7751From John Adams to Jacob Engelbrecht, 9 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
I have deeply regretted my total incapacity to comply with your flattering request in your two letters. But, I can no more write a line than, I can work a miracle. I thank you for the copy of Mr Jeffersons letter and unite with him in recommending the psalms of David, which whether we read them in our common English translation in prose, or in the versions of Tate and Brady or even those of...
7752From John Adams to Jared Ingersoll, Jr., 9 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have received and read with pleasure, and with gratitude the Circular letter, and the Memorial to Congress, which you did me the honor to transmit, to me—I have the honor agree with the City of Philadelphia and their Committee in their Sentiments concerning the great question before Congress, relative to the toleration of Slavery in the state of Missouri—The only question that can arise in...
7753From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 3 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have now the honour to inform you that having shewn my Commission to the Right Honourable the Marquis of Carmarthen, and left an Authenticated Copy together with a Copy of my Letter of Credence to the King according to the usage. I had the Honour on the first of this month to be introduced by his Lordship to His Majesty, in his Closet with all the Ceremonies, and formalities, practised on...
7754From John Adams to James Maury, 28 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time, that I have owed you many thanks, for your civil attention in sending me packets of Newspapers. I should have endeavoured, to return your compliments in the same way, if my retired situation in the Country had not made it impossible for me to convey our news to you, so soon as you must receive them from many other parts of America. And indeed after all, our papers, contain...
7755From John Adams to Charles Lee, 29 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received last evening your favor of the 19th & thank you for communicating to Mr John Read the determination to Appoint him agent for the United States respecting British claims under the treaty of 1794 I have received solicitations and recommendations for several other persons; but see no reason to alter the opinion we formed before I left you. I have accordingly written to the Secretary of...
7756From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 24 June 1812 (Adams Papers)
The Decadency of Government is obvious, through the World and it is to be feared the cause of it is the general Relaxation of family discipline. It becomes you and me Seriously to consider whether We have not contributed our Share to this general Evil. Within a few days, my Rib had the boldness to Say to me “When you write to Dr Rush, you String together Epithets and Adverbs and Substantives,...
7757Tuesday July 29th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
At Boston—bought Gilberts Law of Evidence. Heard some Cases of Bastardy in the Sessions. William Douglass was charged by a Dutch Girl with being the father of a Bastard Child born of her Body. Auchmuty is employed, in sessions, and every where. The same heavy, dull, insipid Way of arguing every where—as many Repetitions as a presbyterian Parson in his Prayer—tedious as Applin. Volubility,...
7758John Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
In my solitude in Markett street, I find nothing so sociable as your Letters— those of 18 & 20 th. are this moment recd d.— Your health & Spirits are a great Improvement of mine. I have avoided the Epithets perfidious and unprincipled as much as I could, but neither they nor any that could be borrowed from the Hebrew & the Greek would be too strong, for the House of Mass to Use.— My Religion...
7759From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 10 October 1808 (Adams Papers)
It gives me great pleasure to observe in your letter of the first of this month your increasing thirst for knowledge and attachment to your profession. Your natural aversion to politics will soon too soon wear away. A lawyer must be a politician. It is impossible to avoid it; he breathes constantly in a political atmosphere. The companies with whom he associates are all politicians. Judges,...
7760Braintree Decr. 18th. 1765. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
How great is my Loss, in neglecting to keep a regular Journal, through the last Spring, Summer, and Fall. In the Course of my Business, as a Surveyor of High-Ways, as one of the Committee, for dividing, planning, and selling the North-Commons, in the Course of my two great Journeys to Pounalborough and Marthas Vineyard, and in several smaller Journeys to Plymouth, Taunton and Boston, I had...
7761John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
I went Yesterday at 12 O Clock to the Presbyterian Meeting House in Market Street to hear D r Rush pronounce an elegant and pathetic Elogium on M r Rittenhouse the late President of the Philosophical society. He made him out to be a good Man and a great Astronomer & Philosopher. This I agree and if he had not betrayed Jacobinical Weaknesses I should have liked him very well. D r Euwing is Sick...
7762John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
Have but Yesterday received yours of Octr. 21. Your Letters of the following Dates I have received. Septr. 8. and 10. 16. 29. Oct. 1. 9. 21. 22. These Letters and indeed every Line from you, gives me inexpressible Pleasure, notwithstanding the melancholly Scenes discribed in most of them of late. I am happy to learn that the Family is in Health once more, and hope it will continue. My Duty to...
7763From John Adams to Edmund Jenings, 20 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your Favour of the 18th., and thank you for the good News. I dont believe any Thing of the story of the French Fleet and Army, at Carolina, but the Tide is turned and the Torrent will soon flow in the south. The Actions of Trenton, Bennington and Kings Mountain are enough to shew, the total Impractibility of subduing America or any Part of it. In times of the greatest...
7764From John Adams to Jonathan Sewall, October 1759 (Adams Papers)
Braintree, October 1759. Printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 1:123–124 . Printed : ( JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 1:123–124 ).
On the other Leaf of this Sheet you have Copy of a Resolution of Congress of fourtenth of Feb y. last. You will please to hold this Money in readiness to be transmitted to London as I shall have occasion for it, to pay Bills of Exchange which are to be drawn upon me & which I shall accept payable at the House of Mess rs. C & R: Puller in London or at your Firm in Amsterdam as occasion may be....
7766From John Adams to William Sumner, 2 June 1822 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 28 has been received with great pleasure. I pray you to present my most profound respects to the ancient & honorable Artillery company for their polite invitation which it would be my honour & pleasure to accept if my strength were sufficient to go through the day. I can concur entirely with you on your estimation of the dignity & utility & importance of that military...
7767From John Adams to Nc., Grand Jury of Salisbury, 10 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for an Address equally respectfull and affectionate, & for your generous approbation of my Administration. I congratulate you on the remarkable Felicity of your District, is so on the entire an Unanimity of political sentiment and opinion, which prevails in your District, a felicity as prescious as it is remarkable. Our Fellow Citizens throughout the Union, agree in general,...
7768From John Adams to Daniel Putnam, 5 June 1818 (Adams Papers)
I received Yesterday your kind Letter of the 23d of May with a Copy of your Letter to President Monroe of the 21. of May. Neither myself, nor my Family have been able to read either with dry Eyes. They are Letters that would do honour to the pen of Pliny. I had before been indebted to the Politeness of Mr Brinley for the Pamphlet. You ask “Whether any dissatisfaction existed in the public mind...
7769From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 3 November 1809 (Adams Papers)
The black cloud that hung over the whole of the seven provinces; the solemn gloom that pervaded the whole nation; the universal uncertainty and timidity that had seized upon all minds, determined me to bring my own mission to a trial. If I should be rejected and ordered out of the country, our situation would not be worse. If I should be received, my object would be gained:—but if I should...
7770From John Adams to James Otis Sr., 23 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honour of your Letter of Novr. the Eleventh, by Express, and am very Sorry to learn that any Difference of Sentiment has arisen between the two Honourable Houses, respecting the Militia Bill, as it is so necessary at this critical Moment, for the public Service. If I was of opinion that any Resolution of the Congress now in Force was against the Claim of the Honourable House, as the...
7771From John Adams to Jonathan Jackson, 8 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
In one of your Letters you Suppose that I have an open avowed Contempt of all Rank, give me leave to say you are much mistaken in my sentiments.— There are Times, and I have seen many Such when a Man’s Duty to his Country demands of him the Sacrifice of his Rank, as well as his Fortune and his Life, but this must be an Epocha, and for an Object worthy of the Sacrifice.— In ordinary Times the...
7772From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 7 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment received yours of 6th. I have no Objection against your Plan. I informed the Grand Pensionary and the President that I should think it my duty to publish my Memorial. I persist in the Same opinion. The manner is indifferent to me. I shall avow the Publication. Your omission of the Commission will be agreable to me. I communicated to the last Person I saw at the Hague all...
7773From John Adams to William Sumner, 19 May 1823 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for the privilege of hearing read your manuscript dissertat concern the mil I scarcely know how to express the satisfaction & delight I have received from its perusal. It is so conformable to all my feelings—all my inquiries & all my opinions concerning it from my cradle that is seemed to be living my life over again. The delight of my childhood in the trainings will never be...
7774From John Adams to John Taylor, 17 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
In your fifth page You Say “Mr. Adams calls our Attention to hundreds of wise and virtuous Patricians, mangled and bleeding Victims of popular Fury.” and gravely counts up several Victims of democratic Rage as proofs that Democracy is more pernicious than Monarchy or Aristocracy.” Is this fair, sir? Do you deny any one of my Facts? I do not say that Democracy has been more pernicious, on the...
7775John Adams to States General of the Netherlands, 2 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
Le Sousigné Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats Unis de L’Amerique, a l’honneur de prier Vos Hauts Puissances, de vouloir faire depêcher, ou de lui accorder Un Passeport pour L’Entree libre, ou bien un Ordre a L’Amirauté de laisser passer librement, et Sans payer des Droits, deux malles ou Coffres et une Caisse marquèes I. A. contenans des Livres appartenans au Sousigné, et venus de Londres à...
7776From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 25 June 1819 (Adams Papers)
With no less gratitude than astonishment I have received your Alcibiades,—and your Sons shall have it—but I am really concerned for your Health. How it is possible that a Gay Lady of Washington amidst all the ceremony’s, frivolity’s, and gravities, of a Court, and of a Legislature—Can find time to write so many and so excellent Letters to me; to her Children, and at the same time, translate...
7777From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 30 August 1803 (Adams Papers)
I received, with much pleasure, late, the last evening your kind Letter of the 28th. of the month, and Should have answered it Sooner if it had come earlier to my hand We have been in great affliction in this Family for more than three months, on account of the dangerous illness of your Friend my Companion, on whose preservation all my hopes of Comfort in this World, Seem to be Suspended. An...
7778From John Adams to Andrews Norton, 13 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have now read the Christian Disciple and the Review of Mr Stuarts Letters—I congratulate Mr Channing in having so great a Master of the Subject for a Coadjestor—the Controversy has been so long continued, that, one should think it impossible to suggest any-thing new, on either side; for my part I have bestowed some attention to it, for at least seventy years, and I am so weary of it that I...
7779John Adams to Abigail Adams, 16 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
In a Letter from your Uncle Smith, and in another from Mr. Mason which I received by this days Post I am informed that you were about taking the Small Pox, with all the Children. . . . It is not possible for me to describe, nor for you to conceive my Feelings upon this Occasion. Nothing, but the critical State of our Affairs should prevent me from flying to Boston, to your Assistance. I...
7780From John Adams to Jedidiah Morse, 5 December 1815 (Adams Papers)
If such was the Spirit of the English Church in America, and especially in Virginia before the Revolution: Can you wonder, that Men So enlightened as Richard Henry Lee and his Brothers, Patrick Henry Chancellor Wythe Chief Justice Pendleton, Mr Jefferson Mr Madison &c, though they had been all educated in that Church, became afterwards Disciples of Lock, Blackburne, Fourneux and William Penn,...
77811760. Novr. 15th. Sat. (Adams Papers)
Spent last Evening at Coll. Quincys, with Coll. Lincoln. Several Instances were mentioned, when the Independency and Superiority of the Law in general over particular Departments of officers, civil and military, has been asserted and maintained, by the Judges, at Home. Ld. Cokes Resolution in the Case of —— in oposition to the opinion, and even to the orders, and passionate Threatnings of the...
7782From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 5 January 1821 (Adams Papers)
If after your example I could have keept a Journal—from the fifteenth of November, to the eighteenth of December—I could have given you a Curious history— I have had the Influenza, and with great difficulty have got the better of it—but not perfectly cured—I attended every day the Convention and the Air of that Hall—Instead of curing my Cold imperceptably increased it from day to day—And the...
778322 Fryday. (Adams Papers)
At Colledge, a Charming, pleasant morning, read Dr. Niewentyts Demonstration Co n cerning the rays of light emitted from a Burning Candle in a second of time, which he Computes to Be 418660 39/: Particles. In The Religious Philosopher, , “Contemplation XXV. Of the Unspeakable Number, and Unconceivable Smallness of the Particles of which the Universe consists”
7784From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 25 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
Mine Eyes are better. I am angry with you for calling our Navy little. It is the greatest Navy in the World. Far greater than the Brittish. I rejoice in the Glory of the Essex, and her Captain Porter: but he ought not to have threatened to revenge himself upon Lima. What is himself, and myself and yourself? He should have vindicated the honour of his Country. I am glad that Mr Gray applauds...
7785Ap. 18. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Mr. Schweighaussers. About six O Clock in the Evening, Captain Landais came into my Chamber. The Alliance is safe arrived at St. Lazar, with her Prisoners. JA first wrote “Isle de Lazare” and then altered it to the present reading. But he certainly meant Saint Nazaire, at the mouth of the Loire.
7786[July 1783] (Adams Papers)
I satt off in October for Paris where I arrived on the 26th of Oct. 1782, where the Peace has been made, and I returned here last Night. This memorandum appears in a letterbook entitled by JA “Holland Vol. 3” (Lb/JA/18, Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 106). Before the end of June JA was convinced that there was no hope of obtaining any commercial concessions from Great Britain, and an...
7787[Friday March 29. 1776.] (Adams Papers)
Friday March 29. 1776. More Trifles but no Committee of the whole.
7788From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 10 June 1822 (Adams Papers)
Thanks for your letter of 5th. June and smoaking lecture but as I have not read the lecture I shall confine myself in this, the smoaking Theology. I believe you have heard of the Park Street prayers for the conversion of Boston and Cambridge, in which as far as they are good, sincere, honest pure and benevolent, I heartily join them; but which as far as they are hypocritical bigoted and...
7789Adams’ Notes of Authorities: Court of Vice Admiralty, Boston, 1768 (Adams Papers)
Grotius B. 2, Chap. 8, §. 2. How long Beasts Birds and Fishes, may be said to be no Body’s, admits of some Dispute. §. 3. “The Roman Lawyers say, We lose our Property in wild Beasts, as soon as ever they recover their natural Liberty: But in all other Things the Property acquired by Possession does not cease with the Loss of Possession. Nay it gives us a Right even to claim and recover our...
7790From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 10 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
Since my Letter of the Eighth I have, recd a Letter from Mrs Vanstaphorsts and have conversed with one of those Gentlemen, and am after further Reflection, of opinion that the Loan of Mary land even if the Regency of Amsterdam Should Subscribe to it, will not injure the Loan of the United States and therefore, I shall make no opposition or objection to it. As to your applying publickly or...
7791To George Washington from John Adams, 17 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Vice President of the United States has the honour to present his humble opinion, on the Points proposed, for his consideration. 1. That an association with all kinds of company, and a total Seclusion from Society, are extreams, which, in the actual Circumstances of this Country, and under our form of Government, may be properly avoided. 2. The System of the President, will gradually...
7792From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 22 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
I rejoice in your Recovery from Sickness and wish a perfect restoration of your health—I think I may Congratulate you on the Glorious termination of the War. The Rejoicings here are enthusiastic, If Such Rejoicings here are at my Peace with France in 1800, had been Exhibited, would the Condition of our Country at this hour however have been better? Tallard when he had been beaten and taken...
7793Wednesday July 1. 1772. (Adams Papers)
Note by CFA : “These lines are taken from a play, now little read: [James] Thomson’s Edward and Eleanora, act i. sc. 2, and act ii. sc. 2” ( JA, Works The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, ed. Charles Francis Adams, Boston, 1850–1856; 10 vols. , 2:297).
7794From John Adams to James Monroe, 31 July 1819 (Adams Papers)
Had I not been poisoned by the mephytic effluvia of blossoms and roses to Such a degree as to deprive me of the Sight of letters and the feeling of a pen: I Should have long Since acknowledged the honour of your obliging letter of the thirteenth of the month. It is perfectly Satisfactory to me, and it ought to be So and I presume will be So to Dr Waterhouse. I am hapy to hear that your heal t...
7795John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 April 1783 (Adams Papers)
There is at length a Ministry in England composed of Kings Friends and Peoples Men, which will effervesce, and throw out a great deal of fixed Air like Potash and Lime Juice. Mr. Laurens and Mr. Hartley are to be here in a few days to enter upon the definitive Treaty, but it is now probable there will be a Congress under the Mediation of the two imperial Courts at least respecting the Terms...
7796John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 August 1777 (Adams Papers)
Yours of Aug. 12 and 13, came by this Mornings Post. A letter from Cheasopeak Bay, dated Yesterday Morning, informs that the Enemy had not then landed. This Morning General Nash, with his Brigade of North Carolina Forces, marched thro the Town with their Band of Musick, their Train of Artillery, and their Bagage Waggons, their Bread Waggons, travelling Forges &c. General Washingtons Army...
7797From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1787 (Adams Papers)
M r Boylston is going to Paris, with a Cargo of Sperma Cæti oil, and will be obliged to you for any Assistance or Advice you can give him. I forwarded a few days ago, from M r Gerry, a Copy as I suppose of the Result of Convention.— It Seems to be admirably calculated to preserve the Union, to increase Affection, and to bring Us all to the Same Mode of thinking. They have adopted the Idea of...
7798John Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
We Stopped at the Governors to take Leave and he told Us the News of last night, which has regaled Us on the Road. We watered at Watertown and reached this Inn at half after one. We hope to reach Williams’s at Marlborough, and Sleep there this night. I strive to divert the melancholly thoughts of our Seperation, and pray you to do the Same. M rs Smith I hope will keep Up her Spirits and the...
77991760. Novr. 21st. Friday. (Adams Papers)
Finished the History of the Common Law, the second Time. The Dissertation on hereditary Descents, and that on Tryals by Juries, are really, very excellent Performances, and well worth repeated, attentive Reading. This, the second entry so dated, is from D/JA/4, JA ’s fragmentary record of studies.
7800From John Adams to the President of Congress, 18 December 1781 (Adams Papers)
Having recieved an Invitation to the Hague, in order to have some Conversation with some Gentlemen in the Government concerning the further Steps proper for me to take in the present Conjuncture, I had determined to have undertaken the Journey to day: but the Arrival in Town of the Duke de la Vauguyon, determined me to postpone it until tomorrow. At noon to day, his Excellency did me the honor...