Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-06-07
FOR VICE PRESIDENT,
RICHARD RUSH.
AThe present able and efficient Secretary Of the Teau
ry-and fearless advocate Of the Interests
and Honour Of his Country


The Real Character Of John @. .fdan,s
We take much pleasure in laying the following
letter before our readers. The writer is tho
Rev. Mr.. BAKER, ofthe Second Presbyterian
Church, Of Washington City, divine of the
highest responsibility:
WASHINGTON CITY, 4th October, 1924.
".Ny Dear Sir-Your letter has been duly
received, and can and do reply with much
cheerfulness. Having the pleasure of being
personally acquainted with Mr.. Adams. YER
lily believe am not q stranger to his real
character, and therefore, can speak with more
confidence. You tell me that 'some say he 10
not a liberal man'-you wish to know whether
this charge be true. You farther cay, you
have heard that he acted friendly part to-
wards the Second Presbyterian Church, in
Washington You wish to know something
about this, and about his general liberaiity Of
character'--I will reply somewhat at large
In regard to the charge mentioned, never was
a charge more unfounded. In this city Mr..
Adams is we'll known to be a man Of uncom-
mon, of almost unboundcd lborality: and let
it be remarked, his benevoence is diffusive: il
is not confined to one object. or set Of objects,
but embraces every object which can be dear
to a Christian, a Patriot, a Philanthropist.-
This will be made manifest in the sequal Of this
letter. In relation to the Second Presbyterian
Church in this city, Mr.. Adams has truly
proved himself to be its friend, and a liberal
ono too Let facts speak: About two years
ago, this church, being then recently organ
izod, was, by reasons Of debt, greatly embar-
rassed, SO much so, that it had we'll nigh pass.
cd under the hammer. At the earnest request
of the Trustees, the Pastor went on to the
North soliciting aid. The fruits Of his exer-
tivns amounted TO about 600 dollars. This
sum talthough thankfully received and really
of great service) by no means redeemed the
church from its difficulties; still, Independent
y of debts due to two banks in this city, the
| sum of 1900 was due to Mr.. Sandford, the
| carpenter; he had been very indugent, but
now circumstances compelled him to be ur-
gent; a suit was threatened. The Trustees
met. Mr.. Adams. being ar pew holder and
member OF the Board, was present. After
| much consultation amongst tho Trustees, and
no door Of hope was opened, Mr.. Adams rose
and dsaid-'Gentlemen, if it will be of any ser
vice, will lend you 600 dollars The prop
osltion was a generous one-particularly so. as
| it was difficult TO say how, or when, the money
could be repaid. The proposition was polite
y declined, until further efforts should be made
to obtain the money in some other way. All
efforts failing, note for 600 dollars was drawn
| endorsed and handed to Mr.. Adams. Being
asked whether the names were sufficient, Mr.
Adams looking carelessly at the note, replied
1T is well enough to have this, as an evidence
of the fact, 'but added he, smiling, If this note
were never paid, l should never think Of sue
ing the gentlemen But, continued he, Mr..
B. this is only 600 dollars, how will you pay
Mr.. Sandford the balance? l am sure sir,
know not, was the reply. 4 asked the ques-
tion,' resumed Mr.. Adams, because am will
ling to advance the whole amount; am sorry
| for Mr.. Sanford, and think it pity he should
be kept out of his money SO loEg. A new note
was drawn, the money was paid; Mr.. Stand
ford was amazingly pleased, and ever since
| that period we have heard no more about the
| 'ribuiations' of the church. You may think
me too minute, but you will observe that it is
not merely the generous act, but the manner
of doing it, that we consider Hence that old
| saying, Dis dat, qui cito dat Now fol this
| manner of doing good thing, Mr. Adams is
noted-and here | may state, that in giving,
Mr. Adams is the most unostentatious man
ever knew. do verify believe his most inti-
| mate friends are ignorant Of tho extent of his
charities.
But must not forget to mention little
| circumstance connected with the aforesaid
loan to our church. 1t was proposed TO pay
Mr.. Adams 100 dollars every three months
To meet these quarterly instalments, the plan
adopted was this: to circulate a subscription
paper in tho Congregation, and to obtain l6O
subscribers at 2b cents per month. II succeAd-
! cd admirably. and much to our surprise. Mr.
| Adams, unsolicited, subscribed 80 cents per
month and his lady the same. And yet Mr.
Adams is not liberal mani!
There is a case relating to the Eutaw street
Church, in Baltimore. which ought to be men-
| toned. You may rocollect that some six or
eight months ago, Mr.. W, camo 10 our city
TO solicit aid. Having heard of Mr.. Adams
character for liberality, he came to me, and re-
questod that would introduce him to Mr.Ad-
ams. When understood his object, although
a warm friend TO himself and his object. pos
itively refused, telling him that Mr.. Adams.
was 90 uncommonly generous, Il was roally
shame to impose upon him. He went away.
made vigorous exertiohs, obtained ono sub
scrip;ion Of ten dollars, the rest would average
probably not moro than three dollars. With
his "beegarly list" he won't 10 Mr.. Adams,
presented his paper. and without any complaint
Of "fyeoueut eallso Mr., Adams imme edI lately