5371To John Adams from John Jeffries, 7 January 1790 (Adams Papers)
I lately received a pacquet from D r Bancroft, containing the inclosed for you.— By the date &c of the Doctor’s to me, it appears, that it was designed for me at Rathbone place, London; but not being seasonably to meet me there, has been forwarded by a friend, the latter end of October last.— The Doctor likewise mentions two Volumes said to accompany it;— but these, the friend who forwarded...
5372To John Adams from Hendrick W. Gordon, 12 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the pleasure to enclose for your perusal, a letter which I recd from the Hon Mr Calhoun, a member of Congress from So. Carolina. I have had the honor of holding a correspondence with this Gentleman for some time, and from what I can learn, he stands high in the estimation of both parties, as it respects his talents & integrity. Captain Story I find will not be able to get away...
5373To John Adams from Joshua Johnson, 9 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
My last was on the 30th. October; Two Days ago I received by the hands of Mr. George Harrison your introductory Letter, to which every respect shall be paid, and attention shewn this Young Gent. that is in my power. I am glad to hear from you as well as others that the Dutch are at length takeing steps to acknowledge the Independancy of America, it would be well that they were more active...
5374To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honour to lay before you, several letters received by yesterdays mails vz. two of the 3d & 23rd. of March, and one of the 10th. of April. ulto. from Brigadier General Wilkinson; and one of the 9th of May inst. from Major General Pinckney. The sketches of the coast and Country, and report on the death of Capn. Demlar, alluded to in General Wilkinsons letter, has not been...
5375To John Adams from Richard O’Bryen, Isaac Stephens, and Zaccheus Coffin, 27 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
We The Subjects of the United States having the misfortune of Being taken by the Cruisers of Algires and has Been made Slaves of take the Liberty of Informing you of oure present Situation the Severities of which is Beyond youre Immaginition— The Honourble Charles Logie Esq r. British Couns l. Has taken three masters of Vessells of us Out & c. keep us at his house paying to The King of This...
5376To John Adams from Caesar Augustus Rodney, 7 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your much esteemed favor of the 26th. ulto. was received, a few days since, when I was occupied at court. My stock of letters & papers, left me, by my father & c uncle, is very large; and it constitutes my principal inheritance, which I prize, beyond any estate, preserved from the wreck of the revolution. The patriotism of that period was without alloy. The perusal of the productions of those...
5377To John Adams from J. D. Schweighauser, 2 April 1779 (Adams Papers)
I am favoured with your kind Letter of the 26 Instant and return you my sincere thanks for the good Councils and assistance you have given Cap Landais persuaded how conducive this will be to forward his departure. I send an Express to inform that the Milford the british Ship proposed for the Exchange of Prisoners is just arrived in our River with ninety Seven Americans and to direct if you...
5378Belinda Smith Clarkson to John Adams, 8 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I hope you will not deem it intrusion to address you upon a subject which is of great consequence to me, and must interest your feelings on the principles of Commiseration and Benevolence: a subject which necessity impells me to expatiate upon—and maternal affection dictates. It is Sir, to solicit, (earnestly) an office for M r: Clarkson to enable him to support a Family of young Chilldren—...
5379To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 5 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
There is a difficulty that persons labour under against whom malice or intrigue has been privately at work which I feel at this moment; for the justification may be attempted where the accusation has not been made; and whenever a Man endeavours to exculpate himself before he is accused a presumption immediatly arises that he has a consciousness of having merited the reproach or the censure he...
5380To John Adams from James Lovell, 21 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
That you may excuse my vile manner of doing business, know that I am freezing in my little room this morning so that I can scarcely hold my pen, but, I am, here, in quiet. The sealed packet sent before contained Triplicates of Octr. 31st Novr. 1 and 8 which last were only an Introduction of the Bearer Col: Ewen, and an Annunciation of Mr. Laurens’s Election as President so that his Draughts...
5381To John Adams from Antoine Marie Cerisier, 27 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
Peut-être aurai-je l’honneur de répondre demain à l’invitation que vous m’avez faite avec tant d’affabilité, d’aller vous vois à la Haye. Je Sens que j’ai besoin d’aller puiser dans votre conversation; c’est dans cette source féconde que j’irai chercher à réparer la sécheresse de mes faibles lumieres. Si je n’arrivai pas demain a la Haye, ce serait certainement samedi de la semaine prochaine....
5382To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 12 June 1812 (Adams Papers)
Within a few days I have received your kind favours of 19. Feby: and 10. Decr: last; the first of which was forwarded to me by Mr Hall, from Gothenburg, and the last by Mr Russell from London—Mr Hall came from Boston to Gothenburg, and has since arrived here in the Minerva, a vessel belonging to Mr W. R. Gray—he brought your letter of 19 Feby. and although from thence he transmitted it by the...
5383To John Adams from Thomas Chittenden, 9 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit to Congress a Copy of a Resolution of the Legislature of this State approving of and ratifying the Articles proposed by Congress as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States. I am with sentiments of perfect esteem, Your Honour’s / most obedient and / very humble Servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
5384To John Adams from Nicholas Rousselet, 30 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honour, to forward to the Secretary of State, at the Federal City in America, a Copy of my Memorial to his Excellency Gouvernor A. Beauson; also that Gentleman Answer, Respecting my Application, to be Admitted here, as Consul from the United States of America, for the Colonies of Essequibo & Demerary;—to which Papers I have the Honor to Refer;— As I Consider the Governors Answer, to...
5385To John Adams from Thomas Sprigg, 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
A number of respectable citizens of Washington County in the State of Maryland having convened in consequence of public notice, at the Court house in Hagers Town on Monday the twenty first day of May 1798. after appointing General Thomas Sprigg Chairman, resolved as follows, Vizt. Wishing to cultivate peace and harmony with all nations, we feel great regret at the delay in the reception of our...
5386To John Adams from William Smith, 2 May 1796 (Adams Papers)
W Smith of N.H returns the enclosed letters with his respectful Compliments to the Vice-President—Mr Ames & M S have derived pleasure & improvement from the perusal They conceive that if the contents were generally known they would produce favorable impression in the public sentiments.— MHi : Adams Papers.
5387To John Adams from John Langdon, 6 December 1810 (Adams Papers)
I have been much pleased and gratified with the publication of your correspondence while in Europe. I assure you Sr. nothing could give greater satisfaction to your old revolutionary friends then to see one of the pillars of our Nation magnanimously steping forth at this all important moment in support of our happy Country. I regret that it is not in my power to express fully my sentiments, in...
5388From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 20 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress Understanding that in Case of Mr. Laurens’s Absence, you are charged with the Affair of procuring a Loan in Holland, I think it Right to acquaint you, that by a Letter from Mr Jay of the 12th Inst, from Madrid, we are informed that the King of Spain has been so good as to offer his Guarrantee for the Payment of the Interest and...
5389To John Adams from James Greenleaf, 19 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
It was intimated to me the last evening that You had expressed an intention of making a change in the present imperfect system of administration in regard to the federal City—if such is your intention, & you have no one in view whom you may deem more capable than myself, I would with pleasure undertake the guidance of that difficult & important trust; and hope I may not incur the charge of...
5390Hendrik Calkoen to John Adams: A Translation, 31 August 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am Sorry that the time does not permit my reflecting any longer, upon the Subject in question, you will therefore be so kind as to content your self with those few remarks, so as they may arise in my thoughts, which will perhaps cause the one or other recollection to appear, that ought to have been placed something Sooner. To encourage and Establish as much as possible the general credit of...
5391To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 17 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
I began a long & confidential letter to you two weeks ago upon the Subject of one of your late letters, but an unusual pressure of business has prevented my finishing it. Judge of my the nature & extent of my engagements, when I add, that after lecturing twice, and visiting my normal number of patients this day, and entertaining some of my pupils at tea, I have since written six Answers to...
5392Amended Credentials of the Massachusetts Delegates, 4 February 1777 (Adams Papers)
Whereas the Commission given the Delegates in Congress Representing this State, by a Resolve of the Tenth of December last, Confines the exercise of their Representation and Powers to any three or more of them from which many Inconveniences may arise, and their Vote in Congress may be lost, on any Question when only two are present, one may Controul two when three are present and the same...
5393To John Adams from Increase Sumner, 18 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have just recd. the inclosed papers from Mr Justice Hill a respectable Magistrate in the County of Lincoln, & I do myself the honor to transmit them to Your Excellency, by Capt. Roger, the Bearer, that you might be able to make further inquiry into the business, if it should be thought necessary. The infernal plot mentioned in the papers appeared to me, at first, so impracticable and absurd...
5394Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
My Father has been more affected with the distruction of Charlstown, than with any thing which has heretofore taken place. Why should not his countanance be sad when the city, the place of his Fathers Sepulchers lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire, scarcly one stone remaineth upon an other. But in the midst of sorrow we have abundant cause of thankfulness that so few of...
5395To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 29 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
While our sympathy is excited by the recent sufferings of the citizens of Philadelphia, we participate in the satisfaction which you are pleased to express, that the duration of the late calamity was so limited as to render unnecessary the expense and inconvenience that would have been incident to the convention of Congress in another place; and we shall readily attend to every useful...
5396To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 8 April 1779 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the honor of writing to you a few Days since. Last Night I received yours of the 31st past. I am glad to hear the Ship is so far in order. As to the Discontents you find among the Officers and People, it is impossible for me at this Distance to judge of them, or of the means of removing them: I must therefore, as in my last, refer to your Judgment whatever you may think for the...
5397Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
Dr Tufts has been consulted by me respecting the leaseing our places, and we have come to an agreement with the Tennants, who in proportion to the rise of Labour & produce, Annually expect more & more indulgences. a Farmer cannot be content with the profits he once made. he will tell you, the Day Labourer fares better, which is true. I meet with so many difficulties, that I wish Sometimes that...
5398To John Adams from Timothy Dwight, 24 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
I have been some time employed in writing a poem, entitled Greenfield Hill ; of a rural character; in a degree descriptive; but principally didactic. In it, beside several other subjects, are treated the subjects of slavery, war, the state of society public & private, in New England, the education of children, religion, œconomy of private life, & the policy of this country. It is written, in...
5399To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 6 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
La même personne qui m’avoit donné l’avis, que vous m’aviez en partant laissé le maître de suivre, me dit hier matin qu’après y avoir bien pensé, il y trouvoit un si grand inconvenient qu’il me le déconseilloit très-sérieusement, comme une démarche incompatible avec le Caractere que vous venez de déployer; en un mot qu’il ne convient pas que vous vous abaissiez à faire parvenir ainsi...
5400To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 13 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
Since closing my other letter of this date, I have received a packet from Mr. Pitcairn, with the inclosed note and pamphlet (Le Spectateur du Nord) for you. In his letter to me, he says he sends 1. one large letter for the President & do. for you; both from Mr. Adams. There was none for you, except the pamphlet & P’s note. Mr. Adams was near concluding a commercial treaty with Prussia: I will...
5401John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 19 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
Your letter by M r: Paleske of 28 Feb y: though short gave me great pleasure as it was so long since I had enjoyed that of seeing your hand-writing— I have indeed no right to expect that you should have leisure to write me at large upon any subject, and know that a free communication of your sentiments cannot be indulged, upon public topics.— With regard to private concerns it more properly...
5402John Boylston to John Adams, 31 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
You may possibly wonder at my Silence in not writing you during so long a period and which might yet have continu’d from the danger which attends it did not the cruelty and injustice of this Govt. impel me to sollicit you and Doctor F ran k li n to use your utmost interest with the Court of V e rs ail les to take the American Prisoners under its immediate Protection by insisting on a Cartel...
5403To John Adams from Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de, marquis de Tilly Grasse, 22 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
When I arrived here to Look for a Shelter against the dreadful Evils which threatened us in the most unfortunate Colony of St. Domingo, I Sollicited from President Washington a friend to my father the means of Subsisting of which an atrocious revolution had deprived me. Warmly Suported by General Knox, I was happy enough as to obtain to be employed as a Sub-Engineer under Mr. Serrant in the...
5404To John Adams from Lloyd Beall, 21 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a numerous and respectable meeting of the citizens of George Town, held this twenty first day of April, one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight, agreeably to a previous notice—Colonel Lloyd Beall, Mayor, was appointed chairman—When the following resolutions were unanimously agreed to. Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the Executive of the United States, in their instructions...
5405To John Adams from Richard O’Bryen, 25 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
your letter by M r. Lamb I received and wrote you shortly Afterwards Informing you of the Unfortunate event of M r. Lambs Voyage to Algiers. the particulars long Ere to this you have known. M r. Lamb Signified to the Dey that he would try & Get the Money for our Redemption in four Months. but three is past and we have heared nothing particular Since But hopes that our Country will Shortly...
5406To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 1 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I heartily congratulate you on your safe Return to Europe and thank you for your obliging Care of my Letters from my Friends, which I received last Post from Bilboa. I shall be greatly obliged to you if you will employ a leisure half Hour in giving me a little Sketch of our public Affairs in America, so far only as is prudent for you to communicate, and proper for me to know. Please to let me...
5407To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 5 November 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Celebration of the Birth Day of 30 Oct. was more generally & cheerfully enjoyed & rejoiced in than I ever remember. The Company at Concert Hall was more numerous & respectable than I ever before noticed there. Although there was not any of the Faction there. The best Volunteer Toast was “May every Friend Enemy of the President write a Pamphlet.” That Book has done much Good. It has...
5408To John Adams from Alexander James Dallas, 30 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to request, that you will honor a set of my Reports with a place in your Library. If your political cares have not extinguished the professional ardor, which you displayed in the early period of your life, the volumes will afford you some amusement. But I particularly beg you to accept them as a mark of the sincere respect, with which I am, / sir, / Your most obedt. & most Hble Servt...
5409To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 2 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
The ship Chesapeak, building at Balto. by the Citizens, is yet unprovided with a Commander. The Citizens will not recommend a Captain; but I have understood that Capt. Henry Geddes, who has long been an Applicant for a command in the Navy, and recommended by Doctor Latimer, his brother in law, Mr Bayard & others, would be agreable to them. He appears to be a man of understanding: and has been...
5410To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 30 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
“The Massachusetts election appears to agitate the Americans in Europe almost exclusively; of all the other Elections going on at the same time in many parts of the Union. I see paragraphs in the Newspapers, but hear not a syllable from any other Quarter—But American Federalists in this City have received letters from their friends in London, and in Gottenburg in high exaltation, announcing...
5411To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 6 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have this day transmitted to the Secretary of State, to be laid before you, a Certificate of the nomination of ten persons whom they have nominated for the legislative Council, conformably to the Ordinance of Congress for the Government of the this Territory, five of whom are to receive your Commission. It does not appear by what rule they have been inserted in the certificate, that is,...
5412From James Madison to John Adams, 3 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 21st. Ulto. inclosing one to yourself from Mr. Malcom. I return the latter as desired. Mr. Malcom was not in time to be taken into consideration along with others having the same object with him. I need not say that if it had been otherwise, and his comparative qualifications had entitled him to the appointment, I should have felt a pleasure in knowing that...
5413To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 25 December 1810 (Adams Papers)
I am honord with your 2d. letter of the 15th. instt. covering a letter from Messr. Wilson Marsh & Son in Answer to my Letter Addressed to their factory—for which Sir Please to accept my thanks—While I feel diffident on this Subject; the riseing State of this City, and the increased and increasing business done here I flatter Myself by taking this early advantage of introducing the Articles of...
5414To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 21 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
To remind our friends of their Inattention and Neglect must give Pain. I am almost angry with You. If You are inclined to oblige or please Me write constantly. I found my Lady very ill, but have the pleasure to say she is better, tho’ still very low and weak. An Express from Canada and not one Line to acquaint Me of the Contents. General Sullivan writes Me, that he has the most pleasing...
5415To John Adams from William Dabney, 15 January 1825 (Adams Papers)
My respect for you, (altho’ personally unknown) induces me to offer you herein enclosed, and to ask your acceptance of, one right to use for yourself & heirs a right for my Patent Pump for raising water by gravity or Weight, a Patent for which, I have obtained from the United States in November last. This Machine is of cast & wrought iron, and not bulky—is simple in its construction and...
5416To John Adams from William Gray, 22 July 1815 (Adams Papers)
My Son Major Samuel Swett, who has served in the American Army attached to Gen. Izards Staff as a Topographical Engineer, wishing to Visit France to compleat his Education in the Study of Military Tactics. May I presume to ask the favor of you, Sir, to furnish him a letter of introduction to the Marqui s de Lefaete, or any other distinguished Characte r? I have the honor / to be with great /...
5417To John Adams from David Ogden, 26 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
Impressed with a high sense of the important services you have rendered your country in the various stations you have so honorably filled since the commencement of our glorious revolution, untill the present day, we take the liberty to congratulate you on your arrival and transient stay, in our village, and to express our sincere wishes for your welfare and happiness, and likewise at a time...
5418To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson with a Draft Anglo-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce, 8 … (Adams Papers)
We duly received your letter of the 20 th of June, and now in consequence thereof send you a draught of a treaty which we should be willing to have proposed to the court of London. We have taken for our groundwork the original draught proposed to Denmark, making such alterations & additions only as had occurred in the course of our negociations with Prussia & Tûscany and which we thought were...
5419To John Adams from Abijah Hammond, 30 March 1792 (Adams Papers)
At the moment when Colo. Smith was leaving this Place Yesterday for England, the enclosed letter was delivered to him by the Unfortunate Man who is the Subject of it—Not having time to Write to You himself he has Requested me to do it; and it being the cause of Justice and Humanity I comply with Pleasure, heightened by the hope that through Your Patronage he will Receive from Congress that aid...
5420To John Adams from John Marshall, 24 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
I receivd to day your letter of the 20th inst & immediately transmitted to the secretary of the treasury a commission for Mr. Smith. After considering Mr. Kings letter of the 7th. of April it appears to me most adviseable still to press an amicable explanation of the 6th. article of our treaty with Britain. Whatever the present temper of the cabinet may be a moment may present itself in the...