64011774 Septr. 9. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Attended my Duty upon Committees. Dined at home. “9th. The Committee met, agreed to found our rights upon the laws of Nature, the principles of the English Constitution, and charters and compacts; ordered a Sub-Committee to draw up a Statement of Rights” (Samuel Ward, Diary, Burnett, ed., Letters of Members Edmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress, Washington,...
6402From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 September 1819 (Adams Papers)
Number. 1 A volume of written extracts Quarto 2 Letter Book beginning from 26th May 1776 to 8th February 1778 Folio 3 Ditto from 3rd Febry 1777 to 7th July 1777. Ditto... 4. Journals of voyage to France in 1778. " 5 Letter Book France from 12th: May 1778 to 8 Novr. 1779. " 6 Journal 13 Feby. 1778 to 26th. April 1779—
6403John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 May 1777 (Adams Papers)
We have at last accomplished a troublesome Piece of Business. We have chosen a Number of additional Ambassadors. Mr. Ralph Izzard of S. Carolina, a Gentleman of large Fortune, for the Court of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Mr. William Lee, formerly Alderman of London, for the Courts of Vienna and Berlin. LbC ( Adams Papers ). There is no indication that this letter was sent or received. JA...
6404From John Adams to Alexander Gillon, 21 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I recieved yours of the 14th. which came very safe. I thank You for the News about the Northern Powers, but should have been glad you had been more particular. There are Reasons to suspect that some Letters are opened, but as the friends of our Country must communicate with each other, it will not do to interrupt Correspondences for fear our Letters shall be opened. We may write so...
6405From John Adams to Benjamin Russell, 7 February 1820 (Adams Papers)
As I have all my Life, professed to be a very sincere friend to the promotion of knowledge—and a free Circulation of it—through every vein, and Artery through the body Politic—in opposition to all the well-born—Well-bred—And well dressed few in every age and Country, who have taught an opposite doctrine I cannot but applaude the design of the good people of Boston for raising a Library for the...
64067th Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Dined, about half a Mile out of Town at Mr. Lux’s, with Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Lovell, Mr. Hall, Dr. Thornton, a Mr. Harrison, Dr. and Mr. George Lux, and two Ladies Mrs. Lux and her Sister. This Seat is named Chatworth, and an elegant one it is. Has a large Yard, inclosed with Stone in Lime, and before The Yard two fine Rows of large Cherry Trees, which lead out to the public...
64079 Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
A charming Day. Spent the evening up Chamber.
6408To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 11 February 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society Last night I received your obliging Favour of the fifth of this Month. Your Excellencys Sentiment, “that the Foundation of Credit abroad must be laid at Home” is perfectly just, and accords with the General Sentiment of the Money Lenders, Undertakers and Brokers in this Country, whose Universal Cry is “We should choose to see Some certain Method...
6409From John Adams to Moses Gill, 10 June 1775 (Adams Papers)
It would be a Relief to my Mind, if I could write freely to you concerning the Sentiments Principles, Facts and Arguments which are laid before us, in Congress: But Injunctions, and Engagements of Honour render this impossible. What I learn out of Doors among Citizens, Gentlemen, and Persons of all Denominations is not so sacred. I find that the general Sense abroad is to prepare for a...
64101774. Saturday [1 October]. (Adams Papers)
Dined with Mr. Webster. Spent the Evening with Stephen Collins. Went to see the Election at the State House. Mr. Dickinson was chosen. As one of the representatives of Philadelphia co. to the Pennsylvania Assembly, which in turn, 15 Oct., elected him to the Continental Congress. In a letter to AA of 7 Oct. JA wrote at some length on the favorable turn of the Pennsylvania elections for the...
641123 Monday. (Adams Papers)
Fair weather. Crawford spent the Evening here.
6412John Adams to the president of Congress, 10 February 1784 (Adams Papers)
I had Scarcely finished my Dispatches, to go by M r Thaxter with the definitive Treaty, when I was taken down with a Fever at Paris, and reduced so low as to be totally unable to attend to any Business for a long time. When I grew so much better, as to be able to ride, I was advised to go to England.— As I had nothing to do at Paris, and an Attempt to reside in Holland, would probably have...
6413From John Adams to Silas Talbot, 1 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I do myself the pleasure to inclose a letter from the Secretary of the Navy to you with your commission, to which I know you will do honor. I wish you all the success & glory in the enjoyment of it, which you can possibly wish yourself With great regard your most humble MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
6414[Fryday September 13. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
I return to the Journal of Congress. Fryday September 13. 1776. Two Letters of the 7th. and 11. from General Washington, one of the Eighth from General Green, and a resolution of the Committee of Safety of Pennsilvania of the 13th were read, and referred to the Board of War. Two Letters of the 8th, from General Schuyler, with sundry Papers enclosed; one of the 7th. from Walter Livingston, and...
6415From John Adams to James McHenry, 13 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your Letter of the fourth and return You the blank Commissions signed and all the Papers inclosed in yours. As to Major Brooks, I know not how a Man can talk of fighting “French Bloodhounds” who has been capable of saying Since his appointment, “that Things were going very well before the Arrival of the Dispatches of the Envoys: but the publication of those Dispatches had ruined...
6416From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 19 May 1786 (Adams Papers)
The Letter in which this is inclosed, I received yesterday—open for my Inspection— The Bill of Exchange drawn by Mr. Morris for 144.000 florins, will I hope be some relief to you Our Secretary of State for foreign affairs informs me on the 7 th. of April that twelve of the States had granted the Impost new York only remained to come in— and it is not likely the Legislature of that State will...
6417From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 12 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have signed the commission for Dr. Edward Field of Enfield & sent it on in your letter to him. Dr. Cogswells letter to Mr. Wolcott I return to you. Knowing, esteeming & loving Dr. Cogswell I could not hesitate a moment to credit his recommendation. I hope every exertion will be made to get the congress to see. I have as good & as high an opinion of Capt Sever as you have expressed in a late...
6418From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 September 1819 (Adams Papers)
Know ye, That upon the Day of the Date hereof, before Me, at a Court of Probate, held at Dedham, in the County aforesaid, the Will of John Adams, late of Quincy in the said County, Doctor of Laws deceased, a Copy of which to these Presents annexed, was proved, approved, and allowed: Who having, while he lived, and at the Time of his Death, Goods, Chattels, Rights or Credits in the County...
6419John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 10 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
I rec d in due Course your favour of March 18 and thank you for your prompt and punctual attention to my several requests. The Harleyan Miscellany I should be glad to have. M r Dobsons account I presume is correct. I know not the Cost of the Harleyan Miscellany: but if any ballance should remain you may take it in any Books you may want, or Send any to me that you think have merit. I have rec...
642013 Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Some Snow last night, a clowdy, raw morning.
6421[March 21. Saturday 1778.] (Adams Papers)
March 21. Saturday 1778. Five Weeks had elapsed Yesterday, since my Embarkation. We went East South East.
6422From John Adams to Aaron Black, 15 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
On the receipt of your Letter of June 4th. I lost no time I communicating it to your Sister and your Neice. They have written you letters in answers which you will receive with this. Your Brother was my next Neighbour for more than twenty years. We lived in harmony and Friendship. He lived and died esteemed and beloved by all who knew him. His Estate which I understand is encumbered with heavy...
6423From John Adams to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 9 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your respectfull Address, has been presented to be by your Senators in Congress Mr Laurence and Mr North who are also Members of your Society. The interesting and critical Situation of our Country, threatoned as it is by a very powerfull foreign Nation, could not fail to command the Attention of Gentlemen of your Characters and Habits of Life. I am very happy to find that your Opinions...
6424From John Adams to James Asheton Bayard, 10 April 1802 (Adams Papers)
I received your favor of the 19th March and am much flattered by your kind recollection of me. Your Speech which was inclosed I had read in detached parcels in newspapers more than once.—I have now read all together and at once. I shall not take the time to recollect enough of my Cicero and Quintilian to give a critical dissertation and comparison of the various orations in both houses of...
6425John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 3 May 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours Ap. 8 has long Since been rec d J. “Would you agree to live your 80 Years over again”? A. “ Aye! And Sanse Phrases .” J. “Would you agree to live your Eighty Years over again forever”? A. I once heard our Acquaintance, Chew , of Philadelphia Say, “He Should like to go back to 25, to all Eternity”: but I own my Soul would Start and Shrink back on itself, at the Prospect of an endless...
6426From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. your favour of the 16th.—Thank you for your care in writing to Mr Sands, who has furnished me with two thousand dollars for which I gave him duplicate Receipts to Serve for one, according to your desire. Though I rejoice to learn from your Letter that the Sickness in the City is diminishing, I cannot admit your Walk through the Principal Streets of it, to be full proof; because it...
6427[Wednesday May 8. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Wednesday May 8. 1776. The Instructions from the Naval Committee to Commodore Hopkins being laid before Congress and read: Ordered That they be referred to a Committee of seven, and that it be an Instruction to that Committee to enquire how far Commodore Hopkins has complied with the said Instructions, and if upon Inquiry they shall find that he has departed therefrom, to examine into the...
6428From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 18 September 1812 (Adams Papers)
In the good old English Phrase, I give you ten thousand Thanks for the Muscat Wine of Samos, which is now in my Cellar, in good order and of good Quality. You did not forsee one effect of it. It will increase my Love of Greek and Latin more than my Patriotism. Oh! How I heard a Circle of Ladies, of the first quality, old and middle Aged, and young, praise it last Evening! If indeed there is...
6429From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 22 April 1823 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. is a reviving cordial in which I have languished for a fortnight—But I have to complain, that it is only two days, since I heard since I heard of George’s misfortune. I suppose it has been concealed in tenderness to me, but I wish to hear the worst of bad news from the begining. This tenderness for me has concealed many misfortunes which if they had been communicated to...
64303 Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Dined, Spent the afternoon and drank Tea at Coll. Chandlers.
6431John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 February 1777 (Adams Papers)
I am at last after a great deal of Difficulty, settled in comfortable Quarters, but at an infinite Expence. . . . The Price I pay for my Board is more moderate than any other Gentlemen give, excepting my Colleagues, who are all in the same Quarters, and at the same Rates except Mr. H ancock who keeps an House by himself. The Prices of Things here, are much more intollerable than at Boston. The...
6432[1779 December 17. Fryday.] (Adams Papers)
1779 December 17. Fryday. The Consul conducted me to the Souvereign Court of Justice where We visited three Halls, One of civil Jurisdiction, another of criminal, and a third of both. The Three Youngest Judges sit in the criminal Trybunals. I was introduced to the President and the other Judges, and to the Procureur du Roi, i.e. to the Kings Attorney who treated me with great Ceremony,...
6433From John Adams to Jeremy Belknap, 16 January 1795 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter of the 2d. was brought to me from the Post office this morning, and I thank you for your Attention to the Reputation of our Country. I have Shewn your Letter to Mr Henry Mr Elsworth and other Members of Congress in 1779 and 1780 and to some others , and there is not one who remembers any Thing like the account which Dr Kippis has given. I will however take other Measures for...
6434Announcement of Changes of Address of John Adams’ Law Office, 22 April 1771 (Adams Papers)
Notifies the Removal of his Office to a Room in Queen-Street, in the House of Mr. John Gill, within a few Steps of the New Court-House, but on the opposite Side of the Street. Reprinted from ( Boston Gazette , 22 April 1771). The transfer of JA ’s law office was probably dictated by the Adams family’s return to Braintree earlier this month. Before becoming Gill’s tenant, JA had apparently...
6435From John Adams to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 8 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
David Hinckley Esqr of Boston a Gentleman of ample Fortune & respectable Character is about to travel in France with his amiable Daughter for the benefit of his health and the Gratification of his curiosity and the improvement of their knowledge of the World. Are extremely desirous of paying their respects to their illustrious fellow Citizen one of the Heroes of the American Revolution and...
6436From John Adams to Moses Lloyd Hill, 21 August 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your first Ancestor in America lies buried in Quincy under a rough North Common Granite. I lament the hard Case of General Sinclair a Gentleman of Letters Taste and Sense, a Soldier and Scientific Officer, but unfortunate; and you know Success secures Fame and Fortune Sometimes when Merit, without it, cannot. “Careat Successibus Opto Quisquis ab eventu, Factu notandu putat” was written in...
6437From John Adams to John Adams, 26 May 1816 (Adams Papers)
It gives me much pleasure, to hear that you have a Taste for Numbers, because this quality or faculty, call it which you will, is commonly connected with a curiosity for Quantities, and leads to Algebraical and geometrical Studies You think you have and an Inclination for the Sea: but, my dear Child, you know not, as yet, your own Propensities. You must learn to think before you decide; to...
6438From John Adams to Thomas Sprigg, 2 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return with pleasure your Congratulations, upon the Unanimity of Spirit among our Fellow Citizens, which in so firm Language expresses their Resolution to preserve inviolate their Independence; and thank you for your generous applause. I thank you your unanimous Resolution to defend the Rights of Freemen or perish in the Conflict, is heroic and glorious. I cannot promise you an...
6439John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
This Letter will be delivered you, by M r Roberdeau a Son of General Roberdeau my ancient Friend, lately married to Miss Blair a Daughter of Doctor Blair, whom your Mamma knows. I pray you to Shew all the Civility to M r Roberdeau in your Power. invite him to Quincy with you to keep sunday with your Mamma and shew him Boston and Cambridge, Colledge Library Apparatus &c and give him all the...
6440From John Adams to United States Senate, 4 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I nominate the Gentlemen in the following List to fill the Offices to which they are designated in it— Cavalry. Alexander Macomb, junr: New York— Second Lieutenant First Regiment of Artillerists & Engineers. Cadet Jared Brooks Lieutenant Robert Gray Pennsylvania Ditto Cadet Lewis Landais Ditto Cadet William Murray Ditto Cadet Joseph Cross Ditto Peter Lampkin Virginia Ditto
6441From John Adams to John Taylor, 12 April 1824 (Adams Papers)
I have received with kindness and thank fullness, your learned work upon the Constitution—I have had as much read to me as I have been able to hear—but inted to have it all read to me if I live It is long since I have ceased to write read, speak or think upon Theories of Government and now I am on at half way on my eighty ninth year I am incapable of either. I see you have treated me with...
6442[March 30. Monday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
March 30. Monday. 1778. This Morning the Officer came down and told the Captain that a lofty Ship was in Sight and had fired two heavy Guns. All hands were called up: but the lofty Ship appeared to be an heavy loaded Snow. The Weather was Cloudy, but there was no Wind. All very still excepting a small Suel. The Tower of Cordovan or as our Sailors called it The Bourdeaux lighthouse, was in...
6443From John Adams to Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 14 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
Returning last Evening from the Hague I had the Pleasure to find your kind Favour of the Sixth of this month, and am very glad to hear of your Intention to place 12 thousand Florins in the american Funds. I am also much pleased to find that you prefer, the Loan with which I am intrusted, to that made under the warranty of France and this Republick, because it is a more frank and manly...
Gridley. The Constables distraining for Rates. More inconsistent with English Rights and Liberties than Writts of assistance. And Necessity authorizes both. Thatcher. I have searched, in all the ancient Repertories of Prece dents, in Fitzherberts Natura Brevium, and in the Register (Q. what the Register is) and have found no such Writt of assistance as this Petition prays. I have found two...
6445John Adams to Charles Adams, 16 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
This morning I received your favour of the 13 th. and wonder not that your honest heart is disgusted at the Iniquities always practiced at the New York Elections, where I Suppose Lord Nugents Maxim is adopted, that “ all Things are lawful at Elections. ” This moral Aphorism he once alledged as an Apology for having once at an Election at Bristol, when his Lordship and Alderman Beckford were...
6446From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 26 May 1785 (Adams Papers)
M r Adams has the Honour to acquaint the Right Honourable the Marquis of Caermarthen, that he is just arrived in Town with Credentials from the United States of America, and desires to be informed at what Hour, he may have the Honour of paying his Respects to his Lordship. RC ( British Library, London :Leeds Papers); endorsed: “May. 26. 1785. / M r. Adams.” FC ( Adams Papers ). LbC ( Adams...
6447From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 22 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
In order that I We may be understand one another, Upon looking over the Account of the Expenditure of the Money for which We have jointly drawn upon the Banker Since my Arrival at Passi, I find some Articles charged, for Similar ones to which I have paid in my seperate Capacity. I dont mean to be difficult about these Things but that each of Us may We may have a Plan, for the future, I beg...
6448From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 24 July 1805 (Adams Papers)
In the course of your industrious researches, in natural History have you ever given a particular attention to the generation of Shell fish? Will you be so good as to inform me in what Book this subject has been most fully treated? I suspect, but it is only a suspicion, that a great part of them are hatched by the sun, upon the Surface of the ocean; and that the proscess has been carried on,...
6449From John Adams to Charles Lee, 21 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I received Yesterday the opinion of yourself the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of the Navy on the Case of the Prisoners under Sentence of death for Treason, formed, as I doubt not under the full Exercise of Integrity and humanity. Nevertheless as I differ in opinion, I must take on myself alone the responsibility of one more appeal to the humane and generous natures of the...
6450From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your important letter of the 7th. The form of a proclamation—is sufficient I believe for the purpose; and I have signed it, that it may be compleated and published at a proper season without loss of time. I am glad the heads of departments did not form a definitive opinion on the very important question, whether it will be expedient to renew the commerce without a...