9161Abigail Adams to John Adams, 11 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
I was most sadly dissapointed last Evening when my Newpapers came from the post office without a Letter. the latest date I have received was Nov br 26, so that two post have arrived without a line. I am not anxious if one, only passes, but you are usually so good in writing me once a week always; and very frequently oftener, that I am really allarmd least you are sick, & very sick otherways...
9162To John Adams from James Brice, 7 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
That we sincerely regret that any circumstances should have given any Foreign government ground to believe, that, when the safety of government, liberty, Independence, or prosperity of the United States is menaced, there can be A division of Opinion among the people of America; that this people, so happy under a constitution and Administration of their own choice, will ever seek the shelter of...
9163To John Adams from William MacCreery, 17 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
I did my self the Honor to write you a few Lines from Nantes about 8 days ago, and left it on Monday last. On my arrival here the day before yesterday, I found several Letters from Baltimore for me—the latest dates were the 13th July. They contain nothing new but they—with some Virginia Papers down to the 17th. of the same Month give me much more pleasure and satisfaction than the Copy of a...
9164Abigail Smith to John Adams, 11 August 1763 (Adams Papers)
If I was sure your absence to day was occasioned, by what it generally is, either to wait upon Company, or promote some good work, I freely confess my Mind would be much more at ease than at present it is. Yet this uneasiness does not arise from any apprehension of Slight or neglect, but a fear least you are indisposed, for that you said should be your only hindrance. Humanity obliges us to be...
9165To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 23 March 1805 (Adams Papers)
Philadelphia March 23rd: 1805 I was much gratified by your early answer to my letter, and by your kind inquiries after several branches of my family. My second daughter’s husband’s name is Thomas Manners. He is a branch of the Rutland family. His father is wealthy, but as his estate will be divided among nine Children, my son in law will probably be dependent upon a military Commission for the...
9166To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 17 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
Je n’eus le temps hier au soir que de vous envoyer la Lettre que S. E. Mr. l’Ambr. de France m’avoit fait remettre pour vous en réponse de celle du 8e. courant que je lui avois remise de votre part. Mrs. les P—— d’A—— D—— et H—— m’ont tous chargé de vous témoigner leur reconnoissance de la bonté que vous avez eue de leur communiquer la Résolution du Congrès; et ceux d’A—— en particulier leur...
9167To John Adams from John Jay, 14 February 1788 (Adams Papers)
As this Letter will go by the way of Ireland, and may be exposed to accidents in the Course of its Route, I decline entering into Particulars; but as the long Recess of Congress who are now again convened, makes it necessary that the enclosed Letters of Recall should be transmitted without Delay, I think it best to send one set by this Conveyance, & to forward Duplicates by another vessel...
9168To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 10 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed letter was handed to me yesterday by Mr. Physick, agent for the late proprietaries of Pennsylvania. The books appear to be two volumes Octavo. I will forward them, or deliver them to your son Thomas, as you shall be pleased to direct. I am with great respect / sir yr. obt. servt MHi : Adams Papers.
9169To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 4 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
Four days ago I received the Favor of your Letter of Aug: 12th., and it gave me the highest Pleasure to hear you were well. The Marquiss de la Fayette will do me the Honour to take the Charge of this Letter who carries with him the Esteem and Affection of the Army and the States. His Intrepidity and Discretion, his Conduct in the Field, in Council, and in all private Circles have gained him an...
9170To John Adams from William Cunningham, 19 September 1808 (Adams Papers)
In a Letter which I had the pleasure, some time since, to receive from you, you expressed some reproof of the inactivity of the Federalists—Their conduct, at present, is not liable to such a censure; perhaps it may deserve the reproach of intemperate ardour. The zeal of party has certainly attempted to overbear the freedom of private opinion, and totally to overthrow the character of him who...
9171To John Adams from Barnabas Bidwell, 16 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
By various arts of indirect attack, since the Recess of Congress, considerable impression has been here made, on many well-disposed but warm minds, against the French Negociation and more especially the Dissmission of the late Secretary Pickering. Several of your friends, who admire “the sublime policy, which pursues, as its chief end, the restoration of peace abroad, and the cultivation of...
9172To John Adams from Joshua Johnson, 9 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
My last was on the 29 July since which I am deprived of any of your ever esteemed favours. Inclosed I forward you an American News Paper of the 3d. November which contains matter of the greatest consequence to us and which I most seriously hope will proove true. I most certainly should have addrest you before this on a subject interesting to myself had I been furnished with your address on...
9173From James Madison to John Adams, 7 August 1818 (Madison Papers)
On my return two days ago from a Meeting appointed to report to the Legislature of the State a proper Scite for a University, I found your obliging favor of July 22. with its inclosed copies of Docr. Mayhews Sermon. I have read with pleasure this symbol of the political tone of thinking at the period of its original publication. The author felt the strength of his argument, and has given a...
9174To John Adams from Richard Rush, 25 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
I must be allowed to offer you my heartiest congratulations upon Commodore Perrys great victory on lake Erie. I know of nobody who will take as much pleasure in it as you. I know of nobody, sir, who has so just a title to rejoice at our splendid naval trophies as you. The Navy is yours. Hull must have been your officer. Decatur I know was. Bainbridge, Jones, Lawrence, Burrows, all of...
9175From John Jay to John Adams, 1 November 1786 (Jay Papers)
My last to you was dated 4 th . ult. since w h . I have been honored with yours of the 15 th July last, w h . was immediately communicated to congress— My Report on the answer of the british Minister to your memorial reques respecting our Frontier Posts is under the Consideration of Congress— Your Ideas & mine on those Subjects very nearly correspond, and I sincerely wish that you may be...
9176To John Adams from Samuel Chase, 28 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
I left Ticonderoga last Wesdnesday and arrived at this Fort yesday afternoon. Our Troops were to come off the next Day, and twenty four Batteaus have already passed, and the Wind blows a fair and fresh Gale. I am afraid all our Efforts to take Quebec will prove fruitless. We met on the Lake the Letter from General Arnold to General Schuyler. I hope you will attend to every Quarter of America,...
9177To John Adams from Pierre Huet de La Valinière, 5 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
Permettez moi de vous avoüér ma faute et de la reparer ici s’il est possible. Si vous vous ressouvenez d’un Ecclesiastique que vous avez presenté vous même a Mr de Vergennes; C’est moi. je sortois des prisons d’Angleterre ou la guerre Americaine m’avoit fait retenir huit moi: j’eus l’honneur de vous en parler dans l’appartement de ce Ministre, en attendant qu’il revint du Conseil; vous futes...
9178Charles Adams to John Adams, 13 December 1794 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday received your favor of the 11 th ins t enclosing the Post note for 100 Dol s: for which receive my thanks. Our election for members of the house of Representatives was finished yesterday and thus an end put for sometime to the iniquities which upon such occasions are always practised. The friends of the Democratic M r Livingston and of the Aristocratic M r Watts flatter themselves...
9179To John Adams from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 12 October 1815 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter by Major Swett Has afforded me the Highest pleasure—it Will Be Answered By a more direct opportunity than the Introductory lines which I beg leave to put into the Hands of Mr Poussin—this Young Scholar of the french Architectural Academy is Recommended to me By an eminent professor, my particular friend—Mr Poussin, Son to a Late distinguished artist, possesses T Himself...
9180To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 17 May 1805 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of march 14—with the post mark of Brookfield Mass: march 26 did not come to mÿ hands before the begin of April. My dilating an answer till now, will find an excuse in your kindness, when you reflect, that the field and the garden require mÿ attendence everÿ hour in tolerable good weather. This howewer would not have finally prevented my writing, if it had been in mÿ power, to Send...
9181To John Adams from Samuel Dana, November 1820 (Adams Papers)
Should you perform the duties of Elector of President &c. I request you, to consider Caleb Butler Esqr of Groton an applicant to carry the Votes to the Department of State. With considerations of high esteem / & the greatest respect / I am yr. Obed Servt MHi : Adams Papers.
9182To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 20 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am this moment honoured with your letters of the 13th and 14th, and have directed a Commission to be made out for a judge of the Supreme Court, in the place of Judge Wilson deceased, leaving a blank for the name, and which I shall transmit to you in the mail of this evening. I shall also this day write to General Marshall to inform him that you have designated him to fill the vacant seat,...
9183Hendrik Brouwer Chs. zoon to John Adams: A Translation, 31 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
I pray you forgive me that I am so free as to address this letter of mine to you, to recall the love for my fatherland, what our forefathers have done to make themselves a free people, has confirmed in me and many right-thinking Dutchmen that the people of America were our closest brothers in virtue, so that it has become our obligatory duty to help support them in their oppression, many...
9184To John Adams from Stephen Sayre, 10 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am, not many days since favour’d with your Letter of the 6th.; and as your Excellency wishes to be further infor’d on the subject, it is my duty to reply. Perhaps some good may arise to our Country if you assist me in my endeavours while here. It was what I supposed, but I am exceedingly sorry you have no powers to make a begining of a trade from this port, which, tho’ now somewhat indirect...
9185To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 4 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to recommend to your Notice Capt. Price, the Bearer of this, who has commanded one of the Companies of Riflemen in this Encampment; he has supported the Character of a good Officer and a worthy Gentleman; any Services which you may have opportunity to render him, will I apprehend, be serving our Country. We have received an account from Halifax, that great disturbances have lately...
9186To John Adams from Francis Dana, 31 October – 1 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you yesterday by a different course: You will receive that letter a few days after this comes to your hands. You will be pleased to see that immediate attention is paid to a particular part of it, as requested. I then advised you that your Son wou’d set off the same day (which he did about noon) for Stockholm, where he proposed to remain 8. or 10. days, and then to pursue his journey...
9187To John Adams from John Taylor, 20 February 1819 (Adams Papers)
I am sorry you terminated your strictures upon my Enquiry because it is probable that I may comply with a late solicitation to issue a new edition, which I incline to enrich with your observations, as I formerly intimated to you. Its value would be still farther enhanced, if you would favour me with your opinion upon banking, which corresponded, I think, in some degree, with my own. The...
9188To John Adams from Richard Rush, 13 November 1814 (Adams Papers)
Mr Dallas insists upon it that the emperor Alexander is a republican. As one proof of it he tells this anecdote. Conversing with Louis the 18th, he said “Sir, were I so happy as to reign over such a people as the French, it should be my study to make them perfectly free.” This is a noble sentiment even if it does not prove him a republican. Kings and Emperors, by the way, are very apt to be...
9189Abigail Adams to John Adams, 24 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 17 th came this day to me I do not know to what to ascribe the failure of my letters unless our son forgot to put them into the post office. I wrote you twice upon the very week of which you complain; & tho I have not faild writing to you once a week ever since you left me, I have not very often written twice, but some Buisness that week occurd which I wanted your opinion of. That...
9190To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 11 January 1787 (Adams Papers)
M r. Jay, in his last letter to me, observes that they hear nothing further of the treaty with Portugal. I have taken the liberty of telling him that I will write to you on the subject, & that he may expect to hear from you on it by the present conveyance. the Chevalier del Pinto being at London, I presume he has, or can inform you why it is delayed on their part. I will thank you also for the...
9191To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 3 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you the long expected production of the Convention. I am inclind to think you will deem it somewhat too Aristocratic. An Olegarchy however I think will spring from it in the persons of the President & Vice President, who, if they understand one another, will easily govern the two Houses to their will. The omission of a Decaration of rights—the appointment of a vice President, whose...
9192To John Adams from Stephen Higginson, 21 December 1789 (Adams Papers)
I intended myself the honour of a little conversation with you, before you went to Congress, as to the trade of this State. We are suffering very much for want of a proper inspection of Our exports. that We now have, under the State Laws, is, as to most Articles, worse than none—it serves to conceal & encourage frauds of every kind in preparing Our exports for market. We surely can supplant...
9193To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 29 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I hope my letter of the 26 By Mr. H——y B——m——d and a parcell of Books will get safe to your hands. Since that period, the arrival of news from N York by the Virginia Packet, which Saild the 1st Instant has depressd the spirits of the people and put them deeper into the dumps than they were ever before Elated. Every thing hare is in extreem. Nothing could exceed the folly of Exultation about...
9194To John Adams from William Tudor, 28 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have never known more Pleasure discovered amongst all Ranks of Citizens, than what appeared here, on the news of our Two Presidents safe Arrival, the same Week, at New York. And this Satisfaction was not lessened by reading your Address to the most honorable Senate. This Speech has greatly tended to confirm what the zealous Federalists prognosticated, & the considerate & patriotic Part of...
9195To John Adams from André Jean La Rocque, 2 January 1793 (Adams Papers)
J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire, Le 8 du mois dernier, en réponse à la mienne du mois Précédent. Les objets dont je m’occupe, Sont liés à L’intéret public, et n’en Seront que plus dignes de fixer votre attention. J’espere me rendre à Philadelphie, La Semaine prochaine. Ma premiere affaire Sera de Vous présenter mon respect, aussitot que j’y Serai arrivé. Ensuite,...
9196To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 6 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
I take the first Opportunity to acknowledg the Honor I receiv’d in a Letter sign’d by you as Chairman of a Committee of the Honorable Congress for obtaining a just and well authenticated account of the Hostilities committed by the Ministerial Troops and Navy &c., and desiring me to take some Part in this Business. You will be so good as to present my Compliments to the other Gentlemen of the...
9197To John Adams from the President of the Congress, 7 September 1779 (Adams Papers)
On the 20th. August last I had the Pleasure of recieving and communicating to Congress your Favors of the 3d. and 4th. of that month. Be pleased to accept my Congratulations on your safe Return to your Family and Country. Yours of the 27 Feby. and 1st. March last came to Hand about ten Days ago. An Expectation of having Commands from Congress to transmit, induced me to delay writing ’till now....
9198To John Adams from François D’Ivernois, 4 October 1794 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser ici une 4e continuation de l’historique des convulsions toujours croissantes de la malheureuse Geneve. sa lecture suffira pour vous faire comprendre combien est praticable et pressant l’établissement que j’ai proposé à l’amérique en faveur de mes malheureux compatriotes, et que je viens recommander de nouveau à votre protection & à votre appui. J’ai l’honneur...
9199John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 26 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
M r: Dorr obtained a passage in the vessel with M r: Jay, and M r: Jones, had an opportunity to go from Newport, so that they had no occasion to make the application to Congress, in behalf of which I requested your favour. I drew another petition some time since, for the manufacturers of snuff and tobacco in this Town, making representations against the tax proposed upon those articles. I know...
9200Enclosure: List of Articles, 13 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
26 yards of Dutch bed tick 2 Gray muffs and tippets 2 Bundles of english pins 2 sets of House Brushes 1 doz. of blew and white china tea cups and sausers half a doz. pint china Bowls half a doz. diaper table cloths 2, 5 Ells wide 2 four 2 three. one Scotch carpet 4 yards square or 6 Ells. half a doz. white gauze handerchifs the same size that the black were NB an Ell in Holland is but 3...
9201To John Adams from Samuel Adams, 21 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Or may it plese your Excellency, I imbrace this oppertunety to address your Excellency: it is from a kinsman tho a little remote I am the oldest son of Ebenezer Adams grand son to the Reverend Joseph Adams of Newington your Uncle decest; may these lines find your Excellency and family: in helth and happiness injoying the blessings that divine providence has bestowed upon you in placeing your...
9202To John Adams from Benjamin Hitchborn, 16 January 1787 (Adams Papers)
Some weeks Since I took the freedom to communicate to you a few of my political Conjectures —since which every circumstance has concured to establish my Opinion; our State Concerns will at a Crisis in seven days— The Insurgents have threatend to assemble on Tuesday day at Worcester to prevent the sitting of the Common pleas to be held thereby adjournment on that day— the Governor & Council...
9203To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 18 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
The bearer of this letter, is Mr: Henry Rigal, who has been recommended to me as a gentleman of great respectability; he has heretofore held an office in the Service of the Elector of Bavaria, but from the present unsettled state of his Country, and a predilection in favour of America, he has determined to remove with his family and settle in some part of the United States, to whom I am well...
9204To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 13 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
Time has slipped by most unaccountably during my resolutions constantly expressed of writing to you. And I can give little or no account of it. The arrival of the family safe and sound at home again was matter of so much gratification after my anxieties that I have scarcely been sufficiently composed since to do any thing. And each day has closed with the consciousness on my part of much left...
9205To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 6 December 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am honour’d with your Excellency’s Letters of the 22d and 26th. past. The Proposal relating to the Goods was, you say, more unreasonable than you expected. It did not so much surprise me, who possess a former Sample exactly of the same Stile and Sentiment, and I therefore think this to be of the same Author. His Professions of Disinterestedness with regard to his Shares, are in my Opinion...
9206To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 16 October 1774 (Adams Papers)
Having just been informed that Mr. Tudor is going to Philadelphia, I take this opportunity to thank you for the obliging favor of your letter of 29th September. The struggle, as you justly observe, between fleets and armies and commercial regulations, must be very unequal: We hope, however, the congress will carry this mode of defence as far as it will go, and endeavor to render it as early...
9207To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 3 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of 23. Septr: & 3. Octr. was brought to me by my old friend and Classmate I. M. Forbes, and that of 13. Novr. by General Boyd, who both came fellow-passengers in the same vessel. Mr Everett has since arrived, by whom I received a Letter of 26. November, from my dear Mother. I have briefly replied to my Mother upon the advice, which you and she have given me to return to the United...
9208To John Adams from Thomas Mifflin, 27 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
I think it proper to inform your Excellency, that on the evacuation of Port au Prince by the British troops, a very great number of French white-men and negroes were put on board of transports and sent to America. Some of the vessels, I understand, made an attempt to land their passengers at Charleston: two have arrived at this port: and it is said, that the remainder of the fleet may be daily...
9209To John Adams from Richard and Charles Puller, 6 January 1790 (Adams Papers)
We are duly favoured with Your Letter of the 27 th September last which We take the opportunity of the first Packet to answer & to acquaint You what We thought You must have known before this Time, that Soon after Your departure Sir Clement Cotterell paid us agreable to Your directions the Sum of three Hundred Pounds being the usual present deducting fifteen pC t. as the Customary allowance to...
9210To John Adams from Harriet Temple, 10 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
In May last, I took the liberty of writing to Mr. Hancock President of the Continental Congress, and inform’d him of the distrest Situation which myself, and large family are reduced to, by the destroying hand of desolation and War, and having received no answer from Mr. Hancock, am doubtfull whither my letter reach’d him, will you therefore permit me Sir, (which I am Induced to thro. the...