Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 September 1822 to 23 September 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Borden Town 21-23 Sept. 1822

				21 Sept Still at Borden Town methinks I hear you say? “I hope my dear your head is not quite turned by all the fine things you meet?” I answer I hope not, but almost fear to ask myself the question—My last I believe informed you of the party at Mont Point Breeze. This Eveng the Count and his family spent here with Mrs. Hopkinson; and we laboured hard to amuse them, and I fear did not atchieve the enterprize; as I am sure I was devoured by ennui…We had no Gentlemen, but Mr. F Hopkinson and his Brother, and Capt Parry—The Countess does not understand much English, and Joseph speaks it very little; and the Ladies of this family will not speak french—You may therefore imagine our difficulty; added to which-the young Lady looks for amusement from every body, without making the least exertion to amuse herself—Early in the Evening he invited us to breakfast with him the next day to meet Major & Mrs. Lenox, Miss Keen, and Mr. Short; the two last of whom I have long considered as curiosities: and as all the family accepted, I of course could not decline—They left us at eleven o–clock, and we all felt relieved, as he appeared in very bad spirits; there is a great deal of bonhommie about him, but his address is altogether awkward, though he makes every possible exertion to be gallant—22 We walked to the Counts at twelve o–clock: the day was uncommonly lovely, and the part from Bristol just arrived in the Steam Boat. Almost immediately after we adjourned to an elegant french breakfast to which I was assured before I went, Mr. Short did would do ample justice, and the prophecy was fully accomplished—Mrs. Lenox who is as blind as a bat, to show her savoir vivre (after having ascertained who I was; assured me that though she had not seen me since she was acquainted with me in England, full seven and twenty years ago; that she should of known me any where; as I looked just as young (though it was two years before I was married—) I bowed and wished that all the company was as blind as herself—Major Lenox having better eyes than his Lady asked me if I was not much thinner; I told him no; only much older to which like a rational being he assented—After breakfast we walked in the Gardens which are very extensive and handsomely laid out; and we viewed the paintings some of which are immensely valuable; worthy of better judges than our motley party. Every thing about him is handsome, and in this Country makes a great show! After having viewed these fine things some time; we all went on board the Barge as I was fond of the water, and rowed about until the Steam boat was ready to start: when we reshipped our Bristol Cargos; and contained our promenade up the Creek: where he ordered fishing tackle to be prepared and every thing made ready for that amusement, as he understood that it was my favorite diversion. I however objected to this and as two of the young Ladies were indisposed, requested if it was agreeable to the Countess to Land He said never mind the Countess, she must do as she was desired; and we were accordingly landed upon a bank which was so steep I found it impossible to ascend—and Miss Mease Elizabeth and myself mounted in a more accessible place: and I found the Count already there to assist us with his arm; but seeing me very much exhausted by the effort of climbing—he politely sent for his Carriage, and we were driven to a small house in the Wood, where we had a collation which he was very busy in assisting his Servants to prepare—We then got into the Carriage; Mrs & Miss Hopkinson and myself, to return to the House to take leave; but the Servant insisted on it he had orders to take us home, and I was thankful to reach it, although I confess not to take french leave so cavalierly—The other part of the party thought they were going to have a fine dinner, and were shockingly balked when they found themselves obliged to follow us; grumbling cruelly at my not having insisted on the boys putting us down—I laughed and told them that I had had quite sufficient; as they were sent home to bed—Mr. Pierson and Mr Davy passed the Evening with us, and Mrs. Hopkinson took our profiles, but did not please herself with mine—Of Mr. Short I can say but little; you know the man I believe, he introduced himself to me, and I was diverted with his conversation with Miss Mease, who quizzes him to death—You are too much manured—him Sampson—Pardon! to Miss Keans manners to need any description. She is still a belle, and as her Aunt would say, looks as young as she did twenty seven years ago; allowing for a little wear and tear—23 At twelve o clock we set out to visit the Countess that I might take my final leave; intending positively to leave Borden Town tomorrow morning; and likewise to apologize to them for my sudden desertion of the party the day before. As we walked up the Count was standing at the door; and as soon as he saw me he laughed and asked me if I was recovered; as he supposed I had been much indisposed and I immediately explained he l was both vexed and amused at his servants behaviour; and reproachfully said he never could have suspected me of being capable of an impoliteness. I asked for the Lady intimating my wish to take leave—but she was taking her Drawing Lesson or rather sitting for her portrait, and I would not disturb her—She however made her appearance just as her father had invited us to see a Venus of Titian, that would have enchanted you; and which he keeps close to his bed; I could not affect modesty as I had said, that I had seen a number of fine pictures in Europe, and he put his hands over his eyes, as if very much shocked making grimaces, and hanging his head, saying that all the American Ladies were so distressed, and ashamed, that he was obliged to hide them—He shewed me two beautiful miniatures of his Mother, one of his Wife, and one of his daughter; a number of superb Gun’s: a Manufactory of which he had established at Naples of a very light and beautiful kind:  1 of which he sent to Alexander; another to the King of Bavaria; and 1 to Napoleon—He is fond of Shooting and an excellent shot—He likewise brought out some fine old Books, with illuminated plates and some beautiful modern editions, and a number of Knicknacs such as the french delight so much in—and a fine likeness of Napoleon—While we were all in the rooms very much amused, a Note was received from Miss Keene inviting us to go to breakfast with her on Wednesday and stating that she had postponed her journey to Town, that she might have the pleasure of seeing the Counts family, Mrs. Hopkinson’s, and Miss Mary and myself—I immediately declined, stating that I must return to Town to make arrangements for my return home: and that I could not delay it any longer: to which they all refused their consent, and he said if I did not go, they must all decline; and if I would accompany them he would have his barge ready and we would all go together—I told him I had been absent from home three Months; and asked him if he did not think that I was doing wrong: he said it was to be sure a long time; but two or three days could not make much difference; and made Miss Mease sit down and write an answer of acceptance—Thus am I inveigled, or rather thus do I show a want of firmness to resist temptation; when it comes in the form of pleasure of a certain kind; but this was a temptation that did not captivate me; but I could not bear to mortify Mrs. Lenox, by causing the Count to decline her invitation—Talking of temptation I was highly diverted at the explanation he made of a picture: “he said.” “it was St Antione who had tentation of a beautiful Woman, from Devil”—I have reason to know as you are aware, that St. Anthony is partial to the Ladies even if they are not beauties


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 24 September 1822
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Washington 24 Septr. 1822

				You have been made acquainted with the controversy in which I have been for some Months engaged in relation to transactions at the Negotiation of Ghent. As the subject is one in which the defence of my own character and that of two of my Colleagues was inseparably connected with principles of deep concernment to this Union, I have thought it necessary to collect in one publication the papers which have hitherto appeared concerning it, adding to them further elucidations of the real character of those transactions. Of this publication I enclose herewith a copy. The introduction, and most of the papers subsequent to page 162 have not before been published—In submitting them to your examination, I shall ask the favour of your confidential opinion upon the whole subject; I say confidential, because so far as the character and conduct of Mr Jonathan Russell is implicated, I wish that nothing may be said or written by you, which would give pain to his friends. The occupation which this affair has given me, added to the necessary attendance upon the duties of my office, has long deprived me of the satisfaction of writing to you; but has in no wise impaired the unalterable sentiments of duty and affection of your Son

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 September 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Borden Town 24-26 Sept. 1822

				24 Sept We dined at the Counts and while walking in the garden he told me an excellent anecdote of a beautiful Quaker Lady who had paid him a visit—During their promenade in the Garden they came to the figures of Cupid and Psyche who are represented looking tenderly at each other. She turned to him with great naiveté and said, “had she been so situated” she would not have remained long in that attitude”—which diverted him excessively, and he tells it with much point—We took leave soon after dinner engaged to accompany him to Bristol tomorrow—25 At ten o clock we entered the boat and formed a party at eleven, in high spirits. The day was unsupportably sultry, and I think I never suffered so much from heat in my life—As the Tide was against us we crossed the Ferry intending to go by in carriages they being in waiting, and there parted company, some chusing to go by Water and some in the Carriages by Land. As the Countess chose the first I of course did the same, and we had a delightful conversation on french poetry, and the difference between the style of English and French Tragedy; and so on to the languages generally. I listened attentively not being competent to take much share; but was very much amused, as well as instructed—In about two hours we reached Bristol, and instead of finding only the family as was understood, we found five or six Carolina Ladies dressed up very fine, seated round in a formal or more properly in a formidable circle to receive us—This was altogether a surprize, and not an agreeable one to any of the party; however we were obliged to submit to our fate, and get through it as well as we could—On my arrival it was my intention to return Mrs. Pederson’s visit; but she had left Bristol a few days, and I was quite disappointed—Breakfast was to be served at twelve o’clock: but the Cooks by some accident having miscalculated, we sat in this dismal way until a quarter to two; when we were led in to Table in great style, to a breakfast half cooked, a lá fourchette: consisting of numerous dainties; badly executed—During this long prolonged meal, Miss Keene who is as romantic at forty, as she was at fifteen; took all the flowers out of the dishes, which they ornamented; and tied them up into bouquets, presenting them to all as far as they would go: a ceremony which kept us at Table a good hour gazing at empty plates, and ragged dishes, to me the most disagreable of all sights on a full stomach—At  length we were permitted to quit this delapidated scene; and Miss Keene favoured us with an air on the piano accompanied by her voice—you have had the pleasure of hearing her mellifluous sounds; I need therefore say nothing more than that we were all  extasic—As soon as the song terminated or rather the charming duo in Paul and Virginia, which she sung with Dr. Shippey: I made my escape to pay a visit to the Miss Lees, objects of real and sincere interest, to whom I wished to pay every mark of respect and attention—The poor Joseph accompanied me with two young Ladies, saying that he wished likewise to pay them this compliment, if it would not be disagreeable to me—We were received and I went up stairs (leaving the company below) to sit with poor Susan, who though much better is still in a wretched situation—They are with a Mr & Mrs La Coste of New York, very genteel people—Our visit was obliged to be short, and while the boat was preparing for our embarkation, we had the pleasure of hearing Miss Pogson play on the flute, which was both novel and amusing well calculated to please Miss K. who loved things a little singular I will not say bordering on the ridiculous—Mrs. Lenox introduced me formally to all the Ladies. Mrs. Smith Widow of W. Smith; Miss Wragg; Mr.  & Mrs. Pogson, and though last by no means least Miss Pogson, a Lady who writes verses; and who has written two Tragedies. the one bearing the pathetick title of Circumstances! a word not to be mentioned in Boston without a blush—two Miss Morris’s, one a very pretty Girl; Miss Smith a southern drawl, and Miss Prower a young Lady said to have forty thousand dollars a year; but really having eighty thousand for her fortune; modest and genteel; both niece and Ward to the good old Major, who seems to possess all the boo-ing propensities of his far famed Countrymen, though a most excellent and amiable man—The old Lady informed me that she should have asked Lee’s family—but that she had already six more put upon her than she had invited; alluding as I afterwards discovered to the Carolina Ladies who had gone because Miss Pogson was asked—When we got into the Boat you would have thought that the Girls were crazy; for they shouted and laughed for joy at their release, as if they had just escaped from purgatory! We crossed the Water and took leave of the Countess and her father all returning home to our dear bewitching Mrs. Hopkinson’s with delight, not withstanding we really had had a charming day—Every distinction is waved among us; but Miss K. had not the wit to adopt the fashion, and fretted him a good deal—as he says he wants to do as the americans do altogether—We arrived early and found my brother just come in the Steam boat—He procured lodgings immediately opposite, for a few days and informed th me that next week Dr. S. intends to operate again; but had sent him here for a change of air, the City being very hot—When he left Philadelphia Mr & Mrs. Sergeant were both very ill and they had lost their lovely boy—26 I forgot to mention that we rode to Trenton to see Mrs. Daniel Cox—We found that they were both down with the fever, and not able to see any one, and this was her third relapse—I have taken a very bad Cold which confines me to the house—but Borden Town is very healthy—and Mrs. H says she will not suffer me to give it a bad reputation by returning sick—In the Evening Whist and Musick—Cold very bad—paid a visit however to Mrs. Ward, and her Sister from Roxburry, daughters to the late Sheriff of the County—Much shocked at the death of Mrs. McComb; but perfectly horrified at the suicide of Lord Castlereagh—It recalled to my mind a speech of Lord Liverpools the night of Miss Caton’s wedding; when he told me his Lordship was subject to the Eresipelas in the back of his head; and that it confused his idea’s so much frequently; as to incapacitate him from business—It is said that his father was insane, and that it is hereditary in the family—The Count and his daughter sat here an hour last Eveng.—He says he is acquainted with the President, who dined with him frequently in paris—that it was with him he transacted the Louisanna business—R. King has been the best friend he has had in this Country, notwithstanding his dislike to Napoleon—

					Joseph cannot bear any body that puts him into a book He is much beloved by the poor in this village—


Title: From Baron Hyde de Neuville to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 25 September 1822
From: Neuville, Baron Hyde de
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					Paris ce 25 Septembre 1822

				il m’a été bien pénible Madame de partir sans vous revoir et sans scavoir si Je pouvois vous être bonne à quelque chose sûr cet ancien continent que vous aimez et où l’on aimeroit tant a vous revoir, Je viens donc vous demandez vos commitions qu’il me seroit si agréable de remplir puisque ce seroit un Moyen de me rapeller au Souvenir d’une des personnes que Je regrette le plûs d’avoir quitées et dont il me seroit les plûs pénible d’être oubliée.J’ai dit à Mr. Le Barron de thuylle qui veut bien se charger de cette lettre tout Le plaisir qu’il trouveroit dans votre Société il me parroit lui Même fort aimable et Mr de Polética dont il est L’ami nous en a dit beaucoup de bien lorsqu’il etoit question pour Nous d’aller au Brésil où il se trouvoit alors.nous venons de nous établir dans un Logement que nous Meublons afin D’Eviter les hotels garnis qui sont à la fois incommodes et chers et ont le grave inconvénient de ne point offrir de Place pour Etablir Livres et Papiers deux articles de première Nécessité pour Mr. de Neuville. Nous Sommes dans le quartier de Monsieur Galatin et de Plusieur américains de Nos Amis de Maniére qu’il nous Semble tenir encore à Notre seconde Patrie car c’est ainsi que nous nommerons toujours Les Etats-Unis.vous aurez sans doute cet hyver Mr James Gallatin qui part avec Mr de thuylle et Mr L’archevêque de BaltimoreJe ne puis vous parler avec Eloge des nouvelles Modes depuis que Les Dames et même quelques hommes se sont avisez de prendre le Costume des charetiers et cela à la Lettre, toutes les Elégantes sont en Blouse  et ces Blouses ressemblent beaucoup à un Sac bien ample Lié avec une ceinture et des Brasselets de Cuir Je doute que votre aimable Nièce adopte ce costume et cache sa Jolie taille sous ce ridicule VêtementMde Cruger qui est ma Voisine m’a Priée Madame de la rapeller à votre Souvenir et à celui de  Madame frye voudrez vous bien chere Madame être mon interprette et celui de Mr de Neuville (qui Mêt son Respectueux hommage à Vos Pieds) auprès de Monsieur Adams et des Mesdames Vos soeurs, et recevez les Nouvelles assurances des Sentimens de bien Sincere affection que Vous a depuis longtems vouez / Votre S.
				h. hyde de Neuville


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 26 September 1822
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					My dear Son.
					Washington 26. September 1822

				Upon your return to Cambridge at the beginning of your Senior year, I wish to remind you of your father’s hopes and wishes by a word of encouragement and advice—Although upon the half-yearly list in June last your standing in your Class was not so high as you had expected, and I had flattered myself it would be, yet the testimonial of President Kirkland, both with regard to your conduct, and to your Scholarship was very favourable—Your number was 21, but with only 5 marks more than you had it would have been 11—Your reputation is very good, but there was in the last half year some relaxation of the exertions you had made in the preceding year—One half-hour more a day of close study than you gave would have more than yielded you the 5 marks, and placed you where I had required of you to stand at that time—within the first twelve—You must more than accomplish this  before the next vacation—The President expressly writes me, that by perseverance, you will yet improve in your standing, but I ask you to do more than persevere—you must redouble your applicationYou have now before you as I learn from your brother George a laborious term—Let me intreat you to make the best improvement of it—I hope to hear from you and of you before its close, in such manner as will enable me to invite you to come pass the winter vacation with us.  Remember that if you do come, you must bring your welcome with you; and that must be a gain of more than the five marks which were wanting to fulfill my expectations and your own last JuneGive my love to Charles and tell him I have been much distressed to hear of his illness—Mr Bouley mentions that he saw him last week and Quincy, quite recovered at  which I greatly rejoice—I hope to hear good accounts of him as well as of you. I shall write to him very soonI am your ever affectionate father.

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 September 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Borden Town 27 Sept-1 Oct. 1822

				27 Sept—In the Evening the Count and Countess came to visit us and sat above an hour conversing very pleasantly though not very favourably of Miss Keene who appears to be no favorite with him notwithstanding her evident desire to attract his attention—The young Lady seems to have taken a sort of partiality for me; and politely expressed a wish that I would prolong my stay in Borden Town as my visit had really afforded them the greatest pleasure, and they were happy to have had the opportunity of becoming acquainted with me—On taking leave the Count insisted that we should all dine with him on the Sunday as a last parting; and Mrs. Hopkinson engaged for the whole; upon which he came to me—but having a very severe cold I thought it would be prudent to decline and made my excuse to which however he would not listen—A Miss Mortimer a young Lady just returned from France, a fine Girl but a most inveterate talker was at one of the company—but he pointedly omitted her in consequence of her having questioned the poor little Countess, either too closely concerning France; and treating her with more familiarity than is usually expected in any country—without an introduction—He is very much pleased at my wearing an american Bonnet; and say’s the Ladies in this Country sacrifice their patriotism to their vanity—28. The weather was very bad, and my Cold worse—Received invitations to point Breeze, which were generally accepted and only partially by me, on account of my indisposition—Mr Newman a Cousin of Susan’s husband, paid us a visit; and Miss Pierson; a remarkably pretty Girl; whose manners are far superior to the generality of young Ladies here, who certainly allow themselves freedoms bordering on licentiousness—There are two staying with Madlle. that are a disgrace to genteel society; and who certainly give her the most erroneous ideas of our manners—and it is thus that foreigners by an unfortunate selection of acquaintance, misrepresent us so much in their works, or rather trash books published in Europe—In the Eveng. I took a walk with Miss Mease, and my brother to the Spring—This is a most rural promenade made by Mr. Hopkinson and embellished by Trees and rustic benches, in which you can always enjoy the shade—After we returned we took our Tea, and then adjourned to our Whist Table; where we had as noisy a party as you can possibly imagine; absolutely shouting with laughter at every jeu d’esprit, and pun which were uttered, and which fall with copious abundance from our lips—They have the whim here of fancying me like Mrs. Dashkoff, who is there piece of perfection, and I fancy I owe much of their kindness to this resemblance, having no pretence to the possession of attaching qualities in myself—29 At four o’clock we went to Point Breeze, and immediately after a consultation took place to decide how we should amuse ourselves; and it was determined that the barge should be prepared, and that we should row down the Creek for an hour or two previous to dinner—We walked into the Grounds, and went to see some pictures in a house belonging to him, in which the Strangers are lodged who visit him; and here one of the Miss Monges exhibited a scene which I confess astonished me a little—When he asked me to walk up stairs, he desired Miss Monges to see if her apartment was in a state to be seen; expressing his doubts upon the subject—and giving her time to make arrangements. On our entering the apartment which is very handsome, he observed that one of the Window Curtains was closed, and obscured the prospect; and went directly to it took the pin out of the Curtain, and pulled out two Gowns, and a dirty flannell petticoat, which Miss Cora had thus concealed, and gave them to her Sister; when Miss Cora walked in, and on his speaking to her about her slutishness, she siezed him by the Collar of his coat and held her finger in his face, shaking it in a threatening attitude; so disgusting, that we could scarcely forbear expressing our indignation at her ill manners, and her vulgarity.—We continued our promenade after this adventure, and he gave me a laughable account of his first visit to see the place which belonged to Stephen Suir, the handsomest old man he says he ever saw—He was accompanied by a french Gentleman who told Mr Suir, that he was come to purchase a house, and some Land; and that he had been looking at several situations in the neighbourhood—upon which Suir answered, that he had arrived at a fortunate moment, for that two days earlier he should have asked him fifty thousand dollars for the place; but that Joseph Bonaparte had crossed to Trenton the day before, and purchased Lansdowne; in consequence of which he would let them have it for thirty, though he had always intended that place for a King, as none but a King could embellish it as it ought to be!—Joseph says he could not help smiling, but he kept his own secret; and Mr. Caray—brought Suir down to sixteen thousand Dollars, and the bargain was all but completed, when Mrs. Suir entered, and declared that she would never consent to the sale unless, he would purchase an old family Clock at an exorbitant price, and she might take a Spring bolt off her chamber door, for which she had a prodigious affection; all of which was granted, and in addition he took a fine french bed for which he had no use, to please her Ladyship—He offered this to the Gentleman who was with him; but he declined accepting any thing so unsuitably fine; and it was left for lumber in one of the out buildings—Mrs. S. taking a stroll round the Garden observed this, and the Count says, she threatened to bring a suit against him for contempt of her elegant property—He say’s that when his furniture arrived he was very much surprized to find Suir very busily unlading the Carts; and he immediately slipped off his Coat, and began to work with all his might; but what was very remarkable, Mr. S. had not the least suspicion that he had really sold his place to him; until after he had quitted that part of the Country; and then he published an account of Joseph unpacking his things, in all the papers which he (Joseph) says, did him more good both in this Country, and Europe, than any thing in his life ever did before—He avoids every thing like distinction, and say’s he wishes to be considered as an American gentleman only—We had a charming dinner and afterwards the Tragedy of Iphigenie of Racine, which he read in a fine style assisted by his daughter, Miss Monges, and Capt Sarry—Mr Hopkinson say’s he is a fine Scholar; and he appears to me to be a man of taste and judgement, without parade and ostentation—Egotism à la Morgan—On parting I sent thanked him for his polite attention, as well as his daughters; and expressed a hope that I might be enabled to make some slight return at some future day—to which they replied they only wished that my stay could be prolonged among them, and that they regretted very much the necessity of my departure—Walked home with Gen "P" Allemand30 This morning we prepared to come to Town, and the Ladies of the family have become so partial to me, that they insisted on accompanying me to Town, which gave me great pleasure, and we all embarked together—When we arrived at Bristol we landed, intending to look over Mr Craigs house, but had not time to accomplish our undertaking; and returning to the Boat, found Mrs. Mayo and her daughter and Mrs Morgan Gibbs, who were immediately introduced and we found formed one party till we arrived in Town, where we parted to meet again tomorrow—1 Octb—I found Letters from you, George and Charles; from the latter one of the best I ever received. I sent your Book to Mr. Walsh—Called on Mrs. Lowndes, who visited me while I was out, and Miss Oat Otis—They were both at home; but Mr. Lowndes it is apprehended is going fast to that unknown world to which we must all look forward; and Major Delavand informed me that his Wifes case, was utterly hopeless—I likewise called on Mr & Mrs. Sergeant who are both sick, and who have lost their lovely boy, and are in deep affliction—I also returned a number of visits of ceremony, among them to Mrs. Pedersen—And passed the Eveng at Hopkinson’s where I met Mr. & Mrs. Hall; and really we had a most delightful time—Could you enjoy such society freed from the cares of State, and which you are so calculated to adorn; it would prolong your life, or rather you would live double the time in the same space; for we only really live when we enjoy the company of those we love—Visit from Judge Verplanck—and N BiddleI hope I am not spoilt, but I am almost afraid—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 29 September 1822
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

				23.
					My dearest Friend
					Washington 29. September 1822

				Your last Journals yet received, are of the 23d (last Monday) from Border Town—You were then engaged for Wednesday, at Mrs Lenox’s and I had concluded you would return to Philadelphia on Thursday—Yesterday therefore, and again this day, I was expecting a Letter from you, after your return. But Thursday came on here, what we take for the equinoctial Storm, and it is hardly yet over—If it came on at the same time where you were, it may still have prolonged your visit, and with such excellent company as you had found, it was perhaps the most comfortable manner in which you could weather the Equinox—This is my hope, which I more willingly indulge than my fear; which your silence for three days would otherwise ascribe to a new visitation from that same fiery Saint Anthony.George’s friend Briggs left us on Thursday—Johnson Hellen had come down the day before, intending only to pass a night with us—But was taken unwell with a bilious attack, which yet confines him—Robert Buchanan too has had a severe return of his fever, and has not left his bed these ten days.Poor Dr Huntt’s projected Elopement, flashed in the pan—I suppose you will have the whole story from another quarter—As he tells it; the Lady’s father appears to be the most unreasonable person of the three.I sent you yesterday a copy of my Book, of which after reading as much as you find interesting I wish you to make the disposal mentioned in my last—The Introduction contains the Summary of all its Contents—and the papers which have not been published begin at page 163.Will you tell Mr Walsh that I ask his attention to the three papers subsequent to that page, and to the five points stated in the introduction as my principal motive for the publication—For all the personal part of the controversy, whether with Mr Russell or Mr Floyd, I want neither aid nor cheering—But I want his deliberate and impartial opinion, upon the merits of the controversy separated from all consideration of persons—His revised opinion—I want it for two reasons—First because upon such topics I value his opinion more than that of any other Editor of a Newspaper in the Union; and secondly because he did give an opinion at the outset, before he had heard me on the question, and which I hope he will reconsider—He has expressed hopes wishes that I should make good my argument, while the Richmond Enquirer has told the world that I had asked to be heard again upon it, probably in vain: By the Richmond Enquirer I shall always be heard in vain, for any purpose of truth or Justice—But I do not so deem of Mr Walsh—Tell him further, that I value much his personal friendship, and am justly sensible to his kind feelings towards me—That I have seen and utterly discredit the cunning and base insinuations of his enemies and mine, that he had expressed in private contemptuous opinions of me as a writer; opposed to the favourable notice that he has given of me as such to the Public—That I well know his opinion of my Style, and am well satisfied with it; the more so, because though favourable in the main, it has neither been flattering, nor blind, or silent to its faults—With regard to the next Presidential Election, tell him, that in his Editorial capacity, I wish him to set aside all his feelings of personal regard for me, as completely as if there were no such person in existence—That as his friend, I would have him govern himself by two principles—First a view to the question as connected with the Public welfare only; and in subordination to that, secondly the discharge of his own duty as a public Journalist, and the success of his own Establishment—I would have him maintain his Independence, and be the partizan of no man—I say this now for several reasons—First because several of the presses devoted to others have set him down as a partizan of mine, which as he has never declared himself to be, I do not desire him to be. Secondly because in the general prostitution of the periodical Press, which this Election seems likely to produce I would gladly see its character redeemed by one really pure, disinterested and Independent Editor, and my esteem and regard for him leads me to wish that he may be the man Thirdly because you wrote me sometime since that he had told you he had no views beyond his present occupation and Establishment as this was precisely the situation in which it was proper that he should place himself with me, it is just that he should know I expect nothing from him as an Editor, on the score of his personal friendship for me—What a shocking affair, this death of the Marquess of Londonderry! What a comment upon the vanity of  human pursuits—the inanity of glory, and the impotence of power! What must have been the agonies of that mind; which in the midst of a career of unparalleled success, was thus driven to suicide by despair! I am far from thinking of him so ill, as he is generally thought of in this Country—I believe him on the contrary to have been a Patriotic British Minister, and a man of honour. His personal relations with me were always gentlemanly, conciliatory, and obliging—They have been uniformly the same with Mr Rush—And I fear we shall be no gainers by the exchange for his successor, whoever he may be—I am thinking if Napoleon and he should “meet at corript” what sort of Dialogue would pass between them—Ever affectionately your’s

					A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 October 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Mon Ami
					Philadelphia 2 Oct 1822

				It is my intention to return to you early next week unless my Dr. forbids; I will therefore beg you to send me some Cash to pay his bill although I fear you will think me very extravagant—.I am so surrounded by company, that I have not been able to continue my journal—Going this Even’ to Mrs. Hopkinson’s and to Mrs. Manego’s—Elopements appear to be the fashion among the medical tribe—Dr Physicks daughter has just married very much against his Will, and the poor man kept his bed in consequence and is quite sick—I have therefore not seen him, but suppose if I had I should not be at large and racketting as I now do—As ever yours

					L. C A—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 October 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Philadelphia 2-3 Oct. 1822

				2 October The day was so stormy we were entirely shut up but I received several visits notwithstanding—Miss Verplank and her father Mr. Lee &c and Mr. Connell who intends to visit Washington in a short time. We are becoming dull and fretful and I expect to embrace you on Tuesday or Wednesday next at farthest—Dr Physick is unwilling to part with me as I have gone through the operation but he does not think it completed; as however I am very well; I did not think it worth while to suffer again; as it really reduced me to a shadow—I have however promised him should I have any return of the complaint, he shall see me again at some future day—My brother is a new man, and I think is likely to become a strong and hearty man—for which I heartily thank God, whose mercies have indeed been great to me, both in this and every other instance—While we were sitting Count Survilliers Servant came with a small painting from Madlle. begging my acceptance of it as a remembrance, it being done by herself—I wrote my thanks and took the same opportunity of expressing my sense of her fathers attention—3 This morning I had quite a Levee Mr & Mrs. Pederson; Mrs. Manego; Mr & Miss Lee; Miss Mease, Major and Mrs. Jackson; and Mrs. Morris; and Mr. Keating, and Miss Biddle; as also Mr. Paul—Dr. Physick called but I was not at home—I intended seeing him yesterday, but his daughter eloped and married notwithstanding every precaution: and the poor man took to his bed very much indisposed—Mr. Pederson invited me to go to dine with him; because he said that he had dined with me at Washington several times—He detained Miss Mease, while I decided that I could not accept any invitation to large parties while absent from you—that I came to Philadelphia as a Nurse; and that I never had intended to go into company at all—He was excessively urgent and I equally positive; so that I got over my difficulty and the dinner was given up very much to the regret of Mr. Hopkinson; who say’s he gives the best dinners in the City. He is however in such torture lest any thing should occur contrary to ettiquette, that it is diverting to see him; more especially as is Lady is by no means an apt Scholar, though quite a genteel woman—She is however an American and among all her School fellows; therefore often distressed by her new dignity—In the Evening drunk Tea at Mrs. Hopkinson’s after which we went to visit Mrs. Manego, where I met Mr & Mrs. A Smith, Mr Short, and Mr. Izard; we passed a pleasant though sober hour—Mrs. M. is a very Lady like woman; highly accomplished, the daughter of Ralph Izard of Carolina, who was in Europe when you first went there. She told me she remembered seeing you, and your brother Charles in Paris—I visited Mrs. Izard with Miss Mease, as the old Lady was very desirous I should do so; She is 79 years of age; a very fine looking woman, and has the charge of Ralph Izards children who has recently lost his wife. He is an old acquaintance of ours as you may remember—In the course of conversation I was informed that Mr Poletica had written that Count Pahlen was re-appointed to this Country, as Count Woronzof Dashkoff had refused to come—they therefore exchanged and the latter goes to Munich—Mr A Smith is as much of a courtier as ever, and we performed all the ceremonies until we reached the pavement, á lá Russe—for the benefit of the Spectators! His Wife is the youngest Sister of Mrs. M— and was born in her Mother’s fifty 2 or 3d year; not very handsome—Dr. Physick has ordered Mr. Lownds to the South of France immediately, and they are to sail in ten days. This is the last hope and I much fear a forlorn one—At the meeting at the Bank a few days since Mr C Price attacked Mr. Cheves with the utmost violence, in a speech of two hours long—apparently to the satisfaction of a great many person’s—the more rational think Mr P. was too intemperate, but admit that he had had sufficient cause of offence—Mr. Lloyd will accept the Presidency on certain conditions, that he shall attend Congress during the next Session—that he shall have a month or six weeks every Summer to travel; and that he shall not commence his official duties until March; all of which it is said will be granted—I sent your book to Walsh but have not seen him since—He says you have kneaded Russel  to a paste, and there is nothing left for him but retirement—Your friends here have attacked me warmly upon your fastidious delicacy, which they all say is not suited to the times; and that you carry it to excess, and defeat your own cause—They entreat you to come here and show yourself if only for a week—and as my brother intends setting off for Washington on Sunday and Dr Physick will not let me go for another week; you can  come on and fetch me without any prodigious effort or injury to the publick business—Do for once gratify me I implore you; and if harm comes of it I promise never to advise again—I have already written so often on this subject that I dare not flatter myself you will listen to me; but I really and sincerely have your interest too deeply at heart, to refrain from persuading you to do that which I know will be beneficial; as your enemies are hard at work to represent your reserve to your disadvantage, and to attribute your coldness to aristocratic hauter, and learned arrogance; and they say they must have a President that they dare speak to—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 3 October 1822
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My dear Son.
					Washington 3. October 1822

				It is long since I had the pleasure of writing to you or of receiving a Letter from you; yet there has not been a day when you have been absent from my mind and from my heart. I learnt with sorrow and great anxiety that you had been sick, and hope that you have entirely recovered. The accounts that I received of your proficiency were that you had improved in your standing with the Class, and that with continued perseverance you would rise much higher—I still flatter myself that upon the lists to be made up at the close of the present term your name will have risen more than it did in the preceding half year. Your Mother who is yet at Philadelphia, and your brother George have lately received from you several Letters with which they have been much gratified—Will you not let me have the same satisfaction? The last Letter which I received from you gave me a promise which you are yet to fulfill—Write me soon, and write me with confidence and sincerity —Say that you are better satisfied with yourself than you were, and speak comfort to your / affectionate father.

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 October 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Philadelphia 5 Octr. 1822

				When I closed my last sheet I expected to be laid up again but Dr. Physick has decided that it is unnecessary  at present and I am still at large. He has however determined to operate on my brother again tomorrow morning which will delay our return untill the middle of the week. I went out and returned several visits and afterwards took a family dinner at Walsh’s where I met de Menou Mr. Allen Smith and Dr. Chapman. Our dinner was very social the conversation well supported and I never saw Walsh to such advantage—He seems to think that there was some family disagreement in the Marquess of Londonderrys affair and say’s he cannot agree with you in  the idea that Lord Londonderry was a patriot—I do not understand Walsh. I doubt a little if he understands himself—De Menou was as inflated as ever an American frenchman en place—how the two things assimilate I leave others to decide I think they can never amalgamate, more especially when the man is an Ultra of the highest order—A. Smith is a specimen of the ancien regime, in its most courteous, most pompous time—possessing all the superficial arrogance and of  flashy froth; putting implicit trust in powder and pomating to impress the multitude with an idea of his superiority—I was absolutely tired with his prosing accounts of his intimate acquaintance with the nobility of all the Countries he has visited; and though aware he spoke the truth, was nauseated by the largeness of the dose—I do not dislike such things in their proper place, but they belong not to our element—Walsh appears to be a strong partizan of Cheves and so does Hopkinson—It seems that McCulloch of Baltimore had the impudence to come here, and make a very insolent speech to the directors—This must be the brazen age!!—Chapman appears to me to live out of his proper age or century. He was made for those periods of time, when Jesters were the fashion, and calculated to play the fool in great perfection—They told an excellent anecdote of Mrs. Trumbull; who they say shut herself up when the King of England died—refusing to see any one; and then appeared in deep mourning, announcing that her Grandpapa was dead—Thus this mysterious personage implies, that she is an illegitimate princess—I observed that there were some strong  characteristicks and traits of resemblance to the Present King; which might serve as a foundation for the claim of relationship—I hope his Majesty will enter his claims to the Lady, for she is well calculated to adorn the hemisphere of his Court—I left this little circle early to visit Mrs. Sergeant, whose family has been so deeply afflicted. She is still very ill and all the Children have the whooping cough. Sergeant is better but still obliged to take the bark, to keep off the enemy. I passed a delightful evening with him, and his family. His conversation is to me of the most agreeable kind, and there is a mild plainess in his manner, (if I may so express myself) that is very impressive—The effect he produces on me is perhaps owing to the feeling of security with which my mind is filled, in the conviction that I am talking to a truly honest man—He said that the papers stated that Mr. Gallatin was to remain another year in France which he was sorry to hear—Lowndes is ordered to France, and he thought that it would be very agreeable to him to have that place—more especially as the state of his health rendered a residence in that Country absolutely necessary—He has refused to go I understand and his life is despaired of—S.– likewise talked about General Brown who he says he believes to be a very deserving man—I told him some pains had been taken to impress me with the idea that his mind was gone; and that I should like to know what he thought on the subject—He answered that he had conversed very freely with him, and with great watchfulness to ascertain that point and that he (S–) was perfectly convinced the mind was as strong as ever: and that B. had a very clear insight into the state of things at present. That he was a man worthy of trust, and might be relied on—The loss of their lovely boy has been a dreadful shock to the whole family, and I think Mrs. S. in a very bad way—Walsh say’s Sergeant has been dropped for Congress as if he had never existed—What a reproach to the State—And what is the Country coming to—Pensylvania deserves to sink into the mire; for she has neither pride or sense to maintain her own standing—It is ruled by an Irish faction of the lowest order—And the Federalists what are they? the servile imitators and adulators of every thing foreign that they have the sense to admire, but not the courage to attain—very much like Dr. Franklins Hog’s the Lazy drones of the Nation—designated Gentlemen—The consequence of which is that the whole old respectable and wealthy families are all ruined, and sunk to the bottom; while the scum of the earth are rising to the surface upon their débris—I know that to a certain degree this must be so; but assuredly not to the extent, and in the way in which it here takes place assisted by their onl own follies—I informed Walsh of what you said in your last. He tells me that he thinks your argument may be refuted, and that he still clings to his first opinion: that he has consulted Mr. Binney, and that he agrees in this opinion; though he say’s he does not know if the contrary opinion, can be securely sustained until he has examined it more thouroughly—He say’s the passages in your Letter are obscure; and bewilder him; and that the one concerning the election wants explanation. He repeats that he wants nothing and wishes for nothing—mais je doute—He say’s that many of the Federalists quarrel’d with him for supporting your Oration; but he was determined to support you independent of any personal motive: and that he is still determined so to do, on the ground of the real welfare of the Nation; unless some Candidate should be started that pleases him more—All very fair—de Menou is full of shrugs, and diplomatic insinuations concerning despatches just received which must detain you at Washington—Are we to have a Spanish War? or a new depot? Anduaga arrived post haste the night before last. They say to take his Congé—Have the house put into its Winter Costume—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 6 October 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Philadelphia 6 Octbr 1822

				Still in this City I again write you and probably for the last time until I get home—Your last Letter pleased me very much I discovered more attention to composition and an easier and more correct style than in any before received—Your time will now however be so constantly occupied that you will have but little leisure to form a continued correspondence with me but I shall expect to hear from you whenever you can write without inconvenience and John must be more punctual than he has been during the vacation for even the Shafts of Cupid must not estrange him from his Mother—I have passed a couple of weeks at Borden Town with Mrs. Hopkinson’s family and became acquainted with Joseph Bonaparté who was most kind and attentive to me during my stay—He told me that his nephew young Bonaparté was in College and I understood was your Classmate. he is said to be a very fine young man and it would give me great pleasure if by your civilities to him you would in some measure repay my debt to his Uncle to whom I fear I shall have no opportunity of returning the civilities which he literally showered upon me during my stay in his delightful neighbourhood—Your Class is much encreased I understand and by some good students this will operate on you so as to produce emulation and urge you to  work for distinction because you must desire to equal your competitors—I like your observations exceedingly on the subject of Miss Q. and your Brother they show a correct and accurate idea of what ought to be and I have always regretted the tendency to the contrary which has frequently manifested itself when opportunity has offered to betray this evil propensity in others—Had you however acquired your early notions in the narrow sphere in which theirs were imbibed you would in all probability have felt the same degrading attachments—Time will correct this evil and you will be very much surprized at the change in George which threatens to run from one extreme to the other—God Bless you both my Son’s may you be as hap the wishes of your most affectionate Mother  you will ever be the prayer of

					L C Adams.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 October 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Montizillo 7th. October. 1822

I thank you for the present of your Book and your kind letter of the 24th. September. It was wisely done to collect all those papers together and arrange them in order that posterity might see them in one view without ransacking twenty libraries for the newspapers and the pamphlets of the day. Without this prudent precaution they would probably have never been all read by any one individual. You have been laid under the necessity of doing all that you have done in self defence against an attack and unforeseen as it was unnecessary and you have defended yourself with great ability and I think with sufficient moderation. With Mr Russel and the family into which he married I have had an agreeable acquaintance for several years and I have no desire that this acquaintance should be interrupted during the few days I have to live. I shall leave this part of the controversy to the judgement of the public, and of Posterity without any strictures of mine—The publication of Mr. Lloyd’s letter and the other letter from the Merchant in Boston, I rejoice to see and I hope you will soon see a letter from Alexander Folger Esqr written in 1782. from Amsterdam whose account corresponds with Mr Lloyds.
Our dear John and Charles have spent their Vacation here, and have been very agreeable Companions. Mr Shaw left us this morning in pritty good health. he has for some weeks past been shut up in Ebelyn’s Library preparing a Catalogue of American Books for his Athenaeum which is now in a more flourishing condition than ever.
I shall remain till death your / affectionate Father
J. A


Title: From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 8 October 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, John Adams

My dear Grandson
Quincy October 8th 1822

David Hinckley Esqr of Boston and his amiable Daughter are about to travel in England. I earnestly recommend them to your particular and assiduous attention especially the accomplished Miss Ann and I pray you to introduce them in my Name as well as Your own to the Excellent American Minister and his Lady They will furnish you with ample details of all the News current in this Country
Your friends are all well at Washington. The silly controversy into which Your Uncle has been forced You will read in the Newspapers. He has acquitted himself with that fortitude, talent and frankness which have never deserted him from his Cradle. The public opinion in America appears to be more decisive in his favor than it ever has been upon any great question that I ever knew debated in this Country I regret the occurrence but the result is full of lessons of instructions to our American people. I regret it however on my own account & I have always had a pleasant acquaintance with Mr Russel and especially in the family into which he married that acquaintance however will not be renounced on my part.
The death of Londonderry seems to be an important event. His lordship appears to have been an active and intelligent Minister. his Catastrophe was as unexpected as Melancholy and unaccountable.
Your Native State of New York is growing into Wealth and power with astonishing rapidity we do not know what it will do with us, it overtops us all in such a lofty and sublime manner. We all most sincerely lament the Calamity which it has suffered in its Capital this Season and we all pray for a Sharp Frost to put an end to it. Write to me immediately how happy you are with the acquaintance of Miss Hinckley.
My Grand Daughter Caroline made me a Visit last Winter with three of her lovely Children and made me very happy My Grandaughter Susan Clark with her little Susan are at Utica with her Mother and Sister they they are to pass the Winter
My Respects to Mr & Mrs Rush / and am your affectionate Grandfather


Title: From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 10 October 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, George Washington

My dear Grandson,
Montezillo 10. Oct. 1822.

I have received your letter of the 23d ulto. & your father’s letter & octavo volume mentioned in it The book will answer for itself wherever it goes & I hope will satisfy the world.
If you take the “Old Colony Memorial” you will see some ancient documents concerning the fisheries, if you do not take that paper I hope you will subscribe for it, for it is of great importance to the history of your country.
It is true that a royal fish has been vomited up on the coast of your farm, & I wish that you had been here, not only to gaze at the animal but to contemplate the numerous beauties that hastened to see the spectacle, & to become acquainted with the venerable characters that visited it for the same purpose, among the rest the respectable Mr and Mrs Lewis from Virginia & their beautiful daughter. —
The “custom of the coast” is like a multitude of other customs of the coast, such as robbing orchards & gardens by night & by day, stealing shagbarks wherever they are to be found, & girdling the trees that bear them for the supply of the old womens dye-pots, stealing cranberries & strawberries in whatever meadow or pasture they are to be found, stealing wood from your fathers & my woodlands & from all other woodlands to whomsoever they may belong, stealing clams & seaweed, & sand from your fathers farm—these are all customs of the coast.—
I rejoice to hear that a university is springing up at Washington, Anabaptists as they are, I hope they will not compel candidates for admission to swear to Anabaptism, or any other creed or confession of faith—A university ought to be as free as the air or the ocean.—
The drought has been so severe as to dry my pond, which furnished water enough last year to save my house. We have been obliged to dig ditches in it six feet deep to come at any water.
Your brothers have returned to Cambridge & I shall miss them very severely for I want company to preserve me from Ennui, being deprived of my constant resource reading & writing. I hope that your father gives you employment enough in that way which will soon teach you to write as good a hand as his.—
Your Affectionate Grandfather
J A


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 17 October 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 17 Octbr. 1822

				I sent you from Philadelphia an odd volume of A Sketch of Old England which I wrote your name in and addressed to Quincy—The second was stolen from me but as their some good matter in the first and as it is a book in which there is no history to break it would be worth reading though it cannot rank as a perfect work in your collection—I shall soon send you the favorite of Nature which is said to be excellent—I have not perused it and therefore can give no opinion of my own either for or against the tide of popular opinion all I know is that it appears to have a moral tendency which is very much to its advantage—You and your brother have been at College some time and I account for your mutual silence by my knowledge of the labours attendant on a new term—From Charles I cannot expect to hear as I know that this is the trying year of the four and all his time must be devoted to the great and perhaps irksome duties of his career which I feel convinced he will get through much more easily than he at present contemplates although I am aware that many difficulties must cross his path—You on the contrary have passed all the dangers and many of the toils and will have ample leisure to correspond with me and thus afford me every information respecting you both which you know is so highly interesting to your Mother—On the subject of your visit to Washington I would advise a total silence to your Grand father and wait without any particular notice until the time arrives which will prevent any appeals from our purpose which George writes tells me have been threatened at Quincy—Your father is at present quite determined and I have no doubt will continue so—I am hurt by your long silence and cannot imagine to what to attribute it—If therefore you wish me to forgive you resume your old habits and be assured of the love and esteem of your Mother

					Louisa C Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 25 October 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 25 Octbr. 1822

				John in his last Letter to me tells me that you make a secret of my Letters to you and will not let him see them—I did not think you were so boyish more especially since you have become a Sophomore—Do not then embitter by such nonsense the hours you have to spend together and be  assured that the affection of your Mother is so equally divided between her Sons that each is the equal object of her care and attention—We had a party here two nights since given to Mrs. Orne of Boston and to Mrs. W. Ramsey just married to Mr W. Ramsey of the Navy—with all the Bridal party among whom the beautiful America Peter shone forth in all her charms and captivated a large portion of the beaux.—The ladies danced and it was in all respects one of our old parties and went off very well—I observe what you say about young Bonaparte and am really much obliged to you for your Lordly condescension. It will soon I think not admit of a doubt that you are very arrogant and from your readiness in assuming the character of a Glorieux I think it will be as evident that it has long been practiced and sits very easy—If you were to ask my opinion of the merits of such a character I perhaps should make some observations which would not gratify your taste for it I will therefore omit them until you put the question to me in form—I have been so often interrupted I must conclude my Letter and only say that I have seen Mathews and was very much pleased with his exhibition which is not however of a nature to see more than once George has felt his usual extacies and even deserted our party to visit the Theatre a second time—Adieu do not hide this Letter from John and believe me as ever your affectionate and devoted Mother

					L. C. Adams.

					P.S. Do not be over ready to get acquainted with the Cambridge belles—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 25 October 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 25 Octbr 1822

				Your last is written under such disagreeable circumstances it partook a good deal of your general discomfort in its tone and expression. I have therefore delayed my answer until your difficulties shall be smoothed and your usual equanimity returned when I know my Letter will be welcome and you will not misconstrue the affectionate anxiety of Parents who have perhaps an exaggerated idea of the merits of their children and portion their anxiety to this (no doubt) erroneous standard—As to your love affairs I can only say that I think the young Lady formerly mentioned deserves the approbation of your friends and that if you were a few years older such a connection would be very gratifying both to your father and myself—And we are certain that you can never form an attachment which could either degrade yourself or your family knowing as you do that you cannot aspire beyond yourself in this Country—Time flies most rapidly and I scarcely believe that a month has nearly elapsed since your term began I look forward to December with great impatience and hope if we do not have a quiet winter we may have one partially gay—Miss Hopkinson is to come and pass a part of the season with us and as she is not a beauty that is likely to set all the inflamable elements in motion we may go on very well—You must however take care of your Cousin whose propensity to mischief encreases with her growth—She is a fine showy woman in her person with a fashionable air in every other respect exactly as she used to used to be—I shall send your book by the first favorable private opportunity in the mean time believe me as ever your affectionate Mother

					L C Adams.

					P.S. Do not misunderstand your fathers intention or you injure both yourself and him—Charles makes a mistery of his Letters to teaze you I suppose and by way of assuming consequence—quite a Sophomore trick—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 1 November 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 1 November 1822

				I am so concerned at the style of your last Letter I hasten to answer it immediately although I have not had it more than an hour. Your health which is so precious to both your father and myself is our first care the state of your mind the next—If the first I charge you to take great care. You know the remedies I always apply for a cough as unfortunately you have had too much experience of this desease put on one of Oliver’s plaisters wear flannel waistcoat and yarn stockings Eat very little meat and live much upon milk taking new laid Eggs raw. Follow this advice and adhere to it for some time and I hope you will do well—Of your spirits half of your malady is owing to your age and a little fortitude will carry you well through your difficulties and dangers—Avoid reading Novels and as much as your peculiar studies will admit reading books which enfluence the imagination bend your mind as much as possible to mathematics which will in time blunt the edge of the keen sensibility you now complain of—These plans my beloved son appear hard nay almost impossible to you but believe me when I assure you that a little perseverance will conquer all your difficulties and the feelings which now hurrass you to death will gradually lose their ardour and you will be yourself astonished at the change—I do feel most sensibly for you and continually condemn myself for having foolishly been the cause by my thoughtlessness of your present suffering—Do not punish me so severely my son as to relinquish the prospects which open before and blight your future days by any indiscretion—I will not reproach you for your mention of your Grandfather because I am sure you did not mean to be disrespectful and rely upon it every allowance will be made for your age and nothing more expected of you than you can perform—If you are sick go to Dr Welsh; and tell Hariet I sent you there to be taken care of—Open your heart to me and do not decieve in any respect your devoted Mother

					L C Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 6 November 1822
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, John Adams

Dear Sir
Washington 6 November 1822.

I enclose under cover to you a Packet, addressed to R. H. Crewe Eqr. etct, etct, etct, Office of Ordnance—Pall Mall—London—And a Letter directed to Mr William A Beckett—Solicitor N. 20 Golden Square London—I will thank you to cause them to be delivered at their respective destinations, requesting receipts for them, which I beg you further to transmit to me
Yours faithfully.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 7 November 1822
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Department of State Washington 7th. November 1822.

				I have forwarded to you a Copy of the Additional Census of Alabama, in virtue of an Act of Congress of the 7th. of March last; the receipt of which you will be pleased to acknowledge.I have the honour to be, very respectfully, / Sir, /  Your obedt: & very hu. Servt.

					J. Q. Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 11 November 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					Dear John
					Washington 11 Novbr. 1822.

				It is sometime since I have written you in consequence of indisposition I have therefore two of your Letters unanswered—It was scarcely possible for so great a belle as Miss A Quincy to take particular notice of a certain young gentleman without my hearing of it—publick rumour has many tongues and though you may not yet be a subject of sufficient importance to excite attention the young Lady certainly is and her name gives consequence to her admirers—Concerning your visit to us I think you need not be under any apprehension as I am sure that it cannot fail this Winter and I anticipate the pleasure of seeing you both with great impatience—You must however come determined to be dutiful and obedient and to submit to any little unpleasantnesses of which this Session bids fair to produce a great abundance—I have not yet sent you the books and I believe I shall keep them until you come that I may get them bound—You have probably seen the papers lately published against your father by that most respectable being Mr. Colvin who has been displaced from your fathers Office on account of manifold transgressions of too low and too shameful a character to enumerate—His abuse will however be little felt even though he may sometimes have come within  a line or two of truth in the delineation of some of your fathers habits which though they may not be fashionable of or of much consequence either to him self or the publick may give scope to an envenomed pen for vulgar ridicule and broad caricature—I am obliged to quit you as the Carriage is waiting God Bless you nurse your Brother well for on you I rely to take care of him—for your affectionate Mother

					L. C. Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Harriet Welsh, 14 November 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Washington 14th. November 1822.

				I enclose you a Letter for Miss Hinckley my dear Hariet which I am extremely happy to furnish and which I hope will be the means of procuring both pleasure and comfort to herself and her father during their residence in Paris.—As I am not in the habit of writing mere Letters of recommendation the one I now send is perhaps not in the usual elegant style of such Letters but if it answers the intended purpose I presume it will be acceptable—Present my best respects to Miss Hinckley and tell her I will thank her to send me three trimmings for Dresses of the muslin and colored Tape—She will be a judge of the Quantity and I should like to have them sent as soon as convenient—With a box of artificial Flowers to ornament my Table of course not the most expensive kind—I was very sorry not to see more of Hariet Otis during my stay in Philadelphia but her mournful occupation prevented the possibility of free intercourse—I called many times on her & Mrs Lowndes—Of my boys you say nothing Charles’s health is very delicate and I have told him to go to you should he have another attack which I know you will excuse and I rely on your kindness as there are reasons why I cannot send them to Quincy—They are to pass the Winter with me and this is a point which for every possible reason I will not give up you must therefore keep the old Gentleman in good humour or harm may come of it—I do not understand one word of the latter part of your Letter for we are as mysterious as ever Mr Smith has had great trouble to get into a situation but it is at last settled and he is placed in Mr Cutts’s Office at a Salary of 1150 Dollars a year I wish he may keep at it but I fear there are still roving plans in agitation—The severest Lesson’s sometimes produce no effect—Give my love to your father and Mother and believe with much esteem and regard your friend

					L. C. Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 November 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Sir.
Quincy November 15th. 1822

I received the letter you did me the honor to write me, on the 7th. of this month. Inclosing a copy of an additional return of the Census of Alabama in virtue of an act of Congress of the 7. of March 1822 / and salute you with the respect and affection / of your obid: & very humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 23 November 1822
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Son.
					Washington 23. November 1822.

				I have had some time on hand your Letter of the 4th. instt. and although it would have given me great satisfaction to have known that you were continuing to rise as constantly and steadily in the scale of your Class, as you had risen rapidly in the course of the last year, yet I should much rather see you again descending as low as you had ever been, than that you should rise upon no better foundation than such artifices, as you describe in the practice of others. It has been my endeavour, as it was my duty to stimulate you and your brothers to ardent and persevering exertions, for the acquisition of Science, and for the attainment of those capacities, which will be necessary for you to fill with usefulness and reputation your future life—It is an old adage that “every man is the artificer of his own fortune”—and so you will find it. And all that I have ever asked of you, or of your brothers has been that you would do justice to yourselves—I have said nothing to you, upon the subject of your declamation for the prize; nor did I wish you to say any thing to me about it; I knew, that you had been disappointed by an accidental failure of memory—As this might happen to any one, my only concern was, from sympathy with your feelings, and my earnest hope is that it will not operate to discourage you hereafter—Success in first or second attempts is much less essential, than the Spirit which rises superior to mischance and overcomes difficulties—That stubborn and inflexible Spirit in the pursuit of right, is what I would specially desire for my children; and if I they have that, I shall think very little of those casualties which may occasionally impede their success—With it, I am sure they will succeed in the end.The time is now rapidly approaching when we shall expect the pleasure of seeing you here—I shall write to my brother, and request him to supply you and Charles with the necessary means for the JourneyI am your ever affectionate father.

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 26 November 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					Washington 26 Novbr. 1822.

				I have been so much engaged the last week at races parties and Ball it has been impossible for me to answer your last Letter or to write to CharlesEclipse as you have heard ran down poor Sir Charles who was totally unfitted by his lameness to oppose the pride of the North and I confess the race as it appears to me was altogether so unequal I cannot see any thing to boast of on the winning ride and much to complain of on the other for so cruelly sacrificing a noble animal as a propitiation for the gasconading of his silly Master—It was a good specimen of Virginia arrogance and put me in mind of John Randolph’s assertion in Congress some years ago that the “publick buildings in Washington surpassed every thing in the ancient Cities of Athens and Rome that had ever been displayed to the eyes of an admiring multitude”—This is Hyperbole upon stilts and upon a par with the equality of the two horses when they started for the bet—It is however very ridiculous to make Sectional questions of this trifling and absurd nature and thus keep up a war between North and South whose interests are so combined that mutual good will and good feelings should be the pride and safeguard of both—I am very happy to learn from your Letter to your father that you are doing so well but advise you in future to say but little concerning your position unless it is positively demanded as I think too much has already been said upon the subject and your father and I am willing and desirous to trust to your own exertions without extorting them as well as to Charles’s God Bless you my boy the time draws on fast in which I may hope to see you both in your natural home

					L. C. A—

					I have not been able to procure O’Meara—


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 30 November 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Johnson, Alexander Bryan

Dear Sir.
Montezillo November 30th 1822

A paroxism of ill health, which has confined me to my Chamber for several days, has prevented me from sooner acknowledging your favour of the 11th Instant. I sincerely wish it were in my power to comply with your request, by sending you copies of all my writings, which have been printed—They have been so dull that they have fallen abortive from the press and have never made much fortune in the world.
Lewis the 15th of France, is reported to have had One–hundred and Six Children, but I believe he never kept a Register of the Wives and Daughters that produced them. Probably he never saw Ten of them in his life. My little literary brats have been scattered about the World with as little caution. Many of them I have never seen since they were born—I have not a copy of the greatest part of them, and duplicates only of the enclosed—The Volume of “discourses on Davila”—is out of print. From 1809 to 1812 or 13, I wrote some account of my conduct under the Commission for peace and my Embassy to Holland, but I have not a copy of them at my command—They were originally published in the Boston Patriot. My Son says he cannot conceive how you can write upon the “Philosophy of human knowledge” without having something metaphysical in it. How much fame you may acquire by your book, I know not, but I venture to prophesy that you would make more profit by arguing one Cause at the bar or filling one Writ in your Office, than you or I shall make by all the Books we have ever written or may write. American books do not Sell in America.With my best love to Mrs: Johnson and all the family, I am, / Your Hble Servt.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 1 December 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, George Washington

Dear George
Montezillo 1st. December. 1822

I have received your letter of the 18th. November—your comparison of the horse race with the presidential race is happy. I believe that the partisans, of the cavalry are more zealous than those of the presidency. I rejoice that the discussion has begun so early. Characters will now be sifted, and the decision will show the national character” Know thyself ought to be the motto of this nation. Had the same freedom of discussion taken place from 1797 to 1800 the result of the election of 1801 would not have been the same American remembrancers, Prospects before us, Woods history, Alexander Hamiltons, John Adams—The ribaldry of Thomas Paine, and Calender, and the millions of libels in circular letters and hand bills, would not have passed unanswered—The truth is both parties wished to get rid of the incumbent president for he was the tool of neither. I am glad your Uncle
I am glad your Uncle Johnson is well enough to return; and I wish you to inform me, what appointment your Uncle W S. Smith has obtained. I have attended Tragedies, Comedies, and Farces, in Corunna Bordeaux, Paris, Nantz Amsterdam the Hague, London, Boston New York and Philadelphia, but never with more amusement than I heard read the tracasseries of the newspapers about the Presidency—I anticipate much pleasure from the speeches of Mr. Randolph who I hope has not wholly forgotten me—
We are all well and send love to all about you—I expect your Brothers at Thanksgiving, They are studious youths.—
Your affectionate Grand father
J. A


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 December 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

				Journal for 1822-23.

					1-2 Dec. 1822

				1 December 1822 This day being in tolerable health I renew my journal with the intention to pursue it through the Winter This Winter in consequence of the intriguing for the Presidency will be such an one as will furnish sufficient incident to make it interesting—As however I collect most of the news from mere publick rumour I do not vouch for the truth of it and it will of course be subject to the contrarieties fluctuations and prevarications of the times of publick report and the tattle of every day rumour—We attended at St. John’s Church to hear a funeral sermon on the death of Mrs. Middleton  a young lovely and interesting woman whose sweetness of disposition had gained the affection of all her acquaintance.—In a publick eulogy of this kind however we require subjects of more importance and lives sufficiently active and enlarged to afford material and scope for panegyric and though her death was uncommon it was not of such a nature as to bear the touch of publick record without the risk of infringing that delicacy which is the principal charm attached to her memory—Genl & Mrs. Van Ness were present as well as Mrs: Middleton—This was no doubt a great effort at fortitude but to me there is something so sacred in the grief of Parents or very near connections during the first days of their bereavement it is sort of sacrilege to display it to the cold unfeeling gaze of common spectators who feel a minutes woe then turn to gayer things and think of it no more—Was invited to spend the Evening with Mrs. Smith but was not well enough to go—Alone all day reading O. Meara The little mean tormenting tricks of Sir Hudson Lowe remind me of the Fairy Grognon and all those malign imps whom we read of in the Tales of the Genie who are always at the service of superior powers to inflict tortures on the unfortunate wretches who wreathe in their chains—To defend the character of Napoleon in all its points were indeed an Herculean labour but the voluntary submission he made to the English Nation ought to have exempted him from the petty tyranny to which he was subjected Chained to his Island all else should have been free and it is absolutely shocking and disgraceful to the feelings of human beings and Christians in this enlightened age and blasting to the Holy Alliance who are said not only to have sanctioned but to have urged it—Parables are drawn between this case and that of Queen Mary of Scots but even in a political light the cases are different Mary had an opportunity perpetually to intrigue being gifted with uncommon powers of fascination in the very midst of Elizabeth’s Subjects it was therefore absolutely essential to Elizabeth that she should be kept a close prisoner—Napoleon was out of possible reach of doing any extensive mischief he might therefore of been treated with all the indulgence which was possible always guarding his person with the utmost caution. There were are thirty Candidates for Clerk of the House from North South West, and East—2 Com Rogers his Lady and Sister called on me—I was however so unwell that I could not receive company—Being however much better at about three o clock I had a visit from a Member of Congress who I believe was Mr Patterson of New York In consequence of my sickness last year I am almost a stranger to many of the Members and find myself much at a loss to know them—We had a singular conversation in which I gave my opinion very freely on upon some of the measures of Congress of last winter which I represented in as strong a light as I could as being cruel and unjust and falling in a most oppressive manner and upon a class of the community little able to support it—That in undertaking to make such Laws which are good in themselves they ought to modify them so as not to totally to destroy those on whom they operated that one of these had actually plunged whole families in to despair and turned them into the Street without bread—It would be far better to make character and conduct requisite to appointments than to take needy and vicious individuals into office by way of pay for their power of intrigue among their friends and connections in different parts of the Country This is indeed a base practice dishonourable to the Government which sanctions it and disgraceful to the Nation—Mr A– went to a party at Com Tingeys which I declined—My Tuesdays commencing tomorrow I must take care to keep up so as to receive my company—Mary received a Letter from Miss Meredith saying she would visit us in January—There was no choice of a clerk in the House after six Ballots—A Number of the Members have brought their families—Mr A– brought home a capital caricature just arrived from Mexico—It represents a Carriage full of men to the four are attached eight Horses two to each wheel and each pair has a driver who is whipping them on with great earnestness each taking a contrary direction to the four corners of the World—In the back ground is the fortress of Ulloa in possession of the Spaniards and the Commandant is represented looking through a telescope and anxiously watching the working of the carriage or rather its dismemberment that he may seize the occasion for his own advantage—and that of his Nation—It is ridiculously suited to our own timesThe Vice President and his Lady have arrived and he is quite restored to health though perhaps not to spirits—He is to be a candidate for the Presidency—


Title: From William Cranch to John Quincy Adams, 2 December 1822
From: Cranch, William
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Sir
					Alexa. Decr. 2d. 1822.

				I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the 7th. Vol. of Wheaton’s Reports, the supplemental census of Alabama, and the commission of Tench Ringgold; as Marshall of the Dist. of Columbia, untill the end of the next session of the Senate.With great consideration / I have the honour to be / sir, yr. obed. servt,

					W. Cranch.


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 3 December 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					3-12 Dec. 1822

				Decbr. 3 A Snow Storm—No visitors—In the evening a small party in consequence of the extreme severity of the weather—It was however tolerably pleasant—Dr. & Mrs. Thornton Mrs Key Mr & Miss Tayloe, Mr Mrs. & Miss Pleasanton, Major and Miss Selden, Dr Wrightman, Miss Hanson, Miss Aldrich Miss Forrest, Judge McLean, Mr Cook of Illinois Mr. Rhea, Mr Lear Mr. Coxe Mr. Elgar and Dr. Huntt with the Corps Diplomatique—I like Judge McLean very well he is a very gentlemanly man and apparently a man of sense and information—Had musick and singing but no cards—Mr Canning who did not love musick grown fond of sentimental Songs—Indicative of la belle Passion, and our afflicted Widow whose bewitching  grief has produced a strong impression upon the senses, I will not say mind of this Gentleman—A man is in a bad way when he loves sentiment more especially the sentiment of sweet sounds. She told me a few days ago she was practicing her harp again as a resource from ennui during these long Evenings and to soothe her deep sorrows—She is a fascinating woman and well trained in the arts of allurement I think it is probable the Syren will conquer and be transplanted to a sphere for which she is well calculated and to which her ambition leads and soars—4 Paid my usual tax for entertaining and was very seriously ill all day so as to be unable to get up even to have my bed made Kitty came to sit with me and remained here the whole Eveng.She is always very kind in sickness—I was obliged to tell her a very disagreeable piece of news which sorely grieved me but the warning was necessary for her future comfort and I gave it—She was full of news among the rest that all the nominations for South America were to go in this week & that Hugh Nelson was to go to Mexico and all the other places were to be filled by Virginians—The President has strange whims this Winter among the rest that of giving no dinners to any one substituting Drawing rooms in their stead. This I was told in confidence the other Eveng and asked what I thought of it—I said that if he meant to have any peace during the remainder of his term of Office it would be absolute madness for even his best friends would desert him—He has got an old Negro woman to Cook who can scarcely do the business for the family properly—This is being radical with a witness I told the person who mentioned this thing to me that I wished I could let the President know how injurious such a plan would be for that I had too much respect for him to conceal the truth and that I had heard people say that they thought he degraded his Station—Even the radicals will incline to think him radically wrong—Another stir is making on the ettiquette business by Mrs. Johnson of Louisianna—They may go on in this way as long as they like I am a Republican the peoples servant not their slave—Calls from a number of Members—Mrs. Calhoun is said to be quite sick—5 Visits from the Members—Mrs. McLane of Delaware called upon me as did also Mr & Mrs. Bulfinch—The latter looks most wretchedly. I do not think she has enjoyed any health since she has resided in this place—Indeed the Capitol Still has always been considered very sickly since I have known it. I do not think it is likely to change its reputation until the Marshes behind it are drained—George dined with a large party at Mr Cannings and when he returned talked much of a wine called serchal pronounced here search all a quality not uncommon in wine Its effects did not appear enlivening as I never saw George more heavy Mr A told us there was a new Secretary appointed to the English Legation. The Corps Diplomatique is likely to be very numerous—The Portugueze Minister is short and fat with a countenance both lively and intelligent—He has travelled much was educated in England and there studied Physick—His character appears social and his disposition cheerful and communicative. He will probably not be much here—Mr Anduage the Spanish Minister is to reside at New York—There is something about the character of this man that must be very unpleasant. He is one of those beings in whom all confidence is destroyed he was attached to the Russian Legation and there seduced (as I am informed) the Wife of the Minister in whose house he lived—Since the death of the Minister he has married the Lady but he is detested by the reigning party in Spain and dreaded by that which preceeded it. This is the more extraordinary as he is a man of talents possessing many of those pleasing accomplishments which generally become passports to genteel society and almost always excite admiration if not respect—Passed the Eveng at home alone—6 Visits from the Miss Cottringers Gen Jessop Mr. Hill, Mrs page missing7 Went out and returned visits to Mrs. McLane and Mrs. Brown with Mary and a number of others in the City—At Mrs. Browns met Mr & Mrs. Colden the former of whom told me that the Marquis de la Fayette was about to marry Miss Wright the celebrated authoress whose travels through our Country have made such a flattering impression on the publick mind—Almost every great man seems to me to be doomed to commit some egregious folly I suppose to put him on a level with the rest of the species Even Cicero for the sake of obtaining a young and beautiful wife became a monster of ingratitude to one who had devoted herself to his service and saved him from ruin—a terrible blot to his otherwise great name—At home all the Eveng. George read OMeara to us—Can any one approve of the conduct of Sir Hudson Lowe I would not be that one for he must be greatly debased by nature and art who could find any thing in it but the most low and barbarous injustice I heard in England that the Emperor Alexander did not think any treatment too bad for him and sanktioned all the tyranny that was practiced towards—Could such conduct restore Moscow to him or in any way repair the mischiefs which Napoleon had done him. Having him completely in their power they only betrayed a vindictive unforgiving spirit diametrically opposite to christian charity—Much loss of character has been sustained by all the parties concerned and there is something very contemptible in the little mean and petty persecutions which they heaped upon a hero to whom they had so lowly crouched when in the zenith of his power—Few politicians will agree with me in this opinion—but there is no casuistry in sound reason—8 The morning being very wet I did not go to Church In the Afternoon Mr Adams George and Mary accompanied me to Mr Bakers the Presbyterian Church where I have a Pew—Mr Frye came and sat with us two hours —Hear nothing from Congress—9 A succession of visits this morning—Mrs. Porter Miss Barclay Mrs. Cutts Genl & Mrs. Macomb with his Niece and daughter Mrs. Crawford Mrs. Pleasanton and Miss Pleasanton Mrs. Woodcock Mrs. Blackledge Mrs Hill Mrs. Morgan and Mr Meigs the P.M.G—After which I went and returned the visit of Mrs. Colden and several others—In the course of conversation Mrs. Cutts told me that Mr Madison had been solicited to stand an election for Governor of Virginia and it is said he has given much disatisfaction by declining Genl Scott is also an unsuccesfull candidate notwithstanding the bewitching attractions of his Lady who it is said no one can resist The Reports of the marriage of Mr Canning and Mrs. Decatur and there certainly are strong evidences of attachment in both parties although only friendship—Dr Watkins came to introduce Mr Walter who is come to give a course of Lectures on Poetry and the Belles Letters—He is partially crazed and like his great prototype Lord Byron deals in the extravagant sublime—10 Returned a number of visits which extended from the Capitol to George Town—In the Eveng. had a large party of 100 persons 36 of whom were Members—Altogether the Eveng was pleasant—The Secretary of War and his Lady the Secretary of Navy and his Wife and daughters and the Corps Diplomatique with a number of Strangers—Talked a little with Mr Archer of Virginia who told me that Congress were penury itself this Winter—I asked how that happened with an overflowing treasury? Many compliments were paid through me to my husband and some from persons not belonging to Masstts. therefore not  forced—The young people danced but were not very animated—11 Waked without a headache—Mrs. Johnston of Louisianna came to return Marys visit and left a card—Mrs. Calhoun brought Mrs. Findlay a Senator’s Lady from Pensylvania and late Governor of that State and Mrs. Findlay Ingham—the husband’s of these Ladies who are said to be partizans of Mr Calhoun have not called on Mr Adams and this reverses the order of things n’importe I shall invite the husbands because the Ladies have called on me—The husbands in general pay the visit and all the difficulty hitherto has rested with my own Sex who are of much more importance in this our great Republick—Judge and McLean and Mrs. Way called and not knowing her I took her for Mrs McLean—Paid a visit to Poor Mrs. Van Ness and found her looking better than I expected from thence to Mrs. Rogers who can not go out—We found her at home and Mrs. Thornton who accompanied me sat and chatted some time—She is a very sensible woman—Mr A dined with Mr Petry—We were invited to dine with the President but Mr A– having had an invitation of long standing he thought it necessary to resign decline it—He is so constantly accused of Aristocracy and subserviency to the Chief Magistrate that he would not run the risk of remarks of an unpleasant nature I would not go without him—22 We are all well—I have scribbled through this sheet of paper in such a way I fear you cannot read it—It is not worth it—

					Events are so uninteresting that it is impossible to write any thing worth reading—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Samuel L. Southard, 9 December 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Southard, Samuel L.

					Washington, 9 December 1822

				Mrs. ADAMS requests the honor of Mr Southard’s company at Tea, on Tuesday Evening, the 10 of December and every Tuesday during the Session of Congress, when agreeable, at half past seven o’clock.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 10 December 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					Washington 10 Decembr. 1822

				Your Letter came yesterday and was received with even more pleasure than they generally are from its amiable and grateful tenor. Every advancement you make in your education or rather in the mutual improvement of both mind and heart is an additional blessing to you and to us and you will feel the delight accruing from it in the pleasure derived from the expansion of your own intellect and understanding and the approving smiles and enlarged affection and respect of your parents and friends Your father who is ever ready to reward exertion desires that you will begin your journey on the twenty third with John and only begs you will be prudent and run no risks as such a journey is always, more or less dangerous.We are beginning to be very gay and by the time you arrive shall have got into the depth of winter. I think I wrote you I had began my Tuesday Evenings We do not however intend to have much dancing at any rate not until the young Ladies arrive. You will I hope enjoy the winter more especially as you intimate that there are some changes in your character and these are of such a nature as to make you enjoy society I hope a little more than you have hitherto done—Mr Walter is here and we are to have some fine lecture on Poetry—There is likewise a Doctor Barber who is to give us Lectures upon something or other so that pleasure and improvement are likely to go together and we shall per probably retrieve our reputation as it regards dissipation—There is no scandal abroad and you know I always Keep out of the way of it if there was. I do not know a better medium for it than the one through which it reaches you that family having always been notorious for collecting and propagating it—I am obliged to conclude and it is likely I shall not write again—God Bless you my Dear Boy’s and take every precaution against the cold to make yourselfs comfortable and you will gratify your affectionate Mother

					L C Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 12 December 1822
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					My dear Son.
					Washington 12. December 1822

				I have written to my brother this day, informing him that I have consented that you and Charles should leave Cambridge, for your journey hither on the 23d. of this month, and requesting him to furnish each of you with 80 dollars, for the expenses of your Journey; an account of which expenses you will each of you keep to be exhibited to me. Take good care of yourselves on the road—We shall all be anxious for your safe arrival. / Your affectionate father.


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 14 December 1822
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					December 14, 1822

				& Miss Mason Capt & Mrs. Crane Mr. Kerby with several others Members of Congress—Mr. Petry came in the Eveng. and talked freely of the Bonaparté family He told me that while he was in Poland Napoleon was very much attached to a beautiful Polish Lady and that he (N.) rode fifteen miles every night during a fortnight at the risk of his life through the enemies Country to visit her—He likewise told me many particulars of Mr. Barlowe’s death which he say’s was caused by his extreme obstinacy and mismanagement. he would have no assistance until it was too late—We played Whist a game I encourage now and then with a view to save Mr A’s eyes14 We are all well my Dear Sir and in the midst of Congressional confusion—We were much amused by the perusal of two Letters published in the Christian observer from Mr. Jefferson and yourself—In yours I find all the vivacity and vigour which mark your style and a much better philosophy than in that of Mr Jefferson—You can not give a stronger evidence of patience than reading my scrawls.