Title: From John Adams to Samuel B. Malcom, 17 June 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Malcom, Samuel B.

                            lcom
                             Quincy June 17. 1812

I lost no time, in writing to Mr Madison, and  to all I could Say in your favour inclosed your original Letter which had a frankness a Sort of honesty, and a Species  Veri in it, which I was confident you would do you no harm. I added an affectionate recommendation of my own. Your Letter has been returned to me, as I requested, with information that the office had been given to another, before my Letter was received. In my Letter I said “I believe there is no reasonable Objection to his Politicks”! This was hazarding Somewhat, because I really did not know your present political opinions. But I Said it upon this Principle, that mere diversity of Sentiments concerning public Men or measures ought not invariably, and indeed very rarely to be a Criterion to determine the Selection to public Offices. This is and has been invariably my Opinion through my whole Life and if it had been then that of your Brother in Law Hamilton and his implicit Believer Washington, this Country would have been in a very different Situation. But you know the damnable IntTollerance and dispotism of Party.
Now Sir, let me ask you do you know the Politicks of your State? Have you, in your mind the History of it? Have you investigated the Causes of the Surprising and unexampled Support of the Clintons for five and thirty years. Have you considered the Parties of Presbyterians and Episcopalians?of Irish and English? of Germans and both Irish and English. Do you know the Contest between the Familys of De Lancees and Livingstones, between the Livingstons and Schuylers? Between the Livingstons and Clintons, and the Schuylers and Clintons? Do you know that Family Feuds constitute the History of the World?
If you read the public Prints, you must have Seen that Jacky Cracky has not forgotten “The Raggamuffins.” You remember that instead of fighting the Officers who hustled him according to Maxims which he had vapour and blu he Sent like a Baby to me a whining Sniveling Comp of his Priviledge. The ignorant Boy did not know the  Priviledge nor the Trybunal whose right it was to judge.  to the House and turned the laugh of the Nation and the  The continental Laugh was So loud that it has Stunned  He dreams of it in the night. He raves about it in the day in Congress and out. Poor Fellow; I pity him. Human Nature in his forlorn Situation is always an Object of tender Compassion.
How far are you from Vander kemp? How far from Col Smith? Who has been appointed Judge in your district?
The Ages of Felton, Ravaillac and Damien have come again. The assassination of Mr Percival in the Lobby of the House of Commons is a lamentable and deplorable Event, notwithstanding his hostility of America. I do not wish the world to be ridded of Percivals by Assassination any more than of Hamilton by duelling. .
We Sincerely grieve with you and Mrs Malcom on the loss of your Children.
I forgot to mention that I wrote to Mr Jefferson as well as Mr Madison on your Subject. But you were a day after the Fair,
I am your Friend and Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas McKean, 21 June 1812
From: Adams, John
To: McKean, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy June 21 1812

I have received your kind letter of the 13th. of this month, with Emotions like those of two old Friends after a Seperation of many Years; Such as We may Suppose Ulysses to have felt on meeting one of his ancient Associates, (not one of the Suiters) on his return to Utica.
Your Name among the Members of Congress in New York in October 1765 is and has long been a Singular distinction. I wish you would commit to writing your Observations of on the Characters who composed that Assembly and the Objects of your Meeting. Otis and Ruggles are peculiarly interesting to me; and every thing that passed on that important Occasion is and will be more and more, demanded (and it is to be feared in vain) by our Posterity.
Of the Congress in September 1774 There remain Governor Johnson of Maryland Governor McKean of Pensilvania, Governor Jay of New York, Judge Paine of Massachusetts, and John Adams: not forgetting our venerable Charles Tompson Secretary.
You had an Opportunity that was denied me in 1778. 9. 1780. 1. 2.—I was in Europe from 1778 to 1788.: There was a great Change in Congress, Soon after 1778. In Massachusetts Men were chosen of a very different Stamp from Hancock, Sam. Adams and Gerry. Higginson Gorham, King Jackson and Lowell, were a Batch of Loaves of a very different Flour, from their Predecessors. I would now give any Thing for your Knowledge of their Oratory, Dialecticks and Principles and Opinions. This Nation now groans and future Ages, I fear will have reason to rue the hunting of that day. After the Peace New York and Pensilvania followed the Example of Massachusetts and brought in Lukewarmness instead of Zeal; not to Say Toryism in the place of Whiggism.
I acknowledge that the most unaccountable Phenomenon I ever beheld, in the 77 years almost that I have lived, was to See Men of the most extensive Knowledge and deepest reflection, entertain for a moment an Opinion that a Democratical Republick could be erected in a Nation of Five and twenty Millions of People, Four and twenty Millions and five hundred Thousands of whom, could neither write nor read.
My Sentiments and Feelings are in Symphony with yours in another particular. The last Eleven Years of my Life have been the most comfortable of the Seventy Seven. I have never enjoyed So much in any equal Period. Mr Jefferson I find is equally happy. I have had opportunity however, to know that he illustrious Washington was not: and that to his Uneasiness in retirement great changes in the Politicks of this Country, were to be attributed: perhaps for the better, possibly for the worse. God knows.
I am as chearful as ever I was: and my health is as good, excepting a quiveration of the hands which disables me from writing in the bold and Steady Character of your Letter, which I rejoice to See. Excuse the Word quiveration, which tho I borrowed it from an Irish boy, I think an Improvement in our language worthy a place in Websters dictionary. Though my Sight is good my Eyes are far too weak for all the labour I require of them. but as this is a defect of more than fifty Years Standing, there are no hopes of relief. The Trepidation of the hands, arising from a delicacy, or if you will a morbid irritability of Nerves has Shewn itself at times for more than half a Century but has increased for four or five years past So as to extinguish all hope that it will ever be less.
The danger of our Government is that the General will be a Man of more Popularity than The President, and the Army possess more Power than Congress. The People Should be apprised of this and guard themselves against it. Nothing is more essential than to hold the civil Authority decidedly Superiour to the Military Power.
Wishing you Life as long as you desire it, and every Blessing in it, I remain your affectionate Friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 24 June 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy June 24. 1812

The Decadency of Government is obvious, through the World and it is to be feared the cause of it is the general Relaxation of family discipline. It becomes you and me Seriously to consider whether We have not contributed our Share to this general Evil. Within a few days, my Rib had the boldness to Say to me “When you write to Dr Rush, you String together Epithets and Adverbs and Substantives, just as the Boys String their Robbins Eggs in long Rows in the Spring.” yet this exceeds, but very little what yours Said of both of Us. Ought not Some measures to be taken to teach those Ladies more reverence for their Lords?
This important observation however was not the object I had in view when I took up my Pen to interrupt you in your Visit to your Parents.
Some unknown one has sent me “An American View of American Affairs” printed by Bronson. I wish to know the Writer. Some young Gentleman I presume, whose Pen has not ran long enough to glide with Ease.
The Pamphlet is full of fashionable λατρια, to our infallible Guide: but his is not So Surprising as Something he Says about me; which, whether intended as a Compliment or a Sarcasm, required a degree of boldness very uncommon in this age. The decent Freedoms with Jefferson and Madison Show him to be a Federalist, but whether a Quaker or not, he is not an Englishman, at least if he has not put on a Mask. When I read my name in a Newspaper or a Pamphlet, unattended with Expressions of Contempt or Malice, I esteem it and an honour and receive it as a Compliment.
It is astonishing to See how little the Policy of this Union is understood and how totally forgotten or misremembered is its History. What does this Man mean by the Strong Features of my Character, which “I impressed on the Counsels of my Country”? The Prudence of an Individual is the Policy of a Nation. Self Preservation is the first Law of Nature to both. It is the first Duty of a Statesman especially of the first Magistrate of a Nation to watch and provide for the Preservation and Safety of his Country in all her Interests; her Agriculture, her Commerce, her Navigation her Fisheries; all her Rights on the Ocean and on the Land; nay I will add her Morals her Religion, in Some degree or other; her Liberties; and as indispensable to the preservation of all and every one of these, to preserve a National Consciousness of her own Right, a National Feeling of her own Power, a National Resentment of National Wrongs and Injuries.
France, under Washingtons Administration, had, in defiance of all Laws human and divine, plundered our Commerce in every Sin in Europe and the West Indies, She had insulted Us to our Faces She had invaded your Delaware River and taken our Ships there, She had entered the harbour of Charleston S.C. and burned a Ship with five hundred Tons of Sugar at Noon Day in Sight of the World. She had plundered our Ships and Cargoes to more than twenty Millions of Dollars in value When these Injuries were felt, and an Ambassador sent by Washington to remonstrate against these outrages, that Ambassador was rejected with Comtempt. When Washington  Slipped his Neck out of the Collar and left me to inherit his Contentions and his Ministry and I had sent a new Embassy of three, Pinkney Gerry and Marshall, these were rejected with Contempt, and worse than Contempt. Attempts were made to terrify them as if they had been Children; demands were made of them of insufferable Insolence, and even Bribes were demanded of them to a very large Amount.
In these Circumstances what “Strong Features of Character” were exhibited. Is there a dastard? Is there a Poltroon? Is there a Stock or a Stone in these United States, that did not feel? Measures were taken with the Utmost Coolness Moderation and Simplicity by the Congress of the Eighteenth Century to defend the Country and Demand Justice, not to take Revenge. And a Plan was laid of Revenue Navy Yards and Naval Power, and executed too, which looked forward with a prudent Foresight, to the defence and Preservation of the Country in future Exigencies, which from the State of Europe were foreseen, and which ought to have been foreseen, not only by the wisest Men, but by the Simplest Men in the Nation.
Who destroyed this System?  The Congress of the Nineteenth Century Who by repealing the Taxes, have emptied their treasury? Who by mud dashing my Navy have disarmed themselves at Sea? Who by a Shallow Superficial thoughtless Policy have involved themselves in Embarrassments, and distress enough to make them Objects of Universal Pitty?
The Prudence of the 18 Century is called now in the 19th. “The Profligate Administration of John Adams!” “The mad ambition of John Adams!!!” &c &c &c Is this the Reasoning, the Veracity, the Justice, the gravity, the Dignity, the deliberation of a Legislative Assembly? or is it the Raving of your Patients in your tranquilizing Chairs?
June 26. War! War! War! Sure enough. Whose “Profligacy” is this? Whose “mad Ambition?” An Alien Law will now be wanted? and to be executed  too. Mine  never was in a Single Instance. Or will they tolerate Spies and Traitors with bribes in their hands to roam about, to haunt every tavern, to loyter in every corner, exciting Plotts, Seditions and Treasons!
A Sedition Law will be wanted. Or will the Newspapers be tolerated in propagating the ingenious Speculations of Henry and Carpenter? &c &c &c in telling the World that our Rulers are “Knaves and Fools?” “Ennemies to their Country?” “Sold to France?” “That England is our best Friend?” “France our worst Enemy but one, that is our own Congress?”
Weak, Short Sighted, Shallow, Superficial Children! You ought to have foreseen all this fourteen Years ago, as the madly ambitious, the profligate, the strong featured John Adams did, to his and his Countries cost.
So no more at present from your Strong featured Friend

John Adams
N.B. Hamilton, Indiequin, and Rush have hinted Something about “bursts of Passion” “Bursts of Temper” &c I have Something to Say on this Subject hereafter, when it shall be again a healthy time in Philadelphia.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 28 June 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy, June 28 1812

I know not what, unless it were the Prophet of Tippacanoe had turned my Curiosity to inquiries after the metaphisical Science of the Indians, their ecclesiastical Establishments and theological Theories: but your Letter, written with all the Accuracy perspicuity and Elegance of your Youth and middle Age, as it has given me great Satisfaction, deserves my best Thanks.
It has given me Satisfaction, because, while it has furnished me with Information where all the Knowledge is to be obtained, that Books afford:—it has convinced me that I Shall never know much more of the Subject than I do now. As I have never aimed at making any Collection of Books upon this Subject I have none of those you have abridged in So concise a manner. Lafitau, Adair and De Bry were known to me only by Name.
The various Ingenuity which has been displayed in Inventions of Hypotheses to account for the original Population of America; and the immensity of learning profusely expended to Support them: have appeared to me, for a longer time than I can precisely recollect; what the Physicians call the Littræ nihil Sanantes, Whether Serpents Teeth were Sown here and Sprung up Men; whether Men and Women dropped from the Clouds upon this Atlantic Island; whether the Almighty created them here, or whether they immigrated from Europe: are questions of no moment to the present or future happiness of Man. Neither Agriculture Commerce, Manufactures Fisheries, Science, litterature Taste, Religion, Morals, nor any other good will be promoted, or any Evil averted, by any discoveries that can be made in answer to those questions.
The Opinions of the Indians and their Usages, as they are represented in your obliging Letter of the 11. June, appear to me to resemble the Platonizing Philo, or the Philonizing Plato, more than the Genuine System of Judaism.
The Philosophy both of Philo and Plato are at least as absurd It is indeed less intelligible.
Plato borrowed his doctrines from oriental and Egyptian Philosophers, for he had travelled both in India and Egypt.
The Oriental Philosophy, imitated and adopted in part, if not the whole both by Plato and Philo was
1. One God the good
2. The Ideas, the thought, the Reason, the Intellect the Logos, the Ratio, of God.
3. Matter, the Universe the Production of the Logos, or contemplations of God. This Matter was the Source of Evil.
Perhaps, the three powers of Plato, Philo, the Egyptians and Indians can not be distinctly made out, from your Account Of the Indians, but
1. The great Spirit, the good, who is worshiped by the Kings Sachems and all the great Men in their Solem Festivals as the Author, the Parent of Good.
2. The Devil, or the Source of Evil. They are not metaphisicians enough as yet as to Suppose it, or at least to call it matter; like the Wiseacres of Antiquity, and like Frederic the Great, who has written a very Silly Essay on the Origins of Evil, in which he ascribes it all to Matter, as if this was an original discovery of his own.
The Watchmaker has in his head an Idea of the System of a Watch before he makes it. The Mechanician of the Universe had a compleat Idea of the Universe before he made it: and this Idea this Logos, was almighty or at least powerful enough to produce the World. but it must be made of Matter which was eternal. For creation out of Nothing was impossible. And Matter was unmanageable. It would not, and could not be fashioned into any System, without a large mixture of Evil in it, for Matter was essentially evil.
The Indians are not Metaphisicians enough to have discovered This Idea this Logos this intermediate Power between good and Evil, God and Matter. But of the two Powers The Good and the Evil they Seem to have a full Conviction; and what Son or Daughter of Adam and Eve has not!
This Logos of Plato, Seems to resemble if it was not the Prototype of the Ratio and its Progress of Manilius The Astrologer; of the Progress of the Mind of Condorcet; and the Age of Reason of Tom. Paine.
I could make a System too. The Seven hundred Thousand Soldiers of Zingis when the whole or any part of them went to battle, they Sett up a howl, which resembled nothing that human Imagination has conceived unless it be the Supposition that all the Devils in Hell were let loose at once to Sett up an infernal Scream; which terrified their Ennemies and never failed to obtain them Victory. The Indian Yell resembles this: and therefore America was peopled from Asia.
Another System. The Armies of Zingis Sometimes, two or three or four hundred Thousands of them, Surrounded a Province in a Circle and marched towards the Centre, driving all the wild Beasts before them, Lyons Tigers Wolves Bears & every living thing, terrifying them with their Howls and yells, their Drums Trumpetts &c till they terrified and tamed enough of them to Victual the whole Army. Therefore the Scotch Higlanders who practice the Same thing in miniature are emigrants from Asia. Therefore the American Indians, who, for any thing I now, practice the Same custom are emigrants from Asia or Scotland.
I am weary of contemplating Nations from the lowest and most beastly degradations of human Life, to the highest Refinements of Civilization: I am weary of Philosophers Theologians Politicians and Historians. They are immense Masses of Absurdities, Vices and Lies. Montesquieu had Sense enough to say in Jest; that all our Knowledge might be comprehended in twelve Pages in Duodecimo: and, I believe him, in Earnest. I could express my Faith in Shorter terms. He who loves the Workman and his Work, and does what he can to preserve and improve it, Shall be accepted of him.
I also have felt an Interest in the Indians and a Commiseration for them from my Childhood. Aaron Pomham the Priest and Moses Pomham the King of the Punkapaug and Neponsit Tribes, were frequent Visitors at my Fathers house at least Seventy years ago. I have a distinct remembrance of their Forms and Figures. They were very aged, and the tallest and Stoutest Indians I have ever Seen. The Titles of King and Priest, and the Names of Moses and Aaron were given them no doubt by our Massachusetts Divines and Statesmen. There was a numerous Family in this Town, whose Wigwam was within a Mile of this House. This Family were frequently at my Fathers house And I in my boyish Rambles used to call at their Wigwam, where I never failed to be treated with Whortle Berries Blackberries Strawberries or Apples Plumbs Peaches &c for they had planted a variety of fruit Trees about them. But the Girls went out to Service and the Boys to Sea till not a Soul is left. We Scarcely See an Indian in a year. I remember the Time when Indian Murders, Scalpings, Depredations and conflagrations were as frequent on the Eastern and Northern Frontier of Massachusetts as they are now in Indiana, and Spread as much terror. But Since the Conquest of Canada all this has ceased; and I believe with you that another Conquest of Canada  will quiet the Indians forever and be as great a Blessing to them as to Us.
The Instance of Aaron Pomham made me Suspect that there was an order of Priesthood among them. But according to your Account, the Worship of the good Spirit was performed by the Kings Sachems and Warriors as among the Ancient Germans whose highest Rank of Nobility was Priests. The Worship of the Evil Spirit, by the Conjurers, Jongleurs, Præstigiatores.
We have War now in Earnest. I lament the contumacious Spirit that appears about me. But I lament the cause that has given too much Apology for it; the total Neglect and absolute Refusal of all maritime Protection and Defence.
Money, Mariners, and Soldiers, would be at the Public Service, if only a few Frigates had been ordered to be built—Without this our Union will be a brittle China Vase a house of Ice or a Palace of Glass. I am Sir, with an affectionate Respect / yours

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 30 June 1812
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir,
Philadelphia June 30th: 1812.

We both owe too much to our Wives to differ with them, and perhaps there never was a time when they are were so necessary to our happiness.—Of mine I can truly say in the words of the Scotch song, “There naw luck abut the hoose when Julia is awa’”—Let us therefore submit to thier badinage, while they submit to us in greater matters, & let us continue to treat them as our best friends. No man ever knew domestic or conjugal happiness who treated his wife as a Cypher or a slave.
I have never heard of the pamphflet to which you allude in your letter,—of Course I know nothing of its objects or Author.
I remarked some time ago that nations who existed as necessarilily subject to War as individuals came into the World subject to the measles and small pox. For pursuing this thought, I could not help lamenting that No means has been discovered of Obviating the evils of War by something like Vaccination, in the same manner that we prevent the evils of the latter disease.—
I will recollect the Clamors against your Conduct in rousing and directing the energies of our Country against the Agressions of France upon our Commerce, and independance by the democratic party. The same Clamors  are excited against the same party for thier equally just resistance to the agressions of Great Britain upon our  sailors as well as upon our Commerce & Independance. What a motley of Contradictions and Absurdities is human Nature!
In my Visits to the mad people in our hospital when surrounded by them in a yard appropriated to them, I frequently look around me, and feel disposed to say, “Behold here, an epitome of the party men of our Country”! While I thus admit the justice of our War with England I must add, few men have more reason to regret it. One of my daughters with her two Children are now with me,—and I expect the Other shortly with her three Children from Canada, all of whom will probably remain with me or with my family Until the War is over, while the husbands of the former, and the fathers of the latter are in Arms against our Country.
In favor of your early, uniform & zealous devotedness to a navy for the protection of our Commerce, and the Support of our independance, you permit me to remind you of a fact you communicated to me in soon after Col: Henry Laurence took his seat in Congress & which you said you had received from his own lips. When Mr Laurens left England, he called to take leave of Mr: Greenville. In the Course of Conversation Mr Laurens lamented that a War should take place between Great Britain & her Colonies for the trifling sum of the taxes now in dispute between them. “You are mistaken Mr: Laurens (said Mr Greenville). It is not a War for taxes. You spread too much Canvass upon the Ocean. We must clip it.” hisce Caesari null belli, and from this deep seated and hereditary principle of fear and jealousy in the British Government, will arise Wars between her and the United States, Until they are prevented by a Navy powerful eno’ to defend their right to the navigation of the Ocean.
I perceive your legislature have added between five and six millions of dollars to the banking Capital of our Country. Every bank Share is a Vote against War, for the extensive Commerce of peace is the only source of large dividends, and these must now Cease. The banks of our city already feel the diminution of their business. It must necessarily  continue to lessen with the progress of the War. The Bank Capital of the city of New York is now seventeen millions and 1/2—and of the whole state Above twenty two millions. The In Jersey the bank capital is in the same disproportion to their population, and Commerce. May not the almost unanimous Vote of Pennsylvania in favor of War be ascribed chiefly to in part to the small capital of the banks of our City and state, compared with  the  States that have been mentioned. It is most unpopular in Lancaster County where there are twelve hundred Whiskey distilleries which will receive a Check in their exportation and sales to our Sister States. Alas! We are a bedollared, a bebanked, and a bewhiskied nation.
Adieu. Yrs.
Benjn: Rush


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 3 July 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy July 3. 1812

Mrs Rush may be assured, that I have no doubt of her Friendship for me. The Familiarities and Jocularities in question have been too often experienced by me, for fifty years, for me to be ignorant of the Spirit of them. I must confess that I have received much good Advice and many wholesome Admonitions and Remonstrances in this Way: as I believe you have too. And We must both of Us confess that We have often wanted them.
What are We to think of History? What dependence can We have on Tradition? It lay as a confused Recollection in my head, that the little Flirt between Jefferson and me (the only one that ever happened during our Lives) was occasioned by a Motion for Congress to Sit on Sunday. If your Memory and mine differ in so recent a Transaction, what are We to think of the Traditions of the Roman Church! What of the Traditions of the North American Indians? The latter I believe are the least fraudulent.
You also have misremembered another Circumstance. It was not Mr Grenville, but The Earl of Hilsborough, who held the Dialogue with Mr Laurens. Hilsborough Said “it was not the Revenue, they expected to obtain from America; but you Spread too much Canvas upon the Ocean. Do you think We will let you go on with your Navigation and your Forty thousand Seamen?” But even in this last Sentence there is a variation between your Memory and mine. I think his Lordship Said “Do you think We will Suffer those New Englandmen, to go on with their Navigation and their forty thousand Seamen?” Meaning to accommodate himself to Mr Laurens’s local Views, and partial prejudices, as a Southern Man and a South Carolinian, by insinuating that the Controversy was not with his Country, but with New England: and thereby contribute Something to prevent or break the Union of The Colonies.
To correct the Sentiments, and rectify the Conduct of a Nation, it is necessary to employ a propriety and precision of intelligible Language. Why then, my Friend do you Speak of a “Democratic Ticket”? Mr Madison nor Mr Jefferson ever pretended to be Advocates for a Democratical Government. The great Body of the People who have Supported them have taken the Name of Republicans; and all the most Sound Solid and intelligent part of them would be allarmed at the prospect of a Democratical Government and offended at being called Democrats.
There is, and there will be no Change in the Minds, whatever there may be in the Conduct of those who wish for Commerce and Allyance with Great Britain and a War with France. They will not Suceed in dislodging Mr Madison; but if they Should who will they bring in? Who can Settle with G. Britain? Could Mr Jay? could Mr Clinton? could General Pinkney? could Mr King? Could Mr Randolph? Mr Quincy? or Mr Lloyd? could Mr Giles, Mr Monroe or Mr S. Smith? I know not.
Never were three Words better coined or applied, than your “bebanked, bewhiskied, and bedollared” Nation.
The Profits of our Banks to the Advantage of the few, at the loss of the many, and Such an enormous fraud and Oppression as, no Other Nation ever invented or endured. Who can compute the amount of the Sums taken out of the Pocketts of the Simple and hoarded in the Pures of the cunning, in the course of every Year. Yet where is the Remedy? The Republicans are as deep in this Absurdity and this Guilt as the Federalists.
If Rumour Speaks the Truth Boston has and will emulate Philadelphia in her Proportion of Bankruptcies: and West India and New England Rum is as plenty and as prescious as Whiskey.
I have read nothing from Congress with so much pleasure or Profit, as the motion to raise annually, a Revenue of Six millions of dollars, on four and twenty Millions of Gallons of Whiskey.
Adieu

John Adams.I long for Richards oration.


Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 6 July 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Elkanah

Dr Sir
Quincy 6 July 1812

I am favoured with your Letter of the 28th. Ulto. It has received the recollection of our former acquaintance in France, England and Holland, as well as in Several parts of our own Country. I think with you that it is the duty of every considerate Man to support the national authorities in whose hands they may be I will not Say, whatever their measures may be. To your allusion to the war I have nothing to Say. But It is with surprise I hear it pronounced not ready only in newspapers but by persons in authority eccleastical and civil: political and military that it is an unjust, and an unnecessary war; and that the declaration of it was altogether unexpected &c.—How is it posible that a rational, a social, or a moral creature can say that the war is unjust is to me utterly incomprehensible. How it can be said to be unnecessary is very mistrious.
I have thought it both just and necessary this for five or six years. How it can be Said to be unnecessary unexpected is another wonder. I have expected it more than five and twenty years and have had great reason to be thankful that it has been postponed so long. I saw such a spirit in the british Islands when I resided in France, in Holland and in England itself. that I expected another war much sooner than it has happened. I was so impressed with the Idea, that I expressed to Lord Landsdown (formerly Lord Shelburn with whom you was personally acquainted in 1782, than Prime Minister of England to whom I was bearer of dispatches from Paris at the moment  our Independance was declared privately) an apprehension that his Lordship would live long enough to be obliged to Make, and that I shou’d live long enough to See another peace made between great Britain and America. His Lordship did not live long enough to Make the peace, and I shall not probably live to see it; but I have lived to see the war, that must be followed by a peace. If the war is not eternal.
Our Agricultural Societies may Not be so much regarded, but the great Interests of agriculture will Not be diminished by the war. Manufactures will be promoted
Your Sincere friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 7 July 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy July 7th. 1812.

If I were as rich as Mr Stephen Gerard or Mr William Gray, I would publish and proclaim offers and promises of Rewards in Gold and Silver, in money and medals, for the best Essays on Several Subjects, Some of which I will now hint without any regard to arrangement.
1. 100 Dollars or Eagles if I could afford them, and a Gold Medal for the best History of our American Navy and its Exploits as well as of its rise and progress in 1775, 6, 7, 8, 9 1780 1, 2, and three.
2. Ditto, for the best History of the American Navy in 1797, 8, 9, 1800, 1801, 1802.
3. For the most complete history of Gallatins Insurrection, its rise, progress, decline and suppression.
4. Ditto, for the best relation in detail of the motives, causes, views, designs, and actions in Frys’s Insurrection and of the Measures civil political military and judicial employed to suppress it.
5. Ditto for the most exact impartial and intelligible comparison between these Insurrections, their causes, conduct, suppression and consequences.
6. Ditto for the best history of the Friendship and benevolence of Great Britain towards America from the year 1600 to 1774.
7. An hundred thousand Eagles for a true history of the American revolution.
These are but a few of the generous projects I have in contemplation, but I will not trouble you with too many at once. I pray you to suggest to me such subjects as want and merit encouragement that when I shall be worth half a dozen million I may give full Scope to my benevolence. I will appoint John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, & Benjamin Rush, the Judges.
I believe with you that Wars are the natural and unavoidable Effects of the constitution  of human nature and the fabric of the Globe it is destined to inhabit and to rule. I beleive further that Wars at times are as necessary for the preservation and perfection, the prosperity, Liberty, happiness, Virtue, & independance of Nations as Gales of wind to the Salubrity of the Atmosphere, or the agitations of the Ocean to prevent its stagnation and putrefaction. As I beleive this to be the constitution of God Almighty and the constant order of his Providence, I must esteem all the Speculations of Divines and Phylosophers about universal and perpetual peace as short sighted frivolous romances
Your reflection in your Yard of Insanity reminds me of mine in the Royal Menagerie at Versailles viz “What should a man say to this assembly of birds and beasts if he had thoughts of recommending to them the Institution of a Republican Government by universal Sufferage.” Just the same as he could rationally say to the Same number of Frenchmen taken at random or by choice from the Court, the City, the Country, the Army, the Navy, the Merchants, the Tradesmen, Farmers or the Sorbon or the Church. The project of a Republican Government in France was often suggested in conversation even then and occupied much of my thoughts during the whole time I was in that Country.
In my letter of the third of this month I have corrected a mistake of your pen or memory. It was Hillsborough, not Grenville who expressed the jealousy of American Canvass and Tars.
I have not calculated with precision enough yet, to resolve the Theorem, Whether the Banking Capital does not exceed the value of the Fee simple of the United States.
The Sunday before last I went to the next town to Church, our Minister having gone to the funeral of his Brother. A Mr Shelden, an occasional preacher, one of our ardent spirits in Pulpit Oratory told us that “Awakenings” and “Revivals” produced great divisions in Society. They Set Fathers against Sons, Mothers against Daughters, Brothers against Brothers, Sisters against Sisters, Neighbour against Neighbour & Friend against Friend.
Wars do as much of this as revivals or Awakenings, and I beleive as innocently and piously. Your Family is peculiarly situated but I doubt not every branch of it will perform its duty with honour and Integrity.
Our Massachusetts and Connecticut are a little out of humour and are retaliating upon Virginia & Pensylvania in 1798 somewhat grossly, but the little Eddy in the Atmosphere will dissapate and whirl away. A vote to build a few Frigates would blow it off at once.
I have made my Sons and Daughters sing, “There is no comfort in the Hous, when my good Girls awa,” these thirty years. It is one of the best morals of Poetry that ever was conceived.
Adieu

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 9 July 1812
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

Respectable Sir
Pittsfield. 9th. July 1812

I consider Your opinion on the Subject of War—as expressed to me in the Letter you did me the honor to write of the 6th Inst—So just—& So decisive—that I am confident of it was published as an extract of a Letter from you—to A.B—in this County—it would do great good, in bringg. back many deluded by the farcical Washn. benovolents—whereas I consider them the real Jacobins—& Tories of Our Country.
Yesterday I devoted to reading the book containing Numerous addresses to you in 1798—& your patriotic answers.
By a strange course of incidents the parties, (altho always Standg. as political antipodes) are compleately reversed—each takeng precisely opposite grounds, to the ground they assumed in that year.
Will you permit Me Sir—to make public use of that part of your Letter in relation to the War. I am Sir  / with profound respect & gratitude
E. Watson


Title: To John Adams from Charles Jared Ingersoll, 10 July 1812
From: Ingersoll, Charles Jared
To: Adams, John

Sir
Philadelphia 10 July 1812

As an inconsiderable testimonial of the deep veneration I entertain for your talents, virtues and patriotic services, allow me to ask your acceptance of a copy of an oration delivered at our last anniversary festival by your / Most respectful / and Sincere / humble servant—

C. J. Ingersoll


Title: To John Adams from Richard Rush, 10 July 1812
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir.Washington July 10th. 1812.

I beg you will do me the honor to accept a copy of a discourse I delivered on the 4th of July at this place.
The present crisis of our country, Sir, is most momentous; but it seems greatly to be feared that the powerful and intelligent state of Massachusetts will not yield her zealous cooperation to the nation in its present struggle.
With constant wishes for your health and happiness allow me, Sir, to subscribe myself, With the utmost respect, / your attached and / Obt. Sevt.

Richard Rush.


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 13 July 1812
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My dear friend
Philadelphia July 13th: 1812

Will you bear to read a letter that has nothing in it About politicks or War?—I will, without waiting for an answer to this question, trespass upon your patience by writing you one upon Another Subject.
I was called on Saturday last to visit a patient About nine miles from Philadelphia. Being a holiday, I took my youngest son with me to drive me instead of my black Servant. After visiting my patient, I recollected that I was within three or four miles of the farm upon which I was born, and where my Ancestors for several generations had lived and died. The day being Cool, and pleasant, I directed my son to continue my our Cruise to it. In approaching it I was agitated in a manner I did not expect. The access to the house was Altered, but everything around it was nearly the same as in the days of my boyhood at which time I left it. I introduced myself to the family that occupied it by telling them at once who I was, and my motives for intruding upon them. They received me with kindly, and every branch of the family discovered a disposition to satisfy my Curiosity and gratify my feelings. I asked permission to conduct my son up Stairs to see the room in which I drew my first breath, and made my first unwelcome noise in the world. This request was readily granted, and my little Son seemed to enjoy the Spot. I next asked for a large Cedar tree which Stood before the door, that had been planted by my father’s hand. Our kind host told me it had been cut down 17 years ago, and then pointed to a piazza in front of the house, the pillars of which he said were made of it. I stepped up to One of those pillars & embraced it. I inquired for an orchard planted by my father. The Owner of the house conducted me to an eminence behind it, and showed me a few large Struggling apple trees, that Still bore fruit to each of which I felt something like the Affection of a brother. The house, which is of Stone  bore marks of age and decay. On One of the Stones near the front door I discovered  with difficulty the Letters J: R: Before the house, flows a small but deep creek abounding with pan fish. The farm contains 90 Acres, all in a highly cultivated State. I knew the Owner of it to be in such easy Circumstances that I did not ask him his price for it, but requested, if he Should ever incline to sell it, to make me or my surviving Sons the offer of it which he promised to do. While I sat in his common room, I looked at its Walls, and reflected how often they had been made responsive by my Ancestors to conversations about wolves and bears and snakes in the first Settlement of the farm,—Afterwards About cows, and calves and colts and lambs, and the comparative exploits of reapers, and mowers and threshers, & at all times with prayers and praises, and Chapters read audibly from the Bible, for all who had inhabited it of my family were pious people, of And chiefly of the Sects of Quakers and Baptists. On my  way home I stopped to view a small  family grave yard  in which were buried three, and part of four successive generations, all of whom were descended from Capt: John Rush who with  six Sons & three daughters followed William Penn to Pennsylvania in 1683, in the 60th: year of his age, and died in 1702. He commanded a troop of horse under Oliver Cromwell and family tradition says he was personally known to him, and much esteemed by him as an active enterprizing officer. When a young man, I was sometimes visited by one of his grand Sons who  a man of 85 years of Age who had lived many years with him when a boy, and often detailed Anecdotes from him, of the battles in which he had fought under Cromwell, and once mentioned a Compliment paid to an encomium upon his Character by him Cromwell when he supposed  he had been killed. The late General Darke of Virginia, and the present General James Irvine of our city, now a venerable revolutionary Officer, are a part of his numerous posterity—As the Successor to the eldest Sons of the family I   have been permitted to possess his Sword & watch. In walking over the grave yard I met with a head Stone with the following inscription.
“In memory of James Rushwho departed this life March 16th: 1727.Aged 48 years. I’ve tried the strength of death, and here lie under ground, But I shall rise above the Skies, When the last trump shall sound.”
This James Rush was my grand father—My Son, the physician, was called named After him. I have Often heard him spoken of as a Strong minded man, man, & uncommonly ingenious in his business which was that of a Gunsmith. The farm still retains the marks of his boring machine. My father inherited both his trade and his farm.
While standing near his grave, & recollecting how much of my kindred dust Surrounded it, my thoughts became confused and it was Some time before I could arrange them. Had any, or all my Ancestors and kinsmen risen from their graves, and surrounded me in their homespun, and working dresses (for they were all farmers or mechanics) they would probably have looked at each Other with some Surprize, & looked Said “What means that Gentleman by thus intruding upon us”?—“Dear, and venerable friends! Be not offended at me. I inherit your blood, and I bear the name of most of you. I come to claim Affinity with you, and to do homage to your Christian and rural Virtues. It is true my dress indicates that I move in a different Sphere from that in which you passed through life, but I have acquired and received nothing from the World which I prize so highly as the religious principles I inherited from you, and I possess nothing that I value so much as the innocence & purity of your Characters.”
Upon my return to my family in the evening, I gave them a history of the events of the day to which they listned with great pleasure, and partook at the same time of some Cherries from the limb of  a large tree (supposed to have been planted by my father) which my little Son brought home with him.
Mr Pope says, there are seldom more than two or three persons in the World Who are sincerely Afflicted at hearing of the death of any man, beyond the limits of his own family. It is I believe equally true that there seldom more than two or three persons in the world who are interested in any thing a man says of himself beyond the Circle of his own table, or fire side. I have flattered myself, that you are one of those two or three persons to whom the simple narrative and reflections contained in this letter will not be unacceptable from my my dear & much respected friend yours / Very Affectionately

Benjn: Rush


Title: From John Adams to William Eustis, 15 July 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Eustis, William

Dear Sir,
Quincy July 15. 1812

On the 27th of Jany I had the honor to recommend to you a young Gentleman for an Ensigns commission in the army.
My success on that occasion emboldens me to adventure once more, I say success, because I hear a very pleasing account of the conduct of the Ensign—of the esteem & confidence of his superior officers, & his success in the recruiting service.Old New England blood you know is very apt to feel for the safety and honor of the plantation, when Indians, frenchmen or Englishmen invade their rights.
Mr Jacob Porter Norton’s an elder brother to Edward by two years is ardently desirous of serving his Country in this just & necessary war. He would serve as a midshipman on board the Navy, or as a Lieut. or Ensign in the army, if he was thought worthy.—It seems scarcely decent that he should serve in a rank inferior to his younger brother in the a, but he will submit to that rather than fail.
His education, connexions, principles, person, manners & morals; his industry application to business, & his irreproachable character, are such that I can, & do recommend him to such appointment, as the President by your advice & Genl. Dearborns, shall judge compatible with the public interest.
Upon the whole the land services would be preferred. But service by land or sea must be performed, in some rank, or station, or other.
You may possibly think that there is somewhat of humour in this letter; but I assure you I was never in my life more serious than in recommending this ingenious, industrious & amiable youth to the Attention of Government.
With an esteem & affection of almost forty years, I am Sir your / friend & servant
J. A.Father of J. Q. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 18 July 1812
From: Malcom, Samuel B.
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir,
Utica July. 18th. 1812.

On my return this morning from Nyork, your two favors of May 21st. & June 17th. were received, and read, with all the sincere respect, & affectionate acknowledgment, it is in my power to express, or entertain.
Although disappointed of office, I feel the consolation, that I am not thereby disgraced, for I am proud, & satisfied, to hold a place in your regards—The expectations on the score of sagacity, which might have been required, to render myself useful to the Public, might have been disappointed, but with all my imperfections, I could not have committed the unbecomeing sin of Ingratitude to you. Your Letters I Shall deposit in my private Casket, that hereafter, my little Son, may acquire the wisdom of being virtuous, that he may become the favorite of the truly great—
On the subject of my Politicks, or attachment to Party, it is not difficult, for me to explain, or decide: A submission, to the constituted authorities of my Country, a  reverence, & support of its Constitution & Laws, Constitute, the first, & as to Party, I have seen so many imperfections, attendant upon all, that I am resolved never, by any alliance, to subgugate myself to its controul—It is a desirable freedom, in a free country, to retain the privilege, of praising merit, from whatever quarter it is exhibited, & decry folly, & vice, wherever, they may occasionally show themselves—Among the high conceits of men, it seems to me monstruous, that they should voluntarily relinquish the dignity of opinion—In the determination to combat with this political paradox, I am not-less aware, of the personal persecutions, which the indulgence of such a Sentiment, has already originated, or unadvised that they, may be continued—Carefully avoiding presumption, I shall continue to hazard political reflections with decency, & when confident of their truth, I shall Maintain them, with all the energy which my Judgement can command—
In answer to your enquiries, it is my misfortune to say that 12 Miles separates me from the society of Judge VanderKemp, (your friend) & from Col. Smith about 32 miles—I Should have considered it fortunate, if all our arrangements, had made it consistent, to place me by the side of a profound Scholar, & a good hearted Gentleman.
In the hurry in which I now write, you will be disappointed on the score of my more definite notions of politicks? They will be best understood from printed publications, which I shall soon forward to you, written at my leisure; I send them to you, without diffidence, because knowg.if you cannot discharge me with complacency, it is not in your heart to be unkind—
I had forgotten to mention that the Gentleman appointed Judge is a Mr. Wm. P. Van Ness: second to Col. Burr. In his Duel with Genl. Hamilton, & the reputed author of a famous pamphlet entitled “Aristides” written to the promote the Views of “Burr” when running against Gov. Lewis—If he was the  Author I admire his intelligence, in the proportion which I despise Murder—
Acquaint your Lady of the assurances of my affectionate respects, Miss Smith of my compliments, & retain for yourself all the / reverence of my best regards.

Saml: B Malcom


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 18 July 1812
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My dear friend,
Philadelphia July 18th: 1812

During the revolutionary War I kept notes and preserved pamphlets with a view to write memoirs of it. From the immense difference in my facts and opinions from those that were current and popular, I was sure if I had published them they would not have been believed, and would moreover have exposed me & my posterity to persecution. I therefore burnt all my notes (the characters of the gentlemen who subscribed the declaration of Independance excepted) and gave my pamphlets to my son Richard who was carried to them with him to Washington. This I hope will be a sufficient reason for my not  being one of the judges of the histories you have wished to have written. But my friend, why blot paper with any more records of the folly and wickedness of man?—Were I compelled to write a history of any race of beings of the human race it should be of my lunatic patients in the hospital. There I should find folly only, for most of them are innocent and some of them amiable. There is not a party man french Jacobin, nor a visionary democrat, not an Essex Juneto man, nor a priest deranged with federalism, nor or democracy, nor a governor compounding praying & fasting and with party politicks, among them all.
Wars I believe are not only  inevitable and necessary, but sometimes obligatory upon nations. “Nil Dei mortalibus ”—sine (not only labore) but “sine bello.” We rise in society & we preserve our property”, our names, & our or standing in it, nay more, our lives by means of War. The Weapons employed in this War are law Suits, doors and locks and bolts. To neglect to employ these weapons is to forfeit those blessings. Nations in like manner can exist on with all the proragatives of nations only by War. It is the condition by which they navigate the ocean, and preserve their territory from incursion. To neglect to contend for both by arms, is to forfeit our their right to them. The Ocean has been called the high road of nations. It might be called Gods gift to all nations. Not to maintain the  exercise and enjoyment of this gift—is (I hope I do not say too much when I add)  ingratitude, and disobedience to Him that gave it. To expect perpetual peace therefore among beings constituted as we are, is as absurd as to expect to discover perpetual motion. I have read no other state paper upon the Subject of our war but Mr Madison’s message to Congress recommending a declaration of War, but from my knowledge of the authors & Subscribers of the addresses you allude to, I am prepared to believe all you say of them. Some of them, or of thier leaders I know cursed Mr Jefferson some years ago for his cowardice for not doing exactly what Mr: Madison has done.
I blush for the selfishness, ignorance and party Spirit of our Citizens, and in thinking of them, have often applied to them the words of Jugurtha that you have quoted to them in your letter.  Is our nation worth a War? Would it not have been more correct, and more in unison with our habits, & principles, had Congress instead of declaring War sent an Advertisement to be published in all the nations news papers in Europe drawn up in some such form as the following?
“For Sale to the highest bidder.The United States of America.Terms of payment.—A bank in every village in the Country composed of five houses, and a dozen in every city;—commerce with the whole world; a whiskey distillery on every farm—& the a Charter conveying to the whole nation and to every individual in it, the title of‘disciples of Washington.’ Enquire of messrs: ——— in Boston and of messrs: ———  in New York and Philada.”
I lament with you the manner in which our Rulers have begun the War. But,—but my friend. Non est “fas mihi audita loqui.” There are empires in all professions as well as in medicine. The world will not bear principles in practical Sciences. In seeking the “faults” you allude to, I have made enemies, or Scoffers of all my medical brethren.—
You are mistaken in supposing that I think our executive too strong. I wish it were wholly independant of the Senate in all its appointments. I wish further, that the President should be chosen for 7. 9. or 11 years, and afterwards become ineligible to that or any off other Station or Office, with a salery of 2, or 3 thousand dollars a year to compensate for that disability, & to enable him to support the expenses to which his having filled the office of President would expose him in subsequent life. This would give him an independance as in public life the first magistrate of the nation that would obviate one half the evils of our Government.—
Adeiu! From Dear Sir / ever yours

Benjn: Rush.
PS: I permitted miss Lyman to read one of your late letters to me. She accorded with all your opinions, and was delighted with the force & brilliancy of your stile. Of When She returned it, She said “this gentleman is too great an Object to be fully seen and known while he is so near us. Such minds require the distance of centuries to be perfectly understood, and fully appreciated.”
July 20. I have just seen my Son’s Oration. I fear it contains too many indigestible and inebriating truths for the weak stomachs and heads of most of our citizens.—He informs me that he intended to send you a copy of it. Our old friend Saml Adams used to say “Nations were as free as they deserved to be” and that “even enslaved Nations were free when they preferred slavery to liberty, for inasmuch as freedom consisted in possessing the Objects of our predilection.”—Alas! for what have You thought, and read, and wrote and Spoke, and negociated? They have taken away my Gods—What have we They have taken away the profits of our banks, and whiskey distilleries, and reduced the price of our grain—What! What! have we left?—yes—they have the last has been taken away for a time only, that you may enjoy a high price for it for ever. Happily would it be for our country if the  two former if they were taken away for ever.


Title: To John Adams from Richard Rush, 18 July 1812
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, John

Respected sir.
Washington July 18th. 1812.

I beg you will do me the honor to accept a Copy of a discourse I delivered on the 4th of July at this place.
The present crisis of our country, sir, is most momentous; but it seems greatly to be feared that the powerful and intelligent state of Massachusetts will not yield her zealous cooperation to the nation in its present struggle.
With constant wishes for your health and happiness allow me, sir, to subscribe myself, / with the utmost respect, / your attached and / obt. servt.
Richard Rush


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 19 July 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Quincy July 19. 1812

Your delightful Letter of the 13th received Yesterday now in turn must receive my grateful Acknowledgements.
Is it a dream? Or is it Biography? When I write my Life in obedience to your Commands, I ought to insert in it the Anecdote, that once upon a time I had the Pleasure and the honour, in your and your Brothers Company, and at the invitation of both, to make a visit, to your amiable Mother, at the House and Farm as I Suppose, which you revisited on the 11th. of this month.
I am a Hopkintonian—in part—So was Fondon! So was Bishop Butler. See his Sermons and his preface; So was Hutchinson the Scott; So was Unkle Toby; at least he felt it if he did not think much of Theory—What do you mean, you will Say, by all this Mystic Talk? I mean, that I believe in the Doctrine of disinterested Benevolence. And as Sincerely as Dr Spring of Newberry Port. Your Feeling, at that house, and on that Farm were pure disinterested Benevolence.
What are the Feelings? the Sensations? the Reflections, in your Letter? “These, fair Creature, are thyself”. The Feelings of Nature; Feelings which Nature irresistibly excites; Feelings which our Maturest and most deliberate Reason approves; Feelings which our Consciences, authoritatively command Us to love; Feelings in which We exult; Feelings which we are intuitively, I may Say instinctively certain that God and Man, Angels and purified Spirits must approve and applaud; Feelings which make Us delight and glory in Existence, and ardently wish and pray for Immortality.
What a Fenelonian! Says Bossuet. Pope! bull him to excommunication, and the Flames! What a mad rant of Enthusiasm, Says Diderot and Condorcet? What Idiots and Lunaticks are Diderot and Condorcet? Say I. and here the account is balanced. How Superstitious! Say Hobbes Mandeville and Rochefaucault. What unfeeling Brutes? what Stupid Blocks or unprincipled Villains were Hobbes Mandeville and Rochefaucault? Say I
Nature has ordained that early impressions on our Minds should be durable. The Ideas and the Sensations acquired and felt in the Cradle, afterwards acquired at School and at Colledge Seldom leave Us till We die.All affections for others; for Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, Neighbour, Friend, Country, are Benevolence; disinterested Benevolence.
But I have given you Paradoxes enough for one Letter.
After all, my Friend, what a Damper? These Feelings are the Sources, the Springs the Principles, of Aristocracy and Nobility, among Negroes and Indians, Tartars and Arabs, Chinese and Hindoos Russians and Germans; Italians and Moors; Germans and Hungarians, French, English French Spaniards  and Portuguese; nay among our poor, degraded, divided, distracted States of America.!—If a little of Politics creeps in, I cannot help it. I did not Seek it, I did not think of it. It rushed in with the Subject.
Retaliation, the old Jewish Doctrine of an Eye for an Eye, and a Tooth for a Tooth, has revived and taken possession of the World for a Time. I Shall take advantage of the Fashion So far as to retaliate upon you, your Family History. I would give more money than, the Circumstances of my Family could afford for Such a Family History of my Friend Jay. Such Families are for a Time the Salt of the Earth; and in their course become its Poison and its curse. Dios d’etelioto Boulee. I have not time to look in Homer for the Greek Characters.
Henry Adams a congregational Dissenter from the Church of England persecuted by the intolerant Spirit of Archbishop Laud, came over to this Country with Eight Sons in the Reign of King Charles the first. One of the Eight returned to England; Seven remained in America and left Families who by Intermarriages and natural Generation have multiplied like the Sands on the Sea shore or the Starrs in the Milky Way: to such a degree that I know not who there is in America to whom I am not related. My Family I believe have cutt down more Trees in America than any other Name! What a Family distinction! have I not a right to glory in it? There are however, no Parchments to prove it: and the Fact may be disputed. I do not therefore insist upon it.
This Henry and his Son Joseph became original Proprietors of the Town of Braintree incorporated in the Year one thousand Six hundred and thirty nine, having previously Settled near the Foot of Mount Wollaston which was then incorporated with twenty Seven thousand acres of Land in the new Township. This Henry and his Son Joseph my Great Grandfather, and his Grandson Joseph my Grandfather, whom I knew tho he died in 1739, and John my Father who died in 1761 all lie buried in the congregational Church yard in Quincy, half a mile from my House. These were all possessed of landed Estates and all Tradesmen. They wrought on thier Farms in Summer and at their Trades in Winter. All reared Families, of Eight, ten or a dozen Children except my Father who had but three. All these Children were married and had numerous Families: and Such was the Effect of Industry Frugality Regularity and Religion, that Death was rarer among them than Men and Women of 70. 80. 90 and 96 years of Age.
You may Suppose that We have as Steady habits as the pious Folk of Connecticutt when I tell you that of all the Land that was ever owned by any one of the Breed is now owned by some one of the Name and Blood, excepting about ten Acres of miserable barren Stony Land, which my Father was compelled to take for a Debt, and which he sold to defray part of the Expence of my Education at Colledge.
The Second House that was built by my Ancestor on the original Spot was taken down two or three years ago at the Age of one hundred and forty years. of Age. The Land remains In two Men direct descendants of the Same Name. I would give twice the Value of it: but I Should as Soon think of asking them to Sell me two Pounds of thier Flesh like Shylock. On thier first Settlement they erected a Malthouse pro more Anglicano, which converted Barley into Beer for the whole Town and Neighbourhood. Many a time when I was a little Boy have I carried Barley for my Father to be malted by my Great Uncle, Captain and Deacon Peter Adams, who used to pat my Cheeks and pinch my Ears and laugh and play and sport  with me as if I were one of his younger Schoolmates.
In the month of March last I was called to the House in another Part of the Town which was built by my Father, in which he lived and died and from which I buried him; and in the Chamber in which I was born I could not forbear to weep over the remains of a beautiful Child of my Son Thomas, that died of the whooping Cough. Why was I preserved 3/4 of a Century, and that Rose cropped in the bud? I, almost dead at Top and in all my Limbs, and wholly Useless to myself and the World? Great Teacher tell me.
What has preserved this race of Adams’s in all thier ramifications, in Such Numbers, health peace Comfort and Mediocrity? I believe it is Religion. Without which they would have been Rakes Fops Sots, Gamblers, Starved with hunger, frozen with Cold Scalped by Indians &c &c &c been melted away and disappeared.
Richards oration has been in Such demand, Snatched and hurried away from me by So many, that I have not had opportunity to read it by myself, deliberately. The greatest Part of it has been read to me, by the oldest Colonel in the Continental revolutionary Army, now living; one who has commanded Wilkinson and even Brooks. The crippled Veteran cryed out “This young Gentleman makes my old Blood fly through my Veins as it did in my Youth,”
Farewell

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Richard Rush, 31 July 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Sir
Quincy July 31. 1812

I have received your kind Letter of the 18th of this month with your Oration on the 4th.
Your Oration was first read to me, by the oldest Colonel in the continental Army now living; who has commanded Wilkinson and Brooks, whose blood flowed in the revolutionary War, and whose crippled Limb tho not lost may be compared to Uncle Toby’s. The Veteran exclaimed “This young Gentleman, makes my old blood fly through my Veins as it did when I was young.” The Oddity of the Circumstance induces me to note it.
I have Since read it by myself, with more Serious deliberation; and I think it worthy of the Orator and his Father; worthy of the Sacred Temple in which it was pronounced; worthy of the august Audience assembled to hear it; and worthy of the great Cause in which We are engaged.
The Anecdotes of Hancock and Gadsden excited more Sensibility than you can conceive. Names that I never hear or read but with Tenderness and Reverence. When will the Character of Hancock be understood? Never. I could melt into Tears when I hear his Name. The property he possessed when his Country called him, would purchase Washington and Franklin both. If Benevolence Charity, Generosity were ever personified in North America, they were in John Hancock. What Shall I Say of his Education? his litterary Acquisitions, his Travels, his military civil and political Services? his Sufferings and Sacrifices? I dare not Say even to you, at this time what I think and what I know.
"The Cooperation of the powerful and intelligent State of Massachusetts" might have been commanded by the national Government, and may Still. A Vote of Congress to build a few Frigates would have had the Effect. And it would, next November. I can Say no more. New England has been injured and ill treated: and they have Sense and Feeling. I am determined to Stand or fall with the national Government: but I can See and feel the wrong, the cruel and the unprincipled and unfeeling Wrong, that has been done to this Section of the Union.
With the best Wishes for your Success in Life, and an high Esteem of your Talents and worth. I am your Sincere Friend and obliged / Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 1 August 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Benjamin

Doctor Rush
Quincy August 1 1812.

We have been in such hurry of late that if I have mentioned your Letter of 18th of June, I have not taken any particular Notice of it.
You and I have both been to blame. You, for destroying your Notes of the Revolution; I, for keeping none, and making very few. You have much Merit in preserving the Pamphlets you have given to the oratorical Controuler, who is a Phenomenon, for who ever heard before of an, Orator a Lawyer and a Mathematician and an Accountant, united in one Person? I am much to blame for preserving no Pamplets. I have been overwhelmed with Such Multitudes of them in America, France, Holland and England, that if I had attempted to preserve them, I must have said as the Evangelist Said in his time of the Spurious Gospells Acts, and Epistles “the World could not contain them. You was better employed in the Service of your fellow Men Women and Children. I was fully employed whether better or worse I know not. I was very Safe in bidding high for a true History of the Revolution, because I knew, as you know that no true History of it ever can be written. My Premium therefore never could have been awarded.
I fasted not for Strife.—I eat nothing but half a Small Pancake and a Spoonful of green Pease the whole day: but went not to Church because I knew I Should hear nothing  but the Gazette Centinel, Repertory and Palladium, with Something from the Pamphlet called “Mr Madisons Warr.” But I will go to Church on the Fast for Concord, but not to hear Newspapers which I Shall have read before.
I devoutly believe, in your “Nill, Diiűmortalibus, Sine Bello.”Your Satyr upon our Nation, though a moral Lesson, is too keen a Scourge. You lash like an overseer, or a British Serjeant.
I hate your “Non est fas, mihe audita loqui.” I want to know it all.
In the Investigation of Principles, and the Search of Springs, you have gone through as much labour, ran as many risques, and Suffered as much hardship as Bruce did in pursuit of the Sources of the Nile. But you have done more lasting good to your Species by these means than he did. Your Writings are worth much for more than his: and your Life has been much more usefull.
I would agree to every Part of your Amendment of the Constitution.
I Suppose Miss Lyman meant that I have So many Spotts upon my Disk, that I must be removed to the distance of a fixed Starr before any Light can be distinguished from the dark. I wish that any pure Rays may ever be discernable.—With all my childish Vanity, I have not an Enemy that thinks more humbly of my Life than I do.
Richard’s oration does honour to him and you, to his cause and Country. But I wish he had enlarged on one Topic. During the Existence of the old Congress: during Washingtons Administration; during Adams’s Administration, and during Jeffersons Administration for nearly Seven Years of it. The British Government never pretended to a Right of Impressment on board even our Merchant Ships. They invariably cast the Abuses upon the Subordinate officers of their Navy. But in 1807 The King by an order in Council issues a Proclamation asserting his Right and commanding his officers of his Navy to visit and Search for men and to impress Men. When I Saw that order in Council and that Proclamation I said it was a Declaration of War and ought to have been answerd answered by a Declaration of War in Congress. I have been invariably of that opinion ever Since. A thousand irregularities may be committed by individuals Subjects or Citizens but when a Power Avows a hostile Law and practice, It can only be answered and repelled by a counter Law and Practice.—Protections! Certificates of Birth! or Citizenship! ought never to have been granted or asked. The Flagg is Sufficient to protect even deserters from the Royal Navy, in a private as well as in a public Ship.
Sam. Adams’s Liberty; was like the Liberty of Parson Burr of Worcester, an Ancestor of Aaron:  The Liberty of a Man chained hand and Foot in a Dungeon; that is a perfect Liberty to Stay there. The Liberty of Stearne’s Starling to flutter in his Cage, when he could not get out. The Liberty of the Patient in your tranquillizing Chair. Sam’s Doctrine however is true; and has a good tendency to excite Vigilance and Energy in defence of Freedom. The observation however was not original. It was not uncommon before he was born.
One is always in danger of adopting an opinion that human Nature was not made to be free. No Nation has long enjoyed that partial and imperfect Emancipation that We call a free Government. Banks Whiskey, Panis et Circenses, or Some other Frivolities, whims caprices and above all Idolatries and Military Glories, Luxuries Arts Sciences Taste, Mausoleums Statues Pictures Adulatory Histories and panegyrical orations Lies Slanders, Calumnies Persecution, have Sooner or later undermined all Principles corrupted all Morals prostituted all Religion: and where then is Liberty?Adieu

John Adams
P.S. Col Smith left Us Yesterday with his Wife and Daughter for his home in Lebanon. They all carried with them Gratitude to You for your kind Advice. After a Year with Us She had returned in good health. The veteran dwells on the Scenes of War with as much Animation as Unkle Toby and is as ardent to engage again. But.—I can blame nobody but him.—He is an Enemy to no Men but himself.
August 3. Gracious God! hast thou abandoned Us to our reprobate Minds? Are We beginning a French Revolution? What News did I hear from Baltimore, at our Church Door Yesterday?
I will never cease to pour out myself to you. Speeches in Congress and State Assemblies and Town Meetings, Proceedings in the Legislature of Virginia, Libels of Callender Paine, Brown, Freneau, Duane, Austin and 20 &c. as produced Gallatins Rebellion and Fries’s Riot and Rescue. Nor were your Presbyterian Clergy in the middle States guiltless. What was the Effect? I was turned out and Jefferson Madison and Gallatin came in. Such Success could not but encourage the practice.
Now, Assemblages in Boston, votes of the Town, votes of the House Speeches, Protests Remonstrances &c &c &c and I must Add Prayers, Sermons, in which the Libels of Newspapers and pamphlets are adopted and repeated, have wrought up the Spirit of Party to a Frenzy. And when Men, are given up, to the rule of their Passions, they murder like Weazells, for the pleasure if murdering, like buldogs and bloodhounds in a fold of Sheep.—Tell me not that the Boston Fever has not reached Baltimore. Who was Wagner? A Clerk of Pickering. Who but Pickering first Sett his Paper agoing? Can you doubt that this was a Junto Plott? Wagner I Suppose expected to be made Secretary of State by Madison: but disappointed, he acted as disappointed Ambition. usually does, that is gives itself to Envy and Revenge. Steel expected to be Secretary of the Treasury. disappointed, he became my Enemy, but not having a Patron like Pickering he did not Sett up a Newspaper.


Title: From John Adams to Samuel B. Malcom, 6 August 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Malcom, Samuel B.

Dear Malcom
Quincy August 6. 1812

Your favour of July 18 was duely received. Your Resolution to Subjugate yourself to the controul of no Party, is noble; but have you considered all the Consequences of it? in the whole History of human Life. This Maxim, has rarely failed to annihilate the Influence of the Man who adopts it and very often exposed him to the Tragical Vengence of all Parties,
There are two Tyrants in huhan Life, who domineer in all Nations; in Indians and Negroes, in Tartars and Arabs, in Hindoos and Chinese; in Greeks and Romans, in Britons and Gauls: as well as in our Simple, youthfull and beloved United States of America.
These two Tyrants, are Fashion and Party. They are sometimes at variance: and I know not whether their mutual Hostility, is not the only Security of human happiness. But they are forever Struggling for an Alliance with each other. And when they are United, Truth, Reason Honour Justice Gratitude and Humanity itself in Combination, are no Match for the Coalition. Upon the Maturest Reflections of a long Experience I am much inclined to believe that Fashion, is the, worst of all Tyrants, because he is the original Source, cause, preserver and Supporter of all others.
Nothing Short of the Philosophy of Zeno, Socrates, Seneca and Epictetus, could ever Support an Antient; and nothing Short of the Philosophy of Jesus, could ever Support a Modern in the Resolution you have taken. Northing less than the Spirit of Martyrdom is Sufficient: for Martyrdom will infallibly ensue. Not always in flames at the Stake, not always in the Guillotine: but in Lies Slanders, Insults and privations, oftentimes more difficult to bear, than the horrors of Smithfield or the Place de Louis quinze.
Men have Suffered Martyrdom for Party and for Fashion, in Sufficient Numbers; but none for Contempt of Party and Fashion, but upon Principles of the highest order.
But to decend from these romantic Heights, I wish to know the Name and Age of your Son, and the Meaning of the Letter, B, in your Name.Your printed Publications I am anxious to See. I am Sorry you left your Practice at the Bar. There is the Scene of Independence. Cannot you return to it. Integrity and Skill at the Bar, are better Supporters of Independence than any fortune, Talents or Eloquence elsewhere. A Man of genius Talents Eloquence Integrity and Judgment at the Bar is the most independent man in Society. Presidents governors, Senators, Judges have not so much honest Liberty: but it ought always to be regulated by prudence and never abused.—
Judge Vanderkemp is a great Man; a Star of the first Magnitude under a thick Cloud.
Smith has been the Enemy of no man but himself. I lament the loss to the Nation of military Talents and Experience: but I fear it is irremediable.
Without entering into any moral, political or religious discussion on the Subject of private Combats and Individual Administration of Justice in ones own Case, I cannot but lament, that the Sacred Solemn Benches of Justice Should Exhibit perpetual Exemplifications of the Practice before the People. This is not conformable to the Policy even of Europe, where Duelling is not carried to such rancorous deliberate and malicious Excess that it is in America.
Aristides, I do not remember to have read. Colonel Burr; Attorney General Burr; Senator Burr; Vice President Burr; almost President Burr: has returned to New York. What is to be, his destiny?
Emulation, Rivalry, Ambition, have unlimited Scope, under Our forms of Government. We have Seen enough already to admonish Us, What we have to expect in future. My poor coarse Boudoir, five or six and twenty years age, held up Mirrors in which which our dear Countrymen might have seen their Pictures. If this is Vanity it is also cool Philosophy from your / real Well Wisher

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Samuel Dexter, 8 August 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Dexter, Samuel

My Dear Friend
Quincy August 8th. 1812

I rejoice, with joy unspeakable, in the news I hear of the open Part you have taken with no less Wisdom and Fortitude than Justice and Generosity, in the present great Crisis of your Country’s Fortune. To endeavour, with or without Success, to assuage the passions and allay the fever of your fellow Citizens; when upon the point of precipitating themselves down a precipice: was worthy of yourself, was worthy of your Father, was worthy of a Ward, with whose Family yours is Connected, whose name has been unworthily degraded by the Name of Washington; was worthy of the great Situations you have held in this Nation.
The Names of Otis, Quincy, and Dexter and Ward ought never to be enrolled with the late proceedings: no nor even that of Daws.
What ever Effect your Reasoning Eloquence and Example may have in Boston, or in New England, where a delusion of Prejudices against France and in favour of England has been more than twenty years working into a system by Spiritual and temperal Politicians; It will have a great Effect in all the other States, and in Canada, Nova Scotia, and in Europe. I need not there fore intimate that Reserve and Circumspection are more necessary than ever.
How often have I covetted your Evening Sodalities with Buckminister? How happy should I be, in the few remaining years, months days or hours, to be near you.
Accept my thanks and those of Mrs Adams for your polite and obliging Invitation to the Commencement of your Son, and of our Apology, which neither you nor Mrs Dexter can be at a loss to conjecture. We pray for Blessings on the Parents and the Children. Some of our young Ladies I hope, will pay their Respects to your Family
With high Esteem and Sincere Affection I remain Sir your Sincere/ Friend

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 8 August 1812
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

My dear friend,
Philadelphia Augst: 8th: 1812.

The paternal farm which I visited on the 11th: of last month, lies two miles further from Philadelphia than the honorable Cottage where you once did me and my brother the honor to take a family dinner with my dear and Venerable mother. She purchased and retired to it After She gave up business in Philadelphia. I had seen my native place but once since I was Six years old, and that but for a few minutes on a Winter’s day five & thirty years ago, a time when War & news & politicks occupied my mind so entirely as to exclude all moral and domestic reflections. The impressions made by my visit to that beloved and venerated spot have not passed out of my mind. I hope to revisit it, and shall continue try by every honest effort to try go to purchase it from its present Owner. Many Anecdotes of the American progenitor of our family have been revived in  my memory by association since the day I stood upon his dust. I shall mention two of them which will give you an insight into his Character. In one of his reconnoitering excursions during Cromwells Wars he came to a farm house where he was kindly received, and waited upon by a pretty young girl of 17 years of age. The whole family were Roundheads. When he left the house, he thanked the family for their civilities to him, and to to particularly the young woman who had been so attentive to him, and in parting with her said. “When the War is over I will come back again & court this pretty little maiden ” This he did, according to his extempore & perhaps unmeaning promise, and married her. She  was the mother of all his children and accompanied him to Pennsylvania where She survived him several years. There is a record of her Baptism in  the books of a Baptist Church in the neighbourhood of the place where She lived, after She was 80. She had been before that time a Quaker.
When the Old Trooper left England, one of his relations entreated him to leave one of his grandchildren behind him. “no—no (said he) I won’t. I won’t leave even a hoof of my family behind me.” He had  been persecuted for his religious principles, and left his native Country in a fit of indignation at its then intollerant Government. His name is mentioned in Fox’s journal.—
The “retaliation” as you have called it, or the history of your Ancestors has given great pleasure to my family. They were men of whom England was not worthy. How much greater the atchievement, to subdue a Wilderness such as you say they  they found at Braintree, than to conquer a province! You are indeed “well born”, for all men are so who are descended from a long line of pious Ancestors. I agree with you that the pleasure we derive from the respect and homage we pay to our forefathers, and from visiting the spots where they worked, or walked or prayed, is a proof of disinterested benevolence, and I agree further with you, that it shows the principle you allude to in all nations and individuals to establish be a natural One, & to be implanted in us for wise purposes. I have read possess Butlers sermons, also his Analogy, and have read them over & over and marked  and selected passages from each of them. They are monuments of the Strength of the human Understanding. I feel in reading them, as if I were in company with a visitor from a tenant of another planet alike elevated above ours in Size, and in the intellects of its inhabitants.
Here I would willingly lay down my pen, but I cannot take leave of you, without heaving a Sigh over our beloved Country. “a blacker cloud (to use the words of the Bishop St:. Asaph in speaking of the probable issue of the Boston port bill) never hung over our nation”. Black from the disaffection of New England to the War,—black from the time (too late, or too soon) in which it was declared, and blackest of all—from the manner in which it has been  is and will be conducted. It has been called a “reelection war” also  “a dramatic war.” Alas! it has none of the properties of the War of 1775. You have misapprehended me in supposing that I believe the Government of France to be more profligate than that of England. On the Contrary, considering the high pretensions of Britain to piety & morality, I believe her conduct to be more criminal towards the whole world than that of France, for She adds to her wickedness, the Crime of hypocricy. My friend Geo: Clymer who is true to the principles of 1776 says “Britain  has lately become very devout, but She had only that is, she has  fled to Religion, but it was only to get further from France.” Have you ever attended to the Prince Regent of England being the only Monarch in Europe Christendom  who now unites the Episcopal eclesiastical and Civil power in his person. The Emperors of France & Austria have not imitated Henry the 8th: Secular power in an Eclesiastic died with the Pope; for which reason one of my patients who is a great reader of the Scriptures particularly of the book of Revelation has repeatedly said to me and others that “the monarchy & Government of Britain is now the only AntiChrist.”—
Ah!  What do I see? the Bishop of London running to the Archbishop of Canterbury with a  New England  proclamation in his hand, and hastily crying out—“see!—see! here—please your Grace. This impudent Yankee calls his Congregational Religion the same as ours. Why the canting fellow has forgotten that we drove his ancestors from this Country for having  no Religion at all.—Their religion the same as ours!—What! Extempore praying, and preaching, and presbyterian ordination, Religion!—no—no—no please your Grace—there is but one Religion in the World, and that is the Religion of the Church of England.” “True—true my Lord Bishop; the fellow has not profited by the line in the fable:
“See! how we Aapples swim.”—
I began my letter with the Subject of attachment of the names and tombs and property of our ancestors, and of the beneficial effects derived from it to individuals & Communities. A gentleman who had recently returned from France about the year 1802  dined with me soon after his Arrival in this Country. He said he had dined with Tallerand in a large company in Paris, and heard him say he had not met with but One American while in the United States who was not willing to sell every thing he owned possessed, whether farm, house, horse  or Carriage or Watch. The exception was in a Sportman who refused at any price to sell his terrier. A citizen of New York who sat at my table & heard the above Anecdote, confrimed it  by saying “there was but one man in New York who lived in a house owned by his father, and he was very anxious to sell it.”—It is too high an honor to call us a nation of Shopkeepers. It would be more proper to call us a nation of pedlers. The funding System founded in rapine & fraud, begat universal banks and Speculation,—Speculation begat banks, and banks have ruined our Country. by A city in flames kindled by the hand of War is not so melancholy a Sight as a whole nation absorbed in the love of money, nor is a field of battle covered with dead bodies so awful a spectacle as a nation, Deliberately preferring slavery to liberty, and peace and commerce to national independance.
I recollect Saml Adams once told me that in the publications of the first Conventions of Massachusets—the Words “horrors of a civil War” were often deprecated in strong terms. The old gentleman well knowing the influence of words upon feelings and principles, moved that the word “Calamities” might be substituted to the word “horrors.” This was done, and probably some evil was prevented by it. A list of more lenient Vocables for many unpopular words would be very useful at the present day.
I had received my Academical learning at the School of the Revd. Dr Finley who married my mother’s Sister. He lived in  Cecil County Maryland. While a School boy I well recollect his preaching a sermon upon these words from the Proverbs “Madness is in their hearts while they live”. This sermon was printed. The title of it was “On the madness of mankind.” The present times have added many facts in Support of his position.
Yrs. truly

Benjn RushPS: Yours of August 1st shall be attended to shortly.


Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 10 August 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Elkanah

Dear Sir
Quincy August 10th. 1812

Your favour of July 19th is yet unacknowledged. The first page of it, or rather the first part of the first page compells me to Say that the real cause of the rancorous virulence with which I have been treated by all Parties French and English, Democratical and Aristocratical, and I might Add Presbyterian and Antipresbyterian, has been that I never was and never would be a passive Tool of any Party; a mere fescue in the Fingers of any party Demagogue or Pedagogue. While I was Swimming in the rapid tide of Popularity and had more Business at the Bar in Boston than any Lawyer there Whig or Tory by near one half; I engaged in favour of Captain Preston and his Soldiers in March 1770. The Whiggs were, Shocked and enraged; yet they could not give me up. They conquered their disgust and resentment So far as to choose me Representative of Boston in May; I got the Tryal postponed to next fall that the raging flames might not consume all Truth honour Law Equity and Humanity. At the Tryal in the Fall or rather at the two Tryals I laboured, like what? Shall I Say like a dray horse, like a Plantation Slave, or a Coal heaver, for fourteen or fifteen days; and obtained verdict that God and Man will approve forever. What was the consequence? Curses and Sinkings in All most every Street in Boston; and the instantaneous loss of more than half  my business at the Barr. From that time to this, I have been the Butt the Target for wonton Libellers. All Parties have thought themselves Safe, in belching out any nauseous Billingsgate against, me.
I am not flattered by your promise of a place in Biography  that of Elliot  I had rather my Name Should be  in oblivion. The gross ignorance, the base partiality and the lazy, hasty Superficial Investigation of both are to me, extreamly disgusting.
My motive for enquiring into your Conversations at Birmingham was this. I have reason to believe, that Huchinson, Oliver, all the Judges, and all the ministerial People, who were in the Secret, imputed to me the Impeachment of the Judges. They thought me the original Suggester, the principal Supporter and most efficacious Conductor of that process. When you told me, that “they feared me more than any or all other Men” and considered me as “the Author of the Revolution” I suspected that they meant, that they considered me as the Author of that Impeachment, and that Impeachment as the Pivot on which the Revolution turned. I wished to know whether that Impeachment was mentioned or recollected in any of your Conversations at Birmingham.
It has pleased God to prolong my Life, to such an Age that I can review all Parties and recollect all distinguished Characters from 1755 to 1812. I can compare Hutchinson with Washington, Sewall and Oliver with Marlial and Parsons. Hancock with nobody: he never had his equal in generosity: but in political Stability with Dickenson. James Otis and Sam. Adams with Patrick Henry and Richard Henry Lee &c &c &c
The Result of all these Parrallels is not an increased Admiration of any of them: but I assure you, it is diminished Resentment and detestation against any of them.
As nothing promotes party Politicks Spiritual or temporal So much as Pilgrimages, it would not be very astonishing if Pilgrimages to Mount Vernon Should become as fashionable and as necessary to worldly promotion if not to eternal Salvation, as those to Mecca, Loretto, or Saint Iago of Compostella. I Scarcely dare to hint of the holy Sepulche at Jerusalem and the Crusades.
The Sordid Panegyricks increase almost as fast as the Sordid Philippicks. Adulation is as base and as ill applied as Villification and Reproach. Thus confounding all degres and distinctions of Virtue and Vice, and opening the Gates to Corruption of the deepest and darkest die.
I have laid before the Trustees of our Agricultural Society your representations to me, and Mr Sullivan made his communications but I am Sorry to be obliged to Say that the Gentleman’s letter of 10th  generally, if not universally, clearly of Opinion that they could not comply with your request consistently with the design of their institution or the letter or Spirit of their Charter.
I am Sir respectfully and affectionately yours

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 August 1812
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and high respected Friend!
11 aug. 1812

I have now before me your favour of July the 15th, with which, as usual, I was highlÿ gratified. I could have wished, to have delay’d its answer longer, till the assaults of that relentless Demon of head-ache had been abated, who possesses me again Since three weeks, but I know not, to what charm he will listen—So that I must Submit with resignation, till he is tired of the contest. Indeed your apprehensions are too well founded—when he is gone I allure him again—and when he comes I am unprepared, and must receive him willinglÿ—unwillinglÿ. I presume my manual Labour, where I ought to wander more
“Tra le purpuree rose, e i bianchi gigli”
In mÿ garden, is too long, too ardentlÿ continued, and my Literary amusements degenerated too often in fatiguing applications, which I then Suspect, when it is too late. Beside this, I can not allways prevent, that corroding cares make painful impressions upon my mind—tho I well know that earth-born cares are wrong. But you know, that moderation in anÿ pursuits what-ever—was never mÿ greatest foible—and—I confess, it—altho not with great regret—that in this respect—I have not learn’d wisdom bÿ age. The worst is, that mÿ Spirits are depressed—So one evil genius follows another on the heels—ut unda impellitur unda—
Whÿ did you decline mÿ first offer of Servetus? Buckminster requested me—to allow him its publication either in the Gen. Repos—or in a Separate Pamphlet—He did See it published in the Month. Repos. in England—I Send it there three years past to a frend—and presuming it lost—I corrected this winter the trouillon, And corrected in many parts—and Send it to the Rev—Abbot—to the care of Ch. & Geo. Websters at Albanÿ—the Same morning, that I received Buckminster’s Letter. There it lies yet—and God knows, when it shall be forwarded to Mass—Had you not forbidden me, to mention that Subject no , I would have Send it to Quincÿ—and then—after perusal—it might have found its waÿ to Boston or Cambridge—I presume, it might amuse you, in a moment of leisure—I wrote on the Subject to young Ch. Eliot. So that—written or printed—it Shall come in your hands. If it remains at Albanÿ—may I then take the Liberty—when a frend travels to that place to request him, to wrap an envelope to the package with your address—when you could forward it after its perusal—with the remaining papers and Letter to the Rev. Abbot—at Newberÿ—or to Mr Norton—Cambridge?
Of Castalio—I can not inform ÿou much—having all what I had collected Send to England—before I left Europe—He was unquestionably a great and worthy man But he would not bow for Calvin—He would not adopt implicitlÿ what the other dictated—he had no high opinion of the mÿstic contents of Solomon’s Canticle—He vehemently disapproved the persecution of the anabaptists—he defended the unlawfulness of killing heretics—hinc illæ Lacrymæ D. Heinsuis  Sec. vir. Ep. Sel. ed. 1617. Grotius in animad. adv. Rivetum T. in Schelhorn de Alino Celso and Boetius Hist. antract. give larger accounts of Him. He had a numerous family—and—tho one of the finest Scholars of that age—he was compelled to find his living in gathering brans for firewood, and died in penurÿ—
I did not reflect, that the Quakers did never possess anÿ controuling power—be So kind and communicate to me their persecution—as it is past—and it relates to you, I long to become acquainted it—I must have it—
I do yet except the Baptists—in the Netherlands—and—conditionallÿ onlÿ—theÿ never had power—they never could aim at it, according with their religious tenets—They can not, must not be confounded with the Anabaptists of Munster and Germanÿ—chieflÿ Fanaticks—levellers—among whom Skulked Some Enthusiasts. I adopt howewer unconditionally your maxim—no power without a counterpoise can be Safely lodged in mortal hands. The Baptists—were, in former days, not tolerant one towards another—theÿ Split in hundred Sections—even for futil causes:—Did you not hear of the mam millarista or Tettoniske, once a Section in Haerlem? The cause of the Schism was, a young man put his hand in the bosom of his Bride? What a heinous Sin! He would not repent—was countenanced by his their mutual Parents—and all were excommunicated—
There are a curious Set of Dialogues between Bayle and Juneu in the Independent Whig. Vol. iii N. 57–60. Of mÿ beloved and meritorious  master van der Shank—I Shall mention a few words—if I am permitted—but must pause a Short time—
If to morrow my head is in better order—I Shall return to mÿ master—otherwise—the next—I know nothing of P—— as from my friend Luzac’s Letters—with whom, I presume, he corresponded—but sank with me—I do not even Suppose, to be known by name by Him—
Adio your’s.

VanderkempApprehensive—that I can not accomplish my purpose—I Shall only copy a few lines from J. L. lett. 17 apr. 1802 “On my next expect Something on your Labor on Federated Republicks. the Baron de St. Croix published lately in France an excellent treatise on this Subject. Meerman too wrote a Dissertation on the Same topic, which I prasented in former day to the President John Adams, and now made frutless inquiries in this city for both; with a view to Send them to you. The next opportunity, which is offered me, I hope to be more fortunate, when I Shall write you again—perhaps via Boston, thro means of an expert Lawyer and Greek—Th. Parsons, and known by the name of  The Giant of the Law, with whom I entered in correspondence Since two ÿears”—This is all upon which mÿ favorable opinion is founded—except, that you—how high I valued Luzac’s judgment—