8631Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
If I had waited patiently for the post of Thursday Noon, I need not have had so much anxiety, but I had Sent on Wednesday to the office, and received my papers, & word that there were no Letters, so not having been very well myself, my Imagination conjured up that you were not only sick, but very sick, or you would not let two posts pass without writing. I was relieved by your Letters of...
8632To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 28 September 1787 (Adams Papers)
I received your favors by M r. Cutting, and thank you sincerely for the copy of your book. the departure of a packet-boat, which always gives me full emploiment for some time before, has only permitted me to look into it a little. I judge of it from the first volume which I thought formed to do a great deal of good. the first principle of a good government is certainly a distribution of it’s...
8633Abigail Adams to John Adams, 6 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
I believe it was in some such cold weather as the present, that Solomon made the wise inquiry observation, if two lie together, they shall be warm, but how can one be warm alone? now if he had had such a Bedfellow as Louissa, he might have found, that two might lie together, and yet be cold, for I am sure I felt half frozen last night. Ever since thursday the weather has been most severely...
8634Abigail Adams to John Adams, 20 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of December 9 came to hand this Evening from Philadelphia, by the same post received a Letter from Mr. L ovel l transcribing some passages from one of the same date to him, and the only one he says which he has received since your absence, and his pocket proves that he has written 18teen different times, yet possibly you may have received as few from him; the watery world alone can...
8635To John Adams from Lebbeus Chapman, 30 November 1820 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed herewith you will receive My Work on interest which I have taken the liberty to Send for your perusal When at leisure. I am preparing a Work on interest which will Consist of near 400 quarto pages with the calculations made at 6 pr ct pr Annum on all Sums from One dollar to Four hundred, then by Fifties to Two thousand, then by One hundreds to Three thousand, & then by One Thousands...
8636To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 13 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am honour’d by your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th Instant, relating to the Bills drawn on Mr. Laurens. I recommended their being presented to you, as I understood you supply’d his Place during his Absence, and I thought it more reputable to our Affairs, that they should be accepted by you for him, than that their Credit should depend on the Good Will of a Dutch Merchant, who, except a few...
8637To John Adams from Francis Dana, 10 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Paris 10 January 1781. RC Adams Papers ; filmed at 12 July 1780, Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 352. Designated “No. 9,” this letter is written on the lower half and reverse of the triplicate of the Committee for Foreign Affairs’ letter of 12 July 1780. It was a covering letter for several documents brought to France by Thomas Bell of the Chevalier de La Luzerne and James Josiah of the...
8638To John Adams from Joseph Delaplaine, 26 March 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have been honoured with your obliging favour.— I find that the second portrait that you would be glad to see, is that of Dr. Rush which I now beg leave to enclose for your kind acceptance.— The letters which I addressed to Mr. Charles Shaw the Author of the accot. of Boston were properly directed. They contained a request that he would furnish me with some facts in relation to Boston to be...
8639To John Adams from Henry Laurens, 25 August 1782 (Adams Papers)
The anonymos Bill, alluded to, My Dear Sir, in your favor of the 15th. which I was honored with yesterday, I had dismissed at Sight, by a most contemptuos protest, notwithstanding it had been usher’d with great solemnity, boasting a derivation from as good a friend to America as any in Europe and as honest a Man. My friend who said all this, or in terms equal, I know merits that Character in...
8640To John Adams from John Thomas, 1 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you some time since the Gentlemen of the Committee from the Congress and presume’d to trouble you once more on the Account of the Hospital at Roxbury. When I had the command last Spring att this place it was found Necessary to Establish a Hospital here. I Apply’d to the Provincial Congress on the matter and was by them desir’d to Establish One. I Accordingly took the House on Jamaica...
8641To John Adams from Sir James Jay, 27 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
It was with not a little chagrin that I found on my arrival here, you had set out to Paris but a few days before. The restriction I was laid under by Parole—not to go to France, determined me not even to write to any one in that kingdom until my exchange should be effected. For this reason, and thinking that You, as well as Doct r. Franklin, had authority to exchange prisoners; and that, in my...
8642To John Adams from Francis Dana, 18 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
I feel myself happy that Congress have made it my duty to consult your Excellency upon the Mission with which they have charged me for the Court of Petersburgh. To this end I have already laid before you, all the papers which I have received from Congress, any way relating to it, and also my correspondence with his Excellency the Comte De Vergennes, and Dr. Franklin upon the same subject, as...
8643To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 24 August 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have only Time by this Days post to express the pleasure I feel on the News of your safe Arrival to your Family and Friends, and the prospect of an agreable and early Interveiw with You. The Letters to me which You mention in your’s to Mr. Lovell never came to Hand, or I should certainly have acknowledged the Receipt of them; altho I have been under the Necessity of giving up my most...
8644Abigail Adams to John Adams, 14 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you to day by Mr. Smith but as I suppose this will reach you sooner, I omitted mentioning any thing of my family in it. Nabby has enough of the small Pox for all the family beside. She is pretty well coverd, not a spot but what is so soar that she can neither walk sit stand or lay with any comfort. She is as patient as one can expect, but they are a very soar sort. If it was a disorder...
8645Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 20 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
I was a little disappointed in not finding a letter for me in the Post Office of this place upon my arrival here yesterday— The arrangement, of the Posts is rather inconvenient in all the towns I have yet visited where there is any— In West Chester there is none, in York & Lancaster there is but one Mail Pr Week, as also in this place— the Mail arrived here yesterday from Philadelphia &...
8646From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 9 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter contained news which grieved me sincerely and for which I much fear there is but little remedy; and the only consolation possibly to offer, is the most respectful and constantly affectionate attentions, towards your venerable Grandfather, whose every moment must be severely embittered by the unfortunate circumstance which you informed me of, and which we flattered ourselves was...
8647John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 4 September 1801 (Adams Papers)
After a passage of 58 days from Hamburg we have this day landed here, where we purpose to stay five or six days— My wife will then go to spend a few weeks with her parents at Washington, and I shall hasten towards Quincy where I hope within three weeks to present myself before you— Her health though yet very infirm is better than we could have expected, and your little Grandson is as hearty as...
8648John Adams’ Instructions as Minister to Great Britain, 7 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
Instructions for the Minister Plenipotentiary appointed to represent the United States of America at the Court of Great Britain Sir You will in a respectful but firm Manner insist that the United States be put without further Delay into Possession of all the Posts and Territories within their Limits which are now held by british Garrisons; and you will take the earliest Opportunity of...
8649To John Adams from Henry Marchant, 19 December 1789 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 17 th. of Sep r. I have been honored with.— I truly esteem myself so by every Mark of Your Attention— Your unexpected Visit to Boston prevented an Answer sooner— My Concern as a Friend to my Country is awakened at the Account You give of some disagreable Symptoms attending Your Breast upon close attention, and in publick speaking. How we can spare You from the first I scarce can...
8650To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 28 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
Having come here to converse with the worthy Governor, an opportunity of his Dispatch is afforded me of writing you a single line to inform you of my having left Mrs. Adams and all your friends well a few days since. Mr. Hancock is chosen Governor, much owing to your absence and the in-attention of those who wish well to their Country and will probably repent of their inactivity. Measures are...
8651To John Adams from Nathaniel Peaslee Sargeant, 25 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
when I had the pleasure of conversing with you at Boston I took the freedom to recommend M r. William Pickman of Salem for some place in the revenue Department at Salem— you was kind enough to suggest the Propriety of putting a recommendation in writing, where the Person is a Stranger— The Observation immediately struck me as perfectly just— He that recommends another ought to do it in that...
8652To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The quantum and kind of defensive force necessary at this juncture, and which it appears to the Sery of War, Congress ought to make immediate provision for, may be calculated, 1st with reference simply to France; and 2dly with reference to France and Spain united. This force, calculated with reference to France only, will have for objects; the protection of our commerce; the securing our...
8653To John Adams from Adrianus Dubbeldemuts, 6 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
The letter which your Excellencÿ has done me the honour of writing me the 22d. past reached me in Course. Since the Copy of the petition of the Merchants of this place to their Magistrates, which Covered my last, has been So acceptable to your Excellencÿ, I take the libertÿ to add here the Rotterdam Gazette of this daÿ, Containing Chiefly an adress to our Said Magistrates which I had the...
8654To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 3 September 1779 (Adams Papers)
I most cordially congratulate You on Your safe Arrival to your Country, Family and Friends. I was honoured with a letter from You last Winter, which I should have answered, but what was worthy of your Notice or conveying Information could not with Prudence be intrusted to Paper without a Cypher. Our political Climate has been greatly changed since I had the Pleasure of Seeing You last in...
8655Abigail Adams to John Adams, 19 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I set down to write you a few lines by the post, because I would not omit one opportunity. I received yours of August 6 but cannot tell what to do for you confined as I am here. I shall know what you would have me do by Mr. A when he returns. At present all my attention is taken up with the care of our Little Charles who has been very bad. The Symptoms rose to a burning fever, a stupifaction...
8656To John Adams from Samuel Austin, 11 [July] 1786 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 25 May last per Cap t Biggilo, now lies before me.— In answer to which, shall only Observe. The difficulties and Obstacles you mention, which are in the way, and which at Present Prevents my Recovering my money, however Plausible, are altogether falacious, and without foundation with Respect to this State, yet it seems they are made an objection of such Magnitude that neither...
8657To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 29 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have sent to the Secy at War, the letter you honored me with, of the 22nd. instant, inclosing the application & recommendation of the Revd. Samuel Sargeant—to be a Chaplain. The application is, to be a Chaplain in the Army. If the Navy would be as agreeable to him, He could, I presume be appointed to the Congress, Capt Sever. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir...
8658Richard Cranch to John Adams, 24 May 1787 (Adams Papers)
I herewith send you the News-Papers by which you will see the state of our publick proceedings. Our most excellent Governor M r. Bowdoin is to be left out this Year—M r Hancock will doubtless succeed him. Strenuous efforts have been made at the present Election to get a Gen l. Court that will suit the minds of the Insurgents and their Friends—Many good Men, however, will be chosen into both...
8659To John Adams from the Comte de Vergennes, 21 February 1779 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçû, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 16. de ce mois. Quoique vous Soïez désormais Sans caractère public en France, Soïez persuadé que l’estime et la considération que vous vous êtes acquises à juste titre n’ont aucunement diminüé, et je me flatte, Monsieur, que vous ne me priverez point du plaisir de vous en assûrer de bouche, et d’être en même tems...
8660To John Adams from Charles Carroll, 29 December 1789 (Adams Papers)
Our Legislature did not rise till late in the night on the 26 th instant. I have been obliged to attend the whole Session; constant attendance & application have injured my health; it is now so precarious, & delicate, that I am fearful of undertaking a journey to New York at this inclement Season of the year. If my attendance, for want of a Sufficient number of members to compose a Senate, can...
8661To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 12 April 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Secy of the Treasury respectfully reports to the President of the United States. That in the month of September 1796, it was discovered by the Secretary, that some important errors existed in the accounts of John Lamb Collector of the Customs for the District of New York, in consequence of which, the Letter dated Sept. 14th. was written from this Department, of which a Copy is herewith...
8662To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 8 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 10th July I have had the honour to receive, but it did not come to hand until the 5th Instant. I am happy to hear of the harmony that prevails in the Great Council of the United American States; with respect to the information which was given me, it was from a Southern Gentleman, he mentioned no Names, but speaking on the subject of Independence, he said this occasioned such...
8663M. de Chapeaurouge to John Adams: A Translation, 21 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I went to your residence in the hope of having the honor of seeing you, but unfortunately did not succeed. This after having failed to take you up on your obliging invitation. I wished to speak with you about your intention of sending your sons to Geneva for their education, and once again to offer you all possible assistance. I also had a favor to ask of you, sir, for the two young men of...
8664To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 8 January 1777 (Adams Papers)
Since You left Philadelphia many important Events have taken place in the Council as well as the Field; those that are publick You are undoubtedly informed of, the other I shall briefly hint as they occur to my Mind. Congress have ordered Arms and Equipage for 3000 Horse and 150 brass Field peices to be imported without Delay. The General to expedite Business is invested with Great Powers,...
8665To John Adams from Johannes Lousyssen & Zoon, 20 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Wy hebben het genoegen van met Gantsch Nederland in de Blydschap te deelen, welke de aanneming van U Exellentie S Perzoon als Minister Plenipotentiaris der dertien Vereenigde Staten van Noord America by deze Republicq veroorzaakt—En willen—Hartelyk hoopen dat tot het volle beslag van dit heugelyk evenement wel vas by de Hooge Bondgenooten zal GeConcludeert worden. In Avance nemen wy de Vryheid...
8666Abigail Adams to John Adams, 14 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
I last Evening received your Letter of june 7th I will set of on Wednesday for Providence and embark in the first packet for New-york. pray get an oz of glober salts and half oz manna & take immediately, an oz of antimonial wine & take 30 drops three time a day. I will be with you however as soon as possible. Barnard got in on fryday. we had two days of voilent and incessant Rain, which tho...
8667To John Adams from James McHenry, 28 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to inclose a letter from Lt. Col. Ogden, dated the 24 Inst. and request to know your pleasure respecting the appointment solicited for Wm. J. Anderson of Sussex County, Jersey, in the event of Mr. Samuel Owing Smith declining to accept the office of Lieutenant. I am sorry to be obliged to mention that the returns from almost every quarter of the army shew that desertion...
8668To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 28 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have not written to you since your Departure because I have not before had anything to communicate, and now it is probable you will have already heard what I have to say. The last accounts from England inform us that Pondicherry and Chandanargor in the East Indies are taken by the English, after above two months Seige. The Papers say also that a french Man of War and a Frigate are lost on...
8669To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 4 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 24th ulto. I have enquired of General Pinckney and a variety of other military Gentlemen for an American capable of superintending a school for Engineers; but do not see much prospect of success. Our Countrymen have had no regular education of this sort, and but little experience. You mention appointing Teachers only for the...
8670To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Williamsburg, Va., 17 December 1777. RC ( Adams Papers ); printed : Jefferson, Papers The Papers of Thomas Jefferson , ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950-. , 2:120–121. Noting that Virginia had ratified the Articles of Confederation, Jefferson described the concern among some in the state over Art. 9, which gave power to the congress to enter into treaties of commerce. Opponents...
8671To John Adams from Jacob Roorda, 12 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Selon votre desir je prens la Liberté de vous Envoÿer celle ci en François, mais comme cette Langue ne m’est pas Si familliere, de pouvoir vous marquer tout ce que j’ai dit dans ma precedente et comme je ne doute pas ou vous aurez bien la bonté de m’excuser, quand j’ÿ commets tant et plus des Fautes, La Semaine passée j’ai pris la Liberté de vous marquer mes Vrais Sentiments à L’Egard de...
8672Abigail Adams to John Adams, 1 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
O that I could realize the agreable reverie of the last Night when my dear Friend presented himself and two Son s safely returnd to the Arms of the affectionate wife and Mother. Cruel that I should wake only to experience a renual of my daily solicitude. The next month will compleat a whole year since a single Line from your Hand has reachd the longing Eyes of Portia. No vessels have arrived...
8673To John Adams from Elihu Phinney, 21 July 1809 (Adams Papers)
Elihu Phinney was ever an admirer of your Unshaken patriotism, your eminent talents, your Steadfast Integrity, and your universal knowledge. I felt the loss of your election in 1801, deeply; altho the latter part of your administration occasioned some unpleasant reflections, you have more than healed them, by your late letters—They have restored a fund of knowledge, the lack of which had...
8674The Duc de La Vauguyon to John Adams: A Translation, 2 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
I had proposed, sir, to spend a few days in Amsterdam at the end of this week, but I am absolutely obliged to remain here and will have the honor of informing you of the reasons. In the meantime, I want very much to speak with you and pray that you would come to The Hague unless you are indispensibly detained at Amsterdam. RC ( Adams Papers ). JA went to The Hague on the morning of 4 April and...
8675To John Adams from John M. Pintard, 20 October 1800 (Adams Papers)
On the 16th Instant I addressed a Letter to the Secretary of State, Copy of which (Marked A) I take the Liberty of enclosing herewith; and in addition to Its contents, Beg Leave to Inform you, that on an Investigation of my mercantile Affairs I find; that my actual Losses for the last four years, exceed the enormous Sum of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars as will clearly appear by the...
8676Abbé Raynal to John Adams: A Translation, 18 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Jenings forwarded your letter of 5 January to me with the Dutch translation of the Révolution de l’Amérique . I am relieved that you were not displeased with the little I said about you. Better informed, I would have been more elaborate, but I did not know enough to state anything more than general points. If your time allows you to read carefully what I wrote about North America, perhaps...
8677From Henry Knox to John Adams, 22 January 1794 (Adams Papers)
Communications relative to the Southwestern frontiers having been laid before Congress, the President of the United States has directed me to submit to the Senate, further information just received from James Seagrove, of his having restored peace between the United States and the Creek nation of Indians. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, MS not found. Printed...
8678To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 November 1810 (Adams Papers)
I Know you will permit me to indulge me Self in reviving mÿ drooping Spirits in writing a few lines to you—of whom’s health I had the last pleasing information from the N. papers, when I did See, that you paid ÿour last tribut of respect to deceased worth in attending the funeral of Cambridge’s President. You must now have nearlÿ reached the term of your fifteenth Lustre. I hope—this last year...
8679To John Adams from James Asheton Bayard, Jr., 19 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I beg you to accept my thanks for the honor conferred on me by the nomination as Minister to the French Republic. Under most circumstances I should have been extremely gratified with such an opportunity of rendering myself serviceable to the Country. But the delicate Situation in which the late presidential election has placed me forbids me exposing myself to the Suspicion of having adopted...
8680From Judith Sargent Stevens Murray to John Adams, 1 November 1796 (Adams Papers)
Stimulated by the same ambitious views which first impelled me to become a Scribbler, I am solicitous to attain the highest eminence of that summit, which, with many an anxious effort, my unwearied footsteps have long sought to ascend— Hence proceeds my application to that Luminary whose refulgent beams hath brightened with transcendent lustre; this younger world, and whose unborrowed rays can...