Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 May 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Louisa.
New-York 1. May 1806.

Untill this day, I have been from the moment when I left you, in such continual motion that I have not had a moment of leisure to perform the promise I made, of writing to you on my way home—We had a rainy day from Washington to Baltimore, where I parted with Messrs: Tracy and Dana, on the moment of our arrival—Mr: McHenry having taken them both to his House—They were to come on two days after, but whether they persevered in this intention or remained longer at Baltimore, I have not been informed. Sunday Morning I embarked in the French-town Packet, and after a tedious passage of more than twenty-four hours reached French-town—We were however more fortunate in ascending the Delaware, and arrived at Philadelphia Monday Evening about 10 O’Clock. The next Morning I proceeded in the Diligence Stage, and cross’d the ferry at Paulus Hock yesterday, about noon—There is a Packet going for Providence this afternoon, in which I shall take my passage, unless my Sister should conclude to go on with me, which I have invited her to do, and upon which she had not come to a final determination last Evening. In that case I shall wait, untill she can send for her daughter Caroline, who is in the Country, and whom she will take with her—
Mr: Gilman kept company with me as far as Philadelphia, and in the Stage from that place I met Mr: Cadwalader, who came on with us to Brunswick.—I stop’d at Newark a few minutes and there saw Mrs: Charles Adams and her daughter—Mrs: Smith (the old Lady) and Nancy are at Philadelphia, and have been there all Winter—I met between Newark and Paulus Hock, Mr: Justus Smith and the Coll:’s son John, going on to Philadelphia to visit them—
The Coll:’s situation here I suppose you know—I cannot dwell upon it—That of his family, is very distressing—I have therefore, as I mentioned before invited my Sister to go on with me, and take her daughter; and to pass the Summer with me, either at Quincy, or if I can procure a suitable house, at Cambridge—She has not yet determined what to do—They have heard indirectly from William, as late as the 15th: of March, when he was well—Most heartily do I wish he was returned—The Coll: keeps up his Spirits, with apparent cheerfulness; and still seems to flatter himself with prospects, which to my eyes have not so much rational foundation as a fairy tale.
I am lodged at the City-Hotel—Yesterday I dined with Mr. King, and spent the last Evening at Coll: Trumbull’s—The City of New-York is in the greatest I bustle I ever witness’d—This is the universal moving day, and about half the inhabitants are changing their places of abode—They are also in the midst of a warmly contested Election, for members of Congress and of their State Legislature—The federalists for the first time these two or three years have run Candidates of their own, and though they do not much expect to carry the Election, there is no doubt but they will come very near succeeding—Besides all this there has been great agitation in the City, from an unfortunate occurrence on Saturday last—The British ships Leander and Cambrian are lying off this port, and a shot fired from the first of them, kill’d a man on board a coasting vessel coming from the Delaware—All communication with the ships has been since cut off, and two or three of their Officers are on shore, and cannot get on board—The Grand Jury of the City and County have found a bill of Indictment against the Captain of the Leander for Murder, and a representation of the facts has been sent on to the President at Washington, where I have no doubt you will hear much of this Event—
I feel a great and continual anxiety to hear from you, and by the time I reach home, hope to find a letter ready to receive me—Let me know you are well—at least as well as you can expect, and with my kind remembrance to your Mamma and all the family be assured that you are ever in the thoughts & affections of your faithful friend.

John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 4 May 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

Quincy 4. May 1806.

The first pen I put to paper after reaching my journey’s end must be to inform you, my dearest friend, of that Event—I left New-York, at four O’Clock of the afternoon of the first of this Month; the same day that my last Letter to you was written—My Sister concluded to remain there with the Coll: at least for the present—Her prospects and those of her family, are of a gloomy cast, but I can consider them all as only the natural consequences of the principles and practices which have for many years been in unceasing operation—She was moving from the house where they have resided, on the day that I reached New–York—They have engaged a small house within the Prison limits, where they can remain untill the issue of his trial upon the prosecution—What that will be I can more easily than willingly anticipate—But it is without remedy as far as I know—The knowledge or even the encouragement and approbation of the President and Secretary of State to the original project, will be of no avail on the question as to the legality of the enterprize—
My passage from New-York to Providence was shorter than usual—Only from Thursday afternoon to 10 O’Clock, Saturday Morning—The Packet was a new one, and the Accommodations were very good—The number of my fellow passengers uncommonly small—Two Gentlemen, two Ladies, and three small children constituted all the Cabin Company—The weather was very fine, all the passage, though during the greater part of it very cold—Friday Night we pass’d partly at anchor and partly beating up Providence River; but with water so smooth, and the vessel so steady, that some of my fellow-passengers, set the Cook to fiddling for them, and amused themselves with dancing.—We found a Stage waiting for us when we landed at Providence and immediately proceeded—At Dedham I left the Stage, and took a Chair, with a man who brought and landed me here last Evening at about 5 O’Clock so that from New-York to Quincy I was very little more than two days and Nights—I found both our children at my father’s—Both in fine health and considerably grown—John whom I saw first did not know me, but George recognized me immediately—
I have not yet had time to make my arrangements for the Summer, or to determine upon my mode and place of existence through the course of it—If I can get at Cambridge or in Boston a convenient chamber, and a comfortable place for boarding, I shall take it—I am afraid I shall be obliged to forego the pleasure of having my children with me; though I am peculiarly desirous of having George, whose instruction in some respects must depend upon me alone—He has entirely forgotten the little stock of French he had acquired, and can never recover it untill he can be permanently with me—
On Tuesday I expect to go to Cambridge to attend the installation of the New President—My own introduction to my professional functions will I suppose follow in a short Time—I shall write you again as soon as I see any prospect of being fixed for the Season.
The Spring has been much more backward here than it was the last year—In my father’s Garden the peach-trees are now just coming into blossom—I have not yet been up to our own place; but intend visiting it to-morrow.—This Evening, being Sunday I am going to Mrs: Cranch’s, and take my letter with me for the Post-Office—Enclose your letters to me for the future, under cover directed to my father—
Ever faithfully your’s
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 10 May 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest LouisaBoston 10. May 1806.

I wrote you last Sunday, the day after my arrival at Quincy and gave you an account of the progress and termination of my journey from New-York. On Tuesday I went with my father to Cambridge to attend the inauguration of the new President of the College, Mr: Webber.—The ceremonies of the day were sufficiently dull—The performances mostly in Latin, with a comfortable proportion of English in the Idiom to make it intelligible—There was however a young Gentleman, just out of College, who knew more about making Latin, as they call it at School than the rest, and pronounced a sort of complimentary Oration, which would have pleased me very well, but for a little prophetical folly, in which he told them what wonders of Eloquence they were to perform when the new Professor should come—My turn will be next, and as there is no installation without a Speech, I have asked the privilege of pronouncing it in a language which I can write and the hearers can understand—I expect to be indulged; though some of the adherents to the Old School are very tenacious of the immemorial usage and abhorrent of innovation—I suppose my induction to Office will be the week after next.
On Thursday I came to this Town, and am lodged for the present at Whitcomb’s—I dined yesterday at Mr: T. C. Amory’s and this day at Mr: G. Green’s—I am seeking for a place to lodge and board, for the Summer, but know not yet whether I shall fix in Boston or in Cambridge. At Mr: Amory’s I met Sir Isaac Coffin, a British admiral, who has just arrived from England, and is going to take the naval Command at Halifax—He tells me that Mr: Merry is recalled and a Lord Selkirk appointed in his stead—This Lord Selkirk is Said to be a great philosopher, and perhaps may be of great use to you know whom, in helping to make a Moon.
There are two boxes of things for which you had written waiting for a passage, and I see in the newspapers a vessel up for Alexandria to sail in a few days—Her name I think is the rambler—I have desired Mr: Shaw to open one of the boxes, and put in the Cotton, which according to your order I procured for you at Providence, and which I hope you will find such as you wanted. It was compared with the two specimens you gave me, and purchased at the same Shop where I went with you before—By the way, I found on opening my trunk a piece of silk which you put up with my clothes; but either you forgot to tell me the purpose of sending it, or I have forgotten what you told me—I conjecture your object was to have it dyed, but for better certainty will thank you to write me word.
I have this day received with great pleasure your kind letter of the 5th: instt:—And although you tell me nothing of your health, I flatter myself, from your early attention to the Thermometer, that it is at least tolerable—I hope however that neither for the thermometer, nor for any other consideration, you will let it suffer, by depriving yourself of your rest—The observation at 8 or 9 in the morning will answer the purpose quite as well as at 6—The book which I made for you must have got somewhere mislaid, for I do not find on looking over my trunk of papers, that I took it with me—I did indeed in the hurry of departure take the case of the thermometer with me, so that if you should move remove to another house it will be necessary to take it in the hand—I have not yet commenced my observations here, but intend to, as soon as I get settled; I find upon the comparison for the twenty days that my brother kept the register at Quincy, untill his instrument got broken, with the same dates and hours at Washington, a very good commencement for an estimate of the difference between the two Climates.
The 150 dollars which I left with you for Mr: Hellen was for the purpose of settling with him on account of our Expences, from the time of the last payment I had made him, untill I came away—The other 80 dollars was for my part of Cookendorfer’s bill—In both these instances, as in all the former, as Mr: Hellen has always declined mentioning any precise sum, I have been obliged to measure it by an estimate or guess of what would be proper& satisfactory to him—as an indemnity for all positive expence—but not for that invariable kindness and attention both from him and Mrs Hellen, to you and to me; for which I shall always feel and acknowledge the obligation.
I Suppose the Notes from Mr: Maitland will be important to the Administrators in England, to shew the nature of his connection in business with your father, and much of the subsequent correspondence to shew the State of Accounts between them—Maitland’s Answer to the Bill in Chancery must be given upon Oath—If he gives it with truth, it appears to me there must be a large balance for which he will be compelled to Account—If he Should prevaricate, the notes, Accounts, and especially the rectification of the heavy charges of payment to the Captain of the Indian Chief, which he never made, will be very important to the Administrators—Mr: Pinkney may safely be entrusted with the Notes, to make use of them if he should judge it expedient—And it does  not seem probable they will ever be of importance in this Country—If however your Mother  include to send them, it will be prudent to keep copies well attested, to prevent accidents. Our dear Children are both in perfect health, and both anxious for Mama to come home—John especially talks of you continually, and is as charming as when we went away last November. He is not so fat as we left him, but has grown in Stature, and his Countenance has lengthened a little, like George’s—He is the Delight of all the family, and my father thinks he has more ideas than any child of his age that he ever knew. I have abandoned the hope of having either of them with me, this summer, and this deprivation sharpens the severity which of that which I feel in the absence of their mother—The ensuing year will I hope be more propitious, and bring a consolation for the necessary sacrifices of the present.—I do not find that Sister T. B. would be under any such necessity of staying behind if he were called away; but I have not ventured to ask the question, and I am not Connoisseur in shapes enough to decide upon external inspection.
Dearest Louisa, I Send you les plus tendres baisers de l’Amour.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 10 May 1806
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Sister,
Atkinson May 10th—1806—

It has been a cold backward Spring, & Abby could not get abroad as I wished, she has a great deal of pain in her side yet, but I think her feverish habit abates, if her appetite was but good I should be greatly encouraged, & hope she would soon be as well as ever—I am rejoiced to hear Mrs Foster has a Daughter, & comfortable, from what you wrote, I was greatly concerned about her. Mrs Norton & our other Nieces make up in full I think, for all our families defficencies, & we may say with propriety, as Gad did of old, “behold, a Troop cometh”—As to Mr Peabody, he fears his family will be quite extinct, for his Daughter has no little Ones, & his Son can find no twin-born Soul, no yoke fellow willing to share with him a decent competence, & “bless the dear bondage.” We expect Mrs Webster in June at our Election, to make us a good long visit—
The accounts which we have had in the news Papers relative to the Leander, & Col. Smith, have given us all much pain, & regret. Whether Mirandas motives were any better  those of Cortez, or the first Mexican Adventurers, I cannot pretend to say, but History informs us, that Ambition, Pride  & Avarice have rivitted the Chains of more millions than ever Humanity, Benevolence,& Patriotism emancipated—But what we most regret is, that at the Presidents, & your period of life, that you,  or any of your dear Children, should be involved, & tormented with Evils, which your many Virtues, seem as if they should have prevented, & secured you from; But this world my Sister is not the state of Retribution. Happy for us, that we can look upward, & humbly hope, for that time, when human affairs will be adjudged in Righteousness, when Hypocrisy, will be unvieled, & each receive their Just Reward—
I wish you would be so good as to ask my Son, if he has not received a letter from his only Sister, & whether he does not think it merits a reply—
By  Mr & Mrs Quincy Sister will the pleasure of hearing particularly from Son, & family, which must be next to seeing them herself—My love to her & hers, tell her Abby longs to be well enough to ride as far as Quincy, & I hope she will soon be able—My kindest regards to our Nancy, may heaven bless, preserve, & smile propitious.  I am pleased to hear that Cousin Louisa enjoys better health.  but those events, are all under divine Government—& tranquility & contentment with allotted Blessings is the way to enjoy them, & be happy—Notwithstanding my anxieties, & multiplied cares, my health is better than it was last Spring—For this, & innumerable other favours, gratitude should warm the heart of your Sister

            Elizabeth Peabody
            PS. Mr Peabody presents his best respects—A member of Congress writing to Mr Peabody, said, Randolph had told “damning Truths”—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 May 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mother
Washington May 11th. 1806

A few days since I recieved your very obliging letter in which you mention having procured the articles I wrote for and for which I return you many thanks. I am much distressed at the idea your letter seems to convey of want of respect or attention to Mrs. Cranch it has ever been my most ardent desire so to conduct myself to every branch of your family as not only to merit their esteem but their affection that I have not always succeeded has been more my misfortune than my fault and I sincerely regret that Mrs. Cranch could possibly imagine that my silence proceeded from neglect or inattention as I concieve myself under obligations both to her and you which I shall never have it in my power to repay Mrs. Cranch never having said a word to me on the subject before I left Quincy I did not feel myself authorized to write to her and feared that my addressing her unasked would betray a troublesome solicitude for the welfare of my Child who I very well knew would recieve every tender care and attention which the tenderest mother could desire my education and the misfortunes which have pursued my family from the moment of what I may stile my entrance into the world (I mean my marriage) may have given a harshness to my character which does not naturally belong to it and render’d me cold and fearful of forcing attentions were they might not prove acceptable and the least appearance of unkindness or dislike acts so powerfully upon my feelings as to destroy every desire of pleasing or rendering myself agreeable where I have once percieved it. you will therefore not be surprized at my using the word which gave you such offence and which I could not concieve to have any allusion to you whatever as Mr. A. was very well assured that nothing but compulsion would have induced me to leave them and swore in Philadelphia on my way to Boston that they should not accompany me again the letter which you wrote in answer and which I had determined not to have said anything about certainly gave me pain as it obliquely insinuated a reflection on my family who have perhaps degraded themselves from a kind motive to your Son and me. excuse me my dear Madam for mentioning this circumstance which I meant to obliterate forever from my memory as it is my earnest desire to cultivate by every means in my power your good opinion—
The loss of Mr. Adams’s society is to me irreparable his tenderness and affection to me throughout this winter have been inexpressible and I have enjoyed almost perfect happiness I already look forward to his return with the most anxious impatience and should it please heaven to spare me and my Infant anticipate with delight the moment when I shall present it to recieve a fathers blessing. He is very desirous of taking George to reside with him and it is my most ardent wish as the care of the Child would cause a degree of relaxation from his studies to which otherwise I am sure he will devote himself to the prejudice of his health—
I am sorry John is become subject to feve complaints I fear my dear Madam you are too indulgent to his appetite and would wish him to live as simply as possible during the hot months as I have a great terror of billious disorders particularly for Children they so often prove fatal—
Adieu my dear Mother make my affectionate love acceptable to all the family and permit me again to offer my thanks for the present which you have so kindly sent but which I am fearful I shall not be able to get worked as I do very little in this way myself and the girls are busily employed for my Sisters and believe me your very affectionate daughter
L. C. Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 May 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My best friend.
Washington May 11th. 1806

I last night recieved your kind letter from Quincy but was much mortified at the very slight mention you make of the Children I expected you would have written very fully as  to their growth and every alteration which has taken place since my departure and feel more than half disappointed at John’s not knowing you although it was unreasonable to expect he should.
You can readily imagine with what regret I heard of your Sister’s declining to accompany you from what I said in my last on that subject. Still I cannot relinquish the hope that our darling George will accompany you to whatever residence you may chuse and in some measure relieve the irksome monotony of a life devoted to study independant of which I look on it as an essential benefit to the Child to be early accustom’d to find a friend and instructor in his father and the loss of his french is a serious inconvenience as it has really been a source of real gratification to us and will prove a great advantage to him do not therefore I entreat you my best loved friend give up this in your present situation absolutely necessary enjoyment for such I am sure it will prove to you and though it may at first occasion a little inconvenience the pleasure which will in the end result from it will prove an ample compensation—
I have recieved a very kind letter from your Mother in which she appears to be a little angry at my not having written to Mrs. Cranch believe me it was not from disrespect but proceeded entirely from an uncertainty as to the propriety of writing to her as Mrs. C. never said one word to me on this subject before I left Quincy and I was fearful it might have the appearance of a troublesome anxiety about the welfare of my Child who I knew could not possibly be placed in better hands I shall write her shortly in the mean time I hope you will excuse my apparent neglect and make her sensible of my wish to return by every means in my power the obligation which I labour under—
I presume you have heard the report of the death of the King of England and the appointment of Lord Selkirk as minister extraordinary to settle the differences between this Country and great Britain he is hourly expected having sailed the 26 of March it is said Mr. Merry is not recalled and proposes taking a Country House near Col. Washingtons on rock–hill. I presume the close confined air of the City might prove injurious to the health of the family in general.
Mr. Hellen is not returned from Baltimore yet and we have lately been visited by two of our Cousins from Frederic who inform’d us of the death of my Uncle Toms eldest Son who I believe you said during our visit to them the old gentleman is very sick and more distressed as I understand the death of this young man was chiefly caused by a neglected education and early habits of intemperance he has left three Children totally unprovided for he lost his second wife last Septbr.
Mr Epps is to be married to Miss Murray on the 17th of next month and Miss Stodert is very shortly to be led to the alter by that little furious demo Dr. Hemel who is to have Dr. Bullaces place as Surgeon to the Marine Corps Dr. B. having an appointment to some place I know not where which Mr. Sheldon told me would certainly be equal to twelve thousand Dollars a year
I am extremely sorry to learn that Col. Smiths situation is so unpleasant. I understand that Mr M. told Mr. Wagner that he would positively not attend at the trial.
Adieu my dearest friend my health is pretty much the same as when you left me with the additional inconvenience of having considerably encreased in size and almost entirely losing my rest I have carefully attended to your Thermometer it has become so fixed a habit already that I wake every morning a little after Sun rise to look at it we have had two or three very warm days but the last week has been very stormy and cold yesterday we had green Gooseberries and they say we are likely to have immense quantities of Strawberries I have been on a visit at Harriets for a week and returned last evening Mr. Hellen is still very undecided about moving you do not mention Mrs. T Adams I presume however from your mothers letter that she will be confined nearly as soon as myself—
Kiss my lovely Boys for me and believe me ever your most tenderly affectionate wife
L C Adams
P.S. I cannot get the Messenger to come for those Papers I fear your departure from Providence was so sudden you had not time to execute my commission of the Cotton I wish you would give Louisa Smith a Comb or some handsome little trinket with my love by way of thanks for her care of John I mean an ornamental Comb to wear when her hair is dressed—
Adieu once more / do not accuse me of writing / short letters

Do not forget to send the Thermometer Book.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 May 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear son
Quincy. 13 May 1806

When Mr. Hall was here your Father told him that he would leave to you the adjustment of the shares in the cannal. the Sale of them was undoubtedly a great Sacrifice of property at their present valueSo was the payment of the assesments. but I hope it will prove for the best. Your Father says that he would have you take as  of his Shares in the New England Insurence as will repay you what you have advancedI had intended to have  what was due from the Directors for the Medford Farm,  have removed the House, and paid the expences for fencing which have already amounted to a considerable sum, and for planting out a new orchard; but as you have otherways disposed of it, I must Submit to the exigency tho I  find it much more difficult to do anything upon the place. I shall be glad to have the whole buisness setled at  any sacrifice. I think the Shares will never be lower than they now are. the Directors ought to have disposed of some of the Lands instead of a new assesment. The deed shall be forwarded to Atkinson—
Mrs. Roberts Nancy has received a letter from Mrs Adams requesting me to get Mrs Dexter to make her a plumb cake. If you can procure half a dozen pounds of currents, 2 pd Box raisons, 1 pd citron, 2 oz Nutmeg, 2 of Maize, 2 of cinnamon and 4 of cloves I can get the other articles at Mr Brislers, and Mrs. Dexter shall come here and make it for her.
I hope the articles sent to Boston are gone as she wants. some of them  up on Saturday. Your affect Mother,
A Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 18 May 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Louisa.
Quincy 18. May 1806.

The Children are both in perfect health; both contented with their situations, and both beloved by all around them—George appears to have lost none of his sensibility, but has a placidness and ease of temper, which must have come to him I think from some of his Remote Ancestors—He reads tolerably well, and still prides himself as much as ever in his learning. He agrees very well with his companions Thomas Norton and John Greenleaf who are still there; and always enquires whenever I see him why his Mamma does not, and when she will come home? He has not grown so much as I should have expected; but his countenance continues to grow longer, and he resembles you more than formerly—Not however so much as John, who seems a little miniature of yourself—Our friends here think him more like your Sister Eliza, but in this I do not altogether concur—The alteration in him from what he was when we left him is not so great as in George—His face is only not so round; but his dimples when he smiles are deeper—He is by no means a troublesome child: but not quite so manageable as his brother—The family are all very fond of him, and very attentive to him—It is I assure you with the greatest reluctance that I forego the pleasure of having them with me this Summer, but instead of being able to find lodgings where I could get them duly attended to, I have found it extremely difficult to procure any for myself at Cambridge—I have finally been obliged to engage a couple of chambers, which I must furnish, myself, and to board, untill I can procure better accommodations, at the tavern—
My installation is not to be so soon as I expected when I wrote you last—Next Wednesday, there is to be a vacation at the College which will continue a fortnight, and I suppose it will be a week or fortnight after that before they Seat me—My State in the mean time will be very unsettled—Here, at Boston and at Cambridge, as Occasion shall serve.
The day after my last Letter, I dined with Mr: Payne in Boston—His wife expects a further increase of his family—The two boys are well, but from the difference of their growth you would suppose a year’s difference in their age—Mr: & Mrs: Gore were there—and Admiral Coffin, who the next day went for Quebec—I was mistaken in writing you that he comes to take the command of the naval Station at Halifax—He has only a leave of absence on his private concerns.
Tuesday I dined with Mr; D. Sears—I believe you know him—there I met Mr; Lowell, who has just returned from Europe with his family, and was very full of his travels—Much disgusted with England; high in admiration of France; and especially of Buonaparte—This has occasioned some surprize among his friends, because something of a Revolution from his former opinions.
Wednesday Evening I pass’d with the old Club, to which you remember I used to belong—There I met Mr; Quincy, who had arrived at Boston with his Lady a few days before—They are still at Boston, but propose coming out here in a fortnight or three weeks.
Thursday morning I came out from Boston, and have pass’d the succeeding three days here—To-morrow morning I shall return—I lodge comfortably enough at Whitcomb’s; but it has the double inconvenience of being a public house, and a dancing-school—Else I should perhaps conclude to keep my lodgings for the Summer there.—Mrs: Whitcomb, I suppose will keep pace with you—At least she looks nearly as far advanced—Her children are both well; and Caroline begins to go to school—Not a little to her Annoyance.—As to my brother’s wife, it seems to me impossible that her prospects should be so near at hand as you conjecture—Indeed from her appearance, I should not suspect her to be in that way at-all.—Mrs: Norton last Wednesday produced another daughter; and her Sister at Cambridge, Mrs. Greenleaf had one about a month ago—
Thus much for births—As to Marriages—I can only tell you of two in return for those of Miss Murray and Miss Stoddart mentioned in your kind letter of the 11th: which I received yesterday—The one is of Mr: Jonathan Mason’s daughter of Boston, to a Mr: Grant, an Englishman I believe; at least a very handsome young Man; whom I met at Mr: T. C. Amory’s.—The other is Miss Hetty Newcomb, who is to be married to Mr: Page—
I enclose you the bill of lading for the barrel and two boxes sent you by the Rambler, Captain Lumbard—You will find in one of the boxes that short as my stay at Providence was, I did not forget your Cotton—The Plumb-Cake will not go by this opportunity; but the materials are procured, and the Cake will be immediately made—I will send it by as early an opportunity as possible.
The report of the king of England’s death which you mention was, I apprehend, a mistake—For we have information here later than the appointment of Lord Selkirk, and I have heard nothing of the other event but from your letter—A report has been circulated here of a War between England and Prussia, but I find no authentic source of that—There have been several arrivals at different Ports, bringing accounts from Barbadoes and Martinico, that Miranda had affected his landing in the Caraccas and met with some success, but I have no faith in them.
It is not yet ascertained who is to be the Governor of Massachusetts for the year ensuing—Mr: Strong has a majority of about 600 votes out of 75000. but some of the returns are said to be irregular and may be set aside, in which case, Mr. Sullivan will come on—The Lieutenant Governor, and a decided majority of both branches of the Legislature will be democratic.
It is possible that the Book for keeping the Thermometer which I made for you may have been thrown inadvertently by me into the great Trunk of Books and Papers which is to come round by water; but I certainly did not bring it with me—I will however send you a sheet prepared for the time you will want it, with this letter If I can prepare it in time—If not, by my next.
George is now sitting by my side, and asks me what I am writing to you?—He says he wants Mama to come home, and to go and live at the house where we lived last Summer—John calls it Papa’s beauty House—and last Summer it certainly deserved that character—For if it had nothing else in it, there was as much beauty at least as in any dwelling House in New-England—John’s turn for Mimicry now and then breaks through all the discouragement of sober faces—
Remember kindly to all the family your ever affectionate
John Quincy Adams.Dear Mama
George sends his duty written with his own hand.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 18 May 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

My dear Aunt
Washington May 18 1806

Had I had an idea that my writing could have afforded you one moments satisfaction I should certainly have taken a much earlier opportunity of addressing you and offering my thanks for your kind attention to my darling boy I now entreat you to believe it was not owing to any inattention or neglect on my part and that nothing but a conviction on my part that you did not desire it could possibly have induced me to delay it on you entirely it depends though you will not gain much by so poor a correspondent I am confident I have hitherto lost considerable pleasure & improvement from not having earlier besought it from you—
I congratulate you on the birth of another granddaughter of M which Mrs. Adams informed me in her last letter and am happy to hear that Mrs. Greenleaf has got well through her confinement I wish it was my case It is not a pleasant thing in anticipation—
I regret much that the distance renders so impossible for me to enjoy more of Mr. and Mrs. Cranchs society our houses are unfortunately at the very extremities of this City and the distance of five miles without a Carriage almost entirely debars everything like social intercourse I sincerely rejoice in his new appointment in which he is perfectly calculated to shine and to which he will do honor—
I beg your acceptance of the enclosed cap which I wish was handsomer but being the work of one of my Sisters I hope it will not prove unaceptable
Make my best respects to Mr. Cranch and remember me affectionately Kiss my little darlings for me and believe me your ever gratefully obliged and affecte.
L. C. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 24 May 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Louisa,
Quincy 24. May 1806

I wrote you this day week, last Sunday that I intended to return to Boston the next morning—But, I did not go untill Tuesday. I have been chiefly there untill yesterday afternoon when I came out in the Stage, and found the family here all well; and particularly both the children—The first thing John said to me was to enquire whether I had sent a kiss for him to Mamma—I cannot stay many days absent from them without feeling an irresistible desire to see them again; and when I do see them I feel with double severity the separation from them and you too—But I see no prospect of a present remedy; and must reconcile myself as well as I can to my fortune.
Wednesday I went to Cambridge to attend the sale at Auction of a House and Land, belonging to Mr: Pearson—My intention was to have purchased it, if it had gone at a reasonable price—The House would be a very convenient one for us during the Summer Season, for the remainder of the term that we are to spend the Winters at Washington, and the situation is such that its value will in every probability rise in the course of three years so that I could dispose of it advantageously whenever our convenience would suit—But Mr. Pearson rated it so high, that he found no bidder, and the place was not sold—I did not regret the circumstance, because I knew you had no partialities in favour of Cambridge, and supposed you would willingly dispense with the purchase of any house there at-all—Perhaps I may yet agree to take it for two years from next March; in which case it will answer all my purpose, as it still remains my intention at the expiration of my term of public Service, to return to Boston.—While I was at Cambridge, I gave up the two chambers for which I had spoken—Principally on account of the great inconvenience to which I should be subjected in having to furnish the chambers, and at the expiration of five Months, to remove the furniture again.—I have now determined to remain for the present at Boston, and to take lodgings whenever a convenient opportunity shall offer them—As yet I am at Whitcomb’s.
I am at this moment in Treaty for the sale of my house in Half-Court-Square, the one that Whitcomb formerly had, and which is now rented by the frenchman Delille—I expect in the course of this week to send you a deed of it, for you to sign and seal—I shall sell it advantageously, though upon a long credit—But I shall have a mortgage of the place itself as security for the payment—On the other hand I am also treating with Mr. John Lowell for the purchase of his two houses which he built some years since, opposite Mr: William Foster’s, just below the bottom of the Mall—I do not mean the houses where the old hay-market Theatre stood, but those somewhat lower down the Street—I believe you will recollect them—One of them will I think answer our purpose to reside in when we return to Boston; better than any other house that I know of within the compass of our means—And both in a situation where they can easily be rented, as long as we may wish—I can obtain the two for little more than I am to receive for Delille’s place, and the exchange will I hope be a beneficial one for our interest, as well as for the purpose of securing a dwelling house for ourselves whenever we shall want it—I mention all these things to you because your wishes as well as your particular interest are much concerned in them—As it is landed Estate, you have your right of dower in it, and this is one reason why in selling it I concluded to vest the money again in the same species of property—The situation of the house in half-Court-Square is a very advantageous one for business; and it now rents for 900 dollars a year—But the house is old, and will want constant repairs; and it will be difficult to keep so high a rent at its present standard—The other two houses rent for 500 dollars each—They have not been built more than four years, and will require no considerable repairs for a long time—They cannot probably rise much in value, but they promise fair to keep at the standard, and will be easier to rent, the sum for each of them being within the reach of greater numbers of persons—I wish it had been in my power to consult you before concluding the bargains, but the first proposition for the purchase of my house was made me last Thursday, and Lowell intends to sell his houses at public auction next Thursday, unless I take them previously off his hands—So I must presume upon your approbation, and I certainly should not have determined upon either of these steps, had I not believed that you would approve them.
There is another thing upon which I shall have time to receive your advice, and have therefore to request it—The situation of Coll: Smith and his family is known to you—My Sister determined not to leave him, and I think she was right—But it is probable that in the course of a short time he my be released, and in that case he will seek his fortune where he can—His family will be to be provided for by their friends—Mrs: Smith and her daughter, I suppose will come here—But my proposition regards his son John; who is to take his degree at the College this Summer, and who will then want three years more to finish his education—My wish is to make him the offer to take him to live with us during that Time, in the Summer, while we keep house—And when we go to Washington in the Winter, he can come and stay here—He can in the mean time be entered as a Student either with me, or with my brother—He will thus be enabled to complete his education without cost to himself or his father; and unless he has some such assistance his situation will be really distressing—I say I ask your advice about making him this offer, though I know so well the generosity of your Nature, that I have not a doubt but it will meet your assent—It will no doubt occasion some expence, and will in some respects be inconvenient to you; but I am convinced the pleasure which it will carry with it, will in your mind overbalance every thing else. I wish you however to let me know your sentiments on the subject.
I have not heard yet of the arrival of Lord Selkirk, which is something extraordinary, as he must have sailed more than two Months since from England—His matrimonial projects I am suspicious will prove to be deeper in the heads of others than in his own heart—And I am of Mrs. Merry’s opinion—It is not the fashion for Lords, not even for democratic or philosophical Lords, to come to America for their wives; and our Ladies have as great an antipathy to being Countesses, as Mrs: Orby Hunter.
Your plumb-cake is made, and ready to be ship’d whenever an opportunity for Alexandria shall offer—Perhaps the vessel by which the trunk is coming will return; in which case I will send it by her—I hope you will receive it in Season for the occasion, when it will be wanted—I shall pay due attention to all your other commissions—I have hitherto regularly received your letters every Saturday, and they have become a necessary of life to me—I did not get your last (enclosing the bill of lading) untill I came out here last Evening; and I had felt a craving void for it from the morning. I have written with equal regularity, and am glad to find you receive my letters with the same punctuality—I shall wait with anxious and hourly calculation for the time you are expecting; which cannot now be far distant—In the mean time believe me to be with invariable and ardent affection your faithful husband.
John Quincy AdamsDear Mamma.
George says he can write to-day as well as last Sunday—He sends his duty to you, in his-own hand-writing.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 May 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Washington May 25 1806

The pleasure I recieved on reading your account of our charming Children my best beloved friend you can more readily concieve than I describe I can believe that George grows like me but Johns round face and deep dimples must I think be infinitely more like his father who has ever been celebrated for this to me fascinating beauty the delight I feel at learning that they still talk of me is exquisite but I dare not flatter myself with a hope that they will have the slightest recollection of my person when I return either the pinions of Time have been terribly clipt or the total inactivity into which I am sunk makes it him lag most  tediously even my approaching hours of pain hold out some prospect of relief from this dreadful insipidity and I really antitipate it with pleasure—you I presume are so fully occupied in preparations for the approaching ceremony in which you are to shine pre-eminent as to be altogether unable to judge of the vacuity I complain of but after having been accustom’d to the cares of a family it is difficult to find a substitute for such an employment one of my disappointments and not the least is the being ever so far from you on this occasion as I proposed to be present and expected great gratification from hearing you speak in Public which is a pleasure I have hitherto been deprived of I shall feel some degree of anxiety untill it is over though I entertain no doubt whatever of your giving general and unlimitted satisfaction in any language—.
Mrs: Mason is at length confined (after a miscalculation of five weeks) and has a Son. Daughters appear to be the fashion among you Mrs Norton does well I think which of the Mrs. Foster’s is it that has a daughter we are all well here excepting little Walter who I am fearful is much more unwell than his parents are aware of was he mine I should be apprehensive of a gradual but almost imperceptable decline Mr. Hellen has return’d from Baltimore some of his friends have recommended a new fashion’d medecine with which he has been dosing himself untill he has made himself quite sick. he remains very uncertain about the House the agents refuse to let it for any time.
 he has been very fortunate in the Sales of the Tobaco he shipped last year should he be as successful the present and he has purchaced very largely at a very low price he will make a fortune—
Mon amie I fear you will think I teaze you but I wish you would suffer me to buy the piece of Sheeting we talked of getting once a year I am much in want of them here and have leisure enough to make them 30 Dollars was the sum we intended to devote to this purpose—I wish—if you can find such a thing as very fine small tooth comb you would send it me for my infant I cannot procure one fine enough here or in Baltimore. The way in which you are going to live really makes me unhappy and I cannot concieve but what  might find some place in Boston much more agreeable and more suitable than the plan you have adopted I have always supposed it was very easy to find houses to board in in Boston and cannot imagine what can be your difficulty particularly as you do not take the child—
Adieu my beloved friend Kiss my sweet Boys and remember me affectionately to all at home most sincerely do I wish I was at Johns beauty house I thank you for Georges first attempt in writing which does him and his dear papa infinite credit—I can but repeat how tenderly and unalterably attached remains ever your

L. C. Adams.Direct your letters Mrs J Q Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 June 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest friend.
Boston 1. June 1806

I expected to have this letter from Quincy, where it was my intention to have gone yesterday in the Stage— But it was to have called for me at Whitcomb’s where I still lodge, and by some mistake went away and left me. It was the cause of no small disappointment, as I had flattered myself with seeing our two darlings, for whom I had got a little book and a toy to give them from their Mama— But you know my Patience under disappointments, and will see that I soon made up my mind to wait another week— I must tell you however that I heard from them yesterday, by Mr: Smith’s two Sons Isaac and Thomas who returned after spending the Election week there— They are both well.
By the way, you may perhaps, if you look into the Boston Newspapers, meet a paragraph which without explanation may give you uneasiness; you will see they announce the death, at Quincy, of Mrs: Ann Adams, wife of Mr Thomas Adams, aged 30.— This Mr. Thomas Adams, is a brother of the Deacon, and his wife died after a long illness— But from the similarity of the names a report has been current all over this town, among our acquaintance, that it was my brother’s wife— Though she was here Wednesday and Thursday, and though the death was announced as of Tuesday— I hope this letter will reach you before you meet with the newspaper, and will prevent your having any apprehensions, on account of Sister T. B. who is very well.
I came into Boston Monday morning and have spent the week here— My present expectation is to have a chamber and lodge during the Summer Months at Dr: Waterhouse’s in Cambridge— Next Tuesday Week is the time which I expect will be fixed for my introduction to Office— Untill then I shall remain principally in this Town.
It has been a week full of noise and bustle— Being what we call Election week— The character of which you will remember— The Legislature met on Wednesday— The number of members in the house of Representatives is upwards of four hundred and sixty— And nearly double the number which has heretofore been usual— The democrats have a majority of about fifty Members, and Mr: Morton was of course chosen Speaker— In the Senate the numbers are more equally divided; there were thirty nine members chosen, of whom nineteen are federalists and twenty democrats— They have found it impossible as yet to choose a President, the votes being divided between Mr: Otis and Mr: Bacon, a Man once known At Washington— They have however made him preside as the eldest Member, and have filled up the vacancy of a member, which will give them a decided Majority— We are still uncertain who will be the Governor— There is a majority of some hundred votes in favour of Mr: Strong; but the two houses are the judges of the returns, and have the power to throw out all the votes not regularly return’d— It is supposed that a sufficient number of the federal votes will be rejected, to take off the majority, and then the choice will be made by the Legislature— In that case there is no doubt but Mr. Sullivan will be chosen.
I now enclose you a deed, for you to sign and seal in the presence of two witnesses— You will observe that I must sign just before the first of the two seals, and you must contrive to put your name before the second— There must also be space left for the names to the witnesses of my signing— I have placed a couple of hooks on the deed itself to shew where this must be done— The names of the Witnesses must all stand at the left of the hooks, and our names immediately before the seals.— There is but a small space for the purpose, but you will be able to crowd it in— It must also be acknowledged, before some Justice of the Peace— I presume Dr: Thornton will be kind enough to call on you, if requested and take the acknowledgment— The form of doing this is only for you to shew him the deed, and tell him that you acknowledge it for your deed, upon which he has only to sign the certificate at the bottom of the page, putting his name immediately before the printed words “Justice of the Peace”— Do this as soon as you can and send me back the deed, which I am desirous to get completely executed as soon as possible— The price at which I have sold this place is a very good one; but I have not actually received the money— It is to be paid one third at a time for three years, and the payment is to be secured by a bond with two good sureties, and a mortgage of the place itself.
I have also agreed with Mr: Lowell to purchase the two houses which I mentioned to you in my last letter— Opposite to Mr: William Foster’s, just below the bottom of the Mall— They have been built only four years, and when we settle down here again, either of them will be a comfortable dwelling house for us— They are built nearly upon the plan of the houses in Franklin Place— Two lower Rooms and a kitchen— Three lower and four upper chambers— Good Cellar— Pump of Water, and Cistern— The principal objection is that there is scarcely any yard-Room— Hardly enough I fear for you to amuse yourself with gardening and raising peas & lettuce— The kitchens also are very small; but they are on the same floor with the dining Room, which is thought a great advantage by the householders here— On the whole I am very well satisfied with the bargain— I am to give exactly the same sum for the two houses that I sell my own one for, as you see by the deed, and to be paid at the same times— There is however one circumstance yet unsettled which may possibly prevent the conclusion of the Treaty with Mr: Lowell— He has not yet shewn me from whom and how he holds the Title to the Land on which the houses stand— I presume his Title is clear, or he would not have built upon the spot— But I have not yet examined into it fully, and if a shade of doubt should rest upon it after examination I shall still decline the purchase— The land has certainly pass’d through a great many hands, and there may be some irregularity in former conveyances; in which case I shall not chuse to run the risk of having to maintain the title at Law— This is the only thing not determined upon; but I presume will be settled in the course of the week.
I rejoyce to hear that Mr: Hellen has been so successful in his last year’s speculations in Tobacco— And hope he will be equally so the present— Flour I presume will now be a great Article for profit, having been so low and now being so rapidly on the rise— According to the present prospects of Europe I suppose it will in a few months run up very high— I hope little Walter’s indisposition will prove nothing serious— Tis probably the complaint to which children are so often subject, and which I am convinced was the cause of his illness before I came away— It is rather troublesome than dangerous.
In one of my last Letters I told you that Mrs: Whitcomb was in a way to keep pace with you; but I did not keep accurate calculation— for she has already produced another son, who was born Thursday Evening. She has been very ill part of the Time since then, but is getting better— I was in the house when the child was born, but knew nothing of it untill the next day— The Mrs: Foster, who I told you was confined some weeks ago, was Mrs. James Foster— My brother’s wife, I think will not reach her time so soon as you
I would have you by all means purchase the sheeting you want— I suppose the shop-keepers will let you have it, and charge it in account to me— to be paid when I come on next Winter— If not I will send you a bill for the 30 dollars, whenever you will call for it— I will endeavour to procure you the small tooth-comb, as soon as possible.
I am going out to Quincy this morning with Whitcomb in a Chair— So I must close my letter, and put it into the Post-Office before I go— I would keep it open untill my return to tell you how the children are— But perhaps I shall not return to town untill to-morrow morning; which might delay my letter a day— I have got me a thermometer and commence the register this morning.
Most affectionately yours’ John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 June 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

                            My best beloved friend
                            Washington June 2d 1806

                        I write you a few lines although with difficulty having been for some days extremely ill and still remaining too unwell to be able to attend to anything my illness was I believe occasion’d by walking though a very small distance and nearly threaten’d a premature confinement I am so much better that I trust I have escaped the danger and make no doubt I shall get through very well your charming letter did more towards my recovery than all the Doctors prescriptions and would my strength permit I would answer it fully as it is I can only say that all you propose meets my entire approbation and thanks and I only feel mortified that you should have thought it necessary to mention your intentions regarding John Smith as it must ever be a pleasure to me to concur in every thing that can afford your family either comfort or advantage and it shall be my study to render my house as agreeable to him as I possibly can I feel myself under too many obligations to you as it regards your kindness to my Sisters ever to have it in my power to repay them—Adieu my best and dearest friend should it please heaven to spare me to you and our dear children it shall be my chief delight and endeavour to return by every tender and affectionate mark of gratitude the deep sense I entertain of your unmerited kindness to your sincerely devoted wife

                            L C Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 8 June 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest friend.
Quincy 8. June 1806

Yesterday was the first Saturday since I arrived here, which passed over without bringing me a letter from you; and although I am willing to hope that it may be owing to some delay at the Post-Office, or to some accident which prevented your writing at the usual time, I cannot help feeling some degree of uneasiness least the omission should have been caused by the state of your health—Indeed the Saturday itself has scarcely been gone before I begin to feel impatient for the next, and when even that fails to bring me the tidings of your health, I strongly feel the disappointment.
When I closed my last letter to you, I was just coming out here; which I did—but returned the next morning to Boston, where I have again pass’d the week—Yesterday I came out with my mother, and expect to return to-morrow morning to Boston—I am still lodged at Whitcomb’s, and having a chamber to myself, am as well situated as I should be at a private house—But next Thursday is the day upon which I am to be made a Professor, and for the convenience during the heat of the summer of being near at hand I have concluded to take a chamber at Dr: Waterhouse’s untill Commencement—That is, untill the last week in August—A vacation of four weeks immediately follows after that, and when the Collegiate duties recommence, the Autumn will be so far advanced that I shall find no difficulty in going from Boston to Cambridge twice a week for the performance of my duties there—In which case I shall resume my chamber at Whitcomb’s, untill the period of my departure for Washington—Such is at present the prospect before me—It is to be sure that of a very unsettled life; but so mine must be untill the close of my public life; which has now little more than two years to run.——My temptations to break off from my connections with public affairs and resume the practice of the law, are even now so strong that if you were here, and as willing as I am, I believe I should renounce my official character at once. The time is peculiarly auspicious for commencing practice at the bar—The two most eminent men of the profession, in this State being just at this time removed—One to be Governor of the State, and the other to be Chief Justice of its Supreme Judicial Court.
Mr: Sullivan will undoubtedly be Governor—Mr: Strong had indeed a full majority of all the votes returned—But as the Senate and House of Representatives, decide upon the validity of the returns, and as there is a majority in both Houses, opposed to the Governor, they have appointed a committee who reported to reject, as not legally returned just votes enough to take the complete majority from Strong—Then the Election is to be made by the Legislature, and of course Mr: Sullivan will be chosen—The Senate have already accepted the report of the Committee and it goes to the House of Representatives for discussion to-morrow—The issue is foreseen, but it has already taken up almost as much time as our Legislature generally sit at this Season of the year—I dined yesterday with Mr: Strong at Sheriff Allen’s—His niece Miss Allen, whom you well remember, was married a few days since to Governor Strong’s eldest Son.
I hope you have received the deed which I enclosed to you last week, and that you will send it back to me, executed, as soon as possible—It is necessary to enable me to finish not only that business, but also Lowell’s houses—He has given me substantially satisfaction with respect of the difficulties of title which I hinted to you—But there are some little irregularities of form in the conveyances to him, which he has engaged to have corrected, before we finally execute the deeds—I consider the matter as settled, and feel no small satisfaction at the circumstance of having an house ready for us to go into, whenever we shall find it expedient. There are tenants at present in both of them; but they hold only from quarter to quarter, and either of them will go out with a quarter’s Notice.
I have yet said nothing to you of the children, because when I began my letter I had not seen George—He is now here to dine, and as well as his brother is very well—His complexion is darkened by the power of the Sun, and I think he will grow up, not very fair—I brought them out last Sunday the presents from you—A book for George, and a horse for John—They were both highly delighted with them, and thank Mamma, a thousand times.
The weather is this day excessively warm, and we have had a very few other days and parts of days; but the season in general has been cold and dry to excess—Only one rain of half a day since I came home—The vegetation more backward than I ever remember—Strawberries just now but in blossom, and not a pea, yet to be seen.
The Hawk is not yet arrived with my trunk from Alexandria, neither can I hear of any vessel going either there or to Georgetown—I have been looking anxiously for an opportunity to send you the plumb-Cake, which has been made sometime and is all ready to be sent. I shall according to your directions have the silk dyed, and will get your net handkerchief hunted up, and also dyed as you desire—I hope to get the comb, and forward it by the time you will want it, though it will probably not be in my power to procure any so fine as those you formerly had.
You have complimented me rather too soon upon my future performance; and in one respect I shall be glad that you will not be here; because it will save you the mortification of a disappointment—In another I regret very much your absence, for I am sure I should do better, if I could enjoy the advantage of reading my discourse to you, before I speak it—In former instances I had that benefit, and know how useful it was to me; most especially in the hints of passages to be struck out—I much want an adviser for that purpose now—The object and the occasion, are of little consequence, nor is much expected in such cases—Yet I feel a foolish uneasiness about me, from an idea that too much expectation will be formed by the hearers, and from the knowledge that it will not be gratified—There will probably be however little company and I shall get through as I can.
Your’s ever affectionately—
John Quincy Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 10 June 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Louisa.
Boston 10. June 1806.

I have just this morning received your kind favour of the 2d: instt: which at once confirmed my apprehensions, and in some degree relieved my anxiety—From the time that the Saturday pass’d over untill now I have had an aching heart, and although I learn from your letter that you had been very ill, yet to know you were on the recovery, and had pass’d what I had long looked forward to as a very critical time is a high gratification to me and inspires me with the most cheering hope—I flatter myself that you have now only the usual case of confinement to meet, and that it will bring its consolation, and its joy along with it.
The Circuit Court of the United States is now in Session, and I this instt: hear the little dinging bell summon the suitors to it—I enclose you a letter for Eliza from Harriet Welsh—I came in from Quincy yesterday morning—Both the children are well.—Sister T. B. will certainly not overtake you this time. Mrs: Whitcomb is getting well.
Ever faithfully yours.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 15 June 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Louisa
Quincy 15. June 1806.

I pass’d the day yesterday, in anxious expectation of having a letter from you again, but it did not come—The fear that your illness should have continued or returned to prevent your writing, heavily weighs upon me; and the only probable contingency that my Imagination offers me to account for your omission again to write at the usual time is that you received my letter enclosing the deed on Saturday; that you could not execute it so as to send it back to me untill Monday, and that you delayed writing untill you could send the deed with your letter—I shall feel uneasy however untill I hear from you again. If, as may be already the case you find an inconvenience in the case writing, ask one of your Sisters to write in your stead, barely to inform me how you find yourself—a few days more, and I hope you will be lightened of your burden; and though it be an exchange only of one charge for another, yet that the one which succeeds will compensate for its troubles by its pleasures.
I went into Boston last Monday Morning, and pass’d the week there—On Thursday afternoon at 5 O’Clock, the installation took place—The time fixed for the purpose was half past three; but a heavy thunder gust came up exactly at that time and delayed the performances nearly two hours—It also prevented the attendance of many persons, and the company was very small—The heat was excessive, and I suffered much from it—The auditory were I believe in general well satisfied with my discourse, which was very short. I returned the same Evening to Boston—This week I expect to go to Cambridge, and to reside there three or four Months—I am to have a chamber at Dr: Waterhouses’.
The great political question who should be Governor is at length settled; and Mr: Strong is in for one year more—He had a clear majority of all the votes returned; but an attempt was made, and push’d with an unusual violence of party Spirit, to reject a number of votes sufficient to prevent him from having a majority of the whole number; a Committee of the two houses of the Legislature, five Demo’s against two federalists, did accomplish the object as far as depended on them—They contrived to reject just votes enough to leave the Governor short of the complete majority by 14—And it is amusing to observe the expedients to which they resorted for that purpose—The Senate after long and warm debates accepted the report of the Committee in all its parts; but the members of the minority, entered a protest against the decision, which has appeared in all our newspapers, and shews the grounds of controversy—When the Report however pass’d down to the house of Representatives, many of the party began to stagger—The general Sentiment abroad was much against them, and their own partizans were ashamed to support what they were doing—All of a sudden they bethought themselves to reject the votes of two towns more, by which means the majority was restored to Mr: Strong; they immediately declared him to be chosen—And when I left Boston, on Thursday to go up to Cambridge, all the Bells were ringing for joy that he was having the Oaths of Office administered to him—He is however the only federalist left in the Government—The Legislature have changed all the Officers, annually elected by them, and the Governor’s Council is completely altered.
We are in expectation of a total Eclipse of the Sun to-morrow morning—This is a very rare occurrence, and has never been known to happen in Boston, since the settlement of the Country—There is indeed some little question whether it will be total here even now, as there are two Calculations—one of which makes it less than total by about a minute and a half—At Washington you will see it very large, but the Sun will not be wholly eclipsed by nearly one twelfth—The little Society which you remember I once belonged to in Boston, have made some preparations for observing it with some attention, and are provided with glasses for the purpose—I have agreed to meet with them in Mr: Bussey’s Garden, which he has offered them to take their observations.
The children are both well—Mrs: T. B. Adams took John to Boston with her on Thursday; but she did not go up to Cambridge—They stayed that Night in Boston and returned here on Friday. John was quite impatient to come home.
I enclose you a comb which is the finest I have been able to procure for you—The Cake is now in Boston, packed up in a long wooden box, and has been sometime waiting for an opportunity of conveyance—I intend to have it put on board the schooner Silvia, Captain Daggett, I think it is—address’d to the care of Mr: Henry K. May at Alexandria—She was advertised to sail this day, but will not go untill the day after to-morrow. I hope the box will arrive in due Season—I believe I mentioned to you that the Hawk had arrived—and I have received the trunk—It was bound round with ropes, but the latch into which the bolt of the lock turns was broken off, and the lock itself was also broken—Whether this happened before the shipment of the trunk, at Washington or since I do not knowThere appeared to be nothing missing from the trunk.
We are all well here except my father who has a very severe cold—He thinks it the influenza, which is very frequent here at present—Abby Shaw is here—She came with me yesterday in the Stage from Boston.
The most interesting matrimonial news I have is that Mr: Wales & Miss Beale, appear at the Meeting-House pasted up together, as intending better acquaintance.
Best remembrance to all the family, from your’s unalterably


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 June 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My best friend
Washington June 15. 1806.

To hear from you and to write you are the greatest pleasures I am at present capable of enjoying and even this is in a great measure restricted by the almost total loss of the use of my thumb which I fear will yet teaze me three long weeks my sincere desire to prevent your feeling any uneasiness on my account urges me to use every possible exertion and I must rely on your indulgence for every due allowance both for the writing and diction: harrassed by a sense of pain our thoughts (spite of philosophy) will not flow easily and unconstrain’d and we cannot help becoming tedious by an involuntary recurrence to our suffering my last letters have I fear been of this nature and feel greatly relieved as it regards my general  I reproach my self for having occasioned you a degree of anxiety which might have been spared and which could not possibly benefit me had not the life of a dear little being been at stake believe me nothing on earth could have induced me to relinquish the delight of seeing my beloved children and enjoying your society which is all I most value in this world and I am now ready and willing to leave this place as soon as I am up from my confinement and to unite with you in any plan that you may think prudent or adviseable as to your future mode of life. you well know that my inclinations have ever pointed to the line which you now tell me is open’d to you as the least unstable of any you can adapt although it is perhaps the most laborious and the least gratifying to a mind form’d as yours has been for a more brilliant sphere yet my beloved friend I do not feel myself qualified to become an adviser on a question of such importance as your resignation of your public duties in which you are so eminently calculated to shine and to be of real and essential service to your Country self and family comfort must sometimes be sacrificed for the general good and though I am consious how much this sentiment must operate against myself still I feel irrisistably impelled to express it from an ardent desire to see at least some men of respectability and talents adorning public stations and to save them while I had the power from sinking into total disgrace which though it may perhaps be but for a short space still promotes the pleasing reflexion of having exerted every ability to delay the ruin which could not be prevented think not that this desire proceeds from a foolish and weak ambition which at the present crisis of affairs can hold forth but a poor compensation for the unsettled and divided life we at present lead if I know my own heart it springs from the purest motives which banish every interest but the public welfare which in my simple opinion has already been much injured by a want of just reflexion on this very important subject and a too close adherence to private interest nature produces very few really great men interest and the world corrupt many of those few we are therefore bound when we possess the means to use them and to use them greatly. After what I have written you must act as you think most proper I dare not indulge my favorite wish and I never will be the cause of your doing that which you might ever after repent it is certainly the right and the glory of every wife to enjoy the confidence of her husband but it is likewise her duty to use her influence with caution and to make his interest and prosperity her chief study and this my dearest and best friend I trust I shall ever be proud to do excuse my prolixity I thought myself called upon to reply very fully to your last letter and am prepared to learn your decision.
Mr. Hellen saw Mr Wagner a few days since and had some conversation with him upon the New York business Mr. W. insinuated to him that the G. were much shocked at the conduct of the judge and meant as soon as the trial was over to do some thing for the gentlemen who had certainly been treated very improperly I wish this may be true the heads of department are obliged to attend and leave this place shortly for that purpose the President is here and it is said never was in better spirits or health he remains here untill the middle of July—
Adieu Kiss my lovely babes for me and tell George I will buy him a Sister as soon as I can I am glad to hear he is so attentive to the Ladies it is a good sign and bespeaks a good heart—
If I were with you I would make you sensible how much you are beloved by your affectionate

L. C. AdamsThe Vessel is arrived safe


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 18 June 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear wife
Boston 18. June. 1806

The day before yesterday, after having taken a very satisfactory view of the solar eclipse, I received your letter of the 9th: the last lines of which, mentioning that you had recovered so far as to go down stairs again, were as cheering to my heart, as the first beams of the great luminary after his total obscurity, had been to the senses—The deed though executed with superabundant caution, is perfectly well executed; and two Justices and three witnesses can do no possible harm though one Justice and two witnesses would have answered the purpose—In the course of a few days I hope the business will be entirely finished, and instead of one old house in half-Court-Square, we shall have two new ones at the bottom of the Mall—There are now tenants in both the houses, who are willing to remain in them as long as we shall wish; and when our time at Congress shall be at an end, you shall take your choice of the two for our residence—I have no doubt of being always able to let the other at a good rent.—I am waiting now only for the accomplishment of a few formalities, which Mr: Lowell had thought unnecessary to make his title perfect; but which I have judged to be at least expedient.
I dined yesterday with Mr: Boylston at Jamaica-Plains—My father and brother were there—They came from Quincy in the morning and left John very well. They had not seen George since Sunday, when I wrote you the same good tidings of him.
I enclose you fifty Dollars, agreably to your request—The box containing the Cake was embarked on Monday, on board the schooner Silvia, Captain Joseph Lewis; (I mistook the Captain’s name in my last Letter to you) it is directed to Mrs: Hellen, and address’d to the care of Mr: Henry K. May—Alexandria—I hope it will arrive in due Season, and in good condition—
I intend going up to Cambridge this Evening, and hope to remove thither for the Summer to-morrow.
To-day, to-morrow, and forever, here and elsewhere, I am your’s,

John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 22 June 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

Dear Louisa
Cambridge 22. June 1806.

Here I am at length, established as an intimate, in the family of Dr: Waterhouse; but from a variety of delays I did not come from Boston, untill the Evening before last—And being once here I concluded to adhere a sufficient time to get habituated and reconciled to my new Situation before I would absent myself from it—This prevented me from going out yesterday to Quincy, according to my custom, and it deprives me of the pleasure of seeing our dear children for one week—It must be a strange necessity indeed that will stay me the next Saturday—Another comfort too of which I feel the want, as a customary enjoyment of that day is a letter from you—I should not indeed have had much right to expect one had I remained at Boston or gone out to Quincy yesterday; because I had so recently received your’s of the 9th: enclosing the deed, and because besides the interruption which I must of course anticipate in your correspondence arising from your present condition, you have prepared me to meet with such disappointments occasionally without feeling so much anxiety for the cause, as I have felt hitherto—The days are now very near at hand which come to the period of your own calculations—those calculations which some of your friends thought so far behind the reality—I presume you will not go beyond your time, and still have the expectation that you will be relieved some days short of it—Perhaps at the very moment when you receive this letter.
My conjectures respecting Mrs. T. B. A. were indeed quite erroneous—She is now in daily expectation of confinement, and in all probability will be beforehand with you—So at least I am informed—But even now her external appearance, even when she is most inclined to discover the secret, does not make it known so obviously as yours did when you was most disposed to conceal it, before I left Washington—Mrs: Whitcomb is getting quite well.
I just mentioned to you in a line which I wrote you on Wednesday, that I had with a company of philosophers observed the Eclipse in Mr: Bussy’s Garden—It was indeed a very remarkable sight—The principal part of it you must have witness’d at Washington; but many of the most curious phenomena were those which arose from the total obscuration of the Sun—His face was entirely covered at Boston, about four minutes and a half—The darkness was such that it would have been impossible to read a small print, and I was obliged to use a lanthorn to observe the state of my thermometer—The fowls roosted—The lowing herd wound slowly o’er the lea.—The western horizon, with sky perfectly serene, looked as if it had been charged with one of the heaviest thunder-clouds—The moon appeared like a patch of court-plaister upon the face of Heaven, and all round the edges of her disk was a luminous border like that which you sometimes see round the edges of a dark cloud—Just before the Sun came out the edge of the moon on the side from which he was to proceed assumed a deep crimson colour; but never since my existence have I seen any thing like the brightness of the first beam, which he shot forth upon his return—The naked eye could not bear it for an instant, though for several minutes before his face was entirely closed in, he suffered us to look at him—I know not the philosophical reason why the first rays of reviving splendor should be so much more dazzling than the last beams of expiring glory, but such was the fact.—From the commencement of the eclipse to the time of the total obscurity the thermometer fell eleven degrees—and by the time the moon fully disappeared, it had risen again, about as much; being all the time in the shade.
I have seen in the Newspapers an account of the Death of Mr: George Wythe, a Judge of the Court of Chancery in Virginia, and a man much distinguished during an important period of the American Revolution—He was at one time an intimate friend of my father, who once address’d to him a letter on the subject of Government, which has often been published—Of late years he like so many other persons of the revolutionary times had forgotten antient friendships, and had fallen into another political scale; yet he had not left his place in my father’s regard, and I am sure he has been much affected at this incident—particularly as by a paragraph in the Richmond Enquirer, it appears there were suspicions that Mr: Wythe’s Death was not in the ordinary course of Nature—On whom the suspicions have fallen the papers do not say; but probably as it is in your neighbourhood, and as he was a man of so distinguished a character you may have heard—If you have, let me know how the circumstances are told.
I have been here so short a time that I can yet only tell you in general terms that I am as well satisfied with my situation as I could possibly expect—My serious privations, that is, of my wife and children are the same here that they were in Boston—There however I had a source of dissipation in the succession of my fellow-boarders, as they came and went, and with whom I associated at breakfast dinner and supper—In this I found, as in everything else, some good and some evil—The good was that by varying the scene & the company before me, it enlivened the time which hung most heavily upon me—The evil was that sometimes the companions were not agreeable, and that always the time spent with them was diverted from studies to which I ought to devote every moment of my present leisure, and to which I have not half time enough to devote—Here, my Society is as yet perfectly at leisure agreeable, but I have more time for meditation and composition—The scene will be so uniform that I am afraid you will find my future letters duller than ever—At least I hope they will prove that my heart whether in the City or the Village, in the crowd or the solitude is ever equally devoted to you.

John Quincy Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 29 June 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest friend.
Quincy 29. June 1806.

In the course of the last week I received your kind favour of the 15th: instt: which in assuring me that your general health was so much improved gave me one of the most pleasing satisfactions that in my present state I am capable of enjoying—I have spent the week at Cambridge in a state of great tranquility, and without the occurrence of any incident worth mentioning to you; except the commencement of my new duties—I found it irksome enough, and myself very awkward in the business; yet I believe it a situation in which I can be of much more service to my Country than in that where your fond partiality supposes me to be of some use—I have at present however no intention to resign—The term of my public service will soon be at an end, and in the present condition of politics in this State as well as almost all the rest, there is no danger that when my time expires I shall have the opportunity to continue in public life—It is therefore proper to seek by any anticipation, the motives of comfort, against the mortification of being displaced:a sort of censure the commonness of which as well as the respectability of character of those who have suffered it has purified from all disgrace, but which when it comes I suppose every one must in some measure feel—We are verging to a State of things not very consistent with the principles of Republican Government, but through which all Republics must pass—A State of things in which merit of any kind whatsoever will be no consideration at all, or at best but a very subordinate consideration; and when the only essential qualification for Office will be party—We have indeed advanced very far in this course and are taking strides towards its utmost bounds every day—The Legislature of this State since the change in their political character have displaced without exception every man in Office whom they could remove, and who was suspected of federalism—This is the first instance in which any thing of that kind has been done in this State; though it is only an imitation of what has been done by the Government of the United States, and by all the other States which have undergone the same change—When the tide shall turn again, which sooner or later it certainly will, this example will inevitably be followed; not improbably with some additional aggravations; because in addition to the same motive for getting the place, which has occasioned the Revolutions in the first instance, there will be much individual resentment to gratify and much rancour of revenge to indulge.
The business respecting the sale of my house and the purchase of Mr: Lowell’s is not yet accomplished; but it is delayed only for the purpose of finishing it more to my own satisfaction—It may perhaps be yet ten days or a fortnight before it will be fully accomplished.—I am still enquiring for a house in Cambridge, where we may reside during the Summer, untill the close of my career in Congress—There is one near the Colleges which I believe would suit us very well, and if you have no objection I will endeavour to hire it for the next Spring and Summer—I should indeed prefer a place nearer to Boston; about half way between the Colleges and the Bridge; which would enable me with equal convenience to go in a few minutes to either—I am fully convinced that in order to produce any material advantage in the improvement of public Speaking, the assiduous devotion of all the time I shall be able to spare, for at least seven years to come will be necessary—But at the same time, as I must have other business claiming my attention, and that will be during the Summer chiefly in Boston a station at about equal distance from the College and the town would be most suitable to me, and would I believe be most agreeable to you—If however I cannot succeed in this, the house of which I speak would be the most eligible I could obtain, and at least may be tried for one Season.
My present situation continues as agreeable as when I wrote you last—Mrs: Waterhouse is an agreeable and pleasant-tempered woman—And the Doctor a man of learning, ingenuity and wit—The time during which I associate with the family is therefore rendered agreeable to me, and that which I employ in my chamber, is quiet and uninterrupted; leaving me the means of that close application which I find indispensably necessary, and without which I should eventually disgrace this new Institution—On this subject I feel a concern and sollicitude, which you who know my natural disposition will readily conceive, and which is much increased by the high expectations which I continually hear are formed from my appointment—I know how apt high expectations are to be disappointed and foresee the probability of adding to the number of such examples—hence the present is a moment of anxiety as well as of labour, and I need all the tranquility I can obtain to keep a due possession of myself—
I came into Boston yesterday morning, and from thence in the Stage hither after dinner—The children are both perfectly well, and in good Spirits—I presented to Louisa Smith in your name a handsome turtle-shell comb, with which she was well pleased and desired me to thank you affectionately—Mrs: T. B. A— is not yet a mother in form—Her Sister Mary is with her; and Abby Shaw is also here—Mrs: Quincy thrives apace—I believe I forgot to tell you that I spent the Evening with them the last time I was here—The Trustees of the Agricultural Society dined there yesterday, and he sent me an invitation; but I could not go—When this reaches you I hope you will have bought the Sister for George—or if the Article should turn out a brother he and I must be satisfied with that—May God Almighty bless you and carry you safely through.
so prays your affectionate
J. Q. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 30 June 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest and most affectionate friend
Cambridge 30. June 1806

You will receive I presume at the same time with this a letter from me written yesterday at Quincy, in the ardour and satisfaction of Hope. This morning on my coming into Boston, your letter of the 23d: so lovely by its tender sensibility, so admirable by its resignation and fortitude, yet so distressing to me by the affliction in which it was written, and the marks of suffering apparent even in the hand-writing that I have no words to express how much it has affected me, was put into my hands—I was engaged with Mr. Boylston upon some business when Shaw gave me your letter—On perusing it, I was barely able to preserve that appearance of tranquillity which could conceal the immediate impression upon my heart; I hurried hither to the retirement of my own chamber, where I could indulge the weakness, which the bitterest of sorrows is forbidden to discover to the world—And the first moment I have obtained a sufficient command over myself for any exertion of my faculties I devote to thank you for the most excellent though the most painful letter I ever received from you. If the tears of affliction are unbecoming a Man; Heaven will at least accept those of gratitude from me, for having preserved you to me through the dangers of that heavy trial both of body and mind which it has called you to endure—When you receive this I hope that both your health and Spirits will be so far recovered that it will impart to you only so much of my feelings as can testify to you the tenderest and most sympathetic affection—
I hope you will now soon recover your health, and there is yet so much of the Summer before us, that if you can meet with any opportunity of a companion coming this way, you will find it probably promotive both to your health and Spirits to come on—In that case I would engage the house of which I wrote you yesterday, and which stands next door to Doctor Waterhouse’s where I now write—By engaging it for one year from the beginning of August or September, you might come and spend a couple of months here before the Session of Congress commences, and have a home to return to next Spring for three or four months after we shall come back—If you should find it upon trial not agreeable I should have the year before me to look out for another—I hope your health will be sufficiently confirmed to enable you to travel by the first of August—in which case you might get here by the twentieth. If you conclude to come however be extremely careful not to let your impatience hasten your departure too soon—Should you not leave Washington, untill the middle of August (now only six weeks distant) and could find a friend coming only so far as New-York, I may then have it in my power to go thus far to meet you for as Commencement here is the last week in August, after which there is a vacation of four weeks, I should be at liberty by the 25th. of August, and in three days could go to New-York—Let me know by the return of the mail or as soon as you can whether this plan suits you; and if it does I will make all necessary arrangements to carry it into Execution—But do not overstrain your strength to write before your time—Take, my dearest friend, I intreat you the most scrupulous care of yourself, and preserve the greatest of blessings to your ever affectionate husband.
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 June 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Washington June 30 1806

I have this moment recieved your kind letter my best friend it has removed a load of anxiety from my heart which was becoming almost insupportable I wrote you yesterday that I was well to day I am even better as my mind is at ease your letter laid two days in the Cambridge post office which accounts for the unusual delay—
The Death of Col. Wythe was attended with the most horrid circumstances it is said that he made his will a Short time since and left all his property to a Nephew who he had adopted of which he informed him the young man not contented with the certainty of possessing the property after the old gentlemans death forged a bill of two hundred dollars which he carried to the Bank himself while he was sitting talking it occurred to one of the Clerks that Col. Wythe never drew for a larger sum than twenty dollars at a time and under some pretence he got the money back and sent the bill to the Col. to know if it was his on which he told them he had it was a forgery the young man in the mean time learnt what was going forward went and purchased two ounces of arsenic and returned home and mixt it in the Coffee it proved fatal to the old gentleman and four or five of the slaves— this is the story told here generally and believed—
you recollect the circumstance of Lewis’s engagement last winter with the widow Shornton who eloped the day he was to marry her the gentleman she went with has just poisen’d himself with Laudnum this place rings with horrid stories and I have heard nothing else this two months—
God bless you my beloved friend make my love and best wishes acceptable to Sister T. B. Kiss my / darling boys and talk to them of their mother and / believe me more than ever yours
L C Adams
P.S. Harriet is likely to lose her little boy who has been very bad some time.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 2 July 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Louisa.
Cambridge 2. July 1806.

On going yesterday into Boston, I received Mr: Hellen’s letter of the 22d: of last Month, with the few lines which I am afraid you must have cruelly suffered in writing; and also your’s of the 24th: which at least administered the consolation of knowing that you were as well as you could expect—My great concern is that in the tender effort you made when thus severely ill to write, was too great an exertion for your strength, and I rejoyced in the determination express’d in your last of omitting to write again for several days—I have endeavoured to gather resignation under the hand of Heaven in this Calamity, and with you I turn my thoughts to the inexpressible blessings yet left us in our remaining children.You will see by my last that I had first received your’s of the 23d: which gave me the first Intelligence of our Misfortune—And that I had anticipated your idea of coming on as soon as your health and strength will permit—But let me conjure you not to hasten too much your departure—If by the beginning of August you are able to travel, you may reach this by the twentieth, and I will have a house here ready to receive you—If Dr: May or Mr: Winn comes on, you will have the advantage of a companion the whole way—But if only to New–York, I will meet you there should it be possible to absent myself from this place—Give my best thanks to Mr: Hellen for his kind letter, and his friendly consolations—Heaven bless all our friends for their affectionate attentions to you in the day of your distress, and grant a speedy restoration of perfect health to you—and of you to the arms of your ever affectionate husband.John Quincy Adams.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 4 July 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

My dear Sir
Cambridge 4. July 1806.

I enclose you a letter, which I received last Monday, and by which you will learn the distressing misfortune which has befallen me—I have not communicated it to you before, from the wish that it might not come to the knowledge of my brother’s wife, at a moment when it might too much affect her—I have another letter from Washington, one day later than the one enclosed; my wife was then as well as she could expect after the danger she had so narrowly survived—
You will readily conceive I have no inclination at this moment to mingle in high festivities: though I heartily wish that of this day may be agreeable to you—Independent of my own feelings, my present duties require my unremitted attention, and every day, is important to my studies. I am afraid I shall also be obliged from the same cause to intermit my weekly visit to you at Quincy to-morrow—But I hope to come out the next week—The Corporation have consented that the Sophomore Class should attend my Lectures, from the first—And this day week, my birth-day, I hope with the blessing of Heaven to begin—
I am in all duty and affection, your Son.
John Quincy Adams
P.S. If W. S. Shaw gives you a copy of my Inaugural Oration, I hope he will take care it be one of those in which the Greek motto is printed correctly.
N.B—Please to preserve the enclosed letter to return to me—