Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigal Adams Shaw Felt, 15 December 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Felt, Abigal Adams Shaw

Quincy December 15 1816

Married and cannot come, is an excuse of ancient date, but married, and cannot write, I do not find in any Chapter of the Bible
Now my dear Neice what is the reason that I have not received a line from you, Since you exchanged the Name of Shaw, for that of Felt? It is true, I have heard of you, from your Brother, but Surely You Should recollect, that you have one only Aunt living at Quincy, who is as anxious for your health your happiness and your welfare, as any connection you have living—during mr Felts vacation, I flatterd myself we Should have Seen you, but as that did not happen, I expected to have heard from you—
Mr Foster has in his hands Some Money belonging to you—you recollect that there was one quarters Rent left in the hands of mr Cutter to pay his Bills for Building the Granary, and repairing the Damages occasiond by the Hurricane. he has Since collected and presented his Bills the amount of which with a new Pump—will take up an other quarters Rent. I have requested mr Foster to Settle with him at the close of the year—and take his discharge. at the Same time inform him, that I think we must raise the Rent, twelve Dollars pr quarter, we have expended So much money in Building. Mr Foster will Still have a Surpluss in his hands—If you wish to know any thing respecting us, I have the pleasure to inform you, that we are all well, that mr Clark whom you know, is gone to Gibralter  for his Health, and with a design to join the Fleet under Commodore Chauncy, to return if he can, in the Spring. Susan in the mean time is grown quite Solid and Domestic—Caroline de Wint is gone to housekeeping in N York for the Winter—From Abbe Johnson, I hear as Seldom as from your Ladyship. Cousin Louisa is quite an invalide with a swelld Face. Mrs T B A. as full and tight as usual.
Your Quincy acquaintance as usual—Lucy Greenleaf you know engaged to mr Henry Davis of Baltimore, mr Edward Millar to miss Nicolson of plimouth, mr George Smith it is whisperd to miss Walter of Boston—
Col. Sumner came from Boston this afternoon Your Brother was to have accompanied him, but he had a Swolen face—and was fearfull of comeing out—the weather being very cold
make my Regards to mr Felt, and Say to him, that I hope to be better acquainted with him do not give up the use of your pen. altho I know you never Loved it very well, it is a tallent you ought not to hide, and one in which your Dear Mother was distinguishd. few pens were like hers—She guided and governd the Heart, as She pleased—Blessed be her Memory
Louisa and Susan desire to be kindly rememberd, so does your affectionate / Aunt

A Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 15 December 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Jefferson, Thomas

 Dear Sir Quincy December 15th 1816

My good Husband has call’d upon me for Some Letters, written to me by my Son, when he was last in Paris, in 1815 in which he gives me a particular account of the Family of Count de Tracy and of the circumstances which introduced him to their acquaintance.

Beleiving that it will give you pleasure to become acquainted with this happy Domestic Circle, I readily embrace this opportunity of transmitting them to you, with two or three other Letters which follow in Succession, and are interesting, as they describe the Novel and importent events, to which mr Adams was an Eye witness

I rely upon your known care and punctuality to return them to me. I need not add how valuable they are to me. They may also afford Some entertainment to your Grandaughter Miss Ellen Randolph, whose praises are in the mouths, of all our Northern Travellers, who have been so happy as to become acquainted with her—they bring us also: such delightfull accounts of Monticello and its inhabitants that I am tempted to wish myself twenty years younger, that [I mi]ght visit them, but I am so far down Hill, that I must only think of those pleasures which are past, amongst which, and not the least is my early acquaintance with, and the continued Friendship of the phylosopher of Monticello—to whom are offerd the respectfull attachment / of Dear Sir / Your Friend

Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Catherine Elizabeth Murray Rush, 18 December 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Rush, Catherine Elizabeth Murray

Quincy December 18th 1816

I hope my dear Lady, you will not think I intrude upon your Hospitality by my frequent introduction of my Friends to your acquaintance. it is a tax you must pay for Superiour Merit—Miss Eliza Sumner, the Sister of the Lady to whom I gave Letters last winter Mrs Wells with her Brother Col. Sumner intend passing part of the winter in washington. Mrs Wells, who met with so kind reception from mr & mrs Rush last winter has enjoind it upon her Sister; to apply to me for Letters to you. now I do not know my dear Lady, that I have any Right to use so much Freedom with you, unless I may lay claim to it, from your connection with the amiable & excellent Son of the one of the best Friends I ever had.
I do not recollect that I ever Saw you but once, altho I had the pleasure of a Slight acquaintance with your Sister Mrs Mason to whom I request you to tender my compliments. If I Should be inquired of, do you know mr Rush? I must replie, personally I do not think I Should recognize him, or he me, but his Heart and Soul are my familiar Friend’s, and as Such, in the Language of Shakespear—
“I Grapple him to my Soul with hooks of Steel”
I think both mr Rush, and you will be pleasd with Col & miss Sumner, and that you will find them worthy your notice. I do not give Letters to all who apply. I declined a few days Since not through want of merit in the Lady, but really through fear of drawing too largely upon your Bounty. I will however Name her to you, miss Cushing a Neice of the late Judge William Cushing, who was many years one of the Judges of the Supreem Court of the United States, and I presume well known to mr Rush—her Sister lately married to mr Ashman, now a Senator of the US belonging to Northhampton, accompanies her Husband to Washington with miss Cushing. they are both amiable women. The Father of Col Sumner & the Mother of miss Cushing were Brothers & Sisters
Mr Clark exprest much dissapointment that he was obliged to leave Washington, without paying his respects to you. I regret it too as it might have enlivened his Spirits, and dispelld some of the Dismalls which his too Susceptable Heart experienced—
I wish you and mr Rush could visit Boston that those who have been noticed by you might have the opportunity of returning some of the many favours they have received from youWith Sentiments of Sincere / Regard and Esteem / I am your Friend

Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Lucy Cranch Greenleaf, 26 December 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Greenleaf, Lucy Cranch

Dear Mrs Greenleaf
december 26th 1816

your uncle and I ask the pleasure of mr Greenleafs and your Company to dinner tomorrow.Your Aunt
A A


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Albert Gallatin, 28 December 1816
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Gallatin, Albert

Ealing 28 December 1816

Will you have the goodness my dear Sir to send the enclosed to Mrs. C King, as I do not know her address. I take the liberty of making this request having witnessed your readiness to serve the Ladies, and feeling and how happy they are to receive an obligation at your hands—
Present my respectful Compliments to Mrs. Gallatin and believe me, Sir, with the highest sentiment of esteem and respect, Your most humble and obedt Servt.

L. C. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 28 December 1816
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					My dear Mother.
					Little Boston 28. December 1816.

				General Boyd, Mr Stores, Mr Forbes, and Mr and Mrs. Everett, have all arrived in London within the week past; and by them, with many other Letters and despatches I have received your favours of 5. and of 26. November—There must be I think a Letter in arrear between the 30th. of September and the 5th. of Novr—You acknowledge the receipt of my Numbers 92 and 93—and 97 and 98. I hope the intermediate numbers will not be missing.My father and you, both intimate to me the expediency of my return to the United States; to which my inclinations also strongly urge me—There are however some considerations to be taken into the account of this question, upon which it might not be convenient to enlarge upon paper—I have received from various quarters hints like one in your last Letter; but none precisely from that quarter which I should consider, as a call upon me for a determination and an answer. Should a similar suggestion be made, as I have reason to expect it would be were it connected with a serious intention, I shall at all Events receive and treat it with respect—But I shall certainly not ask to be recalled from this Mission, for the sake of being in the way of appointment or election to any Office in the United States—I do not intend my Children shall be educated in Europe; and if I remain here, though the year now about to commence, I shall probably send George home to enter College next Summer. Nor is it my present purpose to extend my residence here beyond the Spring of 1818.I enclose a Letter from John to his Grandfather, and hope next week to forward Letters from his brothers. Charles complains that in all his late budgets, though both his brothers have been remembered there has been nothing for him. Ever affectionately yours

					A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to William Steuben Smith, 1816
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, William Steuben

					Spring, 1816

				I have not been able to answer a very pleasant Letter from your Father, which I received after I was sick. I am now something stronger, and my physician says, I shall get up again, but a small blast would blow me away.... You will be so good as to give me information of your Brother as soon as you hear. I have not any Letter of a later date than Novbr 7th. Remember me to Aunt Nancy when you see her. I presume you will be attentive to her, as a State of single blessedness is not the most Eligible in the World.Let me know when you hear from your Father, how is he this winter? His situation at the Valley must be lonesome and melancholy. Present my Love to your dear Spouse.... My Love, Louissa’s, and Susan’s, who is the Life of the House & grown a sprightly Lass, since you saw her.Your affectionate G.M.

					Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 1 January 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Janry 1st 1817

				Many happy returns of the Season dear Harriet is wished you by your Friend, who you know would rejoice to see you at Quincy, but the Gay parties in Boston, must have more charms for the young and Beautifull, than the Sombre & dreary view of a dead & brown carpet which covers the Earth at present, & the leafless Trees, so naked and bare. I want to see it put on the white mantle, so emblamatical of innocence—but we are in some measure compensated by the fine weather. I want to come into Town while it lasts, but my Coachman is in “durance vile” and will not be liberated for some time.Susan has been sick ever since she was in Town. She was not fit to have left home when she sat out her face was very much swelld, and an additional cold settled there and produced a fever. She is better, but still tied up, and has been obligd to Submit to medicine—I Send you the Letters which you request if they are not all you want, the others have gone a journey—I have a Letter from W S Smith his House has been haunted, and he obliged to call in the civil Authority to exorcise the demon before she could be cast out.Mr Adams waits.

					2 Skains of Twist like the velvet for Susan


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 1 January 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, John Adams

					Dear Sir.
					Little Boston House 1 January 1817.

				I enclose herewith a draft of a Note to Lord Castlereagh on the case of the Hope, which I will thank you to copy on the sheet, with the signature and send immediately to His Lordship, as my New Years present.yours truly.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 January 1817
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

					My dear Son
					Quincy Jan. 2d. 1818

				I have received your Letter of the 26th. of December 1817 inclosing a Postnote upon the Branch Bank of The United States at Boston for nine hundred and One dollars and Ninety five Cents, being the Amount of the dividend of five per Cent upon the debt proved under the Commission of Bankruptcy of Robert Bird and Co. at New York.I am your affectionate Father

					John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 3 January 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir.
					Little Boston Ealing 3. January 1817.

				Your favour of 23. Septr: & 3. Octr. was brought to me by my old friend and Classmate I. M. Forbes, and that of 13. Novr. by General Boyd, who both came fellow-passengers in  the same vessel. Mr Everett has since arrived, by whom I received a Letter of 26. November, from my dear Mother. I have briefly replied to my Mother upon the advice, which you and she have given me to return to the United States—It may be proper for me to say something further upon the subject to you, for whose constant solicitude and kindness, as for my Mother’s, I can never be sufficiently gratefull, and for whose approbation not only of my conduct, but of its motives I am earnestly anxious.I am and have been well aware, that in consulting only personal views of political ambition, my plainest and most obvious course would have been to return home immediately after the conclusion of the Peace of Ghent—I knew that I could then return with some eclat, and that while neither honour nor profit of any kind was to be acquired in a Mission to England, it was at home alone that I could be in the way of advancement, for the prospect of which I should never again have so favourable an opportunity of presenting myself to the notice of my Country—But upon the appointment of the first Mission for the pacific Negotiation, it had been officially intimated to me, as the President’s intention, in the Event of the conclusion of  a Peace, to place me as the Representative of the United States in this Country—I accepted the appointment, because I have made it the general principle of my life to take the station assigned to me, by the regular authority of my Country, and because I perceived no decisive reason for declining it; and having accepted it, I have thought that a term of three years, was as short, as I could with propriety hold it before asking to be recalled. My expectation and intention was to return to private life, not from any settled purpose of relinquishing the service of the Public, but from the knowledge that in my native State my Services are not held in much estimation by those who could alone exercise at least for the present the power of calling them forth, and with regard to the Government of the Union, although very shortly after my arrival in this Country I had received an intimation, through a stranger, that it was the intention of the Administration to reserve as long as might be compatible with the public Convenience, an important Office for me, yet as the person who made me this communication, did not profess to have been authorized to make it, I neither understood precisely what it meant, nor paid much attention to it. From that time until within these six weeks, I thought no more of it—About the middle of November last, Mr George Boyd arrived here, and among the rumours of news circulating at Washington, at the time of his departure told me it was said by some, that the State Department would be offered to me by the next President—Since them numerous suggestions to the same effect have reached me, and the report has finally been distributed throughout this Country, by paragraphs of Newspapers, extracted from those of the United States—Although these Circumstances have been sufficient to induce me very seriously to deliberate in my own mind upon the determination which it may be proper for me to come to, if the proposal should really be made to me, yet nothing has yet occurred which would justify me in taking any step on the presumption that it will—No direct Communication either from the present President or from his expected successor has made it necessary or proper for me to inform either of them what my decision would be upon it, and I think it due both to them and to myself, to reserve my answer, and even my resolution upon the offer, until it is made.You caution me against commencing to be the champion of Orthodoxy, without first reading more than would consume all the leisure of the remnant of life which I have any reasonable prospect of enjoying, even if it were to be all leisure—I think I shall neither commence champion  of Orthodoxy, nor as your old friend Franklin used to say of any man’s doxy. If after sixty years of assiduous study and profound meditation, you have only to come to the result of trusting the Ruler with his skies, and adhering to the Sermon upon the Mount, I may be permitted to adopt the same conclusions by a shorter and more compendious process—But you observe again that Musquitos are not competent to dogmatise “περι του παντος”—I have in a former Letter contested the application of this remark to our own species—To compare man with a musquito, an eel in vinegar or a mite in cheese, shoots as wide of the mark of reality, as to suppose him an Angel—You and I, are competent to dogmatise, taking the word in the sense of its derivation, that is, to hold opinions, about the “το παν.”—To hold opinions; but not to attain perfect knowledge—Musquitos hold no opinions—Now in the Sermon upon the Mount, much is said about the kingdom of Heaven, and those who alone shall enter into it—The preacher of that Sermon, announced himself as a being superior at least to human Nature—If you say that he was a mere ordinary man, you include him also in the class of those who are not competent to dogmatise upon the system of the Universe—You, or at least I can by no possible process of reasoning consider him as a mere Man, without at the same time pronouncing him an Imposter—You ask me what Bible I take as the standard of my faith—The Hebrew—the Samaritan—the old English Translation—or what?—I answer, the Bible containing the Sermon upon the Mount—Any Bible that I can read and understand—The new Testament I have repeatedly read in the original Greek, in the Latin, in the Genevan protestant, and in Sacy’s Catholic french translations, in Luther’s German Translation, in the common English protestant, and in the Douay English, Catholic (Jesuitical) Translations—I take any one of them for my standard of faith—If Socinus or Priestley had made a fair Translation of the Bible, I would have taken that, but without their Comments—I would also give up, all the passages, upon which any sound suspicion of interpolation can be fastened—But the Sermon upon the Mount commands me to lay up for myself treasures, not upon Earth, but in Heaven—My hopes of a future life are all founded upon the Gospel of Christ—and I cannot cavil or quibble away, not single words and ambiguous expressions, but the whole tenor of his conduct, by which he sometimes positively asserted, and at others countenanced his disciples in asserting  that he was God. You think it blasphemous to believe that the omnipotent Creator could be crucified—God is a Spirit—The Spirit was not crucified—The body of Jesus of Nazareth was crucified—The Spirit whether eternal or created was beyond the reach of the Cross. You see my Orthodoxy grows upon me; but I still unite with you in the doctrine of Toleration and benevolence—You will marvel perhaps that with these Sentiments I have been recently falling in with some of the broadest Unitarians,  such as Mr Frend, and Mr Aspland, who has obligingly presented me several Sermons and Tracts of his own upon the Unitarian faith.I shall send you by the Galen or some other opportunity a work of a different kind. I mean the Private Correspondence of Dr Franklin, one Quarto Volume of which has at length been published by his Grandson—I have not seen this Gentleman since my present residence in England, though we have more than once exchanged visits. But he lately sent me a copy of the Book, with a very polite Letter in which he speaks in the most respectful terms of you—The first Volume, containing the Memoirs of the Drs Life has not yet been published.We have just received the President’s Message at the opening of the Session of Congress, and it has extorted a few sentences of unwilling and sulky approbation from the Ministerial paper here. Its contents are in a high degree gratifying to the friends of our Country. Mr Madison has the happiness of leaving the Union, in a state of prosperity and of tranquility, which did not accompany the retirement of either of his Predecessors—For that very reason he leaves a more doubtful prospect to his Successor. In the Political as well as in the physical world the tempest must always alternate with fair weather. Hitherto, blessed be God, all our Pilots have succeeded in weathering the Storm—There are Breakers ahead, and all around us however, and I hope your Letter to the perpetual-peace-mongers, will give a lesson of useful instruction to our Countrymen—By the returns for Congress, I perceive that Hartford Convention federalism is still upon the decay in Massachusetts, though I hear the Roman Senators, are still firm and vigorous in their resistance against the factious tribune of the People.May the Blessings of Heaven, attend you, and my dear Mother, and the friends around you, through this and many succeeding years, prays your affectionate Son.

					A.


Title: From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 7 January 1817
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, John Adams

Dear Sir
Quincy January 7th 1817

Thanks for your favour of Novbr. 13th. Of Lord Holland, I know nothing. I pity the people, I pity all men of destinction. I pity Emperors, Kings and Popes. they are all when invested with a little brief authority, hurried, and driven by their associates, into measures, they do not and cannot approve: What is to be the fate of Napoleon? no matter; Split him for a Mackerel and broil him for the breakfast of a Canibal. What then?
I have read in a book, that Alexander did much good, and in other books that Caesar did great good, and in others, that English liberties are all owing to Cromwell; and I believe all these paradoxes. And I believe another viz’ that Napoleon will soon be acknowledged to have done good though I acquesce in the termination of his career; heaven would not trust the Macedonian, the Briton, the Roman, nor the Corsican with unlimited power, and I adare its wisdom.
But how can legitimacy rise again? Lock, Rousseau, Frederick &c cannot be called in. Pope Gelasius cannot burn fifty gospels. Another Pope cannot burn forty Carrtloads of hebrew manuscripts It cannot be concealed that Napoleon was tolerant. Superstition and despotism cannot stand another Century against the press; and the press cannot be annihilated. it would be no wonders if Napoleon should in twenty years become the most popular name that ever whistled in Europe. His exile & detention in Helena, is unquestionably a violation of the law of nations and the  British Constitution. It is sic rolo, sic jubeo. You see I have left out St, or Saint before Helena, because I think, all mankind ought to blush at that word; England ought to banish it from “James’s” Alexander, ought to discard it from Petersburg.
According to present appearances, the august Legitemates are taking the most effectual measures to revive the cry of Frederick, Voltaire, and D’Alembert. “Ecrarsez le miserable” Crush the Wretch” meaning the Pope and his Hierarchy.
I wish you to execute a commission for me. purchase Mr Farmers Works, his D’amours; his miracles, and indeed all his works. Ask Mr Vaughan or Dr Disney, or Mr. Morgan where they may be found. Ask your Uncle for the means of the purchase. I will repay him.
Would you believe it? We are become “All Republicans, & all Federalists—” as sincerely as were 16 years ago. So we shall continue for Mr Randolph assures us “the party is safe for eight years to come. Your affectionate.
JA.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 January 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

					My dear Son
					Quincy, Janry 8th 1817

				I must begin my Letter by wishing you and yours, many returns of the Season, as pleasent, as delightfull as the present for the winter hitherto has been as mild, as the Summer was cold.“Sterne Says, God tempers the wind to the Shorn Lamb” and the winter as yet; has been temperd to the wants, and necessities of the people: altho their Herbage was cut off, and the Herds in their stalls will be few in Number; the ensuing spring, there is not any unusual distress Grain is high in price, but in this Country, you know, that Labour will be in proportion to the price paid for provision—Every paper we receive from England brings us dolefull accounts of the distress which prevails in that Country, and of the little hope there is of relief. here a fruitfull Summer will will reinstate the Husbandman, the Tanner, and those who depend upon them for employ and support. the Cold Summer has not been destitute of its blessings for a more general time of health, has not been known. when we contrast our own Situation with other Nations; we have abundant cause for gratitude and thankfulness.—I wish you and your Family, were Safe in America. I know, & you know; and have felt, that you will have to encounter many mortifications. Envy is not banishd from our Land altho at present we have an unusual calm, and John Randolph is really apprehensive, that we Shall  as a people lose all excitement, so little agitation was experienced at the late Election of president—and I begin to be of his opinion; for when I take my pen to write, I do not feel that promptitude which I formerly experienced, that crowd of Subjects, which left Selection to my choice, but a tranquil repose; bordering upon indolence—one thing, or Subject however rouses me. that is a little flattery; altho I Shall not express myself with all the warmth of Enthusiasm which the venerable Marquis of Londonderry exhibited at Liverpool upon his Healths being drank at the Feast made for his son Lord Castlereagh. I can enter into his Lordships feelings, and join with him in many parts, which I think quite as applicable to an other Character and Country, and as Pope tells us “Self Love and Social is the Same” I may be allowd to feel Some pride, at the return of a Letter from mr Jefferson which your Father requested me to Send him, as a reply to a query of his to him“what do you think of the present state of England?”“The Letter which you inclosed to me Speaks volumes in a few words, presents a profound view of awful truths and lets us See truths more awful, which are Still to follow. the Letter is worthy the pen of Tacitus”Boston is undergoing a great Change. Court Street is opend So as to pass down to the market, and to what is calld central wharf all the houses are taken down, in Brattle Square, new Stores built, and yesterday there was a Sale, or biddings at Auction for the choice, & upwards of Eight thousand dollors bid for the first choice, and proportionate Sums for the others. the whole fancy money amounting to fifty one thousand dollors—so much for the whistle!I wish to learn the Result of what is calld here, your designation to the office of Secretary of State. my reply to the inquiries made me, are I know no more than the News paper report—which commenced at the Southward, and travelled to the North, every one appearing to be Satisfied with the arrangement.Mr Russel has returnd as you have heard and my Neighbour Miss Smith, is said to be the Lady he has chosen—She is a woman altho with Some peculiaritys, like all geniuses, of whom mr Russel may be proud, to obtain the Hand. he has feeling Sense and taste, & cash!our Friend here are well. your Parents in health, and Cheerfull for old Age rather timid, of wind and weather—My Love to my daughter if I Should not be able to write to her by this opportunity, I Shall the next.I have not any Letter from you of a later date than 15th october, which I have before acknowledged / ever your affectionate / Mother

					  A A—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Albert Gallatin, 11 January 1817
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Gallatin, Albert

Sir
Ealing 11 Janry. 1817

I write you a few lines to apologise for the liberty I took in requesting you would affix you Seal to what I supposed would have been a small paper parcell containing some very trifling articles for which Mr. Adams had permitted me to send, and which I thought too trifling to request an order for as it is always obtained with difficulty—I flatter myself you will pardon the error and believe me with much respect Your most obedt Servt.
L. C. AdamsI take the liberty of enclosing two Letters.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 January 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

				N. 106
					My dear Mother.
					Little Boston, Ealing. 11. January 1817.

				Your favour of 26. November, is yet the latest that I have received from you—But since my last to you, and since mine of the 3d. instant to my father, I have received one from him, more earnestly calling upon me, to ask my recall from this Mission, and return home—I have in my last Letters both to him and you, expressed my sentiments and intentions on this subject, and have alledged such reasons for them as will I hope prove satisfactory to you—The newspaper paragraphs in the American Prints, copied into those of this Country, some of them announcing my actual appointment as Secretary of State have placed me for the moment in an aukward predicament—I am receiving daily Letters of congratulation and of solicitation, which I scarcely know how to answer. Until I had received your letter of 26. November, I had no intimation from an authentic source, to induce an expectation that the offer would be made me. Since then hints of the intention, have come to me through various channels, both from the present and future President—but in no one instance, was the communication to me authorized by them; and having often witnessed the changes, which a great variety of causes, occasionally produce in mere intentions, and being yet without a direct or authorised suggestion from either of the distinguished persons, from whom alone it could come with efficacy, even that it is intended, I deem it proper still to reserve my determination upon it, until I shall more explicitly know, whether the determination will be required of me at all. We are all well.  My boys are in the midst of the Christmas Holidays, and are now in London to see Mr Kean, Miss O’Neill and the Pantomimes. I shall make them write to you after their return.Ever affectionately your’s.

					A.


Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 January 1817
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Monticello Jan. 11. 17. I owe you, dear Madam, a thousand thanks for the letters communicated in your favor of Dec. 15. and now returned. they give me more information than I possessed before of the family of mr Tracy. but what is infinitely interesting is the scene of the exchange of Louis XVIII. for Bonaparte. what lessons of wisdom mr Adams must have read in that short space of time! more than fall to the lot of others in the course of a long life. Man, and the Man of Paris, under those circumstances, must have been a subject of profound speculation! it would be a singular addition to that spectacle to see the same beast in the cage of St. Helena, like a lion in the tower. that is probably the closing verse of the chapter of his crimes. but not so with Louis. he has other vicissitudes to go through.I communicated the letters, according to your permission, to my grandaughter Ellen Randolph, who read them with pleasure and edification. she is justly sensible of, and flattered by your kind notice of her; and additionally so by the favorable recollections of our Northern
          visiting friends. if Monticello has anything which has merited their remembrance, it gives it a value the more in our estimation: and could I, in the spirit of your wish, count backwards a score of years, it would not be
          long before Ellen and myself would pay our homage personally to Quincy. but those 20. years, alas! where are they? with those beyond the flood. our next meeting must then be in the country to which they have flown. a country, for us, not now very distant. for
          this journey we shall need neither gold nor silver in our purse, nor scrip, nor coats, nor staves. nor is the provision for it more easy than the preparation is kind has been kind. nothing proves more than this that the being who presides over the world is essentially benevolent. stealing from us, one by one, the faculties of enjoyment, searing our
          sensibilities, leading us, like the horse in his mill, round and round the same beaten circle.—to see what we have seen,To taste the tasted, and at each return,Less tasteful; o’er our palates to decantAnother vintage.—until satiated and fatigued with this leaden iteration, we ask our own Congé. I heard once a very old friend, who had troubled himself with neither poets nor philosophers, say the same thing in plain prose, that he was tired of pulling off his shoes & stockings at night, and putting them on again in the morning. the wish to stay here is thus gradually extinguished: but not so easily that of returning once in a while to see how things have gone on. perhaps however one of the elements of future felicity is to be a constant and unimpassioned view of what is passing here. if so, this may well supply the wish of occasional visits. Mercier has given us a vision of the year 2440. but prophecy is one thing, history another. on the whole however, perhaps it is wise and well to be contented with the good things which the master
          of the feast places before us, and to be thankful for what we have, rather than thoughtful about what we have not. you & I, dear Madam, have already had more than an ordinary portion of life,
          and
          more too of health than the general measure. on this score I owe boundless thankfulness. your health was, some time ago, not so good as it had been; and I percieve, in the letters communicated,
          some
          complaints still. I hope it is restored; and that life and health may be continued to you as many years as yourself shall wish is the sincere prayer of your affectionate & respectful friendTh: Jefferson


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 14 January 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Quincy 14 of Jan’ry 1817

				I know dear H. that you will be glad to learn that S. received a Letter last Evening from mr C. dated 6 Jan’ry. he was recovering Slowly, but his Blister proved a troublesome companion so bad the dr had forbiden him to write for more than a week he was not disposed to remove from his Lodgings untill he heard from here, then as soon as he was able he intended sitting out for Washington. his Sister had sent him two Letters which S had written to her since he left here, which was the latest out he had got, as two Letters came back after he went away. the people where he is, he says are very kind and attentive. A Captain, somebody I forget his Name who was a fellow Prisoner with him at Hallifax had found him out, and been to See him invited him to his House & promised to nurse him but as he was so well accommodated, he accepted the will for the deed—Susans Spirits are better & her face tho she has not left off her Bandage she has been this fortnight otherways unwell, so that I really feard She would have a fever—She hopes to be well enough to go to mrs Fosters next week & I hope Louisa will not See any Lyons in the way. She may go if She will both of them thank you for your kind invitation—I had a few lines by mr Coleman from C. She says She has  Sent you three Letters from John which She desires you to Send to me to read. mr C says he brought a packet for you which he sent you on Sunday night—I expect he will dine with us to day on his return from Boston the stiff Rumps would not lend him a Church to preach in at Washington. his Friends then resented it and applied to the Speaker of the House, for Congress Hall which was politely granted, & there he preachd to a respectable audience and a full house—Caroline lamented that mr D was absent both times.  C says the little one is quite a Beauty—poor Catharine I lament her situation. Caroline writes quite discourageing—adieu dear Harriet I write by the morning Candle Yours affecly burn my hasty mispelt scrawles, or I will Send You no more of them

					Susan prays You to Send the inclosed Letter to the office


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 17 January 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

Dear Harriet
Janry 17th 1817

I return the sermon with my Thanks I had read it before, mr Newton brought it in manuscript to us. I was pleased with it, then and quite as much upon a second perusal—the letters I shall inclose to Caroline on Monday—Mr Coleman was much pleasd with the kind notice he received from the great people and from Mr Rush and family in particular. when he says he felt at home their children were all sick with the measels. no wonder when so prevalent that mr Clark took them—Susan has a Letter 5 July informing her that he was getting better. Tho very weak & feeble. the Dr would surely consent to his writing—he had been visited by several People two one only that he knew—I beleive I told you all this before. Susan and Louisa intend visiting you next week—I think it will be a hazard for Susan She has not taken the bondage from her free and has really been very much of an invalide for these three week. not out of the house untill this day whence she  rode as far as her uncles in the carriage John Randolph precious confession does much honour to his state, I am sorry old Masser has slept so closely at her heals—Randolph will never forgive his being held up as a dupe of his own making—mr coleman was not much pleasd with the public speaking, it was so vehement in congress that it was more like Storming than cooler arguing—he attended mrs Madisons dinning room which was much —I will inclose mr Rush Letter, you must return it soon. Susan has had  an other letter from Aunt Ann, quite high thinks she ought to write every week, without expecting any return and that it would be quite cosy for her to have come to Utica, persons enough always going to N York who no doubt would have taken charge of her! my prayer for a young Lady to travel in Stages—with a trancient gentlemen as a protector, if she could have heard mr coleman give an account of his Stage Companions. She would have changed her mind, it would do for Aunt Charity but not for one whom I have the charge of. if her uncle had gone again, she would have accepted Carolines invitation—She has never received one from utica—
Sir Says he wants Harriet to come up & stay she always has some matter to communicate Some thing to think about,—when shall it be? When does your brother go? Susan requests mrs Foster may have the inclosed Note by monday / Yours as ever

A—


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 January 1817
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Sir
Quincy Jan. 22d. 1817

Last night your Brother brought me your delicious Letter of 29th Octr.
How do you know that Bees and Ants, and even Caterpillars and Cankerworms never enquire into the Why and the “Wherefore”? You cannot prove it.
St. Justin and Dupuis, Dr Priestley and my Neighbour Colman all agree in the Precept “Be good.”
I do not find however, that any of the Popes or their Janisary Loyola, or Luther or Calvin, have been more just And good than Frederick when he “Stole Silesia.”
You are in the Right, You accuse me justly. Sixty five Years at least have I enquired into “the Why and the wherefore; And my Researches have all ended in “Be good.” Do as you would be done by, which is a precept of Benevolence and Charity as well as Justice. This, you See, is much more concise than Montesquieus twelve pages in duodecimo. Before I was 20 Years old I resolved never to be afraid to read any Book. From Hobbes and Mandevill to Diderot and Dupuis I have kept my Resolution! and I repent of none of my Reading. It has all contributed to exalt my Ideas of the Universe and its Auther; and of Man and his Destiny.
I long to be See your Bede’s Uranographia. You must purchase Dupuis’s “Origine de tous les Cultes.” I have read it in 13 Volumes. It is worth twice Grim’s 15. Volumes, The Philosophy of Neither, has Smitten me on the right Cheek, or done me an hundredth part of the Injury that our American Banks have done. Dupuis will employ all your Astronomical and Astrological Knowledge and your Idiological Knowledge too if you have learned any from your Friend Tracy. Your Manilus and all your Greek and Latin will be put in Requisition. I am Still a Spiritualist, in spight of Priestley Grim and Dupuis, and Tracy; and believe a God, a Soul and a future State. I Should with Berkley, call in question the Existence of matter as soon as with Priestly and Dupuis, that of Spirit.
I remember a promising young Gentleman at Passy, whose Preceptor urged him Somewhat closely to translate a latin Work concerning the Heathen Gods; and afterwards at Auteuil to Sketch the Diagrams of Euclids Elements. I recollect the Tædium, the Ennui and the Impatience of the Youth, which was visible enough at times. Nevertheless he translated and projected with no less dexterity for all his Chagrin. I Suspect you have in George Such another Pupil.
To return to Metaphisicks. The Phylosophers Say “Spirit is Chymera” I Say Matter is a Chymera! Spirit is an Hypothesis! Matter is an Hypothesis too and nothing more! We know nothing more! We know nothing of either but Effects. The Essence, the Substance of both is equally inscrutable and unknown to Us. The qualities We know are incompatible with each other. Activity and Inactivity, cannot be qualities of the same Substance at the same time. The same Essence cannot be dead and alive at the Same time. What connection can there be between Ratiocination and a Marble Obelisk? Are Ideas matter? Are Sensations matter? Is Memory matter? Is Reflection matter? What is their Length, Breadth as thickness? Tell me what matters is, and these questions may be soon answered. When the Question was put to D’Alembert in Writing “What is Matter”? He answered in Writing “Je n’en sçais rien.” And every Philosopher must give the same answer. The Hypothesis of a subtil Ether, a thin etherial Flame a fire infinitely more delicate than Light; will not help Us: for if that infinitessimally levigated Substance is matter, the question Still recurs “Who moves it”? An active cause must exist and have always existed. I See no reason, in all the Subtelties of the Phylosophers to hesitate in believing and Adoring the Being and Providence of the God of Abraham and Sir Isaac Newton. I have read Chateaubriand, as well as Dupuis and Eustace.
Your Mother and Louisa have read to me Eustaces classical Tour in Italy.— I consider it as a continuation of Dupuis. Both together constitute, the most comprehensive System of the complication of Imposture and Credulity that the World has yet Seen. The fine Arts, from the earliest to the latest times have been prostituted to Superstition and Despotism. I know you cannot read these tedious Volums at present. Hereafter it may be worth you while,
Love to every one in particular
A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 23 January 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, John Adams

					Dear Sir.
					Ealing 23 Jany 1817.

				If a large packet forwarded by the mail from Mr Maury at Liverpool, but coming from Philadelphia & charged with heavy postage should be brought to the office, pray do not pay the postage, nor open the packet till I come to town on Saturday. yours.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 25 January 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

               107.My dear Mother.
               Little Boston, Ealing 25 January 1817.

            Scarcely a day now passes, without the arrival of vessels from the United States; but they are principally from New York or more Southern Ports—The failure of the Harvests in this Country has much contributed to their frequency. Two years ago the British Parliament made a Law, to raise the price of Bread; having discovered that if that first necessary of life should be cheap, the Country would be irretrievably ruined—This act prohibited the importation of grain from foreign Countries, until wheat should for six weeks successively be at an average price throughout England and Wales of ten shillings Sterling a bushel—From the time of the passing of the Bill, this event did not occur, until last November—Since then wheat has constantly been above the price which admits of importation—It is now at about 13 shillings Sterling, and likely to be higher. The importations have already commenced, and many vessels laden with flour have arrived from America. We have accounts from New York almost to the close of the year, but I have nothing from you later than your Letter of 26. November.I am reading at once two Unitarian Pamphlets—Steering from grave to gay, from lively to severe—Tragedy and Comedy—My very good friend the Revd. Robert Aspland’s plea for unitarian Dissenters, and that most laughing and laughable philosopher Basanistes, recommended to me by my Father—The project of putting down the Trinity by a joke, amuses me much. Voltaire wrote two huge volumes to put down the whole Bible by jokes, and the hundred volumes of his works, are a sort of joking encyclopaedia against the Christian religion, which nevertheless, strange to say, still flourishes in despite of them—And now I remember me the imperial philosopher Julian, cracked his joke upon the Trinity too—“εις τρια, τρια εν! ουκ οιδα τι επεις.” But Plato says that One, implies another—Now if God is one, who is the other?—A profound question, which I leave for Unitarian solution—being ever faithfully your’s.

               A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 1 February 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					My dear Mother.
					Little Boston, Ealing 1. February 1817.

				Mr J. Sergeant, arrived in London last week, and delivered to me Letters from you, my father and my brother. Your’s is of 5. December—At that time, you observe, the Season with you, had become very cold—Most fortunately for this Country, there has been no cold weather this Winter, and scarcely any Snow. The verdure of the fields in this neighborhood, is like that of May—There are several flowers in our garden, in blossom; and our Gardener tells me he never knew the weather so uniformly mild at this period of the year. And well for them is it, that the case is so; for while no small portion of the People are suffering from actual famine, and a very large portion are struggling with the extremity of want, if the severity of Cold were added to their Calamities, they would be perishing bye thousands. There are large importations of flour from America—Still more extensive shipments are expected from Russia, and the Black Sea. It does not appear to be apprehended that the prices will rise much higher than they are at present; and they will certainly fall before the new harvest if that should promise to be abundant.The Session of Parliament was opened by the Prince Regent in person. The Newspapers will inform you how he was treated onh is passage to and from the house of Lords by the populace. He and his attendants have the impression that he was shot at with two bullets—but as no report was heard; and no bullets were found, and as stones were certainly thrown at the Carriage, some of them were perhaps mistaken for bullets—The discontents of the People, proceeding from their Distresses, are becoming serious,—Parliament are besieged with Petitions, for a reform of the House of Commons—Annual Parliaments and universal suffrage; projects which all parties there, unite in rejecting; but between which and a national bankruptcy, partial or total, there may soon be no alternative; if they do not come together.Yours ever affectionately.

					A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 6 February 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					109.My dear Mother.
					Little Boston. Ealing. 6. February 1817.

				Nothing further received from you, since I wrote you last week—My boys have returned to School; and to close their holidays I went with them to Drury–Lane Theatre, and saw the Tragedy of Richard the third—The part of this amiable hero, was performed by Mr Kean, who is now the reigning favourite of the Public—They have mutilated this Play so much in their manner of getting it up, that it is hardly to be recognized for Shakespear’s, and Kean tears the passions of Poor Richard to rags and tatters. He is nevertheless, one of the greatest tragic actors I have seen—There were two or three passages in the Play, of which the Audience seemed disposed to make applications to the present times; but neither hypocrisy, nor cruelty are the personal vices of Princes in this age.The bullets supposed to have been shot at the Prince Regent have not been found, and the prevailing opinion seems to be, that they were only common Stones—Soldiers have a prejudice that it is a more genteel way of dying, (even if under a sentence of execution) by a file of Soldiers, than by a hangman—Princes may perhaps be more willing to be shot at with bullets, than stoned with Stones—Both indeed may happen to the best of men, even for their best of actions, but assassination, is more likely to prove the existence of a plot, than mere mobbing—Plots are the order of the day, and as there are a vast number of Petitions for a Reform of Parliament, Government are attempting to make a plot out of them—All parties in Parliament have declared themselves against the Reform demanded; and an Act of Parliament is to be passed to present meetings of the People for such Petitions—These restrictions upon the popular feelings have proved effectual on a former occasion in many respects similar to the present, and will prove effectual now, as long as the Government can provide for the interest of the public debt—Till that fails, nothing very serious is likely to happen in this Country.—Yours faithfully.

					A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Baker Johnson, 20 February 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Johnson, Thomas Baker

					dear Sir
					Quincy Febry 20th 1817

				Having just closd a Letter to your Sister Buchannan my next is due to you. I am in arrears for a Letter dated in july, as well as for your last favour of December the Eleventh.In reply to your queries respecting mr Adams being designd for the office of Secretary of State, I must confess that I have not any better authority for it than you have, which is the News papers. the Southern papers first announc’d it since which it has been repeated, and circulated through all the papers, with as much confidence, as tho the writers were in the cabinet. mr Munroe will form his own Cabinet, when he is proclaimed himself president; before that, he had no Authority to do so. Such a measure may have been thought of, and thrown out, to feel the public pulse. I should rejoice in any measure, which may honorably call him Home, that I may behold him and his Family, before I go hence—That he has been well received in England we have ample testimony, and his respectable Character has supported the Reputation of his Country, altho that Country has ill Supported him. Rich and populous as this Country is, it degrades itself by a narrow contracted Spirit, where liberality would do most honour to it, and where the best talents of the Nation are most wanted.—what a figure do the debates in Congress make upon the paltry compensation Bill as it is calld? it has consumed more than half the Session and ends where it began, by Taking the money, & leaving to the next Congress to do better or worse, if they can. there are some independent members who have shown a spirit which does them honour—I do not think a popular Clamour ought to be considerd as the voice of the people, and our Wise Men in the Legislature must Step out of the Line of their duty to meddle with what did not belong to them—This State has degraded itself in more instances than, one or two. I mourn over its faded Glory—I have a Letter from your Sister dated in Novbr the 11th, in which she mentions the portraits designd for you, to be finishd, and good Likenesses—that they would be exhibeted in Philadelphia—I hope she will Send you her poetic effusion upon the occasion. if She does not, you must write to me for it.I am rejoiced to find that after much patient, and Laborious Struggle, you have the prospect of bettering your circumstances, and that you have invited your Sister Buchanna to come to you. She is an amiable woman, and will I think contribute largely to your happiness, as you have not seen proper, to take to yourself a wife from prudential motives I have no doubt; for so good a Son, and so amiable a Brother, must have possesst a Heart calculated for connubial happinesswhen you See Mrs Horsmen present my Regards to her, and say that I most sincerely rejoice with her in the restoration of her son to the use of his Limbs—I have promised a young officer Letters, to you, if, as he has expected, he should receive orders for the orlean station. He is very amiable, and engaged to my Grandaughter Susan B Adams—whom you must remember when at Washington—it is the intention of mr Adams to send George home to finish his Education at Harvard University, but Georges health has been but feeble, since he has been abroad: his growth was so rapid that he outgrew his strength—John is a short thick little fellow, has much better Health and is like to make a good Soldier Scholar.—From your Sister Smith, I hear very seldom—her situation is not Such as we could wish—I know not how the estate will turn out when Setled. It was unfortunate that mr Tustis Smith died without a will; as it Will now go very different from his intention—The President desires to be rememberd to you he is in the enjoyment of as much health, as at his advanced Age can be expected.To hear from you will contribute at all times to give pleasure to your Friend

					A Adams


Title: From William Cranch to Abigail Smith Adams, 21 February 1817
From: Cranch, William
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Dear Madam,
					Alexandria feb. 21. 1817.

				I know you will rejoice with me that Mrs. Cranch is again the mother of a daughter. This event happend last Evening. Mrs. Cranch requests you to permit us to name her with your name, not only as a testimony of our gratitude to your for all your kindness to us and our connections, but as an incentive to the little stranger to inimitate the virtues which she will hear recounted when she shall be told for whom she was named. Virtues which will be enumerated to her by a thousand tongues. Her mind will be filled with admiration and her little heart, while it exults in the name, will kindle with a desire to emulate it’s virtues.Please to present my most grateful and affectionate respects to my venerable Uncle and to accept the assurances of the most affectionate remembrance of your grateful Nephew

					W. Cranch.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Baker Johnson, 28 February 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Johnson, Thomas Baker

					Dear Sir:
					Ealing, near London 28. February 1817.

				In conformity to the request contained in your favour of 28. June last and to that in one of your Letters about the same time to your Sister, we have had our Portraits painted by Mr Leslie an Artist of very handsome talents, from our own Country, whose performance will I hope give you satisfaction. As there has been no vessel bound from London, directly to New Orleans; and as Mr Leslie was desirous of having the Pictures exhibited at Philadelphia, the ensuing Season, they have been lately shipped for that City, with directions that they should be forwarded by water, after the exhibition is closed, to you. I trust you will receive them before the expiration of the next Summer.Your Sister’s health, I am much concerned to say has been for some weeks very infirm, and she has scarcely been able to leave her chamber through the whole course of the present Months Among several other serious complaints she has been afflicted with a pleurisy fever, from which she is but now just recovering. She has not yet left her chamber; but we have reason to hope will be confined only a few days longer.We have had the pleasure of seeing Mr G. Boyd here twice since the commencement of the Winter. He arrived here in November; and after a few weeks went to France. He returned for a few days in January and then went back to France again. We have a Letter from him at Paris, dated the 28th. instant mentioning that he should go the next day for Havre, there to embark immediately for Baltimore. I understand he is well satisfied with the success of the business upon which he came to Europe.My wife desires to be most affectionately remembered to you; and will I hope be able in a few days to write you, herself—In the mean time, I remain with the highest regard and attachment, Dear Sir, your friend and faithful Servt

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From François Adriaan Van der Kemp to Abigail Smith Adams, 7 March 1817
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Dear and respected Madam!
					Olden barneveld. 7 March 1817.

				Did I not foster Such an exalted opinion of John Quincy Adams, then yet I might deem it a becoming courtesy to address his excellent Parents on this Solemn occasion—But now I will indulge the irresisteble impulse, of allowing my Self the exquisiste gratification, which not often can be offered, in congratulating his Mother with the certainty—that the highest office—in the gift of the Executive—that of Secretary of State, is bestowed on her beloved Son, and Shall be honoured by his acceptance. what feelings must, this moment, warm the parental bosom! how must the affectionate mothers breast be throbbing with inexpressible joy! Could I then remain insensible? or content my Self with a Silent participation? No Madam—this would be impossible—your  of my good will towards me expects—and will accept this faint expression of what I feel.You nourished John Quincy during his tenderest years—and modelled his intellectual faculties in his Child hood—to be matured by the instructions of his Father—to be imbued with ancient and modern lore by Luzac—to Spread the Splended lustre of his talents at St Petersberg—at Gent—at St. James—to enjoy the prospect—the not distant prospect—of Seeing Him elevated in the chair of State—and respected—and admired and beloved—and blessed by Millions, rendered happy under his manly—prudent and wise Administration.This prospect must chear his aged Parents—even was it not accomplished in their days—but brilliant as it may be—it Shall be lost—at once—out of Sight—the instant this dutiful Son is embraced once more at Quincy under the Paternal roof. I can anticipate these moments of enraptured joy, although I am not permitted to Share these—but I dare assure you  that the knowledge of this that event Shall increase my happiness.I am with the highest respect and consideration / Dear & respected Madam! / yur most obed: and obliged Sert

					Fr Adr. van der kemp.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 March 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

					My Dear Son
					Quincy March 12th 1817

				The voice of the Nation call’s you home. the Government call you home—and your parents unite in the general call to this Summons. you must not, you cannot refuse  your assent, nor will you, I presume have a disposition to regret so honorable an appointment, as is assignd to you; by so unanimous a vote—It is now more than four months Since the News papers from all parts of the united States, have repeated with approbation, that you were to fill the office of Secretary of StateYour Father was invited by a Commite of Eight Gentlemen, deputed by the subscribers to present him a handsome address, with a request that he would dine with them upon the 4 of March at a Festival in honour of mr Monroe—he replied that his Age and infirmities forbid him entering into public company, but thanked them cordially for the honour done him—The Gentlemen however urged his acceptance, as they Said, that they might give the company an opportunity of personally paying their Respects to him—he finally assented, that if the weather, which has been uncommonly Severe this winter, would permit he would attend—when the day came, it was auspicious, good Sleighing and not very cold—your Brother attended your Father and dined with the Company, about 200 in all. the Whole Festival was conducted with great order and decorum, no party Spirit exhibited, in only one Solitary Toast.one of the Toasts was “John Quincy Adams The Enlightned diplomatist, the honset politician, and independent Republican worthy to precide over the Counsels of a Great Nation” this you may be Sure was not the toast which I alluded to—Now my dear Son my days are cheered with the hope of living to see you return, with your Family to your Native Country, and altho if my Life should be protracted, a few years more, I could not expect to enjoy much of your Society, I Shall have the Satisfaction of knowing that you are within reach—I have now to acknowledge your Letters of october 9th 100—of Novbr 19th No 1001 of December 11th No 103—with News papers Reviews and Seeds—for all of which I think you—I know not whether I Shall write to you again, presumeing that you will be here in May. I have Seldom Sent you a News paper presumeing that you get them from other quarters. The late session of Congress has been occupied half of it in Speeches and debates upon the Compensation Law as it has been calld and the Right and propriety of Legislatures to instruct their Representatives—I wish the Subjects had done more honour to the Country—but there is too great a Spirit of Narrow contracted Stingyness in the people to reward, or even support in Character, those who serve them best, as you know and feel, and your Father before you, and at this day Severely enough. we shall not I presume die in debt, and that is more than many a Great Lord can say—but I cannot do all the good which is in my heart to do, and my disposition to dispence may the Will be accepted—but I have wandered from my Subject.The periodical publication which you sent containing a Letter from mr vanderkemp, and one from mr Jefferson to dr Rush, to whom also the Syllabus was Sent, for mr Vanderkemp never Saw mr Jefferson, altho he has corresponded with him—.Your Father sent mr V the pamphlet, and I transcribed from your Letter the passage relating to it.In return he writes me, that the Editor had not complied with  his injunctions, or wishes—for he did not date from Olden-barnevelt, but from O——d which might have been oxford—neither hinted at a Statesman, but intreated his Friend not to make or permit the most distant allusion, but his Friend joyce died Suddenly in June, before his Letter reachd him—and his Executor, or the Editor did not deem it encumbent upon him to act in conformity to it—It has become very fashionable to publish every Letter, which the public can lay hold of—either from your Father or mr Jefferson. two Letters are the last week publish’d in the papers written by your Father sixty three years ago, to his Friend mr Charles Cushing they first made their appearance in a paper publishd in the Nantucket. I will get them transcribed and Send them to George, that he may preserve them they contain principles which have Since governd him—and carried him through Life with Reputation and honour—we have had a Russian winter. Your Father and I have Survived it, my own health has been better than for years past & His not worse—tho we are obliged to take great care of ourselves, go out only in fine weather, keep regular Hours—eat little food, and Sleep when we can—when ever you return, you will find the old Mansion like its owners, gone to decay, but not the less ready or willing to welcome you and yours, and to accommodate you, untill like a Bird of passage you again take your flight.with unabated Love and affection / I am Your Mother

					A Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams Smith, 12 March 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, John Adams

					My dear Sir
					March 12 1817

				I have not noticed your Letter bearing date 10 Novb’r—I had begun to think that you had renounced me as a correspondent—not having had a line from you for a long time—Like other Ladies who when Slighted turn their Backs or otherways express their Sense of it I did not feel myself obligated to write again—and gratified myself by reading Your Letters to Your Grandfather, and discharging my duty to more punctual correspondents—but your Letter, of Nov’br 10th has Set all to rights again & I am as good humourd as ever—a New Scene is opening upon your uncle & his immediate return to the United States will be looked for. I have Some anxieties respecting you, whether you will judge it expedient to return at the same time. it gives me great Satisfaction that your application and Steadiness to buisness receives his intire approbation. I have no doubt he will be desirious of promoting your interest in any way consistant with his public Duties—a new Minister will undoubtedly chuse his own Secretary, or have Sufficient influence to Name one—I Should rather know that you was  in your office at N york—on leave than remaining abroad. You have arrived at a time of Life when you Should look to a permanent Settlement in your profession. your own State offers a vast Theatre for an aspiring Genius—industry & Steady application will do much towards acquiring reputation—those qualities have been Sufficiently proved in the office you now hold—and I hope will ensure you future Success in Life—I have not heard from William for Some time, nor do I know what progress is made in the Settlement of the estate—all I know is a report, that your uncles predictions are verified—when he Said if he died without a Will, there would be the D——l to pay—I understand the Bankers have put in their claim as Heirs—Caroline Who like your Mother of Blessed memory—was always a Peace Maker, keeps Clear of all altercation—true She has not any Share amongst them. I rejoice that She is So happily provided for by her Marriage—and as there were not any expectations So there could be no dissapointment—I must Say Something about myself—we go on much in the old way—my health has been much better this Winter than the last altho we have had Russian Cold. Susan is looking to a State of future happiness by anticipation, but it is a hope defered. Property—Property—the absence of that must try Patience forbearance and Prudence—but how hard is it to restrain the ardour of youth—they See not the thousand thousand troubles which “Man is Heir to”, and which an indiscreet early marriage entails upon the Parties. in this case, indiscreet only on account of Property for the to the Gentleman, no objection exists—I presume your Sister writes frequently to you. in her last Letter of March 5th She writes me that She had just received a Letter from you dated in December—from Your Aunt Adams Susan had a Letter to day. Abbe was well happy & prosperous. her little Boy, a Non Parrell So Says its Father & its Grandmother. I say nothing of public affairs—the news papers will inform You—tranquily Reigns—even John Randolph can no longer Stir up a Breize—all the family greet you and are gratified at the prospect of Seeing you again / none more So than Your affectionate / GM

					A A


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 March 1817
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear, dear ever dear Sir,
Quincy March 13th 1817

A new Administration has commenced, Mr Monro’s inaugural Oration you will See in the Newspapers. It Seems to be popular. Even Ben Russel Says there has been nothing like it Since Washingtons Administration.
If there is any Faith in the Government or any Sincerity in the People, you are appointed by the former, and are elected by the other Secretary of State. My Advice is to accept it without hesitation and Share the fortunes of your Country whatever they may be.
You are now approaching to fifty Years of Age. In my opinion you must now return to it, or renounce it forever.
I am well aware of the critical Situation you will be in. I know you have not the command of your Feelings nor the immutable Taciturnity of Franklin and Washington, But you must risque all.
Tell George that when he returns I will read with him Mr Locks Commentary on the Epistles of St. Paul.
I am, with love to all
John Adams
P.S. If you come to Boston come to Quincy and domicilliate yourselves with me, till you mature your Plan
J. A.


Title: From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 March 1817
From: Cushing, Hannah Phillips
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Plymouth March 13th. 1817.

				A long time my beloved Friend has elapsed since we have seen each other or even conversed by letters. My eyes are so affected by the fire in winter, that I do not attempt to write. It was my intention when at Quincy to have spent the winter at Scituate; but as soon as dear Sister Bowers relinquished the idea of being there also; I was decided at once to pass it here; A spot rendered very dear to me by being the native place of my blessed Mother, & the now residence of my beloved sister Sister, & Niece. I have had much enjoyment in hearing Mr Kendall preach &c. The weather has been so remarkably fine upon the Sabbaths that it has not prevented me from attending Church but two  days. The society is very good we have been at many social Tea partys & not without much pleasure. At the same time, I miss our good old Friend Madam Warren; But she is gone, no doubt to join a far more blessed society than we can possibly meet here on earth. I congratulate you &  yours my dear Madam, & also our Country, upon the prospect of Mr Adams’s speedy return & filling the important Office of Secretary of State & I hope this time four years he will be President & justly receive the veneration of this people for his good & great talents. I have lately seen two letters in print written to my good brother C Cushing. I hope they were not published without the consent of The President; at the same time I think them excellent. Do have the goodness to tell me soon how the winter has passed with my Quincy friends as well as those at St James’s. I have had the pleasure of hearing of the welfare of Mrs Dewint through Mrs Torrey.As soon as the roads are settled & the weather pleasant I hope to be with you & also to visit My Boston friends before commencing housekeeping My sister Bowers intends joining me at Scite. by May. Mrs Jackson, & Mrs Hammatt, unite with me in best respects to you, & the President, & love to Miss Smith & Miss Adams. In hopes of shortly hearing of your welfare I subscribe your Affectionate friend

					H Cushing


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 14 March 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Dear Harriet
					Quincy March 14 1817

				I wrote the inclosed a few days Since, but not having an opportunity to Send it which I liked I have kept it for the memorandum which it contains—Louisa gets a little strength, tho She Swells and puffs in her feet and arms, no perspiration upon her. her appetite is better and She bears the Bark which is a good Symptom. these March winds are intolerable, worse than the coldest we have had through the winter—and I am more affraid of themI inclose my last Letter. you will learn from it mr A’s Ideas, upon the Subject of his return. we have not yet any account of any nominations—I presume they must have taken place. I wish to be certain before the vessel Sails. I send two your care two packets, of Letters addrest as mr A has directed, and Shall have an other by monday—return your papers the manner in which those juvenile Letters got abroad no one can find out. mr C Cushing has written to the P. under great concern of mind least he Should Suppose any of the Family were knowing to it, says some years ago he read them amongst his Fathers private papers, that the trunk in which they were, was in the possession of his Sister, untill their furniture was Sold at auction when he took it, and that it never had been out of his possession since. he thinks the Letters must have been purloind by some one they are however no disgrace to the writer tho the &c & the might have been spaired, but being in the habit of Short hand, by way of journal he used it in Letter writing—Susan has a Letter from mr C he is at Washington, got there to See the great Show. Says he has grown fat & handsome! Susan has come down Stairs and put all my Ideas out of my head. Says She wants to write a Note So She may take the pen.with regard to the Rye—the P says let them try experiments who are younger and better able to attend to them. now with regard to this young Man if William leaves me as he talks of doing to go to mrs Millar, her coachman having taken the Stage from Thayer—I Shall then want a Man in his place, but if he has not been acustomed to the care of Horses & cleaning carriages he will not answer. he must be ready and willing to make fires to chop wood at the door to work in the garden when he is not employd to go out with the carriage—wages  Labours are to be had by the  Six best months in the year for 12 dollars, and I have given only ten in winter to William, who is certainly a capital fellow to look after Horses and drives well thirteen dollars pr Month, tho he might have 2 Dollars worth near Riding and good manners than he has—how does mr Bordman like the Man, and what does he do there? and what does he giveI wish you to talk with him upon the Subject. what part of England does he come from?I shall close this in the morning

					Saturday morgthe weather is better and I feel so Louissa about the Same—tho Shells I want for her, dropsy I fear the Swelling in the feet & after other part of the Body indicate it


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 15 March 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John

					Quincy March 15th 1817

				So, so master John, your Back is up, because you have not been written to, as often as you thought your dignity required—why I really think there is Some reason for you to complain of your Hingham School Mates—but I beleive they are Scatterd now, not one of them remaining  with mr Thimbull who were your companions—new ones SucceedPoliteness requires that notice Should be taken of letters of Friendship. in this respect, your Brother has been deficient. Now Sir how does the account stand between you and me? I beleive you are in arrears, but as I hear from your Father that a Letter from you, is on its passage, I shall not be ceremonious with youIn your Letter to your Grandfather, you apprehend your Friends here are forgetting you! No No my dear Boy—we think of you all, talk of you all, praise you, as much as we dare to. what would you have more?March 16th 1817I this morning received a Beautiful written Letter from my g Son master J Adams. I see that he is much improved, which is a pleasing circumstance—I thank him for the information he has given me respecting his Studies—I always knew, that he could accomplish what ever he pleased—my dear John I am delighted with the expectation of your Speedy return to America—I hope you feel equally gratified—your Father is appointed Secretary of State—mr Rush my particular Friend, is to be his Successor, a most excellent Man, who will do honour to his Country—your uncle Thomas is now attending Taunton Court. when he returns—I will not fail to enter your complaint—I suppose I must write Seperately to Charles, or he too will complain; but if either of you live to 70 years, you will find your fingers grow stiff, your faculties dull, your memory treacherous—and your imagination decayed and blunted by the tooth of old Time—and you will be ready to say in the Words of the old Scotch Songo blythe and Heartsome was the timeWhen Life was in its MayAn blissfull were the joys of youthThat now are fled for AgeThere memory Still delights the HeartAn’ oft employs the Min’An’ fancy lives to wander backTo auld lang Syne.with fond regard we think on a’our parents tender care,And Friend an’ young companions dearThat we can meet Nae mour’The Bonds of early Friendship StillAround the Heart entwineAn memory with a Sigh looks backon auld lang Syne.“The Heart will feel. the tear will Steal”“For auld lang Syne”adieu my Dear John. my hopes and wishes for you are that you may be good, and do good, fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole Duty of ManI am your affectionate / Grand Mother

					A Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 March 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

					My Dear Son
					Quincy March 17 1817

				I write you a few lines in addition to what I have already written, and inclose you the Copy of a Letter from mr Otis to your Father, by which you will learn that your Nomination as Secretary of State, was confirmd, with one only dissenting vote, just sufficient to save you from the war. whose it was I neither know or care for no president since Washington, has been chosen by the people, with more universal approbation, thus  this appointment has been assignd to you. when I named it to you, in a former Letter, you could not suppose that my desire to have you return, was influenced by that motive—I know you too well, and the Root from whence you sprang to beleive you would seek for office of any kind— My motives were more selfish and personal—I wished to see you again, before I went hence, and while I was capable of enjoying your Society, and because I thought you had been quite long enough absent from your Country—tho it has not lost sight of youMr Rush it is said is to be assigned your Successor, an excellent Man, pure in Heart, of spotless fame & integrity—If the vessel does not sail tomorrow I shall be able to be more particular. in the Mean time / I am your affectionate

					A A


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, 17 March 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Cushing, Hannah Phillips

					My dear mrs Cushing
					Quincy March 17 1817

				There is Surely a Secret Sympathy between us, for the very week in which you have written me I was contemplating to write you a Letter. I was only doubtfull where to address it. You have kindly removed this difficulty, and I have the pleasure to learn by your Letter that you have past the winter Socially with your Friends at Plimouth—Solitary you never were when inhabiting your own domicile—your Soul was never made for Solitude—it possess too much of the milk of humane kindness ever to become cloisterd, our good Book tells us that it is not good for man to be alone—and Surely not for woman I never could beleive Zimmerman in earnest when he So highly recommended Solitude—I Should much Sooner exclaim with CowperO Solitude where are thy charmswhich Sages have Seen in thy face?I am rambling from my purpose and must be calld to order I took my pen to thank you for your Letter & to answer your inquiries—to the first I have the pleasure to Say that the president and I have past through this very cold winter—with less indisposition than usual, have kept ourselves pretty much at Home, and guarded against the cold—and I cannot be Sufficiently thankfull for my health as it enables me to attend my Sick and feeble Neice—and to repay Some of the many kind attentions with which She has attended me. three weeks Since She was Suddenly Seizd with puking Blood by the bursting a Blood vessel in her Stomack—She has been reduced to a State of great danger &  debility. for more than a week She could not be taken from bed without fainting—I think her Symptoms & complaints Still very criticalI am much gratified at the prospect of my sons return, and more So at the universal approbation of his appointment to the office of Secretary of State. it is more agreeable to me than if he had been Elected president.—I have Letters from him & from the children to the 28 december. the Family have enjoyd good health this winterwith respect to the juvenile Letters which you mention, it is alltogether a mystery how they got to Nantucket or whose possession they are in. the President knew nothing of them untill he was told Such were publishd—he had a recollection of your once mentioning that a Letter of an early Age was written to your Brother. mr C Cushing has written to the President, to assure him he is ignorant of the whole transaction nor does he know in whose possession the Letters are—They will do him no harm, altho his consent would not have been obtaind for publishing themThe orthdox Clergy I suppose will denounce him—but by his own Master he must stand, or fall—I request you my dear Madam to present my kind Regards to your Sister & Neice—and my compliments to mrs Warren—I too have heard of mrs Tony through Caroline—I flatter myself that I Shall have the pleasure of Seeing you when the Weather become pleasant—be assured I am at all / times your affectionate / Friend

					A A


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 19 March 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					My dear Mother
					London 19. March 1817.

				There have been a multitude of American Vessels, wind–bound at Liverpool near two months, several of which have Letters for you, and for my father, and which I suppose will nearly all arrive about the same time—In the interval there will be a wide chasm during which you will be without advices from us, as we have now been long without any from you—The present will go by Mr A. H. Everett, who after passing two or three days at Bruselles, found that a married American Secretary of Legation would be quite out of his Element there, and concluded to return immediately home—By Captain Tracy I have also sent your floor:cloth; the bill for which I enclose herewith, and the last Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews, with the  joker-Basanistes for my father.We have not yet abandoned Little-Boston House, but have begun by taking a couple of chambers in Town, and keeping a few weeks longer that rural residence—I shall not finally leave it without casting lingering looks behind—My dear wife has been several weeks much indisposed, but is recovering and just able to go out—George is gone upon a visit with Mr Coles to Mr Birkbeck at Guilford—Perhaps you have seen Mr Birkbeck’s tour in France; and I hope you will see him—He is one of the most respectable and intelligent farmers in England; but he contemplates removing to the United States.The Newspapers will shew you that there is much party bustling in this Country, much distress and much popular discontent—The Government have curb-bitted and muzzled their Courser, and now they are burying their Spurs in his sides—He prances and curvets a little, but Shenstone says that what is commonly called Spirit in a Horse, is merely the effect of Fear—So it is with a Bull—at least with John Bull—He asks for Reform, and is proud to receive for answer the Suspension of the Habias Corpus.Faithfully yours.

					A.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 March 1817
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dr Sir
March 20. 1817.

I will teise you no more, at present, with Metaphysicks or Books. I expect with Something very like impatience, once more to embrace You and the dear Creatures about you, meaning your Wife and Children.
One Star Sitts with brilliancy, and another rises with brilliancy, notwithstanding certain Spots, which you and I have had opportunities to observe.
Mr Monroe has certainly had the good Fortune to Soften the Asperities of New England and even Boston. Buckmister, Freeman, Tudor, Colman, and even Otis who have Seen him, Some in Europe Some in America, all Speak of him with Esteem, Respect and even of Affection.
I lament but cannot help, the Struggle between two Characters of So much merit as Dearborne and Brooks.
The History of Dearborn lately published in the Newspapers, bidding defiance to all Mankind, is I confess, in a great part of it new to me: but it is not and cannot be contradicted; and it is certainly honourable to him. Dearbourne and Brooks are both of genuine ancient yankee Blood.
But Party, local Party, will decide the Election.
How many discordant feelings and conflicting Reminiscences the does this contest excite in your
A.


Title: From John Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 21 March 1817
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Charles Francis

Dear Charles
Q. March 21. 17

I now hope to see you, after 8 years Absence.
I cannot write you a formal Letter.
You have a kind of fame for a facility of learning Languages. Let me caution you against indulging that Curiosity too much. Languages are a boundless and unfathomable Ocean. Greek and Latin and Arithmatick and Geometry are your most proper Studies at present. French and Italian and German will be easy here after if you should have Occasion for them.
You have seen so much of the World, and such a Variety of Objects in Boston Russia, France and England, as are enough to confuse a head so young as yours. But as you are soon to return to America, I hope you will become Stationary in this Vicinity till your Education is compleated, till your Mind and Habits are formed and your bones hardened into Manhood.
Make the Choice of Hercules; take Prudence for your guide and She will lead your up the mountain where you will enjoy more perfect Satisfaction, than any flowery valleys or gaudy pleasure grounds below could afford you.
A.


Title: From John Adams to John Adams, 21 March 1817
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John

Dear John
Q. March 21. 1817

Nothing from your Family gives me more pleasure than to hear as I do, that you are a diligent Student and good Schollar.
Do you know the meaning, of the Words, Patience of Application? Patience of Study?
My little reading, you may well Suppose is not fresh in my head: but I remember to have somewhere read that Sir Isaac Newton used to Say that “all he had done in Science was by patient thinking.”
Now, if you have, or can acquire this faculty and this habit of patient Application, patient Study, and patient thinking, I will warrant you that you Shall become a respectable Man.
Here is a great electioneering Contest between Governor Brooks, and Major General Dearborne. on which Side are you? You are So quick, Smart and prompt, that I know you must be of one Side or the other: and I have known you so long, that I am at little loss to conjecture what your Vote would be. For my part I am almost in the State of the Annimal in the Fable between two bundles of Hay
A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Richard Rush, 24 March 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Sir
Quincy March 24 1817

I was rejoiced when I found the justice of Congress had made some necessary Provision for the office you now hold, altho they withheld a Clerk. I Should have been more gratified if their Liberality had extended to that, and an increase of the Sallery. the Duties of your office, must I am Sure, occupy the greater part of your time; but nothing is harder than to convince the purse holders that to command the first talents, it is necessary to place them in a Situation Suitable to the Station assigned them
I have had the pleasure of hearing of your health, and that of mrs Rushs, as well as of your friendly attentions through Mr Clark, who has really been dissapointed in all his plans—not through any fault of his own, but providentially, by sickness, and the season. The prospect of Seeing my Son return with his family, is Cheering to our hearts, and gives a new Spring to our Spirits.
There is a rumour Circulating here which gives us some uneasiness, it is that mr Clay is openly unfriendly to mr Adams, and that he refused to make one of the Cabinet in concequence of mr Adams’s Nomination. I know there was a difference of opinion respecting the importence of the Fisheries, and the Navigation of the Misissippi, at the Treaty of Ghent. can it be from that source that this animosity has arisen? if it is So, I thought mr Clay a more liberal minded Man.
You will consider this Letter confidential From / Your Friend

Abigail AdamsSince I finishd this Letter I have Seen the correspondence between mr Barbour and mr Clay, and the debate in Senate!!
I have no further observation to make. it is before the public. they must judge


Title: To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 25 March 1817
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Cousin
					Roxberry Tuesday—25 March 1817—

				I rejoice in the expectation of seeing you & Mrs Adams; and Miss S A—and as the Day that is most convenient to you wou’d be most agreeble to Mrs B & myself we have settled it with Mr. Vaughan & his family for Friday the 4th. April at 1/2 past two oclock but pray you will come to us an hour or two earlier, and be so kind as to let Judge and Mrs Adams know the day fixd.My Lord tells me you have a large horse you wish to dispose or intend to part with this spring—if you have not already engaged a purchaser perhaps I should like to have him if he is not too valuable an animal for the purposes I want—I hope Miss Smith is convalcnt my messenger forgot my enquiries respecting her my Complmnts & best wishes esteemd Sir, & with affectionate Regards to Mrs Adams—am truly yours

					Ward Nichs Boylston


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to William Cranch, 26 March 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Cranch, William

					Dear Sir
					Quincy March 26th 1817

				Mr W S Smith with Mrs Smith are upon a visit to her Relations in Washington. he is desirious of paying his Respects to you, as a Relation, and as a desendent of the Venerable Characters, whom he remembers with Respect and veneration—He is desirious of obtaining employment under the Government. in what Capacity I do not know. His being So nearly Related to me, deprives him of all the advantage he might otherways derive, from application to the higher Powers.It is, and has been an invariable Rule with his Grandfather, not to ask any favours, or even to give a recommendation to office, for any of his Relatives, and very rarely for any one Else In mr Madisons administration, he did recommend two young Men for the Army, and one as a midshipman for the Navy.any advise, or information you can give to mr Smith, who is a Stranger in Washington will be thankfully received by him and gratefully acknowledged by your affectionate / Aunt

					Abigail Adams


Title: From Dolley Payne Todd Madison to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 28 March 1817
From: Madison, Dolley Payne Todd
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					28th. March 1817—

				Permit me my dear Madam to introduce Mr Preston to your acquaintance, a young Virginian of high talents & fortune, who visits Europe for his amusement & will be happy to find you in England.We hope to see you before long, surounded by your friends in America—yours most truly,

					D P Madison


Title: To John Adams from William Cranch, 29 March 1817
From: Cranch, William
To: Adams, John

					Dr. Sir,
					Alexandria March 29. 1817

				Please to present my thanks to my aunt for her kind letter; and accept my congratulations on the prospect of your soon seeing your excellent son again after so long an absence; as well as upon the occasion which recalls him to his Country.I am rejoiced to see all parties approximating those orthodox political principles which you have so long advocated, and for the rigid adherence to which you have endured so much calumny.The fleeting censure of party is no more to be compared with the praise of the faithful historian, than the sufferings of this life are to be compared with the glory of the next.Accept the assurances of the grateful affection / of your obliged & most respectful  / Nephew

					W. Cranch:


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 30 March 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

					Dear Sir
					Quincy 30 March 1817

				We promise ourselves the pleasure of visiting you on fryday  next, and hope that a Severe Cold now attacking both the President and myself, will yiald before that day, to Herb Tea, and mild weather. nothing but indisposition will prevent our accepting Your kind invitation, or I Should add, Stormy weather.Many thanks for the Balsam My Neice continues way weak, altho’ She has not had any return of the complaint, which So allarmed us at the Time.With affectionate remembrance to mrs Boylston / I Subscribe your obliged Friend

					A Adams


Title: From Catherine Elizabeth Murray Rush to Abigail Smith Adams, 30 March 1817
From: Rush, Catherine Elizabeth Murray
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Dear & respected Madam
					Washington March 30th. 1817.

				For some time past I have been wishing to have the pleasure of writing to you, to express my thanks for the very kind and flattering letter you addressed to me by Miss Sumner; also to repeat to you the gratification I felt at an introduction to Col Sumner and herself. All agreed that they were ornaments to the society of Washington this winter. It was not however in my power, and truly did I regret it to cultivate thier acquaintance. A distance of some miles seperated us, and having no carriage I am forced to limit my intercourse to my immediate neighbourhood, when the cares of my nursery will allow me the pleasure of going out at all.And now my dear Madam I must ask permission to congratulate you on the appointment of Mr Adams as Secretary of State. The event gives universal satisfaction as it restores to his country a Statesman so eminently qualified to shine in her Councils. To the inhabitants of this place it is particularly acceptable as it will give them so valuable on acquisition to the Social circle; I must add so instructive a one.Mr Clark expects to leave Washington tomorrow on his way to Boston. His amiable manners have made him a most acceptable visitor at all times, tho I regret that we have so seldom had the pleasure of seeing him. I fear there is little prospect of speedy employment for him, owing to the limited naval force in service, but I assure you his friends here will not let him be forgotten.I am sensible dear Madam of your kindness in expressing a wish that we would visit Boston. Be assured that if it were possible for us to take such a journey, there are no friends that it would give Mr Rush and myself so much pleasure to visit and certainly none for whom we have always been taught to feel greater respect and veneration. May I beg that you will present me as well as Mr Rush respectfully to Mr Adams, and permit me to hope dear Madam that it may ever be my grateful priviledge to subscribe myself  / with sentiments of the / most respectful / attachment / Your friend

					Cath. E Rush