7901From John Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 11 February 1820 (Adams Papers)
I have been informed that you have read Mr Locks Essays on the human Understanding it would also give me great pleasure to hear that you have read his Essay on the Conduct of the Understanding— There is a little Aeriel World within us—the reign of Intelligence, of sensibility, of Activity, as well worthy of investigation, as the great World without us—of Heaven Earth and Seas.—and nothing in...
7902From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 19 September 1805 (Adams Papers)
After receiving so many trifles you will not be surprised at another. I wish you to tell me whether the Barilla is the same with the Kali or Soda! In the first Volume of the Supplement to the American Encyclopedia, p. 8 I find an Article British Barilla is the name given by Mr. James King of Newcastle upon Tyne, to a material invented by him, to Supply the place of Spanish Barilla in the...
7903From John Adams to Thomas Mifflin, 14 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the third of this month, and I thank you for giving me an opportunity of renewing a friendly intercourse which has continued I beleive with some interruption for these seventeen years. I was early acquainted with the activity, Zeal, and Steadiness of Capt: Falconer in the cause of his country: but as the number of competitors for...
7904To John Adams from the President of Congress, 30 July 1780 (Adams Papers)
Since your Arrival in Europe I have been favoured with your several Despatches of the 11. and 16. of December last, the 16. of January, the 15. 17. 19. 20. 25. 27. and 29. of February, the 8. 18. 19. and 23. of March. It is probable the Committee of foreign Affairs may have acknowledged the Receipt of these Despatches, and several Duplicates which have been also received. I presume they have...
7905Declaration of Votes in Elections for P and VP, 8 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
In obedience to the Constitution and Law of the United States, and to the commands of both Houses of Congress, expressed in their Resolution pass’d in their present session, I now declare that John Adams is elected President of the United States for four years to commence with the fourth of March next and that Thomas Jefferson is elected Vice President of the United States for four years to...
7906Nov. 9. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Lee read me a Paragraph of a Letter, from London, “that Mr. D. Hartley would probably be here, in the Course of this Month.” At Dinner I repeated this Paragraph to Dr. Franklin, and said that I thought “Mr. H’s Journey ought to be forbidden.” The Dr. said “he did not see how his coming could be forbid.” I replied “We could refuse to see him,” and that I thought We ought to see nobody from...
7907From John Adams to William Jones, 24 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
As it ever has been, and forever ought to be, a general rule of the President & heads of department not to answer letters Soliciting or recommending appointments to offices—the exception to the general rule by your kind letter of the 13th of this month, lays me under a particular obligation. The reason you assign, is perfectly satisfactory to me; and I rejoice in it, as it proves the good...
7908[May 12. Tuesday. 1778.] (Adams Papers)
May 12. Tuesday. 1778. Mr. Deane had left the care of his Son Jesse with Dr. Franklin and Dr. Bancroft, so that I had no longer any responsibility, on his Account. Mr. Vernon had chosen to remain at Bourdeaux, although I had proposed to him to come to Passi and assist me as my private Secretary, a Situation which would at least have borne all his Expences, and initiated him very early, into...
7909From John Adams to Herman van Bracht, 3 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have recd. the Letter which You did me the honor to write me the 30th. of April, with the Volume of American Constitutions. I agree with You, that a Treaty of Commerce between the two Republicks would be a very proper Addition to your Volume, but when such a Treaty shall be made it will not be published perhaps until it is ratified. In all Events it will be but decent for me to wait the...
7910Thurdsday. Jany. 16th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Mr. Nick Boylstones, with the two Mr. Boylstones, two Mr. Smiths, Mr. Hallowel and the Ladies. An elegant Dinner indeed! Went over the House to view the Furniture, which alone cost a thousand Pounds sterling. A Seat it is for a noble Man, a Prince. The Turkey Carpets, the painted Hangings, the Marble Tables, the rich Beds with crimson Damask Curtains and Counterpins, the beautiful...
7911To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 23 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
We think ourselves possessed or at least we boast that we are so of Liberty of conscience on all subjects and of the right of free inquiry and private judgment, in all crises and yet how far are we from these exalted privileges in fact. There exists I believe throughout the whole Christian world a law which makes it blasphemy to deny or to doubt the divine inspiration of all the books of the...
7912From John Adams to John Sullivan, 3 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
I regret with you the Loss of Coll Stark, of whose Experience and Bravery, I have often heard the best Accounts. I know not the Man: but Some Gentlemen represented him, as unequal in Abilities to the high Command of a General Officer. I am extreamly sorry to learn that you have been so great a Sufferer in the Loss of your Baggage &c. upon several Occasions: But in answer to your first Question...
7913[Thursday August 8.] (Adams Papers)
Thursday August 8. The Board of War directed to see certain Resolutions carried into Effect. Resolved that the Board of War be directed to take into immediate Consideration, the State of the Army in the Northern department, and our naval force on the Lakes; and that Mr. Chace be directed to attend the said Board, and give them all the Information in his Power; and that Mr. Williams be desired...
7914From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 4 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I return the blank commission signed with the name of Elijah Brigham inserted, according to the advices in my letter to you of the 29 Ult. I have the honor to be &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
7915From John Adams to the Board of Treasury, 19 September 1779 (Adams Papers)
By the last Post, I had the Honour of a Letter, from your secretary, inclosing, by your order Copy of the Resolutions of Congress of the Sixth of August relative to the Allowance to the late Commissioners, and their Accounts, together with the Resolution of your Honourable Board of the 26 of August, requesting me to inclose my Accounts and Vouchers to the Board of Treasury, that they may take...
7916From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 5 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I thank Mr Bordley kindly for his book, & you for your care and trouble in sending it.—I have a great opinion of Mr. Bordleys experience, skill & knowledge in husbandry, & should have great delight in trying his experriments, if I were not obliged to recollect & apply to myself, president Washingtons words to me, a few days before he went out & I came in. Sir I have read nothing these eight...
791723 Fryday. (Adams Papers)
A fair and agreable Day. Kept School. Drank Tea, at Coll. Chandler’s Jur., and spent the Evening at Major Gardiners.
7918John Adams to Abigail Adams, 16 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
We are waiting with some Impatience to hear of the Arrival of some of the Massachusetts Troops at Head Q uarte rs. The Lassitude and Torpor, that has seized our New Englandmen, is to me, very surprizing. Something will happen I believe, to arrouse them from their Lethargy. If they dont go and crush that little Nest of Hornetts at Newport, I shall think them dead to all Sense of Honour, Virtue,...
7919From John Adams to Henry Whiting, 16 March 1826 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your letter, I remember that the time referred to in the Journal, I moved a few resolutions for the Institution of a Military School or Academy for the instruction of the young Gentlemen in the Military, science and practice. These resolutions were adopted by Congress and a Committee appointed to carry them into execution. A committee was appointed of which I was one; but, it was...
7920Wednesday. 12th. (Adams Papers)
Returned to Braintree.
7921Thurdsday. February 21st. 1765. (Adams Papers)
At Boston, entertained the Sodality at Blodgets. We were never in better Spirits, or more Social. We began the 13th. Title of the feudal Law De Alienatione Feudi and read three Titles. Gridley proposed that we should mark all those Passages, which are adopted by the English Law, that when we come to read Ld. Coke we may recur back upon Occasion, to the originals of our Law. The 14th. Title is...
7922From John Adams to Robert Thomson, 12 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
Accept of my Thanks for this Address presented to me by Mr. Thomps Thomson your Representative in Congress. I rejoice with you in the cordial Testimonies of Attachment to the Federal Government and its Administration, from the different Parts of the Union. Your favourable opinion and candid Approbation, are as agreable to me, as your martial Spirit to Support your national Independence with...
7923From John Adams to United States Senate, 9 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the declaration made yesterday in the Chamber of the House of Representatives, of the election of a President and Vice President of the United States, the record of which has just now been read from your Journal, by your Secretary, I have judged it proper to give notice, that on the fourth of March next, at twelve O clock, I propose to attend again in the Chamber of the House...
7924June 23rd. 1760. Monday. (Adams Papers)
A long obstinate Tryal, before Majr. Crosby, of the most litigious, vexatious suit, I think that ever I heard. Such Disputes begin with ill humour and scurrilous language, and End in a Boxing Bout or a Law suit.
7925From John Adams to MA Town of Quincy, 25 June 1822 (Adams Papers)
Know all Men by these presents, That I John Adams of Quincy in the County of Norfolk, Esqr. in consideration of the veneration I feel for the residence of my ancestors and the place of my nativity, and of the habitual affecction, I bear to the Inhabitants with whom I have so happily lived for more than eighty six years, and of my sincere desire, to promote their happiness, and the instruction...
7926From John Adams to John Jay, 28 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform You, that Friesland has taken the Provincial Resolution to acknowledge the Sovereignty of the United States of America, and to admit their Minister to an Audience, and have instructed their Deputies in the Assembly of their high Mightinesses at the Hague to make the Motion in eight days from this. The States of Holland have also taken my last Requisition and...
7927Auteuil May [9 or 16] 1785. (Adams Papers)
Monday. The Posts within the Limits of the United States, not yet surrendered by the English, are Oswegatchy in the River St. Lawrence Oswego Lake Ontario Niagara and its dependencies Presqu’Isle East Side of Lake Erie. Sandusky Ditto. Detroit. Michilimakinac. St. Mary’s. South Side of the Streight between Lakes Superiour and Huron. Bottom of the Bay des Puantz St. Joseph. bottom of Lake...
7928Monday. Jany 20th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
Leonard gave me an Account of a Clubb that he belongs to, in Boston. It consists of John Lowell, Elisha Hutchinson, Frank Dana, Josiah Quincy, and two other young Fellows, Strangers to me. Leonard had prepared a Collection of the Arguments, for and against the Right of Parliament to tax the Colonies, for said Clubb. His first Inquiry was whether the subject could be taxed without his Consent...
7929John Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Slip from Benjamins Paper of this Morning will Shew you that the Electioneering Campaign is opened already. The “good Patriot, Statesman and Philosopher” is held up as the Successor. I am determined to be a Silent Spectator of the silly and the wicked Game and to enjoy it as a Comedy a Farce or a Gymnastic Exhibition at Sadlers Wells or Astleys Amphitheatre. I will laugh let them...
7930From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 23 September 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of Septr. Mr Storer is a Man of Science and Letters, a Merchant of acknowledged Accuracy and unblemished Reputation, many years Treasurer of the University of Cambridge, and of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, in both of which offices he has acquitted himself with Punctuality. His Connections are numerous and respectable. His Age is the only Objection to him: but his...
7931Saturday June 20th. 1761. (Adams Papers)
I have been interrupted from Reading this Institute ever since Feby. Amidst the Dissipations of Business, Pleasure, Conversation, Intrigue, Party &c. what mortal can give Attention to an old latin Institute of the Cannon Law? But it is certainly worth while to proceed and finish it, as I have already been 2/3 thro it. This second entry so dated is from D/JA/4, JA ’s desultory record of...
7932From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 14 October 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have been prevented from writing you, a long Time by another Attack of a Fever, the Rests as I Suppose of that violent one which I had at Amsterdam two Years ago which was never perfectly cured.— This last I am perswaded will be of Service to me. I must now beg the Favour of you Gentlemen to inform me by Letter, how our Loan proceeds, and what Number of Obligations remain to be disposed of,...
7933From John Adams to James Warren, 11 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
The honourable Samuel Hewes Esqr, a Delegate in Congress from North Carolina from 1774 to 1777, being bound on a Journey, to Boston for the Recovery of his Health, I do myself the Honour to introduce him to you. He has a large share in the Conduct of our naval and commercial Affairs, having been a member of the naval and marine Committees, and of the Secret Committee from the first. I wish you...
7934From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 28 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have read with pleasure your favor of the 19th. I yesterday sent to the post office your letter to Capt Talman, of whose intelligence, activity, bravery & property I receive very handsome accounts. The letter to Capt Dobell I have not yet sent. In truth I have not yet heard a good character of him. On the contrary he is very unfavorably represented. I am in much anxiety about the...
7935John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 31 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received, by the Way of Bilboa, a Letter from your Mamma, of the 8th of October, in which She presents her tender Affection to you and your Brother, as well as her Respects to her agreable Correspondent Mr. Thaxter. Your Sister was at Boston, your youngest Brother at School learning fast. You should write me a few Lines, now and then, to inform me of your Health and of your Progress in...
7936From John Adams to James McHenry, 5 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letters from Fisher Ames, John Allen and Nathaniel Smith and John Allen, recommending Characters for Commissions in the Army, deserve our particular attention. I accordingly recommend them to yours. You know the Writers and their great Worth and Merit. I have the Honor to be / Sir your most humble Servant DLC : James McHenry Papers.
7937From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 4 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
M r Preston has at last found and Sent me, your Letter. D r Bancroft Spoke to me, about Commodore Jones’s Demand upon Denmark: but upon looking into the Papers We found that the Commodore is recommended by Congress wholly to the Minister at the Court of Versailles, so that We were apprehensive our Powers would be disputed. The Danish Minister however was not here; I offered to go with D r...
7938[May 1761] (Adams Papers)
I am myself an Inhabitant of Boston, and have I think an honest affection for the Town, and a sincere Concern for its Honour: for which Reason I cannot reflect upon the late prevailing Humor of attributing our own follies to the Country without Regret. The late Engagement in your Paper, between two litigating Scribblers, about the Clergy of this Town, and their lawdable Conduct, at the late...
7939From John Adams to James Lovell, 20 February 1779 (Adams Papers)
I set down Simply to acknowledge over again the Receipt 1777 Decr I 8 21 1778 Jany. 20. Ap. 29. May 15. 16 Sept 25 3 others which accompanied some of the others without dates Oct. 24 of the Letters from you whose dates are in the Margin. These have been answerd, and I have wrote you at other Times. But there is a terrible Waste of Letters in the Sea. I cannot lay aside my Pen without Saying,...
7940From John Adams to United States Senate, 7 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
I nominate Thomas Appleton of Massachusetts, to be Consul of the United States at Leghorn, in the Place of Phillip Felicchy, Superseeded DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
7941From John Adams to John Holker, 21 September 1779 (Adams Papers)
A Day or two before my Embarkation at L’orient, Mr. Chaumont came to me and told me that he had shipped a Quantity of Tea, for Boston, and that he wished to lay out, the Proceeds of it, in Land, desired Permission to consign it to me and that I would, purchase Land for him with the Money. I told him that I was not a Merchant, and should not be likely to sell his Tea to Advantage, but that As I...
7942[February 1770] (Adams Papers)
Rode from Weymouth. Stoppd at my House, Veseys Blacksmith shop, my Brothers, my Mothers, and Robinsons. These 5 Stops took up the day. When I came into Town, I saw a vast Collection of People, near Liberty Tree—enquired and found the funeral of the Child, lately kil’d by Richardson was to be attended. Went into Mr. Rowes, and wanned me, and then went out with him to the Funeral, a vast Number...
7943From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 11 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from General Peleg Wadsworth of Portland, recommending Thomas Baker Wait to be surveyor & inspector in the place of James Lunt. You know as well as I the respectability of this recommendation With sincere regard &c MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
7944John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 March 1786 (Adams Papers)
This Letter, I presume, will find you at the University, where I hope you will pass your time both pleasantly and profitably. Let Us know how you find Things, and take care of your health. You have in your Travels had so much Exercise, that it is not Safe to discontinue it, and indulge your self too much in a Sedentary Life. Never fail to walk an hour or two every day. I have read the Conquest...
7945From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 6 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received late last Evening your favour of the 31st. of July, inclosing a triplicate of Mr. Murrays Letter of the 17th. of May and a Copy certified by Mr. Murray on the 18th. of May, of a Letter of Ch. Man. Talleyrand dated Paris le 23 Floreal de l’an 7 de la Republique Francaise une et indivisible. Sovereign to Sovereign, and Minister to Minister is a Maxim in the Cabinets of Europe, and...
79461760. July 26. (Adams Papers)
This Bond has been at least once and an half, if not twice, paid. The Case is this. About 15 Years ago, the Plaintiffs sold a tract of Land, containing 30 Acres, within such and such Boundaries, to one Tower, for 750£, and He together with the present Defendants became jointly bound to the Plaintiffs, in 10 different Bonds, of which this is one, for the Payment of the Money. But in the Time of...
7947John Adams to Richard Cranch, 2 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
“I am among a People, whose slowness puts all my Patience to the Tryal, and in a Climate which is too much for my Constitution: I love this Nation however, because they love Liberty.—You will have learn’d the Progress of our Affairs here, which has been slow but sure. —This Dutch Legation has very nearly cost me my Life, and has taken away forever much of my Strength, and some of my Memory....
7948From John Adams to John T. Watson, 23 July 1818 (Adams Papers)
I thank you, for you for your favour of the 12th. You advise me to write my own Life upon a very extensive plan. But you must give me a lease of another life of 82 Years, before I can undertake it. When I read the Lives of Doctor Benjamin Franklin and Governor Patrick Henry, my own appears, upon retrospection, a dull, dreary unfruitful Waste. I Should be ashamed to read it, though Written by a...
7949From John Adams to Joseph Ward, 8 January 1810 (Adams Papers)
I agree with you in your favor of the 1st. that our National concerns are extreamly perplexed. That the National Pride of Britain may feel itself hurt: that it is possible the Ministry may proceed to War with Us for the Sake of Plunder: that the American Commerce would be a Feast for their Naval Friends: that our national Situation appears very unpromising and unpleasant: that I can See no...
7950Sunday 16th. 1766. (Adams Papers)
Heard Mr. Wibirt all day.