Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 12 December 1802
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Boston 12. December 1802.

I have had your favour of the 30th: ulto: several days; and have taken time to deliberate upon its contents—And first as to the chemical apparatus—If you have not already procured one, we shall spare you any further trouble about it, as we have succeeded in obtaining a large one here, which will quite supersede the want of Dr: Woodhouse’s œconomical preparations—If however you have already engaged what I wrote for, send it forward, and charge me with the expence—As to 30 or 50 Dollars, I have only to say that Dr: Woodhouse’s complete apparatus is advertised for a few shillings in a printed book (Henry’s Epitome of Chemistry) and therefore if he asks more, we shall expect something more than complete—
You are a little out of humour with Philosophy, because her name has been shamefully abused—You might as well renounce Religion or Liberty, if that were a sufficient Reason—But the sound argument is from the abuse of a good thing to its utility—to its excellence—Not to its uselessness—Liberty, Religion and Philosophy are and must ever remain the blessings and ornaments of life, however they may sometimes get ill-sorted
As for your project, I shall be happy that you have undertaken it, if you have thoroughly reflected upon it in all its points of view—Thus I presume you have not engaged yourself so far, as to make your property responsible, for the loose contracts, and negligent performances of another man—Let me recommend to you particularly to consider very deliberately, how far you may implicate your property, by a share in the concern—for I am sure if you consider it thoroughly, you will use all due precaution for your own security.
If you do engage your property in it, let me next entreat you, to secure, if not an entire superintendcy over the accompts, and contracts, at least an ample controul over them—And do not fail to exert that controul with unceasing vigilance and circumspection.
Make up your account, for more mechanical and especially for more uninterrupted toil and drudgery, than you ever had while with me—Let it be an inflexible resolution, totally to remove that complaint of irregularity, which as you observe has been the great objection hitherto—and which has been so excessive that I am astonished, it has not totally destroyed the establishment—There is not another paper on this Continent which would not long since have expired under one half the offences it has committed in this particular—
At the close of this year great numbers of the Subscribers will infallibly fall off—You must determine to repair the losses, by extraordinary Industry and Care—Have nothing to do with it untill the six weeks in arrear shall be completely made up—Start fair—But speak for an heart of iron and for nerves of Adamant to carry you through—Your greatest danger is of thinking too lightly of what you undertake, before you begin
I could not help laughing, when you so strongly urged me to keep your secret—You may depend upon me—But you may lay it down as an axiom of universal application, that no secret can ever be kept, which you must communicate to more than one person—Now your’s must be known already, at least to two—Therefore you must consider it as known already to all the world, and form your expectations accordingly—You may keep your secret as long as you can—But place no reliance upon it whatsoever.
Do not think I say this to deter you from the enterprize—far from itvIf you conclude to go on, you shall have all the assistance in my power, and I pledge myself to my best exertions to support you, in the way you mention—I will furnish you with as much matter, original or selected, as the proportion I have supplied from the commencement of the paper, and you shall be sure of my good-will for ten times as much as it will ever be in my power to contribute.
But do not if you once engage, let your work be so neglected, as to make one ashamed of having any concern in it—Keep yourself steady, and make your fellow labourer more so, by gentle insinuation, and by all-conquering example—Have no apologies to make to the public, and then you will not have occasion to brazen it out with the Public, and tell them that your plan does not require regularity.
Your motives for thus engaging are fair and honourable, and I most cordially wish you success—Nor have I any doubt but that you will obtain it if you will but labour for it. Please to take notice, that N. 41. of the Port Folio, the proper date of which is Octr: 16. 1802 I have not yet received—Nor do I believe it has been at all received in Boston—All the preceding numbers I have, and also N. 42. dated Octr: 23, so that the number 41. must have miscarried in the conveyance—Take care to send me one, for I want it to complete my set here—At the same time I must observe that more than one of the subscribers here have intimated to me the design of dropping the paper, because of its irregularity—I presume that the Ode of Hegio is in that same number 41. for I have not found it in any of my numbers yet receivedvBut pray had you any particular object in referring me to the passage in Terence—or was it merely to let me know how highly and how justly you value your Hegio?
I shall endeavour, the next time I go to Quincy, to procure you the first number of Dumas’s précis des evenemens militaires, if it is there to be found—When you will get your books I know not—With most of mine, they are still pack’d up in a garret—And I cannot unpack, because I have no where to stow them—The res angusta domi, is a sad restraint upon learning as well as upon virtue.
You will find enclosed a thorough-paced Jacobin dream, quite in the sans-culotte costume, but I have not time to copy it again. It will take you some, and no small pains to read it accurately, but you will find it worth the trouble—If you do not find it contain more wit, than to Jacobin belongs, burn it, and let it be a profound secret—For the Jacobin from whom I had it, told me, that although he considered it in point of argument as an unanswerable defence of his favourite statesman, yet it would not do for the weak brethren, and therefore it must be a secret—Now I do not say that it is unanswerable—But I do say, that it is in point of argument the very strongest defence of the great man, which has yet appeared in print, against that charge—
Let me hear again from you soon—If you persevere in your plan I shall have an additional spur to Industry, and shall send you some more letters copied from the volumes whence that of old Franklin was taken.
Your’s truly.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 16 December 1802
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mother.
Thursday 16. Decr: 1802

If you can send in the Carriage, on Saturday, my wife and Caroline will go out to Quincy with me, and stay there untill Tuesday Morning—They intend to go to Plymouth with me—And the stage will take us up at Quincy Tuesday morning, on the way—I shall pay due respect to your sage counsels about dress—Though I hope you do not mean to insist that I should ride in the Stage, in breeches and silk stockings.
Your’s affectionately.
J.Q.A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Boston Board of Health, 16 December 1802
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Boston Board of Health

Gentlemen
ca. 16 December 1802

The card presented me by your Committee communicating the result of the test by Small pox of 12 children vacinated under your direction must was  highly gratifying to every Friend of Humanity me as it must be to every Friend of humanity and the exertions you gentlemen have made to promote and extend So valuable a discovery are highly honorable to you as men, and as Christians assimilating you to the perfect pattern, whom we are told went about doing good. may you enjoy that best reward the blessing of those who were ready to perish—
I am Gentlemen with Sentiments of Respect / your obliged
Abigail Adams


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 December 1802
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Brother
Philadelphia 20th: December 1802

Your favors of the 4th: & 12th: curret: are received, the first enclosing a post note for $50, which is placed to your credit. The flour for my mother is ordered, but since the shutting of the river, by the ice, I apprehend it will not reach Boston, ‘till Spring. When the bill is presented I will pay it.
The Chemical apparatus is so far advanced, that I believe it will be improper to retract, and as Dr: Woodhouse is preparing it as a particular favor, for the gentleman I employed to procure it, I am pledged to take it, if finished. It will be, I have reason to think very complete & satisfactory, so that I shall undertake to pay for it & send it to you with the bill, which will be about $35.
I thank you kindly for the interest you appear to take in my scheme. The hints, the prudential cautions and the well weighed suggestions, which your letter contains, shall be faithfully attended to. I had talked & thought them over and over before I wrote to you, and though you have placed the difficulties of the undertaking in no new light, they will be more deeply impressed on my mind, as corroborated by your opinion. I am aware of the labour, the anxiety, the vexation and the embarrassment, which are inseparable from such an enterprize, and what is still worse, at this time, and exposes the establishment to an uncommon portion of all these evils, is the bad repute into which it has fallen by reason of the lamentable remissness, with which the paper has been transmitted to its patrons. I believe that in consequence of this failure numbers will withdraw their names from the list of subscribers; many indeed who are well-wishers to the work and who feel an interest in its continuance; many through disgust will drop it, and some by accident or change of residence. All this must be anticipated, and until a radical reform shall have taken place in the management of the business, until all engagements are fulfilled, there can be no room to expect an increase of patronage.
With respect to the past contracts of the Editor, I shall effectually secure myself from their incumbrance. My connection is to be, in no degree, retrospective, but from the commencement of the ensuing year, I shall be jointly concerned, whether profit or loss be the portion of our efforts. Hard and uninterrupted toil must be the lot of this Co-partnership, during the first six months, and at the expiration of that period we shall be able to ascertain the fruits of it. Although you laugh at my caution respecting my secret, and I am well aware, that what you say is justified by experience, still I would cherish the hope, that my concern in this establishment, will not become so public as to make me a butt for the Jacobins. This however would not break my heart, but in another point of view, exposure might be detrimental; it might be an essential injury to me as a professional man. I must nevertheless be prepared to meet this event, and whatever consequences may attend it.
The assistance you have kindly promised us, will be of great service, and I may venture to assure you, that whatever communications you may make shall receive the earliest attention. You have contributed more original matter from the commencement of the work, than any man in the Country, and your translation of Büllow has filled the Columns of the Port folio, when a dearth of better matter, made the profuse publication of it indispensible. But Büllow’s race is nearly run, and considering the outcry it has occasioned, against the Editor, I will not say, that it had better have been altogether omitted, but that judicious extracts from it, accompanied by spirited comments, would have been a more acceptable mode of publication. I wish I had sufficient confidence in my powers and in the extent of my knowledge to attempt a refutation of the offensive & false matter, which Bulow’s work contains; it would be read with interest, by many, while some would doubtless exclaim, “the remedy is worse than the disease.” Some thing must be said about it “publicly,” as Mr: Jefferson said of Paine’s anti-heretic work, the Rights of Man. It is in my opinion a work, by no means contemptible, and I can actually see no good reason, why the publication of a translation should be deemed such a crime in the Editor of the Port Folio.
I had no motive for referring you to Terence, in my last, other than that you suggest. I exult whenever a spark of genius or taste is emitted from this region; it shines bright by contrast, though in itself perhaps but “poor & indigent” & like the moon, “borrowing lustre from an higher sphere.” Our Aegis is juvenile, but somewhat addicted to literature, and valuable by reason of the scarcity of such Youth among us.
The Ode appeared in No 43, and had I suspected the failure of your paper I could have sent you a No by the Mail, which carried by letter. I send you the missing No 41, and a supernumerary 43d. After the first of next month I believe there will be no room for complaints of irregularity, in the transmission.
It was my intention to ask you to send round by water, the volumes of original letters in your possession, that I might select and transcribe such as contain matter of interest. It would consume too much of your time to make copies with your own hand, and if you are not fearful of the risk of sending them, I will still express my wish to receive them. You have carte-blanche for all you may think fit to write or communicate, and in these times I think you will not be very tame; but depend upon it, that our politics shall not be tainted with any foreign mixture.
I have not written all I want to say on the subject of our project. It must be reserved for a future letter—If, as my friend Oldschool facetiously wrote from his rural refuge, we should “at length deviate into the path of prosperity,” you will soon perceive a change in the complexion of our lucubrations—the face of our folio, instead of the frowns of gloom & disappointment, shall wear the smiles of jocund hilarity; and as worthy descendants of “that persevering patriarch we read of, in the enchanting book of Genesis,” it may be said of us, “Gad, a troop shall overcome him but he will overcome at the last.”
Adieu.

   Dennie.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Baker Johnson, 1802
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Johnson, Thomas Baker

Sir
1802

The Bearer young Gentleman who will have the honor to present this Billet to you is the  only Son of the late Mr. Johnson formerly consul in London, and Since Stamp Master, at Washington. he has obtaind a Situation in your colledge at Charlstown; being and was desirious of an introduction to you. I have taken the liberty of presenting him to you, and of requesting your patronage towards him, which I presume he will be emulous to obtain by a dilligent discharge of the trust reposed in him and by a correct and discreet behaviour—any  civilities you may shew him will be gratefully acknowledged by his family, and oblige one who has long known and esteemed your Character as an unshaken patriot, and firm Friend to your Country, and to all those who have supported and sustaind those principles upon which the prosperity and happiness of


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 2 January 1803
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

2. January 1803

I have now received the Port-Folio, to number 48 inclusive; excepting N: 47 which yet remains in arrear—They have come to me lately, two and three at a time; but other subscribers have not been so well served—At Quincy N: 48 has been received but six or seven numbers immediately preceding it are missing—This procedure must be corrected
The ode to Xanthias Phoceus, has produced some sensation in this quarter—It has already been echoed in more than one Gazette, and I think will not pass unobserved in other parts of the Union. Hegio’s imitation has merit; Cadwallo’s tongue is not cold; and we have no reason to fear a massacre of the bards yet.
Since you persist in what I cannot but consider as a very doubtful speculation, I have been seriously meditating upon the means in which it may be in my power to serve you—Three objects of primary magnitude concur in swallowing up so much of my time, that the remnant of leisure which I can devote to you is very small indeed—These objects are first my trade, secondly the public, as one of its servants; and the third, study; as a member of that Society which Oliver once so ingeniously conjectured to be a drinking club. Neither of these can I possibly neglect—Then there is the occasional call for Orations, which I hope however to be relieved from at least for some years to come—There is the unavoidable encroachment of dissipation, more or less upon the stubbornest resolves, and there is the summons of duty and pleasure once a week to the paternal mansion—Now cast up all these, and let them serve to apologize, for the smallness of that mite which is all I can promise you of assistance—Yet shall you never be out of my mind; and mere good-will shall not  absolutely the whole of my contribution to your undertaking.
The editor of the portable-foolery has already had so much of my advice, that he will not thank me for any more of it—But I am rejoyced to hear, that the public will be treated in future, with more respect and more Justice—It is not true that this Country is insensible or ungrateful to literary merit—But there is no Country in the world where mere literary merit is a Fortunatus’s purse, filling spontaneously the faster it is drain’d—In all Countries, if a poet will lead the life of Savage, he must expect his end—Genius never will succeed any where without descending to an alliance with Industry—This I write as a Memento for you, and wish you not to let him see it, unless he can bear to be told harsh truths—For where we cannot mend, and where we cordially wish well, it is worse than useless to offend
I trust there will be no future failures of punctuality. The next care is, not to let the press get into Jacobin hands—I confess it was with astonishment that I heard such a being had got hold of it as the temporary manager in the Summer—Why what would be thought of a shepherd who should hunt up a wolf, for the sake of turning him in among his fold at Night—And if a man thus profoundly provident could be found, what would you think of him if the next day you should hear him lamenting his misfortunes, and telling you how many lambs he had lost—Old Frederic of Prussia once entrusted a fortress to a coward or a traitor who of course surrendered it, though in such a manner that his treachery could not be proved—After the Peace, he had the face to present himself before the old king, and was entering upon a laboured vindication of himself—“Make no Apologies said the king—You owe me none—The fault was mine, for confiding such a place to such a man.”
I now enclose to you an essay, on reading—which I have long had in my Port-Folio, and of which you shall make what use you please—It is dry, and perhaps will not suit the palate of many readers—But it will do to fill a ditch—Indeed I think you yourself will derive as much benefit from it as any body, because you will read it with more attention—It contains some observations, which perhaps never struck your mind before, and which if fully meditated you will find useful in their application.
On future Occasions I may perhaps sometimes send you an essay; a song, a fable, or some such miscellany, under a bare cover, and without writing you a letter to enclose it—You will understand my intention—and you know that whatever I send you is to be perfectly at your discretion; to use or not as you shall think advisable—I accept your carte-blanche only upon those terms—As your time will be so fully occupied (if you do your duty) I shall not require you in return to write me an acknowledgment of having received every thing I send—But whatever you conclude not to use, let me know you have received it; that I may be sure it has not miscarried on the way—


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 January 1803
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Brother.
Philadelphia 5th: January 1803.

I received, yesterday, your favor of the 27th: ult: and thank you, for the wholesome admonitions, it contains. Your advice will always receive due attention, both from myself and our friend. When you shall have received and perused, the concluding numbers of the Port Folio, & taken with you the consideration of the extreme rapidity with which they were published, I think you will discover something like fresh industry added to the Capital of the establishment, if no other improvement. The Editor has laboured with unceasing industry and perseverance, and in the subordinate branches, a proportionate incrase of vigor & enterprise, have, together, contributed to bring up lost time, and enabled us to anticipate public expectation. It may be useful to explain the reason of publishing the first number of the present, before the last number of the past year. The PF of the last year did not commence till the 16th: of January, but as the present year came in on Saturday, and the No 52 of vol. 2d: could not be published before the year expired, it was thought best to come out with No 1. of vol 3, on new-year’s day. In due time you will receive the concluding Number of vol. 2.
St Jean Crevecoeur, if you will send us the book, marked as you propose, Shall be translated, by myself and proper use made of the extracts. I do not wish to trouble you with any drudgery, and if the volumes of letters are sent round by water, at the same time, selections shall be made, with care and judgment; a proper classification under distinct heads and an appropriate introduction, will make them interesting. Our friend Shaw, has, with the best intentions, the worst way of executing them, so far as fair copying goes, of any man I know. Thank him for his last copy, and let it be the last. As the Rivers continue open, there would be little if any danger in sending these books by the earliest conveyance, addressed for me, to the care of Joseph Anthony & Co:—I shall send you the volume of Encycloa., when the Chemical Apparatus is ready.
The department of original matter, to which we solicit your attention, so far as your necessary avocations will permit, is the political. A kind of Summary of foreign politics, such as you once executed when abroad, exhibited in the same way, from time to time, would be a valuable acquisition. Occasional animadversions upon our domestic affairs will also be acceptable. The squibs & crackers, we can let off here, but the heavy artillery of politics, to carry on the siege against the administration, must come from afar. Our engineers are lazy, incapable or worse. If some well digested hints of a new & improved plan of attack could be brought out with éclat, Some credit might be arrogated for the invention. But where is the rallying point? Are we not in danger of losing every thing, by a victory? Suppose we take the fortress of Government by storm, who is the leader to restrain all sorts of disorder and confusion, from the violence of reaction? In short cui bono, is all this ink shed and this furious combat of feathered javelins. Is it not, that we newspaper-makers may live? Since the war must be carried on, whatever be its object, our duty to annoy the enemy, as much as possible, and for this purpose we must enlist all the energy that can be recruited, throughout the Country. “Come over to Macedonia & help us.”
Your note to the pastorals was duly appreciated by us—Whatever you write, whether intended for the press or not, if it fall in Oldschools way—he will print. I thought the Editorial note, at the conclusion of your Ode, was not intended to be printed, but he would have it in. But, for your caution, he says, he should have printed this last.
“The feast of shells”—The Oration, in commemoration of primordia rerum Americanarum. The Orator! All excellent topic’s! Please to send me two or more copies of your fire oration and as many of the water and land Oration, as you can spare. The elements are good and wholesome, but I hope you will never write upon air, lest your style should be inflated and bombastic. “Vir bonus est Quiz!”
With best love and seasonable compliments, I am, dear brother / Your’s

T. B. Adams


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 6 January 1803
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear William
Philadelphia 6th: January 1803.

I thank you for your favor of the 19th: with an enclosure and receipt from Mr: Ritchie. The civil things you please to say, are passed to your credit, in my books.
When I see Mr: Chauncey, I will remind him of his promise to you and if I can purchase the letters to Col: Burr, will Send them forward. I have never seen these letters, though So much has been said about them.
Your lamentations on the state of the union, are Similar to those I make, and I believe, to bewail is all that’s left us now. Egyptian darkness was not more visible, than that which reigns over the future destinies of America.
You have in some measure anticipated my request for information expressed in my last letter. I shall shortly ask your further Services, to convey a letter, which is yet to be written.
The Register of births exhibited by you, is lively and copious; all in the family–way too, (as a punster may say). Alas! Much about the same time, something very similar occurred here; but I dare not relate it.
When the Oration is published, send me as many by water, as the Author can spare. I want some copies of the oration, delivered before the Charitables.
Wishing you many happy new years / I am, dear William / Your’s
T B Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 10 January 1803
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Boston 10. January 1803.

I send you the enclosed subscription paper for two purposes. First, that it may be published at length in the Port-Folio, with some short recommendation of your own, or of the Editor; to which I hope he will consent—And Secondly, with a request that it may be deposited with him, to obtain subscribers for the publication—It is a work which will be interesting to every person who is desirous of an intimate acquaintance with our early history; and the present Editor is one of our most respectable and excellent literary characters—Let me recommend this matter with peculiar earnestness to your zeal—The friends of our literary advancement, will derive mutual benefit from mutual assistance, and I have no doubt but Mr: Oldschool will ultimately be rewarded even in his own interest by lending a hand to promote this publication.
I have received all the Port Folio’s to N: 51. inclusive; excepting N: 50. which has not yet arrived, but which I expect will reach us in two or three days—For it has repeatedly happened of late, that a most recent number has been received before one of its predecessors—So that Slender’s definitions of Successors that go before and predecessors that come after, seem not altogether so laughable by their absurdity as they are generally considered.
The spirit of the Port-Folio appears to have revived, with the Editor’s exertions to bring up his numbers. The song of Frank Fid has been copied into a dozen papers already, and meets with general applause—The tale of the old woman who had been to the oven before is sterling gold—And the long Article upon the new edition of Junius, is well selected.—The examiner’s papers contribute to fix the public opinion upon the merits of Pain, and the review of La Harpe’s Lyceum introduces to the notice of this Country a very valuable Work.—As the arrears are now fully retrieved, and the Editor starts fair with the New-Year I hope the publication in future will be punctual to the day, and the voice of lamentation exchanged for more exhilarating notes.—I have observed however of late one or two pieces of encomium upon J. Q. A. extracted from Boston Newspapers, which I regretted—You recollect it was an original stipulation, that this sort of approbation should be suppress’d And I shall insist upon this article now more strongly than ever.
I hope in the course of a fortnight or three weeks to send you a review of Sotheby’s translation of the Georgics—It will consist principally of extracts, from the book, and will fill a page or more, for four numbers—
In the mean time, you may enjoy a laugh at the enclosed epigram. But before you make use of it, be sure you understand the point; for upon a first perusal, you will be apt to think that the joke is merely in the words; when in truth Dick’s distinction is a very important one—Let me know whether you take its force—


Title: From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 10 January 1803
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Madam
Plymouth Jany: 10th: 1803.

Painful necessity has for many months prevented me the use of my own pen,—nor have I seen any effect of yours for a very long period;—yet, judging from my own feelings, I have no doubt you will be gratified by a renewed enquiry after your health and happiness.—By your son, I understand that the felicity of his parents is not interrupted by any of the infirmities which usually creep on with advancing years.
I was pleased to see your eldest son at my house—it awakened old recollections—You know I always loved your children—but his visit was too short—I had not even time to shew him the pleasing portrait of his deceased and once beloved friend.—I always cherish the pleasures of memory—but past images at this moment crowd too fast on my mind for utterance.—You are not a stranger to the tender feelings of the maternal heart—I evince the subject—it is always apt to carry me too far.—
I turn to a theme of business, though of no great importance.—I have not forgot, though it has been too long delayed, that you have a small pecuniary demand upon me—the deprivation of the use of my eyes totally prevents me looking over old papers and minutes.—I should be obliged to you, Madam, if you would at your leisure, see what the balance due you is and inform me when convenient, as I wish to owe no man or woman, any thing but love, one to another.
I have lately been several times informed, that both you and Mr Adams have expressed a wish to see your old associates resident in this place;—the wish is reciprocated by us, but if ever we meet on this side the grave, it must be in the old mansion at Plymouth, where we have together spent many pleasant hours and days, and where you will find the same hospitable arms and friendly hearts that used to receive you with so much cordiality, before the clouds of adversity had ever reached our tabernacle.—
My excellent husband, who still enjoys usual health and vigour of mind, unites in respects to yours with, / Your assured Friend / & Hble: Servt:—
Mercy Warren


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 January 1803
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Brother.
12th: January 1803—.

Since I am embarked in a very doubtful speculation, and I am ready to own, that I am by no means sanguine as to its success, yet as I am assured of your good will and best wishes towards the promotion of our interest, you must also indulge me in one request I have to make, which is to leave off croaking, which you know I never could endure, not because I could not appretiate the use and the some-times necessity of anticipating evils & dangers, the more surely to avoid them, but from a Constitutional infirmity of mind, which is stimulated most to action, not by adversity or the apprehension of it, but by the hope of reward. You must sometimes at least give us cheering & comfort, if you wish to see us smiling. We have not yet howled for patronage nor assistance, however acceptable it might be, and you mistake my understanding if you imagine I have become an associate in an establishment, which from negligence and absolute wantonness has fallen into decay, if to correct the proceedure were not one of my first cares. The paper is to be printed, published and served to subscribers regularly in future and they are at full liberty to complain at its contents if they have the heart. I am rejoiced to have a didactic essay upon reading, as I had contemplated something of the same kind upon false taste, which in your manner of treating the subject of reading is incidentally involved. I could not write with temper, if I were to indulge my feelings towards the readers of Philadelphia, who of all men & women and are the most miserable forlorn and false critics I ever heard talk. I could give you hundreds of examples; let one suffice. An instance of dramatic indulgence, lately occurred here by the performance of Mr. Cooper in three of Shakespeares best tragedies—viz Hamlet, King Richard 3d: and Macbeth. I saw him in the two first, and was delighted beyond measure with what I conceived to be a very superior style of acting—I did not hesitate to say that it was beyond compare the best conceived and best executed character I had ever seen on any Stage—This you see, was only my judgment; but I never saw Garric; No! Oh then your opinion is no better than that of another man, say those who dissent from my opinion, and who went so far, some of the, to declare that Cooper never acted well nor ever understood a single line of Shakespeare in his life—This was such a disqualification of my judgment & taste, that I doubted whether they or myself were wrong. I had on my side a few, whose judgment I valued as worth all the town beside, and therefore self love gave a verdict in my own favor—It is just so with literature here—
My statement respecting the temporary manager of the Port Folio led you into an error as to the degree of influence exercised by him—he in fact did nothing but read proof sheets—He received some communications which he chose to retain for Dennie’s inspection, but he inserted no offensive matter in the paper—
I am in much haste and must break off abruptly—Yesterday I enclosed a packet for my father, which I wish you or Shaw would open as a letter for Shaw is enclosed—
Yours most affectionately
T B Adams


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Mary Smith Cranch, 17 January 1803
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

My Dear Sister,
Atkinson Jan. 17th. 1803

It is a long time since I have written to you, & so many things have intervened, that I know not what to select that may be interesting
The burning of our Academy has been an affair of the greatest importance to us, & occasioned a good deal of work, & confusion in our family, for we, at that time had fourteen Boarders, & between seventy & eighty Students, who were flocking to the house, who scarcely knew what to do, or where to go—Ours tarried a week, but I was convinced, that so many would not do together without a Preceptor—& we have only four now, & as Abby has been so sick I have been thanful—I though I should have, after they were gone, much more leisure than I find—We have been trying to get the bed cloaths all washed & mended, that had been accumulating for months, making soap, candles, trying Tallow &ca. In short every day, you know brings its particular duties—
The fire which has spread such devastation in Portsmouth, & their folly in not attending to their Engines, & the political fire which seems to be puting on a still more direful form, engrosses the thoughts & conversation of the benevolent, the sagacious, & the humane—
I never go to sleep in a cold windy night without thinking of my friends in Boston—I was not sensible a building on fire looked so shocking before—It was about two Clock when Mr Peabody was alarmed by the cry of fire—fire—The first thought I had, was that our Childrens candle in the upper Chamber had set us in a flame, for the moment I opened my Eyes, I could see all the adjacent houses, but immediately found it was the Academy burning beyond any power to save it—Peabody & two young Gentlemen assisted in carrying water to prevent Mr Gilberts, & Dows house from being destroyed, which must inevitably have gone. But providentially there was scarcely a breath of air—The time, & the aweful stillness of the night—all conspired to render it a most solemn scene. The blaze rose like a majestic Column, & diffused a gloomy shade over a wide extended horizon, & filled the mind with the most sublime Ideas—As I sate at the window for an hour, quite alone, I could not but meditate upon the precarious nature of all terrestrial Objects. Indeed, I have much to remind me of its uncertain tenor—almost every day brings some new evidence that man is born to trouble—Mr Thachers death must be a heavy stroke, to his society, if not to his wife, & family—Perhaps they will have much to reflect upon, respecting their treatment of this eminent & worthy man—
I am rejoiced to hear that your Son, & his dear family have all gotten safe to Washington—I was very sorry they would tarry no longer with me, but it was better than no visit—
I have written so largely to my Sister, that I dare not write more now, for Abby has been so sick that she cannot bear to have me touch a pen—Though she is recovering, & sit up almost all day—
Please to give mine, a& Mr Peabodys best regards to our Brother Cranch, & all your Children—
With wishes for your health, & happiness I am / Ever your affectionate / Sister
Elizabeth Peabody
PS Abby presents her duty, and love to little Cousins—


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Boylston Adams, 18 January 1803
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir
Philadelphia 18th: January 1803.

I lately enclosed you a prospectus of the Revd Doctor Smith’s works accompanied by a print of the Author, which I sent rather as a specimen of good American Engraving, than on any other account; although as a subscriber to the work, which will ere long be published, you might wish to posses so striking a likeness of the Author. I sent the print and prospectus without any knowledge of Mr. Smith, but on being informed of it, by his printer, he expressed much gratification, and then gave the information of your being a Subscriber; of which I was before ignorant. If I can procure you a print of another eminent personage here, with whom you have been long acquainted, I will send it as a curiosity merely. It is taken from a portrait of our Governor Thomas Mc:Kean, painted by Stewart, and in addition to its being a correct likeness, it is so profusely decorated with the symbols of nobility and the badges of Royalty, that I think every genuine Democrat in the Country should take it as a model for his own resemblance. There is the enamelled Eagle pendent at the button-hole, which rivals any Star at the breast of a King, and at the foot of the print is an Escutcheon designating family arms whether of the McKean’s or not I am unable to say. The motto is “Mens sana in corpore sano.” How apt the interpretation of this motto may be, I leave others to judge, having long since made up my own opinion respecting its non application to the Governor of Pennsylvania. The Crest presents the figures of a Dove & a Serpent, emblematic of harmlessness and wisdom, I presume; a Crescent in the middle of two Stars, on Cross, crosslets, but what this can mean I must confess is beyond my depth in Heraldry. Whether the interpretation would be best effected, “Militiæ aut domi,” I need not enquire.
I have within a few days gained a cause of considerable importance, which I have twice once argued, in Bank, before the judges of our Supreme Court, and once before the high Court of Errors and appeals, of which Mr: Chew is Chief Justice. The Cause has been depending nearly five years, and was one of the first, in which my old Master associated me as his Co-adjutor. Upwards of a twelvemonth ago, we obtained judgment on argument before the Supreme Court, and the Cause was removed by writ of Error, so that we had the whole ground to travel over again, but had the good fortune, eventually to succeed completely. Your old friend Jonathan Williams, who was a voluntary Guardian to three young ladies of this City, finding his pretty wards in distressed circumstances, in consequence of the sudden death of their father who left but little property for their support, bethought himself of a Will, which had been made by a person, who was betrothed to one of the daughters of his friend and died before marriage, in which a pecuniary legacy of £500 was bequeathed to his intended wife, and in case of her death, to be equally divided among her three Sisters. The lady, who was the object of the Testator’s affections and intended bounty, died not long after him, and the legacy became vested in the three surviving Sisters. There was a preliminary clause in the will, ordering testator’s debts and funeral expences to be paid, but silent as to legacies. All the personal estate was exhausted in the payment of debts, and no assetts were found in the hands of the Executors, to pay the legacies. There was however a sweeping clause, whereby testator bequeathed and devised all the Rest and Residue of his estate, real & personal to his brothers and Sisters, as tenants in common, with a proviso that one of his Sisters should keep the whole, in her possession during her widowhood or until her death. The suit for the pecuniary legacy was brought against the residuary devisees, and the question which was made in favor of the latter, was whether the residuary fund, consisting altogether of real estate, should not be exonerated from the payment of the monied legacies? And if the Court should be of opinion that they were a lien upon the lands, whether the Sister of testator had not a life estate in the premises or during her widowhood?
The first argument of this Cause consumed two days in the Supreme Court, and the whole law of legacies and devises was amply discussed. When the Court however, came to give judgment, it was expressed in four words. “Judgment for the Plffs.” The second argument took up nearly as much time as the first, and in consequence of Mr: Chew’s infirm health, Court was held at his chambers, in his own house, and the same brevity prevailed in the judgment rendered here, as in the first instance.
The judgment of the Court below was unanimously affirmed, which gave our fair Clients the opinion of eight learned and grave judges in favor of their claim.
I have entered into this detail, which you may think tediously minute, for the purpose of informing you that I am doing something, in my profession, and that successfully, in some instances at least, though this may not be so material. I have however never lost a cause, where property was concerned, since I have been in practice, but I claim no merit on this score, because it may be looked upon as accident or good fortune. Yet, one would think, it might be a recommendation to more business, than I have hitherto been employed in. I may flatter myself that my business has increased considerably, within three or four months, but so imperceptibly as to leave me still in a state of uncertainty as to its yielding a comfortable livelihood. A seven year’s probation seems to be the only possible introduction for a young man, at this bar; for a Stranger, unassuming and wanting brazin lungs as well as features, it requires more; but notwithstanding these considerations, I am fully persuaded that time will operate an ameliorating condition here. It will never be heard of abroad until I feel it myself, and  further out of my power to calculate when it will arrive.
I have now gone through every grade of Courts from the lowest to the highest, and though I felt very ill at ease in speaking before a private audience, where my own voice terrified me, by its novelty of sound in such a confined apartment, I find, that no peculiarity or novelty of situation has been able to awe me into silence, though I have been always confused at the outset, in the arrangement of my thoughts and sometimes hesitating in expression.
Our judges are so superanuated, indolent or careless of reputation as men of profound research, that they give the go by to every point in a cause, which is not essential to decide the question before them. This contributes very much to “the glorious uncertainty of the law,” and adds to the number of almost endless arguments, which obstruct the streams of justice, in this State.
Asking pardon for this disquisition, and referring to the letters of Pliny Junr: as my precursor and model in this style of writing, I subscribe with filial duty / and affection / Your Son
Thomas B Adams


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 January 1803
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

25th: January 1803—

I do not intend to write you very often, though I find it impossible to refrain altogether. Your last is of the 10th: instt: but a subsequent enclosure has been received, which gave great joy to our trusty and well-beloved O.liver O.ldschool A second sheet is wished, before the publication commences, lest the thread should be broken. As yet you will not expect any very brilliant account of success, though it is a satisfaction, that notwithstanding all irregularities, very few have dropped off the list of patrons. More have been added since the year commenced, than have declined.
I was gratified by your remarks upon those articles, which appeared to you meritorious; so was our friend, and an occasional review of the same kind would be useful, as encouragement; my contributions have hitherto been small in quantity, though uninterrupted, since the 45th, or perhaps an earlier number of the last year. You will require no index to point out where abouts I am. The toil is irksome, as I anticipated, and the constant interruptions to which I am exposed interfere with any regular application to writing. You will see, that Mr. Blake the Ægis-man has been a little vexed—I hope he will find it necessary to shorten his rope, ere long. I think myself callous enough to any retort, he can make. Of all the fawning tribe, he appears most deserving of notice, being a native, a Schollar, and a New Eng1andman. He shall never provoke us into a personal war-fare of the quill, but he yields more matter for comment than all the herd of place-men put together.
I enclose a letter for Mr. Oliver, which you may put in the post Office, as it relates to our business.
your’s faithfully


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 27 January 1803
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Dear Thomas
Quincy Janry 27th 1803

A little well timed, and just criticism is Sometimes very salutary. if I had not been conscious that I deserved your Raillery I should have calld you a very Sausy Lad. however I took it patiently, and have been more attentive Since, as I Suppose you have noticed; as to points & comma’s, I was not taught them in my youth, and I always intend my meaning Shall be so obvious as that my readers Shall know where they ought to stop;
You have not written to your Father for so long a time, that I am pained when I think of it—You might give him some Information respecting your state politicks odious as they are; I was delighted with the Editor of the united States Gazettes defence. It was a manly bold and just representation of the Ruling powers: whilst its truth & Justice was a two Edged Sword—Neither Songs odes or Metamorphosiss have escaped me; tho I am deficient in my regular numbers of the port folio; I know not how many.—
You have read your Brothers oration with pleasure I am sure; were he not my Son, I Should Say that I know not his equal in the Country for composition, and for keen cutting S classic satire.
I have not yet heard from you Since my last Letter. william Shaw may have a Letter for me—I Shall know tomorrow—
I have had a very charming young Lady with me for more than a week. can you guess who? four years ago she was here; not a word not a hint, has past. I had a mind Your Father Should See her. I think he likes her well; She is a Serious, Solid, Sensible, amiable woman—qualified I think to make a good wife—you will never meet with any obsticals from me when ever you can see your way clear to Support a family.—
Adieu my dear son. / may your happiness be equal to your wishes. / Your affectionate / Mother
A. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 28 January 1803
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Dear Sir
Quincy Jan. 28. 1803

I have had the pleasure of receiving your favour of the 18th and congratulate you on the Success of your labours. Thank you for the Print of Dr. Smith, and should not dislike to have one of my old Friend McKean. Whatever may be said of that Gentlemans Consistency of Conduct, his Uniformity of Principle and System, his Fidelity to his Friends, his conjugal Felicity, his Constancy in his opinions, his Modesty, his Humility, his Meekness or his Temperance; thus much must be confessed that he Understands the Management of the People of Pensilvania, better than any of the Federalists. I have known so many Men, of far Superiour Knowledge and Talents, to his in whom there has been as little Stability, that I find it is in vain to rail at them or clamour about them. My Advice to you is to treat them all with Civility and do them all Justice. Mr McKean is as far from being an enthusiast for Democracy as I am: Parade, Ceremony, Pomposity and Finery are ten times more in his head and heart too than in mine. I never was fond of any of these Things. I always despized and detested them. The Stations I have held demanded them: The World demanded them of me, but I always loathed them. Monarchy, and hereditary Presidents and Senates have been ten times more approved by him than by me. Indeed, neither was ever approved or desired by me in the Government of this Country: though I know that the great Nations of Europe cannot exist without them but in endless War and Bloodshed. Elections of first Magistrates and Senators would be nothing but a contention of Bribery: and that Party which would exhaust the largest Purse would carry the Point and then pluder the People to fill it again.
I, however must lie under any Slanders they please to fabricate: for I have no friends to contradict any thing. I hire no Duanes, Freneaus, Callenders, Cheethams, Woods or Paines, to write Lyes or Truths for me. There is one Lye they have propagated and insisted on for fourteen years, which has never been contradicted vizt that I sett up John Fenno, and his Gazette at New York & Philadelphia. A falshood so entirely without foundation, or even Colour, was never told and so often repeated for so long a time, without contradiction in any Country. When I went to take my place in Senate as Vice President in 1789 in April, I found Mr. Fenno Settled there with his Family and editing his News Paper. I scarcely knew the Man. I never contributed one farthing to assist him in beginning carrying on or concluding his Affairs, in any other way than taking one of his Papers. After I became acquainted with him I esteemed the Man for his, good Sense and honesty, and would have been very glad to have assisted him, with a Loan of Money or otherwise, if it had not been inconsistent with a rule I thought it necessary to observe, vizt to avoid every possible Imputation or just Suspicion of hiring Libellers to abuse my Ennemies, or to flatter my Friends or myself.
I want to write more largely about your Situation.— I wish you were here upon one of my Farms.— You may be a Man here— and a freeman: You will be a slave for Life in Philadelphia.—
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 2 February 1803
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Dear Sir
Quincy Feb. 2. 1803

Mr Callender quotes from Mr Paine, something like this. I have not the Book nor the Newspaper, and may not perfectly remember every word. “Society is founded in our Wants: Government in our Vices.” The “Deffinition” Says Mr Callender “is perfect.”—Here are two affirmative Propositions it is true, but no deffinition at all. The Word “Society” is not defined. The Word “Wants” is not defined. The Word “Government” is not defined. Nor the Word “Vices.” There may be even some Equivocation in the Word “founded.”
Notwithstanding Mr Callenders entire approbation, I think this one of Mr Paines Paradoxes, a Species of airy Anticks in which he deals more largely than Bayle or Rousseau. If his Paradoxes have turned more giddy heads than theirs it is because his were written for an ignorant Multitude and have been read by greater Numbers, theirs were composed for Men of Science & Litterature and have been read by very few. All those Parts of Mr Paines Writings which have been read with Such noisy applause in Bar Rooms, Alehouses and dram Shops, and have had the greatest Effect in the World, are mere Jingles of Words, very fiercely pronounced, with much great Emphasis, Pomp and fury, with the appearance of much great Strength and Precision, pronounced with much Pomp and Emphasis: but when they come to be attentively considered vanish into empty vapour.
In opposition to Mr Paine, Suppose We should Say that Government is founded in our Wants as well as Vices. That Society too is founded in our Vices as well as our Wants. But these Propositions come nearer the whole Truth i.e they convey more Truth that Mr Paines Proposition can be understood to comprehend.
Suppose We Should Say that Government has been coeval, and commensurate with Society. This I verily believe to be true.—Society cannot exist without Government, in any reasonable sense of the Word. We may distinguish perhaps properly between Society, and Single Acts of Sociability. But can you conceive of any thing which can be properly called Society, which signifies a Series of Acts of Sociability without Government? Nay can you conceive of a Single Act of Sociability, without Government? Trace these Things in your Ideas as minutely and particularly as you can, you will find Government, by Hope or fear, Force, Influence or Consent in every conceivable Social Act.
There can be no Society, no Act of Sociability, without two Persons. Search in your thoughts for the Simplest Society that ever existed or can exist. A Mother and her Child, appears to me, the first Society which ever took place in the World. You need not puzzle Mr Paine with enquiries concerning the original of Men & Women. The History of Adam and Eve will answer at least as well as the Lumps of Mud animated by the Sun according to the Egyptians, or the Dragons Teeth Sown by Jason according to the Grecian fable. Suppose a Woman created by God in the Beginning with a Child in her Womb and Suppose the Child born—Here We have the first and Simplest Society. or Suppose a Man and a Woman created, in full Stature and Strength and after one Single Act of Sociability by which a Child is produced the Man is devoured by a Lyon the Woman left alone to breed and bring forth her Son. The Babe is born. This is our Society. The Wants of the Child require the Government of the Mother as well as her Society. Its Want of food, cannot be Supplied but by the Mothers taking it by force, and applying its Lips to the Nipple. Its Want of Warmth cannot be gratified but by the Mothers holding it by force to her Bosom. Its Want of cloathing cannot be furnished but by the Mothers forcibly forcibly covering it with leaves or Moss or bark or the Skins of Rabbits, Hares or Squiralls. Its Want of Sleep cannot be obtained, but by the Mothers holding it or laying it in a Situation and posture free from Pain. The Mother also feels from the Instinct of nature These Wants and all others of the Child in perfect Innocence without any Vice Demand the Government as well as Society of the Mother, for many Years, indeed untill the Child is grown up and becomes capable in mind and body of governing itself and Supplying its own Wants.—The Mother also feels from the Instinct of Nature, her Wants. She Wants the Company, the Society of the Child. She Wants to the preservation of its Life Health, Ease and Comfort and these Wants are as imperious as those of the Child. And the Wants of both, without one Vice on either Side, compell as well as Authorize her to assume and exercise an absolute Government over her Offspring, and to continue it, untill it becomes capable of providing for himself and her in some degree at the same time.
This I think is demonstration that Government, Springs from grows out of, or is founded in our Wants, before any Vices come in to make it more Usefull if not more necessary.—It is also demonstration of the Shallow Reflection both of Mr Paine and Mr Callender, and of the futility of Def Paines “deffinition” as Callender calls it, of his Paradox as I call it, and of his Nonsense as it might with as much propriety be called. I keep no Copies of my Letters to you. Give me your brief thought upon this. If you have any curiosity to see it, I will trace this Piece of magnificent folly a little further, and shew it in more light.
John Adams


Title: From William Stephens Smith to Aaron Burr, 16 February 1803
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Burr, Aaron

Dear Sir—
New York Feby 16th. 1803.

I am honoured with your two letters of the 10th. insts with their respective enclosures—which shall be carefully forwarded as addressed—enclosed I send you a few Letters passing between me and Colo. Troup on the subject of Cheethams publication against me, and which Mr. Troup, is said to have been originally acquainted with, did correct it or was the author of it, certainly has declared the contents of it to be true
you will observe he takes the charges back, appologizes, and swallows the falshood, like a biped—his agitations you can better conceive than I describe—his reputation is blasted in society, and he stands tottering on the brink of perjury—for he gave in evidence before a Jury, an oath the substance of what he appologizes for—he has been violently rubbing his head, and in a constant perspiration since saturday, & if his family Doctor, by cooling draughts, does not soon, quiet his nerves, it is expected, he will turn grey, or bald, before saturday next—do me the favour to get some friend to have these letters reprinted at Washington, that those who have perused with avidity the base calumny, make may take a lesson—how they presume to sport with the Character of any of the few—the honourable few—the Band of Brothers—Judge Benson and Lawrence are constantly with him, but know not how to palliate or get him out of the scrape—Hamilton has been applied to, but refused to mail—saying Troup has fallen into unfortunate hands, he must grin and bear it—for there is no milk and water in the composition of his antagonist—
I am extremely mortified about the horse—I will write to Eustis and do every thing that is just in the case—the horse is exactly as I received him from Mr. Alston, never while in my possession rode ten mile at any time, certainly never injured while mine,—
With the greatest regard & highest respect / I am Dr. Sir / Your most Humble Servt.
W: S: Smith
N. B. I have forwarded a receipt to you for the horse some days past


Title: From William White to William Smith Shaw, 23 February 1803
From: White, William
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear Sir,
Philada Feby 23. 1803

I shall trouble Mr T. Adams to forward, by some favourable Opportunity, these few Lines of Thanks for the elegant & ingenious Oration so kindly sent by you; & which I read with great Pleasure, as I had not long before another Oration from the same Pen, delivered in Boston. It must be a great Satisfaction to our late worthy President, to behold a Son so worthy of him supporting the Reputation of his Name. I desire to present, thro you, my respectful Compt to him & to Mrs Adams. My Family add their affte Remembrance of you to that of / Your very humble Servt
Wm: White


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Boylston Adams, 25 February 1803
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
25th: February 1803.

Your two letters on La Harpe, I have taken the liberty to publish in the Port Folio, and I have now to ask the favor of you, as your leisure & inclination may serve, to pursue your extracts & comments upon any portion of that great work, which you may find agreeable or think useful. I make this request in behalf of the Editor of the Port Folio, who will be flattered & obliged by any literary communication. If you should write again upon any of the subjects, which fall within the investigation of La Harpe, there need be neither date nor name to your letter. Care was taken to erase both, in the former letters received;
I have also received two other letters from you, controverting one of Paine’s aphorisms, or, as you call it, “airy anticks,” with which the arch Apostate Callender seems so well satisfied. There is such an abundance of false philosophy in every thing written by Paine on the subject of government, that whole volumes of refutation might grow out of a single page; but the letters he has written since his return from France have given the finishing stroke to his “reputation as an author,” let him discuss what topic he may. His former admirers have abandoned him to his fate which without independent of this last effort of his own, had consigned his works to a remorseless oblivion. His Slanders against you, in some of those letters, were so gross & blackguard, that though I felt the utmost indignation at the author of them, I could not publicly notice, without making them of more consequence than they deserved, or could ever derive, while resting on the credit of Paine’s testimony. There was however one barefaced lie, which Paine asserted as a fact, and which Blake of Worcester attempted to circulate with his comments. This I undertook to contradict, and you may possibly have seen in the Port Folio No 2. of Volume 3. the manner in which it was done. The intrigue against Genl: Washington, which I think I have heard you say, did exist about the beginning of 1778, does not appear on the journals, by any express marks of disapprobation towards him, and the transactions of that period being with closed doors, must depend as you have expressed it, upon tradition. The System of closed doors appears to be revived in the present session of Congress, and it is presumable with similar views as formerly existed; viz, to confound the traitor & the patriot in a general conclave, & leave it to the chapter of accidents, to ascribe the merit of patriotic exertions to treasonable Counsellors. If you feel no restraint imposed upon you at this distance of time, as to the propriety of disclosing the transactions of early times, I should be very glad to receive from your pen, for my private satisfaction some traditional notes upon the characters, who composed the first Congress. I would hold them as a Sacred deposit
With best love & duty I am, dear sir, / Your Son
Thomas B Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 26 February 1803
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, William Stephens

Dear Sir
Quincy Feb. 26. 1803

I duely recd yours of the 16th with the Paper enclosed. I had given no Attention to the Attack upon you in Cheethams Paper, because I know that no Integrity of heart, no Purity of Conduct, or Innocence of Life can protect any Man from the Shafts of Calumny, in these times of party rage and under an elective Government, which breeds Passions and prejudices as fast as ever the Sun upon the Slime of the Nile brought forth frogs: especially if a Man holds an office, which is comitted by numbers, and has Ennemies on both Sides. Our Papers are good for nothing but Advertisements, and I doubt whether we could get it printed, indeed I believe it is Scarcely worth while to excite any public Attention to the Subject here. Your Character has not suffered here, on Account of it.
I recd and read with attention Coriolanus. It is well written in a simple clear and nervous Style, with a Knowledge of the subject, and with a Spirit, Decision and Intrepidity that I admire. I wish that our Government may not find reasons by a dear bought Experience to wish to regret that they did not at first adopt your the Project. The Compliments you pay to particular Characters you will not expect that I should approve or disapprove in this Letter. Your Faith in our Constitution that it can govern Canada, the West India Islands &c is Stronger than my grain of Mustard seed.
your frank dissertation on an Alliance with England, altho it is not improper that our Nation should consider Such a contingent Possibility, I should not have thought it prudent to produce.
The Pamphlet has raised your Reputation in this part among all who know the author: and it is written with so much respect to Authority that no reasonable Man can censure so frank and candid a submission of his sentiments to the public Opinion, by any free Citizen.—Since you have begun the Career of the Press I hope you will persevere: if you had begun twenty years ago you might have done great things, eer now.
I rejoice to hear of the Welfare of my Daughter and your sons & Daughter. Make them Schollars. A taste for Letters is a never failling source of Entertainment, and is usefull in every Station of Life. I am with the best Wishes for your Prosperity, Sir your friend & Sert.
John Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 2 March 1803
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Dear Thomas
Quincy March 2d 1803.

I have a bad inflamation in one of my Eyes, which prevents my repling to your last Letter, as I dare only write a few lines.
your Father received a little pamphlet a few days since from Mr VanderKemp; the collection is Said to be made by mr Luzack but as his name is not to the Book; he might not like to have it mentiond the Latin extracts are translated into French. your Father has translated them into English and I have beg’d them of him that I might Send them to you, as a great curiosity—the Latin is upon one page, the French upon the other—there will be some further extracts which I will forward.
In the Palladium of Febry 26th & March 1st you will find two peices call’d “thoughts on the Times” said to be written by mr Ames—you may think them worthy notice. you know why I am not more explicit—
I dare not write more. my Eyes complain. one is bound up—
Affectionatly Your Mother
A Adams


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Mary Smith Cranch, 2 March 1803
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

My Dear Sister,
Atkinson March 2d. 1803

I intended to have acknowledged the receipt of your Letter before this time, but our Scholars all study in our room, in the day, & in the Evening, Gilman reads History to Mr Cogswell whose Eyes are weak, & there seems to be so much to do, that I have scarcely a moments leisure—Abby’s being so sick all winter, prevented my doing any thing, to get forward in buisness. But thanks to a kind providence she is finely recovered—I feel more encouraged when I consider how feeble I was when young, & yet my life has been protracted much longer than I could suppose, & I have often exclaimed “Strange that a heart with thousand strings, Should keep in tune so long”—I hope she will live to be more useful in life than ever I have been, for it is not always the strongest constitutions that do the most good, though I confess they have greatly the advantage of the weak—Abby appears formed by nature to live in such a mixed family as ours. She is unassuming, modest, faithful to a trust, capable of friendship, ever seeking the things that make for peace. And I cannot but feel pleased, when I hear the Boarders say—“It is impossible not to love Abby—She never joins against any–one.”I have often with gratitude thought, that she was what I ought to wish her, except a firm constitution—Though she has an ardent desire for study, yet this is a sad impediment, & she must progress slowly, for I fear she will never be able to attend in the academy—If I have discovered too much of the fond mother, you can pardon me, I know—It has been said we never could see faults in our Children, but I am sure I have, & wish I had power to reform.—
I was very glad to hear your Son, & family were safely arrived at Washinton. His walking all round the house before he left you, is what you cannot help ruminating upon, though reason & religion check any melancholly presages, & kindly whisper, “Sufficient to the day, is the evil thereof”—
I am very glad to hear things are going on so well at Quincy. Regard, & justice to those who had long been struggling with a sincere attachment, founded upon a belief of each others virtue, a&honour, I mentioned the affair to you, hoping you would do as prudence would direct.—
Twenty times I thought I would relate the whole affair—for I have long been convinced if there were any meaning in language, that he was only endeavouring to establish himself in buisness, & get property, & some independance that he might openly declare his intentions—I freely told her, that I thought the engagements had better be known. That to continue a correspondence of this nature, in a clandestine way was what parents might consider undutiful—And that the affair had better be discreetly opened, let it turn as it would—And to let her friend know, that she could not consistent with her sentiments of delicacy, & prudence think it best to let things remain as they had done—It subjected her to so many reflections, from every rank—Envy, & Curiosty being never asleep—
I am glad you have so good a young Lady as Miss Bond to make you a friendly visit. We who have large family’s always stand in need of such assistance. I wish she was near enough to come & stay with me a month, it might be of service to her health—But I was so dissappointed in Miss P. that I shall be affraid ever to ask another Lady—There is something very interesting & delicate in Miss Bonds countenance. I conceived a very favourable opinion of her, she is one we love & esteem at the first interview, & increases as she becomes more known. I hope Providence has alloted her, a twin born Soul, that is as good, as she is deserving—
With affectionate regards to my good Brother Cranch, & love to all your Children, I subscribe / Your Sister
Elizabeth Peabody


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 9 March 1803
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Sister
Atkinson March 9th. 1803

I hear by Dr Tufts that our Medford Farm will be greatly injured by the middlesex Canal being cut through the land—I am very sorry to have what little landed property I have destroyed—But I suppose it will do no service to object—people are so very economick, & publick spirited at this day, that every thing must be sacrificed to the common weal—But the President, & you my Sister know much more about the buisness than I, & whatever your better informed judgments conceive to be right, I shall consent to—The good Dr. declines taking any further care of the farm, for which I am exceedingly grieved, for I feel, as if I should never have confidence, in any other person, as I could always repose in him—
I was glad to see your Son was chosen Senator. If he can have wisdom like an angel of God, & can stem the torrent of irreligion & vice which threatens to deluge our Land, he may be more useful, perhaps, than in his Profession, & I hope eventually, it may prove for his interrest.
I have know this winter a person who laboured under the like difficulty, which troubles your daughter Adams, & has found more releif from wearing the skin of musk squash round her waist, than from any other thing she had ever done—But I suppose she will think it, like the king of Isreal, too small a thing, to submit to—
I was gratified to find my young friend was at Quincy—Her situation was truly trying—& yours too—She is at Newbury, I have not seen her—
The youngest Daughter of the late judge Seargant was last Sabbath consigned to the Graves, after about three months confinement with a consumption—Lovely, blooming with health, & beautiful as Hebe she laid aside the bridal attire, for the solemn humble garb of Death—
These are some of the most trying scenes to which human nature is subjected—It seems as if the “Survivor died”—
I saw, & could not but feel an entire acquiescence in the perusal of the paper, that Miss Paine was released from a world of trouble, & I trust through faith, & patience, inherits the promise—she has so long been waiting for—
the bearer waits, & I can write no more, than to beg you to give, & present my kind regards to all who love your / affectionate Sister
Elizabeth Peabody


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 10 March 1803
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Dear Mother.
Philadelphia 10th March 1803.

I have received your favors of the 18th. ult: and 2d. instant, the latter enclosing a valuable communication from my father; for which please to express my thanks. I have taken note of those “thoughts on the times,” and will make use of them. I hope Mr. Ames, will continue to expand his thoughts on those topics. The Port Folio begins to get into Some favor all over the Country, and the coldness which prevailed for a considerable time, towards it, in consequence of what was conceived, even by its best friends to be rashness, & intemperance, which no party in this Country, dared to countenance, is now gradually wearing away. The politics of the paper, are not changed, but ameliorated; the public judgment & feeling is not now insulted by arrogant contrasts & odious comparisons. The vices and the wildness of democratic councils, are exposed with boldness unmixed with rancour. The main design of the paper is literature, not politics, but there is such an abundance of political fervor throughout the Country; Such an avidity to read skilfull Strictures upon men & things, that the political department must not be neglected.
I received some time since a letter from Mr. van der Kemp, my father’s old acquaintance, accompanied by a voluminous manuscript, purporting to be an history of the Achæan Republick—dedicated to “the genius of France,” to wit the Emperor of the Gauls. The letter expressed a wish that I would undertake to revise the manuscript, which is written in English, such as a Dutchman might be supposed to write. Had it been written in the author’s mother-tongue, the task of translating it into English would have been much easier to me, though I would not have undertaken even that labour for an hundred pounds—poor as I am; so that I shall, after having kept the sheets, a decent length of time, very civilly transmit them to the proprietor.
I enclose you a small paper, printed at Georgetown (Bank) which contains the first part of JQA—s Oration, extracted from the Charlestown Courier, a paper of promise lately established at the Capital of So Carolina. A favorable review of it has appeared at New York and will be republished here.
I hope the inflamation in your eye is gone ere this. Present me kindly to my father & the rest of the family, and believe me ever your’s,
T B Adams.


Title: From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 23 March 1803
From: Cushing, Hannah Phillips
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Madam
Washington the 23rd. of March 1803.

It was my intention when I left Boston to have written to you as soon as my spirits were in some measure composed for the death of my much loved Brother, who, I little thought when we last met, had closed his eyes forever on this World, which at once has blasted all those pleasing hopes & desires, of again seeing each other, & of holding sweet converse together. It was the heighth of my ambition that he should return with property, sufficient to pay off his debts, cent, for cent, & that was his only motive in leaving his family, & Country. He was pleasing himself with the idea of returning in the Spring, when on the 4th. October he was siesed with a violent fever, which put an end to his existence here, on the 14th, at Savannah in Georgia. This life will be dear to me as long as that of my husband, & my own reason, & health are continued. At present I am blessed with many near & dear connexions & valuable friends; You my dear Madam are the first among the latter. I have great reason to speak of mercies, as well as judgments. Mr Cushing was taken suddenly ill of a putrid billious fever, on the 3rd. Feby, &   on the 8th. Dr May despaired of his recovery, but in the morg of 9th, his fever broke, & did not rise so high afterwards. He was confined to his room for more than 30 days. We have experienced great attention from Judge Cranch & others, but he was the only person that I admited in the room to sit one moment for ten days. We came here 20th. Jany. Dined at the Presidents 31st. He enquired after your health, but not one word after our late & good President. How changed the Scene. The next day we went to Alexandria to see Mr & Mrs Charles Lee. She was very unwell, & still is so. They asked affectionately after you & yours. The last three weeks have passed with more rapidity than I expected. Yesterday week was the first of Mr. C’s riding out, we have had several pleasant excursions since. The weather was delightful. I frequently had my windows up, & no fire in the room. Vegatation is coming on rapidly. The Peach Trees are in blossom. We intended to have been on the wing tomorrow with our faces to the Eastward, but having a heavy rain last night, we shall defer it till 26th. I think we shall leave the seat of Government with more joy than ever. The Chief Justice requested me to present his best respects to you & the President. He said that he always asked & heard with pleasure of your welfare. Mr Tracey went to Baltimore last week, with some idea of taking passage for Charleston S. C. being fearful of our climate before May. His health though better is still very critical, & he does not calculate upon living but a short time. It is said however that he does more business in the Senate, than any two. We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in May, on our way to Portsmouth. I took tea with Mrs Cranch 19th. & saw the Constellation coming up the Ean. Branch, to join six of her sister Frigates lying in the mud. His Majesty is expected from Monticelli in April. Last week I accompanied Mrs Carroll & Mrs Fendal (sister of Mr C Lee) to see the Presidents House. I was much irritated at the impertinence of a Frenchman who is left chargé des affairs. He affirmed that Mr Jefferson purchased every thing which did not come from Philadelphia, & out of his own private pocket money too. There were several of the crimson damask chairs in the oval room below, which he also  He can L like his Master. Mrs Law intends going to Boston this summer in company with Secretary Smith & family. Mrs Lewis passed three weeks here. She was in very ill health for some months after the death of Mrs Washington, but is now very hearty. She & Mr Lewis expressed a great desire to go to New England to reside. Judge & Mrs Cranch Mr & Mrs Dalton & their families are well. Mr Cushing joins me in best respects to you & the President wishing you health & happiness. Our kind rememberance to Mr & Mrs Cranch & Miss Smith.
H Cushing


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 2 April 1803
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear Brother
Boston 2. April 1803.

The House of Bird, Savage and Bird have stop’d payment, and probably the bill I drew upon them which you negotiated last November, will come back protested—In that case, settle the amount to be paid, with the indorsee duly entitled to it, who may call upon you; let me know the amount and I will send you a post note for it—Be careful to see that the protest and proceedings have all been regular, and take a receipt for the full amount you pay as it will be necessary to establish my claim upon the house—I hope they will eventually pay all demands against them—Inquire whether they have any debtors in Philadelphia, and if you find any property, and can take hold of it, by process of foreign attachment in my name, do it immediately.
Your’s faithfully.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Stephens Smith, 4 April 1803
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, William Stephens

Dear Sir,
Boston 4. April 1803.

The House of Bird, Savage and Bird, in London, had, when they failed, property, to the amount of nearly £4000 Sterling, belonging to my father in their hands; for which I had drawn bills in October and November last—These bills are now returning protested for me to take up, with all the costs and charges upon them—I now write you, not with an expectation that you will find any property of theirs at New-York, upon which you can lay your hands, because I presume their creditors there have taken care of that; but to request you to obtain and communicate to me all the information you can respecting the state of their affairs, and of the House of Robert Bird and Co: at New-York—I am informed they have made very large shipments to England this Spring—If that should be the case you will probably have some knowledge of it—If it should happen that you know of any property upon which an attachment can be laid in my name, do me the favour to have it done instantly—Robert Bird, I suppose will not be now to be found—Or if he is, he will before this have a Commission of Bankruptcy out—Please to answer me as speedily as possible: as not only my father’s interest, but that of us all is at stake.
I am, Dear Sir, your’s faithfully.
If R. Bird is accessible in New-York, I will thank you to send him the enclosed letter.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 8 April 1803
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear Brother
Boston 8. April 1803.

As you will probably be under some anxiety, respecting the bill you sent last winter, drawn by me, on Bird, Savage and Bird, in London, I take the first instant to inform you, that I have just received a letter from them, with notice that Mr: King had agreed to take it up, for the honour of the drawer, and of course, it will not be returned upon you—It is a great satisfaction to me, in this misfortune, that at least you will not be put to the vexation and trouble of providing for taking it up.
Your’s faithfully.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 26 April 1803
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear Son
Quincy April 26th 1803.

A very bad whitloe upon the finger of my right Hand has prevented my holding a pen; or useing my hand for a long time, or I should not have been so long silent. altho my communications will give you more pain than pleasure. it may releive your mind respecting the loss your Brother has sustaind; but it will be only shifting the Burden upon older Shoulders; you know your Father had some Money in Holland, which since your Brothers return, he concluded to draw out, and vest in the Farm which belonged to your Great Grandfather Quincy Mr Tufts after keeping his part a year, made an offer of it to your Father and he concluded to take it; relying upon the property he had abroad to pay for it, your Brother undertook the management of the buisness abroad and as the exchange was more in favour of England than Holand, the money was drawn from thence, and placed in the Hands of the House which has lately faild, Bird Savage & Bird; a Catastrophe so unexpected to us, and at a time when we had become responsible for so large a sum; has indeed distrest us, at no other–time of our lives could we have been equally affected by it. the cloud is not however so black as it first appeard; the Bill which past through your Hands, and upon which such heavey damages would arise if returnd. the House inform your Brother that Mr King kindly agreed to take up, upon honour: if this should be true as I sincerely hope it may, it will save us from such sacrifice of property as at first appeard necessary to us—your Brother tho no way to blame in the Buisness; having conducted it with as much circumspection as possible, still insists upon selling some property which he has in Boston; a House which he lately purchased in order, to aid in raising the money necessary upon this occasion: we shall endeavour to make him secure so that he shall not finally be a looser any further than in common with the rest of the family. At first my phylosophy was put to a trial, different from any I had ever before experienced I have in the various stages of Life, been call’d to endure afflictions, of & & dangers of many kinds, but this was something so new, so unexpected, that I could scarcely realize it. your Father bears it as well & better, than I could have expected—but as yet we hardly knew what we may call our own there is the Farm, it that has not vanished, and will fetch as much as we agreed to give for it—but what the damages will finally amount to, upon the Bills we cannot yet determine: let it not depress your—Spirits—it is one of the unfortunate incidents in human affairs to which no remedy but patience & Submission applies. It was not dissipation; extravagance or lack of Judgement which on our part produced the event—I hope we may yet be able to obtain some part of the property in time—in the mean time; the sacrifices we must make shall on my part be cheerfully borne. if I cannot keep a carriage, I will ride in a chaise. if we cannot pay our labourers upon our Farms, we will let them to the halves, and live upon a part to know how to abund, & to suffer want is a new lesson, but I will bring my mind to my circumstances—I do not dread want, but I dread debt, and for that reason I would contract no debt which I do not see a way clear to pay—
I shall upon the next arrivals from England be able to let you know further respecting the State of this Buisness—
I have not had a letter from you for a long time—Adieu my dear Son, my anxiety is chiefly upon my childrens account—neither your Father or I can have a much longer lease—we should have been rejoiced to have left our children with better prospects—your affectionate Mother
AA


Title: From John Adams to Peter Boylston Adams, 5 May 1803
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Peter Boylston

My Dear Brother
Quincy May 5th 1803

For very particular reasons which it is not at present necessary to explain, I request you to invite mr James Brackett and Captain John Hall to go with you, and take a view of the following parcels of Land Real estate, and give me Your judgments in writing of the present value of them. viz
The House and Land which were my Fathers which I bought of you, With the Buildings now on the premisses, together with the addition I have made to the lands by purchase from the estate of our uncle Ebenezar Adams—The  House and land on which I lived being ten acres.
The House and Land on which I bought of mr William Veasie—The Meadow of Six acres purchased of Col Josiah Quincy—The place which was formerly deacon Belchers, twenty four acres by estimation—The land I purchased of Lt Nathaniel Belcher. The four acres I bought of the Executrix, of Dr Elisha Savil. The pasture of Nine acres on the left hand of plymouth road. The pasture which was my Fathers twelve acres, with what I bought of John Curtis. Eighteen acres, all lying between the plymouth and the Bridgewater Roads. The pasture called Athertons pasture which I bought of Elijah Belcher. The House and Barn and Land formerly Ensign Thomas Thayers which I bought of Elkanah Thayer—and two of the Grand Children (Haydens) of Ensign Thayers—The two pastures, one of which I bought of the Town, and the other of the Heirs of ensign Thomas Thayer. Three woodlotts one of fourteen acres in which hemlock swamp lies—The other of 15 acres adjoining to it, & the other of 15 acres bought of Elkanah Thayer—The pasture of Seventeen acres called Faxons pasture bought of Elkanah Thayer, with 12 acres adjoining bought of Soloman Thayer—Five acres of Salt Marsh bought with Mr Balands place—and the penny ferry Marsh two acres & half—
I wish to have each of these Articles apprized Seperately. I shall esteem myself under obligation to you and the other Gentlemen for the trouble you will have in this buisness and I will chearfully pay what ever you think reasonable—I am / with Great regard

John Adams


Title: From Lady Carysfort to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 10 May 1803
From: Carysfort, Lady
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My Dear Mrs Adams,
London May 10th 1803

I cannot neglect the Opportunity which Mr King’s return to America gives me of inquiring after Mr Adams & you; & still more particularly after my little Godson—; who is I hope in every respect as prosperous as he promised to be when he left Berlin.
I am likewise troubling Mr King with an inkstand of our English China; which I wish you to keep upon your writing table as a souvenir of a distant friend. After We left Berlin Lord Carysfort was named Ambassador to Petersburgh but to my great joy many circumstances then led him to decline the situation & we are once more established at Home; where however I have passed a most painful twelvemonth in consequence of the very severe illness of my second daughter who has been most desperately ill but by the mercy of God is at length restored to me. The two others are very well & all desire to be remembered to you. Adieu my dear Mrs. Adams; I feel very real pleasure in the bringing myself back to Mr Adams’s recollection & yours; & likewise in the being able to assure you, of my being most sincerely Yrs / &c
Carysfort


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 10 May 1803
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

With a list of debts due to the House of Bird, Savage and Bird, in Philadelphia.My dear Brother.Boston 10. May 1803
The above is a list of the debtors to Bird, Savage and Bird in Philadelphia. Ascertain and let me know whether they have all been attached, and if so, at whose suit or suits—If not, attach for me to the amount of fif sixteen thousand dollars—Let me know what the credit of the above persons, and houses is; and whether debts due by them are good for any-thing.
Your’s faithfully.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Stephens Smith, 10 May 1803
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, William Stephens

With a list of debts due to the House of Bird, Savage and Bird, in New-York.Dear Sir.Boston 10. May. 1803.
The above is a list of debts, stated by the House of Bird, Savage and Bird, as due to them in New-York—If you can find among them enough to attach on a demand of mine for fifteen sixteen thousand dollars, I will thank you to have it done—If you can from your knowledge of the persons, let me know, what proportion of them promises to be good for any thing, I shall be grateful for the favour.
Truly your’s.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 22 May 1803
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

22. May 1803.

This is the second week that I have failed in my customary tribute to you—‘Tis a grievous affliction to myself—But remember, non semper arcum, tendit Apollo—My Port-Folio is already drained of every thing, I can bear to display in public, and in the practice of spinning from the brain, the most industrious spider must have his intervals of leisure.
I have received two short letters from you, one of them mentioning certain shipments you had made, on board the Harmony—for me. The Harmony has arrived, and I have received the volume of the Encyclopaedia, and the cap for Mrs: A—but the two barrels of flour were not on board—As you have not sent me a bill of lading, I cannot call imperatively, upon the Captain for them, and possibly, your orders for the shipment were not obeyed—
I observe by advertisements in some of the newspapers, that the first part of Vol: 3—of the Encyclopaedia, is now published—And I remind you of it, that you may send me one as soon as possible
There is one number, containing a part of Luzac’s Socrates, of which I have not received a duplicate copy—‘tis N. 19—The others hitherto I have duly received.
I have not yet sent you the volumes of St: John Crevecoeur’s New Travels in Pennsylvania, and New-York, because I have had a sort of inclination to furnish an Article or two from them myself—I believe the Work has never been translated, and with due attention and Industry, might be an abundant Stock material for many months.
Your’s faithfully—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 20 June 1803
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

Portfolio Vol III No 29.20. June 1803.

By the biographical article I now inclose, you will perceive that my long silence has not altogether been owing to neglect—It will take up its full proportion of two numbers, and I have marked thus xxx the place where I think the division will be most convenient.—It is a rough sketch, and I wish I could spare the time of writing it over again—Overlook the printing carefully, and let not the errors of the press heap any more imperfections upon its head—I send it as a promised specimen of biography, and if it suits you, will endeavour to furnish you one or two more.
The next article I propose to send you, will be a review of the second Volume of Minot’s History, which has just been published here—I hope to have it ready in the course of a week or ten days—at least by the time the stock I now furnish shall be consumed—
In the last Port-Folio, I was much gratified with the life of Mackenzie, of which I expect the continuation—By the way I have never received the duplicate numbers 21 and 22. which I want to complete the Oration of Luzac—Remember to let me have them.
The last number of S. Saunter, headed with the quotation from the Dispensary, was more than ordinarily pleasing to me—Pray who is the American Lounger?
Your mother about a fortnight ago, met with an unlucky accident, in falling down stairs, which has confined her, great part of the time since—It was a great mercy that she did not lose her left—She is on the recovery and begins to ride out.
I have received, and thank you for the two barrels of flour.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 20 June 1803
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear Thomas
Quincy June 20 1803

William Shaw I presume has given you the reason why you have not received a Letter in reply to your last. I have been in danger of loosing my Life, by a fall Backwards down a steep flight of stairs: I was much bruised, and inwardly hurt, for many days quite helpless: That I rose without broken Bones is a wonder considering the force of the fall. By immediate bleading, and applications of various sorts, I have so far recoverd as to be able to walk, and get down stairs again tho I shall long feel the effects of the fall. I had begun a Letter to you; it was not in the best of Spirits; I have so much remaining to be thankfull for, that I am glad I did not Send you the Letter. That I am not a wretched criple for Life, that I have food to Eat and Raiment to Cloath me. Friends to comfort and console me: are all blessings of which I might have been deprived: instead of repineing at what is taken, I will rejoice and be glad with that which remains. I had built up some pleasent prospects and agreable Scenes in the Bosom of my family: if it is not given me to realize them; I must submit—
June 26th
Thus far I had written when I was interrupted, and it is now a week since, during which time I have been so unwell as not to be able to write a line or keep from my Bed more than an hour at a time. The weather became suddenly Hot and my Strength is weakness. We have the severest and sharpest drought I have known for very many years. The English Grass is cut of to a quarter part of the product of last Season. The Barly suffers greatly, and in many places the corn could not get up for want of moisture; every object wears the Hue of melancholy; it is too frequently by the loss only, that we learn to estimate the daily bounties of Providence, or are taught to acknowledg the Hand from which they flow.
Since I began this Letter I have received one from you of the 8th giving me an account of the conduct of the prime conductors of publick affairs both in your state and of the union. The Aurora man is one of those impudent daring fellows who is ripe for crimes of any magnitude, from circumstances which I have heard. He bullies his masters into any terms he pleases. He is in bodily fear of him, and as his courage is not considerd of the most vallient nature, he yealds to his Maker as I have heard Duane calls himself. I do not know what time may effect. I hope a union of the federalist upon better principles than have heitherto governd them. I see by an extract from the Aurora that the expected return of mr King raises their jealousy: The Antis Gen’ll Pinckny and mr King are said to be intended candidates for the next Election.
Your Brother has not been out this fortnight. He is waiting Madams confinement which is daily expected—He looks as anxious as tho he had the trouble himself to pass through. She is very well for so feeble a Body as she is—When you take a wife, it must be for better or for worse—but a healthy and good constitution is an object with those who consider, maturely. Very few Maturists in the world tho—
I do not know how to give up the hope of seeing you here—tho I give full force to your reasons. Why why is are the goods of fortune so niggardly bestowed upon the deserving, and so wantonly scatterd upon fools and knaves? If it would not be a Breach of confidence I should like to see the Letter you allude to describing the parting interview. Dear Girl, I could have folded her to my Heart if I had dared to—
When I am better able I shall write you again—I see you have promissed some Biografical Sketches in the port folio. You will find in a publication calld the Monthly Visitor 2d vol’m by a Society of Gentlemen year 1797: London printed, the Life of Zimmerman—which I wish to see in the port folio. Tis said to have been written by Tissot—If you read it you will think it worthy a place there—Your circulating Libraries will furnish it—
So badly written is my Letter that I am asshamed to send it, but you must pick it out—My arm is too lame to coppy or attempt further / than to subscribe your ever / affectionate Mother