Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-12-25
THE MOTHER OF JOHN 9. ADAMS

1t is said that superior men always have
superior mothers, and it certainly seems to
be the case IN general, if not always. Phys
biologists may not be able to account for it,
though the philosopher, familiar with the OPP
erations of mind, may. 1t seems to be ow-
ing TO the susceptibility ofthc infant mind to
impressions, and the almost unlimited power
the mother has to mould it for good or evil.
Whatever may be the views entertained
towards Mr.. ADAMS as politician, It is con-
coded by all, Familiarity acquainted with his
private character, that he is, and ever has
been, a man of high-toned morals, and of
the strictest integrity. The following letter
is a key to this exception to the generality of
public men. 1t is taken from volume of
letters of Mrs. ADAMS, mother of JOHN
Quincy ADAMS, just published and compiled
by her grandson, o. F. ADAMS, Esq. of
Boston. The letter was written to her son.
then eleven years of age, who was residing
with his father at Pars.-Nat. ImteAigeucer.
JUNE, 1878.
My DEAR Son: IT'S almost four months
since you left your native land, and embark
ed upon tho mighty waters, in quest of a
foreign country. although have not par.
ticularly written to you since, yet you NAV
be assured you have constantly been upon
my heart and mind.
LII very difficult task, my dear son, for
tender parent to bring her mind to part
with child of your years, going to a distant
land nor could have acquesced in such a
separation under any other care than that of
the most excellent parent and guardian who
accompanied you. You have arrived at
years capable of improving under the advan-
tagcs you will be likely to have, if you do but
properly attend to them. The are talents
put INTO your hands, Of which an account will
be required Of you hereafter; and being pos
sessed of one, two, or four, see to it that YOU
double your numbers.
The most amiable and most useful dispo.
siton in young mind is diffidence of itself;
and this should lead you to seek advice and
instruction from him who is your natural
guardian, and will always counsel and direct
you in the best manner, both for your pres
ent and future happiness. You are in pos
session of good natural understanding, and
Of spiritunbroken by adversely, and unnamed
with care. Improve your understanding by
acquiring useful acknowledgement virtue, such
as Will render you an ornament to society,
an honor to your country, and a blessing to
your parents. Great Learning and superior
abilities, should you ever possess them. will
be oflittle value and small estimation. unless
virtue, honor, truth and integrity are added
to them. Adhere TO those religious sen,,.
ments and principles which were early in
st'led into your mind. Remember that Won
are accountable to your Maker for all your
words and actions.
Let me enjoin it upon you to attend CON-
stan'ly and s.eadfastly to the precepls and in
struciions of your father, as you value the
happiness OF your mother and your own well
fare. His care and attention to Won render
many things unnecessary for me to write
which might otherwise do; but the mad
vertency and heedlessness OF youth require
line upon line and precept upon pretept,
and when enforced by the Joint efforts Of
both parents, will, | hope, have a due influ.
ence upon your conduct; for, dear as YOU
are to me, ! would much rather YOU should
nave found your grave in tho ocean YOU
have crossed, or that any untimely death
crop you in yoar infant years, than see Won
an immoral, profipnte or Vyoceless ehiLl