6821To John Adams from James Lovell, 13 January 1778 (Adams Papers)
First and foremost, become a reconciling advocate for me with your dear lovely Portia, who, from the most rational tender attachment to you, is as angry with me as her judiciously patriotic Spirit will allow, upon a foundation which I hope you have been acquainted with, long e’er this day. This hint must pass for an acknowledgement of the receipt of her letter of Decr. 19th. and for all the...
6822To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
Feby 1. Continued very ill but having company at Dinner made an effort to struggle against my indisposition with a view to receive my expected guest’s—It was however and at four o’clock having gone through the labour of receiving many morning visitors I was under the necessity of retiring to my chamber—She was unusually gay and excellent and all the company sociable and merry—The party...
6823William Jackson to John Adams, 26 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
Lest the date of my letter should alarm your Excellency, I am happy in prefacing it with an assurance that your dear little Boy, who is now at my elbow, is perfectly well. Mr. Gillon (to the baseness of whose character no term of reproach is equal) has, after adding insult to injury landed us in Spain. I would enter into the detail of his unparalleled villainies—but the late hour at which I...
6824To John Adams from John Jay, 18 August 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed, a Copy of a Report on the Case of the Brig Jane and Elizabeth of Portsmouth in New Hampshire seized by a british man of War at Barbadoes; together with Copies of the Papers on that Subject annexed to it.— The Conduct of the Captain of the Boreas as stated in these Papers appears very exceptionable, but unfortunately for the Brig, her...
6825To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 3 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
May it please Yoúr Excellency; to receive with the assúrance of oúr most respectfúll regard, the compliments of Mr. Ch. H Themmen of Groninqúe, who charged ús there with in a Letter; and promises to procúre ús by his frend a packet for Yoúr Excellency, which Mr. Francis Dana from Paris charged ús to forward; whe shall comply there with the moment we receive it; it hath been left as Mr. Themmen...
6826To John Adams from James McHenry, 7 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter from Major General Pinckney expresses his wish and respecting an appointment in the army for Thomas Pinckney junr. the son of his brother Major Pinckney. If you think it proper to appoint the young gentleman a Lieutenant in the 1st. Regiment of Artillerists & Engineers I have no doubt but it will be pleasing to both father & brother. Mr Pinckney is a student at Princetown...
6827To John Adams from Francis Dana, 17 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the honor to write you a few posts back, enclosing, & supporting a letter of recommendation from Genl: Knox to the Secretary of War, of Mr. Barrons a Tutor of Harvard University as a suitable person for a captain in the train of Artillery. On that hand I have now nothing to add. But I then intimated to you that I might probably, at a future day, request an appointment for my...
6828To John Adams from David Sewall, 24 January 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have a desire of knowing, (in case it will not be too troublesome for you to make the Communication) the Occurrences that took place, in a Court of Admiralty, held at Boston, toward the latter part of Govr. Barnard’s Admina. for a supposed Murder on the high Seas.—It was I belive the last trial of the kind in Massa. prior to the american revolution.—Govr. Jno. Wentworth & some Gent of N....
6829Charles Adams to John Adams, 6 December 1793 (Adams Papers)
The very interesting situation of our Country at present cannot fail to call forth the serious reflections of those who are anxious for its wellfare What we are destined to can only with certainty be divulged by the operation of time. Individuals reason from the experience of past ages and often draw different conclusions from the same premises. We are as yet but a young Country. Yet we have...
6830To John Adams from John Eager Howard, 25 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
We take the liberty to recommend Mr. John Rousby Plater as a proper Character to fill the appointment of one of the assistant Judges of the Territory of Columbia. We have the honor to be with great Respect and Esteem / Sir, / Your obedt. Serts MHi : Adams Papers.
6831To John Adams from Stephen Codman, 8 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty to acquaint your Excellency of my arrival in this place the 15 th Ult o. from Havana, in the Ship, Commerce, belonging to Mess Codman & Smith of Boston.— The very unexpected peace which has taken place, will very much injure our Voige, our Cargo of Sugars Still Remaining unsold, and no offers at present made.— I am notwithstanding getting the Ship ready for sea, and shall be...
6832To John Adams from Henry Grand, 14 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
At the receit of your Letter I imparted your observations, concerning your Account, to Dr. Franklin, for the consideration of which he demanded a few days, it is but lately that he answered me verbally, “that he had allowd and payd to Mr. Fr. Dana all that was due to him for his Salaries, and that he was doing the Same with respect to you by means of his order to give you credit for 120.000,...
6833From John Jay to John Adams, 11 June 1821 (Jay Papers)
Since my last to you of the 7 th . ult. I have recieved your’s of the 30 th . of April, and 13 th . of May. As in the latter (which came to hand on the 19 May) you approved of an application to M r . Duane for Copies of what he calls our Journals, I did apply to him accordingly, by a Letter of which the following is a Copy— viz t . On the 24 th . of March I rec d . your Letter of the 16 th .
6834To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the Indians on the North Western frontier give indications of their desire to remain at peace and under the protection of the U. States, notwithstanding the various efforts that have been made to debauch them. They have consented that the line of limits should be run, (with an exception by Little Turtle) agreeably to the Treaty of Greenville and the...
6835To John Adams from Henry Knox, 1 May 1792 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor respectfully to submit to the Senate, a Report on the petition of Samuel B. Turner, late an Ensign of the Maryland battalion of Levies, on the expedition under Major General St Clair— With the highest Respect / I have the honor to be / Sir / Your most obedient / huml servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
6836To John Adams from Alexander White, 5 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed letter is from a man whom I presume is unknown to you, all I can say respecting him, is that some years ago he came to Winchester very poor, and has, by industry and economy acquired a hansome property. his sentiments appear to be expressed with so much disinterestedness and sincerity, that I thought it but justice to communicate them I arrived here a week ago with a view of...
6837To John Adams from Henry Colman, 1 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
You know my vanity and therefore are probably surprized that I have not before this transmitted you a journal of my travels; now do not condemn me too soon nor at any rate too severely but let it mitigate my sentence to recollect that Mrs. Adams herself invited this freedom and that I avail myself of the honor and kindness of that permission. I shall always consider myself, my dear Sir, under...
6838Isaac Smith Sr. to John Adams, 26 July 1775 (Adams Papers)
I forgot in my last epistle, to desire you to speak to the Phila. printer’s of the News paper’s generally sent this way for to send me One, weekly which as the posts are now regulated, comes here a Thursday Afternoon, the Hartford post arriving att Cambridge a Wednesday Night. Your two Peices Issue’d by your Congress meets with general Applause—but we want to see that to the King and as itt is...
6839To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 9 February 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have deferred an answer to the letter, which you did me the honor of addressing on the 28th of Jany, ’till I could see Capt John Delman of Marblehead; who has refreshed my memory with the following statement, which he made in a short interview, as the facts then were presented to his recollection. “That in the fall of the year 1775, General Washington commissioned Nicolas Broughton &...
6840To John Adams from John Stockdale, 3 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
I received your favour, and return you my sincere thanks for your condescention in complying with my request: the work is now published, and I hope it will answer my purpose, but of this I cannot be certain, but whether it does or not, I am equally obliged to you. War hurts my business much, and prevented me printing it in 4to.— With this, you will receive a Copy of which I beg your...
6841From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 22 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a late order of the Senate on the subject of a Petition of Arthur Hughes. Diligent search has been made for such a Petition, and it has not been found. Neither have I now a distinct recollection of ever having seen it. Whether therefore it may not have originally failed in the transmission to me, or may have become mislaid by a temporary displacement of the papers of my...
6842To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 9 February 1822 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty of soliciting the favour of you to furnish me within a few weeks, should you have leisure, a very brief account of such subjects in relation to your quarter, as you may feel interested to see in the picture of the United States, and for which I shall give you credit in the publication, unless you direct otherwise. I have the honour of informing you that I have received in my...
6843To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 27 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The original French of Chauvets letter to Galatin, exhibiting the perfidy and violence of France in subverting the Swiss Republic, I recd. from Mr. King. It appeared to me so important a detail of facts at the present moment, I put it into the hands of a son of Mr. Abraham Hunt, whom I found at leisure, to translate. It has been faithfully done. I encouraged the printer here to give it to the...
6844To John Adams from John Conway, 28 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
You will, I fear, be surprised at seeing yourself addrest by a person unknown to you, but the subsequent lines, I hope will apologize for the intrusion! I am well informed, Sir, that Mr. John Halstead, Collector of the Customs for the District of Perth-Amboy, will resign his Commission in a short time; and I am advised by several of my friends to apply for that office:—I have also been...
6845Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 3 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
The return of some Gentlemen of the Philadelphia Bar gives me an opportunity of droping you a few lines; The Court has been engaged in many important trials, & contrary to their expectations are obliged to meet this day— M r: Ingersoll however intends making part of the Journey, to Lancaster this afternoon; To prevent an interference of the Court of Com Pleas & the Supreme Court in Lancaster...
6846To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 13 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu les 2 respectables vôtres du 5 & du 7 cour t. , la derniere mardi au soir directement, & la I ere. ce matin par Amsterdam. Je prends part à votre inquiétude pour Mr. votre fils. Mais par les mesures que j’ai prises, j’espere que vous en serez bientôt quitte. J’ai donné un Extrait de votre Lettre du 7 accompagné d’un note signée de ma part, à Mr. le Duc de la Vauguyon, qui va...
6847To John Adams from Joseph Palmer, 1 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I had the honor of dining with your Lady, all well. Having an opportunity by my Friend Dr. Craigie, I Steal a few moments from the public, just to thank you, Mr. Paine, and other my good Friends for their many Friendly Letters respecting public matters. They have had good effects; and this assurance will, I hope, encourage you all in persevereance. I am not able to write, unless by...
6848To John Adams from Francis Dana, [1 June 1783] (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 24 th. of March which was mentioned as missing in my last, has this day come to hand together with that of the 1 st. inst: Since mine of the 16 th. of March, the receipt of which you acknowledge in your last, I have written three times to you viz: on the 28 th. of April, the 1 st. and 4 th. of May. enclosing Copies of my Memorial in the two first. By the last post I sent an...
6849To John Adams from Adam Gerard Mappa, 16 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
Since Christmas 1789 a few days after my arrival at New-York, when, invited by your politeness, I enjoyed the honour at your Table of renewing the recollection of a visit I had the pleasure to pay you at the Hague, au Lion d’Or, when Mr. Du Mat was my interpreter in asking your friendly advice to emigrate with my family to North America. Not having had the pleasure of paying you my grateful...
6850To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 15 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I think your Excellency must have been greatly surprized at the Vote, which the House of Commons came to on General Conways Motion agst the Advisers for subduing America by Force; but how much soever One may be surprized to see such a measure taken at this Time, it is perhaps more Amazing that it was not taken before; it ought to have been the Declaration of Parliament at the beginning of the...
6851To John Adams from John Lyddiard, 20 July 1785 (Adams Papers)
I hope you will Pardon my Boldness of Wrighting to you Itt is to Ask the Favour of you to Gett me my Discharge from a English Man of War, I am a Native of Boston in the Province of Messetucet Bay, New England, I Saild out of Boston in the Year of 1778 in a Brig of 16 Guns in the Continantal Servis Cap t William Burk Com md and was Taken Septem ber 16 th in the Same Year By Byron Fleet and was...
6852To John Adams from Alexander Townsend, 27 June 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have now gratefully to acknowledge the honour of your two letters of the 2d. and 26th. I am aware of the extent of the difficulty of doing justice to the character of Mr Dexter. Satisfied with what has already been said in this subject in various parts of the country, his family are solicitous and it is perhaps best, that, for the present at least, nothing farther be said. Vindicating his...
6853Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 March 1796 (Adams Papers)
I received Your kind favours of March 3. 5 7 & 9 th by the Thursday post. we have as great a famine here of News as their is of Bread in Europe. the chief Topick of conversation is the Georgia Lands. their Present Legislature have displayd state Sovereignty in its fullest extent; our wise Men were never before so Bubbled. our Wealthyest citizens are taken in to a vast amount, Mr Russel Barrel...
6854To John Adams from Abel Sawyer, 29 January 1807 (Adams Papers)
Honrble Sir I am Possesed of A paper Executed To Samel Adams Malster of Boston & others it was Executed Decembr 1718 if it concerns you it is in my Power To Do you Some Service if the late govern Samel Adams was A Relative & it be in your Power I wish you To Inform me by letter who is heirs Are & who Administered upon his Estate & where they live if it concern you A letter To me will be...
6855To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 2 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
You are too well acquainted with the history of the world & the distresses of mankind to expect to stand on the eminence of rank, fortune, and influence without solicitations from various quarters— Where you feel a friendship it will always be a sufficient stimulous for the exertion of every kind office without importunity: & when applyed to by strangers in distress your benevolence I trust...
6856To John Adams from William Lee, 14 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am indebted to you for your favor of the 6th. The American vessels lately arriv’d in Holland, do not, that I hear of, bring any material Public news except the last which came from Boston the begining of May and informs us of the Marquis de la Fayettes arrival there and that they expected there also Monsieur de Rochambrauds army, which may be a means of giving the Enemy at N. York sufficient...
6857John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 16 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Make Latin, Explain Cicero Erasmus Appendix Peirce Phaedrus. Learn greek Racines greek Grammar Geography geometry fractions Writing Drawing As a young boy can not apply himself to all those Things and keep a remembrance of them all I should desire that you would let me know what of those I must begin upon at first. I am your Dutiful Son, RC ( Adams Papers
6858To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
Ἴδαν ἐς πολύδενδρον ἀνὴρ ὑλητόμος ἐλθὼν, Παπταίνει, παρέοντος ἄδην, ποθεν ἄρξεται ἔργου· Τί πρᾶτον καταλεξῶ; ἐπεὶ πάρα μυρία ἐιπῆν. and I too, my dear Sir, like the wood-cutter of Ida, should doubt where to begin, were I to enter the forest of opinions, discussions, & contentions which have occurred in our day. I should exclaim with Theocritus Τί πρᾶτον καταλεξῶ; ἐπεὶ πάρα μυρία ειπῆν. but I...
6859John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 19 March 1790 (Adams Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of two Letters from you, of the 9 th. and of the 19 th: of last month; the former of which I received, about three weeks ago, while I was at Boston, attending upon the Session of our Supreme Court; and the latter came to hand, but two days since. I hope I shall ever feel suitably grateful, for the tender solicitude, which you express with respect to my future...
6860From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 5 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I have received the honour of your Letter dated the 25th. past, advising me of your Drafts for Forty Thousand Livres payable to the Order of Captain Joiner, which I shall accept when they appear. No specific Sum having been mentioned to me by Col. Laurens, as what would be wanted to fulfil his Orders in Holland, I think...
6861To John Adams from John Avery, 24 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
We the under Signd did on or about the 30th of October last pay into the Treasury of the United States thirty four Dollars for the obtainment of a Patent right of a Machine for Cuting and Heading Nales and likewise the moddle and drawings requisit in Such Casses With an asureance from the Seccretary of a Patent if attainable delivered at the Post office in Norwich (Connecticut) in a Short time...
6862To John Adams from John Trumbull, 5 February 1791 (Adams Papers)
You cannot doubt how much I esteem myself honored by your Correspondence— But in a Correspondence with Great Folks, it is my rule to consider myself only an Echo—and like that, I will answer punctually— The Title of your Volumes is not a Misnomer, in the light you place it— Our Constitutions were indeed attacked by M r. Turgot on the only side capable of A Defence. But I think Sir, You have...
6863To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 26 April 1810 (Adams Papers)
In One of my letters written some time ago, I informed you that my eldest son had killed a brother officer and a friend in a duel at New Orleans. The distress and remorse which followed this event deprived him of his reason, and threw him into the marine hospital where he has been nearly ever since the duel. In the month of Feby: last he arrived in Philada in a state of deep melancholy &...
6864To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 15 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
A long and painful Illness has prevented my corresponding with your Excellency regularly, but I paid the Bill you drew upon me and advised me of in your last Letter. Mr Jay has I believe acquainted you with the Obstructions our Peace Negociations have met with, and that they are at length removed. By the next Courier expected from London, we may be able perhaps to form some Judgment of the...
6865To John Adams from Alexander Anderson, 28 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
Without the claims of an acquaintance, I take the liberty of presenting you a Copy of the Oration I had the honor to deliver, in this place, on the last Anniversary of our Independence. Be pleased, Sir, to accept it, as a mark of the high respect I entertain for your Character And your distinguished Services to our Republic. I regret I have not had the opportunity of knowing you personally,...
6866To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 14 March 1805 (Adams Papers)
In my last Letter I observed to you, that the form of putting the final question on the Articles of Impeachment against Judge Chase, was varied from that which had been adopted in the case of Mr: Pickering, and made conformable to the English Precedents—To shew you how essentially this variation of form was connected with a most essential important question as to the nature of Impeachment...
6867To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
The interesting details of those events which have rendered the convention of Congress at this time indispensable (communicated in your speech to both Houses) has excited in us the strongest emotions. Whilst we regret the occasion, we can not omit to testify our approbation of the measure, and pledge ourselves that no considerations of private inconvenience shall prevent on our part a faithful...
6868To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
I sincerely thank you for your kind letter of the 15th— It always affords me the highest satisfaction to hear of you, &, from you—and more particularly when I hear favorable accounts of your health & contentment. I have seen & repelled the Attack of Col Pickering on you, in a point affecting your moral Character. In relation to any intrigue of my Countrymen, the Smiths with you, for the his...
6869To John Adams from Hezekiah Niles, 31 March 1820 (Adams Papers)
The 16th vol. of the Weekly Register was sent, I believe to Boston for you & the 17th, (up to the 1st of this month) is only just bound. However, finding that they are franked to you, I have put those volumes in separate packages, & sent them by the mail. I had the pleasure when last at Washington to pay my respects to your son, the secretary of state, & was much gratified with my visit. Be...
6870John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 21 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday asked Mr. Pechigny if he thought it would do brother Charles any good to begin upon Latin at present, he answered me, that on the contrary, that he thought that it would spoil his taste for it; That he must conjugate verbs about a month, and then he might begin upon Latin, he desired me to ask you if you thought his proposition good and if you should he would Set Brother Charles...