5711Certification of Receipt of Presidential Votes from Kentucky, 4 January 1797 (Adams Papers)
Received of M r Joseph Davis a Packet containing the Votes of the Electors of the State of Kentucky for President and Vice President of the United States. Witness my hand RC (private owner, 1994); notation by JA : “The distance from Philad a. to / Frankford KY. is 790 Miles”; and: “information from the post office / P.” Originally from Lexington, Ky., Col. Joseph Hamilton Daviess (1774–1811)...
5712From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 23 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am desired to inclose, the within Copies to your Excellency: although I doubt not you have received the original, and although I know not what may be in your Power to do, for the Relief of Messrs. Curson and Governeur. Their pretended offence, is Sending warlike Stores to America altho the London Papers Say, it was corresponding with me. I never received a Line from either of those...
5713From John Adams to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 25 July 1815 (Adams Papers)
Major Samuel Sweet, who had has served in the American Army attached to General Izzards Staff, as a Topographical Engineer; wishing to Visit France to Compleat his Education, in the Study of Military Tacticks; I have been requested to give him a Letter of Introduction to a Character so interesting to Mankind in America and Europe, as — (shall I say know very well which title you would prefer.)...
5714[Parents and Boyhood] (Adams Papers)
My Father married Susanna Boylston in October 1734, and on the 19th of October 1735 I was born. As my Parents were both fond of reading, and my father had destined his first born, long before his birth to a public Education I was very early taught to read at home and at a School of Mrs. Belcher the Mother of Deacon Moses Belcher, who lived in the next house on the opposite side of the Road. I...
5715From John Adams to John Langdon, 27 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
Though I have read with regret, the Account of your declining a reelection as Governor of New Hampshire; I am not Surprised at it, nor can you be censured for it. Men who have run So long a Career in public Life as yours ought to be permitted to retire, when their deliberate Judgments require it, Not that it is wise in a Nation to discard or neglect Men on Account of their Age. I have been...
5716From John Adams to James Monroe, 17 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
All our intelligent Travellers to Washington, I find have an ambition to See both the present, and future President of the United States. I beg leave to introduce to you Colonelt William Sumner and his Sister, Miss Elizabeth Sumner, Children of our late Governor Sumner. Col Sumner has not only the Advantages of the best public Education at Colledge, and the Bar, but of many years service in...
5717From John Adams to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 4 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed oration concerning Citizen Socrates is presented to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences by one of their most learned and respectable foreign Members, Professor Luzac of Leyden, late Rector magnificus in the University of that City—He is himself in many respects, the Socrates he draws— With my best Respects to all friends I / Remain your obt. MHi : Adams Family Papers,...
57181774. Wednesday March 9th. (Adams Papers)
Returned from Charlestown Court with Coll. Tyng of Dunstable, who told me some Anecdotes of Bernard and Brattle, Otis, Hutchinson, &c. Bernard said “he never thought of Pratt”—he would find a Place for him now, upon that Bench. Brattle shall be Colonel and Brigadier, &c.—Bernard said—Afterwards this Miff broke out into a Blaze. Jemmy Russell was as sociable, and familiar, with Dix and Gorham,...
5719From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 28 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
Vive la bagatelle. How shall we cure that distemper of the Mind State Vanity? You know to what a degree the ancient dominion was infected with it, and how many Sacrifices We have been obliged to make to it. You remember, how Pensilvania had it. “Pensilvania was first in Arts and Arms,”! “Philadelphia was the heart of the Union.” So said George Ross. Dr Lyman Hall of Georgia, readily...
5720From John Adams to John Jay, 24 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
I was Yesterday honoured, with your Letter of the 14 th. of October, accompanied with the Gazettes and the Act of Congress of the 27. Sept r. You will learn from M r Dumas Letter, as well as by the public Papers, that the Treaty of defensive Alliance, between France and Holland was Signed at Paris on the tenth of this month. The vain Exertions of the Cabinet of St. James’s, to prevent it, are...
5721From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 January 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have transmitted to Mr. Quincy, extracts from two of your letters, relative to the name and family of Keimper. — I rejoice in all your joys and wish you many returns of your happy anniversary.— I agree with you in the merit of Govr. Clinton.— In all elective governments there is a perpetual conflict for power between two great parties, among the people. I have been astonished and confounded...
5722From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 25 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return you the pardon of Wanton signed & pray you to have the seal of the US official affixed & the man liberated as soon as possible being convinced that humanity & the public good will justify it. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
5723From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 13 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
grand Adams The American Revolution was not a trifling nor a common Event. It’s Effects and Consequences have already been Awful over a great Part of the whole Globe. And when and Where are they to cease? But what do We mean by the American Revolution? Do We mean the American War? The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the Minds and Hearts of the People. A...
5724From John Adams to United States Senate, 25 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
I nominate the following persons for promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States— Cavalry William Tharp Lieutenant 26th July 1797 Vice Mc.Dermont, resigned Ludwell Grimes Cornet Virginia Vice Tharp, promoted Thomas Blackburn Junr. do. do. Vice Warfield resigned Artillery Richard Watkins Lieutenant Vice Rand resigned First regiment of Infantry John Whistler
5725Wednesday [18 October]. (Adams Papers)
Went to Boston. Bob Paine . I have ruined myself, by a too eager Pursuit of Wisdom. I have now neither Health enough for an active Life, nor Knowledge enough for a sedentary one. Quincy . We shall never make your great fellows. Thus Paine and Quincy both are verging to Despair. Paine . If I attempt a Composition, my Thoughts are slow and dull. Paine is discouraged, and Quincy has not Courage...
5726Oct. 31. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
Dined with Mr. Oswald. Dr. F., Mr. Jay, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Stretchy, Mr. Roberts and Mr. Whitford. Henry Strachey (whose name JA always had difficulty in spelling) was a British under-secretary of state who had been sent to Paris to stiffen what was thought to be a too pliant attitude on the part of Oswald; his instructions concerning the British right to Sagadahock (eastern Maine), western lands...
5727From John Adams to Thomas Seymour, 10 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
I received this morning your Letter of the 26 th. of February, and while I feel for you under the Misfortune of your gallant son, I regret that it should be so little in my Power to assist him, in obtaing Some Consolation for this honourable Wound in the service of his Country. The request you make is however easily granted, and if any thing Should be done in the House of Representatives I...
5728From John Adams to United States Senate, 4 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Alfred Moore of North Carolina to be an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, in the room of the late justice Iredell, deceased. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
5729From John Adams to David Sewall, 8 February 1823 (Adams Papers)
Though I cannot, read, nor write, I can feel as sensibly as ever, a friendship of seventy years of age. Your letters always give me pleasure; The difficulties arrising in your State, are nothing at all, they will be nothing but an amusement to you for a few years to come; what is a penitentiary, or a seat of Government, they will occasion a little squib scribbling and sparring for a few years,...
5730August. 22d. and 23. Thursday and Friday. (Adams Papers)
At the Office. Mr. Otis’s Gestures and Motions are very whimsical, his Imagination is disturbed—his Passions all roiled. His Servant, he orders to bring up his Horse, and to hold him by the Head at the Stone of his Door, an Hour before He is ready to mount. Then he runs into one Door and out at another, and Window &c. &c. &c.
5731From John Adams to the President of Congress, 15 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am very sorry to learn that Congress had recieved no Letters from October to June. It is not that I wrote less than usual in that period, but that I was more unfortunate. Two Vessels, which sailed from hence for Boston, each of which had Dispatches from me for Congress, destroyed them, one upon being taken, and the other being chased. But the most of my Dispatches were Lost at St. Eustatia,...
5732From John Adams to United States Senate, 11 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States did, on the ninth instant, approve and sign an Act, which originated in this House, intitled “An Act further to suspend the Commercial intercourse between the United States and France, and the dependencies thereof.” DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
5733John Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
I rec d. Yesterday your kind favour of the 11 th. I have not been able lately to write you so much as I wished. The President has appointed M r Jay to go to England as Envoy Extraordinary, in hopes that Satisfaction may be obtained for the Injuries done us in the Capture of our Vessells. I have no very Sanguine hopes of his Success, but if any Man can Succeed I presume he is as likely as any....
5734From John Adams to Pa., Citizens of Dauphin County, 15 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your Address to the President and Congress of the United States has ben presented to me by your Representative in Congress Mr Hanna. The Necessity of Unanimity and Firmness never was greater or more manifest than at this interesting Moment. In expressing your full approbation of the Measures of Government, your Confidence in its Virtue, Wisdom and Prudence, and your fixed resolution to support...
5735From John Adams to Francis Dana, 5 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
Your’s of December 30 th. , I recieved last Night. Orders are long since gone from M r. Grand to his Correspondent at S t. Petersbourg, to furnish You the Money You want.— You will find our Treaty inaccurate and blundering, but You will pardon all our Bulls, when You know the Haste and the Danger We were in, and think that We have done very well. I should advise You not to hesitate a Moment...
5736From John Adams to John Winthrop, 23 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of June the first is now before me. It is now universally acknowledged that we are, and must be independant states. But Still Objections are made to a Declaration of it. It is said, that such a Declaration, will arouse and unite Great Britain. But are they not already aroused and united, as much as they will be? Will not such a Declaration, arouse and unite the Friends of Liberty,...
5737From John Adams to William Lee, 2 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 30th. of March, is just come to Hand, and I thank you for it. I did not Suspect construe any Thing in your last into a design of drawing from me, any of the Secrets of my mission, indeed there is no secret in it, but my Instructions, which will I hope forever remain so, untill they are executed if that time should ever come. I have had Reasons, however for saying nothing...
5738Memorandum on the Legal Status of Half-Moon Island in Quincy Bay, 1806 (Adams Papers)
It is not less than Sixty years, I believe since I was first upon the Island of Half Moon I was many other times upon it . I have walked over several Acres of Upland, high above all the highest Spring tides that had been known. I then Understood, it belonged to the Farm of Col. John Quincy, and, it has been universally considered as a part of it from that time, as far as I ever heard...
5739Thurdsday [2 November]. (Adams Papers)
Rode as far as Smelt Brook. Breakfasted, made my fire and am now set down to Van Muyden in Earnest. His latin is easy, his definitions are pretty clear, and his Divisions of the subject, are judicious.
5740From John Adams to Corporation of the City of New London, 1 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
I receive with Sincere Satisfaction this Testimony of Esteem from the Corporation of this respectable City of New London. The Part I took in our important and glorious Revolution was the Effect, of a Sense of Duty, of the natural Feelings of a Man for his native Country and the native Country of his ancestors for Several Generations, of all the principles moral, and political & religious in...
5741From John Adams to John Bondfield, 16 September 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 15 of May. and take this opportunity to return you my thanks for your polite congratulations. It is now five months within a few days since I entered on the execution of my office: and although I had many apprehensions from the novelty of it, and from my own long habits formed to different scenes of life, in the course of a ten...
5742To George Washington from John Adams, 6 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
As your Excellency has asked my Opinion of General Lees Plan, as explain’d in his Letter of the fifth instant, I think it my Duty to give it, although I am obliged to do it in more Haste than I could wish. I Suppose the only Questions which arise upon that Letter are whether the Plan is practicable; whether it is expedient; and whether it lies properly within your Excellencys Authority,...
57431782 November 25. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Dr. F., Mr. J. and myself at 11. met at Mr. Oswalds Lodgings. Mr. Stratchey told Us, he had been to London and waited personally on every one of the Kings Cabinet Council, and had communicated the last Propositions to them. They every one of them, unanimously condemned that respecting the Tories, so that that unhappy Affair stuck as he foresaw and foretold that it would. The Affair of the...
5744From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 81, 10 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 10 June 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, II, f. 106–117). LbC ( Adams Papers ) notation by John Thaxter: “June 18th. 1780. This day delivered Mr. Hall of Virginia No. 81—to go by Way of Amsterdam.” This is the first letter in Lb/JA/12 ( Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 100). For this Letterbook, see part 2 of the Introduction: “John Adams and His Letterbooks” (above)....
5745Monday. March 27 [i.e. 28?]. 1774. (Adams Papers)
Rode with Brother Josiah Quincy to Ipswich Court. Arrived at Piemonts in Danvers, in good order and well conditioned. Spent the evening, and lodged, agreably. Walked out in the Morning to hear the Birds sing. Piemont says there is a Report that the Sons of Liberty have received some Advices from England which makes them look down—that they have received a Letter from Mr. Bollan that they must...
5746From John Adams to Hendrick W. Gordon, 18 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
we shall never be able to discharge our obligations to you for your kind attentions and attentions and assistance in our family correspondence with Russia. your care of the inclosed will add another Item to the debt of your grateful Servant MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
5747Adams’ Minutes of the Trial: Essex Superior Court, Ipswich, June 1771 (Adams Papers)
Jno. Melzond . Was on board the Vessell with Captn. Burnam and Mr. Mugford. Burnam took an Hankercheif and a Purse and 1/2 Jo hannes in it, and some small Money. B. askd Mugford is that your Money? Yes. M. said Do you intend to keep it. M. claimed it as his Money. Said it was his Money and asked C aptain B urnam if he want going to let him have it. B. said No. Cant say if the Handkerchief was...
5748From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 13 January 1822 (Adams Papers)
I am glad to learn by your No. 12—that you are reading Burlamaqui and as he is sound in philosophy morals and Religion, I hope that you will not only read, but study him. Make an abstract or analysis of him, for I inculcate on all my young friends the maxim “studium—sine calamo, somnium.” My early patron Mr Gridley of whom you have so often heard me speak with veneration, who educated more...
5749John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 February 1790 (Adams Papers)
I hope your Anxiety, about your Prospects of future Life, will not be indulged too far. If, after your Term with M r Parsons expires your Judgment, Inclination and Advice of your Friends lead you to Boston, you shall have my full Consent and Approbation. If you could contrive to get a Small Family into my House with whom you could reputably board: and could reserve the best Room and Chamber,...
5750From John Adams to Francis Henderson, 11 January 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. your letter from Newport of the 3d. of this month Unable to examine it myself on account of the failure of my eye sight I have had the letter with the documents read to me, and I wish it were in my power to be of any service to you in supporting your claim. To the great merit of Colo. Laurens the father, as a member and President of Congress, and as a Negotiator of the Treaty of...
5751From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
The letter you sent me is from Mr. Murray of the 1 of May at Paris. I return it inclosed to you, that you may consider the recommendation of Mr. Dan. Murray of Anapolis his relation, who is a midshipman on board the insurgent. If this young gentlemans merits will justify his promotion, of which you are better judge than I can be, my disposition to consent to it need not be doubted. With great...
5752From John Adams to John Redman, 5 January 1791 (Adams Papers)
I received this morning the Letter you did me the honour to write me, communicating the resolution of the Second Presbyterian Church in Arch Street, of the 29 th Ultimo, appropriating the large Pew fronting the Pulpit, and the two Pews adjoining it, for the Use of the Vice President of the United States and Such members of both Houses of Congress as choose during their Sessions to worship in...
5753John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, February–3 March 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I was nibbing my pen and brushing my Faculties, to write a polite Letter of Thanks to M r Counsellor Barton for his valuable Memoirs of D r Rittenhouse though I could not account for his Sending it to me; when I received your favour of Jan. 24 th . I now most cordially indorse my Thanks over to you. The Book is in the modern American Style, an able imitation of Marshalls Washington, though far...
57541774. Wednesday [26 October]. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Home. This Day the Congress finished. Spent the Evening together at the City Tavern—all the Congress and several Gentlemen of the Town. Among other things Congress this day debated and approved the address to the people of Quebec, signed the address to the King, voted a resolution of thanks to the Pennsylvania Assembly “for their politeness to this Congress,” and “then dissolved...
5755August 15. 1796. Monday. (Adams Papers)
My Team met the Abington Team at the Bars, and plough’d the Baulk between Burrells Corn and the great Wall, with the great Plough. Ploughed on the North Side of the Wall from the Road to the rocky Vally with the small breaking up plough. Trask mowing Bushes and burning. At Night both Teams came home with both Ploughs. Mrs. Adams went with Mrs. Otis to Situate and Plymouth.
5756From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 17 February 1810 (Adams Papers)
Amsterdam, August 16, 1781, wrote to congress—“Mr. Temple has held offices of such importance, and a bank so considerable in America before the revolution, that his return to his native country at this time cannot fail to cause much speculation, and it is to be feared, some diversity of sentiments concerning him. As he came from London to Amsterdam, and did me the honor of a visit, in which he...
5757[April 1776] (Adams Papers)
Coll. Whipple lodges at Mrs. in Walnut Street. Mr. Hancock, Messrs. Adams’s, Paine and Gerry at Mrs. Yards in 2d Street. Mr. Hopkins at Mr. Sherman, Coll. Wolcott and Coll. Huntington at Mr. Duncans in 3d. Mr. Duane at the Collectors in Markett Street, next door to Coll. Reads. Gen. Livingston, Mr. De Hart in Second Street. Mr. Serjeant at Dr. Ewing’s. Mr. Moreton at Mr. Wilson at Mr. Johnson...
5758From John Adams to Matthew Ridley, 8 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
I recd your favor of 29 Ult, with its Inclosure, last night. Great News indeed. Inclosed is an answer. This Day at Noon, I Am to meet the Lords the Deputies of their High Mightinesses, to Sign the Treaty. It has been delayed Sometime, in order to have the Silver Boxes for the Seals made with Suitable Elegance and Dignity for the Taste of these magnificent Republicans, too much of the Dignity...
5759From John Adams to Samuel Adams Wells, 19 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
I return you the papers relative to the Gaspee—I long to see them in print you ought to publish them in the first News paper they are among the most Significant Documents of the Revolution—I inclose you also a letter to the President—I wish I could see you every day—for a multitude of thoughts occour to me which I cannot write— I am Sir with Esteem and affection your friend my letter to your...
5760December 10. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Visited Mr. Oswald, to enquire what News from England. He had the Courier de L’Europe in which is Mr. Secretary Townsends Letter to the Lord Mayor of London dated the 3d. of this Month in which he announces the Signature of Preliminaries on the thirtieth of November, between the Commissioner of his Majesty and the Commissioners of the U. States of America. He had also received the Kings...