From Charles Thomson to John Adams, 17 March 1795
From Charles Thomson
Harriton March 17. 1795
Sir
The day after receiving your favour of the 4 Feby I wrote the enclosed answer.1 But as my mind has been so long withdrawn from the occurrences in Congress and so wholly bent on a different object, I was not in haste to send it until I refreshed my mind by looking over the journals. After all the search I have made and the recollection I am master of I see no reason to alter it.
I have now the pleasure to inform you that I have at length compleated the translation of What is commonly called the Old testament from the Septuagint version. Since withdrawing from publick affairs I have gone over it three times as if I was making a new translation availing myself of my former attempts only as helps. In the last which I have just finished, I have so far satisfied myself that I believe I shall here rest. It has been a work of labour but it has amply rewarded me by the satisfaction & pleasure it has given me.
I have gone over the New Testament twice in the same manner but have not yet satisfied myself. Whether I shall live to compleat it is uncertain. But I think it is high time that we had another translation of that invaluable book—2 Mrs. Thomson3 joins me in best wishes for the health and happiness both of you & Mrs. Adams
I have the honour to be / Sr / Your obedt humble servt.
Chas Thomson
RC (MHi:Kippis Papers).
1. See JA’s 4 Feb. letter to Jeremy Belknap, above. Thomson’s 9 March reply to JA was printed in the Boston Columbian Centinel, 13 May.
2. Thomson continued work on this project and published it in Philadelphia in 1815. A presentation copy of A Synopsis of the Four Evangelists; or, A Regular History of the Conception, Birth, Doctrine, Miracles, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ, in the Words of the Evangelists is in JA’s library at MB ().
3. Hannah Harrison Thomson (ca. 1728–1807) was Thomson’s second wife (, 2:433).