5371Abigail Adams to John Adams, 1 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
I had scarcly closed my packet to you when I received your Letters dated Ferrol and Corunna. I am happy indeed in your safe arrival and escape from the danger which threatned you. I feel glad that you have determined to proceed by land tho so tedious and expensive a journey. I grow more and more apprehensive of the dangers of the sea, tho I have really no Right to Quarrel with old Neptune,...
5372To John Adams from Thomas Mussey, 9 June 1821 (Adams Papers)
Through the politeness of your Nephew Mr Shaw, I have the pleasure to present you with an implement in domestic economy, which perhaps in some of its parts parts may be considered novel, especially in the case with which it is separated, and consequently kept clean; a circumstance not common to those which I have heretofore seen; although, professedly designed to effect the same purposes. As...
5373To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 15 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you a letter on the 27th of May, which probably would reach you about the 3d inst. and on the 9th I received yours of the 29th 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 anything to do with his life. the name of his editor was new to me, & certainly presents itself,...
5374To John Adams from Thomas Barclay, 24 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you Yesterday advising My Bill on you to M Grand N o. 6 for Two Hundred pounds Sterling— I shou’d have been before this time on the road to Madrid, but M r. De Beaumarchais having had his Accounts returned from America with a Reference to me, M. Jefferson thought I ought to give them an Examination so that No reflections hereafter shou’d lye on one of the Servants of the Public, for...
5375To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 April 1809 (Adams Papers)
A continued headache has compelled me, to delaÿ an answer to your favour of the 16th of Febr. from daÿ to daÿ; tho I receive no higher gratifications than from these. It is indeed far beyond, what I could reasonably have flattered me with, that, in your far advanced age, you So often would have condescended, in taking notice of mÿ letters, and bestowing So manÿ marked proofs of your...
5376To John Adams from Jean de Neufville, 7 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
We are honored by your Excelly. Letter of yesterday with the letters we wanted inclosed, the reason we have mentioned in our last our accounts to you, is—that the Honle. Thos. Barclay Esqr. has lately mentioned again, the reffering them to you and Dr. Franklin, or At least that he should write both your Excellys. on the subject, and it could not but appear more reasonable to us, that the...
5377To John Adams from William Tudor, 6 July 1775 (Adams Papers)
I received your very kind Letter last Evening and this Morning had the Honour of being introduc’d to Genl. Washington by Majr. Mifflin, and through Your Reccommendation was very genteely notic’d. I had an Invitation from the General to dine with him tomorrow, when I shall attempt making a proper Use of your Hints. I have been intirely idle ever since the Communication with the Town of Boston...
5378To John Adams from John Jay, 4 January 1791 (Adams Papers)
a weeks absence on a visit to my friends at Rye, from whence I returned last Evening, prevented my having ’till then, the Pleasure of recieving your very obliging Letter of the 20 Dec r. — For the Invitation with which you honor me, be pleased to accept my cordial acknowledgements— It is conveyed in Terms which enhance the compliment, & I accept it with that Satisfaction which Politeness...
5379To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 28 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Warren directed to you only one week since by Capt. Cazneau bound to Amsterdam, therefore has now left it to me to write one time asking your Care of the inclosed, to a Son for whose Welfare, a Heart so Replete as yours with all the parental affections will not wonder I am Exceedingly solicitous. We have not heard from him since He Embarked at N Foundland on Board the Vestal Frigate, in...
5380From José de Jáudenes y Nebot and José Ignacio de Viar y Mendiguren to John Adams, 27 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
His Catholic Majesty’s Commissioners request the favor of the Vice-President of the U. S. Company to Dine on Saturday the 5 th. Jany next at 4 o Clock The favor of an Answer is desired RC ( MQA ); docketed by JA : “Unfil’d papers”; notation by JA : “accepted / January th5.” Because AA was in Quincy and therefore unable to host levees, JA ’s social life grew quieter during the 2d Congress,...
5381James Warren to John Adams, 26 February 1784 (Adams Papers)
Since my last which went by M r Temple, I have had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 10 th. Sep r by M r. Thaxter. The Approbation of your Country is as Extensive as it ought to be. that is, it is Universal. but as there remains now no Expectation of your return here before another Election. I dare say we shall not be Embarrassed by the Modesty of our present first Magistrate. whatever...
5382Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol to John Adams: A Translation, 6 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
It has been some time since one of my closest relations wrote me to ask if one of his nephews could be enlisted in the American army. He served as captain for the republic but was obligated to sell his company because of overspending. Moreover, he is respectable and from a good family. At first I responded that I believed it was impossible, given the number of officers in the American army, in...
5383To John Adams from Alexander Hope, 7 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
That I dare presume to address You and at the same Time to acquaint You that I am a Native of the Province Newyork have for the last three Years sail’d amongst the West India Islands in the Capac ity as Master of a Vessel (for which I have sufficient Papers to produce) untill my Health was impair’d with the Fever was then advis’d by the Doctors to seek a Northern Climate and having an...
5384To John Adams from J. H. Tiffany, 14 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
The 2d. & 3d. Vols. of the “Defence” with the accompanying notes are duly recieved. Deeply Sensible to those considerations which accompany presents of such distinguished intrinsic worth, bestowed with so impressive manner, the acknowledgement of my gratitude & great respects seems but a poor and inadequate return. In truth, when I pre view thes e pages, & reflect upon the thoughts & deeds of...
5385From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 19 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you on the 11th. of Octob. by Mr. Preston and again on the 18th. of the same month by post. Since that yours of Sep. 25. by Mr. Boylston, Oct. 24. Nov. 1. and Nov. 4. have come safe to hand. I will take up their several subjects in order. Boylston’s object was first to dispose of a cargo of sperma ceti oyl which he brought to Havre. A secondary one was to obtain a contract for...
5386To John Adams from Ezra Stiles, 10 March–25 April 1787 (Adams Papers)
In my Answer to the Letter I had the honor of receive g from you last Fall by D r Wales, I expressed my Apprehension that the Abbe Mably and some other of our European Friends entertained too gloomy despairing & desconsolate Ideas and Fears, least our Amer̃ Republic should tumble to pieces and come to nothing. Even our worthy & ever to be venerated Friend D r Price has his Fears for us; and so...
5387To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 1 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
Some years ago, you may recollect, I informed you that I had engaged to complete Dr. Trumbull’s Hist. of the U. States, at his request, he feeling himself too far advanced in life to continue that work. I had made some preparations for that purpose, when, for a conscientious act, in opposing the election of Prof. Ware, as a violation of Mr Hollis’ Statutes, a scene of most violent persecution...
5388Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 27 September 1784 (Adams Papers)
We are favoured with your Excellency’s esteemed favour of the 16 th. Instant, Nothwithstanding four Vessells arrived from America last week, we remain Still without any writings of M r. Morris, We are of your opinion bussiness of greater Consequence is the Cause of his Silence, but it Should not be less agreable to have his approbation on our behaviour. Your directions about the lottery of...
5389Jacob Roorda to John Adams: A Translation, 8 June 1782 (Adams Papers)
I am very disappointed that we will not be able to have the honor of seeing you here with us, as stated in your very gracious letter of 16 May. And even though it stands to reason that your edifying presence will be required elsewhere, I would be remiss, however, if I did not fulfill my duty to tell you that the fireworks will take place on the 13th of the month, and at that same time, I will...
5390From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 1 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter my dear John was brought me just before dinner and I hasten to answer it more particularly that part of it in which you mention that Messrs. Calvert and Taylor intend leaving Cambridge a week sooner then than the commencement of the Vacation and I am authorized by your father to tell you to present his compliments to Dr. Kirkland and request he will permit you to leave Cambridge at...
5391To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 16 June 1826 (Adams Papers)
I am deeply sensible of all your kind feelings towards me, as express’d in your affectionate Letter of the 24th Ultimo. my wishes are in union with yours, that we were nearer each other, than we are, the sigh, is at present vain—I often contemplate a possiblity that if I sent my carriage & Thos. Alker a faithfull & well experienced driver, & you could feel strong enough to bear a ride of 10...
5392John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 15 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
I this day receiv’d your favour of the 11th. instant and expect to send the Books away, in the course of this week, if I receive no contrary orders from you I shall leave this place, to morrow se’en nig ht, and shall attend Parliament, and the courts of Justice, which are now sitting, as often as possible, in the mean time. Mr. Whitefoord, who has been extremely polite and kind to me,...
5393To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 15 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
We are all so very busy in Election bustles that hardly anything political is talked of. The Ministry seem to be going on swimingly in getting in Creatures of their own so that their majority in the next will be more decided than in the last Parliament. The Poll has ended for the City and the members are Hayley, Kirkman, Bull, and Newnham. The last tho a Torey beat Sawbridge by 79 Votes....
5394To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 31 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
The restrictive System is raised and The President this day recommended to The two Houses of Congress to raise the Embargo—The communication was refered to The Committee of foreign relations, who will report to-morrow—The Papers of tomorrow will fully inform you, and I will forward them by the post of the 2d. of april— To make comments to you must be Superfluous, I mark the aspect of the...
5395To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 January 1791 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose you a Postscript to the Report on Measures, Weights & coins now before your house. this has been rendered necessary by a small arithmetical error detected in the estimate of the cubic foot proposed in that report. the head of Superficial measures is also therein somewhat more developed. Nothing is known, since the last session of Congress of any further proceedings...
5396To John Adams from James Warren, 12 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
I want Extreamly to hear from you to know what situation you are in, and what is the true situation of our public affairs. It is Impossible to describe the Confused, Uncertain Accounts we have here of the military Operations to the southward. We are at A loss who possesses Philadelphia. We hear that Congress have left it, but we know not what place they have retired to, and Consequently I cant...
5397Charles Spener to John Adams, 28 February 1784 (Adams Papers)
May it please Your Excellence to give a kind reception to the historical Almanack for the Year 1784. which I, this Year for the first time published upon a plan intirely new, & of which I have the honour to present to Your Excellency the annexed copy. Being intended to point out & to set in their proper light the most remarkable incidents, who, in the space of every last year, have happened in...
5398From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 15 June 1823 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday brought me your Letter my Dear John and your father and myself were both pleased to see the account you give of our dear fathers health for whom we have been very anxious for some time—According to your account I am a little afraid you will get spoilt among so many belles who will so inflate your natural vanity that you will be likely to share the fate of Narcissus—Some of these...
5399Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
My Neighbour captain Beals went to Town yesterday and was so good as to bring up, and send me my Letters last Evening, whilst I was sitting mourning that I had no hope of getting them, as the travelling was very bad and the Day stormy. I find the Family an agreable acquisition. we live upon friendly & social terms. I agree with mr Izzard, that we are grown too old to live seperate, and I could...
5400Abigail Adams to John Adams, 28 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I could not have conceived that a Letter written upon merely political subjects could have communicated so much pleasure to my Bosom as yours of the 28th of December to the president, of Congress, has given to mine. This Letter was taken by the Enemy, carried into New York, and published by them, and republished by Edes. For what reason the Enemy published it I cannot tell, as it contains...
5401To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President of the United States the following Report. That it appears from a communication from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 14th instant, a Copy whereof is subjoined, to be expedient to increase the Salary of the Keeper of the Light House on Cape Cod, from one hundred & fifty to Two hundred Dollars per Annum, in...
5402Fleury to John Adams: A Translation, 26 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have been informed by public reports that the congress of the United States has appointed you to the Court of France. Allow me to enquire if you have met a Mr. de Fleury, who went to America with the Court’s approval, about eighteen months ago. Please do not fail to give a father and mother, who have this only child, as a consolation, any information you may have about him, if he had the...
5403To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 17 June 1786 (Adams Papers)
I received in due time, from the Count of Sarcefield, the letter you honored me with, dated 20. ult o. According to your obliging direction, I have perused Hutchinson’s compilation, which the Count had of you & has been so good as to lend me. I have likewise perused Douglass’s, which I have borrowed of M r. Jefferson. I cannot find in any one of them, that “les sauvages devoient être...
5404Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 22 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 25th Ulto. I received sometime since by my Schooner and have sent your B arre l flour—As likewise a packet of yours by a schooner a few days since. A schooner that came Out with mine charged by Our Commite of Warr (Arnold Master) is suppos’d to be taken. As to my Affairs att Baltemore they fell into the hands of those people not by choice and wish I had known sooner what sort of...
5405Richard Cranch to John Adams, 18 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
The Pamphlets herewith inclosed, I send you by favour of Mr. Benjamin Austin, Merchant (Brother to Mr. Jonathan Loring Austin) by whome I have wrote you more at large. He proposes to sail tomorrow for London with Capt. Love. I wrote you also by Cousin William Smith who sailed for London the 7th. Instant with Capt. Callahan. Last Wednesday I attended at the old Seat of the Muses, having not...
5406To John Adams from George Miller, 8 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
Our best wishes, and sincere desires is that you may be ever happy, & long to govern the united states, in peace; We sincerely wish no war, nor rupture to take place in this, our peacefull land, with any nation or power, whatever—Therefore, we have viewed with much satisfaction, the noble, wise & peacefull measures taken, for reconciling the unhappy differences now existing between the two...
5407To John Adams from Thomas Vinton, 5 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
Allthough I am Uncertain wheather you Retain The Youth that now Adresses You Yet I am Certain of Your Honours Being Aquaintd. with my parents Which Embouldens me to Take the liberty of laying My Distressd. Situation Before your Honour. Sir My Fathers name is Thoms. Vinton and lives in Brantree. So as it was my Misfortune to be Capturd Att Sea on the 10th Day of June last on Board the Esex...
5408To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 17 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
In a late dispatch in June to the secretary of state I mentioned Mr. Pichon late secretary to Genet and Fauchet last a secretary in the bureau of foreign affairs on the American side of the office at Paris & now French secretary of legation here.—I promised this gentlemen in the third interview about three weeks since (for I wished to make him talk freely knowing that his opinions have helped...
5409To John Adams from Anonymous, August 1798 (Adams Papers)
It will not be denied that permitting as we did by treaty, one of the belligerent powers to alter at pleasure the destination of our Vessels not loaded with contraband Articles, nor destined for ports either blockaded or besieged, was a departure from the duties that neutrality imposes. In like manner perhaps might be considered the loaning of money to either of the powers engaged in War....
5410To John Adams from George Spooner, 31 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I hope your Excellency will pardon the liberty I take to address you by letter, tho at the same time well knowing that I should do it through the hands of the Secretary of State, but my distance from his place of residence, Join’d with that of the many Misfortunes that I have sustaind for these some years past, puts it out of my power, nor will my present situation make it convenient for me to...
5411To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 20 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
I lately did myself the Honour of addressing You, relative to a certain Character—whose Conduct, since, I hope had justified my intruding upon your important Moments, on such an occasion. The large Majority in the House of Representatives for granting pecuniary Aid to this City, is pleasing to those particularly interested in it—It did me good to hear of any tolerable Union in that Body, on...
5412Abigail Adams to John Adams, 26 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
I this morning Received yours of March 7 favourd by Dr. Jackson. I rejoice to hear you are so comfortable. Col. Palmer informd me a Sunday that he is going to morrow as far as the Jersies being one of a Committe sent by our assembly to know of the General what proportion of Continental Troops will be allowed to this State; and does not know but he shall be obligd to proceed as far as...
5413To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Je me proposois d’avoir l’honneur de vous écrire demain. Mais S. E. M. l’Ambassadeur de France, m’ayant fait chercher dans ce moment, pour me dire de vous ecrire, que comme vous aviez demandé à Mr. De Berenger, Chargé des Affaires de France, les raisons pour lesquelles on souhaitoit votre présence et un entretien avec vous en France, il savoit ces raisons, et que si vous voulez vous donner la...
5414To John Adams from Hugh Hughes, 29 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have the Pleasure to acquaint you that our Citizens had a Meeting on Monday Evening last, when it was agreed, without a dissenting Voice, to instruct our Convention on that most important of all sublunary Affairs, in order that Application may be made to your Honble. House. What will our Traitors, with you, say to this virtuous Stand? One of them, I know, will endeavour to turn it to...
5415To John Adams from Christopher Gadsden, 24 June 1801 (Adams Papers)
Your highly esteemed Favour of the 16th Apl. made me happy to find my Letter of the 11th March was taken so kindly—This Moment hearing of the Departure of my Friend Mr. Wm. Crafts our late Navy Agent, I cou’d not any longer omit the Acknowledgmt. of yours, He is a Gentleman of Boston has resided here many years has a family & lately lost his Wife. He can let you know all about us here, as well...
5416To John Adams from John Lillie, 30 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
The trouble I have given you of interesting yourself in my behalf for the appointment I requested in the Army of the United States, fills a mind with gratitude, who was once a Soldier, and whose heart, I hope will ever be the seat of sensibility and consideration. I think the Secretary of War must be misinformed respecting the appointments of Officers in Massachusetts, and from my own...
5417To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 6 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
You have often complaind that taking care of the public Papers, and having the business of the Commission done in your rooms; was an unequal share of the public burthen apportiond to you. Whatever may be my sentiments on that point, yet to remove, as far as I can with propriety, all cause of discontent; I am willing to appropriate a room in my House for the meeting and deliberations of the...
5418To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 12 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
Having by a late arrival, from Aux Cayes received advice of the death of our Consul resident there, I have been requested by a number of respectable merchants to acquaint you of the Circumstance, as also of the Expediency in appointing a Successor; in the number of Characters they mention for this purpose, a Mr: George Sanderson native of Lancaster in the State of Pensylvania, but at present...
5419To John Adams from Donold McDonold [i.e. Joseph Ward], 9 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
I suppose you have heard we have not taken Brunswick. If any one says we have he belies us. We are however defending ourselves, first against hunger; secondly against thirst; (which often attacks us severely by reason of our heating our coppers, and hard swearing which dries the lungs excessively) thirdly against impertinent fellows who prye into our business, and ask saucy questions, such as,...
5420Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 10 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
Maj r. Penniman sometime since mention’d to me, that upon further Consideration, He would take £30. for his Salt Marsh & Island, that he had been offerd £27. and refused it. For the sake of Cash in hand I rather suppose He would take £27. If you are disposed to purchase it, you will be pleased to let me know, and the highest Sum you would give for it. We have had no heavy Storms since you left...