Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 10 April 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw

My Dear Sister
Quincy April 10th 1815

I am going to ask you a curious question Nothing less, than the Name of the Gentleman who visited us on Saturday week? he was accompanied by a Mr Channing of coneticut whom I knew—and introduced to me by name, but So indistincly, that I could not discover his Name; he informd me that he had been at your House the week before; Spoke of mr Peabody, and you, as old acquaintanc inquired affectionatly after William and John Smith whom he new knew at School; Said he recollected Seeing me there once, So I conversed with him, as tho I knew him, but to this moment cannot tell his name or where from.
upon the Subject of your Letter to dr Tufts, I have to Say, that I took the first fair day, after receiving it, to go to weymouth myself, and deliver it. It was as I Supposed, the difficulty lay in the public offices, at the last payment, nothing but treasury Notes were paid in interest. if the interest did not amount to twenty dollars you must take the Sum to which it came, and pay in; the difference in current money. now as current money was at par, and Treasury notes at that time 27 pr ct under par, it was literally throwing away good money for bad. It would not answer for the government to pay, more than the original Sum, that would have been depreciating their own funds, and Such was the State of the finnances of the country at that time, and prospect of the continuence of the war, that confidence in the disposition of the Nation (not ability,) was Shaken, the Peace has happily reinstated the Public confidence, and the funds have risen in concequence, some to par, others near it, and Some above par. the dr hopes to be able to transmit you Some interest after the next payment which will be in this Month; I am in the Same Situation and So is the President. he however has taken the Treasury Notes at par they will rise in value. at present however they can be bought at less.
I have conversed with your son upon the Subject upon which you wrote me, Some time Since. he Says he would advise to the purchase of Treasury Notes, which he will do for you, as your Agent, if you will transmit him the Sum. If you chuse you may transmit it by post to me, and I will See that it is deliverd to him. they bear Six pr cent interest—
We have all been fully occupied for this fortnight in making Shirts Waistcoats draws and other cloathing for George and John we expect them to Sail for England in the New Packet on Sunday next 16
My heart is heavey at parting. I consider it for their Grandfather and myself as final. our Age forbids us to anticipate it as Such. Should it be otherways: it may light up the Lamp anew for a few more days.
I have not heard from their Father Since the 24 of December—when he wrote us, that he Should go to paris, and Send for mrs Adams. I conjecture that he is gone part of the way to meet her.
our inducement to Send them by this vessel is that the Captain is well known to them, that he Sustains a good Character, and that mr T G Perkins Lady and Son are going in the Same vessel and have offerd to take Parental Charge of them. mr Everett the Greek professor and a mr Ticknor are also Passengers.
They desire me to Present their Duty and Respects to mr Peabody, and you, and love to cousin Abbe—
I am dear Sister affecly yours
A Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Stephen Peabody, 11 April 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Peabody, Stephen

My dear afflicted Friends
Quincy April 11th 1815

By the Agony of your own Bosoms you can judge of the affliction of mine, at the Sudden, and unexpected Stroke, which has deprived you, my Brother of the best of wives, and her dear Children of the most tender and affectionate of Parents. Her only Sister, of the last bond of union, of the ancient Stock; the last ligament which bound her to Earth. her Sex are deprived of one of the purest examples, of Conjugal Maternal, and Sisterly affection, united with universal Benevolence, and a conscientious discharge of every christian virtue.
My full heart could pour forth an ever ending Strain, while my Selfish Sorrow would have wished, to have detained her longer upon Earth.
unto that Being, in whom She trusted as her consolation and Support, under all the trials of Life, I commend you my dear Friends, and Relatives, praying that we may each of us find that consolation which is never refused to those who ask in Sincerity
My own feeble State of health, and weakness of Lungs, has prevented me from attending the Remains of the dear departed Saint to the Tomb.
The President Louissa and Susan were prepared to Set out this morning, when the Rain, and excessive bad roads discouraged them—
altho not personally present, our Hearts are with you
affectionatly your Sympathizing and / afflicted Sister and Aunt,

Abigail Adams—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 April 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

my dear Son
Quincy April 11th 1815

"String after String, is severed from the Heart"
The parting with my dear Boys the final parting, as I consider it, has excited the tenderest emotions of my Heart. I have Struggled to bring my mind to the test of reason, to that which was fittest and best.
providence at this interesting period has Seen fit, to try me, by a Still Severer Stroke—by the Sudden and unexpected death of my dear and only sister, announced to me yesterday morning—without any previous Sickness except a weakness of lungs, with which I am equally at times afflicted. She went to Bed, Slept till 12 oclock awaked in distress, and departed the world at 3 in the morning.
To you, and to your children, who have alternately, Shared in her natural tenderness and care, I need not describe the bitterness of my sorrow, or the weight of my affliction, nor transendent gain, cannot be questiond by those who knew her exemplary Life, or her piety faith and Charity, her universal benevolence and good will to all within her Sphere, and many, many are the Youths She has led to instill, with watchfull care, and attention. how often in the course of my Life have I been call’d to Say—
"Thy force alone Religion; Death disarmes, to that fountain, and that Source I can repair, in full trust, and confidence that all is right"—my own feeble State of Health, together with a very inclemnant Season, has prevented both your father and me from paying the last tribute of Respect, by attending the departed saint to the Tomb—but we have sent Susan and George, as our Representatives.
If I knew where to address to you or to mrs Adams, I Should feel much happier
I had much, which I wished to write to you, but my Spirits are too much depressed, and my Heart too full of anguish to add more at this time, than that I am your / affectionate Mother

Abigail Adams.


Title: From Mary Smith Gray Otis to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 April 1815
From: Otis, Mary Smith Gray
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Boston April 11th. 1815.

I could not my dear Mrs Adams hear of the sudden death of your beloved Sister, without sympathizing in your sorrows; you like myself, have recently been call’d to part with many dear friends. The tender cords, of consanguinity friendship & affection are breaking fast from us, & we are every day call’d to mourn, for our own, or the publick loss.
Your sister’s has been a useful & an active life, she has not lived for herself alone; many who have profited by her precepts & example, will mourn her loss; & bear testimony to her worth.—That piety & resign resignation, which has been displayed on many trying occasions, will still be your support & consolation.
The season has returned, which brings to my mind, many painful recollections; but I would adore the Hand, which tho it deeply wounded, has put into my cup so many Blessings.
I hope the weather & riding will soon, be such, as to induce you to come into Town, & come & see us.
Present my respects to Mr Adams and believe me with much Affection / Yours

M: Otis


Title: To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 11 April 1815
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					New York april 11th. 1815

				I am honoured with your letter of the 4th. inst., I am sorry your friends work you so hard—I will endeavour in the course of the season to visit Quincy, and promise to copy all your letters during my stay, the perusal of them will richly pay me for the trouble.I have a letter from my Brother Justus from the valley, mentioning, that our Brother James is very ill; from the nature of his spring attacks, I am very apprehensive he will yeild to this—I wish much to profit by your observations on the fisheries, and the missisippi Navigations, and other subjects, about which as you very Justly observe, the nation is fast asleep, and I doubt very much whether they can be roused—The Majority in Congress know nothing about the fisheries, and are not competent justly to appreciate the importance of the missisippi Navigation, and of its tributary streams; a book published the last year at Pitsbugh, entitled, Views of Louisiana, says, The mississippi (or mitchasippi, the father of Streams)  justly ranks amongst the most magnificent rivers in the world; whether we consider its extent, the astonishing number and magnitude of its tributary streams/Rivers, or the amaising scope of fertile lands which it traverses, watering at least a fourth of the habitable part of North America.  The comparison to the Nile not unfrequently made, is far from giving just conceptions of its magnitude and importance.  It is only with the equally noble and vast rivers of the New World,  it can be properly assimilated.  It differs from these in one particular; instead of a channel proportioned to its extent and magnitude, it gives its tribute to the ocean by innumerable out–lets and natural canals.The Delta of this river is said to extend several degrees of longitude, the whole formed with earth brought down by the streams—. Perhaps at one period of the world, this river gave its waters to the great reservoir with as much majesty as the Amazon or the La Platte, but the Mississippi may challenge any of those rivers for the extent of its navigation and the quality of habitable and fertile soil on its borders, and on the borders of his thousand Sons.—If the proposed canal thro’ the State of new york, connecting the waters of lake Erie with the Mowhak and the Hudson, should be carried into effect, and that it can and will, I have not the least hesitation in believing, it will no doubt be a “Sublime national work, which will secure wealth, ease and happiness to millions.” how immensely expansive will that happiness be when the settlers on the margin of that lake, & the miami extending thro the Sandusky settlements, are associated with the settlers of the miami of the Ohio, and those on the banks of the mississippi, Cumberland and Missouri rivers, seeking on their united waters, New Orleans, the great depo of the produce of the western world, to be borne in various directions on the Atlantic Waves in addition to this immense prospects, I would take a retrospective view, and trace the communication from the head of lake Erie thro the Detroit River, communicating from Amherst-burgh by Sandwich thro lake St. Clair, to Mackina, between the waters of lake Huron and Michigan, a distance of three Hundred and fourteen miles, thence to Chicago at the head of lake michigan, a distance of three hundred miles further, thence a communication with the Waters of the Wabash; thus, by another channel, leading the produce of this most fertile regins of Country, also, to the great depo at the mouth of the mississippi—The imminsity of this inland communication, I apprehend is not duely appreciated, except by a very few—I hope the administration will give it, its earliest attention, and gaurd it from being encroached upon by other Nations, in any subsequent treaty of Commerce, no nation can gives us advantages in exchange for being allowed an intercourse with our interior, they have no reciprocity to give us in exchange for it—If left to discussions in our House of Representatives, the subject will not have a fair chance, for the majority of the members have never been in the habit of thinking beyond what immediately concerns themselves; they cannot therefore, be expected to foresee political consequences.—I tire you, I have dwelt on this subject too long.on the subject of the Correspondence between General Miranda and General Hamilton, and the contemplated emancipation of South america, The Edinburgh Review for October 1808—January 1809 Vol. 13th. P. 277. gives the interesting address of Don Juan Pablo y Gusman a native of  Arequipa in Peru, and an eclesiastic of the order of Jesus, to his Countrymen, which you will find, preceeded by the observations of the Reviewers, page 289 and 290, detailing the articles proposed to the British Government by Miranda, authorised by the South American Agents, who sought Miranda at Paris; this document is dated Paris 22d of Decr. 1797.  Miranda had a conference with mr. Pitt in january following.The outlines of the proceedings was fully agreed upon, and so far had the preparations advanced that General Miranda in a Letter to General Hamilton dated april 6th. 1798 wrote as follows. “Celle-ci vous sera remise, mon cher et respectable ami, par mon Compatriote Don ———, chargè des depeches de la plus haute importance pour le President des Etats Unis; Il vous dira confidentiellement ce que vouz voudrez apprendre sur ce sujet. Il parait que le moment de notre emancipation approche;—et que l’etablissement de la liberté sur tout le continent du nouveau monde nous est confié par la Providence.  Le seul danger que je prevois c’est l’introduction des principes Français que empoisonneraient la librerté dans son berceau, et finiraient par detruire bientôt la votre.” nay so far did the arrangement advance, that, on the 19th. of October he wrote to the same Gentleman in the following terms. “Vous souhaits sont en quelque sorte remplis, puisque on est convenu ici que, d’un coté, en n’employera point aux operations terrestres des troupes Anglaisses, vu que les forces auxiliaires de terre devront etre uniquement Americaines, tandis que de l’autre, la marine sera purement Anglaise.“Tout est applani, et en attend seulement le fiat de votre illustre President pour partir comme l’eclair.”Mr. Shaw will readily furnish you with the Volume, I must call your attention to the contents of page 293. and the note referring to a Pamphlet entitled “additional reasons for the immediate emancipation of South America, By William Burke. In short, the perusal of these documents from page 277. to 311. inclusive, will gratify your Curiosity, and perhaps place that question in a different point of  light, in which some Circumstances may have induced you to view them.—In 1801the project was again revived, but the preliminaries of the peace of amiens being signed, put a Stop to its further progress, on the revival of the War with france in 1803. in 1804 under the administration of Mr. Pitt the South American question was again revived In the Edinburgh magazines of one of the aforementioned years, you will find General Hamiltons letter in answer to Miranda, I think I left the book in the chamber I occupied when I was last at Quincy, should it not be found then Mr. Shaw or Judge Adams can readily procure it for you—With best regards to mrs: Adams Louisa & dear Susana in which my dear Caroline most sincerely joins— / I am Dear Sir / Yours Affectionately

					W: S: Smith


Title: From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 12 April 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, John Adams

Dear Sir
Quincy April 12th. 1815.

As I am not able to be punctual as Smith, in the payment of my debts; I fear I owe you a Letter, of so long Standing that it ought to be paid with Interest.—
I want Information concerning the Fisheries in New York, New Jersey, Connecticutt, Rhode Island. I have heard that in your City of Hudson and from your City of New York, Fisheries to the Banks of Newfoundland to the Gulph of St. Laurence and the Coast of Labradore have been pursued, with more or less profit. I wish to know the details, will you inquire and let me know, Ask Mr De Wint to help you—and thank him for My Apples, which have been a great regale to Us in our famine of fruit;
I hope your Father will make Us a Visit, before Congress meet again. My Love to all of you. your Cousins George and John embark on Sunday, I must take leave of the dear Creatures, most probably to see them no more, I am anxious for your Brother. But Anxieties for my Wife, my Children, and Grand Children are so familiar and habitual to me for more than fifty years, that it would indeed be a proof of dotage to be overwhelmed with them now—
We are in deep Affliction for the loss of your Aunt Peabody. Remember her.—A purer Spirit, a more Spotless Character you never knew. An example to her Sex and to ours; of diffusive Influence in Society. How many will carry her Memory to their Graves with Gratitude—
Your Grand Father—
John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 April 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
Quincy April 13. 15

Inclosed I Send by your Sons, a little Information concerning the Fisheries.
In tears for the loss of your Aunt Peabody; in too much Apprehension for tears at the Embarkation of your Sons which is to be next Sunday, and almost in tears of Indignation, at the Ignorance, and Insensibility of my dear New England, I Send you the inclosed Papers relative to the Fisheries.
I will continue to collect for you. But the Fisheries are a Mystery. They are a Monopoly. There is a Reluctance to explain and inform. I could explain: but I have not Eyes nor hands. The Fisheries are as little understood in New England and as ignorantly estimated by all but a dozen or two of the knowing ones, as they are in Otaheite. If the subject were once laid before the Public in Pamphlets and Newspapers, New ENgland would be worse War hawkes than were ever Seen in Kentucky or New orleans.
You will be overwhelmed, with Newspapers &c. But you must continue to resolve political questions as you have done and still do questions of Geometry and Algebra.
The Fisheries must not be touched. War, eternal War will be the Consequence of the least departure from the Treaty of 1783. We are anxious beyond your conception, for your Wife and Child. We have heard nothing, Since the Signature of Peace and the next day
A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Catherine Maria Frances Johnson Smith, 14 April 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, Catherine Maria Frances Johnson

My dear Granddaughter
Quincy April 14 1815

I will not let my dear Boys leave me without taking a few lines to you, my Heart and hands have been full, the parting with the Children, I felt as a weight upon my Heart. added to this I am calld to weep over a dear beloved, only Sister, Suddenly taken from the world; without one  Sad adieu to a fond doating husband, a darling daughter, and beloved Son.
you did not know her, but your husband has experienced with many others, her Maternal, tenderness her watchfull care, her parental advise—he will mourn her loss.
you must excuse this mournfull Strain—I could not have written you at all, if I could not have poured out my griefs. alass old wounds are opened anew.
I thank you my dear Kitty for your Letter, and I long to See my Great rand daughter, whom I learn you have named for my dear Caroline—there is but one other name I could have wished her to have borne, not because it is my own, but that of one, whose memory is very, very dear to me
I find from high Authority that mr Smith will have it at his option to go to England as Secretary of Legation, or return to America—I am not competent to Judge what is best for him. he knows best, I presume—I shall rejoice to hear that you are once more a collected family—
I forward you some Letters from your Friends at Washington, and Shall always rejoice to hear of your Welfare. with Love to mr Smith I subscribe your / affectionate GM
A Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams, 14 April 1815
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

					April the 14.  1815

				It appears that Samuel Adams had a grant of lands made to him, by the town of Chelmsford, A.D. 1656, in consideration of his erecting the first mills in said town, and that he married his wife from Cambridge by the name of Sparhawk A.D. 1662; who deceased A.D. 1688 leaving a son by the name of Joseph, born A.D. 1672, who deceased A.D. 1717. Joseph had three sons, viz. Joseph, Jonas and Benjamin, which last was my grandfather, who was born A.D. 1701, and afterwards was engaged in the Old French War, as it was called, from which he did not return, leaving four sons of whom William was my father, who was born A.D. 1732, and deceased 1766, leaving two sons, viz. Solomon  and William, the last of whom, extracted these particulars from the records of the Town of the earliest dates, and was born A.D. 1762, and has ten children, of whom five are sons, named William, Solomon, John R. Benja: and Thomas J. and five are daughters—The above granted inheritance, has been continued down through the male line to the present day in the name of JosephThere doth further appear on the town records of about the same date of Samuel one Thomas Adams an active man who had lands granted him in town A.D. 1659 who is supposed to be brother to the above named Samuel—

					Samuel 1656Thomas. 16591672Joseph1701Benjamin Joseph—Jonas and1732 William1762William—(Solomon andWilliam, Solomon, John R. Benjn. and Thomas J.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 April 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear
Quincy April 15. 1815

Kealing marred Hannah Storer.
Look at the seal of this Letter, and send me from London a new One exactly like it, with this Motto Piscemur, Venemur ut Olim and I will the Price to your Brother, / No more
John Adams.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigal Adams Shaw Felt, 15 April 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Felt, Abigal Adams Shaw

My dear Neice
Quincy April 15 1815.

I scarcely know how to address you by way of consolation, who myself stand so much in need of the Same Support. under one of the most Solemn impressive and afflictive dispensations with which it has pleased our Mather Heaven to inflict upon us—the loss of Such a parent cannot be estimated by the powers of language, the Silent Anguish of the Heart can alone pour it forth, yet while we bend over the Tomb, and water the bed of death with our tears, let us look up “rejoicing that” there is a brighter world on high thy pal “Thy palace Lord above the Skie”
to which we have every reason to believe the pure Spirits of your dear departed Mother has assended to dwell for ever before the face of her maker—Shall ought we not to consider it rather a beautifull dispensation of heaven towards her, that she was releasd with so little suffering to herself, than to mourn that she had not the opportunity of a final and last adieu, the remembrance of which would call forth Sweet and bitter Tears—her whole Life was full of instruction. it was her daily food to distribute moral Nourishment to the young minds committed to her care, and by her example to inforce her precepts—What a pleasure have we my dear Child in reflecting upon her virtues which will ever Survive her, in our remembrance—and in the minds of many others. it gave me great satisfaction to hear that you was enabled to conduct yourself with So much Christian fortitude through the trying Scenes you were calld to endure May that Almighty being who has calld you thus young in Life into the School of affliction Support and comfort you—and your bereved Parent, whose loss is even greater than yours—his Age and infirmities considerd—I need not admonish knew you to will Soften and alleviate his Anguish by every tender attention in your power. the example of your Excellent mother is ever before you and the fullfillment of her what would have been her wishes had she been permitted to express them, Will be you will consider not only your duty but your inclination will prompt you to it, nor do I remind you of your anxient and faithfull desire that from any apprehension that you will not properly feel for her, and appreciate her many tender cares of you, When even when as yet you were an Infant, but for all her faithfull attentions to every member individual of the Family either as an inmate or a member of it, I recite them that because those who have been more particularly under my care when placed in your Family, all gratefully acknowledge remember the Faith Lydia for her works Sake—and now my dear Neice I feel myself bereft of the last Link in the chain of sisterly affection which bound us to each other—I Stand alone the only Scion of the parent Stock—I am to be leveld with the not, would to God that I felt myself equally worthy with those who have gone before me, but I fear I am but an unprofitable Servant may the Solemn Warning I have received Stimulate me to greater dilligence, that I may be found with my lamp trimd and burning, when calld for—
I pray you my dear Neice to consider me in the place of a Mother Whenever so long as I can render you any Service by counsel or advice. Your Mother always wrote to me with so much freedom communicating to me whatever interested or concernd her—that I feel as tho I had lost my dear depository Supply to me so far as you may have occasion that confidence and interest which was mutual in each others concerns and write to me dear girl with all confidence and be assured it will be received with the affection and tenderness, which the blessed Spirit now assended to heaven—would under like circumstances extended to the children of your Sympathizing / and afflicted Aunt

A Adams

I Write you upon a seperate paper some things which have occurred to me Mrs Foster has been as a child in your Family—Oweing the same fillial regard and having received Similar attention—Same Mark of affection and kindness I know both your Brother and you would wish to bstow—he has conversed with me. I mentiond to him a Ring with Hair,. the thought that not Sufficient you will take it into consideration and think What else might be proper—I would suggest to you whether there might not be with your Mothers things some article too old for you such as Caps or handkerchifs which would be acceptable to your Aunt Smith and Which she would value for having been your Mothers—yourBbrother and I had much conversation upon Several other Subjects, which I will write to you upon hereafter—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 16 April 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Dear Harriet
					Quincy April 16th 1815

				Susan would insist, that she saw the packet go out about 8 oclock this morning. I hope it was so for the wind was fine, and has continued so all day. our prayers follow them. I should have sent Charles in, with a small key which I fear George left belonging to a small Box. did he say any thing respecting It?This will be a memorable day to me, the return of the Sabbeth, upon which the pure spirit of my beloved sister, vanished from Earth to Heaven, and my dear Boys, adventured into the wide world. like Telemachus, they are sitting out in serch of their Father I should have parted with them, with a lighter Heart if I could have assertaind where they he was; they left us rather heavily. I hope they will be under proper controul and direction. I thank you dear Harriet for all your Labours I may say, of Love, which have greatly aided, and assisted us.I inclose to you, the Bills. if the weather should be fine on thursday, I do not know that I shall not be tempted to see you in Town. the P. is engaged to dine there! with whom do you think? why with no less a personage than Gen’ll Dearbourn, who with his Lady made us a visit on purpose to make the request, I declined—but will come to your House and pass the day with your good mother and you. I do not see the black crape charged. I have sent you since the 8th & 15th out of which you have purchased 20 half yd calico, one shawlLet me hear from You. / yours affec’ly

					A A.


Title: From Harriet Welsh to Abigail Smith Adams, 16 April 1815
From: Welsh, Harriet
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Dear Madam
					April 16th ‘15

				To fulfil my promise I set down to give you an account of George & John—they brought Stephen Perkins here—& as he seem’d to be very much pleas’d at being with them & not inclined to quit them I took him with us to Mr. Lymans—to see the picture—which George examined with attention—We then went to get John’s hlep &—proceeded to Mrs. Quincys Crufts & Smiths. Perkins desir’d me to let them go in to their house—I was glad to find them both inclined to do so & readily waited half an hour a Mrs. Smiths—.they found Mr. & Mrs. P—both at home—& George as we return’d home told me—he was very much pleas’d with Mrs. P. & began to think he should like her very much—on our way home George talk’d about the sermons of Mr. B. said he wish’d to  take  them & thought you meant he should—& as he had not his bible I concluded you would not object & purchas’d a bound copy—I invited Perkins to come home to tea as John & he had their arms round each other & he had come as far as court S’t—back with him—but he thought he must go home & took an affectionate leave. He is an uncommonly interesting sweet child—10 years old & just as large as John—Mr. P. told G & J—they had better dine there & go with them—G. s’d he would ask my father J. did not wish to go—& it was inconvenient—besides I tho’t Mrs. P. would prefer being with her family alone—My father being oblig’d to go to the Island this morn’g—call’d last eve’g upon Mr. P.deliver’d the letter you desir’d (G deliver’d the one to Mr. P.when he call’d) & declin’d the invitation for them to dine there. In the eve’g Samuel told his uncle & Ann with some other young ladies had gone to the vessel—Iinvited Miss Dalton to go—with us—we found every thing in the best order—John tried his bed & was in great spirits Mr. H appointed him Capt of the chickens & a goose with power to feed them as much as he pleas’d. This morn’g they went to Mr. Fosters & invited him & Charles to meet them on the wharf—they went with me to our meeting & heard Mr. Channing—poor little John being here still gave way to his feelings—after meeting I took him to walk towards the mall H. O.—& I talk’d to him & succeeded in restoring his spirits & making him laugh & jump & he remain’d so except once when G ask’d him if he—cried so because he was going to leave his  Grandmother friends this was an inadvertance in G—for he treated him with great tenderness & though evidently affected himself when he mention’d any of you yet behaved very manfully—& both of them were anxious to be gone—at one—my brother J—took them in charge & went with them to the vessel saw the letters safely lock’d in G’s trunk & made their arrangements for the night—at two precisely—they sail’d he quitted the vessel & left them as courageous as any of the party—the moment he landed she set sail—three cheers were given them by nearly three hundred people—who had assembled on the wharf, to see her depart—From Mr. K’s house I saw her go down with a fine breeze—at 3 ‘o clock, we could no longer distinguish her— follow’d by the prayers of hundreds for the safety—tomorrow the pilot will up & we shall hear from them—Monday—your kind letter Mr. M. was so good as to leave last eve’g—you could not have wish’d the boys move attentive to all that was requir’d of them than they were—& George “wish’d to do every thing G Mother had said he must” he was quite the gentleman in paying his visits. he enquir’d if I did not think he would hear from you by the vessel—which was is  to sail in about a fortnight. From the Advertizer of to day I make an extractYesterday PM—sail’d from this port, the ship New Packet—for Liverpool Her passengers were nam’d in our last paper. Often has it happen’d that the general wishes of the community, & the more strong desires of numerous friends have accompanied  a vessel in which a single individual, of whom high hopes were entertain’d, has entrusted himself. But never, we think, has one left our shores carrying so many, for whom the pride of patriotism the vows of friendship, & the hopes of literature are interested. For one of greater celebrity, but not more engaging manners, was  a similar occasion, uttered—the prayerSic te diva potens Cypri,Sic fratres Helenææ, lucida sidera,Ventorumque regat pater,Obstrictis aliis, præter Tapyga,Navis, quae tibi creditumDebes Virgiliusm fimbus AtticusReddas incolumem, precor,Et servus animæ Limidium meæ.I enclose a small lock of G & J’s hair—. My mothers love accompanies mine we shall both feel happy to see you on Thursday—will not Susan & Louisa come also? I expended all the money Mr. J A left—but as will be here so soon we will then if you please settle these affairs—I depend much upon the visit—. George had his small key.Mr. K. told me he should like to know if the paper I sent was such as the President & if he had any idea before that the Labrador fisheries were so great—the general facts he had could be substantiated he observ’d & was sorry it was not in his power to find time to state them more minutely. I find to day that the pilot return’d last eve’g—leaving all well—below the light house at a quarter past three I hope the President will translate the lines in the preceding page for me as well as you—because I think he will translate them more accurately than those less us’d to it here— / with affection & respect

					H W—

					P.S. I omitted to tell you that—John was left by my brother laughing & playing with Stephen Perkins—all his sorrows over—


Title: From John Adams to Stephen Peabody, 21 April 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Peabody, Stephen

My dear Sir
Quincy April 21. 1815.

I received in due time your Letter of the fifth containing the account of the Apotheosis of your dearest Friend. At first I determined to Attend you. But the Roads the near departure of my Grandsons, Anxieties for their Parents and many cares that the world knows not, added to an Eightieth year, discouraged me. The Translation of the beattified Spirit was an Euthanasia devoutly to be wished. Away with all concern on that point. With you, and your and my dear William and Abigail I sympathise most cordially— The pure Spirit mounted on high, has left them to their own Virtue and discretion, in which I have great Confidence. May Heaven bless you and them.
How the World has fallen to pieces, about me, my Brother! Ancestors, Collaterals, in public and private Life, all gone! except Dr Tufts and my dear blind Brother and deaf Brother! Thanks to God! My Dearest Friend remains, I hope if not to close my Eyes, yet to see me in the Tomb.
Nevertheless, I yet rejoice delight and rejoice in Life: yea, and I will, if I can rejoice.—I am your Friend and Brother—
John Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigal Adams Shaw Felt, 29 April 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Felt, Abigal Adams Shaw

My dear Neice
April 29th 1815

your Letter my dear Abbe is worthy the daughter of the Mother you mourn, whose disposition and virtues  the mantle of Elijah has descended to cover you you will have engrafted into your own Life and conduct, and now exhibit with So much credit to the honour of the Religion of him who took upon him the infirmities of human Nature, & compassionated the Sorrows of a Martha & Mary—
may the hand of Time, and the precepts of Religion Soften the anguish of your Heart and allow you to reflect upon the memory of the Parent and Friend You have lost, with a gratefull remembrance that She was Spaired to you for So long a period, and that She was calld to the mansions above, before Age and imbecility had weakened her mental powers and deprived her of that power She most delighted in—of doing good to others—
To your Father you will direct all your the kindness and attention of a dutifull and affectionate Daughter. whose his Situation is peculiarly distressing. his Benevolence has involved him in pecuniary embarrissment which I most Sincerely regret,  and from which I See no way of his being extricated. your dear Mother had communicated to me his troubles and anxieties, and what She had done to releive them—that of her property in the hands of dr Tufts She had drawn 500 dollers—for which the only Security was a note of hand without Interest—She felt for her children as well as for her partner—and it was her desire that no injustice might be done to them—
The compact between them drawn by mr Tucker ought to be found and Sent to dr Tufts—to whom I understand 200 dollors are due also—you mention your wish to have a division of cloaths and furniture. with respect to cloathing, that I presume is at your own option and you will Settle as you judge best. but the furniture I fear you will lose, unless Speedily Secured. you certainly have the best Right to have it Secured to you & your Brother, and altho it will feel to you a subject you know not how to touch, would it not be better for you to be the owner, who will not remove it, at present than to See it in the possession of any other person to the Still greater embarrssment of mr Peabody. I hope Dr Tufts will write to mr Peabody upon the Subject. I think it would be his own wish to secure it to you.—there must be Some one to move in the buisness—the parties concerned fall too delicately Situated to do it. I have written to you my dear Neice with freedom—you know Best whether this Letter will bear to be communicated—I Shall leave it to your judgment and the advise of the Friend you have with you—you have also an other Friend who recommended himself both to your Brother and others who were present, by the Sympathy and tender regard with which he manifet manifested towards every member of the afflicted Family. to him present my Love with a request that he would accompany you to Quincy when ever you can leave home. this I suppose you could do better best while miss Foster is with you; in time if I live I will try to overcome my present feelings, and visit the habitation, desolate as it must feel to me, once more; and I hope your Father will be prevaild upon in the course of the Summer to visit his Friends in Quincy
I am dear Abbe your ever affectionate / Aunt
A A


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams, Receipt, 2 May 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To:

					May 2’d 1815

				Balance due upon a former repaid Jobe Tinil for a Small trunk Lock and Key for John133paid Louisa Dexter knitting one pr Socks25 1001130Received in full1005

					Abigail Adams


Title: From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 3 May 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, George Washington,Adams, John

Dear George and John
Quincy. May 3rd. 1815

I adress myself to both of you as equally dear to me and because the difficulty with which I write, will not allow me to write seperately to each. Our anxiety for you and for your Father Mother, Brother, Uncle Aunt and little first and Second Cousin: have been greater than you can conceive. Some relief however We have received from Vessels you met at Sea, one of which brought a Letter from Mr Ticknor to his Father and another from Mr Everett to his mother, both agreeing that you were all well and you pursued your Studies as you ought. You have now been out Eighteen days and may be near the Port of your destination. You will find yourselves on your Arrival at Liverpool in a new World. Every thing will Surprise you.  Be upon your guard. Remember your Youth and inexperience, your total Ignorance of the great World, be always Modest, ingenious, teachable, never assuming or forward, treat all People with respect; preserve the Character of youthful Americans, let nothing unbecoming ever escape your lips or your Behaviour. You have Characters to Support, Reputations to acquire; I may Say, you have the Character of your Country, at least of its Childhood and youth to Support.
I could have wished that you Should have read before your departure Dr. Watts’s Improvement of the mind and even Mr. Lock’s conduct of the Understanding. You will there find better Advice than I can give you.
I wish you to have each a Pencil Book, always in your Pockett, by which you may minute on the Spot any remarkable thing you may See or hear. A pocket Ink horn, any cheap thing of the kind, and a Sheet or two of paper, ought always to be  about you. A Journal; a Diary is indispensible. "Studium Sine Calamo, Somnium.” Without a minute Diary, your Travels, will be no better than the flight of Birds; through the Air. They will leave no trace behind them. Whatever you write preserve. I have burned, Bushells of my Silly notes, in fitts of Impatience and humiliation, which I would now give anything to recover. "These fair Creature are thyself.” And would be more useful and influential in Self Examination than all the Sermons of the Clergy.
Enter into no disputes, upon public Affairs, National or European. Say You are too young, too inexperienced, too little read, and too ill informed, to hazard your Judgment on any of these great Things. Leave to your Father the Interest and honor of your Country. There they will be Safe. Be not provoked by any misrepresentations of your Country. This is a hard Lesson but you must learn it.
Write to me my dear Boys by every Ship. While my heart beats it will be anxious for your good Behavior and consequent happy and useful Lives

John Adams


Title: From Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway to Sarah Smith Adams, 4 May 1815
From: Treadway, Susanna Boylston Adams Clark
To: Adams, Sarah Smith

My Dear Mother
Quincy May 4th 1815

I have this moment received your letter, and hasten to inform you that the things are all ready. Mr Dexter procured a hogshead, quite large enough to contain all, and I have fixed every thing to the best of my ability; the desk I was fearful would injure the bed, I have sewed it in baize; the screws and key, are also sewed in the towel, I hope they will do no injury. the volume of Hume is there also. I directed the Card to “Alexander B Johnson Esqre. Utica. Care of Whitwell, and Bond, Auctioneers.”
Mr Shaw was here on Saturday. he will comply with the request contained in your letter, as soon as possible. he has at present, a great deal of business to transact, and is most deeply afflicted, by the loss of his dear mother. Abby writes to us; she appears resigned to the will of her heavenly Father, but the loss she has sustained, is irreparable, and she feels it, to be such, yet should we rejoice, rather than mourn, that her dear Aunt, has left this transitory world of pain, and care; for one of everlasting bliss. She has finished her course, she has kept the faith, and I make no doubt is now inheriting the promises; And shall we repine, that she is not continued, a few years longer, in this vale of tears? No! let us rather press forward toward the mark, for the prize of our high calling, and may we strive more and more, to imitate the perfections of our Redeemer, that we may be enabled to join those friends who have gone before us, in a better world.
We have heard from the dear Children, twice at Sea, they were in perfect health; and had not been sick in the least. from Uncle, we have not heard since the peace, and my dear Grand Parents are very anxious about him.
Your bedstead must be packed in mats to go safe, which I shall attend to immediately, and send all into town together. The drawers, Mr Dexter thinks will not bear transportation, it would jar them all to pieces; besides my dear Mother, I thought you gave them to me; my clothes are in them, and they are quite ornamental to my chamber; I take excellent care of them, and they shine like a looking glass, I assure you. please to ask Sister, if she does not intend, to let me come, and see her, when she goes to house keeping? She wrote to me for some floss Cotton, it is an article that is very scarce, and is extremely dear; I have purchased 4 skeins, the best in Boston, as I went from one end of the town, to the other, for it. but this is not so nice, as I wish although it is better, than it appears. I worked a handkercheif, with some of the same kind, and it looks very well, she must divide it, to make it fine; if it will not answer the woman of whom I bought it, will take it again, but I was obliged to get this, or none. I am very glad, you are pleased with the articles I sent.
I think it probable, I shall go to Atkinson, and pass a few weeks, with Abby, she says, she cannot be left alone, without some female friend, and it is not proper that she should be. Uncle Smith writes us that Uncle James is sick, be so kind as to let me hear, how he does.
Remember me my dear Mother most affectionately to my Sister, and Aunt Nancy, Mr Johnson also, and beleive me your dutiful and affectionate daughter

S B Adams.
 I shall write again, next week.
May 5th P. S. The things will be sent to Boston tomorrow. I have more Cotton for Sister if this will answer


Title: From William Steuben Smith to James Monroe, 4 May 1815
From: Smith, William Steuben
To: Monroe, James

				The Secretary of State of the United State
					Sir,
					New York 4th. May 1815.

				I have the honour to state my arrival at this place on the 2nd. instant, returning from St. Petersburg in Russia, where I have been performing the duties of Secretary of Legation, during the residence of Mr. Adams at that Court; and who, upon the receipt of the orders of his Government to repair to Gothenburg, for the purpose of becoming a Member of a Commission to negotiate  a Treaty of Peace between the United States and Great Britain, then at War; deposited in my hands the Seal and Archives of that Legation, charging me with their delivery to Levett Harris Esqr. who Mr. Adams was instructed to leave at St: Petersburg charged with the Affairs of the United States; accordingly on the arrival of Mr. Harris, the trust confided to me was executed; and it being apparent that my services would cease to be any longer requisite at St. Petersburg, it became my duty to take such measures as were necessary for the return of myself and family to the U. States, which, owing to then existing relations between it and G. Britain, was attended with difficulties more than ordinary: it being impossible then to proceed from Russia to the United States by a direct conveyance, it behoved me to adopt that which should be attended with the least expence. I accordingly proceeded from Petersburg to Amsterdam, in the expectation of arriving in time to join the Cartel Ship “John Adams” then laying in the Texel, and about returning to America; but unfortunately she sailed the morning of the very day that I arrived. I then proceeded upon the invitation of Mr. Adams to Ghent, where the Negotiations for Peace had already commenced, and where, at his recommendation, I resided until its conclusion and the departure of the Commissioners.—Mr. Adams had in the meantime at my request procured a passport for myself and family (from the British Admiralty) for their return to the United States in the Ship “Nepptune”; which vessel having been ordered by the Commissioners to proceed to Brest, it became requisite that I should join her at that place, and I accordingly set out to accomplish that object, but upon the journey and whilst at Paris, the information of the Ratification of the Treaty of Peace by the United States having arrived in Europe, and the friendly relations between America and England being consequently re-established, the intercourse no longer attended with the same difficulties which had necessitated me to a cirtuitous rout to return to America, and an early opportunity presenting to affect it with less expense than by continuing to prosecute my original design to join the Ship Neptune at Brest, from which port it had been then determined by the Commissioners that she should not depart before the 1st. of May (instant) I concluded it to be my duty to embrace the occasion presented by the return of the Ship Fingal, in which I had the happiness safely to arrive.I beg you Sir, to accept my apologies for having entered somewhat minutely into the detail of the circumstances attendant upon my return voyage; but from their extreme peculiarity, I feel myself warranted in presenting to your Department a statement of my expenditure to effect it. I have connected with that statement a charge of expences contingent upon the situation of Secretary of Legation at the Russian Court, and also a charge of my disboursements necessary to accomplish the outward voyage.I cannot but flatter myself that the particular time that I was under the necessity of returning from the Court of Russia—the cirtuitous route I was obliged to pursue, the  exposure to the difficulties and length of time consumed in passing the Gulph of Finland, the Baltic and the North Sea, and the delays experienced, which was the cause of my not being able to profit by a passage in the Corvette “John Adams”, and the encreased additional expences necessarily attending the journey’s by land to Ghent, Paris, Havre de Grace; and the high price I was obliged to pay for my passage to America in a private ship; will all be taken into consideration in passing the enclosed account. When this is effected I shall consider myself under additional obligations to those I have already been honoured with by the Department, and being furnished with permission to draw for the amount passed to my Credit, I will take the earliest opportunity of paying my personal respects to Your Excellency, and to the President of the United States.My Father has communicated to me, what you stated to him, relative to my Commission being forwarded to Mr. Crawford, but strange as it must appear, I have not had the pleasure of receiving it, tho’ I have discharged the duties of the Station from the 5th. of August 1809, to the entire satisfaction of The Minister, I shall be happy to receive an official duplicate, or one similar to the Court of Great Britain, as Mr. Adams is appointed Minister to that Court—or should there be any appointment in the state of New York which the Administration would honour me with, I should be happy to receive it, having been absent from my Country, family and friends nearly six years. I shall however pause your communications on this subject, and hold myself subject to your orders, in any line that you may think proper to direct me on.—I must acknowledge myself much obliged by your indulgence, communicated by my Father that my visit to my friends in America, met with your consent and approbation.I have the Honour to be / with great respect / Your Excellency’s / most Obedient / Humble Servant

					W. Steuben Smith.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 May 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy May 6th 1815

Yesterday, was one, of the most joyful days of my life Harriet Welsh, like a winged mercury, came flying with your Letters received by Mail in the morning, from N york. under cover from Napolean Caroline de Wint, who knowing my anxiety, respecting you, and Mrs Adams. she seizd them in the moment they were deliverd, and forwarded them by Mail, with the pleasing intelligence that her mother, and sister, were the bearers of them; they arrived in Nyork the 2d of May, with their little daughter as well, “She writes yesterday, my Father, had his three Sons and two daughters to dine with him—” at the same time she informd me that upon the 23’d of March, Mrs Adams had reachd you in Paris.
This has been a sunshine, breaking through the cloud’s, to brighten the gloom, which recent events had spread over me, by the sudden death of my dear and only sister, and the parting with my beloved grandsons. three weeks this day, since my heart was swoln and my Eyes overflowd; at taking, as I considerd it, my final farewell of them, altho from them, I conceald the pangs which wrung my Bosom, least I should heighten their own grief, which was sufficiently apparent, and to which after they left us, they gave free scope—I can now find relief in the prospect, that they will give, and receive transport in the Arms of Affectionate parents—and in the fraternal embrace of a Brother whom they but faintly remember—
I hope you, and their dear Mother will be able to overcome, the reluctance, they always had to Letter writing and, that they will not forget the promise often repeated, of writing to their grandmother. I recommend to your particular notice Mr Ticknor, who voluntarily engaged to become their preceptor, upon the voyage and mr and mrs Perkins, who promised as the same, parental care of them, as of their own son, who is a companion with them.
It is so long, since I heard from you, or from Mrs Adams; not since the 23 of december that I may be permitted to write, and think only of myself, and of those subjects which personally concern me, and my own Family.
“Friends Country first, and then all human race”
The race of Bonaparty, may be call’d the 8th wonder of the world, and the same question may be put to him, which History informs us, was put to Kouli Kan by a devise, whose History is not a little similar to Bona.
“If said the devise thou art a god, act as a God If thou art a prophet, conduct us in the way of Salvation, if thou are a king render the people happy, and do not destroy them. To which the invader replied, I am no god, to act as a god, nor a prophet to shew the way of salvation, nor a King, to render the people happy.—but I am he, whom god sends to the Nations which he has determined to visit with his wrath.”
of What is to follow, the day must bring forth, all human wisdom, foresight, and conjecture, proved only vanities of vanities, there are no principles, no Law’s, no precedents, to build upon every hour is full of events,—altho fill’d with wonder, and anxious for the denouement, we rejoice, we are so far removed from the Volcano as only to descern its Smoak.
I thank you my dear Son, for your intended present, mentioned in your Letter of the 25th october—If I should receive it, and that designd for your Sons I shall lay it by, untill I receive your directions respecting it—
I have written to Mrs Adams, by the children, and given my reasons, for sending them out, with so small a Wardrobe. I thought it would be a useless expence—
If this letter should find you in England, I would commission you to send me 5yd of Black bond Cloth of the best kind for your father; and 2 dog Ivory handle knives and forks. one of large & one of small size, and send the cost of Both, which shall be carried to your account credit.
I hope you will give me by various ways the first intelligence of the arrival of your Sons. they have the second place next my Heart. I wish to learn the impression, upon both parents and children, much thought of by George—Yet why need I inquire, who have so often shared in the same feelings, and partaken of the same felicity—God grant that I may once again experience a similar happiness. tho now I almost despair of its being reserved / for your ever affectionate / Mother

Abigail Adams


Title: From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 6 May 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, George Washington,Adams, John

					Dear George and dear John
					Quincy May 6th 1815

				I know not where your Father is, or I Should write directly to him. As Soon as you See him, pray him to procure for himself and for you “Il Consulato del Mare” with all the Tanslations of it, into Dutch, German, Italien, French, English Spanish, and as many as there be. I have it only with a translation into Low Dutch.About 8 or 9 hundred Years ago, (I have neither time nor patience to look up the book and ascertain the date), There was a Code of maritime Laws, concerted by the Powers of Europe, Solemly Sworn to be observed by all the great Naval Powers of Europe. Britain was not then a Naval Power of Consideration enough to be a Party. Yet Lord Mansfield quotes the Book as of great and high Authority.Ask your Father why the Congress at Vienna, has not been as Sensible of the Necessity of Equity at Sea as of a ballance of Power on Land?I Should be delighted to See a Congress of Souvereigns to devise a System of maritime Law of Nations. It Seems to me idle to talk or think of Ballances on Land, and the Independence of terrestrial Powers, while there is no Check to Aquatic  Power. “The Trident of Neptune is the Sceptre of the World.”My Love to every Body who deserves it, But keep this to yourselves till you See your Father.

					J. A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 7 May 1815
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					N. 72.My dear Mother.
					Paris 7. May 1815.

				I have been with my friend Charles, and spent two days with General La Fayette, at his Country Seat of La Grange, about forty miles distant from this City—He resides there with his Children and Grand Children, forming a numerous and very amiable family. His son married a  Mademoiselle de Tracy and has three daughters—His eldest daughter married a Mr de la Tour Maubourg, and has also three daughter—The  General’s other daughter married Mr La Stérie, and has one son and two daughters. They are now living all together, expecting one of the Son’s in Law, Mr La Stérie—He, as well, as Mr La Tour Maubourg was an Officer of the guards of Louis 18. and by the late change they have been thrown out of the palace. The General himself for many years has taken no active part in public affairs, though it is not impossible that circumstances may arise which will bring him forward again—His Residence is in the midst of a very beautiful Country; in an antient Castle, internally fitted up to modern taste and convenience; surrounded by a garden and park in the English style, and a large farm, which he cultivates himself—He has a flock of nearly a thousand Merino Sheep; a smaller number of horned Cattle, and horses for labour; the various kinds of Poultry, and all the establishment of a valuable farm. He shewed me all this, and I regretted that my father could not have been with us at the inspection—He requested me when I should write to Quincy, to present his kindest and most respectful remembrance to my father and to you.Having been absent four days from Paris, upon this excursion, I expected upon my return here to have found dispatches and Instructions from America—They have not yet arrived, and as, when they come, they will give me a destination for which I have so little predilection, that I look forward to it rather with aversion, than with desire, I should feel no easiness at the delay, but for the consideration of the extremely critical situation of all Europe and most especially of this Country where I now am—The Events which are now happening are not said to have an important influence upon the state of our Country; and particularly upon our relations, both with France and Great Britain.Mr: Crawford left Paris about ten days since, intending to pay a short visit to London, previous to his return to the United States. I wrote you on the 22d: ulto: a Letter, which I requested him to forward by the first opportunity from England. He himself and Mr Clay, who is also now at London propose to take passage in the Neptune—Mr Bayard and Mr Gallatin notwithstanding their new appointments have the same intention—Mr Bayard’s state of health will not admit of his going at present to St: Petersburg. He has been upwards of two Months, dangerously ill with a complaint, the event of which his physicians still consider as dubious. He has been however for some weeks apparently convalescent, and there is reason to hope that the Voyage will contribute to his recovery—He suffers with a succession of ulcers in the throat, accompanied with a distressing cough, which have reduced him to a state of great debility—He has however been sometime gaining strength, and yesterday left this City for Havre; where the Neptune is in readiness to receive him—He will travel slowly, and Mr Todd, who is to join him at Havre only takes his departure to-morrow—To him, I shall commit this Letter, enclosed with one for my brother; and a packet for my father containing the file of the Journal de l’Empire, and a couple of French Pamphlets—There are likewise on board the Neptune with Mr and Mrs: Smith’s baggage three pieces of Linen, and one of cambrick directed to you, and intended for yourself, and my Sons George and John—When Mr Smith receives his baggage he will forward them to you—I hope that he and his family are before this, safe in America—Neither the Commissions, nor instructions of the Government to Mr Gallatin, Mr Bayard, or myself have yet been received—At least I and Mr Bayard have received none, and none had reached Mr Gallatin, who is in London, on the 20th of last Month—His Credentials, when they come will be addressed to Louis 18. who, with all his family is now beyond the bounds of the french territory, and whose only prospect of ever recovering again the crown of France, depends upon the success of the allied armies in the new War, which they are about to commence against Napoleon Buonaparte. It is not impossible that by waiting a few weeks, Mr Gallatin might come and present his credentials, for it is the opinion of great numbers of persons that when the allies once enter France, the mass of the Nation will again declare  for the Bourbons, that Napoleon will be abandoned by the People and the Army, and that Louis 18. will be in possession of the Tuileries again before the first of July. The experience of the last year certainly favours this opinion. It proved that the French Nation had no stimulus to exertion, to defend itself against the allied armies, for the sake of supporting Napoleon; as the experience of the present year has proved that the Bourbons in full possession of the Government, were unable to raise in all France a force sufficient to defend them against Napoleon with eleven hundred men—The four great allied powers, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and Great Britain have irrevocably determined to renew the War, and by a Treaty, signed on the 25th: of March at Vienna have bound themselves to furnish each 150000 men for that purpose—The hostilities have not yet commenced, but the forces on both sides are assembling with all possible expedition, and it is probable the war will begin before the first of next Month—The determined and inflexible Spirit manifested by the allies, has evidently produced an effect upon the People here, and has intimidated in some degree of the Government of Napoleon—As he came with the profession of resting his pretensions, upon the Will of the People, he has had a Supplement to the Constitutions drawn up, and offered to the acceptance of the Nation—He at first proposed to have waited until after the decision upon this Supplement, to have the election for the popular branch of the Legislature—But the Patriots and Republicans, who wish to overthrow him, have judged it the safest mode of resisting him, to multiply objections against his Constitutional Supplement, and under colour of those objections, to decline voting upon it at all—The partizens of the Bourbons join them in this course of policy; and as they dare not shew themselves in their real colours, they unite in all clamours against the new project on the pretence that it is not free enough—Here at Paris, all the Inhabitants who have much property, dreading another visit from the allies, are unwilling by any act of acquiescence to the present order of things to expose themselves to the resentment of those who may so shortly be once more their masters, and hence it is that the number of votes either for or against the supplementary Constitution, will at Paris be very small—How far the same Spirit will extend to the Departments, is not yet fully ascertained;—it is undoubtedly in Paris, and perhaps proportionably in all the most populous cities that the party of Napoleon is weak—There is not a spot in France, where setting aside the influence of foreign armies the Bourbons have friends enough to constitute a party—A week after the Supplementary Constitution was published, finding the coldness and apparent aversion with which it was received Napoleon issued a second Decree, authorizing elections for a Representative Assembly to meet at the same time with the Assembly of the Champ de Moi, when the votes upon the Supplement to the Constitution, are to be opened and declared—that is, on the 24th: of this Month—The composition of this Representative Assembly, will at least furnish some indication of the dispositions prevailing among the People—It will be a test of the Government of Napoleon, as formidable as the allied armies.It is admitted that the authority of the Emperor at present is altogether irregular—That his power is founded only upon the acquiescence of the People, and that his acts are altogether arbitrary—One of his first decrees was to abolish the Censorship over the press, which the Bourbons had established; but he did not formally proclaim the freedom of the press; and the Police actually suppressed for several days the publication of a periodical work, called the Censor, which after having been in violent opposition against the Bourbon Government, was now become equally violent against him—The circulation of this Book however, after having been stopped a few days, was again permitted, and the example has emboldened other writers to attack him with equal vehemence—For a few days therefore, a real freedom of the press has existed, and it still continues to exist at Paris—It has already produced a swarm of pamphlets, and a multitude of libels—How long the electricity of this atmosphere will endure the accumulation of this vapour without an explosion, I undertake not to foretell.Since I began this Letter this Morning, I have received a duplicate of a Letter from the Secretary of State, informing me of the appointment to England; but without either Commission or Credentials—These, I presume will reach me in the course of a very few days, and in the meantime I shall be making preparations for my departure as soon as they are received.I beg you to offer my duty to my father, and my affectionate regards to all other friends; and to believe me ever faithfully yours.

					A.


Title: From John Adams to William Steuben Smith, 8 May 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, William Steuben

My dear Sir
Quincy May 8. 1815

I congratulate you on your Arrival in your Shall I Say, native Country, after an Absence in the frozen Regions of Russia, of six Years, with your Lady and my first Great Grand daughter. Mine is the most curious posterity that ever I read. Some have been born in Quincy or rather Braintree, Some in Boston, Some in London, Some in Boston, Some on long Island, Some in New York, Some in Berlin and Some in St. Petersburg. How many will be born in Cedar Grove, Utica, here and there, and every where I know not. But whenever and wherever, they may commence Existence, I hope they will consider the US. their Birth Place and their home.
My Son writes me that he has Sent me, three Books by you. Whether these are Octavos or duodecimos I know not: but you may Send me one Volume at a time, inclosed to John Adams by the Post.
My Love to you all. Kiss your Wife and my Great Grand daughter, my Second Caroline Amelia, who I pray may copy the first, for your Grandfather
John Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 9 May 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

					My Dear Daughter
					Quincy May 9th 1815

				It was with great pleasure, that I received your Letter from St. Petersburgh, bearing date july the 10th 1814 forwarded by mr Smith and your Sister, who from a combination of circumstances were detaind abroad: untill the 2d of May 1815 when they happily arrived in N york—bringing with them the pleasing, intelligence that you had reach’d Paris—the day after they left it—I cannot describe to you—the releif which this circumstance has given me, from the anxiety I experienced upon your account, from the Time, when I learnt, that mr Adams, could not return to you through the winter. I thank Heaven you have escaped from that cold Northern Region with your Lives,—and that you are placed in a Situation more conjenial, to your personal feelings and happiness. you will I hope be blest with the Sight of your Dear Sons, before this reaches you—I anticipate the pleasure, you will mutually experience in your interview with them. may they prove to you all your fondest wishes hope, and expect. as School Boys, they want, the polish of the world. they have a diffidence, natural and becomeing in youth.I fully agree with you, in opinion respecting, propriety of behaviour, and the weight which true politeness caries with it. I rank it amongst the virtues. its influence upon the manners is constant and uniform. how many fine tallents have been lost to the world, merely through a deficiency of good Breeding, a proper Respect and deference for the opinions of others, and a modest distrust of their own. a mere Singularity of speaking, or walking, constructed in youth, is injurious to a Man, through his whole Life. a Student is Seldom free from some peculiarity, unless he mixes much in the World, and associates with polite company. nor can “Good Sense” which Pope tells us “only is the Gift of Heaven”“And tho no Science, fairly worth the Seven,” compensate for the want of good Breeding, Dear George can tell you, how many lessons, and admonitions, he has received upon Subjects of a Similar kind, untill his impatience would Some times break out; yet they had their influence in time, and he was convinced they were all lessons of Love.Since your Letter was written Great Changes have taken place in the Civilized World, and for a Short time we welcomed Halcyon Days, of peace, restored to the warring Nations.Peace in America; was received with unfeigned, and universal joy—altho She was at that time, triumphing with victory, conquering both by Sea, and Land, exhalting our National Character and humbling her Enemy. the war is happily terminated, leaving to us Commanders both by Land, and Sea, whose Bravery Courage, intrepidity & Skill, have been, only exceeded, by their Benevolence, and Humanity to the conquerd. they have coverd themselves with Glory, effaced former Stains and crowned their Country with honour, quietly returnd to their Homes and reassumed the impliments of Husbandry, for the weapons of war—The tumult has ceased—but the waves have not wholy Subsided—whilst you are deputed in the Character of a Frindly power. you must as Christians forgive, tho you are not enjoind to forget the injuries, which have been so wantonly inflicted upon an unoffending Nation. O Britain! how art thou fallen, from a warlike to a petty plundering Nation—The desolated Infant Capitol of America will rise from its ashes against thee! Science and literature will point the finger of Scorn at thy Gothick deeds, and Modesty veil her face, and curse the voilater!My Son has a difficult past assignd him. on the one hand, he cannot but feel what his Country has endured, and Britain must feel that She has been foild a Second time; and that as it were by Hereditary descent. She must receive as an Ambassador of Peace, the Son of the Father who was instrumental in Severing the two Countries, and afterward in Representing the Sovereignty of that Same Country to the Kingdom of great Britain. it is a Singular Instance. I know not however any man, beter Calculated to fullfill the Duties assignd him, with Credit to himself and honour to his Country—now the intercourse between the two Countries is free, write to me often, and keep me informd, not only what is passing of a public Nature, but of your domestic arrangements, in which I Shall feel, more than ever interested, now you have all your children with you. My Letter from mr Adams of Janry and Febry are missing, or I Should have had Some information respecting both his and your movements, but from 24 december, untill 19th of March we heard not a word, and sufferd much anxiety for you—My Letters by George to you, and to his Father together with his own account, will inform you of the affliction I have recently experienced, and which I do not wish to renew by a fresh recital.you have been an Eye witness to transactions which put all human calculation at defience. we may truly Say we know not what a day will bring forth. I most devoutly pray, that we may not be again entangled in the webb, or bitten, by the Tarantula.Louisa and Susan desire to be kindly rememberd to you, and to the Children for whom they cherish a Sincere regard.Shall I ever See you all again? is a question too painfull for me to reflect upon, without watering my paper with my tears, yet half the blessing is granted me, by having you So much nearer— / To Your affectionate / Mother

					Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 10 May 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Quincy May 10th 1815

				pray how did you succeed with your new commission? I heard you was made Commander-in chief of the Regiment of Poultry, on Board ship—with full powers to deal out their Rations, at your pleasure, and I learnt from a Letter of mr Ticknors two days after you sail’d, that you were well, and studied to his satisfaction.While I am writing this I flatter myself that you have made half your voyage, and now I have learnt where your parents were upon the 23 of March, much of my anxiety is removed. for before this reaches You—I trust you will be folded in their parental Arms—happy to have once more joined you.You must not forget your promise of writing to me. you know you young...what shall I call you, how loth, you always were to take your pen. your Father & Mother, will instruct you to overcome this reluctance, and once begin, you will find pleasure in it—Shall your aged Grand Mother of three Score and ten, with Eyes dim, and fingers stiff, be always writing, to one and an other, and you blest with youth bright Eyes, and nimble fingers, so loth to take a pen?Surely You do not forget what you felt when You left her, who loves You too well, not to wish to learn from under Your own hand, how happy You are, and how pleased with Your Brother Charles, to whom give my Love and a kiss for writing so handsome a hand—and tell—him I intend writing him a Letter soon—I am his and your affectionate Grandmother

					A Adams


Title: From John Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 13 May 1815
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Dear Sir,
					New York 13th May 1815.

				My Brother William arrived here after a passage of thirty two days from Havre & has expressed to me his desire not to return to Europe, preferring to remain here, rather than be seperated from them, upon this communication, presuming it would not be disagreeable to you & of very extensive advantage to my future prospects, I have addressed Mr Munroe Secretary of State & have solicited the appointment of Secretary of Legation to the Court of London. From the manner in which I have been presented to him by my friends here I feel a confidence, that with your approbation I cannot fail to succeed in obtaining the appointment. I can venture to promise from my habits studies & employment, that I can render essential service in this station should I be so fortunate as to succeed in my application.I have been admitted as Counsel in the Supreme Court of this State, in the Circuit & District Courts of the United States & am of two years standing as Counsel at the Bar & have been honoured by a Commission as a Master in the Court of Chancery which I have held since the year 1809. If this would be agreeable to you, & you should early express your assent to the Government of my appointment, it will be conferring an obligation upon me & may enable me to avail myself of advantages which may tend permanently to establish, my future respectability in my professional pursuits, on my return to my Country at the expiration of my Commission.Remember me affectionately to Mrs Adams & to George & John who I suppose will be with you before this reaches its address. We have by this days post received letters from Quincy, where your venerable Parents Brother & family are well.With great attachment & respect / I am Dr Sir / your obliged humble servt

					John Adams Smith.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Dolley Payne Todd Madison, 14 May 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Madison, Dolley Payne Todd

Dear Madam
Quincy May 14th 1815

My Grandson William Stuben Smith, having returnd from abroad, declines the honour which I have been informd, was intended him by the President, as secretary of Legation, to the Mission to England. His Brother, John Adams Smith, has written to me; to request of the President, the appointment, if he Should deem it proper to grant it to him.
As Congress do not allow a private Secretary to their Foreign Ministers, they are placed in rather a dissagreable Situation, if a Secretary of Legation is appointed, who is a Stranger to them, and in whom they may not be able to place a confidence in.
Mr Smith who will have the honour to deliver you this Letter, has been Educated to the Bar, is a young Gentleman of correct principles, and by no means addicted to dissipation.
unaccustomed to ask favours of this Nature for Friends or connections—I have the matter addrest you Madam, than the President, altho I have never had the pleasure of a personal accquaintance with you, that I may thus introduce myself to you, and embrace the opportunity of expressing my esteem for your Character, and respect for the President, and with these Sentiments / I Subscribe myself / your Humble Servant
Abigail Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 14 May 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My Dear Sir
Quincy May 14. 1815

I seem to be rambling with you, to the Hotell de Valois, the hotel du Roi &c &c but you have not yet visited Passy Chaillot, Auteuil, or Versailles, nor Mont Martyr nor Mount Calvaire. What has become of these Spots, where I have Taken so many anxious and Solitary Walks. Where is the Bois de Boulange? I envy you the Society of La Fayette and de Stael. The latter is more than her Father or Mother, & that is eulogium enough, I am Sure. Her Husband was a Son of Liberty; my very good friend. Where is she now? I am very anxious for her.
By this time I hope You are in England embracing your Wife and all your Sons. God bless you all. Tell George and John if I hear of any thing unbecoming from them I Shall hardly forgive it. My own character is concerned in their good behaviour.
What shall I say to you, my Son? Shall I recommend to you, the eternal Taciturnity of Franklin and Washington? I believe your nature is as incapable of it, as mine. Yet, without it you will be exposed to innumerable dangers. What Shall I Say of dissenting Ministers, Presbyterian Parsons, Unitarian Divines, Royal Societies, Oxford and Cambridge Universities? some meddling People without my Knowledge, and to my mortification put about an Idea of electing me a member of the Royal Society. John Temple, to my great Embarrassment and Indignation made a noise about procuring me a diploma of Doctor of Laws from the University of Oxford. These were gross improprieties which I always discountenanced as I hope you will. I hope you will go Sometimes on Sundays to the Chapell of St. James’s and Attend the Levee after Church as the Ambassadors do. I never did: but now regret that I did not. Incedis per ignes Suppositos cineri doloso. There are Secret correspondencies, Theological Ecclesiastical, Phylosophical, Democratical Jacobinacal, Aristocratical and Monarchical, between Europe and America, by the players in which games you will be watched and represented or misrepresented in a manner that you never can discover. Your prudence I know is greater than mine ever was & hitherto has been a tout epreuve, but Still I hope that these anxious hintswill not be thought impertinent.
I continue to receive Strange letters, some anonimous, others with respectable names of Persons who never Saw me, Some of admonition, Some of instruction, Some of Applause and Some of reproach: You I presume must have a Pigeon hole full of Such, Some rational & Some mad. What Shall We do with these Insects that buz about Us? Their Bite in former times tingled: but I am grown almost as insensible as a Boston Dray horse in September.
A.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 May 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
Quincy May 16. 1815

Last night I recd the 3 Volumes D’Argens’s Ocellus, Timeus and Julian, and the Journal des debats and the Journal de L’Empire, to 22 Mars 1815. What curiosities, all? Tacitus, Quintillian, Jacques le Fataliste, what would you Say? Would you Still doubt? You ought not. The Lord God omnipotent reigneth, in Wisdom and benevolence beyond all our conceptions, let the Earth rejoice.
You have heard the name of Ben. Kent. I have heard him Say “It is a Mercy that the Lord has not revealed to Us, all his Goodness. If he had We Should all think it our duty to cutt each others Throats as Soon as possible.” Which is the greatest Phylosopher? Ocellus, Timeus, Tacitus, Quintillian or Ben. Kent.? Vain men all! Eternity, Infinity, this Universe, the το παn, is beyond the reach of your elephantine Intelligence. There is but one Being in the Universe, who understands it and there never will be more than one, there never can be more than one. “Trust the Ruler with his Skies.” “Fall into thyself and be a-Fool.”
I Shall call on you for Books and give you much trouble. Minute the expence and send it to your Brother or to me, and I will pay your Brother. I must be independent, even of you. I must think myself independent, as long as I live. The Feeling is essential to my existence.
Paulo minora canamus. If you can Snatch a few vacant days, and you will have many; I advise you to purchase, Whateleys, Art of Gardening, take your two or three Sons, and your Lady too, if She chooses and Visit the Gentlemens Country Seats.
Paine’s Hill, Woburn Farm, Stow, Hagley &c &c &c. The Glory of England appears in Country Seats, as much as in Naval History. But remember, all this grows out of Feudal Systems or national Debt. We are going the Same Way. Magnificent Works in Boston, splendid Villas in the Vicinity, which are however as yet but Bristol Pebbles to Golconda Diamonds in comparison with the Gentlemens Seats in England: are growing out of Funds and Banks and Debt.
A Journey to Scotland, to Yorkshire to Ireland, to Scotland would be very desirable: but I hope in mercy that your Residence in England will not be long enough to admit of much of this.
Not only in Politicks, Statisticks and Commerce, are We following the Footsteps of Europe, but in Theology, Ecclesiastical Hierarchy, and Sacerdotal Subtilty. The Baron de Stael, said to me once in a confidential Tête a Tête “Qu’est que c’est, que L’Europe? C’est un Repaire d’horreurs.”
I think it is impossible, that you can have any Idea of what is going on in your native Country. I Send you, one Pamphlet sent me by Dr Morse. Shew it to Mr Belsham or Dr Disney. I will Soon Send you More.
A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 May 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

					my dear Son
					Quincy May 20th 1815

				This day compleats five weeks since my dear Boys embarked for Liverpool, and now I anticipate their arrival and your, and their Mothers joy at the prospect of meeting them. if it is equal to the pain I felt at parting with them, I can wish you no greater enjoyment. My Reason and judgment, both approved of their going to you, for they were approaching an Age, when more vigilance was necesary, to gaurd their Morals, and protect their innocences, than was, or could be in the power, of advanced Age, to afford. Caution, advice, even precept and example, are but weak barriers, against the ardour of youth, the warmth of passion, and the allurements of pleasure.George had set his mind upon entering colledge this year.—I thought him too young, too premature in his growth for his Age, and that his unripened judgment, would Subject him to become the prey, of every artfull designer, and Such you know there are in all Societies—a mind like Georges, ever active requires no common Share of vigilance, and attention to direct it RightIt is an observation of a judicious writer, that if we expect Boys, Should make valuable Men, they must continue, Some time, in the State of Boys; or they will never make men worth forming,” it is further Said, that against learning, against talents of any kind, nothing can Steady the Head, unless the heart is fortified with real Christianity. in raising the Moral edifice, we must Sink deep in proportion as we build high—Great thoughts make great minds.in our New England States, Rank is less thought of and practised than in any other part of the union. No Native white American will permit himself to be call’d a Servant, or acknowledge a Master. being the yeomanary of the Country, they consider their Rulers as the work of their own hands and as they really are; dependent upon them, for the power they possess—from hence arrises that familiarity in Society, between the rich and the poor; which levels distinction. Not so in Europe—upon this head, you will find it necessary to put the Children upon their gaurd, and to watch over them, as it respects any familiarity with Domesticks—George has by hereditary descent an unrivalled passion for Books. I Should have Supposed that his Grandfathers and your Library would have Satisfied him—but Sometimes he would contract a debt upon that Score. John, not having lived with you, and being younger, Reads and learns, and plays, as other School Boys do—in Some of his habits, he is more correct, than his Brother. I never knew him contract, even a Small debt, without knowing that he had the means to discharge it. he has a little too much, and confidence in himself, and independence, where experience is necessary. I am not a convert to Rousseau plan of Education. in the very Warmth, and impetuosity, of his character I perceive the germ of the most excellent qualities—under your watchfull care, and Study of their different tallents: I have no doubt they will prosper—God grant: they may prove worthy of their Ancestors—In this little history of their Characters, you will perceive my anxiety for them, not any distrust of Your ability to guide and direct them. George has a profound respect for You. John very tender feelings.I fear, now you  are so near to me I shall tax you too heavily—with my Letters—you are so punctual and regular in your Correspondence, and abroad at So eventfull a period of the civilized world, and upon the very Theatre of action, that I am loth to relinquish a Single Letter from you. that from Paris of the 21st of Febry was peculiarly interesting, and personally So. it brought to recollection Scenes of “olden Times” The Family interview, between, the Marquis Le Fayette, at Count de Tracy’s with all the Groupe you describe assembled to See the man, who had interested himself, and obtaind a partial liberation of one of the Family, held as a prisoner in a Foreign Country; together with recollections, of former kindness renderd the Same Family, when Prisoners, which no doubt was felt by the Marquiss, altho in your Letter you do not even allude to it—“Mercy is twice blest. it blesseth him that Gives and him that takes” How much more gratefull are the feelings, which Spring from benevolence and kindness to our fellow Creatures, than all the triumphs of conquerorsI have been much interested in your visit to Madam de Stael. I have been reading her Germany and think it the best of all her Works; which I have read. it is in high reputation here: and much read.—The original of the Letter which you wrote from St Petersburgh in March 1812, giving an account of your interview with her there; never came to hand and the press coppy was So faint, as to render it almost impossible to decypher it. it was laid by for Several months, hopeing to receive the original: when we found it did not come. Susan who has much perseverance, as well as curiosity; assisted by Caroline, and the help of a looking Glass—picked out most of it, and I took it down a few paragraphs are wholy lost. viz your replie to her question “whether you thought it right that America Should declare war against England?” if you have leisure, I Should like an accurate coppy of that Letter. your Letter of Jan‘ry from Brussells has not arrived—the packet in which I presume it was Sent, was lost at Sea—I have also to request coppies of the 3d and Seventh of these Letters Addrest to George upon the Bible, they never arrived.I have already written to you acknowledging your Letter of 19 & 20th March, Since which date we have not received any further accounts. I can only observe that the wrath, and bitterness, So lavishly bestowed upon the Emperor of France, has Subsided in a great degree. astonishment, Awe, and even a Respect for his tallents, his courage, his dareing enterprize has paralized all Parties. the Clergy know not how to pray about him. for him, few orisons are offerd. alass, allass, most of our N England Clergy have been, Ignorant Guides, leading the Blind, taking their opinions from party Newspapers, party Pamphlets, and English Partizens amongst us—to their dishonour, and disgrace, they have published against the President the administration and the Government as Many Bulls as the Popes against Heriticks. Cobbets Sausy letter addrest to them, contains too much truth, and in grose language, but it is even Surpast by that of Some of our Clergy. to my great Regreet, that teachers of Religion should so far forget the Precepts of their divine master, to Respect Rulers—and to live Peacably with all MenMy Paper leaves me only room to Say that I am your / affectionate mother

					A Adams


Title: From Charles Francis Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 May 1815
From: Adams, Charles Francis
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Dear Papa
					Havre 21 Mai 1815

				I am very sorry that I broke the glass, but I could not help it, and for that, I write you these verses.Tendre appuis de mes premiers ansToi qui pris soins de mon enfanceJe te dois tout, savoir, talens,Je te dois meme l’existence.De tant d’amour de tant de soinsLa récompense est ma tendressePapa, tu me verras un jour,Étré l’appui de ta vielliesse.Accept this offer, I am, dear Papa, / your dutiful, and / and affectionate Son,

					C F Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 May 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Quincy 26 May 1815

In the absence of your good Lady and daughter, whom I congratulate upon their excursion, I thought it a debt of Friendship to address a few lines to you by way of amusement, and in the first place I must exhort you to cultivate a cheerfullness of mind, which doeth good like a medicine. surely You are too much of a Phylosopher and a christian, to let the "Rubs and Stings of outrageous fortune" deprive you of that Serenity of mind which retrospect of a Life pure and unblameable before God and Man affords you—was it not for the enjoyment of civil and Religious Liberty that you resignd your establishments and quitted your Native Land, to become an inhabitent of this Still freer Country? and are you not daily doing good as you have opportunity. If a field is not opend to you for the improvement of your ten talents; the use of the five alloted to you more will not be required of you than is given, why then my good Sir do you So often Suffer the glooms of imagination to take Such fast hold of you? the facitious Pindar upon some occasion wrote thus

Care to our Coffin adds a nail, no doubt
And every grin So merry draws one out
I own I like to laugh and hate to Sigh
and think that visibility was given
For human happiness; by gracious heaven
And that we came not into Life to Cry;
“enjoy, be lively, innocent adore
And know that hea’n hath not one Angle more,
In concequence of groaning nuns and friars"
This is agreable to that admonition in the Scriptures which bids us rejoice always again I say rejoice—yet there are Seasons in human Life when we are calld upon to mourn as well as rejoice. such has been my portion, and my call—over the grave of my dear and only Sister, the Mother of mr Shaw whom you well know. Suddenly taken out of Life, tho always of a delicate frame constitution and feeble Frame. no sickness had recently assaild her, but wakeing from Sleep—a Sudden oppression upon her lungs Seizd upon her, with the Chill of death, and her pure Spirit without a Struggle assended to her Maker,—to me dear sir the Shock was great indeed, but her Life and character were Such as will be held in durable remembrance and upon her Tomb Stone might be engraved the Epitaph which Pope rote upon a Ladys—
"under neath this stone doth lie
as much virtue as could die
which when alive did vigor give
To as much virtue occurred live
in the words of her disconsolate husband, I have known her many Years, and under many trying circumstances. I think She was as near perfection as human nature could attain to. this Dear Sister it has pleased heaven to take from me, and tho her death is most keenly felt by me, and She was Several years younger, I consider her as more worthy the inheritance She possesses, a fitter being for the Society of the blessed—and that I am permitted a longer Sojourn to fullfill Some duty, to repent of Some omission or commission, to releive Some wants to correct Some errors to Sooth Some anguish; and happy Should I be if in this effort of Friendship I could dispell Some of that Gloom which appears to overshaddow the mind and distress the heart of mr vanderkemp
Thus my Friend may all those dear Friends who have gone before us and we who are Soon to follow rise to a happy life and of immortality in the day of final retribution, thus prays your Friend

A Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Steuben Smith, 30 May 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, William Steuben

My Dear Sir
Quincy May 30th 1815

Your favour of the 22nd has Sensibly affected me; You need not however regret your birth, nor that of your child; The House of an Ambassador wherever he is, is in the Territory of his own Sovereign, & his children or Grand children, or Great Grand Children, or any of his Country men, or Country Women attached to his Embassy, & born in the house, or under his protection, are natives of his Country; natural born subjects, or Citizens to all intents & purposes, as much as if they had been born in the palace of the first magistrate whom he represents
Mr Dupont de Nemour’s idea, is so far from being original that it is a common place observation, that we have no word in our language, that implies the exact idea of the Patria of the Romans, the Faderland of the Dutch or the Patrie of the French. Why should we not introduce Matria, instead of Patria? Mankind in general love their mothers, I believe, rather more tenderly than their fathers, & perhaps have more reason for it. I would propose to Mr Dupont Mothers land, if we must have a change, but I believe Country will do without any innovation. You & your Child were born in Fathers land & Mothers land, that is in your native Country, because you were born within its territory, under its jurisdiction & in its public service.
Your solicitude for a profession is amiable & laudable. A plan of life & an object in view, early in life & through life is of great importance to every man in this world, high or low, rich or poor, old or young. Your age is rather advanced to commence a novitiate in any profession; but better late than never. Your means & opportunities are unknown to me & therefore I am wholly incapable of advising you. Law, Physick & Divinity, ought to be all studied through life by every man who can read, Remember me to all, as your G F
John Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 May 1815
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

					my dear Son
					Quincy May 30th 1815

				My last Letter, was written last week, and addrest to mrs Adams, by the Amsterdam packet, which sail’d for Liverpool. it is now your turn, and I embrace the opportunity of introducing to you, a young Gentleman who was named for you, and whom you must recollect, as the Son of our Good Friends, dr and mrs Welch—he wishes to see you, and the Children, during the Short stay he will make in London.—I have every inducement, to wish you to Show him civilities, upon his own account, as a Solid industerious, active, enterprizing young man—And a merchant, Supporting a fair, and honorable Character, and much confided in by his employers. upon his parents account, who as Friends and relatives, have ever Shewn themselves Strongly attachd to the family, upon his Sister Harriets account, to whom he is a very dear Brother of her kindness under all the afflictions, which have assailed this Family for two years past, I cannot Say enough. her attentions have been unwearied, and unremitting to your Sons, she has been as an Elder Sister, to me as a daughter. She is a great favorite of your Fathers—At this time we are very anxious to hear every day, if we could, what is passing abroad. never was a period when curiosity was more alive or expectation more egar, or anxiety more active. I do not hear any one; of any party, express a desire; to See the Sword again unsheath’d. they look to Bonaparte, as the main Spring, and prime mover—the General voice is: why if the French Nation chuse to have him for their Sovereign; why let them peaceably enjoy him—we are looking with anxious expectation for the Milo. I hope to hear from you by her, and to learn the particulars of your presentation, as a Peace Minister—at St. Jame’s having had so active a part in the accomplishment of that event, you may excite as much curiosity, as a Major Sinclair, who Served in Canady under General prevost, manifested in a visit he made here to your Father. he came to Boston with Letters of introduction to Several gentlemen, and amongst others to mr G. Sullivan, who he got to introduce him here, being desirious of paying his respects to your Father, no only as having filld the first offices in the Country, but as the Gentleman who formerly Stood forth, as the advocate for Captain preston, upon the trial of the soldiers, for fireing upon the inhabitents of Boston on the 4 of march. he as pleasd to Say that Your Father was very popular, with the British officers upon that account, as I have since heard. he appeard much of a Gentleman. as his behaviour was alltogether Such, he is making a Tour of the country & is gone to N york, and Baltimore—I long to hear of the Safe arrival of my dear Boys to whom give my Love—I have the pleasure to Say our Friends here are all well—the Letter you mention having written from Brucelles has never been received. those from paris 21 Feb’ry, and 14th march I have already acknowledgdI am my ever dear and beloved Son / your affectionate / Mother

					Abigail Adams.