7601From John Adams to John Jay, 27 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
At the last Conferences, as they call here what is understood in Paris by Ambassadors Days the Marquis of Carmarthen was pleased to make an Apology for not having yet answered the Memorial requiring the Evacuation of the Posts. “It would Sound oddly to Say that he had delayed his Answer, to prevent Delays, but it was true. He had drawn up his answer, but as he was obliged to Say Something,...
7602John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Post was later than usual to day, so that I had not yours of July 24 till this Evening. You have made me very happy, by the particular and favourable Account you give me of all the Family. But I dont understand how there are so many who have no Eruptions, and no Symptoms. The Inflammation in the Arm might do, but without these, there is no small Pox. I will lay a Wager, that your whole...
7603From John Adams to John Adams, 7 March 1824 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter of the 22d: February No 15 is as pleasing to me as the former numbers. I have not seen the Pilot. The young ladies, you speak of instead of tinkling verses and frivolous novels, had better read Dr Barrows sermons, get them by heart, and deeply impress them upon their souls. As to the Caucus I am glad you have not written me upon that, fir it si a very unedifying topic. The...
7604John Adams to Richard Cranch, 15 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
Since my Arrival here 26 October, untill the 30 of November, We had a constant Scuffle Morning noon and night about Cod and Haddock on the Grand Bank Deer skins on the Ohio and Pine Trees at Penobscat, and what were worse than all the Refugees. The Denouement of the Plott has had in it as much of the sublime and Pathetic as any Part of the Piece. It was comical too as you shall one day know in...
7605From John Adams to W. K. Cole, 15 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for this Address, as your Attachment to the Constitution is, and ought to be, a cogent motive to preserve it. It gives to the rich no Priviledges but their Property, and if it took away that, it would not only covet and Steal but deprive the honest and industrious, of the Reward of their Exertions. The fruits of their Labour cannot be preserved to the poor but by Laws, which Secure...
7606From John Adams to James Lovell, 29 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I cannot let the Marquis go off, without a Line to you. He took leave of the King a few days ago, in the Uniform of an American Major General, and attracted the Eyes of the whole Court more than ever. He had on no doubt his American Sword which is indeed a Beauty, and which he shews with great Pleasure, upon proper Occasions. The workmanship is exquisite, and there are Emblems on it,...
7607John Adams to Charles Sigourney, 17 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of 21 Dec r. and congratulate you on your arrival, My health which you are so obliging as to inquire after is so much better than it has generally been for the four last years, that I begin to hope I Shall get the better of those obstinate Disorders with which you saw me tormented in Holland. My family, is I thank God in perfect Health we have no commercial Treaty...
7608John Adams to Charles Adams, 10 January 1787 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved with pleasure your letter of the 22d. of octr. and agree with you that the times are such as to make it difficult for a young Gentleman, to determine upon a Profession, yet there is no reason to be discouraged, The Prospect will brighten. I have so well grounded a Veneration for the Law, that I shall never discourage any of my sons from pursuing the study of it, if their Genius...
7609From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 21 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have read over and over again your letter of the 13th. I regret extreamly another blunder, of the post office, by which it has been sent to the Southward, & returned to me only last night. You needed not to have apologized for its length. There is not a word in it to spare. You may not write me any more letters, which are to reach Quincy or Boston, after the 29th of Sept. I will be at...
7610From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 27 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am this moment honoured with your Letter of Yesterdays date and I thank you for your kind Congratulations, on the News from America. May Great Britain ever Send to America, while she continues to send any, only such brave, able, active and enterprizing Generals as Cornwallis and Burgoine. Every Such General will consume them an Army of Ten or Fifteen Thousand Men, every Campain, without...
7611From John Adams to Timothy Todd, 25 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank You for this Address, which has been presented to me by Mr Chipman one of your Representatives Senators in Congress. Sentiments like yours, which have been entertained for years, it would at this time be inexcuseable to Suppress. If, you have long seen, foreign Influence prevailing, and endangering the Peace and Independence of our Country, So have I. If you have long seen, with...
7612Feb. 1. (Adams Papers)
I intend a Journey to Worcester to morrow. How many observations shall I make on the People at West Town, and Worcester, and how many new Ideas, Hints, Rules of Law, and Eloquence, shall I acquire before I return? Let my Journal answer this Question, after my Return.
7613[In Congress, January–June 1776] (Adams Papers)
I returned to my daily routine of Service in the Board of War, and a punctual Attendance on Congress, every day, in all their hours. I returned also to my almost dayley exhortations to the Institutions of Governments in the States and a declaration of Independence. I soon found there was a Whispering among the Partisans in Opposition to Independence, that I was interested, that I held an...
7614From John Adams to Dr. Samuel Hollen, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 17th of July never reached me till since my return home. inclosd is an answer to the Address, which is very kind and handsome, and the more agreable as the Representative of the Town, seems by your account to entertain different sentiments. We cannot all think alike in this World. I rejoice to find you in so good health and spirits.—I am Dear Sir.— / Your old Friend Dr....
7615I. To William Hooper, 27 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Subject, on which you was pleased to request my Sentiments, is of infinite Importance to Mankind. Politicks is the Science of human Happiness—and the Felicity of Societies depends entirely on the Constitutions of Government under which they live. That puerile famous Couplet of a very great Poet, “For Forms of Government let Fools contest That’s best administered, is best,” Shows him to...
7616From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 11 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice in the information that the reports propagated of Indian depredations in the North Western territory are destitute of foundation.—The letters from Christopher McPherson I return to you inclosed. It would not perhaps be proper for you or me to answer him. But a man of his stamp may be of more consequence than we may apprehend. If you think it worth while to communicate the letter to...
7617From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 9 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
Since there is nothing in human life but Brimborians, that is maginificent nothings, pompous Bubbles, Sounding Brass, tinkling Cymbals, fantastic Non Entities, airy Gossamers, idle dreams delirious visions &c &c. &c. I am desirous of assisting your studied and learned investigations into this Essence of sublumary things. Le grande Dictionaire Royal Francaise latine et allemande by Pomay....
7618From John Adams to William Cranch, 7 April 1812 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 15th of March I communicated to your brother and Sister Greenleaf & requested them to search among your Fathers papers they have done so & I presume have sent you Copies of what they have found I have never given the smallest attention to the Title & I had rather at this day undertake to go through Sir Isaac Newtons Principia than investigate the Title to any tract of land....
76191778 April 18. Samedi. (Adams Papers)
This Morning the Father of General Conway came to visit me, and enquire after his Son as well as American Affairs. He seems a venerable Personage. Dined at Mr. Bouffets, who speaks a little English. Mr. Bouffetts Brother, Mr. Veillard, M. Le Fevre, L’Abbe des Prades, Mr. Borry, &c. were there. Called and drank Tea at Mm. Brillons. Then made a Visit to M. Boullainvilliers, and his Lady, who is...
7620From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 9 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have read the enclosed tedious proceedings but cannot reconcile myself to the severity of the sentences. One of the officers certainly ought to be dismissed & compelled to do justice to the men. But the circumstances of degradation & infamy might work upon the compassion of his neigbors powerfully enough to make him a great man in the militia or some state goverment. The other perhaps ought...
7621Fryday May 9. (Adams Papers)
Dined with Mr. Laurens, with a large Company. The M. de la Fayette shewed me, the Beginning of an Attack upon the Chancellor &c. &c.
7622To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 20 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Gordon who is about publishing his Proposals for printing his History desires a Letter to you.—I told him that he might depend upon your good offices without any Letter, but as no harm will be done by complying with his Desire I beg Leave to introduce him, and to recommend his History to your Patronage in France. With equal affection, Esteem and respect, I have the Honour to be, Sir your...
762316. (Adams Papers)
Found a Grammar, entitled, Élémens de la Langue Angloise, ou Méthode pratique, pour apprendre facilement cette Langue. Par M. Siret, A Paris, chez Ruault, Libraire, rue de la Harpe, près de la rue Serpente. 1773. Avec Approbation, et Permission.
7624[January 1804] (Adams Papers)
July 2d. Mowed, over vs. Yard and Garden 3 One Load, from the road to the ditch and from the cart path to the pasture Lane 1 4 Four Loads, over the Way and between the ditch and orchard 4 5 One Load from Chris Webbs House Lott 1 6 One from the 10 Acre Lot on the hill 1 7 Two in Cranchs Barn and two from the 10 Acre Lott 4 Sunday 8
7625From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 29 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favours of the 14 and of the 26. I thank you for the Extract, and hope you will discover by whom and to whom it was written. That they do not give to me, a very blind Confidence is true. That they have given orders to some Persons to Spy me, may be true. That they know me to be an honest Man, and inflexible in the cause, and perhaps some times too ardent, I am certain. That I...
7626From John Adams to William Tudor, 14 September 1774 (Adams Papers)
I have been so totally taken up, that I dont know whether I have acknowledged your Agreeble Letters or not. They have been of Use as well as Amusement to me I assure you. You can hardly conceive the avidity with which your Letter and Mr. Trumbulls, and indeed every Scrap of Letter or Newspaper from Boston is read here. You cannot conceive the Esteem And Honour in which the Mass. is held here....
7627From John Adams to Joshua Knight, 25 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have received from the hand of one of your Senators in Congress Mr Bingham your public and explicit declaration of your Sentiments and Resolutions, at this important Crisis, in an excellent Address. Although it ought not to be Supposed that young Gentlemen of your Standing should be deeply versed in political disquisitions, because your time has been Spent in the Pursuit of the Elements of...
7628From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, Jr., March 1797 (Adams Papers)
The President of the United States, requests The Secretary of State, The Secretary of the Treasury, The Secretary of War and the Attorney General of the United States to take into their Consideration and Make reports of their Opinions in writing 1st. Whether the refusal to receive Mr Pinckney and the rude orders to quit Paris, and the territory of the republic with such circumstances of...
7629From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 January 1812 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 23. Ult, with its in closed Sketch, Skeleton, Frame, Plan, Scheme, System, Plott, Platt, or by whatever other name you please to call your Etching, has been received. What Title do you in tend to give it? An History of The Decline and Fall of Christianity? or An History of The Improvement of the Human Mind? or An History of the Progress of Society? or An History of the...
7630From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 5 July 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have signed & M r Grand will this day forward, the two thousand & three Obligations you sent me, which compleats the 5003. Inclosed is a Copy of M r. Morris’s Letter to you of 30. of April 1783, & M r. Grand’s original Letter to me of this day’s date. The Circumstances are such as to make it necessary you should comply with M r. Morris’s Orders as soon as possible by furnishing to M r. Grand...
7631From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have read with attention, and duly considered, your letter of the 1st. of this month, and all the papers inclosed with it, and am of opinion that the public interest, and service requires that the proposed site and Ore be purchased at the best terms, which can be obtained, and a National Foundry for casting Cannon, shot and shells established, and I authorize you, in conjunction with the...
7632May 8. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
This Morning Dr. Franklin, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Adams, went to Versailles, in Order that Mr. Adams might be presented to the King.—Waited on the Count De Vergennes, at his office, and at the Hour of Eleven the Count conducted Us, into the Kings Bed Chamber where he was dressing—one officer putting on his Sword, another his Coat &c. The Count went up to the King, and his Majesty turned about,...
7633From John Adams to James McHenry, 27 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed are letters from Gen Lincoln Col Rice & Mr. Noble I am &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
7634John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Brown is here, and I cannot miss the Opportunity by him, to write you a Line. I know not how often you receive Letters from me, so many are taken, or sunk: but I write as often as I can. I have received some Letters from you, which will occasion your Name to be classed with Mrs. McCaulay and Mad ame Dacier for ought I know. Johnny is very well. Stevens had a fall Yesterday which hurt him a...
7635From John Adams to Nicholas Staats, 15 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your address although it must be acknowledged that too much Evidence appears in private and in public, that an undue attachment to the Republic of France, and her Measures, possesses the hearts of some of our misguided Fellow Citizens, yet I cannot beleive it has grown to an opposition inconsistant with the general safety. It may have prevented the best measures from being...
7636From John Adams to James Sullivan, 16 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received your favor of June. 7 th. and the day before I received from Boston the Navigation-Act of Massachusetts. It is probable that our People flatter themselves that this act, and other measures tending to the same end in other States will intimidate the English Nation & force them into an advantageous treaty of Commerce. If such are their views they will be disappointed, as far...
7637From John Adams to William Vernon Sr., 2 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
This Evening I had the Pleasure of yours of the Twenty Second of October, with Duplicate of another of the same day and Triplicate of another of the Second of October, neither of which have arrived. I have before received one Letter from you inclosing 2 Letters to your Son. I answered your Letter, and forwarded those to your son which he has since informed me he received. Your Son is at a...
7638From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 13 December 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 30 th. Ult o. and thank you for the extract enclosed— The Commerce of new England will follow their oil, wherever it may go and therefore I think it good Policy, in the Controller General to take of the duty— But there is another object of Importance I mean the sperma Cæti Chandles— Will you be so good as to inform me whether these are prohibited in france?...
7639From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 29 December 1812 (Adams Papers)
I have not done with your Letter of the 19th: I care not half, so much about Red Heifer, as I do about the Taureau blanc, the white Bull of Voltaire…. “All volition the Effect of his will, operating upon mind.” My pious learned Parson Wibert, once said to me “I believe God is the Author of sin; but I would not say it, because of the dangerous tendency of it.” My Friend! read in virgil;...
7640From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 31 July 1800 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a list of grounds, which I have determine to purchase for the United States for a Ship yard & a dock yard. Inclosed also is a platt of those grounds, & a letter from Aaron Putnam Esqr of the 29 of July. I pray you to authorize him, to purchase all the lands, according to the list & platt, & to transmit him the ten thousand dollars, to enable him to fulfill immediately the...
7641John Adams to Abigail Adams, 23 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
We are very much affected with the Loss of Charlestown—it seems the most disagreable Affair, We have ever met with. I dont know that the Consequences will be bad, but the Loss of so many Men, ships, and Artillery and stores is heavy besides the Town. To maintain it, they must weaken themselves at N. York and elsewhere. We hope to hear of something to ballance it. I inclose a Paper, giving an...
7642From John Adams to Richard Benbury, 19 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your unanimous Address at Edenton of the fourth of September has been transmitted to me by your Richard Benbury Esqr your Brigadier General. After a solemn Embassy of three Envoys had been denied an opportunity to negotiate, the miserable Attempt to divide them from each other, and carry on a delusive shew of negotiation, for the purpose of effecting Divisions in our Country, was too mean and...
76431778. Ap. 22. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at home and spent the day with Mr. Lee.
76441771. Tuesday. June 4th. (Adams Papers)
Rode over to the Spring. One Childs had built a little House, within a few Yards of the Spring, and there some of the lame and infirm People keep. The Spring arises at the Foot of a Steep high Hill, between a Cluster of Rocks very near the Side of a River. The Water is very clear, limpid and transparent, the Rocks And Stones and Earth at the Bottom are tinged with a reddish yellow Colour, and...
7645From John Adams to Robert Murdoch, 4 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
I am no stranger to the case of the unfortunate Alexander Grosse in whose favour You did me the honor to write me your Letter from Dunkirk of the 30 th. June, I lately received from His Excellency James Bowdoin Esq r Governor of the Massachusetts an Application from the friends of M r. Grosse, which as I was desired, I communicated to the Comte D’Adhemar, who has transmitted it to the Comte De...
7646John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 September 1790 (Adams Papers)
Since my return from Philadelphia where I have been to get Lodgings, against the meeting of Congress, your Mamma has shewn me your Letter: and I consent you Should keep the Horse for the present.— My Brother may Supply you with hay, as far as your occasion for it may go. Can nothing be done to make my Estate at Boston and Braintree more productive? The House where you are is at a miserable...
7647From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 10 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
I did request or direct Mr McHenry to give a Lieutenants commissions to the Cadets Landais & Wilson, but as he was so great a lawyer & statesman, to have determined that I had no constitutional authority, he declined to do it. I believe it may be as well to insert them in the list you are preparing to be nominated to the Senate. With great regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
7648Wednesday. May 21. (Adams Papers)
What is it, in the Air, which burns? When We blow a Spark with the Bellows, it spreads. We force a current of Air to the Fire, by this machine, and in this Air, are inflammable Particles. Can it be in the same manner that Life is continued by the Breath. Are there any Particles conveyed into the Blood of Animals through the Lungs, which increase the heat of it, or is the Pulse caused by...
7649From John Adams to Andrews Norton, 31 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I thank you, and Mr Vanderkemp, for giving me, an Opportunity of reading, his “historical Sketches of Calvin and Servetus. ” Though I am aware of the Objections against the publication of this Work; I rejoice that it belongs to The University. The Candour, moderation and impartiality So conspicuous in it, will be a model to others; while it will preserve in This Country the Knowledge of the...
7650From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 17 September 1810 (Adams Papers)
I know that Mother Harvard had Power to make D.D. M.D. and LLD as well as Batchelors and Masters: but never knew till now that She possessed the Prerogative of making Princes. It is a notable Epocha in our History. Why may she not make Dukes, Marquisses, Viscounts, Earls Barons Knights, and Esquires? If the Republicans wish and expect from me an History of the Rise and Progress of The Essex...