr., 25 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
Your Favor per Dr. Jackson of the 7 Instant came to hand this day. It gives me pleasure that you are upon the Committee to consider of further Regulations of the Post Office. Previous to the Regulations in the Office which took place the 5th. of October 1776, the Posts from the Southward and elsewhere arrived as punctually on the Days fixed as they were ever known to do. What Instructions the...
4447To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 21 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
I send, by this Mail, Nos. 7, 8, & 9, of my Magazine, & invite thy particular attention to the Essay of Franklin , on a National School, &c. Please favor me with thy opinion of it, & of the plans that he suggests. The little Work I mentioned sometime ago, is printed, at Boston, & I have directed my publisher to send thee a Copy. It is anonymous, because I must conceal the of Authorship. I hope...
4448Abigail Adams to John Adams, 9 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I sent last Evening to the post office in hopes that I might get a Letter of a late Date. I received my News papers to the 30 th March, but no Letter. if there is any delay on my part in executing your directions, attribute it solely to the post offices, which will not permit me to receive Letters but once a week from you. I should Suppose that if a Mail containd only one Letter, it ought to...
4449To John Adams from William Turner, 3 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
this Ans is a true statement of my prosidins under the Volinteer acts of Congress of the 6th of February and the 6th of July 1812 Outhersing the President to accept sending Volinteer militarey corps, and I have cept a randevous from january 5th untill this day, for the purpos of raising the Seckond Companey of volinteers in Boston. as I am belated On account of the voluntier law not bein in a...
4450To John Adams from N. Olive, 8 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
J’etois porteur d’une Lettre pour vous de mes amis Messr. Grand & Cie. de Paris que je gardois depuis mon arrivée ici, en Novembre dernier, avec ma famille, attendant l’occasion d’avoir l’honneur de vous la remettre; J’ai eu celui de rencontrer Monsieur Votre fils chez Monsieur Le Baron de Steuben, Je lui ai remis cette lettre pour qu’il ait la bonté de vous la faire passer & J’apprendrai avec...
4451To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 9 February 1778 (Adams Papers)
9 February 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 2:272–273 . Vernon asked that his son be placed with a mercantile house in Bordeaux or Nantes and proposed a gratuity of £100, which would also cover board. printed : ( JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed....
4452C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 23 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
This letter is only to confirm yesterday’s letter and the fact that everything is moving forward. This morning I saw the ambassador who treated me very graciously and with charming good humor. He thinks, as does our friend, that it would be appropriate for you to be here for a few days, not to take any action, but rather just to present yourself without any affectation. A secret dispatch by a...
4453To 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...
4454The 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...
4455To 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,...
4456John 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...
4457To John Adams from George Taylor, Jr., 31 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
Geo. Taylor Jr. presents his respectful compliments to the Vice President of the United States.—In perusing some late London papers which were received at the Department of State this morning, G .T. Jr. found a paragraph relative to Dr. Kippis’s having “said that the American Congress issued orders to their cruisers to seize Capt. Cook, if they had an opportunity of doing so.” He read it with...
4458To 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...
4459To 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...
4460To 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,...