7901From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 17 July 1791 (Adams Papers)
I have a dozen times taken up my pen to write to you & as often laid it down again, suspended between opposing considerations. I determine however to write from a conviction that truth, between candid minds, can never do harm. the first of Paine’s pamphlets on the Rights of man, which came to hand here, belonged to mr̃ Beckley. he lent it to mr̃ Madison who lent it to me; and while I was...
7902To John Adams from Henry Colman, 21 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
I intend to begin my journey on monday next and as my object is not less to see men than things, may I avail myself, of your kind offer of letters to Mr King and Mr Jay. Mr Jay lives a little off the stage road between New Haven and New York and I shall very willingly go out of my way to find him. May I likewise ask the favour of Mrs. A’s letter to Mrs Rush, since it will be interesting to me...
7903To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 13 August 1822 (Adams Papers)
I duly received, and am greatly obliged by your interesting letter of the 6th in answer to mine of the 2d inst. Should any other questions occur on of importance enough to authorize me to interrupt your repose, I shall use the liberty you allow me, to propose them. In recurring to the early opposition to British taxation of the Colonies, you some two or three years since mentioned your own...
7904From Thomas Welsh to John Adams, 6 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your Favor of the 7 th Ult o: stands ’till this Moment unacklowdged. I did not like the Method of electioneering which you so justly deem improper; but it seemed in sum Sort justifiable at the Moment to counteract the Effects of the Promoters of it. but I hope it will not in future be persued. M r Adams, the Secretary informed me last Even g , will probably be chosen by three fifths of the...
7905To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 21 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I left Fort George on last Fryday afternoon and arrived at this place yesday Evening. I have just seen a Gentleman, who left Quebec on the 6th Instant. General Worster arrived there on the 1st. On the 3rd. We opened a four Gun Battery of 9 pounders on point Levy. Another was erecting on the Plains of Abraham, and a third on Passage which would be finished in a few days. We on the 6th. had...
7906To John Adams from G. Furman, 30 December 1823 (Adams Papers)
For some time past I have devoted my leisure moments to the task of collecting writings relating to the memorable revolution in the Government of our Country—The undertaking I find both difficult and arduous; for the pamphlets and minor writings of those days have almost become as the Sybilline leaves. “Turbata volent rapidis ludibria ventis.” But I am induced to persevere in consequence of...
7907Bidé de Chavagnes to John Adams: A Translation, 12 November 1779 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Allen’s assurance that I would have the honor and pleasure of seeing and dining with you at his house on Thursday was my major reason for declining Mr. Dana’s invitation to Cambridge of the same day. I flattered myself that I would be able to make suitable arrangements with you for your embarkation which will, with the winds, govern our departure. I also would have liked to share with you...
7908To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 1 November 1819 (Adams Papers)
Will you receive my respectful congratulations on your having entered the last year of your seventeenth lustrum , with such a fair prospect of reaching the twentieth which I hope your vigor of body & mind may enable you successfully to accomplish— Having lost that kind parent, who was ever ready to oblige me, and through whose medium I have obtained so much important information from you, I...
7909To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 19 February 1805 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 6th: instant revived a great many pleasant ideas in my mind. I have not forgotten—I cannot forget you. You and your excellent Mrs Adams often compose a subject of conversation by my fire side. We now and then meet with a traveler who has been at Quincy, from whom we hear with great pleasure, not only that you enjoy good health, but that you retain your usual good spirits,...
7910To John Adams from Sir Herbert Croft, 5 February 1788 (Adams Papers)
M r. Croft takes the liberty to present his compliments to M r. Adams. His friend M r. Shippen was to have done him the honour of introducing him to M r. Adams, but, upon asking after M r. S., it seems that he has left this country for France. M r. C. hears also that M r. Adams returns soon to America. If M r. Adams would condescend so far as to afford M
7911Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 27 May 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Another of our friends of 76. is gone, my dear Sir, another of the Co-signers of the independance of our country. and a better man, than Rush , could not have left us, more benevolent, more learned, of finer genius, or more honest. we too must go; and that ere long. I believe we are under half a dozen at present; I mean the signers of the Declaration. yourself, Gerry , Carroll , and myself are...
7912To John Adams from Oliver Whipple, 26 April 1790 (Adams Papers)
The Length of Time, Since I had the Honour of a personal Interview, and the Vicisitudes of our public Affairs, perhaps have almost obliterated my Name from your Rememberance; but you will pardon my epïstolary Introduction, when I tell you I am ambitious of your Notice, and claim a kind of Right to your favorable Attention: I reflect with emense Pleasure, that my first Efforts to tread the...
7913From Samuel Latham Mitchill to John Adams, 17 August 1791 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to ask your acceptance of the inclosed packet, for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. It contains two Volumes, both of which are curious. The one a Welch Dictionary , sent me from Pembroke-Shire, by my friend D r. Harries, some time ago, and containing the Ancient Language of Britain. Its Use, as a Book of reference for Philologists and Antiquaries, will probably be more...
7914To John Adams from Thomas Mifflin, 30 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the twenty second instant, and to return you my best thanks for your compliance with that part of my request, which respects the interference of the American Ministers in Europe, to use their influence in obtaining permission for exporting ten thousand stands of Arms from Great Britain, Holland, or Hamburgh, for the use...
7915To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 5 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Altho hostilities, and seemingly rigourous ones, have commencd between your Country and mine, I see no reason why our former freindships may not be kept up and you and I communicate by letter as we were used to do. I got your favor of the 18th. and hope eer this the two parcells of Books which were then missing have got to hand. There were Receipts taken for them but as I have not been able...
7916To John Adams from John Jay, 11 March 1822 (Adams Papers)
Considering the Attention you have heretofore paid to constitutions of Government, I presume it will be agreable to you to receive the Book herewith inclosed. It exhibits a detailed account of the Proceedings and Debates of the convention which lately formed a new Constitution for this State—To you any Remarks which I might make relative to it, would be superfluous— My Health throughout the...
7917From Rufus King to John Adams, 20 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
The amendment reported by the committee of the Senate to the Bill relative to the Balances due to the Creditor States is in itself so important, and particularly so interesting to the State of New york, that I feel great reluctance to be absent while the same is under Discussion; but a sudden indisposition in my family compels me to return to Newyork. I hope to be again in my Place on Monday...
7918Jan Willink to John Adams, 10 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
The express set of thursday morning the 3 d of June, with the bills of exchange, your letter to M r. J: Barclay Esq r. & a letter from us to Mess: Van den Yver Freres & Comp̃: at Paris to furnish him with the necessary money, the reason, why I did not advice the same was occasioned by a Severe Sickness of mine eldest Son, who retained me at my seat, & who is thank the Almightÿ on the way of...
7919To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 26 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Two foregoing Letters are Copys, thinking it necessary to transmit at least Three Copys these precarious Times, which I shall think no trouble in transcribing, if a single line thereof gives you the least satisfaction. The building the 74 Gun Ships are order’d to be stoped for the present, I suppose it to be in consequence I of what You requested me to write Mr. Ellery upon the subject....
7920To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 31 August 1815 (Adams Papers)
My last Letter to you I am ashamed to say was written on the 19th: of June—I have however since then written three Letters to my Mother, and in the last of them have given her a detailed account of my occupations, which will I hope serve as some excuse for the long intermission between my between my last and present number, to yourself—In the meantime I have enjoined it upon George to write...
7921To John Adams from John Jeffries, 15 December 1786 (Adams Papers)
Encouraged by the high opinion I entertain of your personal character, and persuaded, that in the important publick one, which you now hold, you will be actuated as much for the justice & honour, as you are by your wishes to promote any other interests of America in general Permit me Sir, to address you in that honourable publick character, & claim your Excellency’s attention to the following...
7922To John Adams from John Marston, 5 November 1819 (Adams Papers)
To receive the approbation of the wise and the good.—To know that we are beloved and esteemed by those whom we respect and regard, are among the sweetest intellectual blessings, the human heart and mind are capable of enjoying. What then must have been my feelings my dear and venerable friend when Lieut Govr Phillips read to me, your excellent letter to him, in which you so kindly, & so...
7923From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, [23 June 1791–1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Hamilton will have the honor of Dineing with the Vice President on the 30th. of June agreeably to his Obliging invitation. D , in unidentified handwriting, Hull Collection, Smithsonian Institution.
7924Jonathan Jackson to John Adams, 25 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
When I parted with you at Paris I flattered myself to have had the pleasure before this of seeing you here with M rs Adams & your Family, but the hope of that is at an end while I remain in England, & I almost despair of any Good arising to our Country from the Gent n in our Commission coming here at all— such is the strange Blindness & Perversion of all ranks of People in this Country whom I...
7925To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 7 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
Vous aurez pu voir par le Supplément de la Gazette de Leide de ce jour, que je vous ai ponctuellement obéi, en faisant insérer les Extraits concernant Mr. Lawrens. On a seulement omis les 2 ou 3 dernieres Lignes, où White-Eyes est chargé de la bassesse du traitement indigne qu’éprouve Mr. Laurens: parce qu’on n’auroit pu les mettre sans s’exposer. Du reste je vous Suis très-obligé, Monsieur,...
7926Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
At length Heaven be praised I am with our daughter safely landed upon the British Shore after a passage of 30 days from Boston to the Downs. We landed at Deal the 20 instant, rejoiced at any rate to set our feet again upon the land. What is past, and what we sufferd by sickness and fatigue, I will think no more of. It is all done away in the joyfull hope of soon holding to my Bosom the dearest...
7927To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 15 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
Language fails me in attempting to express to you my Gratitude for your kind and favourable expressions towards me, and your Sense of my Character and merits as stated in your letter 7th: october 1818, but when I contemplate your early and long continued exertion to an unusual advanced period, I the more admire & adore that beneficence which Still preserves your invaluable life a blessing to...
7928To John Adams from George Walton, 7 November 1789 (Adams Papers)
You have my thanks for the letter which you did me the favor to write to me on the 25 th. of september last; and while I express some small disappointment on the subject of it, I beg leave to give you the assurance of a chearful acquiescence. I know that disappointment has often been the cause of opposition and faction: but I trust that I have made a better estimate of men, and of the...
7929To John Adams from Joseph Palmer, 31 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
Herewith you have a Copy of the Account of the Battle of Charlestown; the other matters will be attended to as soon as possible; That there has been an unreasonable delay, is not owing to J. P.; he is employ’d in signing &c. the Bills of Credit, which takes up, as he thinks, too much of his time. There has been a Sample of Lead-Oar, which has been assayed, and turns out 50 per cent Lead: I am...
7930From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 21 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress Agreable to my Faith I have obtain’d a Promise of Money sufficient to pay the Bills you have accepted and shall accordingly accept those you draw on me for that purpose. I request only that you would send me immediately a List of the Bills, and of the Times of their becoming due, that I may be always provided, and that as the...
7931To John Adams from Henry Lee, 10 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
I intrude on yr. time with reluctance but having communicated to you the purport of Mr John Taylors declaration (previous to the late presidential election) respecting your political principles, with a promise that I would present you with his written declaration on that subject, I feel myself bound so to do. You have herewith his ler: a form of doing the business to him most agreable, because...
7932To John Adams from William Jones, 13 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 5th. Instant and the President had put into my hands your letter to him on the same subject. Well may you Sir feel a consious pride in recognizing in the hero’s who adorn our Navy, the youthful midshipmen of your own creation. I assure you Sir that nothing but my inability to comply with your wishes in respect to young Marston could for a moment withhold the...
7933To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War will immediately be called upon, to furnish instructions, to the commanders of the armed vessels, destined to the protection of our coast, and to act as convoys to our trade. It becomes in consequence his duty, to suggest such circumstances, as require the most serious deliberation, and are connected with this subject. The power of the President, must be considered as...
7934To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 20 December 1786 (Adams Papers)
Col o. Franks will have the honor of delivering you the treaty with the emperor of Marocco, & all it’s appendages. you will perceive by mr̃ Barclay’s letters that it is not necessary that any body should go back to Marocco to exchange ratifications. he sais however that it will be necessary that Fennish receive some testimony that we approve the treaty: and as, by the acts of Congress, our...
7935To John Adams from William Tudor, 22 September 1774 (Adams Papers)
On my Return from Salem this Afternoon I was gratified with the Receipt of your kind Letter dated at Prince-Town 28th. of last Month. I could have wish’d it a much longer one, though considering the public Character which You travel in that must occasion You many Invitations; and the important Business which you have engag’d to transact and which must very deeply employ your Time and Thoughts,...
7936To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose copies of a correspondence Just recd, between Capt Truxtun, & Genl. Desfourneaux—Truxtun expected to get the Insurgents to Sea, about the 3d. March; having a good prospect of picking up Men enough from the Islands, to Man her. The Newspapers give an accot. of Barrys having captured a French privateer, & recaptured an English Armed Ship—and of the two Cutters under...
7937Abigail Adams to John Adams, 30 July 1784 (Adams Papers)
I was this day made very happy by the arrival of a son in whom I can trace the strongest likeness of a parent every way dear to me. I had thought before I saw him, that I could not be mistaken in him, but I might have set with him for some time without knowing him. I am at a loss to know what you would wish me to do, as Mr. Jefferson arrived last week at Portsmouth, immediately from Boston,...
7938To John Adams from Hendrik Fagel, 30 November 1789 (Adams Papers)
La lettre, dont voús m’avés honoré le 26 de Maÿ m’est bien parvenúe dans son temps, avec le second, et troisieme tome de Votre Oúvrage, qué je desirois beaucoúp d’avoir, a caúse de son contenú interessant. La maniere, dont voús avés developpé vos principes sur̃ la meilleúre forme de gouvernement ne peut etre qu’approuveé generalement, et il seroit a soúhaiter, qu’il pút etre súivi par toút,...
7939To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 26 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
My Friend Mr. B—— will give you the news by the Cartel I some time ago mentiond to you to have arrivd from Boston at Bristol, as well as the proceedings here relative to that Cartel. I send you also by Him a Book and seven lately publishd Pamphlets. There has been a dearth of these sort of publications during the summer, but probably by the meeting of Parliament several political writers will...
7940To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, [ca. 8 July 1783] (Adams Papers)
I have reciv’d your Excellencys Letters of the 16 th of May & the 9 th of June— I had written to your Excellency oftener if I had not my Doubts whether you were at Paris, imagining that when M r Laurens left that Place, all business had been at an End, & that you had returned too. on my Arrival here I begged the Gentleman who had caused certain writings to be published to return me the...
7941To John Adams from Samuel Lyman, 5 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
We take the liberty to nominate to you, William Ely of Springfield in Massachusetts, as a proper & suitable Character for the Office of Judge of the Indiana Territory—Mr. Ely is about thirty four years old, he has had a public and liberal Education; and has been regularly educated and admited to the practice of the Law, and is reputable in his profession—he is a man of Integrity, Industry, &...
7942To John Adams from Michel Lagoanere, 26 December 1779 (Adams Papers)
J’ai crû devoir differer de repondre a la depeche que Vôtre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur de m’adresser le 18 du Courant jusqu’a ce que je pusse rendre compte de Succès de mes demarches pour l’execution de Ses ordres. Je n’ai rien negligé pour y parvenir, mais j’ai eu la mortification d’éprouver que tous mes soins n’ont pas été suffisants a cet égard et qu’il ne m’a pas été possible de faire...
7943To John Adams from Thomas Hall, 27 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
About a month ago, I took the liberty to forward to you, by an American Gentleman of the name of Hays, a translation of a pamphlet, published here in the Italian language; I have not adhered literally to the text, but have taken the licence to make such alterations & additions as are analogous to the present day: I flatter myself, it has, before this, been put into your hands, & conscious that...
7944To John Adams from William Tudor, 27 February 1791 (Adams Papers)
I was greatly obliged by your Letter of the 15 th Instant, although it gave me some Mortification arising from the Reflection that I might set it down to my own Inattention that I have been so long without such a Mark of your Friendship. It is impossible not to smile at hearing M r. Oliver complain of his Misfortunes. No Man who deserved so little, has been more fortunate. Unless to be removed...
7945To John Adams from Christian Lotter, 16 December 1785 (Adams Papers)
It is with the greatest reluctance, most honor ble: Sir! that Your continuing Silence, forces me to incumber You again, to weary Your patience, with Sollicitations of which Your Excellency knows too well, that they ought to be granted, because it is Salary, made by Your own agreement, and for which I have Served. Your Excellency will be graciously pleased, to consider that it is too hard to be...
7946To John Adams from Alden Bradford, 30 September 1818 (Adams Papers)
I have thot it would be a useful & acceptable service to have published in a volume, the Speeches of the Governors of the Province of Massachusetts from 1765 to 1775; & the answers to those speeches by the House of Representatives, together with other addresses of the Representatives to the people, in the same period, touching the controversy between the Colonies & the the King & Parliament of...
7947To John Adams from Pierre Landais, 9 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honour of your favour of the 1st Instant, and recollect with pleasure, the social hours we passed together at Genl. Whipple’s. Indeed it would not be an easy matter for me to forget a person, in my estimation, of your consequence; and am very happy to find the acquaintance that commenc’d there, is likely to be increased, by the honor and satisfaction of your Company as...
7948To John Adams from John Thaxter, 19 January 1784 (Adams Papers)
’Tis two Months this day since I arrived at New York— I delivered the Treaty & Dispatches on the 22 d. Nov r. to General Mifflin, the President of Congress, then at Philadelphia— One delay & another prevented my reaching home ’till the middle of December— I am ashamed that I have omitted writing so long—but Visits & Sickness have prevented.— M r. Gerry wrote you so largely upon the general...
7949To John Adams from John Marshall, 1 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I receivd to day your letter of the 23d. ultimo. As I am uncertain what will be your wish respecting the Marshal of Maryland after considering the opinion of Mr. Stoddart which I communicated to you some few days past, I shall not fill up the commission until I receive an answer to that letter. Altho this may be in a slight degree inconvenient yet I suppose the public service cannot suffer...
7950To John Adams from David Leonard Barnes, 12 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
The merit of the inclosed Oration deliver’d by the learned & eloquent President of the College in this place, will I trust be a sufficient apology for the liberty taken in transmitting it by Your most Obedient / And very Humble Servant MHi : Adams Papers.