7701From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 8 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of July 16. came duly to hand by Mr. Trumbul. With respect to the whale oil, tho’ this country has shewn a desire to draw it hither, and for that purpose have reduced the duties to about four guineas on the English ton, yet I do not see a probability of a further reduction at this moment. It has been much pressed, and I expect every day to receive a final determination. Should it...
7702To John Adams from Jonathan Mason, 6 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have been highly gratified with the manner, in which your State in particular & the Continent of America at large I may Add, have received the news of your election to the approaching convention—It has been marked with the approbation of every individual & affords an unequivocal proof of the gratitude of the Town of Quincy—Tho’ you have lived into Posterity, they have not been unmindful of...
7703[Samuel Cooke’s Bills for Board.] (Adams Papers)
The Honble. John Adams Esqr. to Saml. Cook Dr. 1775 Augst. 24th. To Boarding your Lady & Self 3 days £0: 12: To 3 days Keeping yr. Horse 3: £0: 15: The Honble. John Adams to Samll. Cooke junr. Dr. To boardg: 6 days @ 2/ £0: 12. 0 To breakfasting & dining 4 persons @ 9/ 3. To keeping your horse 4 nights @ 1/
7704To John Adams from William Smith, 24 April 1790 (Adams Papers)
It is sometime since I had the pleasure of addressing you but as I know it will not be displeasing to know the sentiments of your countrymen, on the determination of Congress not to assume the State Debts, I wou’d mention them.— the State Creditors think they are equally entitl’d to the benefits of the Gen l. Government with the Continental Creditors. their property or services were advanc’d...
7705To John Adams from James Warren, 27 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
Since I wrote you by the post on last Thursday, Nothing very material has taken place here. Two Frigates have for some time been Infecting our Coasts. A species of Insult that has ever Gauled me, and more especially since we had Ships sufficient either to take or drive them off, lying in our harbours for months sufficient to build and Equip A large fleet. The Ships now on the Coast have taken...
7706To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 29 July 1779 (Adams Papers)
This Morning your Vigalent and invariable Friend wrote you a long letter which makes it unnecessary for me to take up my pen nor should I have done it by this opportunity but in Compliance with the Wishes of Him who is so partial as to think it in my power to Contribute to the Entertainment of a Gentleman who (from Interest, from Vanity and from more Noble principles) has such a Multitude of...
7707Abigail Adams to John Adams, 5 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I this Evening Received Your two Letters of july 10 and 11, and last Evening the Post brought me yours of july 23. I am really astonished at looking over the Number I have received during this month, more I believe than for 3 months before. I hope tis your amusement and relaxation from care to be thus imployed. It has been a feast to me during my absence from Home, and cheerd me in my most...
7708Abigail Adams to John Adams, 11 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
This day has been our May meeting and without clubs or even Drunkeness, tho we have little purity to boast of in that respect, our Election has been calmly carried, & your Brother chosen. it seems the Name is in high estimation, as the Prophet Sam ll. find himself not only first but second, being Elected by the people both Govenour & Liut Govenour which I believe is the first instance of the...
7709To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 16 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
Yes! my Dear Sir, was my mind sufficiently strong, or capacious, to understand, or even to comprehend, the study of antient and modern philosophy I am certain I should derive very great advantage from that study—but you certainly forgot when you recommended it, that you were addressing one of the weaker Sex, to whom Stoicism would be both unamiable and unnatural, and who would be very liable...
7710To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 12 December 1786 (Adams Papers)
We are honored by your Excellency’s respected Favor of 1 st. Ins t: with an Enclosure from the Board of Treasury of the United-States, whereof we transmit a Copy for Your Excellency’s Perusal and Government. In directing the Payment of the Premiums f 60,000:—:— to be effected in new Bonds, the Commissioners appear to have been apprehensive, they should not be able to provide timely for the...
7711To John Adams from François D’Ivernois, 6 March 1796 (Adams Papers)
J’apprens dans ce moment que Mr Vausse de souche, Colon de st Domingue part à l’instant pour Gravesende en me faisant offrir de se charger de ce que j’aurais à lui remettre pour l’amèrique. J’ai bien du regret de n’avoir point le tems de répondre à votre lettre si intéressante du 11 Décembre, mais en attendant que j’aye cet avantage, je profite au moins de cette occasion pour vous remercier de...
7712John Adams’ Commission as Minister to Great Britain, 24 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
The United States of America in Congress assembled. To our trusty and well beloved John Adams Esquire Send Greeting We reposing special trust and confidence in your Integrity Prudence and Ability have nominated constituted and appointed and by these Presents do nominate constitute and appoint you the said John Adams our Minister Plenipotentiary to reside at the Court of His britannic Majesty...
7713To John Adams from James McHenry, 21 September 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, bearing date the 23d. and 30th. of Augt. and 9th 13th & 14th of Septr. inst. I find on recurring to the case of Augustus de Grasse, that he was left out of service for two reasons. 1st upon information, that he spent in gaming &c whatever he received from the government. 2. Because he could not be made useful in the office of...
7714C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams: A Translation, 3 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I congratulate you with all my heart on the good news that we have received of the capture of the English East and West Indian fleets by the combined French and Spanish fleets. Take this as a happy portent of the exploits of De Ternay, Rochambeau, De Guichen, and Solano. I would like to be at this moment Fama from my favorite Virgil: pernicibus alis hoc ipsa nocte volarem caeli medis, terraque...
7715To John Adams from Alexander Contee Hanson, 6 December 1792 (Adams Papers)
I cannot flatter myself, that after the lapse of sixteen years, you can have any recollection of the man, who now addresses you. In the year 1776, he had the pleasure of lodging with you, under the same roof, at Philadelphia; and he has often since reflected on the circumstance, with satisfaction— I take the liberty of introducing to your notice Mr. Elie Valette, a young gentleman of real...
7716To John Adams from Samuel Osgood, [14 January 1784] (Adams Papers)
I had the Pleasure of seeing M r. Thaxter your late Private Secretary at Philadelphia.— Congress were then on their Way to this Place— He being anxious to return to Mass tts. it was not tho’t expedient for him to come on here, as he delivered his Dispatches to the President of Congress in Philadel a. & as it did not seem probable that Congress would be soon assembled at this Place.— This is...
7717To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 10 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
I put the papers you sent me into the hands of Mr Carey. Some of them will be published in an Appendix to his history of the rise, and progress of the American Navy.—They shall all be returned to you in a few days.— I rejoice with you in the 5th: Naval Victory of our Country. The year 1812 will I hope be immortal in the history of this World for having given the first Check to the overgrown...
7718To John Adams from John Trumbull, 15 July 1794 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor to forward a packet which I presume is from your friend Mr. Brand Hollis: and also to add two or three the latest Newspapers.— The Affairs of the Combin’d powers have very much chang’d their Aspect since the Opining of the Campaign within four or five weeks all Flanders, as far as Namur on one hand & Antwerp on the other is lost by them:— The Austrian Troops are said to be...
7719Abigail Adams to John Adams, 30 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
Altho I wrote you a very long Letter no longer ago than this day week; which went under convoy of the French Fleet, I cannot omit any opportunity which presents of telling you what I know always makes you happy—that I am well that our children are so, and the rest of our Friends. Uninteresting as this is to the rest of the World; it is sweet musick to those who Love and are beloved. I know...
7720To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
The fever threatening this City with similar ravages to what took place in the years 1793, 1797 & 1798 has induced to the measure of removing the offices to Trenton where I expect to be on Monday next. Altho’ the personal inconveniences attending upon this removal are very great, I lament it yet more on a public account. With the greatest respect, I / have the honour to be, Sir, / Your most ob...
7721To John Adams from William Cranch, 22 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
I received your very kind and flattering letter of 1st. ulto.—On the morning before I received it I settled an account with Mr. Gales who is my tenant, and in doing so ask’d him if anything was due from you to charge it to my account. He look’d at his books and told me that somebody had paid for you in advance and that nothing was due. However, after receiving your letter I wrote him a note...
7722To John Adams from Engelbert François van Berckel, 22 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
Par Madame d’Hogendorp, qúi demeúre actúellement a La Haÿe, Son Epoux, le Conseiller de la Ville de Rotterdam, Se troúvant, a present, aux Indes orientales, Je me trouve continuellement pressé, poúr m’interesser en faveur d’ún Inconnu, qui doit avois été presenté a votre Excellence, pas le jeune Monsieúr d’Hogendorp, fils des Súsmentioner; et a qúi, Selon qu’on me dit, Votre Excellence aúroit...
7723To John Adams from Thomas Peacock, 15 March 1796 (Adams Papers)
My arrival from England in this City is of a recent date, and agreeable to desire, I embrace the earliest opportunity of presenting the most respectful Compliments of my Brother-in-Law; Mr. Thicknesse, Son of the late Governor Thicknesse of St. Catharines Hermitage Bath, whom with his family I expect by May next—His intention is to purchase an eligible estate and spend the remainder of his...
7724From George Washington to John Adams, 23 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed. The details are interesting. The Picture is well drawn; and, it is to be feared, too well founded in facts. With very sincere esteem and regard I am Your Obedt & Affecte ALS , NjP : De Coppet Collection. GW evidently was returning John Quincy Adams’s letter to John Adams of 17 Nov. 1795. On 25 March, John Adams wrote to his son in part: “I...
7725To John Adams from William Tudor, 17 September 1774 (Adams Papers)
Nothing very material has taken Place here since Mr. Revere left Boston, by whom you will have particular Accounts. The Fortifications at the Entrance of the Town and Entrenchments &c. on the Neck advance rapidly, they have three hundred Soldiers constantly at Work there. Seven Regiments are already here with a Train of thirty Peices of Cannon, and two more Regiments from Quebec are every Week...
7726To John Adams from Elisha Boudinot, 25 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
I was, as one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of this State, holding a circuit court in the County of Morris—At the breaking up of the court, the grand Jury requested that I would forward to the President, the inclosed address—at first I thought it was giving you too much trouble, but the friends to Government, in the County, urged the propriety of it, as coming from that County in a...
7727To John Adams from John Bondfield, 20 November 1789 (Adams Papers)
I am this day honor’d with your favor of the 16 September I am happy to find that the affairs of America are in a state to fix a permanent line of Reimburssment, becoming thereby truely independant. Notwithstanding the weight of Opossion against the leading Members of the National Assembly, the steddy perseverance of the few and the effectual support of the Marquis de La fayette in whose hands...
7728To John Adams from Hendrik van Blomberg, 25 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Messrs. van Vollenhoven, not with standing all the credit they have for the United States of North America Cannot accept of the Commission, Which You have done them the honour to propose, for Reason that their Branch of Comerce being fixt to the Baltick, they Cannot Wel extend it so far as North America. I have the honour to be with great Your most h: Servt. RC ( Adams Papers ); endorsed: “M....
7729To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 1 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
I am hon’d with your Obliging Letter of the 17th. Inst. After the departure of My Letter of the 5th. Ulto. I Regretted that I had touched on a delicate Subject Since however it is So, I feel impressed with the propriety of unveiling the Mistery, which I Request May be considered as Confidential —I had Spent the Evening of writing you in Company with Chancellor Livingston who in the Most...
7730To John Adams from Henry Knox, 29 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Paine has done me the honor to write to me on the subject of casting cannon, in consequence of which Mr. Byers a Cannon founder from this place has proceeded to Philadelphia. I take the liberty to beg he may be set to work immediately and if upon a large scale the advantages must be proportionate. As every hint to a Gentleman in Acting in your important Station may be attended with good...
7731To John Adams from William Cooper, 5 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
Wm. Cooper Esq. member of Congress, requests that his son Richard Fenimore Cooper Esqr. may be appointed Agent to explore the copper mine on Lake Superior, and report; agreeably to the Resolution of Congress. Judge Lawrence knows R. F. Cooper, who is a lawyer, intelligent, and very fit for the Agency. Mr. Cooper says his son is 26 years old. A young man recommended by the Assayer of the Mint,...
7732To John Adams from Nathaniel Hazard, 29 January 1792 (Adams Papers)
I understood from my Friend, and late Fellow Traveller, that “A Recluse Man” had been heard of, but never seen, by the principal Object of it. This Mistake alone, prompted the Author to inclose it, at first, in a blank Cover. The Idea of commenting on it, arose after it had been sealed. It was a disinterested, volunteer Effort; written at a Moment, when the Author had not the most distant Idea...
7733To John Adams from Samuel Holden Parsons, 8 October 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your’s of the 2nd. Instant I received last Night for which I am obliged to you. If any Information I can give will contribute to your Satisfaction or my Country’s Good I am happy in furnishing what falls in my Observation. I agree fully with you that you was in the dark as to some Facts relative to the Transactions on Long Island and am fully Satisfied you Still remain so, or you could not...
7734To John Adams from John Henry Sherburne, 4 October 1825 (Adams Papers)
As the nephew of your late friend General William Whipple, who signed with you the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and who afterwards defended it, with his sword, and as the Nephew of the late Governor John Langdon, who assisted, in framing our all wise Constitution, I beg your acceptance of the Volume herewith transmitted, being the Life & Charactor of your late friend, and Patriot John...
7735To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday your favor of the 7 th. {this was 4. days later than} mr̃ Short’s of the {same date.} it {had evidently been opened. so we must} therefore consider {both govm̃ts as possessed of it’s contents.} I write you a line at this moment merely to inform you that {mr̃ Barclay is willing} to {go to treat with} the {Barbary states if we desire it} & that {this will} not {take him from...
7736To John Adams from Robert Montgomery, 6 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
I am Honourd with your Much Esteem’d Letter of the 24th, Nov. Since Which Should have had the Pleasure of Addressing you My Respects often but Was by the loss of a Vessel Unexpectedly Called to one of the Out Ports on this Coast Where I have been Kept more than two Months without being Able in that time to write to My House More than once on Account of the Very bad Convayance for Letters thro’...
7737To John Adams from John Cranch, 17 January 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have never found so much difficulty in prevailing upon myself to do any indifferent action, as in this of convincing myself that it is not too great a presumption to address a few lines to you, with the little present of game which will wait your acceptance about the same instant: In truth I could willingly have sent the gift, without at all disclosing the giver, could I, at the same time,...
7738To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 3 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
I received your Favour of the 19th Novr on my Way to this Place; and the Business which your Friend Mr. Smith requested You to negotiate, shall be carefully attended to and performed. I thank You, for the Intelligence conveyed, and would endeavour to recollect in Return, what has transpired at Congress, had not our Friend Mr. Lovell, who as a faithful and accurate Intelligencer as well as on...
7739To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 11 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose the petition of John Sylvester, with a Report signed by the Secretaries of the Departments—The Attorney General being absent in Virginia, could not be consulted without a considerable delay.— I have the honour to be / with the greatest deference / Sir, / your mo. obedt. servt. In pursuance of the direction of the President of the United States, communicated to the...
7740Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 20 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The several Matters mention’d in your last, have been attended to, so far as Circumstances would permit. The Rocks in the mowing Land, have been like to a powerful Enemy hard to conquer, it has required much of your Resolution to remove them from their strong Holds. To forward Business they were drilld in the Winter, as soon as the Ground became open, they were blown. one Blast made way for a...
7741From John Jay to John Adams, 4 May 1786 (first letter) (Jay Papers)
on recieving yours of the 4 Jan y last, I immediately communicated it to the Chief of the episcopalian clergy in this City, viz t . the Rev d . M r Provoost, the Rector of Trinity Church. He is greatly pleased with the Manner in which you attended to their application, as well as with the Reception it met with from the archbishop. The next Convention of the Clergy will doubtless present their...
7742To John Adams from William Cunningham, 30 June 1809 (Adams Papers)
I received, by the last mail, your esteemed favour of the 22d. inst. The united testimony of your most amiable Family, in repulsion of the calumny which was said to have originated with Mr. Whitney, has not disappointed me. Should it become again a topick at your social board, I pray that my affectionate respects may go along with it to the company. The gentleman who gave me the information I...
7743To John Adams from the Marquis of Carmarthen, 6 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have received His Majesty’s Commands to inform You, that, in order to prevent the Abuses to which the Indulgence given by the Foreign Ministers is frequently liable, by granting that Protection which their Compassion often inclines them to afford to Persons who solicit it for the sole Purpose of screening themselves from the Laws of their Country, His Majesty has instructed His Secretary of...
7744To John Adams from John Chew Thomas, 17 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
It is with the most respectfull deference that I take the Liberty of offering to your Consideration Philip Barton Key Esqr. as a person in my Opinion well qualified to fill the Office of District Circuit Judge under the new Judiciary System—In addition to other Oppurtunities of becoming well acquainted with him—I have served two Sessions with him in our State Legislature and entertain an high...
7745To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 27 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
By the Brig Norfolk, Capt Williams, I have letters from Capt Truxtun, of the 6th. March—The Insurgents had not proceeded on a Cruise, but was nearly ready I have also recd. a letter from Capt Decatur, of the 5th. March—He had just captured a small French schooner, of one 9 pound Gun—& 26 Men. The papers of which the enclosed are copies, were sent by Truxtun, who continues to speak of the great...
7746To John Adams from Henry Grand, 6 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
After due Consideration we agreed upon sending your two trunks of Books, by land, which I have had executed, having first had them plumbed, by which means all Visitation is prevented. I have consigned them à la Veuve Desmeth à Anvers who will send them on to Fizeaux Grand & ce. pursuant to your desires, you have here inclosed the Note of my charges thereto, for which I place 34 10 to your...
7747Enclosure No. 1: Weather Journal, 1779–1780 (Adams Papers)
The Autumn of 1779 was the most pleasant and agreable for its Fertility and the Mildness of the Air that has been remembered, scarce any Rain had fallen from the Month of August to November, the frequent Rains that fell in the Summer had sufficiently moistned the Earth, but little Rain afterwards was necessary as the Air was temperate between the Extremes of Summer Heat and Cold. The Winter...
7748To John Adams from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 9 February 1792 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed Letter has just now been put into my Hand— as the Direction would seem to be for Both Branches of the Legislature—and the subject is unknown to me—I have thot it might be best that it should be opened by you—I beg Sir! that it may be thus opened—& if it should appear to be particularly appropriate to the House of Representatives—you will be so good as to return it to me—But if...
7749To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
Mardi dernier nous fumes dîner à Rotterdam chez Mr. Van Berckel, qui nous avoit invités avec Mr. Votre fils.— Le départ de ce Ministre est fixé vers le 15 du mois prochain, avec le Vaisseau tout neuf doublé en cuivre l’Overyssel de 68 p. de canon, com̃andé par le brave & patriotique Capitaine Riemersma. Si vous êtes sûr, Monsieur, de retourner en Amérique cette année, il est facheux que le...
7750To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I mentioned in a former letter, that Monticello’s Philosopher, desired in one of his Letters, that I might undertake, to write the life of J. C. and that I would endeavor to chalk out its outlines—which I would Submit to your considerations. Having hurted my leg through carelessnes—working in my garden, and rendered by further neglect—So painful, that I have been doomed to my cottage, during a...