4701To John Adams from Stephen Peabody, 9 April 1815 (Adams Papers)
With a trembling hand, I inform you of the removal of my dear Companion and best friend, by the stroke of death, this morning, between three & 4 OClock. She was seiz’d with a lung-complaint, was yesterday unwell but not confind; went to bed comfortable, and slept till after midnight, waked in distress, and soon was call’d without any peculiar struggle, in the full exercise of reason, I trust...
4702Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 3 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
Since I came to this Country, two of your kind letters have reached me; one dated in June & the other in July; the latter came by Gen l: Marshall, but by some accident was not forwarded at the same time with your letter to my brother of the same date. It has only this day come to hand. Contrary to your expectation, as well as my own, your letters find me still in Europe, and about to embark in...
4703C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 16 September 1784 (Adams Papers)
Rien de nouveau ici depuis ma derniere. On attend la réponse de Vienne à celle de L. H. P. En attendant les antirépublicains ici, & les pusillanimes & indolens, font des Com̃entaires sur le dernier Mem e. de Mr. De B— r . Selon eux c’est une défaite de la part de la f ce. , pour ne pas dire tout cru. “Nous ne nous soucions pas de nous mêler de vos affaires; démêlez votre fusée com̃e vous...
4704To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 17 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
When I did myself the honor to suggest for your consideration, the employment of the Frigate United States, to carry the Ministers to France, it was under an Idea, that the Vessel would just land the ministers & return; at least that she would not be detained more than a fortnight or three Weeks, to bring back an account of their reception at Paris, & any communications they might be able to...
4705To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 26 November 1819 (Adams Papers)
The day before yesterday our City was enlivened suddenly by the report of the ratification of the Spanish Treaty and every thing looked gay excepting my husband who gave no credit to the news when yesterday morning a cloud in the form of Capt Reid of the Hornet dispersed our sunshine and confirmed Mr. As doubts and destroying all the fond hopes of the too credulous citizens—Congress will of...
4706C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 25 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
In a letter of this same day, which I have already mailed, I forgot to include some essential news. President van den Santheuvel’s report made to the high mightinesses of your last requisition, was taken ad referendum on the last day of the Dutch assembly, by all cities of this province. We will see what will come of it. The states will reconvene a week from tomorrow. RC ( Adams Papers ). This...
4707To John Adams from Eliphalet Pearson, 15 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
President Willard having resigned the office of corresponding secretary to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, your goodness will pardon his successor, in diverting your attention, for a moment, from more important objects, while I request a favor, with which the honor of the society may be connected. At our last meeting, & upon the recommendation of M r. Gardoqui, through General Knox,...
4708To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 14 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your favour of October 23 and it is by several weeks the latest Letter that I have from America.—It tells me that the Elections were going on with as little bitterness as could be expected, and this in the present circumstances is grateful intelligence. But all my American correspondents public and private as they appear to care nothing about the affairs of Europe, seem...
4709To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 30 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
By yesterday morning’s mail I received two letters, superscribed by you, one addressed to the Revd. Stephen Peabody, at Atkinson, N. Hampshire, which is inclosed; the other to your son Charles, which I now send to him. According to your directions, I am preparing the papers and business which I imagine you may think proper to lay before Congress. I have the honor to be / with great respect, /...
4710To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 29 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
By the last post I received a letter from Joseph Allen Esquire by which I am informed that he declines the appointment of Commissioner for the seventh division of Massachusetts. To prevent delay, I shall write by this mail to Dwight Foster Esquire of Brookfield requesting him to recommend to the President some able, and fit character, who will accept the Office. I enclose a blank Commission to...
4711To John Adams from John Sinclair, 15 June 1793 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure of sending you by Dr Adair, (whom I beg to recommend to your attention & civilities) the printed plan of the Board of Agriculture about to be established here.—I shall have the honour of sending you the regulations we adopt, as soon as they are drawn up, & we shall have much pleasure in corresponding with all similar institutions in America.—I shall write more fully in...
4712To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 9 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
As you have had the history of the late action from the General, I shall not trouble you with many particulars which happened on that memorable day. The attack was formed with the true spirit of enterprize, and executed, by the Troops that were principally engaged, with heroic valour. With victory in their hands and laurels on their brows (hear me patiently, for I am determined to give Merit...
4713To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 10 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed Letter to the Honble: Mr. Brown a Senator from Kentucky, I would ask the favr. of you to deliver to him: It is about the late Mr. Thos. Perkins’s affairs, who died at Kentucky. I have desired Mr Brown to inform me (when he has Leisure for it) what is become of the Lands that were located to Mr Perkins, and whether or not there is any Estate of his remaining for his Heirs. I am in...
4714To John Adams from Winthrop Sargent, 8 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
At the special Desire of the Inhabitants of this Territory I have the honour to transmit unto you their enclosed Address. Though deprecating, with them, in great measure a war for the United States I feel nevertheless all the Impatience of a Soldier at public Wrongs—and so far as I may confide in my Zeal, Attachment and Intentions for the honour and Independence of our Country. I take Leave to...
4715To John Adams from George G. Barrell, 16 September 1818 (Adams Papers)
The liberty I now possess of addressing you, without going thro’ the medium of a second person, originates in a great degree from the noble, bold and enlightened stand you took in the defence of our common country forty three years since; and if, in offering to one of the most exalted characters mine or any other country has ever produced, the tribute of my respect in soliciting your...
4716To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 23 June 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter dated May 15th. 1816 which I was very much interested with, and pleased me very much. As to your question of what country man I am, I think you ought to know that I never would desert my own country not for any thing Where I was born I do not remember nor I think never knew till you told me, that was in your last letter and so I take the liberty to fill my letter up...
4717To John Adams from Samuel Phillips, 7 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Legislature of Massachusetts, ever anxious, and long habituated, to take an early and decided part, in whatever relates to the safety and welfare of their country, beg leave to join the united voice of your fellow citizens, in offering you a testimony of their respect & confidence. As a native citizen of this Commonwealth, and as the supreme Executive of the government of our deliberate...
4718To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 17 July 1780 (Adams Papers)
Since my letter of the 12th. We have no arrivals from Ama., or any thing new but what will be mentiond below. I am anxious to know if my letter to you of the 8th or 7th of last month got to your hands. The Behaviour of the Bearer of it to Ostend, who has been some days idling about London gives me strong suspicion that He did not do with the letter what He promisd me. I am uneasy about Him...
4719To John Adams from James McHenry, 17 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit you herewith, a list of Invalid Pension-Applicants, who have been re-examined by Physicians, agreably to a Resolve of Congress of the 18th day of April 1796. I am with great respect / Sir / your obedient servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
4720To John Adams from Benjamin Hichborn, 20 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have felt a degree of Criminality in my long Silence, which has given me many uneasy Reflections; and yet I should have suffered more from writing. I don’t know whether my Conduct will admit of an apology; and if it should not, I should even in that Case be less unhappy than I must have been if had given no occasion to make one. Believe me Sir, it is not from a want of Friendship, affection...
4721To John Adams from Ebenezer Clough, 30 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
It would give the Committee of Arrangement for the Approaching National Anniversary Unspeakable pleasure if your health will admite you to honour them with your presence at Faneuil Hall, the Hall of Liberty on Monday next, and join in the Celebration of the day. From Sir yours very Respectfully. MHi : Adams Papers.
4722From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 25 April 1822 (Adams Papers)
I will not apologize for not writing as I hate excuses none especially when they are bad or indifferent I hope your character is not changed for the worse and that whatever change may have taken place in you that your principles are still sound and fixed not withstanding I am aware that the theological controversies that are so fashionable in your part of the world are more calculated to...
4723To John Adams from John Steele, 16 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to the directions of the President of Saturday last, I abstracted from the lists of recommendations, and have the honor herewith to transmit the names of such persons as appear upon the information possessed at the Treasury to be best qualified to perform the duties of Commissioners under an Act of Congress passed in the present session to provide for the valuation of lands and...
4724To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 25 November 1791 (Adams Papers)
In further obedience to the order of the Senate, I have the honor to transmit a return of the Tonnage of all the vessels employed in the import, coasting, and fishing trades of the United States, for one year, ending on the 30th September, 1790. This document will be found to exhibit the degree in which American and foreign vessels participate in every branch of the commerce of the United...
4725Abigail Smith to John Adams, 4 October 1764 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the care you have taken about help. I am very willing to submit to some inconveniences in order to lessen your expences, which I am sensible have run very high for these 12 months past and tho you know I have no particuliar fancy for Judah yet considering all things, and that your Mamma and you seem to think it would be best to take her, I shall not at present look...
4726To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 November 1802 to 28 November 1802 (Adams Papers)
Mÿ occupations in gathering seeds—and preparing my fields and garden for ensuing spring have thus far prevented my answering the favour, with which I was honored bÿ you last month—Tho’ mÿ hope of receiving, before this time, a decision about the Achaic Republick, had influenced this delaÿ. I sent it to Philadelphia, where my correspondent J. Mifflin will charge himself with super intending the...
4727To John Adams from James McHenry, 26 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Since my last on the subject of the appointment of Lt. Col. Smith to the command of the 2nd. Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, I have had the honour to receive a communication from you authorizing me to send a Commission for your signature, if I approve, of the measure, to promote Major Tousard to be a Lieutenant Colonel, and another to appoint him Inspector. I have respectfully to...
4728To John Adams from Henry Knox, 3 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time since I have had the pleasure of a Line from you. I was in hopes to have seen you when I went to Boston but you had previously set out for Congress and I miss’d you on the road. Since my return from thence the duties of my department have taken up the whole of my time, which together with the fear of trespassing on your more important engagements has prevented my writing to...
4729To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 14 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
& Miss Mason Capt & Mrs. Crane Mr. Kerby with several others Members of Congress—Mr. Petry came in the Eveng. and talked freely of the Bonaparté family He told me that while he was in Poland Napoleon was very much attached to a beautiful Polish Lady and that he (N.) rode fifteen miles every night during a fortnight at the risk of his life through the enemies Country to visit her—He likewise...
4730To John Adams from John Davis, 20 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of yesterday, with the papers referred to therein. I shall without delay make the enquiry, which you direct, and make report to you of the facts, that may be ascertained, pursuant to your instructions. I have the honor / to be with great respect / Sir / Your obedt Servt MHi : Adams Papers.
4731To John Adams from the Baron von Thulemeier, 11 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
Le Roi m’ayant fait adresser la Ratification du Traité de Commerce & d’Amitié que j’ai eu l’avantage de négocier avec Vous, Monsieur, & Messieurs Vos Collégues, je m’empresse à Vous en donner connoissance. Dès que celle des Etats-Unis d’Amérique Vous sera parvenue, j’adopterai les mesures que Vous jugerez les plus convenables pour procéder à l’échange usité dans les affaires de ce genre....
4732Abigail Adams to John Adams, 27 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
Tis a fortnight to Night since I wrote you a line during which, I have been confined with the Jaundice, Rhumatism and a most voilent cold; I yesterday took a puke which has releived me, and I feel much better to day. Many, very many people who have had the dysentery, are now afflicted both with the Jaundice and Rhumatisim, some it has left in Hecticks, some in dropsies. The great and incessant...
4733To John Adams from Joseph Bradley Varnum, 7 January 1809 (Adams Papers)
Your Excellent Communication of the 26th. Ult. is highly appreciated among our friend here; and I do think, it would Expand it’s beneficial Effects, on the Affairs of our Nation if it’s contents could be published. But as I have no leave from you to do it, I shall feel my self bound not to do it.—Please Sir, to Accept my most cordial thanks for your goodness in making the Communication. I am...
4734To John Adams from the Board of Treasury, 7 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
We do ourselves the Honor of transmitting to you the Resolves of Congress of the 15 th. day of February last from which you will observe the Embarrassments under which the United States labor to Comply with their Foreign Engagements through the want of Exertions in the several States to pay in their Quotas of the Annual Requisitions.— The present State of the Treasury is in Consequence so...
4735To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 30 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a letter dated June 5th. recd. this day from Mr. King, respecting the proposed negociations with the Porte and the Emperor of Russia; and to be / with perfect respect / sir your most obt. servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
4736To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 17 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
Since my arrival here, I have not had the honor to address you: the want of health part of the time, the particular details of our official letters, the uncertainty of our residence for a week & sometimes for a day, & the painful situation in which I have been, have combined to produce a suspension of my correspondence untill I could communicate to you something agreable, but that period I am...
4737Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 14 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
The letter from Gen l: Pinckney to Gen l: Marshall apprising him of the probable result of the South Carolina election, seems to be considered here as deciding the great political contest, which has excited so much interest, throughout the Continent, for some months past. The issue is like to be different from that which the federalists have, of late allowed themselves to anticipate, and their...
4738To John Adams from Hendrick W. Gordon, 19 November 1813 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, having given me the Office of Collector of Direct Taxes & Internal Duties for the County of Middlesex in this Commonwealth, and as you were so obligeing as to honor my letters of recommendation with your name, to which I attribute in a great measure the success of my application, I should do injustice to my feelings, were I to omit to thank you for this...
4739To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 19 September 1818 (Adams Papers)
My time has latterly been so severely occupied that I fear I have been remiss in sending to you the different numbers of the Register enriched by your communications. But the 13th vol. was duly sent to Mr. Ballard, & the 14th, only completed on the 1st inst—after which the index for it was to be done, is now on its way to you by water—together with a Copy of the General Index for the first...
4740Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 9 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I am in debt to you for your letters of May 21. 27. & June 22. the first delivered me by mr Greenwood gave me the gratification of his acquaintance; and a gratification it always is to be made acquainted with gentlemen of candor, worth and information, as I found mr Greenwood to be. that on the subject of mr Samuel Adams Wells shall not be forgotten in time and place, when it can be used to...
4741To John Adams from Nathanael Greene, 26 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
The peculiar situation of American affairs renders it necessary to adopt every measure that will engage people in the service. The danger and hardships that those are subject to who engage in the service, more than those who do not, is obvious to every body which has the least Acquaintance with service, tis that which makes it so difficult to recruit. The large force that is coming against...
4742To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
I Shall now make an experiment, if I can dispell a malignant Spirit of gloom, which hovers about me, without any other incantation besides acknowledging your both Favours of the 4th and the 9th of april with which I was So kindly honoured by you. Indeed—Sir! this intercourse is nearly the only pastime left me in my deep retreat and then mÿ Situation imperiously often forbids me to indulge...
4743To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he has this day approved and signed several acts which originated in that House. I am directed to acquaint the Senate that the House of Representatives, having completed the business before them, intend shortly to adjourn without day. Printed Source--Senate Journal.
4744To John Adams from Joseph Willard, 13 June 1801 (Adams Papers)
It is the unanimous request of the Corporation of Harvard college, that you would honor the College with your company on the next Commencement day. I hope, Sir, that you will accept the invitation. Your presence will give great pleasure to all, and to none more than to him who begs leave to subscribe, / with Sentiments of the highest respect, / Sir, / your most humble, / and most obedient...
4745From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 6 May 1822 (Adams Papers)
I am so concerned about Charles that I once more write to you on the subject and beg of you to let me know how he gets on and if you think there is any prospect of his being dismissed from College. His spirits appear to be so bad that I hope his fears are greater than there will be occasion for. But your utter silence concerning your brother is so extraordinary and when you consider his age so...
4746To John Adams from Robert J. Evans, 1 January 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the liberty of forwarding to you the first number of a periodical work entitled the “Rural Magazine” which is published this day. The Editors are sons of Mr. Benjamin Johnson one of the oldest and most respectable booksellers of this city under whose immediate superintendance it will be conducted. As Agriculture is one of the first of acts both in order of time and in importance,...
4747To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 7 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
Je me vois honoré des vôtres du 11, 18 & 29 May; Je sens l’incongruité qu’il y auroit à venir prendre congé sans Lettres de rappel, & j’ai soin de la faire sentir aussi à tous ceux qui m’en parlent. J’espere que Mr. Franklin conservera autant de vigueur de corps, qu’il en montre d’esprit en s’embarquant à 80 ans. Je serois bien aise que vous eussiez la bonté de me marquer la conduite que vous...
4748To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 2 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
The preceeding is copy of my last, of the 26th. May, being without any of your favors, which I promised my self the happiness of receiving before this date, and of the pleasure of hearing that my Son, was Placed with some Gentleman of business, where he might acquire a competent knowledge of business and such other accomplishments, as wou’d make him a useful member of society. I shall not take...
4749To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 21 December 1815 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 28th. is before me, My son, & his parents feel much obliged to You for your polite & kind invitation to him, to visit you at your house for the purpose of taking your Portrait. He will deem it an honor & a privilege to enjoy the Society of Mrs Adams & yourself for a few days. He, therefore, authorises me to say to you, sir, that should it not be convenient to you to visit him...
4750To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 7 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here on Sunday evening, to which place the Treasury offices had been removed. The state of the City is much more unpleasant than I expected to find it; business is nearly suspended; about fifteen hundred houses are entirely deserted, and more than half of the people have left the City—The mortality has not & I believe will not be great, as the danger of contagion will be generally...