Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Mason, 4 September 1819
From: Mason, Jonathan
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir.
					Boston Sepr 4. 1819.

				Your friendly letter, was handed to me yesterday evening by my Son, upon my return to Town from a small excursion in the Country—The proofs of friendship & good will towards me, from my youth to the present moment, so uniformly repeated by yourself, & by those, who have exchanged this World for a better, whom I can never cease to remember, but with sincere love & veneration, have as uniformly commanded my grateful acknowledgements, and yet, permit me to say, I feel an additional pride & pleasure, in this last expression of your confidence, at this period of life, because in it, I read a confirmation of them all—In the commencement of life, I passed twelve months under your roof, & in sincerity & truth, I can say, I there realised, the first substantial pleasures of my existance. I found no common, but the kindest of Mothers, and in your daughter, a protegee & an affectionate friend—I literally entered & left your dwelling, without even the passage of a summer’s cloud—I have always cherished impressions there received, & have hoped, that in some small degree, I discharged my duty—I have therefore, Sir, claimed a kindred to you, if not by blood, yet by strong & powerful feelings, & considerd myself as belonging to you. I will not repeat this subject a second time but you will forgive me for this digression, for the pleasure it affords me; to unburthen my own heart—I most chearfully accept your proposition, with any & every condition you shall think proper to annex, with assurances, they shall be punctually complied with, & your wishes fulfilld to the extent of my powers—I will detain your papers a few days & hand them to you in person, at the Commencment of the ensuing week—With great respect & the best feelings I can boast of, I am Sir, Your Obedt Servt

					Jonathan Mason


Title: From John Adams to John Binns, 8 September 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Binns, John

Sir
Quincy September 8th. 1819

I have received your obliging letter of September 2d. but have not received the Declaration of Independence. it has been lost, or at least retarded in the Post Office—whenever it arrives I will indeavour to send you such remarks as may occour to me.— I have no pretensions to any Critical taste, in any such elaborate and elegant Efforts of the fine Arts.—
I am Sir, with much Respect for your exertions to Celebrate the Independence of this Country, and with thanks for your Civility to me—Your friend and humble Servant.

John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to Vine Utley, 10 September 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Utley, Vine

Sir
Quincy September 10th. 1819

I have received your letter of the 2d. and having a natural disposition like the Old Frederick of Prussia—“trope incline a saisir les ridicules”—I could not help laughing and that some what immoderately.—
Why Sir? the history of my Physical habits according to the best estimate I can make, would fill a Volume in folio as large as the Life of Richard Baxter—who was for what I know a relation of mine—and who has given to the World a detail of his Physical habits— However Sir, as you have given produced me the example of two Characters whom I highly respect, Mr Jefferson and Dr Rush—I will give you a very brief sketch of my Physical System.—When I was at College I became acquainted with the writings of Dr Cheyne, and afterwards with Dr Cadogan—and the System of these profound Philosophers and Physicians has been the sheet Anchor of my Ship, and poor little Barke for Eighteen mongths between the Year 1756. and. 1759—I never tasted meat Ardent Spirit or Wine, I lived on Pudding Bread, and Milk, all sorts of Vegetables, drinking toast and Water, and now and then a little Cider—
When I was in Europe, that is in France and Holland, I followed my system as well as I could—my beverage being the light Wines of France well soaked in water; because Beer, and Cider, were not to be had.—
Since my return to America, I have followed the same System as well as I could—I have never drank a Pint of Maderia Wine in four and twenty hours, or any other “Vindeliqueur” as the French call them—I have followed the Vegetable Diet, using very little meat, now for Sixty Years—
At present I rise at four oclock, I breakfast on Chocolate, drink no Ardent Spirits, nor Wine of any kind—Cider and Water, and Lemonade are my only beverage I get as much Sleep in the four and twenty hours as is necessary for me—I walk and ride as much as my circumstances will admit—I can walk two or three miles—but directly opposit to Mr Jefferson—I have not courage to ride on horse back because my nerves are two tremulous, and my head two unsteady.
I am Sir your unknown, and / unknowing friend & humble Servant

John Adams
P.S If you should desire it, and I should be alive and have nothing more important to do—I will give you a more ample detail of my Physical history.—


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 12 September 1819
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld. Sept. 12 1819

From my last letter you may presume the cause of my delaying to answer, the favour, with which I was once more honoured—How gratified that I was in Seeing once more a Letter from my high respected frend—it was nevertheless not unmingled with painful failings—These are past as a morning cloud, and your mind must be now by the long desired arrival of your long desired John Quincy be cheered and comforted—And Why Should we vex ourselves in vain—where our Station must be So Short—why not rather pick all the roses, which with we meet on our road—and Smooth its path with it—and gaze upon their beauties—and inhale their fragrant perfume.
I must endeavour to offer you one—I am gradually recovering though yet exceedingly feeble and exhausted—I can not do much in my garden or closet—but have made a beginning.
How was I grieved, my Dear frend! that I Should have afflicted you in my Letter—of 6th of July—God knows it was unintentionally neither can I yet conjecture, where in I Sinned—and it is for me a cheering reflection, that I know, you doubt not my Sincerity.
I know—you have Struggled with many Severe calamities—but how can our fortitude be put to the test—how can the Strenght of our mind appear, when we never had any enemy to encounter? now more So—when So high advanced in age, you Stand alone—on a rock—not Shaken by the Storm—tua te virtute involvens. John Quincy is with you, and one greater and wiser and better than that admired and beloved Son—Stands at your Side.
Yes—Adams!—I thank God—I know not, that I have anÿ enemies—and more yet—I lost no frend—but how can it be, and that you Should not have warned me—when I owe chiefly, if not alone, every distinction bestowed upon me here—that one insidious and dastardly enemy of my admired benefactor Should be among my confidential correspondents and frends—It can not be—There are Several whom I respect, with whom I correspond—Few, who have obtained my confidence—fewer less whom I honour as frends. Judge Platt—who enjoy’d this Favour Sinc 1792—Dudley Tyng—Since 1813, cannot be the man—I possess no other confidential frends or correspondents—Hear what the Latter writes me Sept. 3 “The vigour, your frend retains at this advanced period of his life is truely wonderful—He is constantly occupied, and I have no doubt, that this contributes greatly to the health of his body, and the Soundness of his mind, now nearly 84 years of age.”—I beg—if I am once more favoured with a line—place the name at the bottom, on whom you reflected—and I Shall destroy it directly.
If you have any questions to propose with respect to General Floyd—and those Shall be answered—I am favoured with the affectionate esteem of his eldest daughter Married to my frend Abr. Varick—who paid me last week a Short visit. General Floyd—reside at his residence about 14 miles from here—but—as I keep no horse, I have not Seen him Since 1792—He enjoys his health both of body and mind—Since last year he found himself obliged to leave the Super Intendency of his noble farm and numerous tenants to his grandson, to which he befor personally attended—He had a few Severe attacks of the gravel—this designate the path, by which he Shall leave us—
his mind is vigorous—his memory uncommon—except, what regards late transactions—This you know is not uncommon—He takes now and then a Short walk—his chief amusement is reading—
I Slowly renew my labours in the garden and closet—This month I shall accomplish the 8 vol. which I intended to have performed in July—So idle, So vain are often our plans.
The Records continue indeed to be highly interesting—in Some respect to N. Eng—and principally Connecticut—Numbers left that delightful abode, to Search by the Dutch Boers that treasure, for which they left England—Liberty of conscience—25 families at once—I had lately the negotiations between Hartford and N. Amsterdam about the limits.
A nearly Despotic power was entrusted to the Governour and Council, and I have not Seen yet, when it was abused. In critical cases, he called all the respectable Inhabitants together—and executed faithfully, what they resolved.
Thes manners were rough but pure—justice rigid and inexorable, and uncommon the prudence and firmness of the Executive, when either wanted—If Oldenbarneveld was in Montezillo’s vicinity—and J.Q and my Friend John Adams would go thither, and throw a glance on what my industry has executed.
My wishes are gratified—thou art, and will remain the Patron and friend— / of your devoted

Fr. Adr. Van der Kemp


Title: From John Adams to John Binns, 20 September 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Binns, John

Sir
Quincy Septr. 20, 1819

I thank you for the Copy of your Declaration, which I have just received and will return by the first Opportunity.
I pray you to save yourself the trouble and expence of sending any other Copy to Sir your / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from David Sewall, 5 October 1819
From: Sewall, David
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					York. October 5th. 1819

				it is some time since I Wrote you, since which you have you have been bereaved of the Lady of your early years. may you have divine consolations, under this and every other afflictive dispensation.—The political dissolution of Maine from Massachusetts seems to be rapidly approaching; And to which I have been uniformly Opposed, upon the principal that one large State, united would have more preponderancy in the union, than when divided—As well as the necessary increase of expences in keeping the Wheels of Government in motion, without the prospect of an amelioration of circumstances, as it respects Maine. I wish our convention may have Wisdom to retaine all the features of Massa. Constitution, except the Numerous Representation in the Representative Body, and the unnecessary appendage of a Lt. Govr.—But why Need I be Anxious in this or indeed any other Worldly matter you may justly think that the period cannot be very distant when all these matters hcan have no effect on me personally.—But I cannot help, so long as I live, Wishing Well to the community of my nativity.—Our Classmate except Wentworth are all gone, let us have now and then an interchange of a few lines, if your Nerves will permit—My Health remains thro the favour of a kind providence; much more permanent than those persons of our advanced years have a rational prospect of enjoyining—In the course of last Week I made an excurtion to Wolborough, (about 45 Miles from hence) in my Chaize, and find no inconvenience, but rather a benefit by the Journey.your Sincere Friend / & humle. Sert.

					David Sewall


Title: From John Adams to David Sewall, 10 October 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Sewall, David

dear Sir
Quincy October 10th. 1819

Your favour of the 5th. has given me great pleasure off those which St Paul calls, light afflictions, which are but for a moment—a double portion has been allotted to me—but why should I grieve, when grieving must bear.—
The seperation of Maine has never been approved by me, any more than by you.—but as the People judge it most convenient for their happiness—I wish them all the Prosperity they can wish for themselves—I hope the Wisdom of your Convention will retain all that is good in the Constitution of Massachusetts—but I hope they will reduce the Representative body to one fifth part of it, at least, and leave out entirely both Lieutenant Governour and Council—they are as unnecessary and inconvenient as a fifth wheel to a Coach
This no doubt is unpopular doctrine, but you and I are so far advanced in Age that Adulation to mere popularity would be guilt as well as folly.
 You forgot my Old Chum Whitemore, who lived with me, when we were fresh-men in Old Stoughton under Thomas Marsh’s Chamber, in your innumeration of our Class-mates who survived.—He still Vegitates in his 85 or 86 Year as I presume, having never heard of his death—
Wentworth is more Paralytic than I am—as I am informed— I have not the courage to take a journey of forty five Miles, and altho my nerves will not permit me to write you a letter—I am thankful I have a Niece who will perform the kind office for me.—
I am Sir your Cordial friend and / affectionate Class-Mate—
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from D. Fraser, Sr., 18 October 1819
From: Fraser, D., Sr.
To: Adams, John

					Venerable Sir.
					Octr. 18th. 1819.

				You will herewith receive a copy of a Prospectus of a Biographical work of mine; in which, a Sketch of Your own Character, will thus be Inserted:—[John Adams Esqr. Late President of the U-States; A Native of Massachusetts;—that State has produced Heroes & great Statesmen—& Philosophers, a Warren, An Adams, a Franklin, &c. Mr. Adams, is a man of Superior, talents,—a correct writer, & an abble Negociator, when a Minister to a Foreign Court.—He is likewise, a Professor of Religion, like Newton Bacon Locke, &c.—May Columbia always have Such able Supporters of its Rights.]I have the honor to be, respectfully Sir, Your humble Servant

					D. Fraser, Senr

					P.S. With deference, I wou’d beg leave to add,—That, as the tender Joy, when Boreas blows, entwines, the Sturdy Oak, for Support, So, poor Literary Wights, like myself must, at times, look up to their Superiors for Some aid,—Perhaps, You may think proper to pay for a few Copies in advance.


Title: To John Adams from John Manners, 19 October 1819
From: Manners, John
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Flemington Oct. 19th: 1819

				I received, with peculiar gratification, your letters, together with the volume and other documents accompanying them, and am not insensible of the obligations under which you have laid me, by the kind attention with which you have been pleased to honour me.I have read with pleasure and interest your instructing letters and am satisfied of the correctness of your opinion respecting the obligatory effect of the common Law in the United States.I have also read with infinite pleasure and instruction the volume of your letters, with which you have done me the honour to present me. I am happy to find, that, that energy and vigor of mind which characterised the morning and Meridian of your life remains unimpaired in its evening.You have most incontrovertibly put down the slavish and feudal doctrine of allegiance. The ne excure ligiantium is certainly not founded in either the law of Nature, the revealed law, the law of nations, nor until the civil institutions of a nation expressly make it so, is it founded in the municipal Law. I am happy that the late act of congress has expressly recognised this natural right, a right so solemnly declared by congress in the Unanimous declaration of Independence. Mr. Jefferson in a letter which I had the honour to receive from him on this subject says “we do not claim these under the charter of Kings or legislators, but under the King of Kings, if he has made a law in the nature of man to pursue his own happiness, he has left him free in the choice of the place as well as the mode: and we may safely call on the whole, body of English jurists to produce the map on which Nature has traced for each individual, the geographical lines which she forbids him to cross in pursuit of happiness” Judge Ellsworth, however, in the case of Capt Isaac Williams was of a different opinion. My friend and father-in-Law Judge Cooper in a letter which I had the honour to receive from says “The case of capt. Is. Williams settles, that no man has a right to expatriate himself until some form shall be settled, and the circumstances enacted under which he may do it; for it is a contract wherein he is only one of the parties.” In another letter he says “I do not know what I have said about the right of Expatriation in my notes to Justinian, but I never doubted it” And altho’ Sir Edward Coke, Sir Mathew Hale, Sir William Blackstone, and other english jurist contend for the doctrine of perpetual allegiance, yet in my humble opinion the better authorities deny this position: Puffendorf, Cicero, Grotius, Burlamaqui, Locke, Vattel &c. all admit the right of expatriation. You have no doubt seen Mr. Hay’s Essay on the subject.Please to present my friendly complements to your son Mr Thomas B. Adams whose kind and friendly disposition to further my researches has placed me under many obligations, for which I beg he will accept of my most grateful acknowledgements.I return you the pamphlets and thank you for the perusal of them.I remain Dr. Sir / Very respectfully / Your Obedient Servt.

					Jno. Manners


Title: To John Adams from Sylvester T. Goss, 30 October 1819
From: Goss, Sylvester T.
To: Adams, John

					Respected Sir
					Boston Oct. 30, 1819.

				My friend Mr Morton informs me, that you wish a few more copies of Novanglus &c, to distribute among your friends. I therefore with pleasure send you four copies, which I beg you to accept as a mark of my respect and veneration.I am Sir / your humble Sert

					Sylvester T. Goss


Title: From John Adams to Robert Walsh, Jr., 31 October 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Walsh, Robert, Jr.

Dear Sir
Montezillo October 31st. 1819

Your kind letter of the 12th. with the invaluable present of your “Appeal from the judgments of Great Britain,” was brought to me last Night. I call it invaluable, for although, I have only had time to hear the dedication and preface read, these are quite sufficient to justify that expression. I have for some time ardently wished to see this publication, and now am gratified to my utmost wishes. Go on my dear Sir, to vindicate your calumniated Country; for although the public opinion—the Courtly fashions and the invincible vanity of the English nation, will not suffer it to be republished, or, even read, in their Empire, yet, in America it will be read by all, who love their Country, half as well as they do Old England with instruction and delight. The work will remain to Posterity a durable Monument of those little base passions, which have lead Great Britain in her Conduct towards America to the brink of ruin.—
A vast portion of our fellow citizens are not yet weaned, and this fact reminds me of a bon-mot of Secy Charles Thompson in the Winter or Spring of 1776. When the question of Independence was debated in Congress from day to day—he said “the behaviour of Congress resembled the conduct of babies whom he had known weaned by their Mother, by rubbing wormwood on their nipples, the babe would make grimmaces fly from the breast and cry, but very soon would cry again for the breast bosom—but upon tasting the bitter would fly from it again. After a number of these operations had been repeated the Child would renounce this kind of nursing forever.—Congress one day seem half inclined for Independence; a few days afterwards they fly from it with horror—but after a few more tastes of the Wormwood, they will be weaned forever.” But all the Gall and Wormwood, which the Old Lady has applied in such profusion has not yet weaned all the American Citizens. Great numbers have still an over over weaning fondness.—
Accept Sir my best thanks for your obliging favour and believe me / Your Friend & Humble Servt
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Phillips, Jr., 1 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Phillips, William, Jr.

dear Sir
Montezillo Monday November 1st. 1819

Mr John Marston has requested me to write your Honour on a Subject in which I am very sensible I have no colour of right or pretentions to interfere, and on which I am not qualified to form a judgement.—
All that I can say is, that I was acquainted with his Father, who had been an Officer in the Conquest of Louisbourg in one thousand seven hundred and forty five, that Mr Marston was himself in the Office in the Army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.—My acquaintance with him Commenced with the residence of his Mother, his Sister and his Daughters in Quincy. Since which there has been a frequent intercourse between Our Families.—I have found him a man of tender sensibility of great humanity and excessive generosity, he has the pen of a ready writer—has a great deal of Intelligence—and I believe is a good accountant—he is a generous Friend and excellent Neighbour.—Although he has no wife, he has Sisters and Daughters who are Models of Female tenderness—he has been very unfortunate and may consequently have many Enemies—there are no doubt many other Candidates for the same employment whose qualifications and Merits are unknown to me—I therefore presume not to give any opinions or insinuate any advice—
I rejoice in the opportunity of expressing my gratitude to your honour—and your excellent Family for their kindness to me and mine—in the last scenes of a Life most dear to me, in the most distressing hours of the Life of your sincere friend and / most humble Servant—
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Jr., 5 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Jr.

Dear Sir
Montezillo Novemer 5th 1819

I thank you for your congratulations and kind wishes, the accomplishment of them is on high where I rejoice that it is—
Dennis de Brett was a Merchant in London and a dessenter Esteemed among the Protestant Dessenters for which reason I suppose he was appointed Agent - he never gave any proofs of talents or influence - indeed he had none of the latter at Court, nor with the public, nor any where else but among the Members of his own Religious Sect. He was chosen I suppose by some secret intrigue of the Governors as Jasper Mauduit and Richard Jackson, were the prevent the Election of somebody that they dreaded more— The Roman Emperours Horse would have made as good a Senate as either of them did an Agent— The ancient practice has been to send Citizens of the Province such as Dummer Quincy and Bollan - and that custom ought to have been continued - for the Province abounded with Men infinitely Superiour in talents and would have been in Influence, but Mr Hutchinson aimed at the situation himself and I suppose endeavoured in Concert with the Governor to get these Cyfers appointed for a time in hopes of soon finding an opening for himself - these however will be thought jealousies, and suspicion and effusions of Malevolence in me - and as I cannot prove all these facts, it will be best for you to mention him only as an Agent without any assumption of Character or political views - it would have been infinitely better to have appointed Otis or Thatcher or Samuel Adams - or any one of many others - but the Influcence of Bernard and Hitchinson, and their Courtiers were sufficient to prevent the Election of any Native except Hutchinson himself - the Hosue of Representatives at length were driven to the Necessity of appointed Frankline - but not having perfect confidence in him they appointed Arthur Lee as a ind of substitute or successer
I am Sir with much Esteem / your humble Servant
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from John Marston, 5 November 1819
From: Marston, John
To: Adams, John

					Boston 5th Novr 1819

				To receive the approbation of the wise and the good.—To know that we are beloved and esteemed by those whom we respect and regard, are among the sweetest intellectual blessings, the human heart and mind are capable of enjoying.What then must have been my feelings my dear and venerable friend when Lieut Govr Phillips read to me, your excellent letter to him, in which you so kindly, & so affectionately, speak of my character? I shall ever bless the day in which I determined to apply for the place in question, because it has elicited those favourable expressions of me & mine. from one whom I so much love and revere, and whose opinions are formed on the basis of Roman virtue and integrity.Mr Phillips has politely promised me a Copy of the letter, that I may have it in my power to leave it as a rich legacy to my children.My application was not attended with success, tho’ your letter was read at the Board, with most respectful attention and consideration.Accept Dear Sir my unfeigned and grateful thanks.Most respectfully & sincerely / Your friend

					John Marston


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 7 November 1819
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Monticello Nov. 7. 19.

				Three long and dangerous illnesses within the last 12. months must apologise for my long silence towards you.The paper bubble is then burst. this is what you & I, and every reasoning man, seduced by no obliquity of mind, or interest, have long foreseen. yet it’s disastrous effects are not the less for having been foreseen. we were laboring under a dropsical fulness of circulating medium. nearly all of it is now called in by the banks who have the regulation of the safety valves of our fortunes and who make them condense or explode them at their will. lands in this state cannot now be sold for a year’s rent: and unless our legislature have wisdom enough to effect a remedy by a gradual diminution only of the medium, there will be a general revolution of the property in this state. over our own paper and that of other states coming among us, they have competent powers. over that of the bank of the US. there is doubt; not here, but elsewhere. that bank will probably conform voluntarily to such regulations as the legislature may prescribe for the others. if they do not we must shut their doors and join the other states which deny their right of Congress to establish banks, and sollicit them to agree to some mode of settling this constitutional question. they have themselves twice decided against their right, and twice for it. many of the states have been uniform in denying it, and between such parties the constitution has provided no umpire. I do not know particularly the extent of this distress in the other states, but Southwardly & Westwardly I believe all are involved in it. God bless you & preserve you many years.

					Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Herttell, 11 November 1819
From: Herttell, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Respected Sir—
					New York Novr: 11th: 1819—

				Though I have not the pleasure of being personally acquainted with you, my knowledge of your exalted character, leads me to believe, you will pardon the liberty I have taken to request your acceptance of the accompanying pamphlet entitled “An expose of the causes of intemperate drinking, and the means by which it may be obviated”—Should it hereafter be deemed worthy of a second edition, I will avail myself of the benefit of any remarks you may think proper to make on the subject of which it treats—That you may be blessed with long life and perfect health and happiness is the ardent desire—  / Venerable Sir  / of / Your’s respectfully

					Thos: Herttell


Title: From John Adams to John Farmer, 17 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Farmer, John

Dear Sir.
Quincy Montezillo 17th. Novber. 1819

I regret extremely the loss of your Memoire’s of Billerica which must have failed in the Post Office—because I have a great curiosity to see some what of the History of that Colony—the Thompson’s Bracketts and Adams’s which Migrated so early from Mount Wollaston to Billerica Chelmsford and New-hamsphire—I have a Strong ambition to Support a claim for Mount Wollaston for the honor of being the Hive from whence the Ancester of Count Rumford issued—for as the Name of that meritorious Philosopher was Thompson I suspect he was descended from our first Minister that Resolute Theologian who trampled under his feet the Snake that had terrified the Assembly of Divines at Cambridge—and had crepted into the Seat of the Moderator when they were discussing the Platform of Church Government—
You Sir can easily inform me whether my conjecture has any foundation—and you will very much oblige your friend / and Humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Jr., 17 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Jr.

My Dear Sir
Montezillo November 17th. 1819

I inclose you a letter from Judge Sewall-and an anecdote of your Hero—He had intervals of Sound reason, and strong memory—his Paroxysm’s of Insanity appeared principally at the full, and change of the Moon—at least so it appeared to me and many others—and if we were not deceived by a Book of Dr Mead’s upon the Influence of those luminary’s upon the human mind and body which were then Circulating in considerable reputation—The observation was just—
I am Sir your friend and Humble Servant—
John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to Robert Walsh, Jr., 17 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Walsh, Robert, Jr.

Dear Sir
Montezillo November 17th: 1819

I have now read, and have heard read, the whole of your Volume—and I cannot refrain from repeating my thanks, not only for the Present—but for the great public Nationall service you have performed, in the Compilation and Composition of it.—it is the most able, the most faithful, and the most ample apology for the United States—at the same time the gravest and best supported indictment against great Britain for her Tyranny arrogance and insolence that ever was written—
You made me a great Compliment when you said it is in my Sense—for indeed it is a Book after my own heart—I agree with a friend of mine who said it is worthy to be translated into the Modern Languages and disposed dispersed in all the Courts and Nations in Europe, at our National expense as an appeal to the World against the overbaring injustice of the Empire of Mammon.—
I am Sir your greatly obliged friend and / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Hertell, 18 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Hertell, Thomas

Dear Sir
Montezillo November 18th 1819

I pray you to accept of my best thanks for your kind letter of November 11th—And for a most precious present—your Expose of the Causes of Intemperate drinking, and the means by which it may be obviated, is one of the best Pamphlets I ever read, with a knowledge of the World, an accuracy of observation, and a sagacity in Estimating Men, and things.—You have developed the causes of National Intemperance in a more Masterly Manner than I have ever seen before—The Work must make a deep impression on every rational creature who reads it—You have shone that high and low, rich and poor, are in general involved in one common System of Vice, and folly—The poisonous plant has shot down so many in such strong roots into a deep and rank soil, that it is obviously impossible to eradicate it suddenly—the process must be gradual—and it appears to me, as I think at appears to you—That manners, and not laws, Fashions, and not force, must produce the desired reformation—if the wise could be brought to Unite in setting the example, I flatter myself they would be followed—and I know of nothing that has yet appeared so well calculated to convince them of the necessity of such a Union as your Pamphlet.—
I am Sir your greatly obliged and / most obedient Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Jr., 20 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Jr.

Dear Sir
Montezillo Novbr. 20th. 1819.

I Shall not pause to consider whether my Opinion will be popular or unpopular with the Slave Holders, or Slave Traders, in the Northern the Middle, the Southern, or the Western, States—I respect all those who are necessarily subjected to this Evil.—But Negro Slavery is an evil of Colossal Magnitude.—Mr Walsh in his late Scourge of the British Reviewers, has given such a picture of the Guilt, and Hypocrisy of the People of Europe, especially in England that little or nothing is to be expected from that side of the Water in relation to this People Traffic—The United States therefore ought to persevere in the example they have begun, and hitherto continued to discountenance, and totally abolish it—it is a gangreene which thretens Mortality—
ense recidendum est ne pars sincera prahetur
I am therefore utterly averse to the admission of Slavery into the Missouri Territory, and heartily wish that every Constitutional measure may be adopted for the preservation of it.—The unbounded speculations in Land, as well as in Banks, must be restrained by some means or other—or we shall all be ruined—
I am Sir affectionately and Respectly yours
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Farmer, 20 November 1819
From: Farmer, John
To: Adams, John

					Honoured & Respected Sir,
					Billerica, 20 Nov. 1819.

				Your favour was received last evening, and the subject of it shall receive immediate attention. For some time past, I have entertained the idea that the late Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford, was a descendant from the well known Rev. William Tompson of Braintree. In November, last year, I communicated my conjecture to Mr. Baldwin, of Chelmsford, son of the late Col. L. Baldwin of Woburn, and wished him to obtain for me the loan of the oldest volume of the Woburn records, which, I thought, with the documents in my possession, might enable me to ascertain the fact. The reason of my request was on account of my health, which forbade my going to Woburn to make an examination, which might perhaps, have required considerable time. Mr. Baldwin called upon me a few weeks after I wrote him, and informed me that it was probable the records could not be obtained for the purposes desired, and in consequence of this information, I desisted from pursuing the subject at that time. I have since examined the life of the Rev. Mr. Tompson in the Magnalia in hopes of finding something respecting his family, but found nothing. There is annexed to his life, a poem on his death, which appears to be written in the style of Benjamin Tompson, the New England Poet, who died at Roxbury in 1714, several of whose poems appear in the Magnalia. I have thought it not improbable, that the poet was a son of Rev. Mr. Tompson, and brother to William Tompson, who graduated at H. Coll. in 1652, & of Capt. Joseph Tompson of this town, & it is possible an uncle, or the father to the Rev. Edward Tompson of Marshfield, but these are only conjectures. The correct orthography of the name is in Johnson’s Hist. N. E. Book 11. Chap. 18. and the Harvard Catalogue. All succeeding writers have assumed an h, when writing the name of the minister. Capt. Jos. Tompson, Benj. Tompson, Esq. & Col. Wm. Tompson of three successive generations, of this town, adhered to the ancient orthography.It would afford me great pleasure to give you such satisfaction on this subject, as should not only establish the claim of Braintree to the honour of being the hive, from whence the great ancestor of that most eminent practical philosopher issued; but also assign to Billerica a share of the celebrity of giving birth to one of his immediate progenitors.Can you, Sir, give me any information of the Rev. Mr. Tompson’s family, their births, &c.? Such information might perhaps assist me in any enquiries to trace the genealogy of our illustrious countryman.With this, I send you, Sir, another copy of the Hist. Memoir of this town. As it is only a hasty general sketch, you may not find all the information you may wish. I have obtained important facts since that was published.With profound respect, / I am, Your most Obt. Servt.

					John Farmer.

					The title you affix to my name may be omitted, as it does not belong to me. Note. It seems necessary first to ascertain whether Capt. Jos. Tompson of this town and one of its early settlers, was a son of the minister, and then ascertain whether Count Rumford was a descendant of Capt. Tompson, of whose children, some, it appears, migrated from this town. If he did not descend in this line, it will not be easy for me to give you any satisfactory answer to your information on the subject.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 23 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

My dear Sir
Montezillo Alias the little Hill / November 23d. 1819

I congratulate you and myself on your recovery from the three Illnesses that have distressed you, the means that have been used to preserve you may, and I hope will have laid a foundation for good Health, and many more years of an already long Life. My Health is astonishing to myself, I can say, like Deborah Queen Ann Dutchess of Marlbourgh—who in one of her letters, after innumerating a Multitude of her griefs, and Misfortunes, says, I believe nothing but Distemper will kill me—though I have not had three remarkable Illnesses, I have been afflicted with three times three Misfortunes—grievous enough—to have shaken the philosophy of the most hardened stoic—I ought however, to remember the saying of a Bishop with whom I dine’d once at Versailles who asked me many questions concerning Dr Frankline,—his Health, his Spirits, and his Mind—I answered his Health is very robust, his Spirits very cheerful—and his Intellect as bright as ever. Monseignieur reply’d “mais a sonage il ne faut que tres peu de chose pour abbatre un colasse”—
What a Murrain there has been among the governours within a few Months—Langdon, Strong Snyder Johnson Lee Raban—I hope there will not be such another among the ex and in Presidents—
Congress are about to assemble and the Clouds look Black and thick—Assembling from all points threatening thunder and Lightning—The Spanish Treaty the Missouri Slavery—the encouragement of Manufactures by protecting duties or absolute prohibitions—the project of a Bankrupt Act, the plague of Banks—perhaps even the Monument for Washington—and above all the bustle of Caucuses—for the approaching Election—for President and Vice President—will probably produce an effervescence—though there is no doubt that the present President, and Vice President, will be re-elected by great Majority’s—as they ought to be—unless Tompkins should be chosen Governour of New-York.—
May God preserve you many years Amen
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Andrews Norton, 24 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Norton, Andrews

Dear Sir—
Montezillo Quincy November: 24. 1819

I have now read your Inaugural Discourse, and my peculiar circumstances must be my apology for not having read it sooner—I have read nothing of its Compass composed with more Wisdom, or written with greater dignity, it is full of the Elements of Contemplation and though Johnson never knew a hard student—this Work at least is a demonstration that one exists—
The science of Theology is indeed the first Philosophy —the only Philosophy—it comprehends all Philosophy and all science—it is the Science of the Universe and its Ruler—and what other object of knowledge can there be—It is the Science of Το Πan—there can therefore never be more than one perfect Theologian in the Universe—and that is the Eternal Omniscient Jehovah.—
I know of nothing that excites more thought, or that hints at more extensive tracts of thinking than your Address—If I could write I should esteem myself highly honoured to be permitted to correspond with you upon these great subjects—but I humbly hope, very soon to be matriculated into schools of a higher order—
The few sentences upon Oratory have renewed my regret that you are not the Professor in that department I am very wrath with my Cousin Boylston and some others—for their unwise opposition—I thank you Sir for this precious present—and I pray you that your Life and Health, may be preserved for the honour and interest of Harvard University and all the rest of your fellow men—
With great Esteem and sincere affection / I am your friend and humble Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Farmer, 25 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Farmer, John

					dear Sir
					Montezillo Novber. 25th. 1819

				I have not received your Memoirs of Billerica—they must have been nested some-where in the Post Office or have been taken out of the Mail—This letter however is intended to make a particular enquiry, a suspicion has darted into my head that the late learned ingenious scientific public Spirited and benevolent Count Rumford, was a descendant of your Billerica family of Tompsons—his Name, was Tompson—and was born in or near your Town—you can undoubtedly inform me—whether their is any foundation for my discovery conjecture—I am ambitious of discovering whether this industrious Bee, is descended from the swarm which issued from the Hive at mountwallaston—your Compliance will very much oblige your / friend and humble Servant

					John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Farmer, 26 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Farmer, John

Dear Sir
Quincy Montezillo Novber. 26th. 1819

I have not yet received your Memoirs of Billerica—they must have rested somewhere in the Post Office—or have been taken out of the Mail
This letter however is intended to make a particular inquiry—a suspicion has darted into my head that the late learned ingenious scientific public Spirited and benevolent Count Rumford—was a descendant of your Billerica family of Tompsons—his Name was Thomson, and was born in, or near, your Town—you can undoubtedly inform me whether there is any foundation for my conjectures—I am ambitious of discovering whether this industrious Bee—is descended from the Swarm which Issued from the Hive at Mount wollaston—
your complience will very much obliged / your friend and humble Servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 27 November 1819
From: Tudor, William, Jr.
To: Adams, John

					Most respected & Dear Sir,
					Boston November. 27th. 1819

				I was very highly gratified by your opinion on the subject of slavery in the new States; its tenour was what I anticipated from the principles & actions of your whole life. A meeting is advertised for the next week of gentlemen of this town & vicinity, who are enemies of the trade and the further extension of slavery in the United States. I thought if I addressed some observations to the meeting of introducing the letter with which you honoured me on the subject—but I have thought in so doing I might take an unwarrantable liberty; and that your opinion as it cannot be hid under a bushel—would be cited, and Clay & the enemies of the Secretary would seize hold of it, to excite ill will against him in the heated prejudiced minds of the Southern people—because this question is one which is likely to produce a very Strong sensation, and the slaveholders will have all their passions roused, and your son’s opponents would greedily seize upon any opinion of yours to do an injury to him—I wish Sir, to ask your opinion as to the expediency of introducing any sketches or particular mention of the tories as well as the whigs, in my work—It will be difficult to avoid some notice of Massachusettensis after what you have said him, but should I also introduce Hutchinson, Brigadier Ruggles &c. &c. It is punishment enough perhaps as things have turned out, for honest men, that they were on the wrong side; and I am not so free from all ties, as to hope to be perfectly impartial, and it would exhibit great want of magnanimity to be otherwise—If forty years ago, debellare superbos, was a part of the motto of you & your coadjutors—at this time parcere subjectis ought certainly to be ours—I shall be glad to know your opinion on this point—The last news from England seems rather portentous—If the opposition are exasperated by the conduct of the Ministry or the impulse of ambition to take side with the vast mot of labouring people who are suffering, & perhaps disaffected, it is a dangerous game they are engaged in—the military force will be all powerful so long as it is merely the populace who are uneasy, but if the higher ranks take their part, is it  not very uncertain how it may terminate? With the highest respect / I remain Your hble sevt

					W. Tudor.


Title: To John Adams from Emma Willard, 28 November 1819
From: Willard, Emma
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Waterford (N York) Nov 28 1819

				While an undistinguishing thirst for popularity is reprehensible, the desire to be known and approved by those great and good characters, whom we have from infancy been taught to venerate, is perhaps somewhat better than innocent; since its tendency is to call into action, and turn to beneficial purposes, some of the best faculties of our nature. Tho the writer is not unconscious of this desire, yet she could have restrained it from interrupting that repose, which all American citizens, who owe so much to the labours of your meridian of life, should hold sacred in its decline; but she thinks you can not be uninterested in the fate of that country, which you have done so much to serve; & she believes, (perhaps however with the misjudging enthusiasm of a projector) that the Plan of Female Education contained in the small volume of which she begs your acceptance is in its execution connected with the future greatness of the American name. Should Mr. Adams find leisure for its perusal, perhaps he would then be interested to know, that it has already gone into partial operation at this place, under the patronage of  the legislature of this state;—that thus far it has met the expectations of its most sanguine friends—and that there is reason to hope the institution will soon receive from public liberality a fund commensurate to its objects.With sentiments of deep respect, / I am / Sir, / Your obedient Servant

					Emma Willard


Title: To John Adams from Clarkson Crolius, 29 November 1819
From: Crolius, Clarkson
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					New York Novr. 29. 1819

				By the direct1on of the Society of Tammany, or Columbian order, I do myself the honor of transmitting to you, by this days mail, the address of that society, on the Subjects of national economy and domestic Manufactury. The society as well as myself, feel highly gratified, should the sentiments it contains coincide with your own.I have the honor to be, with / the highest consideration of respect / Sir; yours obediently,

					Clarkson Crolius.


Title: From John Adams to Jacob Brown, 1 December 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Brown, Jacob

dear Sir
Montezillo December 1st. 1819

I beg your acceptance of the inclosed Pamphlets—the long Dissertation on the Agriculture of massachusetts is by the same hand that wrote the Address the Honble. Josiah Quincy, my friend and Neighbour—whom I greatly Esteem—though his Politicks have not been always approved—by his, and your, friend / and humble Servant—

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Jr., 1 December 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Jr.

My dear Sir.
Montezillo December 1st. 1819

Why should my little twine worn out as it is to a single thread, be woven into all the Political hanks and snarles?—It is not fair, and therefore I hope you will by no means publish my letter—besides it would only irritate and injure the Cause.—
As to the Life of Otis, I would not advise you to use the Words Whig, and Tory—they are  cant words of Party, and although I have used them myself, both formerly, and latterly too freely, and too vulgarly; yet I should not approve them in any sober History, or serious Biography.—
As to your Life of Otis I always foresaw that you would meet with difficulties, embarrassments, and obstructions in your Course—You have very ill applied the Words supurbos and subjectes—the superbi are superbi still, and the subjecti are subjecti still—the former are now the noble Lords who hold the advowson of the Commonwealth of all our Universities, Academies, and Literary and Scientific Corporations, and Institutions—all the honours and all the Emoluments are exclusively monopolized - and the character of every man dead or alive—who was active and conspicuous in the Revolution, lies under an oppressive weight—and is chill’d with a deadly damp—
It is impossible to write the Life of Otis without introducing Hutchinson, Ruggles and many others of that Stamp; and painting their Portraits which you will find very delicate and dangerous to attempt—
I pray you not to publish this letter any more than the other—from your friend and humble / Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 6 December 1819
From: Tudor, William, Jr.
To: Adams, John

					Dear & Most venerable sir,
					Boston December 6th. 1819

				I received yesterday your kind letter of the 1st instant—Notwithstanding the great weight attached to your name and which each party would be eager to place in their own scale, I am ready to agree that it is most unreasonable to wish to involve you in the subaltern quarrels of our time, when you bore the heat & burden of the day half a century since, in questions of far different magnitude. I hope you will have entire confidence that I shall never publish any thing from you without your explicit consent. I appreciate too highly the honour of receiving & the singular value of your letters to risk losing the advantage by any indiscretion.The meeting on Friday at the State House consisted of about six hundred persons, and was highly respectable on other grounds than that of numbers—several leading men of both parties, from country as well as town, were present. Individuals of opposite opinions seem to have met on the occasion, and acted together with as little reserve as could have been expected. The only dissentient I have met with is Mr Austin (Honestus) who met me a day or two afterwards highly excited against his friends, Prince, Eustis, &c. for being such miserable dupes & sycophants, as he called them. I told him, that in part of his surmises as to the origin of this meeting in this town, he was assuredly mistaken, as much as the people at the South were in attributing it to any particular concert or combination—It was a spontaneous feeling produced by the same causes at the same moment in different places. I have not consulted the newspapers generally, but I see that the Richmond Inquirer is on the side of slavery, and Niles’s Register against it.I feel Sir, the difficulties you apprehended in my work—the difference between digging into documents to ascertain facts, or relating them from having been an actual observer is as great as that between crawling & flying. All my valuable materials will be taken from you, & without your admirable letters, I venture to say the life of Otis never could have been written. With their powerful aid, I hope to be able to do something towards making his life known, and also those of the other Massachusetts patriots you have named. It is with me a favourite object to vindicate the claims of this State in producing the revolution. It is a glorious patrimony, that had been so long neglected, that it had almost got into abeyance.  If I was writing a treatise to shew the superiority of mind over matter, the soul over its tenement, I think it would afford a striking example, to contrast the vivacity & energy of what you dictate, with your signature; the spirit is firm and unimpaired though the hand vibrates. I hope my inclination to receive your letters and the great privilege I conceive it to be, will not make me indiscreet in troubling you too often. But your indulgence will embolden me to apply to  you for information, whenever I am embarrassed for the want of it.With the highest respect, / I am your much obliged Sevt

					W. Tudor.


Title: From John Adams to Rufus King, 7 December 1819
From: Adams, John
To: King, Rufus

dear Sir
Montezillo December 7th. 1819

I have received, and read with Avidity and pleasure your Eloquence and Ratiocination, on the great question of Slavery in the Missouri.—I have rarely if ever; meet a Stronger proof of the importance to a Nation of having in her Councils, Men of great Sagacity, and long experience in public affairs—As far as my Memory serves me, the facts you have stated, are perfectly correct—I believe there was not another Member in Congress; Capable of developing their History in detail, with such precision—The right of Congress to prescribe such a condition to the Gentlemen of Missouri, is the only question that could raise a doubt in the Mind of any Man of Common sense—and that right I think, you have demonstrated in a manner, unanswerable by all the Cavils of Sophistry—
May God preserve you many years—for the benefit of your Country—and for the Comfort of your / friend and / Humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Clarkson Crolius, 9 December 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Crolius, Clarkson

Sir.
Montezillo December 9th. 1819

I have received the favour of your an obliging letter which you did me the honor to write me on the 29th. November—be pleased to present my thanks to the Society of Tammany or Columbian Order for this honorable mark of their Attention
I admire the frankness and fortitude with which they have censure’d a Multitude of errours and abuses in the Policy Morals and Manners of this Nation no Satire can be too severe, no condemnation too inexorable for my taste on these topicks—I wish you and your society success in discountenancing all pernicious Customs and usages, and all deviations from a Wise and virtuous National Economy—
With great Respect, I have the honor to be Sir, your / most Obedient humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William E. Richmond, 10 December 1819
From: Richmond, William E.
To: Adams, John

					Honoured Sir,
					Providence Decr. 10. 1819

				Your own patriotism, tried through a long, and eminently useful publick life, will excuse the intrusion of a stranger, when his wish is for instruction from one whom the experience of more than half a century spent in the most elevated situations, has so well qualified to afford it. The wish of rendering a partial service to a community, whose industry and enterprize are paralyzed by immense exportations of specie to pay the balance of our trade with Great Britain, has led me to project the publication of the Journal, the prospectus of which I have the honour to enclose. The requisite attention to this Journal will probably interfere with my professional avocations as a Lawyer, but this sacrifice is of small moment, if I can make the paper useful to this part of our Country:The object of my writing, is to obtain your opinion of the practicability of the undertaking, and your direction to such books of Statisticks and Political Œconomy as may be most useful. This is a branch of knowledge, which, unfortunately for us, has been little cultivated in this Country; and our young men come out of College almost entirely ignorant of it. I feel my own deficiency in it, and wish to qualify myself for the task which I have undertaken, by a proper course of reading. If, Sir, you have leisure to favour me with a few lines, on these interesting subjects the obligation will be gratefully received.I have lately, Sir, read the Papers of Novanglus and Massachusettensis, and have been much pleased with the successful manner in which the former of these Champions defended the cause of this Country by this  course of reasoning, which so immediately preceded the tremendous resort to the “Ultima Ratio” of Lewis Le Grand. If there be any enjoyment in the retrospect of a long publick life, those who projected, conducted and successfully terminated a Revolution which electrified the whole moral constitution of the world, and taught kings and potentates, that governments are instuted for the benefit of the subject, must reflect with peculiar self approbation, on the effects which their exertions have produced. Theirs was a peculiarly happy era, and they seem to have been favoured by Providence with an intellectual grasp which was adequate to the work which was designed for them. As founders of a Mighty Empire, their names will descend to posterity, unstained by ambition, or any of the vices which commonly tarnish the characters of conspicuous men.—As benefactors of the human race, they will be revered as long as the cause of man has an advocate on earth, and his temporal happiness is a subject of enquiry and solicitudeTo break the last link of the chain of our dependence on foreigners is the duty of the present generation: This can only be done by a Manufacturing policy in the Government, which will protect our own industry by excluding the fabricated articles of other nations. At least this appears the best policy, to me who a young man, and pretending to no political sagacity. Your views of this subject, if you have time and inclination to give them, will be gratefully received. I have, for some time doubted the commercial philosophy of Adam Smith, and should be gratified by the opinions of more experienced men respecting them.With real respect and veneration / I remain, Sir, / Your humble Servt.

					Wm. E Richmond


Title: From John Adams to Samuel L. Mitchell, 13 December 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Mitchell, Samuel L.

dear Sir
Montezillo December 13th 1819

I rely upon former acquaintance between us—Alass much too slender for me as an apology for the Liberty I take of introducing to you the Reverend Mr Andrew Norton, a Professor of Biblical Critisim in our University
Men of letters and science, ought to be known to each-other in Person, as well as by fame whenever a fair opportunity presents—I flatter myself you will find him every way worthy  of your Esteem—
I am Sir with great regard, your friend / and humble Servant
John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to William White, 13 December 1819
From: Adams, John
To: White, William

Dear Sir.
Montezillo December 13th. 1819

As Charity is the bond of perfection—I think it very desirable that great and good Men should have opportunities to see one another—however different their Opinions in Religion or Philosophy may be—. upon this principle I presume, thought I confess without much Authority to introduce to your acquaintance the Reverend Mr Andrews Norton-Dexter Professor of Biblical Criticism in our University at Cambridge—whom I believe you will find worthy of your Esteem—
Accept the Compliments of the Season, and Assurances, / of the high Respect of your friend / and humble Servant
John Adams—


Title: To John Adams from Jacob Brown, 18 December 1819
From: Brown, Jacob
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir.
					Head Quarters Brownville Decm: 18th: 1819

				I have the satisfaction to acknowledge your kind Letters of the 19th: Novm. & 1st. inst. The favourable opinion you have been pleased to express of my Address is very grateful to my feelings. The belief, that the effort I was about to make when  I commenced this Address, would plead strongly with minds like yours in favour of the Author, altho, his work should not merit much praise cheered me in its progress, and was one principal cause of making it what it is—such as to receive the approbation of those whose good opinion I most covet.I have read with much interest the Honbe: Josiah Quincy’s Address, and his Dissertation on the Agriculture of Massachusetts. It is not common to find so much practical wisdom as these productions contain expressed in so few words—The only doubtful position I have found in the address, is when the Author looks from the Doorsills of the Farm Houses and fancies all behind him in good Order.My observations have led me to very different conclusions—I begin to be confirmed in the opinion that such is the deference paid to Woman, in this Country, that all men in the ordinary walks of life must ask their Wives permission to be either prosperous or happy. And I think I have seen that, it is of vital importance that the female part of our republic should be made to reflect upon the deep stake the Country holds in their moral qualities, and in their perfect acquaintance with all the domestic duties.With the most / devoted respect & regard / I am your friend

					Jac: Brown


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 December 1819
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 20 Dec. 1819.

The last time, I was gratified with Some tidings from Quincy—was by a Letter of the 8th of this month, in which your grand-daughter Carolina Amelia—informed me, that received a Letter from her grand-Father, which breathes a continuance of good health and tolerable Spirits.—That both these may continue—and crowned with the choice of God’s blessings, is my fervent wish and prayer—You have again enjoy’d the Satisfaction, of Seeing your dear Son and his family under your roof again—and it can not be, or the increased esteem, with which he is rewarded by his Country, must cause you an exquisite pleasure—and I am so happÿ, that I can acquaint you, that I recovered my health—the weakness of my eyes only excepted—
I laid now aside—a few days Since my old musty Records, to pay my debts to my correspondents before the end of the year. The Records continue to be very interesting—I returned four vol. to the Secretary of State—containing in the whole above 2500 pages—I hope my work may be approved—
Can you inform me, who wrote the preface of the English ed. of the Lett. of Abbe Mably to his Excell. John Adams. published in 1784—? Is Neal’s history of N. England equally valuable with his history of the Puritans?
I was Surprised, to discover that as early as 1722, inoculation was in practice in N. England—by a tract—of Benjamin Colman mentioned by Dr Toulmen in his Mem on the life of D. Neal: Its ravages in this State, in the neighbourhood of Albany were very violent—but I do not discover, that the remedy there was applied. Among the Singular and remarkable facts—which Struck me in the Records—was—that from N. york (N. Amsterdam) the whole colony was nearly one Tobacco plantation—the colony of Renselaerwyck was the chief grenary—N. Engl. provided them with beef, pork and peas, and received in pay wares and Merchandises—The New-Hartford merchants often their Ships at N. Amsterdam—Several colonies of New-England—men—bought and Settled on the Manhattans and Long-Island—and took the oath of allegiance—to enjoy the liberty of Religion—and Spread the Seeds of Liberty among the Dutch Settlers.
There are now in the Secretary’s offices Seven Vol. of Records—neatly lettered—and bound—
I dare not detain you much longer—but permit myself the liberty, to assure you, that I remain—with high and affectionate respect— / your affectionate and / Obliged frend!

Fr. Adr. van der Kemp.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 21 December 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Montezillo December 21st 1819

I must answer your great question of the 10th in the Words of Dalembert to his Correspondent, who asked him what is Matter- “Je vous avoue que je n’en scais rien.”
In some part of my Life I read a great Work of a Scotchmen on the Court of Augustus, in which with much learning, hard study, and fatiguing labour, he undertook to prove that had Brutus and Cassius been conqueror, they would have restored virtue and liberty to Rome.—
mais Je n’en crois rien—have you ever found in history one single example of a Nation throughly Corrupted - that was afterwards restored to Virtue—and without Virtue, there can be no political Liberty.—
If I were a Calvinist, I might pray that God by a Miracle of Divine Grace would instantaneously convert a whole Contaminated Nation from turpitude to purity—but even in this I should be inconsistent, for the fatalism of Mahometism materialists, Atheists, Pantheists and Calvinists—and Church of England Articles appear to me to render all prayer futile and absurd—the French and the Dutch in our day have attempted reforms and Revolutions—we know the results—And I fear the English reformers will have no better success.—
Will you tell me how to prevent riches from becoming the effects of temperance and industry—Will you tell me how to prevent riches from producing luxury—Will you tell me how to prevent luxury from producing effeminacy intoxication extravagance Vice and folly.—When you will answer me these questions—I hope I may venture to answer yours—yet all these ought not to discourage us from exertion—for with my friend Jeb. I believe no effort in favour of Virtue is lost—and all good Men ought to struggle both by their Council and Example—
The Missouri question I hope will follow the other waves under the Ship and do no harm—I know it is high treason to express a doubt of the perpetual duration of our vast American Empire, and our free Institution—and I say as devoutly as Father Paul—estor perpetua, but I am sometimes Cassandra enough to dream that another Hamilton, an other Burr might rend this mighty Fabric in twain—or perhaps into a leash, and a few more choice Spirits of the same stamp, might produce as many Nations in North america as there are in Europe—
To return to the Romans—I never could discover that they possessed much Virtue, or real Liberty—there Patricians were in general griping Usurers and Tyrannical Creditors in all ages—Pride, Strength and Courage were all the Virtues that composed their National Characters—a few of their Nobles effecting simplicity frugality and Piety—perhaps really possessing them acquired Popularity amongst the Plebeians and extended the power and Dominions of the Republic and advanced in Glory till Riches and Luxury come in—sat like an incubus on the Republic—victam que ulcissitur orbem—
Our Winter sett in a fortnight earlier than usual, and is pretty severe—I hope you have fairer skyes and Milder Air—wishing your health, may last as long as your Life—and your Life as long as you desire it—
I am dear Sir Respectfully and affectionately
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 29 December 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir.
Montezillo December 29th. 1819

I have two kind letters from you to acknowledge one of the 9th September, and one of the 20th. December—with heartfelt satisfaction I congratulate you upon the restoration of your Health—The weakness of your Eyes is the inevitable effect of your amazing exertions of them upon your Records—while I wonder that you have any Eyes left—I have great pleasure in perceiving that yours are infinitely better than mine.—
The general satisfaction which seemes to be given by my Son is a great Consolation to me.—His Visit to Montezillo last Summer was delightful to his friends.—
I am not able to inform you, because I know not who wrote the Preface to the Abbe De Marbly—Neils History of New–England is valuable—but I believe not so much so as his History of the Puritans—I wonder you have never meet with the fact, that Inoculation was Practiced in Boston earlier than in any other part of the British Empire, in 1720. Dr Zabdial Boyleston of Boston began the Practice by Inoculation of his own Children—and after that—the Inoculation of his own Negrows, with their own consent and request—His success in his own Family encouraged others and he Inoculated all who would submitt to the operation—a furious storm of superstition and Medical Jealous’y arrose to such a degree that his Reputation was not only torn to pieces by Libels and Slanders—but his Life and Limbs were in danger as he walked the streets—and as he sett in his own family—yet he breasted the Storm with the fortitude of an inflexible Hero.—The Practice was then in Embryo—yet his success was astonishingly great—The fame of it had spread to England and he was invited to that Country to Inoculate the Royal Family—He Embarked accordingly—but before his arrival the Practice had acquired so much Confidence that the Royal Physicians had performed the Operation before his Arrival—
It is with no small degree of pride that I inform you that this Dr Zabdial Boylston was a younger Brother of my grand–father Peter Boylston of Brookline—
I rejoice that this valuable treasure of Records in New-York has fallen into your hands—you have great Merit in you labours to translate them—which I hope will be rewarded by your Rich and Powerful State—as they ought to be—
I am with Uniform Esteem and Regard / your affectionate Friend & Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Robert J. Evans, 12 January 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Evans, Robert J.

Dear Sir—
Montezillo January 12th—1820

I thank you for your New-Years letter of Benjamin Rush—As Agriculture is the Nursing Mother of us all - It cannot be too assidously cultivated - nor is it likely to be too much honored—while Mercantile profits are so much greater—and military glory is esteemed the highest glory
The American is an Able writter—but I wish he had avoided so many appearances of endeavouring to Justify—or at least to apologize for Slavery in general—His Aurguments ad-hominem—from the Bible—reminded me of anecdote—which as I am an Old Man—and as Old Age has a previledge to be talkative and narrative—I will attempt to relate— In the Winter of 76 Mr Pains Common sense—and my thoughts on Government—made thier appearance in Public—the one not long after the other—Common sense, recommended—a Simple democracy the Thoughts on Government, and Organization—in three distinct departments, as independent of each-other as human beings can be—the Legislator to consist of three branches—Mr. Paine come flying to my apartment to reproach me for publishing a Monarchico Artistocratico Democratico System—He scolded violently, but I soothed him down, by laughing at him in my turn—Paine said I—how could you be such an abominable hypocrite as to pretend to prove in your common sense from the old Testament that Monarchy was not lawful by the word of God—this struck him dumb for a moment—but recovering himself and shruging his shoulders and laughing—said with great contempt—“I believe nothing of the Old Testament—nor the new neither and then pausing said—I have had thoughts of publishing my opinions upon Religion—but upon the whole I have concluded to put it off—till the latter part of Life”—this plan he pursued consistently pursued—
I am not sorry his bones are gone to England to moulder in the soil where they grew—for I claim neither to myself—or to my Country any honour from having once supported them—
I am Sir your obliged friend / and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from J. Marino, 14 January 1820
From: Marino, J.
To: Adams, John

					Boston Jany. 14th 1820

				Permit me, most Excellent sir, my intrusion of impart to you, that in a voyage from Great Britain for south America, in an english Vessel, I suffered Shipwreck, and was rescued by Capt. Paddock of the American Ship Eliza Barker, in which I arrived at New York on the 30 of November ulto. saving nothing but life.While at New York, I wrote to my friends in England, in Cadiz, in Madrid, in Valparaiso, in Buenos Ayres, in Venezuela and in Havana.In New York I received a loan, from a person I once obliged, of 400: dollars; which enable me to pay my expences there, to make some cloathes for present family, and to proceed to Boston, to wait here, in obscurity, answers from my friendsI arrived to Boston the 31. December, and obtained soon after two three rooms for our accommodation. One furnished for a parlour; another with two beds; and one with the necessary things for cookingYesterday morning I spent the last shilling! and last evening I received a note for the payment of two weeks’ rent!!My mind is much agitated at this moment, entirely unable to express myself with accuracy—but in such a dilemma, I thought proper to address to you these lines; thinking that one of my mother’s brothers gave  you a good reception, in Spain, at the revolution of the United States; and knowing your merits, your character, your talents and your virtues, by public papers.I am at the eve of perish by hunger or by cold; and unable to answer to a weekly rent; before two monthsI shall not ask favors to Spaniards subjects—and am unwilling to appear to the public.If you can afford me here, or in the country, any kind of comfort, I assure you to satisfy it, as soon as posible; and to be much oblige, for ever—but I request it should be privately.As I cannot have the honor, at present, to visit you, I send this by mail, expecting a line from you by the postPlease to excuse me, and to accept my cordial wishes for your welfare, and those of my consort (my second) and childrenI have the honr. to be very respectfy. / Most excellent Sir / Your mt. obt. huml. Servt.

					J. Marino


Title: To John Adams from Jesse Torrey, Jr., 17 January 1820
From: Torrey, Jesse, Jr.
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					New Lebanon Jan. 17, 1820.

				I hope you will excuse the freedom I have used, in sending you a copy of the Moral Instructor.—Judging from the conspicuous seat which you occupy in the republic of moral and political literature, I have no doubt but you are taxed with the perusal of more new books than suits your convenience or inclination, at your advanced period of life.—I am induced to believe, however, that the subject of my book will not be wholly uninteresting to you, because I am satisfied that you concur in sentiment, with every wise patriot, that the advancement of knowledge and morality, is vitally connected with the stability of our republic, and the happiness and prosperity of its members. The general diffusion of the kind and quantity of knowledge which is essential to the welfare of all men, seems to be impracticable, except by selecting and concentrating the excellencies of the most useful books, into a cheap form. But even after this is done, there are thousands who are destitute of means to purchase the most abbreviated epitomes of useful knowledge, and thousands more who have the means, but are destitute of the disposition.The remedy, which I propose, to these obstacles, (as you will see in the first part of my book) is the establishment of free libraries; which, I am firmly persuaded, are equally necessary, and ought to be co-extensive with free schools.I consider myself the first projector of free libraries; and I believe this method of disseminating information universally, to be as great an improvement upon the ordinary mode of conducting libraries, as the Lancasterian scheme is, upon the common way of elementary instruction.—I cannot conceive any way that governments, or wealthy philanthropists can apply their funds to greater advantage, in preventing vice, poverty and misery, and promoting virtue, prosperity and happiness, in society, than by furnishing every town or parish, with a small well selected moral and philosophical library, either at prime cost, or gratuitously.— I am now 33 years of age, and this has been my favorite theme, for half of my past life.—I should feel particularly obliged, by the communication of your sentiments on this subject, whether favorable or unfavorable;—and as I have observed that you are a warm friend to temperance, economy, and virtue generally, I would thank you for your opinion whether the general adoption of the Moral Instructor, in schools and families, in the United States, will tend to advance those objects, and fortify and sustain the edifice of freedom, which you have assisted to erect, by devoting your mental powers, and my father by his physical powers, in which cause, by the bye, he ruined his health for life.Accept assurances of my unfeigned esteem and respect.

					Jesse Torrey Jun


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 20 January 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Montezillo January 20th. 1820—

When Harris was returned a Member of Parliament a Friend introduced him to Chesterfield whom he had never seen—So Mr Harris said his Lordship you are a Member of the House of Commons—you have written upon Universal and scientifick Grammer! you have written upon Art, upon Musick, Painting and Poetry! and what has the House of Commons to do with Art, or Musick, or Painting, or Poetry, or Taste Have not you written upon Virtue and Happiness—I have my Lord indulged myself upon speculations upon those Subjects—and what the devil has the House of Lords to do with either Happiness or Virtue.—This Idle Tale which I had from the Mouth of Sir James Harris, now Lord Malmesbury—I repeat to you for a Preface to another idle tale—which I am about to relate to you—
Viz—Too much confined by the Cold Weather—I have for a few days past whirled away the time in reading these pieces of Harris—and another intitled Philosophical Arrangements—The Dialogue upon happiness is one of the first pieces of Morals I ever read the Humes is acknowledged a Master piece—The others under the appearance of immense learning and much ingenuity contain little information, and few Ideas that are new—I have read them with the fond delight of a Young Lady reading a Romance—On account of the investigation of the Sentiments of Ancient Philosophers, Poets and Orators—and the quotations from them in their own Words—such by David Williams called the beautiful rags: and tatters of Antiquity—by Philosophical Arrangements he says he means Categories or Predicaments, or general or Universal Truths—or the first Philosophy—But I have been most amused with his endeavours to find the meaning of the Ancient Philosophers concerning the first Principles, and Elements of Matter which they reduce down to particles, so nice and mince as to become geometrical points—and this seems to me, to be much more Orthodox Philosophy—and Mathematics too—than Buffons Molecules Organiquies or Epicurus’s Atom’s With such games at push pins have the Childish Philosophers of all Ages diverted and distracted themselves—not once considering that neither human sense nor imagination nor Intellect were ever formed to comprehend all things—Harris’s Dialogue on Happiness is worth all the Metaphysical researches of Philosophers from the beginning of the World—into the Nature of Matter and Spirit, of Energy, of Power of Activity of Motion, or any such thing—When we say God is Spirit, we know what we mean—as well as we do when we say that the Pyramids of Egypt are Matter—Let us be content therefore to believe Him to be a Spirit, that is, an Essence that we know nothing of—in which Originally and necessarily reside all energy—all Power, all Capacity—all Activity—all Wisdom—all Goodness—
Behold the Creed and Confession of Faith / of your ever affectionate Friend—
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Daniel Cony, 23 January 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Cony, Daniel

dear Sir
Montezillo January 23d. 1820—

I thank you for your favour of the 17th. and the acceptable present of the Constitution of Maine—I congratulate You on the Harmony with which the Seperaton of this Worthy People has been so happily reconciled to the feelings and judgement of both sides of the Division and more especially on the wonderful Unanimity with which the Constitution has been adopted and the Candidate for the first Governour Nominated these are all propitious Omens portentious of future prosperity friendship and happiness of both States—you have avoided several errors in the Constitution of Massachusetts—and you might have avoided some others—but as my opinion upon these subjects points would not probably be popular, and would do no good, I shall wave them—One only I will mention—I shall never forgive the State of New-York, Connecticut and Maine for the Stigma of disgrace, they have Stamped upon Old Age by limiting the period of the Judges to Sixty or Seventy Years—I consider this as a personal affront to me as an Old Man—I have known Judges after seventy—Nay after eighty more Judicious, and more able than hundreds of others under forty—and what is of much more importance—it is against the Wisdom and practice of all the wises Ages and Nations—and what is more still—it appears to me to be against the Precepts and practice of the Bible.—
Wishing you and all our States, health Peace and Competence—I have the honour to be Sir, your obliged and most / obedient humble Servant
John Adams—


Title: To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 26 January 1820
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Philada. Jan 26. 1820

				I take the liberty to send you a copy of the Addresses of the Philadelphia Society for the protection of National Industry, of which I request Your acceptance, & am, / respectfully, / Your obt. hble Servt

					Mathew Carey


Title: To John Adams from John Marston, 26 January 1820
From: Marston, John
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Boston 26 Jany 1820 Wednesday—

				I know it will afford you much pleasure to be informed that I was not wholly forgotten by my late friend Mr Eliot.On my arrival in town yesterday morning, Mr Guild communicated the pleasing intelligence that I was a legatee, for the Sum of five hundred dollars. The amount is small, but as an expression of his esteem & respect, I consider it of great value. In looking back on past intercourse with Mr E. I regret that I was not more conciliating to his prejudices, and that I So frequently combatted his anglia mania. On most Subjects we were in perfect unison, but on this we were as wide as the antipodes.Your heart will be delighted to hear that your friend Van der Kempt has a legacy of one thousand, and your friend Judge Dawes five hundred dollars. I feel grateful to the memory of my departed patron, for ranking me with such good men.—Most sincerely & respectfully / Your friend

					John Marston

					Be so kind, as to present my kind regards to the Judge & the ladies of  your family.—


Title: From John Adams to David Hosack, 28 January 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Hosack, David

Sir
Montezillo January 28th 1820

I am greatly indebted to you for the honour you have done me by sending me your Biographical Memoir of Dr. Williamson, an Elegant work which I have read with great interest and Satisfaction—It has excited so many reminiscences as the French call them, that I know not where to begin, nor where to end—My first acquaintance with Dr Williamson, was in Boston in 1773, when he made a Strong impression upon me—and gave me a high opinion of the Intelligence; as well as energy of his Character—He gave us great comfort at that time, by the representation he gave us of the ardour of the People in the American Cause—In the Middle and Southern States—especially in New York, and Philadelphia—I was afterwards more particularly acquainted with him, when he was a Member of the House of Representatives in Congress, when he Communicated many things to me—particularly that he was descended from Sir William Wallace the great Scotish Hero—Patriot and Martyr—He informed me also that he was employed in writing the History of North Carolina—A work that I have long wished to see—but have never been so fortunate as to obtain—I was one of the first Persons to whom Mr Cushing communicated the great bundle of Letters of Hutchinson and Oliver, which have been transmitted to him as Speaker of the House of Representatives by Dr Franklin their Agent in London—I was permitted to carry them with me upon a Circuit of our Judicial Court—and to Communicate them to the chosen few—they excited no suprise; excepting at the Miracle of their acquisition—how that could have been performed nobody could conjecture—none doubted their Authenticity; for the hand writing was full proof, and besides all the leading Men in opposition to the Ministery had long been fully convinced that the writers were guilty of such malignant representation—and that those representations had suggested to the Ministery their nefarious projects—I doubt not the veracity of Dr Williamsons account of the agency in procuring those letters—but I believe he has omitted one circumstance, to Wit, that he was employed upon that occation by Mr Temple—Afterwards Sir John Temple who told me in Holland that he had Communicated those letters to Dr Frankline—Though I swear to you said he, that I did not procure them in the manner represented—This I believe, and I believe further, that he did not deliver them with his own hand, into Dr Franklines, but employed a member of Parliament, very possibly Mr Hartly for that purpose for Dr Frankline declared publickly that he received them from a Member of Parliament
The Ruffian Oratory of Wedderburn against Dr Frankline ought not to excite too bitter execrations in Americans, because it has been awkwardly imitated in all its virulence by Hamilton and Randolph, and has been heard, and read, with great patience against your obliged friend and humble Servt
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Russell, 2 February 1820
From: Russell, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

					Most Honoured Sir
					Boston Feby. 2th: 1820

				The Good People of this Town are much pleased with the Plan for raising a Library for the exclusive use of Mechanic, & other needy Apprentices, of any Volumes of Geography History Travels, & their respective Trades, and the Select Men have also loaned a Room (in that building your Excellency so faithfully pictured to Judge Tudor) in the Old State House with Fire, & Lights in the Evening for the Lads to come to & Read or take the Books to their Homes.—Judge Parker Dawes, Mr Quincy, & many of your Excellencys Friends have sent some second hand Books, vols. that have been read are as acceptable as new ones & their good wishes now, if your Excellency approves the plan also & will send a single Book (of any sort) and a Line to the Columbian Centinel Office it will be recd with Gratitude.

					“Franklin”


Title: To John Adams from L. M. Sargent, 5 February 1820
From: Sargent, L. M.
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Quincy, Feb. 5. 1820.

				The universal character of your regard for our national literature, your experience, learning, & talents have constituted in your person a high court of appeal. I am very far from having forgotten,  that you were pleased to honor some literary efforts of mine, at an earlier date, with expressions of regard; & these considerations induce me to take a liberty, which little else can justify.I enclose you the first part of a poem, & should be happy to hear from you whether I had better finish it or commit it to the flames. The narrative of this poem is wholly imaginary, & little or nothing of this narrative can be learned from this portion of the performance. The incidents for its embellishment are, however, historical facts—The very commencement is a description of the battle or a part of it between Charles V. & John, Elector of Saxony. In this battle I suppose two individuals to be engaged, whose affairs, however interesting a story may be made of them, are below the dignity of history. These personages of course I claim for my own use, &, slipping off with  them in to the region of fiction, lay the foundation of my tale. I take it for granted, that they have seen & heard much in their time, & will of course & will very easily furnish me with all the incidents & information which my poem can require. I would say more upon this subject, which is very naturally interesting to me, but I am unwilling to trespass on your eyesight. I have no other copy than the one enclosed.With the highest respect / I am Yr. he. St.

					L. M. Sargent.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Russell, 7 February 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Russell, Benjamin

Sir
Montezillo Febuary 7th. 1820

As I have all my Life, professed to be a very sincere friend to the promotion of knowledge—and a free Circulation of it—through every vein, and Artery through the body Politic—in opposition to all the well-born—Well-bred—And well dressed few in every age and Country, who have taught an opposite doctrine I cannot but applaude the design of the good people of Boston for raising a Library for the use of Mechanic and their Apprentices—and I thank the Select Men for the facilities they have granted to the institution—I will endeavour to look up a Volume—at least I hope to send you a Lexicon Technicum—not as a Work of great Value of the present Age—but as the Acorn from which so many spreading Oaks have sprung—The English pretend—and for what I know truely—That this was the first Essay of the kind in Europe—afterwards enlarged and made much more useful by Chambers Dictionary, then emulated by the Literati of France in their Encyclopedia since greatly improved by Dr. Rees’s—and since some what enlarged by one or two Editions in America and now scattered all over the World—
I am requested to address this letter to your Office—and am Sir with due Respect / your Most Obedient / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Jesse Torrey, Jr., 7 February 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Torrey, Jesse, Jr.

Sir
Montezillo Febry. 7th. 1820

I have received your letter of the 17th. of January but as your the Copy of the Moral Instructor, has not yet arrived—I can form no Judgement of its merit—as I am a friend to all rational measures for propagating knowledge among all Classes of People—I wish success to your project of three Library’s but as you have not delineated the particulars of your System in detail—I cannot judge of its propriety or Utility—A Republican Government without knowledge and Virtue is a body without a Soul—A Mass or Corruption and Putrifaction, food for Worms—
I am Sir your unknown friend and humble Servnt
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from William White, 12 February 1820
From: White, William
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Philada. Feb. 12. 1820.

				I received your Letter of the 13. of December, which was not delivered until 3 Days ago; the revd. Bearer of it having made no Stay in this City, on his Way to Washington. Mr Nortons literary Character & Attainments, cannot but render him an acceptable Acquaintance, in Proportion to Opportunities of Intercourse with him. The Information received from him of your Health, is an Addition to what has been learned on other Occasions which o have occurred to me of Inquiry on that Subject.I have lately sent to the Press a Work entitled “Memoirs of the Prott: Epl: Church”. My Motive, is the perpetuating of the Remembrance of some Facts; which have had an Influence on Measures & serve to explain them. One of the Facts, is the benevolent Agency of Mr Adams, in Aid of our Endeavours for the obtaining of the episcopal Succession. For this Reason, on the Completion of the Volume, which will be a thin Octavo, I shall consider it a Duty to request his Acceptance of a Copy.In the mean Time I am, with much Respect, / Your very humble Servt;

					Wm: White


Title: From John Adams to Robert J. Evans, 14 February 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Evans, Robert J.

Sir
Febry Montezillo 14th. 1820—

As the Anecdote of Mr Paine seemes to be have given you some amusement, I will give you another which affords me no Satisfaction upon reflection I was the first person who brought that Wild Man into Notice public notice—his Pamphlet called Common Sense, I thought proved him to be a Smart fellow—and I was informed he was totally distitute of the means of support—and as he had the pen of a ready writer I made a Motion in Congress that he should be appointed private Secretary to the Secret Committee of foreign Correspondence Dr Witherspoon arose in his place and opposed the Motion and gave his reasons, among several he gave thes two. First that he was a Toery, and had been a Writer in favour of the British measures in the service of a Scotish Bookseller in Philadelphia who was on that side of the question—Secondly that he was a very Intemperate Man, frequently Intoxicated, and that he could not write till he filled himself Rum and Water—this was unknown to me—General Robertole spoke in support of my Motion, and Congress doubting the Correctness of Dr Witherspoons information voted Pain an appointment—but the Committee soon found him so Vain, Conceited Obstinate intractable Careless and Indolent that he soon lost that appointment I should disdain to trace his Subsequent Career, if it were not already too public—His Age of Reason is an Imitation of Charles Blount who was the Auther of Oracles of Reason and other Deistical Works Printed in London in 1693—and 1695 and 1697—this same Blount Published a translation of the two first Books of the Life of Apollonius Tyaneus with Notes probably like that of Gibbon—which compaares Apolloneus with Jesus Christ from the writings of Blount and other English Deists assisted afterwards by the french Philosophers—Pain made up his Book the principle Charm of which, among the Vulgar in the Malegnity of his Spirit and the impudence of his expressions—His Matter, his Common place Infidelity which has been hackneyed for hundreds of years—
It is very true Sir, you insinuate that I have many facts upon my Memory, which I should be very glad to see preserved—but I have not the means, nor the forces to put them in writing—though many of them might be interesting to my own Character and Posterity
If by my Publications in the Boston Patriot you mean those Printed from 1809 to 1812. it is not probable they will ever be printed in any other form some future laborious historian may possibly hereafter look into them if he can find them, but it is not probable they will ever be much read—
Our Senate it seemes have decided, that making holding, keeping, buying, and Selling of Slaves is a privilege
I am Sir your friend and most obedient / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 15 February 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

my dear Sir.
Montezillo Febuary 15th. 1820—

It is a custom on the Demise of Princes for all classes of Men in Society to present to the successor addresses of Condolence with the grief of the loss of the Predecessor—and congratulations—with the Joy at the succession—in imitation of this long established Custom—I condole with you on the loss of your friend Elliot—and congratulate you on the Honorable testimony of his rememberance of you in his Will—though I wish the one thousand had been ten—what a huge mass of wealth—this man had Collected—such is the effect of complaisance United with Industry and Economy in the World—He has left however a fair character, and a worthy family, to whom I wish all possible prosperity His Spirit was never cordialy identified with the Cause of his Country—he never rejoiced in her independence—a sentiment I would not exchange for all his Wealth—His Will however is princely, like his fortune and I wish all the Legatees much comfort in the enjoyment of their fortunes
Your State we perceive is rankling with parties—but we hope the fever will subside—as well as another of a much more alarming aspect—that of the Missouri Slavery—with leaving any dangerous debility or Malignity behind them—
I have been sick—and have not ventured out of the House but very seldom this Winter—we have had as much snow—or nearly as much as I remember in any former Winter—but a thaw of several days—which still continues—has carried off two or three feet of it upon an average
hoping that you have a pleasant Winter—I am your / Aged and feeble friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 15 February 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

my dear Sir
Montezillo Febuary 15th. 1820

I wrote you this Morning before I received your delightful letter of the 7th. which has opened a New world to me I rejoice with all my heart in your prosperity and comfortable pleasing prospects—I rejoice that the Governour and the Legislature and the People of the State of New-york—have the Wisdom to appreciate your labours at their just value—which I esteem an important service rendered not only to the community—but to the whole of the United States, and to the History of Mankind—and which would have most probably been lost forever—had not you been preserved to perform it.—
I have not seen Neals History of the Puritans Newbury ported the suppression of Dr Boyleston in Mores history of the Small Pox and in the quarterly Review, is in the British Character who suppress everything—but does honor to America—Negrows were imported into Massachusetts, as early I suppose as they were into New-york or Virginia by individuals—but Slavery was never sanctioned by the Legislature of Massachusetts—they would not even suffer the word Slave or Slavery to be introduced into their Statute Book under Hill and Throgmorton were never names of any respectabelity in New England—no Man is better qualified to give you information than our freend Tying—There were intrigues formed between Mr Pit and Miranda and perhaps some others for exciting an Insurrection in South America, and for Seperating the Spanish Colonies from Spain—but I damned them de fonde encomble—I have published in the Boston Patriot sone where between 1809 and 1812—Copies of the principle Original papers—but I have never had any Crediet for them—nor for my Conduct upon that occation—though it was the among one of the most decided and meritorious actions of my life—if there was any formal plan for seizing New Orleans and Mexico by a Coup de maine—the details were carefully concealed from me—Andrews Norton is of the same family with John Norton—but not a descendant of him—but of his Brother—
It gives me great pleasure to be informed that my Grand daughter Mrs Caroline A DeWint—has been prompted by the strength of her understanding—and the virtues of her heart, to court a Correspondence with you—I hope you will indulge her and honour her with a visit—for she is one of my posterity in whom I have great satisfaction—as a worthy Representative of her Mother—her Grand Mother, her Great-Grand Mother, all of whom I knew to be as Noble a race of Females as ever lived—as far as I know—She has an Inclination for Literature—If you Visit the family, you Will find her Husband, his Mother and every branch of the family worthy of your esteem and as of Batavian Blood I hope will engage your affections.—
If you make a visit to this part of the World next Fall—if you find me alive—you will find me as much your friend as ever—and all your friends in Boston and Cambridge—will be as glad to see you as ever—
Your Friends in the State of New-York—must be hereafter as numerous as the population of the State—and their gratitude to you ought to be—and I trust will be proportioned to the great Services you have rendered them and their Posterity—So that I have the Satisfaction to think that the remainder of your days will be passed as agreeably—as the declining years of a Philosopher, and a Christian can be—
I am with habitual Esteem and / affection you friend—
John Adams