5601To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully submits to the President of the United States the following Report. That by an Act of Congress passed on the 16th. day of July 1798, entitled “An Act to enable the President of the United States to borrow money for the public service,” authority is given to the President of the United States to borrow a sum not exceeding five Millions of Dollars,...
5602To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 2 February 1817 (Adams Papers)
An attack of rhumatism which has confined me to my room & kept me in such a feverish, irritable state as to be almost incapable of any thing, has alone prevented my writing to return my thanks for the few hints on the subject of the Jesuits; I hope Sir, you will be willing to continue the subject which has long appeared to me one of the most interesting in modern history. The peice you sent...
5603To John Adams from the Comte de Vergennes, 21 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 16 de ce mois, ainsi que l’Extrait de celle qui vous été addressée de Boston sous la datte du 26 avril. Selon cette derniére l’assemblée de l’Etat de Massachussett s’est déterminé à adopter la résolution par laquelle le Congrés Général a fixé le papier-Monnoye à 40 Dollars pour un Dollar de mannoye effective. En...
5604To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 15 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I put a Letter of Introduction into the Hand of a son who has since unfortunately been made a prisoner by the Portland Man of War, and though held as an Hostage till the fulfilment of Certain Conditions Mentioned in a Cartel sent to Boston, he has been treated with great Humanity and politeness by Admiral Edwards, and by late letters I find he purposes to pursue his Voyage to Europe, and if he...
5605From Benjamin Rawle Morgan to John Adams, [ca. 6 October 1791] (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to my instructions from the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia, I have the honor of communicating to you the following copies of their Resolutions— At a special Meeting of the Directors January 18 th: 1791 “The Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia, desirous of shewing a respectful mark of attention to the President and Congress of the United States—Resolve...
5606To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
I So returned from the field—having dug my patatoes, and now the rain compells me to Staÿ home, how can I better employ mÿ time; than with beginning to answer both your favours of the 4th and the 15th. how happÿ am I in this mÿ hermitage—in receiving So often Such distinguished marks of your kind remembrance. The Demon of head-ache, which has now possessed me nearly a month abated his attacks,...
5607To John Adams from James Warren, 5 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I must begin every Letter with Thanks for the Receipt of your Favours, haveing such Abundant reason for it, that mine would be marked with Ingratitude (a Vice I detest) if I did not. Last Sunday Coll. Reed dined with us in his way to Philadelphia. By him I wrote and Inclosed some packages which I hope will reach your hand this day, since which I have not been Able to get one single Hour to...
5608To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 December 1800 (Adams Papers)
With reluctance I Should interrupt your Excellency’s occupations, in the persuasion, that my correspondence can not atone for your devoting to it one Single moment of your pretious time, did duty not oblige me, to consider you now as a Father, whose inestimable loss maÿ be only by them be appreciated, whose heart and hopes can be compared with yours. What can I Saÿ, afflicted Father! to...
5609From François d’Ivernois to John Adams, 30 August 1794 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser le Duplicata de trois Depeches que je vous ai expédiées le 23 e C t par la Minerve. Celles ci ne contiennent rien de nouveau si ce n’est les deux dernieres pages du N o 1 qui annoncent les nouvelles ultérieures de Geneve. Ce n’est plus une Révolution passagere qui s’y promesse: C’est une fureur destructive qui semble particulierement menacer les lettres & les...
5610To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 28 March 1811 (Adams Papers)
Unexpectedlÿ I was favoured with your obliging Letter of the 20th Febr—tho’ I did receive it only the 21 of March—having been through carelessness of our Postmaster first Send to the black River-countrÿ. The unfavorable weather domesticating me again—and old habits too rapidlÿ adopted again—occasion, that I am Since a few days not quite So well however—I Seriously intend to prevent a...
5611To John Adams from David Sewall, 22 February 1803 (Adams Papers)
I have been gratified with the perusal of Mr Williams’s Observations, on the temperature of Sea Water at differt depths. And the publication is the first of the kind I have seen, or heard of, and suppose the Thermr. may be very usefull to mariners, if properly attended unto. The Gulf Stream, I am of Opinion, Occasions the sudden transitions from Cold (very Cold) to temperate and Warm—in our...
5612Alagnac to John Adams: A Translation, 18 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Dr. Franklin, sir, to whom I had the honor to write for information about a young man, Chevalier de Pontgibaut, who left Nantes on 11 October 1777 on board the Arc en Ciel with letters of recommendation to Messrs. Conway and Lafayette in the hope of being employed with the troops of the United Colonies of America; has replied that he knows nothing on the matter. Permit me then to turn to you,...
5613To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed packet was handed to me yesterday by Colo. Moultrie of South-Carolina. I understood him that it contained an offer to convey to the U. States the title to a large tract of land in Georgia. He seemed anxious to obtain a speedy answer. I have the honour to be / with great respect, / sir your most obt. servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
5614Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 11 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
The Dispute between New York & this State has been referred to Congress, a Federal Court has been appointed, the Judges have been chosen by the Parties and the Tryall will be had in June next at Williamsburg.— Mess rs. Lowell, Sullivan & Parsons are Agents in Behalf of this State and have a Power to join Doc r. Johnson of Connecticut in Council and in Case of Sickness or otherwise any other...
5615To John Adams from Thomas Barnes, 27 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
This day have had the pleasure of receiving Your much desired and welcome letter. Have also Received the feavour asked of 5 guineas which I greatfully Acknowledge. At the same time am sensible My letter to Doctr. Franklin deserves depricating Against as it was Imperfect in every particular. Now when to late I am sensible of my eror. How ever it is not my natural desire to adress a Gentleman of...
5616To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 15 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
It is so long since I have written I feel that it is difficult to offer an apology for my silence or rather such an one as would prove satisfactory: it however proceeded from the extreme dullness of the City and the excessive heat of the Summer in the first place; a journey to visit my relations in Frederick in the second; and a severe indisposition in the third which confined me to my bed...
5617To John Adams from Samuel Davis, 13 December 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor and the pleasure to make the subjoined communication— “At a meeting of the Trustees of the Pilgrim Society , holden at Plymouth Decr. 12th. 1820—it was unanimously voted—That the Hon: John Adams be admitted an Honorary Member of the Pilgrim Society —and that the Corresponding Secretary duly communicate a copy of the vote— “It was also voted, that Mr Adams be invited to attend...
5618To John Adams from Richard Cranch, October 1756 (Adams Papers)
Tho’ I acknowledge that one ought never to be asham’d to speak the truth; yet I find my self much inclin’d to it, when I’m about to tell you that I have two of your very kind and ingenious Letters by me unanswer’d. I assure you sir, that my neglect arises not from any want of esteem for my Friend, but (to tell another ungratefull truth) from downright dullness; I must wait with patience for...
5619To John Adams from John Davis, 1 May 1822 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you Mr Lewis Weld, an instructor in the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, at Hartford, who visits Boston, with a number of his pupils, for the purpose of exhibiting evidence of their improvement and of the hopeful progress of the institution. In conversation with Mr. Weld, yesterday, he expressed a strong desire to be introduced to you, a disposition which I could not but...
5620To John Adams from Francis Dana, 30 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter of Aug: 7th. yesterday afternoon, and at the same time the packet you mention. I thank you most cordially for your sentiments upon “something of consequence”: but I am no longer at liberty to pursue a course like that you point out. My la st dispatches, which I presume you did not read, tho they came open under your Cover, are clear and decided upon that affair. I am...
5621To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 11 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I received a Letter from the honorable Committee of Congress for collecting “a just and well authenticated Account of the Hostilities committed by the ministerial Troops and Navy in America since last March,” and beg leave to inform You that Colo. Palmer, Mr. Cooper and Colo. Thomson are appointed a Committee to subserve the purpose in this Colony in the Recess of the Court, which is this Day...
5622To John Adams from United States Senate, 23 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
The Senate of the United States respectfully take leave, sir, to express to you their deep regret for the loss their country sustains in the death of General George Washington. This event, so distressing to all our fellow–citizens, must be peculiarly heavy to you, who have long been associated with him in deeds of patriotism. Permit us, sir, to mingle our tears with yours: on this occasion it...
5623Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I sent Johnny last Evening to the Post office for Letters. He soon returnd and pulling one from under his Gown gave it me, the young Rogue smiling and watching Mammas countanance draws out an other, and then an other, highly gratified to think he had so many presents to bestow. Our Friends are very kind. My Father sends his Horse and Dr. Tufts has offerd me an other one he had of unkle Q uinc...
5624To John Adams from William Rotch, 9 April 1823 (Adams Papers)
The Old Colony memorial was lately put into my hands with a view I suppose that I might see my doom portray’d by A Coffin, in a letter to J Adams Esqr. in the year 1785, lately hunted up after laying quiet Thirty-seven years, and now carefully publish’d; not by the person to whom it was addres’d, who no doubt saw no cause for it; but by order of my friend John Adams, with his directions to...
5625To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 14 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
J’ai été bien fâché d’avoir vu trainer si longtems l’impression de la Brochure en question, d’abord par le refus du Libraire, auquel je m’étois d’abord adressé, et sur lequel j’avois compte, ensuite par les lenteurs continuelles de l’Imprimeur. Là voilà enfin achevée: J’ai l’honneur de vous en envoyer ci-joint deux Exemplaires: J’en ai demandé une douzaine gratis pour votre usage, et je vous...
5626To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, Jr., 1 April 1803 (Adams Papers)
Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Cotton Tufts Junior of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman in Consideration of Seven Thousand Dollars lawful Money, paid by John Adams of Quincy in the County aforesaid Esquire the Receipt whereof I hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said John Adams, his Heirs and assigns one...
5627To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 14 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Je viens d’achever la lecture de la Brochure, au sujet de laquelle vous avez bien voulu demander mon avis. La partie du style est excellente: Il me paroit seulement, que dans les huit ou dix premiers Feuillets il y a des fautes de langage, faciles à corriger mais néan moins trop remarquables. Quant aux choses, elle est fortement pensée; et, quoiqu’une brillante imagination puisse avoir porté...
5628To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 20 September 1815 (Adams Papers)
Since I have got settled here in the Country, eight miles distant, from Hyde Park Corner, I can find or make leisure about once a week to write a Letter, short or long, to you, to my mother or to my brother, and to enclose with it to you a weekly Newspaper—They will not reach you with equal regularity, for winds and waves will always be capricious—And thus after having received in three months...
5629To John Adams from the Marquis de Lafayette, 12 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
Amidst the Buzzling of Interior and foreign Affairs, I am glad to find an Opportunity to Remind you of Me, Which May Be free from the Rogueries of french and English Post offices— I Have Been Sometime in Auvergne, Attending a preliminary Assembly in that My province, the journal of which I Have once directed, and am Now Again Sending to you altho’ it Contains Nothing interesting— My stay in...
5630From John Jay to John Adams, 15 December 1781 (Jay Papers)
The two last posts brought me your Favors of the 26 & 28 th . Ult. It really gives me great Satisfaction at Length to see a prospect of a regular Correspondence between us. The failure of my former attempts had almost discouraged me, tho’ from the frequent miscarriages of Letters to and from me, I had Reason to impute your Silence more to that than to any other Cause. I have not rec d . a...
5631John Jay to John Adams, 15 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed Extracts from the Journal of Congress will inform you of your Appointment to go as Minister to the Court of London, and of M r. Smith’s being elected Secretary to the Legation. I congratulate you on this Event. It argues the Confidence reposed in you by the United States, and I am persuaded will redound to their Advantage as well as to your Reputation.— The necessary Papers are...
5632To John Adams from William MacCreery, 30 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am very much obliged to you for yours of 19th. Instant and am glad to find that there is a prospect of an end being speedily put to the troubles which arise to us in the Sea Ports of this Kingdom from our differences with Seamen, by the appointment of Consuls. I have not lost less than £100 Sterling by the People of one little Vessel. These People too, are renderd useless to our Vessels...
5633From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 28 October 1820 (Adams Papers)
An indisposition which confined me to my bed in the first instance and moving in the next into our house in F Street has prevented my answering your Letter earlier and my papers are all in such confusion that I cannot pretend to find it now so as to answer it correctly— Our House will hardly be well fixed before you come on and at present Charles is obliged to sleep in the Drawing room which...
5634To John Adams from Pierce Butler, 9 January 1790 (Adams Papers)
I feel very sensibly the impropriety of Your Address to me in senate yesterday— As it was a very indellicate departure from the line of Your Official duty, I did expect that You woud, while in the Chair, have made at least the same Apology You did out of it—namely, that You meant me no offence.— The strong desire I have of promoting and preserving harmony in that branch of the Legislature...
5635To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 3 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am sorry to inform You that Mr. Heny. Lawrens and two other Amn. Gentlemen Prisoners in England. They were taken in a small packet on the banks of New foundland about 24 days ago and sent to St. Johns, where Admiral Edwards thought the capture so important as to immediately dispatch the Vestal Frigate Capt. Keppell with them, and the mail which was also taken, to England. Mr. Adams Laurens...
5636To John Adams from Charles Storer, 30 December 1785 (Adams Papers)
I made a mistake in my other letter respecting the Medical Society— ’Twas you who settled the Correspondance between the Society of Medicine at Paris & our Medical Society here— I well remember the notes that passed on the occasion between you & Mons r: Vicq d’Azir, perpetual Secretary— Our medical Society were extremely pleased at what you had done for them, & wrote them, (immediately on your...
5637To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 10 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to return to my dear friend Rodney’s letter, with a copy of your interesting correspondence, published in this day’s Register: Permit me to tender you my thanks for the favor conferred in sending it to me. Your 14th vol & the Genl. Index I expect have reached Boston before this time. I thank you for the copies of Dr. Mayhew’s sermons. I Shall publish some extracts from to...
5638To John Adams from Henry Marchant, 22 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Tho’ we are withdrawn from the Grand Congress and are about Eighty miles Assunder, yet I would hope to hold a little litterary Congress this Winter. I am retired upon my Farm in the Wood. The Publick Cause however now and then draws me out—but I have not that Chance of knowing how the Ship sails as you have, and I would beg now and then You would give me an Extract from the logbook. I was...
5639To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 13 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose copies of three letters from Mr. Liston, copied from his rough draughts which on the 8th instant he put into my hands, supposing them to be the letters which report said had been taken in Bucks County in this State from the man to whom Mr. Liston had entrusted them, and which in my letter of yesterday I said would be forwarded to-day. This morning the Aurora has...
5640Abigail Adams to John Adams, 29 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have spent the 3 days past almost intirely with you. The weather has been stormy, I have had little company, and I have amused my self in my closet reading over the Letters I have received from you since I have been here. I have possession of my Aunts chamber in which you know is a very conveniant pretty closet with a window which looks into her flower Garden. In this closet are a number of...
5641To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 21 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
There are two great Objects which I think should engage the Attention of Patriots here, & which appear to me to involve every thing else—to preserve entire our political Liberties, & to support our National Faith. To effect either of these Capital Ends, we must counterwork the Designs of Great Britan, who to say the least does not appear to be our most cordial Friend, by her Emissaries amongst...
5642To John Adams from Robert Greenleaf, 2 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
Although I feel myself not altogether a perfect stranger to your Person & greatness of Character, yet an idea formed in my mind that my person or character might not be within your recolection, (it being some years since you have seen me in person,) creates within my breast no considerable degree of diffidence as to addressing you by letter; I cannot but fear & entertain a supposition, that...
5643Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 13 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you the post before last to which refer you. In your last you mention the prize price of Salt, which am very sorry to see was so high. I had a little parcel lately which I retaild Out att 12/ a single bushel, and sold a Gentleman from the Jerseys who are deprived from geting that Article and to compasionate there case let him have itt att 10/ tho was offerd 20/ for itt, but as he...
5644To John Adams from Thomas Terry Davis, 20 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I understand that the Senators & Representatives from Tennessee and Mr Marshall of Kentucky have united in Recommending Mr Roen and Mr McClung as proper persons to be nominated Jud g e in the Sixth Circuit—This was done without any Consultation being had with Mr Brown & the Representatives from Kentucky, which I deem unfair. I consider Mr Roen one of the first Law Characters in the Western...
5645Abigail Adams to John Adams, 7 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
I expected to have heard from you by the last post, but was dissapointed, only a few lines from Mr Cutting have come to hand since you left me. I wrote you on the 29 th of May, and inclosed two Letters respecting mr Barclay. Since that time a Letter from the Frenchs, has arrived, in which they inform you that Mr Barclay was liberated by applying to the Parliament of Bordeaux in virtue of his...
5646To John Adams from John Paul Jones, 10 December 1781 (Adams Papers)
After the command of the Alliance was usurped at L’orient, I received on board the Ariel, the two packages from Mr. Moylan, containing the articles you directed him to send to your Family. On my arrival at Philadelphia, I delivered them to Mr. Lovell, agreeable to your request. I had, last Summer, the honor to be unanimously elected by Congress to the command of the America, and am now...
5647To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 14 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
As you live in terror of my long Letters, and as the very last, I had the pleasure of writing you, was of that description, and not without a smack of orthodoxy, I shall content myself this time with a very few lines, to accompany the Sunday’s Observer and Saturday’s cheap Cobbett; for the Porpuicine to shoot his Quills with more effect has made himself cheap, and although you will know what...
5648To John Adams from Jean François Paul Grand, 18 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
Vôtre Excellence aura probablement la bonté de se rapeller Lors de sa Mission Ministerielle à Paris de la famille Grand dont la maison de commerce ètoit dèja chargée de la Confiance des Etats unis, dont elle n’a cessé d’être depuis honorée. Comme fils ainé de cette famille, j’ai été apellé à ressentir plus particulierement les tèmoignages honorables de Cette faveur & notament à jouir lors du...
5649To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 16 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
Under the 26 th last April, I did myself the Honour of addressing you, being most sincere in my Congratulations on the happy Issue of the several Important Negotiations, which had been entrusted to your Care— With ardent Pleasure the People of this Commonwealth contemplate your expected Return this Fall— The highest Honor They can confer awaits you in the Spring— This Sentiment is not founded...
5650From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 5 September 1822 (Adams Papers)
Do not suffer your failure to mortify you too much my dear John—It was accidental and must not prevent your future efforts—Fortune will at length smile propitious and reward your amiable exertions—I feel most sensibly for the pain you must have suffered and only wish I had been present to alleviate it—Your Father will perhaps be a little disappointed but your desire to excel will meet with its...