9601To John Adams from John Montgomery, 3 December 1797 (Adams Papers)
On your Ellection to the Presedentship of your Country at the most Critical moment of its existance since the Peace of 1783, your time must have been too precarious to be employed alone in receiving perticular congratulations from innumberable friends. Tho emanating from the first principles of Vertue and sincere attatchement, yet possessing as I do those Sentements in common with your other...
9602To John Adams from A. Wrifford, 28 January 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have had the misfortune to lose the certificate which you had the goodness to give me last summer, recommending my mode of teaching the Art of Penmanship—As I am about going to the southward, to the cities of N York & Phila. if you would be so indulgent as to grant me a copy, or another of general purport and introduction, in those quarters, you will greatly facilitate my progress, and...
9603To John Adams from Charles Storer, 23 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
’Tis my duty to write you as well as my inclination— The first point I will not urge further than to assure you I am full sensible of it, as I know you are an enemy to useless words: The latter point, Sir, let me beg to be indulged in— I wish my Correspondance could be of benefit to you, and I am willing to think it may perhaps at some time or other— Should it afford you any degree of...
9604To John Adams from Joseph Priestley, 5 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty to introduce to you Mr Henrey Wansey, a person of the most respectable character and connexions among the Dissenters. He is also a man of considerable property, and a principal manufacturer, and wishes to establish himself in America. Any information, or assistance, that you can give him, I am confident you will not withhold. My Sons being now with you, I am at length come...
9605To John Adams from Henry J. Knox, 12 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
In addressing this letter to you I rely not less on your liberal feelings, than on your ability, persuaded that the detail will not be uninteresting, the following is my situation, resulting from circumstances that I could neither foresee nor controul;—When, at the commencement of the late war, you were kind enough to patronise my attempt at getting some active employment, I did hope that a...
9606Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 21 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you before hand (for they are not yet arrived) for the specimens of homespun you have been so kind as to forward me by post. I doubt not their excellence, knowing how far you are advanced in these things in your quarter. here we do little in the fine way, but in coarse & midling goods a great deal. every family in the country is a manufactory within itself, and is very generally able...
9607To John Adams from Capt. Thomas Thompson, 24 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
Plan for the Marine Department, in the United States One Secretary of Marine 1 drafts man two Clerks—Phila. Three Commissioners—Eastern-Middle; South, district their duty under the Secretary to Build, equip repair, Purchas Stores and supply all ships of war, pay seamen provide Timber, and manage all the Marine affairs in their respective districts—also to take charge of Prizes or other vessel...
9608To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 28 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your much esteemed letter of the 18. of January, which on account of my late journeys was sent after me from Florence to Pisa, Leghorn, and Genoa, and from Genoa to Florence again, Pisa, and Leghorn, has at last found me here. I had imagined, that in consequence of Mr. Laurens’s misfortune you would of your own accord continue in Holland longer than you at first intended, and am glad to hear...
9609To John Adams from Pa., Citizens of Dauphin County, 15 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Subscribers Inhabitants in the Country of Dauphin State of Pennsylvania, deeply impressed with the critical and alarming situation of the United States: and convinced of the necessity of Unanimity and Firmness at this interesting moment, beg leave to express to the Supreme Executive and Congress of the United States, their fullest approbation of the measures adopted by The President...
9610To John Adams from James Lloyd, 23 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor the last evening to receive your obliging letter of the 21st. curt. — With the correspondence with which you have favored me, I should suppress my own sentiments without a motive for concealment, did I not acquaint you that I have been both pleased, and informed.—pleased with the independence of spirit, and vigour of intelligence, and freshness of recollection, which that...
9611To John Adams from John Marston, Jr., 11 February 1825 (Adams Papers)
I cannot deny myself the pleasure of improving the earliest opportunity, to offer to you my warmest congratulations, upon the accession of your son to the Presidency It is a circumstance which on several accounts I have long lookd forward to, with the most earnest anxiety: & I trust you will not deem me uncourteous when I say, that that which most prompted my hopes for his success, was the...
9612To John Adams from the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, 28 August 1787 (Adams Papers)
Nous aurions desiré, Monsieur, lire dans votre langue l’exemplaire de votre ouvrage, nous avons prié un de nos amis qui sçait l’anglois de nous en faire l’extrait et de nous en dire son sentiment— nous avons vou avec satisfaction que vous prouvez jusqu’à l’evidence tout ce que vous y avancez et nous avons sçu par notre ami que cet ouvrage estimable étoit digne de vous et de votre philosophie....
9613To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 12 July 1785 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your favour of the 2 d: of this Month, we are Sorry to Confirm your Idea that the Misfortune of Mess rs: de La Lande & fynje is most probably irretrivable, and it proves Still more to be so in proportion, we get more acquainted with the nature of their Engagements with M r: Geyer and the Gentlemen in America: we Shall endeavour to give you a General Idea of those Connexions, and...
9614To John Adams from the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 28 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
While we officially communicate to you the inclosed Resolve the Foundation of which you cannot remain a Stranger to, we must intreat you to be assiduous in sending, to those Commissioners who have left France and gone to the Courts for which they were respectively appointed, all the American Intelligence which you have greater Opportunity than they to receive from hence, particularly to Mr....
9615John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 6 June 1784 (Adams Papers)
Last Wednesday Mr. W. Vaughan, got me introduced into the house of Commons, and I was there, from about 2. in the afternoon till 1. the next morning. The Subject, was a very dry, uninteresting one to me, it was the Westminster election, and the time, till 10 at night was taken up in hearing the Council counsel , on one side for Mr. Fox, and the electors of Westminster who petitioned, and on...
9616To John Adams from R.G. Van Polanen, June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The short time I have left to prepare for my Voyage to Europe, makes it impossible for me, to have the honor to wait in person on You, before my departure from America I can however not leave this Country, without declaring to You Sir, that I have received with infinite Satisfaction by the hand of the Secretary of State, the assurances that my official Conduct has been agreable to You. It has...
9617To John Adams from Edmund Jenings, 14 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
On my Arrival in Town from Spa and Aix La Chapelle, where I staid longer than I intended to drink the Waters, I found Mr. Austin in his Way to Holland. I now take the Opportunity He offers me to Congratulate your Excellency on the Reception, Approbation and Confirmation of that Plan of Government, which does your Excellency so much Honor in forming, and which, I trust, will perpetuate the...
9618To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 June 1821 (Adams Papers)
Indeed you are very kind towards me: I can not reciprocate these proofs of your frendship as by assuring you of my most cordial thankfulness—that may be called, filling the measure—till it runs over—I know, I should receive some tiding from Montzillo—but a Letter—in your own handwriting, I could not expect indeed. Although I do not publish your Letter—this to me—deservedly might be placed next...
9619To John Adams from Robert Fulton, 17 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
Accept of my thanks for the letters which I received from you this morning, those from our minister in Russia are duplicates of letters I had the honor to receive from him about Six weeks past, The success of the useful arts must give real pleasure to every man of mind, and to none more than you whose knowledge of political economy enables you to trace all their happy consequences, there are...
9620To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 24 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have repeatedly forgot to mention to You That in Sep r. 1783. D r. Holyoke then President of our Mass tts. Med l Society rec d. Your Letter dated in June, enclosing Copies of the Votes & C of the Royall Society of Medicine at Paris. In Octob r. following the Med l Society met and voted their Unanimous Thanks to You for Your friendly Attention to the Interests of the Soc y. and directed an...
9621To John Adams from Samuel Perley, 5 April 1809 (Adams Papers)
A few days since, I saw a letter written by his Excellency John Adams. For years I have seen nothing of a political nature, that gave such pleasing, tender, and grateful emotions to my very soul. I have been well acquainted with the names of John Adams , Samuel Adams , John Hancock , and James Bowdoin , ever since I left Cambridge Colege, in the year 1763. Oh, sir, the scenes that these...
9622To John Adams from Daniel Bedinger, 18 September 1800 (Adams Papers)
About the commencement of the last Session of Congress I resigned my office of Surveyor of the Port of Norfolk and Portsmouth &ca. I was induced to take this step in consequence of its having been suggested to me (by a member of Congress—Mr. Parker) that my political Creed was considered by administration, as an insuperable bar to every thing like promotion in the Custom house: and that I was...
9623To John Adams from John Redman, 5 January 1791 (Adams Papers)
It is with great pleasure I obey the Orders of the Corporation of the 2 d: Presbyterian Church, in Arch-Street, by communicating their Resolution of the 29 th. Ultimo, appropriating the large pew fronting the pulpit, & the two pews adjoining it, for the use of the Vice-President of the United States, & such members of both Houses of Congress, as choose, during their Sessions, to worship in...
9624Instructions Respecting a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the Netherlands, 29 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
You will herewith receive a commission authorising you to negotiate a treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United Provinces of the low countries. You will also receive a plan, in articles which you are to adopt in whole or without any essential alteration, being always cautious not to admit anything inconsistent with the treaties already concluded between these United States and France, and...
9625To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 13 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Le Sincere interêt que vous m’avés inspiré, joint au désir de prouver une vraie Satisfaction à mr. adenet qui aura l’honeur de vous remettre cette lettre, est le motif pour lequel je prens la liberté de vous l’addresser. M. adenet est depuis longtems de mes amis, et un des plus Zelès de ceux de la cause américaine. Il entend parfaitement la langue anglaise et il écrit très bien en Francois....
9626Mason Locke Weems to John Adams, ca. 27 February 1784 (Adams Papers)
Tho’ I have not the honour of being personally acquainted with you, I flatter myself this will not be deemed an Intrusion, as it is a measure which necessity and the Advice of My Friends (Mess rs. Johnson & Chace ) have recommended— the Particulars of my Case M r Johnson informs me he communicated to you, during your Short stay in London, but as I have not the Vanity to imagine they were of...
9627Enclosure: William S. Smith to John Adams, 21 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The brigade, which as Lieut. Col. commandant, I have had the honor to command, being on the point of dismissal, I take the liberty of suggesting, that the officers & soldiers are well instructed in the duties of their profession, & it would be of great public benefit, if as many of them, as might be requisite, should be taken to fill up the corps, government have concluded to retain in...
9628To John Adams from James Warren, 7 October 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your Letters of the 17th. June and 2d. of July have given me great pleasure, perhaps more because they were Unexpected. A Spirit of Jealousy founded on a long Intermission had made me suppose you had totally forgot me? and never Intended again to write a Single Line. I hope the reasons you give for so long silence are by the fine Air of the Hague, and by Exercise removed and that I shall again...
9629To John Adams from Matthew Robinson-Morris, 14 March 1787 (Adams Papers)
I receiv’d yesterday the favor of your letter together with the Defence of the American Constitutions; for which I beg, that you will return to the Author my very respectful compliments: Be pleas’d to assure his Excellency; that I highly value his gift and flatter myself, that it has proceeded from his opinion of my regard for the happiness and liberties of mankind; of which I heartily hope,...
9630To John Adams from James Lloyd, 2 March 1815 (Adams Papers)
I have just had the honor to receive your respected favor of the 28th ulto. with its interesting enclosure, which I return immediately after perusal—by the confidence manifested in its communication you will be pleased to accept my thanks.—I agree with you Sir, most fully, both as to the very important value of the object in discussion, and that it ought not to be, and I hope never will be,...
9631To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 6 December 1819 (Adams Papers)
Journal 6. December 1819 Our City being reanimated by the return of Congress I shall attempt to renew our correspondence in the old journal form in the hope of enabling you to in some measure to participate in our pleasures and troubles which we must expect to have intimately blended—Your Letter is I fear too justly prophetic and your ideas on the present aspect of affairs accord but too well...
9632Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
By Mr. Tailor, who has promised me to deliver this with his own hand to you, or distroy it if necessary, I take the liberty of writing rather more freely than I should otherways venture to do. I cannot think but with pain of being debared this privilidge, the only one left me for my consolation in the many solitary and I may add melancholy hours which pass. I promissed myself a negative kind...
9633To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 1 April 1814 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday mr. Eppes chairman of the Committee of Way’s and means, brought in a bill to change the mode of taxation from the capacity of Stills to the quantity distilled eight Cents pr. Gallon on Spirits distilled from domestick materials and 12 Cents on spirits from foreign materials I think this will create serious debates amongst the leaders of the majority, it is supposed this change will...
9634To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 13 June 1821 (Adams Papers)
I cannot sufficiently thank you for the fresh instance of your friendship in writting to Prest. Monroe in my behalf. If it may not effect the expressed object, it cannot but have a good operation. My worthy friend Dr John Jebb adopted the favourite motto of the immortal Milton viz—“ No effort is lost .” General Miller Govr. of Arkansaw, called upon me last week, direct from Washington, and...
9635Abigail Adams to John Adams, 22 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
I received mr Bourn’s Letter to day, dated this day week, and I was very happy to Learn by it that you had made so Rapid a progress. I hope you stoped at my old acquaintance Avery’s, and that you met with as good entertainment as I had led you to expect. all your Friends rejoiced in the fine weather which attended you, and conceive it, a propitious omen. I enjoyed, the Triumph tho I did not...
9636To John Adams from Edward Dilly, 11 July 1775 (Adams Papers)
Every line from you gives me much satisfaction, my Heart Sympathizes with you in your present distress. I cannot write so fully as I could Wish, may Heaven Bless, Protect, and Prosper you, I have sent you a few things per Capt. Falkner hope they will arrive safe and prove acceptable, adieu my Dear Sir. Yours affectionately The small Parcel by the Paul, Capt. Gordon which you say is not come to...
9637To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 17 January 1791 (Adams Papers)
An unsealed letter from you came to my hand this day. for the letter I thank you. as it contained expressions of regard & esteem which I have been used to receive from your pen. for the manner I own myself at a loss— Dos not an unsealed letter from you sir appear like a diminution of that Confidential intercourse that long subsisted? and Conveyed warm from the heart the strong expressions of...
9638To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 13 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
I have little to add to the long letter I wrote to you a few days ago, but that the event of the battle at Germantown on the 4th instant was full of proofs of the truths I formerly communicated to you. We lost a city—a Victory—a campaign by that want of discipline and System which pervades every part of the army. General Conway wept for joy when he saw the Ardor with which our troops pushed...
9639To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of Was has permitted me to peruse your Letters to him dated the 14th. and 29th. of August, and after much reflection and some hesitation, I have ventured to request him to delay transmitting to you, the Commissions of the General Officers, untill I could accompany his official dispatch with a communication of my sentiments, upon the arrangement which appears to be meditated....
9640To John Adams from Griffin Greene, 18 June 1786 (Adams Papers)
I doubt not that you will excuse the liberty I take in addressing this letter to you, when you make your self acquainted with the motive that I am actuated by, which will be clearly proved by reading the inclosed. I came acquainted with the unhappy Mans case by the information of Mr David Gregorie Jun r. of Dunkerque who is much desposed to help the poor & destressed, I sail from hear in two...
9641John Thaxter to John Adams, 22 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
You mention, Sir, in the beginning of your Letter, that you are indebted to me for several Letters. I shall never presume to consider you indebted in that Respect, or myself entitled whilst the public at large, or any Individual of it, has a Title to your Attention in preference to mine. It was not a Consideration of your being indebted Sir, that has prevented my frequent writing to You, but...
9642To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 26 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a Return of the exports of the United States, for the year ending the 30th of September 1794; with a Letter relative thereto from the Commissioner of the Revenue, of this date. I have the honour to be / with perfect respect, / Sir / Your Obedient Servant DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
9643To John Adams from John Bowring, 27 February 1788 (Adams Papers)
Seeing in the Gazette of Saturday last that you had taken leave of his Majesty, & presuming you are soon about to return to America, I should feel myself wanting in gratitude was I not to avail myself of an opportunity before your departure of expressing the obligations I was lain under by the distinguished respect I received when you visited this part of the Country, very heartily Sir do I...
9644To John Adams from Joseph Stephens, 6 February 1782 (Adams Papers)
I have now Served your excellency more then four year as faithfully as was in my power and have done as much to take care of your intrest at all times as though it had Been my own; and with as much fidelity—now if your excelly. will be kind enough to pass your word for me to Mr Hodshon I can soon get into a good way of busness with success can Soon get advanst a little in the world; and while...
9645From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 12 June 1821 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter reached me last Eveng. and I am very sorry to learn that your Grandfather is so feeble as it is a symtom which I am apprehensive which indicates a decay of constitution which may lead us to dread a close of his career much earlier than we any of us anticipate—Mrs. Clark’s accounts from Quincy differ very much according to her and Mrs. French and I think she would be wiser if she...
9646To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 28 May 1790 (Adams Papers)
Having an opportunity of writing by M r Rutledge I embrace it with great pleasure to convey to you a few lines & some tracts & to convince you that you are often in my memory & could I find conveyances easy you would hear often from me being interested in the progress that Novi homines new men make in virtue & knowledge. The state of the publick in general is astonishingly changed since we...
9647To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 9 December 1791 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed information relative to ransom & peace with the Algerines, being newly come to hand, I take the liberty of communicating it to you, & through you to the Senate. it concurs in some facts and opinions with what we had before learnt. thro other channels, and differs in some others, so as, on the whole, to leave us still in considerable uncertainty as to interesting points. I have the...
9648Enclosure: A Prospectus for the Dutch Loan, 17 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
Van eene Negotiatie ten behoeve der Vereenigde Staaten van America, groot drie Millioenen Guldens, Hollands Courant geld, tegens 5 pCto. Intrest in t Jaar, roor den tyd van tien Jaaren vast, te betalen op Coupons van f 50—’s Jaarlyks. Zyn Excellentie John Adams, Schildknaap Minister Plenipotentiarie van gemelde Vereenigde Staaten van America &c. &c. speciaal door het Congres geauthoriseerd tot...
9649To John Adams from William J. Williams, August 1798 (Adams Papers)
Encouraged by the gracious and polite reception, I met with, when I first had the honour of seeing your Excellency; and the obliging condescensions you so readily conferred on me, when I had the honor to draw your Picture, about three years ago, I take the liberty to trouble your Excellency with this address. On reading the proceedings of Congress, I find your Excellency had offered to the...
9650To John Adams from Samuel Cooper, 24 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
Two days agoe I wrote you an hasty Script. Perhaps I express’d myself too suddenly and strongly upon an important Subject. The Terms which Gates has given Burgoyne might be as well for the States as Circumstances would allow; tho I own, from what Glover, and ev’ry Officer on the Spot had written, I concluded the Enemy must have been totally in our Power. But if we have not all we could wish,...