5551To John Adams from James Lovell, 21 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
After the Resolve for stopping Burgoyne had passed, some were of opinion that a State of Facts found by the Committee should have preceeded the reasoning. Perhaps you will judge that it is already too laboured a report. I inclose for your own use the State of Facts alluded to which did not enter into the business of Congress; but was only talked of. We have intelligence now that 2 Hoits...
5552To John Adams from James Warren, 11 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
We have this Moment an Account of the Evacuation of Ticonderoga in Consequence of A Council of General Officers who determined it to be Absolutely necessary to save the small Army there. This Intelligence is by A Letter from St. Clair to the president of the Convention at Vermont. This Letter was dated the 7th. He was then on his way to Bennigton, and he Intended to throw himself on the North...
5553Wilhem & Jan Willink to John Adams, 4 February 1784 (Adams Papers)
The Houses send to your Excellency the Sheme of the projected Loan, but in order to Leave you to Judge of it, that it agrees with one at 6 Per C: intrest, we need to hand your Excelly. the explication of it; but as it is a work of our invention, we find not proper to give the explication of it to our neighbours, and we pray there fore to keep it Secreted, the more as they comprehend it against...
5554To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have received this morning a letter from the Secretary of the Northwestern Territory, informing that the reports propagated in the news-papers of Indian depredations in the two western counties of the Territory & in Shelby county in Kentuckey, are utterly destitute of foundation. I inclose a letter which came to hand yesterday under a cover from a Christopher McPherson at Norfolk. A letter...
5555To John Adams from David Sewall, 8 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
By the desire of the Grand Jury for the district Court of Main at this Term, of whom Mark Langdon Hill Esqr. of Bath was Foreman, the inclosed Address is respectfully forwarded / by Your Obedient / Humble Servant September 4th 1798 To John Adams, President of the United States. The Grand Jury at the District Court now holden at Pownalborough in the District of Maine, haveing with the Utmost...
5556To John Adams from Robert Walsh, Jr., 27 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Mathew Carey of this City did me the favor, this morning, to shew me an interesting letter from you to him, in which you suggest your inclination to promote the aim of any person who might undertake a Vindicia Americana. The misrepresentations made abroad, of this Country, particularly by the writers of Great Britain, have provoked me to engage in an enterprise of that nature; & with a...
5557To John Adams from Henry Marchant, 2 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
By the last Post I was highly gratified by your kind and very polite Favour of the 10th. of Sepr. The Notice and Recollection of my former Letter sufficiently convinces me that You have not forgot an old Friend. In your Absence I had frequent Temptations to write You; but I was affraid of being amongst the Number of troublesome and useless Correspondants. We have finished Our foreign Affairs...
5558To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 9 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the honor, to enclose a Letter to Mr Moses M Bates, covering his Warrant as a Midshipman in the Navy, which will require your signature, should you approve the appointment. He has been well recommended by Mr. Lyman—He is intended for the Frigate Congress, Capt. Sever. I have the honor to be, / with the greatest respect & esteem, / sir, / Your most obed. servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
5559From John Jay to John Adams, 2 January 1801 (Jay Papers)
I have been honored with your Letter of the 19 th . ult: informing me that I had been nominated to fill the office of Chief Justice of the united States; and Yesterday I rec d . the Commission— this nomination so strongly manifests your Esteem, that it affords me particular Satisfaction— Such was the Temper of the Times, that the Act to establish the judicial courts of the U.S. was in some...
5560From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 23 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I hear of a conveyance which allows me but a moment to write to you. I inclose a copy of a letter from Mr. Lamb. I have written both to him and Mr. Randall agreeable to what we had jointly thought best. The Courier de l’Europe gives us strange news of armies marching from the U.S. to take the posts from the English. I have received no public letters and not above one or two private ones from...
5561To John Adams from John Marston, 26 January 1820 (Adams Papers)
I know it will afford you much pleasure to be informed that I was not wholly forgotten by my late friend Mr Eliot. On my arrival in town yesterday morning, Mr Guild communicated the pleasing intelligence that I was a legatee, for the Sum of five hundred dollars. The amount is small, but as an expression of his esteem & respect, I consider it of great value. In looking back on past intercourse...
5562To John Adams from Thomas Law, 26 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
After one short week your mind will be absorbed in the routine of current business, & the pressure of daily occurrences may not allow you leisure for the consideration of abstract Propositions— Our worthy President has transmitted in his legacy of advice, an urgent admonition to avoid Treaties from an experience of the embarasments that have already arisen from them; an idea on this subject...
5563To John Adams from Jabeil Kinson, 2 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
The pleasure which I feel, in addressing one of the first sages and patriots of my country, is sensibly repressed by the consciousness of the trouble the intrusion may produce. I could wish to strew the evening walk of the man I address with roses, and not to embarrass it with litigious interrogatories; because I have witnessed his noble independence and patriotism, have experienced his...
5564To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 18 February 1802 (Adams Papers)
Your favor with which I have been so highly gratified, & which so deeply impresses me with a Sense of your goodness & consideration, came to hand the fiftenth instt, the long detention by the way adds to the Idea which had formed, that the spoilers hand might have been laid on some of the papers directed to your address—I hope my f e ars are groundless—I will deem myself permitted Suitable to...
5565To John Adams from Philopattria, 1 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
An ancient, and accounted a long headed Man, in these parts, has drop’d some words devising a scheme of reconciliation between the Colonies and Mother Country; which I think worthy of notice; and I am persuaded your zeal to a reconciliation is such that you will lend an ear to healing propositions, let it come from what quarter it may. Otherwise you would be unworthy of that eminence of...
5566To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 3 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose you a Duplicate & to inform you that the same language has been held to me Since—& that this government have assured me of their conviction that the letter enclosed in the Leyden paper marked X may be considered as evidence of an amicable Disposition, as they say they have taken pains to ascertain that point from motives of self-interest—These motives I believe Sir...
5567To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 7 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
On my return from a Journey I rec’d your two favours of the 11th & 12th. Ulto.—On the Subject of Siberian wheat—as respects its culture on the Seabord your remarks are doubtless correct—I yet console myself it will be found congenial with the Interior Soil & Climate As proof off which I am promised a bushel from Collo. Whipple Collector of Portsmouth, the only person who retains of that wheat...
5568To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 5 November 1783 (Adams Papers)
The Pleliminary Articles of Peace, Cessation of Hostilities &C were not announced here by Authority untill sometime in April last, from whence I conclude that Congress did not recieve Dispatches from their Ministers before the latter End of March or beginning of April. Their Confirmation of these Doings of their Ministers was not (I am informed) forwarded to France untill the middle of April...
5569To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 27 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I did myself the Honor to address a Letter to you; in answer to yours of the twentieth instant. This morning I saw the Adjutant General, and enquired whether he had transmitted the general Abstract of Musters, which I delivered him, to the Board of War? He replied that he had not, by reason of the hurried unsettled situation of things, but he would do it as soon as possible. Thus...
5570To John Adams from James McHenry, 10 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter from the Quarter Master General dated the 21st ulto, and a copy of a letter from Brigadier General Wilkinson dated the 25th of July ulto. I have the honour to be with due respect Sir / your ob & hbe St. MHi : Adams Papers.
5571To John Adams from Francis Dana, 12 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
Just in the moment I was sitting down to write to you, I had the pleasure of your’s of the 8th. instant in which you acknowledge the receipt of mine of the 1st. and of another without date. I am glad the packet has reached you safely. There were no letters from Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Dana, or from any of our Friends in our quarter. The vessel which brought your letters, came from Philadelphia. The...
5572To John Adams from Joseph Milligan, 10 August 1818 (Adams Papers)
At the request of Mr Jacob Gideon Jr: printer of Washington I have Sent you a copy of a new Edition of The Federalist which he has just printed & published; I have bound it and we beg that you will accept the book as a mark of the esteem we have for your public & private character MHi : Adams Papers.
5573To John Adams from Joseph G. Wright, May 1798 (Adams Papers)
We the Inhabitants of the Town of Wilmington in the State of North Carolina legally convened together, feel it to be our incumbent duty to address you at this very important crisis of the affairs of the United States in relation to the French Republic. Permit us to assure you that we view with intire approbation the advances made by the Executive authority of our own Government to that of...
5574Abigail Adams to John Adams, 4 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
I was very happy to receive on thanksgiving day the 29 of Nov br. your Letter dated Hartford. I feard that you had not reachd so far the weather was so dissagreable, but if the Roads have mended as much with you as they have this way, you have reachd Philadelphia by this time. I shall with impatience wait to hear of your arrival there. the snow remaind with us but one week Since which we have...
5575To John Adams from Timothy Dwight, 31 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
Mr. John Punderson Austin , Son of David Austin Esq. the present Collector, wishes me to write to you in his behalf. He has for a number of years done the business in the Office of his Father, who as Collector of this port; &, as appears by a certificate, signed by several of the most respectable merchants of this town, and now lying before me, has done it much to their satisfaction. His...
5576To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 6 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
Again a Letter from Oldenbarneveld—I Suffered this winter with excruciating headache, partly owing to want of exercise partly to dyspeptic constitution. This morning I awoke with a clear head—So chearful, that I enjoy’d not So much happiness in Several weeks—I went with all Speed to my garden—examined its State—the Soil was as hard as iron—then I cleaned a part of my Seedhouse—and returned...
5577From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 30 January 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have received from President Kirkland, his answer to my enquires respecting your standing as a Scholar in your Class, and it confirms the Statement made by yourself—Your number upon the general scale, at the close of the last term was 24—In the course of one half year, you had risen from 45. This result has opened my heart to the cheering hope, that you will yet redeem a standing worthy of...
5578To John Adams from Alexander Adams, 15 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I hope you will pardon the Trouble I give you in thus Adressing you: But a Reliance on your good Nature, from your exalted Situation in Life and publick Caractar, with the Nature of this Address, will: I hope plead my Excuse— I have been informed that my Wifes Brother Samuel Miller, a Cabinet maker or House Carpenter; Died in Philadelphia sometime past; And whether he made a will or not I...
5579John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 21 November 1795 (Adams Papers)
Since my last Letter (15.) nothing very material has occurred. The newspapers enclosed will shew you the degree of opposition that is made against the Convention bills as they are called. The City of London has instructed its members to vote against them. They will however pass. I know not whether you have seen the review of the new Edition of your book, and therefore send the monthly Review...
5580To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
You know too well mÿ attachment to your person, and am persuaded how highly I value your honoured correspondence, not to Suspect that Some weighty reason must have prevented my not answering your favour of Jan. 26—I dare not wait longer now I am honoured with another of March 8—With my remarks on Buffon. I am always apprehensive, to bereave me of the Sensible States faction, which you bestow...
5581To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 15 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
J’ai été fort agréablement affecté de la bonne compagnie que vous m’avez adressée, & des honorées vôtres du 28 & 30 e. Mars, qu’ils m’ont remises. Nous aurons Soin exactement com̃e vous le desirez, & de la santé & de l’amusement agréable & utile de Mr. Votre fils. Chaque fois qu’on tire la Sonnette de l’hôtel, nous croyons que c’est lui: mais, à notre grand regret, il n’a pas paru encore. Mr....
5582To John Adams from Bidé de Chavagnes, 24 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Le capitaine chavagnes est trop flatté de lhonneur de votre connoissance, et vous a voué des sentiments trop sinceres pour ne pas vous reiterer linterest quil prendra toujours a votre santé a celle de vos chers enfents et de monsieur dena, et vous souhaiter tout le bonheur que vous meritez, je desirerois bien après vous avoir vu travailler fructueusement pour votre nation qui ne peut pas estre...
5583To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 5 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter from Capt Nicholson of the 26 & 27 Septr—which I had the mortification to receive last evening. There seems to be no calculating the evils of his first false step. His letter of the 12th. exhibitted a very strong disposition to remain in port, to secure at all events, his prize—rut the Return into port of the Vessel which he Idly supposed had been sent out...
5584To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 28 June 1817 (Adams Papers)
Thou wast good enough to inform me that ‘no Book of mine would disturb thy peace,’ & I accordingly ordered my publisher to send thee a small volume, some time last winter. It is a little thing—but still as it is my youngest child, in this way, I feel some degree of anxiety about its fate. I speak of ‘The Mother-in-Law,’ published at Boston. I congratulate thee, & the country, on the return of...
5585To John Adams from Mr. Ross, 23 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Ross presents his most Respectful compliments to the Secretary of State and begs leave to recall to his recollection the name and character of Colo. John Steel of Richmond in Virginia, who lost his place in the council of that state on account of his Federalism, and who is every way well qualified for an Indian Commission—Mr. Ross can also assure the Secretary that Colo. Steel will accept...
5586To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to submit, to your consideration and disposal, a Report relative to certain alterations, in the military establishment, which to me appear, to be necessary, and proper. I am Sir / with the greatest Respect / your most obedient / and very humble servant MHi : Adams Papers.
5587To John Adams from John T. Watson, 12 August 1818 (Adams Papers)
I felt myself too much gratified with the receipt of your letter, not to have been Very thankful for the polite manner of your reply. I had not thought to have trespassed more upon your attention, although I felt a wish to express a few sentiments in reply return: but reflecting now , that a few moments may be sufficient for you to run over these lines, & there being no occasion in them for...
5588To John Adams from James Wood, 1 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
If we are late in declaring our confidence in a Government, established by the deliberate will of the people, and directed continually by their influence, in every department of which they act by their constitutional Representatives; it is because we thought it unnecessary. To doubt the confidence of the American people in their Government, might happen to foreigners, who, in their search...
5589To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
Although not in a mood to perform anÿ Serious thing, I must try to procure me Some relief—in reading once more your favour of the 18—Oct. and See, if writing will in part effect, what your conversation would Successfully affect do, was I nearer to your residence—but alas! these wishes are vain, and it is weakness—to indulge them too much. you Shared my pains—and whose heart can better feel for...
5590To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 12 March 1811 (Adams Papers)
I here send for your Perusal The Preface to the Botanist. The Publisher has printed off a few Copies dozen by Way of Sample of type, and to give Some general Idea of the Work, as well as a Short History of its origin. I thought there might be another Service in it, viz, if any thing appeared to egotistical, or too assuming in it, my Friends would probably give me the hint. I mean it as an...
5591To John Adams from Stevens Thomson Mason, 7 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday received your card of invitation for thursday next. The last Session I declined a similar invitation in terms which tho’ guarded against giving offence, would I thought have saved me the unpleasant necessity of being more explicit. I am now constrained to say that it is, and will in future be, out of my power to accept such civilities from you. Having read your answer to an address...
5592From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 14 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I now do myself the pleasure to inclose to you a copy of the Arret explanatory of that of Sep. 28. on the subject of our whale oils. Mr. Necker in a letter to me has renewed the promise of taking off the 10. sous per livre at the end of the next year. But at the same time he observes that whenever the national fishery shall be able to supply their demand for whale oil we must expect a repeal...
5593To John Adams from Patrick Henry, 16 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 26th ultimo did not reach me till two days ago. I have been confined for several weeks by a severe indisposition, and am still so sick as scarcely to be able to write this. My advanced age and increasing debility compel me to abandon every idea of serving my country, where the scene of operation is so far distant, and her interests call for incessant and long-continued...
5594Abigail Smith to John Adams, 7 April 1764 (Adams Papers)
How do you now? For my part, I feel much easier than I did an hour ago, My Unkle haveing given me a more particuliar, and favorable account of the Small pox, or rather the operation of the preparation, than I have had before. He speaks greatly in favor of Dr. Perkins who has not, as he has heard lost one patient. He has had since he has been in Town frequent opportunities of visiting in the...
5595To John Adams from John Avery, Jr., 12 June 1805 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that Your Excellency has been, this day, elected President of the Massachusetts Society for promoting Agriculture, and I with great pleasure transmit this notification— I am Sir with great Esteem and / Respect— / Your very huml. Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
5596To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 18 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The long Friendship which has subsisted between us, & your kind expressions of regret at the failure of an intended arrangement, induce me to close my short official Career by a narrative of the commencement, and progress of my connection with the War Department: This is a Duty I owe to my Character, and cannot, I trust, be displeasing to you. Early in 1798, The Secretary of War requested me...
5597Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letters of Dec br 31 & Jan’ry the 1 st I am sorry that it should fall to your Lot to nominate Col smith again, and that to a lower Grade than, as a soldier he merrits. I think however that he was placed in a difficult situation. if he had rejected the offer, those who have stiled him a Jacobin, would have attributed it to motives unfriendly to his Country, but as a Man...
5598To John Adams from James McHenry, 13 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour to receive your several letters of the 28th & 31st of May, one of the 2d and two of the 5th of June inst. The proceedings of the court Martial in the case of Richard Hunt, being with you, and having no copy thereof, I cannot have recourse to and do not recollect the names of the officers composing it. I think it probable however, that some of them at least, were of the 12 new...
5599To John Adams from George Alexander Otis, 5 December 1820 (Adams Papers)
The assurances you were so good as to grant me, in your very kind letter of August 3d., relieved my mind from all solicitude respecting the success of the Enterprise in which I am engaged. The addition of your authority to that of the Honorable Secretary of State & of Mr. Jefferson. Mr Madison, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Jay. Gov. Wolcott &c will be all-sufficient to secure the confidence of the public...
5600Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 15 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 12 th: instant came to hand this morning, and I am greatly obliged by the kind invitation it contains to join you & my cousin at Trenton, which it would give me great pleasure to do immediately, but for the desire I feel of procuring an office in to which I may enter immediately on my return to the City. The inhabitants are daily flocking to town, but I have not thought it...