7001To John Adams from Lady Juliana Fermor Penn, 24 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
When I address’d the rest of the Commissioners by Letters last Month, I was not inform’d you was at Paris; or I should not have been so wanting to my interest, as not to have entreated your assistance and Protection, as I did theirs, in the support of the cause of an Innocent and suffering Family. I know the afflictions consequent to War have ever been horrid; But as I hope we are near a...
7002To John Adams from James Sullivan, 9 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
To intrude on one who in the greatest Political Tempest is Tyed to the helm of the Mighty Vessel of Empire, wrecked and tossed by the Whirling blasts of Despotism, must give disagreeable Sensations to one (if there is such) of less Sensibility than myself—but as the greatest Events are Swiftly impelling each other upon us, and each moment in the present being worth an age in any other Time I...
7003To John Adams from Samuel Wyllys Pomeroy, 15 May 1824 (Adams Papers)
During the many pleasant meetings which I enjoyed, when the board of Trustees of the Massachusts. Agrl. Society were honor’d with your presence & assistance, I observed that you always took an interest when topicks relating to vegetable physiology were discussed.—Perhaps the accompanying Circular may afford you some amusement, at least; for, as was said by the late good Dr. Belknap upon a...
7004To John Adams from Benjamin Guild, 18 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
I had the happiness of arriving here safe in the Alliance, evening before last, after a passage of twenty three days. In her came passengers the Marquis de la Fayette, Vis-Count de Noalles, Genl. du Portail, several other French officers and their suits. The Marquis and Vis-Count went on for Paris this morning and will probably arrive there on Sunday. We left Nantasket road Christmas-day and...
7005Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Day I wrote you last, I received Your Letter written at Nyork. neither of my Neighbours Black or Beals went yesterday to Town, so that if any Letters came by saturdays post, I must wait till Thursday for them which I do not so well like. I should like You to write me by the Wednesday post, then I should get my Letters of a thursday. The account you gave me of Charles situation, and...
7006Abigail Smith to John Adams, 16 April 1764 (Adams Papers)
I think I write to you every Day. Shall not I make my Letters very cheep; don’t you light your pipe with them? I care not if you do, tis a pleasure to me to write, yet I wonder I write to you with so little restraint, for as a critick I fear you more than any other person on Earth, and tis the only character, in which I ever did, or ever will fear you. What say you? Do you approve of that...
7007To John Adams from Mr. Halsey, 25 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Halsey and Mr. Bissell from Connecticut take the Liberty to present their respectfull Compliments to the President of the United States; and request an Interview of a few Minutes of Time upon Business of Importance to themselves, and their Constituents; and should be happy to know whether, and when it would be agreable. MHi : Adams Papers.
7008To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
Après avoir expédié ma Lettre d’hier, j’ai eu la visite de Mr. Van Berckel de Rotterdam, & vu Mr. son frere & M. De Gyzelaer chez eux. Ces Messieurs sont partis ce matin pour Amsterdam Dans la Minute projetée des Instructions à dresser pour Mr. V. B——, il y est autorisé de faire mention au Congrès, “qu’on est informé ici, que l’Accession des Etats-Unis à la Neutralité armée a eu lieu.”— On a...
7009To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I think it was mentioned to you, some time last winter, by the Secretary of State, in consequence of a letter he had just received from Mr. King, that Count Rumford intended to visit his native country, at which you seemed pleased, and expressed yourself favourably of his talents. Mr. King has renewed the subject to the Secretary of State, and in a letter to me, which I have the honour to...
7010Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
The vessel by which I mean to send this is bound for Amsterdam and had very nigh given me the slip. I have been writing to you when ever I was able by other opportunities, and should have compleated several Letters for this conveyance, but I have been very sick with a slow fever, and your Mother has been sick here of a fever, occasiond by great fatigue, the old gentleman dyeing about 3 weeks...
7011To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 22 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter I have just written to the Collector of Norfolk, on which I shall wait your orders. Perhaps another (and possibly a more effectual) condition may be required, on the issuing a permit to a vessel to carry off French persons—to wit, That the Collector shall previously ascertain that she is not a fast sailing vessel, and not calculated for being...
7012To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 27 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
Permit me, Sir, to give you my sincere thanks for the Kind letter you have taken the trouble to write to M r. Jefferson on my account. I hope you rec d. of Col. Franks my preceding of the 5 th. inst t. , & would be much obliged to you, Sir, for the testimonial of the British merch ts. I took the liberty in it to ask you for, as well as the other informations, should there by any Virginian able...
7013To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 28 February 1817 (Adams Papers)
My son was particularly gratified with your account of Governor Pownal. His Impressions towards his Character from reading his Work on the Administration of the colonies, were favourable, though vague. He remarked to me, strongly, how valuable your Letters were, as in this Instance you had given several facts which probably no other Person now living was acquainted with, and which at some...
7014Abigail Adams to John Adams, 7 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
on the desicions of this Day, hangs perhaps the Destiny of America, and May those into whose hands the Sacred Deposit is committed be guided and directed by that Wisdom which is from above, and the result prove the prosperity Peace and happiness of our Country. this is My most fervent Wish & petition to Heaven, totally divested of every personal feeling and sentiment. I have twice written to...
7015From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 9 December 1791 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed information relative to ransom & peace with the Algerines, being newly come to hand, I take the liberty of communicating it to you, & through you to the Senate. it concurs in some facts and opinions with what we had before learnt thro other channels, and differs in some others, so as, on the whole, to leave us still in considerable uncertainty as to interesting points. I have the...
7016To John Adams from Lewis R. Morris, 6 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
Since January last Bills drawn Quarterly for the amount of your Salary have been transmitted to Doctor Franklin by every Conveyance— I have now the honor of sending one drawn for the amount of the sum due you—from the United States from the first of July 1782. to the 30 th: Sept r: following, the amount of which draft is sixteen thousand, six hundred and sixty six Livres thirteen sols...
7017To John Adams from John M. Pintard, 27 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
I intended this Morning to have waited on you to Know if you had any Commands for Cadiz, for which Place I am under the necessity of Setting off by way of New London (tomorrow Morning) having protracted my stay to the Last moment. I have apply’d to the Secretary of State to be heard before those Gentn. to whom you Referred my papers and altho it is ten days Since I have Received no...
7018To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 30 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
I had yesterday the Honor of receiving your Excellencys Letter of the 27th. Instant, which afforded me the greatest pleasure, as it assured me of your Excellencys Health, which I was fearful was affected, and shewed at the same time that you were in Spirits. The natural and political Climate of the Country, where your Excellency now is, being foggy a Man must have a stout Heart and strong Body...
7019To John Adams from Joseph de Valnais, 28 April 1823 (Adams Papers)
It is with regret I announce to you our intention of immediate departure from this Country—We embark for England on Thursday, & we cannot go without assuring you of our best wishes for the continuance of your health & happiness, it would have given us much pleasure to have seen you once more, but our engagements have been such as to render it impossible to leave town—We shall always cherish...
7020From John Adams to John Adams, 3 October 1815 (Adams Papers)
I know not whether you have read Tristram Shandy, or The Sentimental Journey or the Sermons or Epistles of Stearne. I was never an enthusiastic Admirer of him, though he was amusing enough Sometimes; moral now and then; pathetic once in a while but tedious often and always Odd. I See announced, a Publication of Dr John Ferriar, of Manchester under the Title of “Illustrations of Sterne, with...
7021From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 12 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
You were here the last year when the interest due to the French officers was paid to them, and were sensible of the good effect it had on the credit and honor of the U.S. A second year’s interest is become due. They have presented their demands. There is not money here to pay them, the pittance remaining in Mr. Grand’s hands being only sufficient to pay current expences three months longer....
7022To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 25 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I will not delaÿ to answer your favour of the 10th, with which I was again gratified—I was apprehensive that all was not well in your honoured family—and feared that the disagreable weather of cold and rainÿ days had Some influence on your health—happily it giveth only colds—of these we had a full Share—and—I—as it ought to be, as the chief of the family, the largest—but—if we minded long Such...
7023Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I Received yours of the 16th on wedensday, and participated in the Joy and pleasure you must have experienced in meeting a dear and amiable son after a four years Seperation. how happy should I have been to have folded him at the same time to my Bosom, and felt a pleasure which the Childless, can never experience. I have already written both [. . .] you, and to him, respecting his comeing to...
7024From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 13 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed came to hand this morning. Mr. Carmichael you observe, and Mr. Barclay suppose something may yet be done at Algiers. It remains for us to consider whether the conduct of the Dey of that country leaves any room to hope that any negotiator can succeed without a great addition to the price to which we are confined? And should we think in the negative, yet whether the expences of Mr....
7025To John Adams from Richard Ward, 15 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
If it is not too great an intrusion upon your retirement I wish to enquire of you as to the character standing & services of my Grandfather Samuel Ward one of the Members of Congress for Rh. Island from the first organization of that body till his death on the 26th March 1776. From the Journals of Congress and casual reports I am inclined to believe that my Ancestor was a firm man a sound...
7026To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 24 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inclose two letters from Mr. Adams, one dated “Berlin June 18th. 1798;” the other on the 25th of the same month; the latter covering three papers of extracts from French news-papers with Mr. Adams’s remarks. In his letter of June 18th he refers to the propositions made by the Swedish minister, Baron d’Engerstrom, (now at Berlin) when he was minister in England in 1793, to...
7027To John Adams from Harrison Gray Otis, 5 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have the satisfaction to inform you that John Quincy Adams Esq. was this morning nominated Secretary of State, and forthwith agreed to, in Senate, with only one dissenting vote—Mr Crawford continues in the Treasury and Gov Shelby is appointed Secy of War;—Mrs: Otis unites with me in respects to Mrs. Adams and yourself, and hope you have experienced no material inconvenience from the rigour...
7028To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 18 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have had the Honour of receiving your Excellencys Letter of the 3d. Instant, it was full, Satisfactory and very Comfortable. I have had since the pleasure of seeing Colonel Searle, who I find is inspired with the same Sense of things, and has the same feelings for the Happiness of our Country, as your Excellency. He was therefore most Acceptable to me, and by Consequence I shewed Him every...
7029To John Adams from W.H. Sumner, 28 May 1822 (Adams Papers)
The Military Company of Massachusetts which was instituted in 1638, as a School of Officers, and which is now called the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company, will celebrate their anniversary on the first Monday of June next by a Military Parade on the Common, attending Public Worship at the Meeting House in Chauncey Place, at 12, and by a dinner at Faneuil Hall at 2 OClock. The history of...
7030To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
When Mr. Shaw was the other day at my office he mentioned to Mr. Weld my assistant that he had been informed that my drafts had been refused at every bank in this town. I have not, nor have I had a right to draw, nor have I drawn, on any bank but that of the branch where as Collecter I lodge the public monies and draw them as the public service and my duty requires.— My having, with General...
7031To John Adams from William P. Gardner, 4 June 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have received the Letter which you did me the honor to write to me under Date the 29 ult. I am happy to find that Mr. Delaplaine has succeeded in obtaining a good Likeness of you for his national work the Heads and Lives of illustrious Persons of America.—I hope he will meet with that encouragement which the magnitude and usefulness of the work so justly merit.—I shou’d be glad to see the...
7032From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 2 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress; transcripts: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives Since mine of May 8th I have not had any thing material to communicate to your Excellency. Mr Grenville indeed arriv’d just after I had dispatch’d that Letter, and I introduc’d him to M. De Vergennes; but as his Mission seem’d only a Repetition of that by Mr...
7033To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 16 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I am well assured that a Supply of Powder is arrived at Statia, so writes Captain Waters on 10th. October. A Dutch Vessell bound to Surrinam has contracted with a Captain of this place for twenty five Tons, if he comes for it by Xmas. I have seen several of the principal Gentlemen here. They are wishing for the Destruction of Lord Dunmore and his fleet. Inclosed You receive the Terms on which...
7034C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 16 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Here is a small packet of letters for you that was given to me by the duc de la Vauguyon. I received your honored letter of the 14th and will make good use of it, first with our friends, then with the others. As for the conciliatory plan, I can assure you that the convalescent is not at the Bottom of it. Those who conceived and modified it always regarded it as their last resort, in the event...
7035From Wilhem & Jan Willink to John Adams, 20 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
We rec’d with pleasure your respected favor of 12 Sep r: by your Son John Quincy Adams Esq r: & heartily congratulate your Excell y. on his nomination, We shall always esteem ourselves happy to manifest the Regard we entertain for you, & endeavour to concile ourselves y r: Sons friendship, & to conserve yours to which we Recommend ourselves.— We have exchanged your 20 Obt: and conform your...
7036Abigail Adams to John Adams, 7 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
Last monday I left the Town of Boston, underwent the operation of a smoaking at the lines and arrived at my Brother Cranchs where we go for purification; there I tarried till wedensday, and then came Home, which seem’d greatly endeard to me by my long absence. I think I never felt greater pleasure at comeing Home after an absence in my Life. Yet I felt a vacuum in my Breast and sent a Sigh to...
7037From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 4 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 15. was recieved in due time, and with the welcome of every thing which comes from you. with it’s opinions on the difficulties of revolutions, from despotism to freedom, I very much concur. the generation which commences a revolution rarely compleats it. habituated from their infancy to passive submission of body and mind to their kings and priests, they are not qualified,...
7038Hendrik Fagel to John Adams, 1 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
Je crois, qu’il ÿ a ún droit, qu’on paÿe a l’entree des livres, qúi viennent des païs etrangers, mais les Ministres públics en Sont exempts. Si Voús aviés presenté ún Memoire, poúr avoir un passeport, poúr les Caisses qúe voús attendés de l’Angleterre, il n’ÿ aúroit eú aúcúne difficulté; Aú defaút de ce Passeport, je suppose, qúe les Commis de la Douane ont exigé le payement des droits. Poúr y...
7039John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 18 July 1794 (Adams Papers)
Since my arrival here, I have employed all the Time, that I have been able to spare, from the more important business of visits and dinners, in the Office of the Secretary of State, and have gone through six large folio volumes containing your dispatches to Congress while you were in Europe. They can have but little relation to the business upon which I am about to proceed; but they have...
7040To John Adams from James Ash, 25 August 1803 (Adams Papers)
Suffer me to inclose you, short proposals, for some matter, collected with both toil and perseverence. It is now ready for publication; and whatever encouragement you are disposed to give, to enable the printer to execute it, you will be pleased to transmit with Convenient expedition. There are a number of characters, with whom you have been connected in political life, who have been vilified...
7041To John Adams from Philippe Jean Joseph Lagau, 28 February 1783 (Adams Papers)
En reponse à la lettre dont Votre Excellence a bien voulû m’honorer le 13 de ce mois je vois que le Sieur Harras a Surpris ma bonne foy, cependant je ne Scaurois me persuadé que cetoient les intentions de ce jeune homme qui independament des temoignages qu’il avoit, paroissoit un garçon bien elevé, d’une bonne conduite, et plein de zêle à se rendre util à Sa patrie. j’espére en attendant que...
7042John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 12 March 1783 (Adams Papers)
I suppose you have receiv’d before now my letter from Copenhagen dated Feby. 20th. in which I wrote you that I expected to come from thence to Kiel by water; and that I only waited for a wind: but I have been obliged after all to come by Land, for, after waiting better than a fort night expecting every day to sail, the harbour of Copenhagen froze up, (a thing which happens but very seldom) and...
7043To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 9 October 1815 (Adams Papers)
Your favours of 27. 28 and 30 August were all received together—They, as well as your preceding Letters express so much uneasiness for me and on my account, that I wish it were in my power to tranquilize your feelings—Aware as I am of the heavy responsibility of my present situation, and diffident as I ought to be of my own fitness for it, I have certainly seen times, and gone through...
7044To John Adams from William E. Richmond, 10 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your own patriotism, tried through a long, and eminently useful publick life, will excuse the intrusion of a stranger, when his wish is for instruction from one whom the experience of more than half a century spent in the most elevated situations, has so well qualified to afford it. The wish of rendering a partial service to a community, whose industry and enterprize are paralyzed by immense...
7045John Jay to John Adams, 31 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed, a certified Copy of an Act of Congress of the 21 st. Instant, instructing you to communicate to M r. S t. Saphorin, the high Sense, the United States in Congress assembled, entertain of the liberal Decision made by his Danish Majesty, on the Question proposed to his Minister by You, respecting the Ordination of american Candidates for...
7046To John Adams from M. Addenet, 13 July 1780 (Adams Papers)
La premiere feuille de ma traduction est bien avancée, et dès que j’aurai La Suite je ne vous ferai pas attendre. Mais je souhaiterois avoir votre extrait Complet. Il seroit essentiel que je L’eusse, afin de mettre de La Liaison et de La Concordance: autrement Le style en souffriroit. Si votre Copie est achevée, je vous prie de vouloir bien me La faire passer. Je Suis avec un profond respect,...
7047From Christopher van de Venter to John Adams, 24 December 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your letter of to day covering the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 23d Inst. Truly yours MHi : Adams Papers.
7048John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 30 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
I am at length released from the multiplicity of business which has employ’d so much of my time, for the last eighteen months: during that period I had scarcely a leisure moment, and was forced to a degree of application, which has been injurious to my health. but as I am left at present free from every employment, I shall have time to recruit; and I shall also be able to give more frequent...
7049To John Adams from Charles Dilly, 3 February 1790 (Adams Papers)
I sh d. not have troubled you with a Letter—but upon the peculiar instance of having received a Letter from Mess rs; Wilhem of Amsterdam, a few Months ago; in which he states in consequence of the receipt of a Letter from you—he has made Enquiry about your Volumes of the Defence of the American states &c—but cannot find any of the Second Volume— I immediatly returned for answer—Fifty Copies of...
7050To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 10 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Since my letter of the 6th there has been no material incident relative to Mr. H. L——s Commitment; nor is the rigour of his confinement abated. No person whatever can speak to Him but in hearing and sight of the two attending Messengers. It is said the Secy. of States order will produce admittance to his room, but nothing else. Some of his torey relations, and a Mr. Manning a Merchant of the...