Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 July 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My most affectionate friend
Washington July 6th. 1806

I last night recieved your truely tender and kind letter words cannot describe the feelings with which I read it my heart swelled with gratitude and love and I almost ceased to think the stroke so bitter which proved to me how dear I am to your heart.
Your plan is so perfectly agreeable that I beg you will take the house and if possible have it prepared and my Children with you by the time I arrive which I hope will be by the middle of next month if not before Dr. May will accompany us all the way to Boston I shall therefore not be under the necessity of troubling you to meet me at New York I propose to go by water from Baltimore as the least fatiguing mode of Travelling, at this season of the year shall rest one day at Philadelphia and one at New York I shall write you a line from that place that you may if possible be ready to meet me in Boston as I do not wish to go to Quincy untill I have seen you and my darling Babes and I do not think my spirits equal just yet to the meeting Mrs. T.B.A. with her infant the mind I am convinced my beloved friend partakes insensibly of the weakness of the frame and there are times when we require the utmost indulgence to enable us to attain a proper degree of fortitude you will therefore I am sure excuse and gratify this request and only pity a weakness which I trust you will not condemn—I should think Mr Waterhouse or Mr Greenleaf might perhaps hear of a woman and engage her before my arrival or you may perhaps find some one at Quincy that would suit us if not Mrs. Whitcomb might be able to procure one in Boston you had better enquire of each though I fear to give you too much trouble—
Should you not be able to meet me in Boston let Shaw look out for us at Concert Hall and give us your directions that I may know how to proceed immediately if Dr. May is ready I shall leave this place the 23d of this month You must therefore write as soon as possible or I shall not recieve your letter and send it to Town or it is two days longer coming—
It is reported that Jerome Buonaparte is taken by the English I am reading the Secret Memoirs of St Cloud I wish you could see them.—
Adieu my best beloved and most affectionate friend may every blessing await you and my lovely Children and may we soon find comfort in a happy meeting for our past severe affliction is the ardent prayer of your
L C Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 July 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy July 7th 1806.

I sympathize with you in the loss you have sustained, and rejoice that the event did not prove fatal to the mother, as well as Child. Let me hear from you when you get a Letter from Washington.
your affectionate
Mother A Adams—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Smith Shaw, 10 July 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Shaw, William Smith

My dear Friend.
Cambridge 10. July 1806.

I have received an invitation from Mr: Boylston, to dine with him to-morrow—If you see him in town between this and then, will you be so good as to tell him that I much regret that I cannot come, as to-morrow at 2. O’Clock I commence my course of Lectures—And having already postponed it for two weeks, I cannot put it off again.
To-day also I am detained here, on account of the Declamations—But on Saturday I propose to go in to Boston in the morning; and to do my business with Mr: Dexter and Genl: Jackson—And in the afternoon I mean to go out to Quincy—
Send me by Dr: Waterhouse, a Catalogue of the Books to be sold at Auction to-morrow—And if there are any good ones among them that I want I will mark them and send you a list of them by the Mail to-morrow Morning—
Your’s truly.
John Quincy Adams.


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

Washington July 11th. 1806

Accept my best beloved friend the sincere congratulations of your wife whose prayers are humbly offered to the author of all good for your happiness and to grant you many many happy returns of this day that it may be the last which we may pass in affliction and separated—
This day poor little Archibald was consign’d to the earth close by our dear little babe and poor Boyd and his wife are in the deepest affliction how much this second stroke has renew’d my grief you may readily imagine and my impatience to reach home increases every hour I strive my best friend to attain fortitude but nature will prevail and there are moments in which I find it nearly impossible to conceal the feelings of my heart nothing but the sight of you and my darling children can alone restore me to happiness—
We have just heard of the death Aunt Cook—Mon Amie my spirits are so much depressed I feel almost incapable of writing Kiss my little cherubs God bless you and grant that we may soon meet to part no more.
L. C. AdamsI send you the Bill of Lading for the things


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 13 July 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Louisa.
Quincy 13. July 1806.

I wrote you from Cambridge last Tuesday, and then promised that my next should be from this place—Yesterday morning I walked from Cambridge into Boston, intending to come here in the Stage—My Passage was engaged, and I waited from four O’Clock in the afternoon, at Whitcomb’s untill Six expecting the Stage to call for me; but he came away and left me—having previously engaged as many passengers as he could bring—I had then the alternative of walking back to Cambridge or of walking out here, and the impatience to see our darling boys prevailing over every other consideration I determined upon the latter part of this alternative—I accordingly walk’d out; and although somewhat fatigued when I got here, feel no inconvenience from it this morning—The Evening was quite cool, and I walk’d leisurely—I took me just two hours and a half.—I found all our friends here well; and particularly our dear boys—I have not indeed yet seen George, but shall see him before I close this letter—
While I was in Boston yesterday, I finished the business respecting the houses; completed the deed by which that in half-Court-Square was conveyed, and received from Mr: Lowell his deed of those at the bottom of the Common—We have now the satisfaction of, being at any time able with a quarter’s notice, to go into a convenient and comfortable house in Boston. In many respects more convenient than any we have heretofore lived in; though in some others not so good as that where we formerly resided in Hanover Street—Cambridge will however be to me a necessary Summer-Residence as long as we continue to go to Washington in the Winter, and I shall probably engage for a year the house which I have heretofore mentioned to you, which is within a quarter of a mile of the Colleges.
The day before yesterday, I delivered my first Lecture, and am to continue to give one every week untill Commencement, and after the vacation again, untill the time of departure for Washington, in November—I am yet at a great disadvantage for writing them, having scarcely any books at hand, and no place for putting any up—But I must make out as well as I can; and the fewer books I have, the longer it takes me to write—I likewise attend once a week at the public declamations—This is a much more tedious labour than the other.
I believe I made a more accurate calculation for Mrs. T. B. Adams, than she made for herself—She is not yet confined; though her own time has long been past—Miss Ann Beale was married last week to Mr: Wales.
I have seen in the newspapers some account of the new dispute between the two Randolph’s and some of them have gone so far as to appoint the day upon which they were to meet which they fixed on the 28th: of last month—But I have seen a Richmond Enquirer of 4. July, in which the War seems still carried on upon papers; in which I suppose it will end. As far as I have seen there is no real Cause alledged for which they could reasonably quarrel, and if either of them should kill the other, he would be very much puzzled to give to himself or to any other person the why—But the real Reason is concealed—The real reason is the antagonism of ambition, and the rankling at heart of political opposition—I hope they will take care to shoot none but the paper bullets of the brain.
The newspapers have pretended that William Smith, (my Sister’s Son) was one of the persons taken in Miranda’s Schooners—But this was a misrepresentation, or mistake—They have had letters from William dated 12. June, after the capture of the Schooners, when he was yet safe—But would you believe that the Marquis Yrujo wrote a letter to Genl: Dayton, with intimations that William Smith was one of the prisoners—That they would all be put to death, unless by some powerful intercession, some single individuals of them might be spared; and that he would intercede for William, on condition, that Coll. Smith would discover to him every thing that he knew of Miranda’s plans, and the names of the Spaniards with him; and in short every thing that could be confess’d by a criminal under sentence of death, to save himself—The Coll. returned a very spirited, indignant, and proper answer—I wish William was at home—I wish neither he nor his father had ever had any concern with this knight-errant expedition—But I had rather tremble, nay I had rather weep for my friends than blush for them. Yrujo knew little of Coll: Smith, or of any person who feels an interest of blood or of affection in his Son, if he thought they would save his life upon such a proposition—It gives a despicable opinion of his own heart, that he could make it, or expect any advantage from it—The Coll:’s trial is fixed for to-morrow, and unhappily Judge Patterson will not be there—What the Government mean to do for him or Ogden, time will shew—As far as relates to Coll: Smith the President I should think has already done enough—He has ruined him as completely as his heart could wish—More is unnecessary.
I brought George home with me from Meeting this day—He is very well—The brothers are always very happy to see each other.
I intended to have sent you a copy of my inaugural Oration, which has been printed, and criticised. But all the copies I have are at Cambridge—I put up a number in my trunk to bring with me yesterday—But the Cambridge Stage, came away and left my trunk behind.
George is at my elbow and sends his duty to Mama. your’s faithfully

J. Q. Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 July 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My best friend
Washington July 20th. 1806

I last night recieved your letters of the 10 and 13 together and the extreme satisfaction of learning that your long silence was not caused by any new misfortune and that your health and that of our dear children was good. Your mother and, Sister Smith both wrote me last week who writes in better spirits than I expected. I am not surprizedat any thing Yrujo does. He has every reason to think himself licenced to behave with insolence. I presume the trial is over. The great folks here when the time came declined attending.
Your mother writes me that you apply so closely to this permit me to say strange occupation of yours that she is fearful you will materially injure your health. Mon Arnie I grant as you have undertaken the business that it is necessary to attend to it but your family have some call on you as well as the public and the place you fill will become more odious to me than ever if it is to occasion you to neglect your children and deprive you of seeing them at least once in eight days untill my return. From the stile of your last letter I fear even my society will prove unwelcome and you meant it as a warning for me not to claim any part of your time but having relinquished almost all claim to it in the winter for some time I am the less willing to give it up in the Summer and the separation I have endured makes my claim the stronger.
I am not yet quite certain as to the day on which I shall leave this place but presume it will be on Wednesday or Thursday at the farthest. Dr. May is anxious to travel more rappidly than with prudence can. I shall therefore probably go with Capt. Hull who is returning to Boston from the Medeteranian and is said to be a very respectable man. You may expect me in a fortnight as this gentleman intends staying in New York three or four days. If John Smith is ready to accompany me I shall not stay more than one night. My anxiety to see you and my Children is almost insupportable. I cannot feel one moment of happiness untill I again behold and clasp you to the heart of your most affectionately devoted

L. C. AdamsIf you write again send your letter to your Sister at New York. My health is better than it has been for many months.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to William Smith Shaw, 20 July 1806
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Shaw, William Smith

My Dear Son,
Atkinson July 20th. 1806

There is not anything which lies nearer my heart, or more deeply affects my mind, than the welfare, & happiness of my two Children, both here, & in a future state of Existence. For you, Is my fondest wish, my ardent Prayer. And you judged rightly, when you informed me of your late appointment, to believe, I should sincerely rejoice in any circumstance which might afford you a decent support, & add to your comfort & respectability—But for this unsought & unexpected favour, you must look with gratitude to him, who has graciously said, “I will be a God to you, & to your Children”—The prayers offered, & the Blessing implored by your pious Ancestors, you perhaps, now are experiencing there Efficacy; for ever since you came into life my Son, you have been highly favoured—This ought certainly to fill your whole Soul with gratitude to heaven, & benevolence to man; with an ardent desire to honour Him, from whom cometh the “most perfect Gifts”—by cheerfully performing with Zeal & fidelity the duties of your Station. Whoever sustains a public office, is a Servant of the people, & responsible for its just, & equitable performance—I think you have too much ambition, goodness, & sensibility of heart, not to be apprised, & fully apprized impressed with the necessity of method & regularity in business, that a prompt, & very punctual discharge be evident, honourable, convenient & profitable to yourself, & greatly satisfactory to the public—To those in office, or in a professional line, the confidence of the people is essential—And, bad as the world is, to obtain this, no sacrifice of truth, honour or justice is requisite, but to exell in these Virtues, is the best mean to obtain their esteem & Suffrages—the approbation of the worthy of each Sex—You I trust, have hitherto escaped the snares of female seduction, & your mind is uncontaminated by scenes of Vice—But neither the plaudits of the world, the Emoluments of buisiness, nor the splendor of Riches, will avail but little in the scale of happiness, unless you can find a virtuous woman—whose mental powers will enliven the domestic circle, whose sweetness of disposition will meliorate Evils; & with sentiments congenial to your own, heighten the pleasures of Life—
“Oh bless’d with temper, whose unclouded ray,
Can make tomorrow, cheerful as to day.”
Whenever you have obtained an “elegant sufficiency,” I hope my Son, you will make choice, (& not till then,) of such an One for your Partner of—You, who need not roam for sights of connubial bliss, will not want any further incentive—happy that you can count so many within the circle of your acquaintance—But a Mothers heart often recoils, I fear—I tremble, for you my dear Son, when I consider how many virtues are requisite to form an happy union—a connection which nothing less dreadful than Death, is able to dissolve—
What sagacity & prudence, what caution, & close examination is necessary, before the dye is cast, upon which depends the whole coulour of your future Life—When I daily see the disguise, the duplicity which is practiced, & the negation of principle, of sincerity which prevails, I know not how you can come at a just estimate, & can only advise in general terms—to be cautious, deliberate, & circumspect—For notwithstanding unforeseen contingencies often determine our fate, yet, let Virtue, Knowledge, Industry Oeconomy, filial affection, or obedience, be viewed as things indespensable, as of the utmost importance in the Character, while youth, beauty, & fortune are but secondary objects—
Your Lot has fallen among some of the loveliest of Women, & you must have imbibed the most exalted Idea of female excellence—By a  nearer alliance may it not be lessened, but increase in a tenfold Ratio—If I am not deceived, your heart is susceptive of some of the best affections—You have hitherto viewed the nuptial state, as a beautiful Landscape, whose original, perhaps, you might, never reach. You have stood upon the “mount, & with ardent eye, viewed the fair Perspective, but never have been permitted to possess the happy Land—or taste the Fruit of Eden—For, believe me my Son, there is no state in life, so productive of genuine happiness, as that which was Instituted by the Lord of life, & sanctioned by his lovely presence—
I have been led insensibly into this train of thought—Perhaps you may think my advice premature, or unnecessary, but when I consider how much depends upon your marriage, & your previous conduct I cannot believe my suggestions too early. For, whenever your business is sufficient to support a Family, I hope you will make no delay, to make a wise choice, & find that rich blessings “are twisted with your Bands”—But, unless you my Son, essentially alter in some of your Habits, for it is always, comely, & frugal to be Neat, I shall pity the Woman—
As I seldom say anything upon political affairs, you, perhaps, may think my letter very uninteresting; but when we consider the fatal effects of ungoverned Passions—virulence & party Spirit, in the recent Instance of Silfredge, & the unfortunate Austin, we cannot be too much guarded against malice, evil speaking, & unbridled Anger which is too often excited by Politicks—We may assert things in the form of a Question, stand upon safe ground, & quit the field with honour, but it never helps even a good cause to be positive—overbearing—& voilent—
I hope you have been attentive to your Sister, since she has been near you—She is every way worthy of your notice & fraternal affection
Send home by her, any work, you may want done, & do not forget that you have a Mother ever solicitous for the welfare of her Son—May he experience the smiles of heaven, is the fervent petition, of
Elizabeth Peabody—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 29 July 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mother
Cambridge 29. July 1806

By the last Letters I have received from my wife I expect she will reach Boston by the last of this week, or the beginning of the next—The House in which Mr: Ware lives will not be vacant untill after Commencement, and Mr: Pearson, proposing to sell his declines letting it—He is indeed in Treaty now, for the sale of it.
I have therefore concluded to go into my House at Quincy again for the remainder of the Summer—I shall have to come to Cambridge not more than two or three times before Commencement; and then the vacation will carry us to the last of September—
I will thank you, if you can to have such little things done at my house this week that we can go into it immediately—The materials I presume are all there—Newell’s father, ask’d me some time ago to take his son Charles—I should be glad now to engage him immediately—If possible, procure me also a woman, for cooking &c—At any rate I wish to go into the House next Monday—I shall be gratified in spending the rest of the Summer, again in your neighbourhood.
The enclosed for my father is from Judge Dana.
Your affectionate Son
John Quincy Adams


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

Philadelphia July 30 1806

Having arrived thus far safely my best friend I write you a few lines merely to inform you that I have borne the journey much better than I could possibly have expected though I find myself unable to proceed as rappidly as I wished we arrived here this morning at two o clock  Came by Water from Baltimore with 60 passengers in the Newcastle Packett all Irish just arrived in this Country We left Washington on Saturday I was so much exhausted when we got in that I could not proceed untill Monday My stay in New York will depend on John Smith who I hope will be ready I sincerely rejoice in the acquital of Col. Smith of which I never doubted Capt Hull and Mr. Dure under whose protection we travel have treated us with the utmost attention and politeness I am fearful they have found us very troublesome companions—
A dreadful circumstance has just taken place in this town R. Morris has gone off after having forged Bills to the Amount of a hundred thousand Dollars his family are very much distressed.
Adieu my beloved friend God bless you and my lovely Boys whom I hope soon to clasp to the heart of your sincerely affectionate wife
L. C. Adamsfavor’d by Mr. Cassin


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 August 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My best friend
New York August 3d. 1806

I arrived here yesterday after a very fatiguing journey but find my health tolerably good Your Sister is in charming health and spirits and I think looks better than I ever saw her Capt Hull on his arrival here recieved new orders and is uncertain about going on to Newport however as Mrs Smith insists on our staying here untill after Commencement I hope we shall if he should not proceed be able to find some person going that way under whose protection I can place myself I have not yet seen John or the Col. but your Sister says he will not go on as he wishes to pay a visit to his Uncle Smith before he leaves this part of the Country—
I am much disappointed in the alteration of in your arrangements but it cannot be helped so I must make the best of it—
Young Mr Duer of this place travel’d with us from Washington he is a young man of very promissing talents he is lately from New Orleans and perfectly enthusiastic in its praise I never met with so much politeness and attention in my life from any person and regret very much that I cannot introduce him to you as I am sure you would be much pleased with him and might gain considerable information respecting that Country—
I do not think it would be worth while to take a stage to Quincy I shall therefore go on to Boston which will be much less expensive I shall however be cruelly disappointed if I do not meet you there indeed I wish if it were possible you could meet in Providence but I do not ask it as I know it would be attended with great inconvenience as soon as the time for my departure is fixed I will write that you may know when to expect me you do not mention the Children I hope however they are well Kiss them for me and teach them to expect me I left directions respecting any letters that might arrive Adieu as I approach the Place which contains all I hold most dear my impatience encreases to clasp you to the heart of your devoted wife
L. C. AdamsI presume the Vessel will be arrived with the things I will thank you to tell Mr Shaw to enquire for the Dog I sent of the Capt.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 August 1806
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Sister,
Atkinson August 11th. 1806

Last week I went to Newburyport to accompany Capt Peabody, when I returned a Letter from my Sister Cranch was handed me, which announced the joyful tidings of the birth of your Grandchild—Most sincerely I congratulate you, & the Parents, who by this circumstance I suppose, are made completely happy—I long to clasp my dear Thomas & Nancys little Bantling to my bosom, I hope it will live, and be a blessing to its connections—& I trust I shall this Fall make a visit to Quincy, & then I shall see what a charming Mamma she makes—
I was happy to see by the Papers, that Col. Smith was honourably acquited—His dear Wife must have gone through many distressing scenes—I remember what our sagacious mother used to predict, “that she was born to exhibit great Virtues”—& she has had an unusual call for there Exercise—I hope Col Smith will be restored to his Office, I think it the least compensation the Heads of Government can make—
Col Smith appears through the medium of the news Papers, to have conducted agreeably to the Dignity becoming his rank, & Character I hope we shall yet see our dear amiable William & all rejoice together—
But in this life, how quick are the successions of Joy, & Sorrow—While I am rejoicing with you, upon the birth of a new-born Infant & the safty of your House,  I cannot forbear to mourn with you, & the distressed family, the sudden loss of two worthy members of your Neigbourhood—by an accidently Death—Such Events are indeed shocking to the human heart—& is more than near relatives are able to bear, unless supported by the “Widows God”—may she find present help, now her “Lover & friend is put far away”—The loss of Mr Mitchel, must be an interruption to the Presidents Agricultural arrangements—for a capable honest Tenant, is a valuable acquisition & the bereavement in such a sudden manner very affecting & unfortunate—
I am very glad to hear my Abby is in better health—Debility seemed to be her disorder, & the Salt air has hitherto been favourable—I hope she will see her Aunt Goodwin in Boston, if she, as she frequently comes to commencement, should happen this year to be in Town, I wish Abby may be fortunate enough to know it—that she may pay her respects to her Fathers only Sister—I wish her Brother would enquire—
I fear Abbys visit has been so long, that she will tire her friends—I believe her Father will go to Cambridge in a Chaise, & she can come home with him—Last week as I was gone, my letter to her did not go on by the mail, I suppose she looked sober that she did not recieve one from Mamma She has been a good Girl, & has written to me often—
I must close with best respects, & love Where due, from your / Affectionate Sister

Elizabeth PeabodyExcuse the badness of the writing, I fear the mail will pass on—


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to William Smith Shaw, 24 August 1806
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Shaw, William Smith

My Dear Son,
Atkinson August 24th, 1806.

There is not anything in this world, which lies nearer my heart, or more deeply affects my Mind, then the welfare & happiness of my two Children both here, & in a future state of existence. For you,
Is my fondest wish, my ardent Pray’r.
And you judged rightly, when you informed me of your late appointment to believe I should sincerely rejoice in any circumstance, which might afford you a decent support, & add to your  respectability. But for this unsought, & unexpected Favour, you must look with gratitude to Him, who has graciously said, “I will be a God to you, & to your Children.” The Prayers offered, & the Blessings implored by your pious Ancestors, you now (perhaps) are experiencing there effacacy; for ever since you came into life, you have been most highly favoured. This certainly ought to fill your whole Soul with gratitude to Heaven, & benevolence to Man; with an ardent desire to honour Him, “from whom cometh the most perfect Gifts, by cheerfully performing with Zeal & fidelity, the duties of your Station.
Whoever sustains a publick Office, is a Servant of the People, & responsible for its right & equitable performance. I think you have too much ambition, goodness of heart, & sensibility, not to be apprised, & fully impressed with the necessity of Method, & Regularity, that a prompt, & very punctual discharge of business may be evident, honourable, convenient & profitable to yourself, & greatly satisfactory to the Publick. To those in Office, or in a Professional Line, the confidence of the People is essential, & bad as the World is, to obtain this, no sacrifice of truth, honour, or Justice is necessary, but to excell in these Virtues, is the best mean to ensure their Esteem, & Suffrages, the approbation, & cordial wishes of the good & worthy of each Sex.—
Hitherto my Son, I trust you have escaped the snares of female Seduction, & your mind is uncontaminated by Scenes of Vice. But the approbation of the world, the Emoluments of Business, nor the splendor of Riches, will avail but little, in the scale of happiness, unless you can find a virtuous Woman, whose mental capacity will enliven the domestic Circle, & whose sweetness of disposition can meliorate the Evils, of Life, & with sentiments congenial to your own, heighten the pleasures of Life—
“Oh! blessed with temper, whose unclouded ray,
Can make tomorrow, cheerful as to day.”
Whenever you have obtained an “elegant sufficiency,” I hope, my Son, you will make choice of such an One for your Partner. You, who need not roam for sights of connubial Bliss, will not want any further incentive; happy that you can count so many within the Circle of your Acquaintance. But a Mothers heart often recoils, when she daily beholds the disguise, the duplicity, the negation of principle, of Sincerity which prevails.— I fear,—I tremble for you my Son, when I consider how many virtues are requisite to form an happy Connection—A Union, which nothing less dreadful than Death, can dissolve—Therefore, what sagacity, prudence, & pervading Eye, is necessary before the dye is cast, upon which depends the whole  of your future life—I am sensible that unforeseen contingencies, often determine our fate, but notwithstanding, be cautious—be circumspect—Let Virtue, Knowledge, Industry, Oeconomy be viewed as of importance, while youth, beauty, & fortune, are but secondary Objects—Your Lot has fallen among some of the loveliest of Women, & you must have imbibed the most exalted Idea of female Excellence. By a  nearer alliance, may it not be lessened, but increase in a tenfold Ratio.—If I am not deceived, your heart is susceptive of the best affections, & have viewed the nuptial State, as a beautiful Landscape, whose original, perhaps, you might never reach—You have stood “upon the Mount,” & with ardent Eye, beheld the fair Perspective—but never have been permitted to reach the happy land—or taste the Fruit of Eden. Believe me my Son, when I say, that there is no state in life, which may be so productive of genuine happiness, as that, which was Instituted by the Lord of Life, & sanctioned by his lovely presence—
I have insensibly been led into this train of thought, perhaps you may think my advice unnecessary, but when I consider how much depends upon your marriage, & previous conduct, I cannot think my suggestions premature—For whenever your business will afford, or maintain a family & not till then, make no delay. Let your fancy, be approved by mature Judgment, then you may find, “blessings twisted with your bonds”—But my Son, unless you essentially alter, in some of your Habits, (for it is always comely, & frugal to be neat,) I shall pity the woman—
As I seldom say anything upon political affairs, you may think my letter very uninteresting. But when we consider the fatal effects of virulence, ungoverned Passion, occasioned by party Spirit, instanced in the recent affair of Selfridge, & the unfortunate Austin, we are shocked, & cannot be too much on our guard against malice, slander, & the Ebulitions of unbridled Anger, & dire Revenge, too often excited by Politicks—
It is no evidence of a good Cause to be positive, & over-bearing—We may assert things modestly in the form of a question, stand upon safe ground, & at any time quit the field with honour—
I shall expect your Sister to return with your Father, I hope you have paid her some attention, she is every way worthy of your notice, & fraternal affection—Send home by her anything you want done, & do not forget that you have a Mother ever solicitous for the health & happiness of her Son—who with sentiments peculiar to that endearing / Relation, subscribes
Elizabeth Peabody


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Smith Shaw, 3 September 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear Sir.
Quincy 3. September 1806.

I now enclose you the auctioneer’s Bill and will thank you to make out the list of the Books, by their titles, with the prices fixed against them, and get the receipt of the auctioneer upon it, as received of me, which will be necessary for me as a voucher—There are only two volumes (Mason on Elocution, and Carey’s Pocket Atlas, which I purchased for myself, and are not to be included in the list—I have put them apart at Wells’s—The others are all in a trunk—Be kind enough to have the Set of the Historical Society’s publications also ready at Wells’s for  packing up with the rest as soon as possible.
Your’s truly.
J. Q. Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Frances Harrod Adams, 20 September 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Ann Frances Harrod

My dear Nancy
Quincy Sepbr. 20 1806

Having finishd my Farm House avocations I sit down to inquire how you are, and how my dear little Girl is after your journey. the fog of the morning I feard would prevent your Sitting out early, and make it late before you reachd the much longed for paternal Habitation. I could enter into all your sensations upon approaching it, and meeting again a kind and affectionate Mother after a long seperation, with in a new character, and with a little Darling to present to her. I hope all your expectations are realized, and that after the first joy of meeting and the How do ye’s & How do yes are over, you will find time to answer all my questions; The morning after you left me—you know I had to receive the cavalcade which I presume you met, tho upon inquiry of mr Shaw he could not give any account of you, but mrs Harper inquired if the Lady had an infant with her, and my replying that she had, she said, she met a very pretty Lady in a chaise, & wonderd who she was—no sooner was the visit over than I had to undress myself and take to my bed having been seized most violently with the disorder common to the Season. in a few Hours it weakened me to such a degree, that I was obliged to send for the Dr. a terrible pain in the Head, and fever came on, so that for three Days I kept my chamber the applications relieved me; but that and the extreem Heat so debilitated me that untill this day upon the Change of weather I have not Strength to write you a line.
Mr Adams returnd on Wednesday evening for some papers, complaind much of the Heat, went again in the morning, and this day have sent mr J Greenleaf to bring him home I learn that he has been very successfull this week in obtaining his causes.
Mrs Cranch has just sent me your Letter of the 18 I rejoice to learn that you and the Baby are well I hope the pig may prove benificial, but if the Mother would not eat of a pig when it was sit before her, why should the child want it—only a pig is to cure all longings. Well if we can believe such vagaries, why should we laugh at those who believe in Faries witches &c Anatomist tell us that the inward parts of a Hog resemble those of the Humane Species more than any other animal the Brains but I never heard of any peculiar virtue in the Brains of a pig.—
Your sister Foster is still—as the country folks say, stiring about. I wish I could hear she was well a bed—least she should lose her Nurse—unless mrs Minot should follow the ten Months fashion—Susan desires to be rememberd to you, and the little Girl—little John continues unwell yet—the rest of the family are well—I hope to get well enough to go to visit Judge Cushings next week—I shall write to you when you I return. adieu my dear Nancy take good care of your Health and my little Girl who I hope will fatten upon the native soil of her Mother. Mrs Quincy came yesterday to see us, and desired to be kindly rememberd to you—
My kind regards to your Mother and Love to Betsy—tell her She must not be too witty upon my little Girl, tho it made us all laugh Heartily a Ladys writing is often call’d pot Hooks and trammels—mine I think bears a near resemblence to them, but it requires not the aid of fine writing to say that I am / most affectionatly your / Mother
A Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Smith Shaw, 6 November 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear Shaw.
Quincy 6. November 1806.

We lost a basket with Caroline’s Clothes in it, from the Chaise as we were coming out of Boston this Evening—I will thank you to have the enclosed advertisement inserted in the Centinel on Saturday Morning—And call at Whitcomb’s, and request him to pay the reward offered, if the basket should be brought there; and charge it to me.
Mrs: Adams has concluded to take Mr: Gulliver’s Apartments—I promised to send him a final answer to morrow or on Saturday—I must therefore entreat you to call on him, and tell him that we shall consider the engagement as positive, on the terms agreed between him and me—We are to have the lower Room—chamber and upper chamber—together with a place for the maid to sleep in—We to furnish the Rooms—He to provide every thing else in the way of board—fire–wood & candles—I told him there would be two fires constantly kept—And the Ladies will have their table by themselves—All this we agreed upon as Mr: Gulliver will recollect—We shall send in the furniture, and move ourselves, next Monday week—the 17th: instt:—Do not fail to give him the notice to-morrowyour’s
J. Q, Adams.
P.S. Mr: Gulliver keeps a Store at the corner of Merchant’s Row, State-Street—where you will be most likely to find him.


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

My best friend
Boston Novbr: 25 1806

As I know no subject is half so agreeable to you as the Children, I hasten to write you, that they are well, that George attends pretty steadily to his french, though with some reluctance, and John goes to school and is very anxious to overtake George in French, that Papa may bring him a horse. the School Mistress is much delighted with John, she is Cousin to Miss Hanah Adams Mr. T Greenleaf was in Town to day and came to see us, your family were all well but Mrs. T. B who is again sick of the Rheumatism—I have seen Mr. Shaw but twice since you left us He is much occupied in attending his friend Walter who is very ill.
I have not a word to communicate as I have seen no one but Mr. W. Pain and Mr. S. Higginson who you know is always kind enough to take forlorn Damsel’s under his protection Mr. J. Gore and J Hale likewise visited us but we were out Caroline accompanied Mr. & Mrs. H. to a Ball to which Mr. Gore came in Person to invite us—
A general now in Boston says he was offer’d the command of an army in the W. Country. this is report
I see by the Papers that Poor Madame B. has lost her Husband I pity her from my heart this however is a misfortune which she must have expected
We are anxious to hear from Mrs. Smith I wish very much to know if she has recieved any late News of her Son in whose fate I feel the sincerest interest I shall write her very soon. Not one of my old friends have yet been near us not even the Welch’s or Otis’s—
Pray remember me to Mrs. Tracy Dana &c and to the Quincy and Cranch families we expect if Shaw does not disappoint us to send the Box and your Boots if possible next Week—
Adieu my best beloved friend I already long for your return though not in a situation to make this desire dangerous but so it is I can neither live with or without you and am sincerely and affectionately
L. C. A.
P.S. Remember me affectionately to all the family and tell them we have  not heard from them since the 30th.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to Thomas Cadwalader, 6 December 1806
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Cadwalader, Thomas

Dear Sir.
Quincy 6th: December 1806.

It is not my practice to omit altogether, however I may sometimes unreasonably, postpone the acknowledgment of a business letter; and I am not a little surprized to find a letter of this description from you upon my file of unanswered communications. The only reason I can assign for this neglect is such as will hardly pass for an excuse, so that I shall throw myself upon your clemency without any apology whatever save that which your conjecture anticipated; viz, the plan you suggested to me, upon the best information I can obtain would not succeed here, for the reasons I gave in my last letter. An Advertisement of the conditions, which you Should think fit to prescribe for the sale of those lands in the interior of your State, would be the most likely method of ensuring proposals from such as might desire to emigrate from this quarter, but as you want assurances of such a disposition to encourage you to embark in the enterprize I am wholly unable to point out an eligible plan for the accomplishment of your wishes.
The return of your Sister to her native land, under circumstances and in a character So enviable, is a fair occasion of congratulation to you. Mr: Erskine has resided in the United States long enough to acquire a competent knowledge of our dispositions toward his Country, and he will not find it difficult to cultivate friendly relations, provided he can overlook trifles of a more or less disgusting nature, at the Seat of government. The capture of Buenos Ayres and the immense outlet it will afford for British manufactures, may help to keep the good people from starving under the operation of our non-importation laws; and it is not improbable that the Trade of the Empire may survive the act which was designed to prostrate and humble it at the feet of our double headed Embassy.
Present my best compliments to your lady and her little flock, and  / Believe me very truly, / Your friend
Thomas B. Adams.
P.S. Do me the favor to send the enclosed to the Port Folio Office—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 December 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Boston Decbr. 7th. 1806.

I am all impatience to hear from you, my beloved friend, and cannot concieve the reason, of your not having written from New York, according to your promise. there are some reports about that have occasioned me some much uneasiness and I wish very much to learn, that our friends there are all well, not a line having been recieved here. I have sent your Bank book, &c, as you desired, and have not yet hear’d any thing from Osgood.
Mr. Shaw was here to day, and took George to meeting and to pay several visits, where he made him read french; I do not like to refuse Shaw, but I fear it will be of no service to the Child, as he already possesses a degree of Vanity, very unusual in a child of his age, and it makes him fancy that he has already learnt enough—I am sorry to say that I much fear, he will not benefit from my instructions, he having sense enough to draw comparisons, between your skill and mine, in the art of tuition—however I will do my best, and if he loses, you must make due allowance. John can repeat la Cigale, he is very anxious to get the Rocking Horse.
Decbr. 9th.
I have just recieved your letter, my beloved friend, but cannot concieve why you sent it to Quincy. most sincerely was I rejoiced to learn, that Col. S. was in New York, as it was here confidently asserted, that he had gone to the westward, which caused great anxiety to your family—
Your journey must have been amusing, at least, if as we are told, “variety is charming.” it would however, have been much more so, had your very pleasant companion not quitted you so early. but being free, and unshackled as you now are, must certainly add considerably to your enjoyment.
We go on here as well as I expected, Sally however could not support the what she termed, horrors of the situation. after quitting me, and living one week with Mrs. G. (who promised her 9 Shillings a week, and gave her  6) went of to Quincy, where she expects to live with your Mother. She has however condition’d to return to me, in the Spring. I have got a very good Girl from Groton, and I believe I shall be a gainer by the exchange. Caroline has been very sick but is now much recover’d.
I have been visited by a few ladies, Mrs. George Blake sat with us near an hour. your Brother & Sister were in Town yesterday, and your father came to see us last Saturday was a week. we spent thanksgiving alone, it was a very disagreeable day, by the by, the Seats are so very high at Lowels meeting house, I have not ventured to take one. I think therefore it would be better, to take the one  in Brattle Square. Mr Shaw tells me the  at present, pays you rent for it. I wish  let me know if we can have it, as  the Children go. I know you will smile at the request, but this is a subject upon which I cannot dwell. as it is one upon which you and I much fear, you and I can never agree—
Adieu, my best beloved friend, remember me to all who enquire after me, and believe me most sincerely yours
L. C. A.I have sent the Box by a Baltimore Vessel your Boots are in it—The bills for the articles I enclose for Mr. Hellen with a request to forward the money as soon as convenient it must be here by Xmas


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 14 December 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Boston Decbr. 14 1806

I have just recieved your letter of the 5, my beloved friend, and can only lament, that the extreme irregularity of the Mails, should have caused you unnecessary anxiety. I have written to you twice, and trust ere this, your mind is perfectly at ease on our account. I am sorry however, to be obliged to tell you, that George has a very bad Cough, and that I am very unwell with a Sore Throat, and Cold. the weather is excessively severe, and as usual very trying to my foolishly delicate constitution. This house is one of the Coldest I ever lived in, it leaks in almost every part of it. The time is short which we have to remain in it, and I dare say we shall make out very well. George goes on with his french, but as I have already told you, it is out of my power to make him speak it, nor will he repeat his fables. I hear him read morning, and evening, regularly, and nothing has hitherto caused us any interruption. you must remember mon Ami, that he is fourteen months younger than John, and that he has not had the advantage of a good School like his brother Cousin. Mrs. Lee is severe, but I believe perfectly understands her business. George according to your desire, has begun writing but I do not at all approve of his present teachers method, though I make no doubt it is proper. She pencils letters, & then Guides his hand over the pencil mark. John to my great astonishment is very fond of School; and extremely anxious to get the Rocking Horse. He already repeats la Cigale very prettily, and says it to every body that comes to the house. it is some thing new, and I fear wont last long. I am told he sits in the middle of the room at School, with the old lady’s rod, and if any of the Boys dont spell well, (as he says), he corrects them. from this you may judge what a favorite he is. Should he retain his fascinating powers, I fear, he will cause many a serious heart ache. George has just return’d from meeting with Mr. Shaw, and Miss Scollay has lent him two Vol. of 1’Amiedes Enfans. I wish you would get it for him, if you can meet with it in Philadelphia. he is quite delighted with them, this Subject is never ending—
I thank you for the Message, though it required some exertion, and perseverance, to peruse it. I should suppose the original copy, must be nearly destroyed from frequent use & really think it cannot last another year.
I was at a large party, a few evenings since at Mrs. Heards. here were two rooms open, and both very well filled. my old acquaintance, really gave me so warm a welcome to Boston, that I felt more pleased, and gratified, than I have felt before on such occasions, for many years. Very kind enquiries were made after you—
Offer my best love to all. likewise to Mr. Tracy, who you have not mention’d in your letters. I hope his health is better than it was last winter. To yourself my best friend, I will only say that I think I never will part with  bed fellow again in the Winter. I am absolutely obliged to , and even then am so cold, that I expect  . I anxiously anticipate your return,  alone  reanimate, your sincerely affectionate Wife

L. C. Adams
P.S. I have not hear’d from Quincy, since I last wrote. Tomorrow I shall make my first payment to Mr G. they have not yet got a Cook, & dont intend to get one—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 17 December 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Louisa,
Washington 17. Decr: 1806

Your letter of the 7th: and 9th: came to hand last Evening, and relieved me from the pinches of Imagination which had haunted me for three or four days, upon not hearing from you, or from my friends at Quincy—For the future I have no doubt I shall regularly get from you or from them a line as often as once or twice a week—just to say we are all well.
I know not where the report could have arisen that Coll: Smith was gone to the westward, unless from his intimacy with Burr—I was myself very glad to find that he had no knowledge whatever of Burr’s projects—which he very explicitly declared to me he had not—What Burr’s real projects are appear still to be very little known—The Reports hitherto circulated on the subject are as unsupported by any substantial Evidence as they are multifarious.
Let me intreat you my dear friend not to make yourself over anxious about George’s progress in french—I am perfectly satisfied that you will pay every attention to the subject that I can desire, and I have long learnt that the progress of a child, or of a grown person in any sort of learning, requires Patience, as the most essential quality of the teacher—Whether George shall gain or lose in his French learning, during my absence I shall be well convinced that you have done all that could be done for his improvement—I think with you, that his Vanity upon what he has learnt is quite high enough, and requires rather a rein than a spur—He has yet much to do; but he has time before him to do it in; and he knows that he cannot more rejoyce in your heart and mine than by his own progress—I am afraid it will be more difficult to fix the persevering application of his brother; but that task I intend taking in hand too, next Summer—
I was apprehensive that Sally would not be able to content herself in the Solitude of Boston; and the deprivation of those Amusements to which she had accustomed herself at Quincy—I am glad to learn that you have got another girl with whom you are better satisfied in her stead—When we go into the House on my return, she will perhaps answer as a Cook in which capacity I have always been well pleased with her—But if as I expect she will not chuse to reconcile herself with the horrors of Boston, we can I hope get as well accommodated elsewhere—
You mention having sent the Box for Mrs: Hellen, by a Baltimore Vessel—But we are at a loss to know what vessel; and to whom directed—Please to let me know; that when it arrives at Baltimore we may send for it—Indeed it is questionable whether it will arrive there these two Months, for I suppose the river is already frozen over—At least, such is now the case with the Potowmack—I sent two boxes of books for the Library of Congress, in vessels which sailed from Boston for Alexandria, one about the middle of October, and the other in November—Neither of them has yet arrived, and I am very fearful that one if not both of them is lost—At least we have no chance of getting the Books during the present Session of Congress.
Mr. Davenport pays a rent of 12 dollars a year for my pew in Brattle-Street meeting-house; and he pays also the weekly and other taxes on the pew, which I suppose amount to nearly a dollar a week—His year will expire the 12th: of May next—But if you want the use of the pew, I presume he will immediately resign it—I leave the matter entirely to your discretion—If you conclude to take the pew, Mr: Shaw will readily mention it to Mr: Davenport; and also to the Deacons of the Church who must be informed that the taxes are to be charged to me—For myself and the children, I shall on resuming my residence in Boston, as soon as I can with convenience procure a pew again in the house where Mr: Emerson officiates, that being the church to which I have always belonged; but in the mean time I shall be glad to take the pew in Brattle Street; if it can afford you any pleasure—I do not precisely understand what you mean by saying we shall never agree upon this subject—As respects you personally, if you have a reluctance at frequenting any of our Churches, and are desirous of attending upon religious service in the forms of your persuasion, I will cheerfully defray any expence which may be necessary for that purpose—I certainly never did and never shall attempt the exercise of any influence upon your opinions or inclinations in this respect—So far am I from thinking we cannot agree upon this subject, it is the last in the world, upon which I can suppose we should disagree—The most earnest of my wishes is that we might disagree upon none.
We are all well excepting little Walter; and he is much better than when I last wrote you—Your brother and Adelaide still have occasional returns of their ague and fever—The family are all to dine this day with Mr: Boyd; excepting myself, who am engaged at Mr: Madison’s.—To-morrow Evening there is to be a party at Dr: Thornton’s.
As to politics, we remain in a State of Stagnation—The most interesting thing I can send you is Mr: Latrobe’s Report, about the Public Buildings—The House of Representatives have this day sent us a Bill for building the Bridge over the Potowmack; which I think it probable will also now pass through the Senate.
Brockholst Livingston of New-York is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States to supply the place of Judge Patterson.
Remind the dear children of their father, and remember me affectionately to Caroline, who I hope is completely recovered from her indisposition—Believe me ever truly and affectionately yours.
John Quincy Adams
P.S—I will if possible send you the money for the two bills you enclosed me, tomorrow—


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

My dear Louisa.
Washington 18. Decr: 1806.

I now enclose you the two bills, together with an order upon the Bank at Boston for their amount—which I hope will reach you by Christmas—You will see that the order is made payable to Mr: Shaw, who will receive and pay you the money.—I will thank you to get receipts upon the bills and forward them to me; as Mr: Hellen must have them.
The party at Mr: Madison’s yesterday was almost entirely composed of members of Congress—Mrs: Jackson was the only Lady there from out of the family—She looks much afflicted, and doubtless is so having in the course of the Summer lost two of her children.—Mrs: Madison appears to have recovered perfectly her health.
I spent part of the Evening at Mr: Boyd’s—where I met Dr: Ewell—He and Boyd afterwards came & supp’d at Mr: Hellen’s—Little Walter was very ill again in the Night—But is better again this morning—
My love to the children & Caroline—Your’s sincerely.
John Q. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 19 December 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Louisa.
Washington 19. Decr: 1806.

I wrote you yesterday that little Walter had been again very ill the night before; but was better—He continued so untill the Evening—Dr: Weems had been sent for the night before last; but was gone to Alexandria, to attend Mrs: Merry, who is ill of a fever—On his return he came to Mr: Hellen’s, and pronounced that the child had the hives, but did not think him in any danger—He was so well that your Mamma, and the girls all spent the Evening at Dr: Thornton’s, where I attended them—When we got home last Night, we found that Dr: Weems was there: and the child in great danger—The Dr: remained with him the whole Night; but could procure no relief for him—When I came to the Capitol this morning, he was barely living, and I am apprehensive he has ere the moment I am now writing been released from all his sufferings—The distress of Mr: & Mrs: Hellen, as you readily conceive is great.—I can only add that I am ever faithfully your’s.

John Quincy Adams.5. O’Clock P.M.—
As long as a possibility remained of a favourable turn, I kept my letter open—The child has just expired, almost without a groan—Your Mamma is at Mr: Boyd’s, with Mrs: Hellen’s infant—
Adieu my dearest friend—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 December 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Boston Decbr: 19th. 1806

I am rejoiced my best friend to find by your last that you have at length recieved one of my letters your anxiety must have been great but I flatter myself that you know me too well to have suspected me of negligence I every hour feel your absence more, sensibly and shall most heartily happy when the period arrives which is to restore you to us three long months must yet elapse before I can enjoy that pleasure the Children are both tolerably well though George is still troubled with his cough the French goes on as usual I have accidentally met with what I think a very good french Spelling Book with which they are excessively delighted with it because it is full of Pictures
I thank you for the letters of our famous governors you have done ample justice to General W.s As to General E. I am told he indulges in intoxication to such an excess I presume he is not conscious of what he says himself he is quite out of fashion here which is not wonderful I am only astonished at his ever having been thought any thing of any where—
Adieu my best beloved friend remember me affectionately to all my friends and believe me most sincerely and affectionately yours
L. C. AdamsIt is a great question here who is to be Collector—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 December 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My best beloved friend
Boston 21st Dec. 1806

I this morning recieved your favor of the 12 which afforded me the satisfaction of knowing that you were well & regret very sincerely the strange remissness of the Mails for which I can no way account—
I made my first payment to Mr. Gulliver as you directed. Mr. Shaw inform’d me to day he should bring me the money from Mr. Bradford in the course of a Week he is so much occupied in attending poor Walter who is hourly expected to quit this world of trouble that I seldom see him and when I do it is only for a few minutes
I went last evening to take tea at Mr. Paynes a few minutes after I left home a Candle which was standing on my drawers, owing to a sudden curent of air sett fire to a towel which was thrown over a Basket and in a few moment was in a blaze fortunately it was soon extinguished although I lost several articles of Cloathing which I must tax your Pocket to replace you will perhaps wonder at my mentioning this circumstance so lightly but when I know that five minutes would have render’d it impossible to save the house I humbly bow to the God of all mercies with thanks for thus protecting us in this moment of danger and feel the blessing too sincerely when I look at my darling Boys to be sensible of my trifling loss 30 dollars however would hardly repair the mischief some mischance seems always to threaten me when absent from you and I could almost swear never to quit you again I have no faith in presentiments but my dread of fire since I have lived in this house has been continual and I have continually endeavourd to guard against it but it all would not do and the accident has happen’d our Quincy affair was a sort of Warning I think—
I met a Mr. Picman last night at Mr. Paynes I do recollect the one who used to visit us this however is a very pleasant man—
Adieu my best belov’d friend do not I entreat you feel any alarm on our account I shall certainly be more cautious than ever in regard to fire and every other circumstance and feel more impatient than ever for the hour which is to return you to the arms and heart of your
L. C. AdamsRemember me to all our children are well The french as usual.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 26 December 1806
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Louisa.
Washington 26. Decr: 1806

The latest letter I have from you is dated the 14th: when you were very unwell with a sore throat and George with a very bad cough—I wait every Evening with the hope of a line from you of a more cheering nature—not unmingled with an apprehension of having in its stead, addition of anxiety—My hopes and my fears must be postponed from day to day and the state of Suspense still hangs over me.
Nothing important has occurred here since I wrote you last.—Mrs. Boyd’s child has been unwell; but appears now to be recovered.
Mr: Burr’s story still occasions a thousand rumours; but nothing definitive  to his projects is yet apparent. In the States of Ohio and Kentuckey, they are in great agitation, but have not been able to fix any thing criminal upon him to warrant his arrest—Some of his boats with provisions and men—if not with arms and military stores have been stoppd.
The President in the mean time is entertaining Osage Indians again—among whom there is now a woman—Mr: Jefferson has gallanted her to the Rope Dancer’s Show. They say letters are opened at the Post-Office—If that fate should befall this I hope my intelligence will not be construed into Treason.
We have not yet learnt the name of the vessel by which you sent your Mamma’s things to Baltimore—The box of books which I sent in October is irretrievably lost—She foundered two days after sailing from Boston—
Mr. Tracy is well for him, and says he will say one thing for me, which is that I have got a sensible wife.—And so God bless you, and the dear boys untill you hear from me again.
John Q. Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 December 1806
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Boston Decbr. 28 1806

Your letters of 17th 18th 19th were brought me on Friday, the information they contain’d, must plead my apology, my best friend, for not writing immediately, but the Shock was so great, I felt totally incapacitated for the exertion, which it required. Your Mother & Father came to see us yesterday, having hear’d of our loss. Alas my beloved friend, three times in the last twelve months, as it pleased Heaven, to visit us with severe affliction, and our wretched family seem indeed doomed to bear, every “blasting calamity”. in that time I have severely suffer’d from the same cause, and too well do I know how to participate in their grief. my own loss weak, and selfish, as I am again recurs forcibly to my imagination, and my heart bleeds for  Nancy’s, which is so much more painful. I know, and feel, how unnecessary it is, to urge you to offer all the consolation, in your power. but there are numberless little attentions, trifling in themselves, which it is in our power to offer on such occasions, & which afford the greatest consolation, to the unhappy. forgive, my friend this observation. I know how much your mind is occupied, and how almost impossible, it is for you, to attend to such circumstances. but I likewise know the goodness of your heart, and am sure you will not feel offended at this suggestion. Nancy from a doubt of the strength of her mind, has repeatedly said, she was convinced you thought her too insignificant, to pay her any sort of attention. our sex in general, I am convinced, however great their pretentions, can be objects of very little importance to a mind like yours. but my friend, as heaven has made us a part of the Creation, and ordain’d that men even of the greatest abilities, should pass the greatest proportion of their lives with us; as we are form’d of such materials, that even seeming unkindness bitterly affects us it aught, (even if it only proceed from a motive of compassion in your sex), to render you anxious to offer us those little civilities, which by raising us in our own esteem, inspires us with gratitude, and thereby render us anxiously solicitous, to return by every means in our power, those sweet, and flattering attentions, which form the basis of mans happiness—I know not where my pen has strayed, but I have done—
The Children are well. John went to Quincy yesterday and I fear will forget his french. Adieu my beloved friend, heaven bless you I am now suffering so acutely with a bad headache that I can only subscribe myself sick or well ever affectionately yours

L. C. Adams
P.S. Selfridge was acquitted the day before yesterday I enclose the bills  I will answer your letter as soon as possible


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 December 1806
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Brother
Quincy 28th. December 1806.

The trial of Mr. Selfridge begun on Tuesday last and finished on Friday. I attended nearly the whole time and as it may be some time before the trial will be published, it may be interesting to you to learn some of the particulars from a Spectator. The evidence on the part of the Defendant was opened by Mr: Gore in a very handsome style and the law as applicable to the facts which he expected to prove. More than forty Witnesses were examined during the course of the trial, as it was, after considerable argument, agreed by Counsel to go into an investigation of the origin of the quarrel between Ben Austin and Selfridge. Parker who was alone on the bench inclined to reject every species of evidence anterior to the day, laid in the indictment on which the killing took place, but upon being urged by the Atty Genl and the Counsel for the Defendant agreeing to a full exposure of the whole affair, he admitted the evidence offered.
You have heard the story which Mr: Selfridge himself told after the death of Austin; that he did not fire the pistol until he had received one severe blow over the top of his head and which broke his hat; that he saw a second blow aimed with such violence that he apprehended the most enormous injury from it, and that having no means of avoiding it by retreating or dodging, he used the weapon with which he had armed himself in his own defence. This account was confirmed by the testimony of only one witness who saw and one who heard the blow over the hat—All the other Witnesses who testified as to the blows, saw only the second, which was given so nearly at the instant when the pistol went off, that no one could distinguish which was first. The fact of the first blow was by Mr: Dexter in his argument treated as making no material difference as to the defence, though the Judge in his charge said it seemed to him of some importance, as it made the necessity of self defence greater and might have disabled or rendered the Defendant less capable of defence. There was some contradictory and irreconcileable evidence given in, which without imputation upon the moral character of the Witnesses was taken out of the Case by mutual consent. There was other evidence, particularly that of young Fales the friend and Classmate of Austin which required more charity, to render consistent than could be reasonably indulged. It was a denial and contradiction of what he said to enquiring persons, immediately after the event and what he declared to be fact at old Austin’s house the very Evening it happened. This was set down to the score of agitation and confusion, but it destroyed his credit with the Jury. Benjamin Austin was himself a Witness for the prosecution and his testimony was of a piece with the Editorial department of the Chronicle for twenty years past. I need say no more; but if the measure of my contempt and abhorrence for the character and person of that man had not before been full, I might have found abundant supplies to swell the heap from the polluted mass of his evidence, and the pitiful manner in which he gave it in.
The argument of Mr: Dexter was highly dignified and impressive. The perspicuity of his style and the precision of his method were alike admirable; it stands unrivalled as a specimen of bar eloquence within my observation, though it was not so impetuous nor was the effect so transporting to the feelings of the audience as some harrangues from Hopkinson to which I have listened. But it sunk deep into the mind and the impression will not easily wear off. His exordium was an appeal & exhortation to the Jury to divest themselves of prejudice from whatever source it might be derived; and here he noticed with peculiar emphasis the publications in the Chronicle on the subject of this expected trial. Of the counter statement or appeal to the public by the Defendant, he remarked that tho little in comparison with what had been said and written against him, even that little was too much—On the subject of the posting in the Newspaper, which led to the attack upon the Defendant, without attempting to justify it, he sought some palliation from the nature of the slanders which had been propagated against the professional character of his client; and dwelt with great and glowing animation upon the stigma affixed to a charge of being a Common barrstor, in the mind of every true spirited Lawyer. If I am not deceived this part of his address will be selected as the most eloquent. As it would be a greater effort of genius to make a faithful analysis of this Address than I feel myself competent to exert, I must desist from further allusion to it, lest I should lessen the satisfaction you may expect from its perusal—It took up three hours in delivery and as a contrast with the speech of the Atty Genl which consumed nearly three hours and an half, it is only necessary to remark that no-body was tired with the one and every body with the other.
The Charge from the bench was much admired by some as very impartial and discreet. The Judge professed to consult brevity and conciseness, and in my judgment the only error he committed arose from too great success in the adherence to his plan. He certainly left an impression on the minds of many that his opinion was unfriendly to the acquittal of the Defendant. This was not my opinion of the charge, nor do I believe the Judge intended to convey create such an inference; but he did not dwell with so much precision as I thought he should upon the necessity of the killing as a measure of self defence, where the nature and tendency of the Assault was so evidently felonious. He went so far, if I understood him as to tell the Jury that if the Defendant took his pistol in his pocket, with a determination not to fly from any Assault, it would be such evidence of premeditation as would amount to Manslaughter at least. But of this intent the Jury were the sole judges, and by their Verdict which was brought in, of Not-Guilty, with so little hesitation, it is evident that they acquitted the Defendant of any such intention.
The Trial was managed with great decorum and though there seemed to be a considerable share of smothered resentment in the Court house during some period, I hope the ferment will subside without involving any deluded person in difficulty. Among all classes of people except the profession great numbers have never believed that Selfridge could possibly be acquitted; doubtless there are many who through ignorance and some thro’ malice, will still think that justice has not taken place. Such are among the evils of our judicial institutions, but they will bear a proud comparison with the Racks & the bayonets of the Imperial France.
I saw your Wife and family only once while I was in town; they were then well, and we heard from them yesterday by our parents who went to see them and brought out little John to make another visit.
Remember me to Mr: Cranch and family and to Mrs: Johnson and the ladies—I am sorry to learn their late affliction.
affectionately your’s


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

My dear Louisa.
Washington 29. Decr: 1806.

I have as little faith in presentiments as yourself—but the anxiety which I have felt for this whole week on your account has been such, that on receiving this morning your two letters of the 19th: and 21st:—I opened them with a trembling hand and heart—I lay this morning an hour before day-light, torturing myself with the fancy that some calamity of fire had befallen you or the children; and when I broke the seals of your letters, your sore throat and George’s cough, and the dread of fire, were all mingled in a sort of confusion in my mind, which was relieved only by getting through both your letters; and by an ejaculation of inexpressible gratitude to Heaven on finding that nothing but your clothes had been burnt—Had your loss been six times as great, I should still have bless’d Heaven that it was no worse—I shall henceforth feel easier with respect to the danger of fire; because I am convinced that the accident you have met with will sharpen your caution—That you will attend not only to the fires in the chimnies; but to what is infinitely more dangerous the candles upon your tables and drawers—Let me intreat you my dearest friend, never to suffer a candle to be left burning in your chamber, when there is nobody there; and if you could keep all cotton and linen articles of Cloathing so ranged as not to be crowded and cluttered upon drawers where candles are placed your life and that of your children would be more secure—
On the morning when I left you my dear friend, you remember I asked you for a promise—which was, that you would take care of the children—you seemed to think that the request was almost equivalent to a reproach—I had no such intention—I knew your heart would always take the tenderest care of them—But what I wish’d to impress upon you was continual reflection—if possible to prevent a thoughtless moment—I knew you would always do right when you gave yourself time to think.—I have seen by the newspapers an account of three children burnt to death in New-York the week before last, by their Cloaths catching fire—Their Cloaths were of Cotton, and the paper cautions against the use of Cotton for the winter cloathing of children.—Ours I presume have no Cotton about them—But let us extend the lesson further, and learn in all cases to keep Cotton cloathing from the fire.
The loss of poor little Walter has not only made me more susceptible of alarm than before—Mr: and Mrs: Boyd feel the same increase of sensibility in regard to their little boy—He has been unwell for some days, though they know not exactly what ails it—They have had recourse both to Doctors and Doctresses for its relief; but I hope the child is not so ill as they fear—Their House is so cold and damp that they cannot live in it any longer—They are about to move into one of the six buildings—
I have an invitation to dine with the President on Wednesday—the last day of the year—We are still doing nothing in both Houses of Congress.
You say nothing of Caroline—But I see a letter enclosed in your’s from her to Kitty—My love to her, and to the dear children—I have not yet had one line from Quincy—
Ever your affectionate
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Frances Harrod Adams, 1806
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Ann Frances Harrod

1806

we have not washd this week. I hope mr Adams has things enough. if the weather Should be good I can Send him Some on wednesday, if you can send me word whether he wants them—and he will also let me know when to Send the Horse and chaise for you—Sister cranch is better than she was She looks quite paled down.
My Love to your Sister / from /  your affectionate / Mother
Abigail Adamsthank miss white for the trouble she took for me. I liked the things well


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 1 January 1807
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Boston Janry. 1st. 1807

To offer you, the kindest wishes of the season, my best friend, is almost unnecessary; my happiness, & felicity, in this world, is so interwoven with yours, that I fondly believe, the one cannot be sensible of a joy, or a pain, which is not sincerely participated by the other. To say that I hope each revolving year, may produce additional felicity, is poorly to express describe my feelings; and I must leave it to your own heart, to suggest all that my pen is inadequate to express—
I scarcely know what I wrote you on Sunday; the distress of my mind, and the dreadful headache it I suffered almost incapacitated me from writing at all, but the fear of occasioning you a moment of painful anxiety, induced me to attempt it, and I fear my pen ran away with my reason, of which I can seldom boast—
The acquital of Selfridge, seems to have given great & serious offence to some people. Mrs. Carters House, was surrounded by a mob a few nights since, which they threatend to pull down, and to day, they hung Mr. S. in Effigy in the Mall, which roused the anger of some others, who cut the figure down. Mr. White, the Son of a Carpenter in Boston was almost killed in the attempt. I cannot actually vouch for the truth of this story, but this was told me at noon. It is pity things should be carried such lengths—
I am very anxious to hear from you, though I thank you a thousand times, for devoting so much more of your precious time to me, than I could reasonably expect. I think George improves in his french, but am almost afraid to say so. I devote the greatest part of the day to him, but cannot prevail on him to speak it. he frequently asks when you mean to return, and is really impatient to see you. John is at Quincy, where I think it is probable he will stay, great part of the winter. I am reconciled, as your Mother cannot live with out him. She looks remarkably well, and was in good spirits. She gave me such an account of Sally, that I cannot think of permitting her to return it seems she has so powerful a propensity to liquor, she is seldom sober, where she can possibly find the means of gratification. I have partly engaged the Boy we now have to live with us this Summer, but it remains for you to decide, his father is a violent Fenno; I do not know how far this might prove an objection; he is intelligent and tinctured with the modern principles, if we engage him he is to have victuals & cloaths while he stays;—
Adieu my best friend, I regret much the loss of the Book but am happy it does not fall upon you. The Vessel in which I sent the Box, is called the Sally, Capt Brayston, master. I sent Mr. Buckanon a bill of Lading, with a request he would forward it as soon as possible—
Once more, my friend, farewel, give my love and best wishes to all, and that the choicest blessings of heaven may  you, is the ardent Prayer of your tenderly affectionate, wife
L. C. A.Papa I wish you many happy years


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 January 1807
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Louisa.
New-Year’s day 1807.

I cannot suffer this day to pass without wishing you and our dear children many and many happy returns of it though my fingers are almost too numb to write—The year has introduced itself with great severity; though with delightful weather—My thermometer this morning stood at 9. which is precisely the lowest point to which it descended through the whole course of last Winter.
The Senate adjourned over this day, and I have been with your Mamma, and Sisters to the President’s Annual levee—It was crowded as usual, and in additon to the customary Indian visitors had two Squaws with three children of the Mandan tribe brought by Captain Lewis—They are the most distant and whitest Indians that have ever been seen here—The children are of a lighter complexion than most Spaniards or Italians; and ruddy as Milkmaids.
I dined yesterday at the President’s—Captain Lewis was there; more altered in manners and appearance, from what he was when we saw him before than I ever beheld any man—I did not know him again though I expected to meet him—I must add that his alteration is to my judgment inexpressibly for the better—But he looks fifteen years older—
Your Mammas’s things, together with my boots have arrived safe. Mr: Buchanan received and forwarded them immediately—It was very fortunate they were not sent with my boxes of books, neither of which has yet arrived
Mr: Boyd’s child is still quite unwell, though they scarcely know what ails it—All the rest of the family here and there are well.—Adieu my Dear friend; may every happiness  you through this and many many succeeding years—So prays again your ever affectionate husband.

John Quincy Adams.Do not forget to give my love and kindest wishes to Caroline—I do not know whether you can read my letter—My fingers are all but frozen—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 2 January 1807
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Louisa.
Washington 2. Jany: 1807.

I have just received your letter of 24. Decr: and lament that the expression of my anxiety to hear from you should in any respect have been understood by you as implying any idea of complaint as if you had been negligent in writing—I never had such intention, and have always been convinced of your attention in writing regularly.
It gives me great pain to find by your letter that your health & Spirits were so indifferent; and that George continued so ill, that you had been obliged to keep him at home from School—God grant that your next letter may be more cheering—We are here all well—
Yours affectionately
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 5 January 1807
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

My dear Brother.
Washington 5. Jany. 1807.

On new year’s day I received your very agreeable Letter of Decr: 21st: which I should have answered immediately; but it was not sitting day; and I find no time for my correspondence but while we are in Session—The reason of which is that having become a Jack of so many trades, I employ all the time I have to spare at home, in preparing for my bussiness at Cambridge next Spring—I have therefore been more buckled down to business since the commencement of this Session, than ever before, though we have yet done nothing of a public nature, and the Senate have not been upon the average in Session one hour a day.—Happily I have enjoyed and still enjoy better health than I have known these fifteen years.—Another cause however why I did not answer your letter was that the next morning I received one from my wife with such an account of her health, and that of my dear boy George, that it has kept me in a state of alarm and suspense, so distressing that I was in no situation to answer with that pleasantness which a due return to your letter required—I have been this morning relieved by information this morning from my wife that the children are both well; and you have been long enough a Parent to know how much joy that must have given me.
I have been witness here, and in some degree a partaker of the distress which the loss of an infant child must occasion—Mr: and Mrs: Hellen have lost their youngest boy, a charming child just turn’d of two years old—His disorder was the same of which Mr: W. Smith’s son John so lately died—They call it here the Hives.
I congratulate you upon the success of your Causes at the Norfolk Common Pleas.—I do not suppose the question of right respecting the Sea-weed could be settled on the question whether the Special pleas should be filed, but whenever that hopeful idea of more than rank jacobinism shall be duly brought before a Court of Justice, I trust it will meet with the fate which it so richly deserves—I hope the worthy town of Quincy, will act as correctly upon every attempt to draw them into wickedness and absurdity as they have done, and never countenance such profligate combinations against private property, as are this and the half-moon controversy both—
I have continued to forward you our Documents, though hitherto few of much consequence have been printed—I have also two or three times I think written a few lines to my father with the enclosures; and ought to have written to my dear Mother—She will accept as my apology the same cause which I have alledged to you at the beginning of this letter—I knew she would learn by the receipt of the documents and by my frequent letters to my wife, how we are here; and that she would excuse my omission of writing specially to her on knowing what has really oppress’d me with bussiness here—When Pope undertook the Translation of Homer, he used to dream that he was toiling upon a Journey, to which there was no end—My Lectures for Cambridge, haunt me Night and Day, in the same manner, and not a week passes without my dreaming about them—I hope by the blessing of Heaven at some day to find an end to the Journey they have opened to me; but they must give me unremitting labour for years yet to come.
With respect to my farm I shall be satisfied, with what you will do concerning it—My expectations now are not quite so sanguine as when I left you—Time, absence and Reflection have cooled down the ideas, which the anxiety of Vesey and the other applicants had excited, and I remember again what a farm yet is—I rely with perfect confidence on your good offices and discretion—I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Briesler’s illness, and hope he has ere this recovered—I presume he will have no money to pay over to you—I owe him a year’s interest upon a note of hand, which I ought to have paid him before I came away—I desired him if he sold the Cattle to deduct the amount I owed him ($74.30) and credit it upon the note—And I promised him if he could not sell to send him a check for it from here—I will thank you therefore to ask him whether he has paid himself the year’s interest, and given me credit for it upon the note; or whether he expects I should send him the check—If he wishes this, I will send it immediately on receiving your answer.
Your project of purchasing the house and land of the Vesey’s appears to me a very good one; nor should I suppose $4000 by any means a high price for them—They would in every respect suit you better than your place at Quincy Braintree—I would purchase this of you myself, if I could command the means—
The sculls of our members in the House of Representatives have not yet been cracked externally—Their alarm has furnished some merriment to the wits, and I wonder it has not furnished much more—Yet I believe there was real danger—and they did actually sit with something worse than a dagger of lath suspended over their heads.
Mr. J. Randolph if we judge from present appearances, is put upon his good behaviour—It appears to me that in the lapse of ages his name must have gradually changed, and that in the days of Jack Falstaff it was Bardolph:—the same of whom the fat knight says, that he would not swagger against a Barbary-Hen, if her feathers turned up, with any shew of resistance.
I hope Buonaparte will never undertake to teach him french, as he did the poor king of Prussia—I pity this unfortunate Gentleman too—But the young Dace must be a bait for the old pike—There was no help for it—Like his brother of Austria, he fell because he could not stand—Prince Louis was not the king’s brother—He was a son of Prince Ferdinand; or rather he was one of those of whom Mirabeau says that Count Schmettau was the pere indubitable—Schmettau too, according to the papers was killed in that butchery of Iena; and if so he was a heavy loss.—I have always been of opinion that the Prussian army would never again fight—Möllendorff had still a soul in his body worthy of old Frederic—But he was turned of 80—and he was all—I knew personally almost every man high in command in the Prussian Armies—I pretend to know nothing of military character—But the conclusion I had drawn from my own observation was that take off Möllendorff, Schmettau, and Tempelhoff, (I do not see him mentioned in these late accounts) and there was nothing in the Prussian army left but muskets—Artillery—and Uniforms.
I do most cordially congratulate you and rejoyce with you, at the health and growth of your dear little girl—Heaven grant that she may continue to grow, and thrive, and always be not only as the Hebrew idiom says a desire to the eye—but also a delight to the heart of both her Parents—Remember me affectionately to all the family, and particularly to your wife. Adieu


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 6 January 1807
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Louisa.
Washington 6. Jany: 1807.

I received yesterday your letter of Decr: 28th: with the enclosures to Mr: & Mrs: Hellen, and to your Mamma—I enclosed to you last Evening a letter from her to yourself, and one for Caroline, but not having received them untill my return from the Capitol which was late, I was obliged, to save the last Evening’s Mail to defer answering your letter untill this morning—
I take in kind part your observations upon my neglect to pay proper little attentions to Mrs: Hellen; in which I perceive with pleasure your tender affection for your Sister—I submit cheerfully to the voice of reproach from you, when I remember that it was dictated by your love for her—That my heart has bled with the purest sincerity, for her, in this affliction is true; but might perhaps be of no use for me to assert—That I would have done any thing to which my powers of body or of soul are competent to avert the misfortune, or to alleviate her suffering under it, is alike true, though I neither claim nor expect any credit for it; but most equally true it is, that I do not know what are the trifling attentions, by which the heart of a mother can be comforted upon the death of a darling child, and from this ignorance, I am afraid that I have been as deficient in paying them on this occasion as your letter apprehends—
I lament that Mrs: Hellen should ever have entertained the opinion that my want of attention to her has proceeded from an unjust depreciation of her strength of mind—I have always felt a proper sense of her kindness to us, however unfortunate I may have been in expressing it—Of her strength of mind and genuine Fortitude, I have had at this time the most convincing proof—It has impress’d itself forcibly upon my observation, and has a full share of my respect and admiration—I should certainly be very far from deserving those compliments which you make to the goodness of my heart, if my inattention to the little Chesterfieldian graces of life, proceeded from an overweening, presumptuous confidence in my own abilities, or from a pedantic and foolish overrating of my own occupations—
For your sake and for that of your Sisters I have often wished that I had been that man of elegant and accomplished manners, who can recommend himself to the regard of others, by little attentions—I have always known however that I was not, and have been sensible that I could never be made that man—It has perhaps been natural that my deficiency should be imputed to a deeper, and more inexcusable Cause—to a want of proper sensibility—to an unfeeling heart—If the general tenor of my conduct does not authorize persons disposed to kind construction, to ascribe my imperfections to the lighter-shaded fault, I know they must impute it to the darker—If such imputation must befall me, I hope it is erroneous—
I have said thus much, My dear friend, to reply, as far as I am able, and in the Spirit of kindness, to a complaint, which in the moment of your distress for your Sister, you conceived proper to make against your husband.
I hope the head ache under which you laboured while you were writing your letter did not out-last the day; and that you have ever since enjoyed uninterrupted health—Your letter before the last had alarmed me for George; and although you only say in your last that the children were well, without mentioning him particularly I hope his cold and cough have been subdued by your care in keeping him from school to take proper remedies; I rejoyce that you took that precaution, and hope he will have no return of the cough—
We are here all tolerably well—Mrs: Boyd’s child is quite recovered—I never saw two children more contrasted than this little boy and Mrs: Hellen’s daughter, Mary—The boy is pepper—The girl is oil—Both charming children—Mary is very large for her age, and the sweetest tempered child I ever saw.
Adieu , Dear Friend; I cannot continue writing without making the family wait for dinner—My love to Caroline and the children.
Affectionately your’s
J. Q. Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 January 1807
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Boston Dcbr Janry. 7 1806 1807

I have impatiently waited for letters, my best friend, having recieved none, since last Thursday I sincerely lament, having mentioned Georges Cough. which though it still continues, will I fervently hope, not be attended with any bad consequences. I take every possible precaution to prevent it, and by Dr. Welsh’s advice, do not suffer him to go out of the House, unless the weather is very mild. he may perhaps lose a little time by it from school, but his Lungs have never been strong, since he had the Whooping-cough, and what he loses in English, he perhaps may gain in French—
I am sorry to inform you that Deacon Storer was yesterday found dead in his bed I never hear’d of it untill just before dinner when Shaw called to let me know it and to bring me the Book which Mr. Duer sent the Funeral is to take place on Friday your Father & Mother are expected in town to attend, which I shall do likewise—
Mr. Osgood as sent an estimate as you requested I know not whether to send it on or send you a copy I believe the latter will be best as I can enclose it in my next if you desire it
EstimateCarpenters bill including painting and Glazing $7000}Masons bill including all other charges6895.13895Messrs Clap & White have intimated to me that they will pay one half of the expence of the partition wall between you & their building which will be about$. 400The materials of the  building of the old building will be worth400800Which deducted from the first Sum leaves13095

N.B. We calculated for Slate Roof Plaistering the two first Stories the biths of the Shop excepted, & the Ceilings of the two upper do—
The expence will be somewhat greater than you expected but the advantage would still be great arising from it should you be able to rent it for what you mention’d to me when the idea first occur’d of building
Adieu my best beloved friend tell Mama how anxious I am to hear from her & the Girls give my love Boyds & Hellens families & believe most sincerely yours—

L. C. Adams
 still at Quincy & well


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 9 January 1807
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Louisa
Washington 9. Jany: 1807.

Last Evening I received your truly kind & affectionate letter of the 1st: instt: and most sincerely reciprocate every sentiment of kindness it contains—It is impossible for me to enjoy life without your affection, and the assurance of possessing it must always be grateful to my heart—So great and so numerous are the blessings for which I ought to be impress’d with the favour of Providence, that, with that I should scarcely have any thing more to ask, but a continuance of what is now freely bestowed.—I would willingly neither say nor do any thing that could give you a moment of pain; and nothing can more contribute to my own happiness than the means of giving pleasure to you
I have already replied to that part of your letter of Decr: 28. which you refer to in the last—I am fully sensible of the tenderness which dictated the remark, that you had written before under the pain and irritation of illness, and my own thoughts had before suggested the idea to myself—Yet in the observations themselves there was so much of Justice, that I have endeavoured as well as I could to profit by them—as a little attention to Mrs: Hellen, I have written some lines on the occasion of her afflicting loss, with the hope that at this time they may not be unseasonable, and that she will take them as they are meant, in kindness—I have not yet given them to her, and have not time now to send you a copy; which I will however, very shortly—
We are all well—Mr: Boyd’s child continues occasionally in a state of health, which gives us uneasiness; but I dined with them yesterday, and he appeared quite well—Last Evening your Mamma and Sisters attended the Ball, but found not much fashionable company there excepting Indians.
The enclosed bill was sent me this morning—From the nature of the Articles, and the time when they were furnished, I suppose they must have been taken up by you—But as you did not mention it to me, I presume it escaped your recollection—I therefore send it, to know whether it is correct; and in that case wish you to return it immediately to be discharged—And let me know at the same time if there are any other outstanding bills here—I would rather be informed by yourself of such accounts, than after a length of time by the persons to whom they are due—I shall always with the utmost pleasure discharge any bill, for Articles which can be of use to you, and which your own judgment deems necessary.
Yours faithfully

John Quincy Adams
            Mon cher fils.
Votre Papa est charmé d’apprendre que vôtre santé est rétablie, et il a reçu avec grand plaisir la bonne année que vous lui avez écrite—Mais il auroit mieux aimé encore la recevoir en François. J’espere que vous êtes toujours bon garçon, et toujours obéïssant à vôtre chere Maman—Vous savéz que le Grand Cheval ne viendra que lorsque vous parlerez entierement François.—Adieu, Mon fils; je vous aime beaucoup, et j’espere dans deux Mois revenir vous embrasser; et vous retrouver aussi bon garçon que vôtre Cousin, qui grandit et apprend à merveille.