7401To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 28 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the Continental armed Schooners Hancock and Franklin sent into Marblehead this day a Transport from Hallifax bound to New York with provisions and dry goods. There are many Tories on board, among whom is the noted Benjamin Davis. Last Sunday a Transport from Ireland came into this Harbour, (not knowing the Pirates were gone) and was taken; She had...
7402From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams with Adams’ Reply, [after 2 January 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Please to send me Mr Williams’s Letter that objects to the Clothing furnish’d by Mr Monthieu. Also all the Papers you have relating to his Accounts— In John Adams’ hand: Dr Franklin must be so good as to send somebody to search for these Papers— Mr Adams has no more the Custody of them than Dr Franklin and never will have. This request was prompted by Lee’s...
7403To John Adams from Samuel Meredith, 26 January 1792 (Adams Papers)
Permit me thro you to lay before the Honble. the Senate my Intrest Accot. from the 30t Septemr to the 31t Decembr. as setled at the Treasury, the Specie accot when passed the Offices shall be immediately transmitted— I have the honor to be / with perfect Respect / Sir / Your Most humble Sert DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
7404To John Adams from William Tudor, 3 October 1776 (Adams Papers)
By the Carelessness of an Orderly Sargent to whom it was given, I did not get your Letter, forwarded by Mr. Gerry from Philadelphia, and so have not as yet received any Answer to my last 2 Letters. I wish in future, Sir, You would write by the Post, and then I shall not again be disappointed. I find by a late Resolve of Congress they are determined to raise an Army for the War. Happy had it...
7405To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 18 September 1825 (Adams Papers)
After Such a long protracted Silence you will not find fault, that I indulge once more in writing you a few lines—your kindnesses, of which I received So many proofs during more than forty years—your affectionate esteem, which never was abated would be a Sufficient apology—even if I had from time to time obtained a few lines from one of your family. But the last pertinent account of the...
7406To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 6 September 1781 (Adams Papers)
Ce fut avec la plus grande satisfaction et reconnoissance, que je reçus, il y a quelque tems, de la part de Votre Excellence, le Recueil des Constitutions et autres Actes fondamentaux de la République Fédérative, qui s’est formée dans le Nouveau-Monde. J’en ai témoigné ma gratitude à Mr. Thaxter; mais il est de mon devoir de présenter à Votre Excellence même mes vifs et sincères remercîmens....
7407Abigail Adams to John Adams, 24 May 1775 (Adams Papers)
Suppose you have had a formidable account of the alarm we had last Sunday morning. When I rose about six oclock I was told that the Drums had been some time beating and that 3 allarm Guns were fired, that Weymouth Bell had been ringing, and Mr. Welds was then ringing. I immediatly sent of an express to know the occasion, and found the whole Town in confusion. 3 Sloops and one cutter had come...
7408To John Adams from John Neilson, 8 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Inhabitants of the City of New Brunswick and its vicinity, are highly gratified with this opportunity of expressing to you their Affectionate Esteem.— Happy in a Government of Laws, and happy in the Administration of it under the great & good Washington, we could not but sincerely rejoice, when the voice of our Country, upon his retirement, gave us, for a Chief Majestrate, a person whose...
7409To John Adams from William MacCreery, 5 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
Since I wrote you in January, I have not been favour’d with a line from you. Since I heard of the change which lately took place in the Administration of our Affairs at this Court, I took the liberty to address Doctor Franklin, on the Subject of my last Letter to you. Having a large Ship now here, which I want to ballast with Salt, but can not unless furnish’d with an order from the Minister...
7410To John Adams from William Carmichael, 15 January 1784 (Adams Papers)
M r Barry delivered me some days ago your Excellencys favor of the 20 th Nov r. at the Same time he put into my hands M r Ficths Note which I own surprized me greatly— The Warmth of M r Barrys heart led him to exagerate the civilities I showed him which proceeded in the first instance from the manner in which your Exc y recommended him to me— These are Duties which admit of no recompense, or...
7411To John Adams from James Lovell, 1 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
As I was at the Secretaries yesterday I took off a few Resolutions from the Journals for your view, supposing as to the above, that you might have forgotten them, and as to the following, wishing to have your Sentiments. I doubt not you will think it may or may not be proper to take from the minds of foreign Courts the Idea that we are absolutely determind about our conduct towards Great...
7412To John Adams from Peter St. Medard, 11 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
on the death of doct: Read and just as the Constitution was about Sailing for the West India Station I was applyd. to by Capt. Nicholson to take the place of Surgeon on board his Ship,— a desire to be in the Service of the United States induced me, with only two days warning, to Comply with his request & Leaving my own business in quite an unsettled state I have Continued to do the duty of the...
7413To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 22 December 1817 (Adams Papers)
Accept my most cordial thanks for your truly friendly epistle. I loose not a moment in answering your interesting query. The Lady in question is, I conceive legally divorced. Her quondam husband is now in the jail of New York, for the third or fourth time; a mere vagabone. They were divorced in 1810, by the Supreme Court of Vermont. The Lady & her father, with the aid of Judge Dawes were...
7414To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 23 June 1809 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 6th Inst. I had the honor to receive the next day, just before I commenced a journey; I read it repeatedly and with great attention—and feel the importance of all your remarks. I wish every mind was duly impressed with the sentiments. The longer I live the more I am convinced that truth makes slow progress in the world; and to reform public errors is an arduous task. But...
7415Enclosure: Endororsement for Lemuel Robinson from the Committee of Safety, 30 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
We the Subscribers, Members of the late Committee of Safety of this Colony, do certify, That Colo. Lemuel Robinson of Dorchester has exerted himself in his Countrys cause, perhaps, as much as any other Man in the Government, and so as, in our opinion, to merit much of his Country, and said Committee did all in their power to obtain the Command of a Regiment for him, in the Colony Service, but...
7416To John Adams from John Bondfield, 17 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
As we doubt not of your having Letters by the Alliance our advices of course will serve only as repetition to relate. I shall therefore inlieu of giving request from you information. The Honble. J. L——s is he to superceed the D——r or Is his Buissness confined to a perticular object. His bringing with him Mr. Jackson as secretary would give room to suppose him a residence. In that case the D...
7417To John Adams from Joseph Mathias Gérard de Rayneval, 24 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
Puis-je me flatter que vous n’avez pas entiérement perdu le souvenir des raports qui ont existé entre nous? c’est dans cet espoir que je prends la liberté de vous interrompre un instant dans les travaux importants dont vous êtes chargé. L’objet de ma lettre est de vous prier de protéger une reclamation que j’ai déja faite auprès du Congrès, et dont Mr. V. Dupont veut bien poursuivre la...
7418To John Adams from John Bryan, 25 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
As you are in the Office of President of the U: S: I make bold to Address you (as I look upon you as a father) one of your Children—With the following Petion—which Humbly Sheweth—That yr. Petr: on the 2nd Day of Jany—1777 in the town of Suffolk—Nansemond County Virga—Enlisted for 3 yrs—with Captn. John Gregory of the 15th V: Rt—Light Infantry—Commanded by Colo James Innis—During the sd—term. I...
7419To John Adams from Nathaniel Chipman, 17 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I find there will be a vacancy in the office of judge for the district of Vermont—permit me sir to say that I should think myself honored by an appointment to that office if you should think proper to nominate me—I hope sir you will find in the present situation nothing improper in this direct application.— I am sir with the / highest respect your / most obedient servant MHi : Adams Papers.
7420To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
Je remis hier à Mr. Ph. Massey, allant à Paris, un petit paquet, contenant la seconde Médaille de Mr. Holtzhey. Vous recevrez aussi, par cet Ordinaire, toute une Cargaison de Lettres arrivées ici pour V. E. d’Amérique, je suppose. J’espere qu’elles vous donneront de bonnes nouvelles de Votre chere famille. Mr. De G r. aoui dire que le fameux Ecrit Aan’t Volk , a été traduit en françois. Si...
7421To John Adams from Robert G Scott, 27 September 1824 (Adams Papers)
On behalf of the Committee of arrangements lately assembled at York town, and by their direction; I have the honour to request the pleasure of your Company at that place on the 19th of October next: to unite with your fellow Citizens in celebrating the Surrender of York; and in testifying to General Lafayette the gratitude and affection, Virginia still feels for one of her oldest and ablest...
7422To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 3 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
The information communicated by the Secretary of State, of my appointment to the office of an envoy extraordinary & minister plenipotentiary to the French republick, afforded me the highest gratification: inasmuch as it manifested the confidence of that political character, for whom, from my first acquaintance, I have ever had the highest respect. judge then, Sir, of my feelings when I inform...
7423To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1812 (Adams Papers)
I thank you before hand (for they are not yet arrived) for the specimens of homespun you have been so kind as to forward me by post. I doubt not their excellence, knowing how far you are advanced in these things in your quarter. here we do little in the fine way, but in coarse & midling goods a great deal. every family in the country is a manufactory within itself, and is very generally able...
7424To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 17 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
We had the honour to write your Excellencÿ the 3 th: instant, in consequence of which M r: de la Lande hath been at the Hague to see everÿ thing in the Hotel of the United States properlÿ packed to be forwarded to Rotterdam; We since received your Excellencÿ’s favour of the 10 th: and have according to your orders to send everÿ thing bÿ M r: Lotter, forwarded the two Trunks to Rotterdam to the...
7425To John Adams from Alexander Mitchell, 8 February 1792 (Adams Papers)
May I be So bold as to join my humble Sollicitations to those of My Revd: Father, Nothing coúld have determin’d me to do it, but the almost Certain information of the present Critical Sitúation of Mr. Dúmás Affairs. If the Honourable Congress shoúld think Proper to appoint another in his place, may I be So free to beg yoúr Interest & Favoúr to Recommend me as his súccessor, A fixed Resident...
7426To John Adams from Samuel Wyllys Pomeroy, 1 August 1820 (Adams Papers)
Being informed yesterday by Mr Marston that you have not received the last number of the Agricultural Journal, I take the liberty to forward one herewith—and avail myself of the occasion to mention, that some of the reflections in the paper on Indian Corn which I had the presumption to Offer in this number, were induced by the perusal of your letter, published in reply to the letter & address...
7427To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 6 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
My Father has communicated to me your letter of yesterday, which he means to answer particularly himself, but in the mean time, I do not wish to lose a moment in assuring you of the gratification I shall feel in being instrumental in communicating to the publick any observations from you on the points you have mentioned. The illustration of American history is with me a very favorite object,...
7428To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 14 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Adams left Hamburgh, for Berlin, on the 31. Oct. & is I hope safely arrived there—I have not heard from him since the 26th Oct., when he had just landed at Hamburgh—as I had the honour of informing you Sir. Lepeaux, of whom no body heard before he got into a palace & his cap & feathers, says, America, Government and all, are Venal, & bought by Pitt!—This he announced in the midst of his...
7429X. Resolution of the States General Authorizing the Signature of the Dutch-American Treaty and Convention on Recaptures … (Adams Papers)
The Lord van Randwyk and others, Deputies of their High Mightinesses for the Department of foreign Affairs, in Obedience to and in Compliance with their Resolution of the 23d. April of this present Year, having conferred with Mr. Adams, Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America, respecting the entering into a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the said States, reported to this...
7430To John Adams from William G. Smith, 1 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of 30th: ulto. was duly handed me by my Sister and I have since, seriously reflected on its contents. You require a categorical answer to the Question.—Do I believe the present War against Great Britain to be just.—I cannot answer directly to that Question.—As I have never taken an active part in Politics, and am not in any manner pledged to any Party, I consider that I can with...
7431From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 6 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Having made the necessary examination into the means possessed by the Treasury for complying with a late order of the Senate and of the time which would be requisite for preparing them, I have the honor now to communicate the result. Several Custom-house returns of Exports amounting to a large sum having been rendered for a term longer than a quarter; it is found impossible to make up that...
7432To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 2 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 19th. of February was alike acceptable with all your former letters. The papers will inform you that our government is about to yeild to the Clamors of your part of the United States against the Embargo laws. Had our Legislators been better historians they would have promptly saved their honor, and preserved the peace of our Country. Augustus repealed a law to compel...
7433Richard Cranch to John Adams, 16 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have enclosed to you a Copy of certain Letters lately transmitted to Congress by B:F: Esqr.—Copies of them having been sent from Congress Philadelphia to your Friends here, I tho’t it my Duty to let you know as soon as possible what treatment you receive from that Gentleman. I have heard (sub rosae) that influence has been used in a certain Place august Assembly to have the Regulator of...
7434To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 19 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I returned to you the two letters from Mr. Murray which you desired me to decypher: I now inclose another private letter from Mr. Murray. The Treasurer, Mr. Meredith, enquired to-day for the time of death of Judge Wilson. It is noted in the original letter from Judge Iredell which I had the honor to send you early in September: it is still with you. As it is necessary for the...
7435To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honour to represent to the President of the United States. 1st. That Theophile Cazenova has on behalf of Robert Morris Esqr. vested and transfered in the Books of the Bank of the United States Two hundred & five Shares of the Capital Stock of the said Bank which shares stand in the name of The President of the United States for the time being in trust &...
7436To John Adams from Bernard Hubley, Jr., 7 November 1799 (Adams Papers)
The duty as a Man, a Subject, a Fœderal, and a Christian, tells me, that I should acquaint you of the Political Sentiments of such Persons, coming within the compass of my knowlege, that I conceive are not Friends to you, our Government, Constitution Laws &c. in my firm persuasion & opinion, neither Doctor Priestley, nor Mr. Thomas Cooper, ever were friends to you, or our Government &c., at...
7437To John Adams from Jean de Neufville & Fils, 17 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
May it not displease Yoúr Excellency; that forwarding the inclosed Letters, we repeat again oúr reqúest, that we may be favoured with the rettúrn of a few bonds, as to be in the possibility to deliver them when asked for; we were obliged to promise two of them for Wednesday next; so we begg to receive them before that time and some more as soon as convenient; we have seen by the publicq papers...
7438To John Adams from Daniel Coney, 7 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
This morning at Sunrise the Thermometer indicated the cold 12° below Zero.—contemplating before I rose from my bed, It occured to me how does Presdt. Adams in his old age get on this cold weather; concluded to write a few lines, if able, & respectfully ask him “how do you do”—I will say nothing about Theology Am reading Dr Bancrofts 29 Sermons printed at Worcester 1822—I will say nothing of...
7439To John Adams from Rufus King, 26 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
Some weeks past, I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 16th of October; the inclosure was immediately forwarded, though, from the obstructions which interrupted the passage to Hamburgh, I fear it was a long time on its way to Berlin. We are still uncertain what is likely to be the situation of Europe during the approaching summer, and on this topic I can only refer to my...
7440Abigail Adams to John Adams, 22 March 1794 (Adams Papers)
Yours of March 11 th reachd me yesterday I have the satisfaction to anounce you our Parents Life, her complaints graduly decrese. her Health appears to be languidly returning, and last night for the first, she passd without a Watcher. Nine weeks she has been confind, but as her disorder of Body gives way, her faculties which all along during her Sickness seemd brightned, appear to be impaird,...
7441Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 7 April 1793 (Adams Papers)
I am requested by M r: Dobson to enquire of you what disposition you desire to be made of your Book’s of which he has a considerable supply of Coppies. Whether some of them should not be sent to Boston & New York, or whether you would wish them to remain where they are. He thinks you gave him no possitive directions about them before you left the City. Various events have taken place in France...
7442The Comte de Vergennes to John Adams: A Translation, 24 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor to receive your two letters of the 12th and 19th of this month. I did not need your apologia defending your patriotic sentiments: you are highly aware of the interests and commitments of your country. I am sure that you will never have any other motive but to consolidate them. You may judge by this letter the confidence that we place in your principles and, therefore, of the...
7443To John Adams from Hendrik Bicker, 22 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Vous aves vú chez Moi il y a quelques sepmaines Le Courtier Saportas, a la vive sollicitation je n’ai pú lui refuser un mot de Lettre en sa faveur pour vous repetter que je Le reconnois poúr un parfait honnet Homme et qui pourra contribuer en bien, si tot ou tard vous charger quelque Maison ici de faire pour vos Souverains une devis d’argent et que vous voudres faire a cette Maison mention de Lui.
7444To John Adams from James F. Armstrong, 21 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
Your Excellency will excuse me for again brining my name to view in application for some appointment under the general Government—during last summer and fall there was great probability I should never more have troubled you upon this head—it now appears as if Providence would restore me again to some measure of health & strength—any office the execution of whose duties might be principally...
7445To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 6 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
On vient de m’apporter l’incluse pour vous, venue de quelque part en france. A ma derniere, que vous aurez reçue ce matin, je dois ajouter, de la part de mon Epouse, qu’entre autres raisons qui demandent qu’elle ait l’honneur de vous entretenir, est celle de savoir si vous gardez les servantes que vous avez actuellement, et si elles viendront ici au mois de May prochain, ou si elle doit en...
7446To John Adams from Alpheus Cary, 4 November 1824 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the liberty to send you a copy of an Address delivered by me, before the members of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, at their triennial celebration on the 7th. ulto. I have not the vanity to suppose that the humble production of an unlettered mechanic, will present to a person of your highly gifted and cultivated mind, any thing new or attractive. My wish is,...
7447To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 30 June 1787 (Adams Papers)
By my Several Letters to M rs: Smith since my departure your Excellency will have been regularly informed of my progress and the cause of my checks at Paris & Bourdeaux and the reason of the length of my stay here, which I doubt not will prove satisfactory— I shall proceed on Tuesday to compleat my Journey to Lisbon, from whence if an oppertunity offers I shall communicate to M r. Jay my...
7448To John Adams from Clement Cottrell Dormer, 22 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
M r: Cottrell presents his Compliments to M r: Adams, and informs Him, that there is no Ceremonial attending the Presentation of the Ladies of Foreign Ministers, except an Ambassadress, who has Private Audience of their Majesties attended by the M r: of the Ceremonies— M rs: and Miss Adams will be Presented in the Circle, in the same manner as all other Ladies—to the King by the Lord in...
7449To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 10 June 1806 (Adams Papers)
My long delay in answering your last letter has arisen from two causes—an unusual share of business from an unusually sickly Spring—and the Want of Subjects for a letter that would be interesting to you. I perfectly accord with you in your opinions respecting the tendency, and issue of the present state of things in the World. Never perhaps was there a time in which there was more to fear from...
7450Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 March 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have not received a Line from you, nor heard a Syllable Since yours of November 18th, which I have allready acknowledged. I am impatient now, to receive further intelligence from you; and to learn where you are. Captn. Love in the Ship Rossamond, bound to England, must have arrived before this time, by him I trust you have received many Letters from me. I have had but one opportunity of...