Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 31 March 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

N. 57.
My dear Sir.
London 31. March 1817.

As the Season of business and of gaity in London, advances, we have found from the experience of the last year, a sort of necessity to be for some time nearer its centre than our residence at Little-Boston; and as a mezzo termine between a complete removal, and an inflexible adherence to the country, we have taken Apartments in Town by the week without altogether abandoning our rural retreat—We have been for the last three weeks chiefly in town, where continuing my long established practice of walking several miles every day, I have been able to range over the Streets, and to ransack the Booksellers Shops, and the Stalls for Books—In the course of these execursions, I have found some of those for which you had given orders, and which while I had a less immediate and daily access to the town, I had not been able to procure. I shall send you a large package containing Beausobre and L’Enfants Translation of the New Testament, with the Commentary. 3 Volumes Quarto. Dupuis Origine de toutes les Religions. 12 Volumes 8vo. and one thin 4to. Volume of Plates; and a Collection which the bookseller assured me was complete of Farmer’s Tracts, in four Volumes—for the whole of which I paid eight Pounds—Balthasar Bekker, and his World bewitched still escapes my researches, but I shall continue to be upon the lookout—I regret that it is impossible for me to cast even a transient glance over the contents of these Books, though by a moment’s inspection of one of the Plates of Dupuis, I find he is upon the Astronomical track of Count de Gebelin, and by the Dedication to his wife, I perceive that his extraordinary affection for her, was founded upon her extravagant and unqualified admiration of Voltaire—With both of those Gentlemen I have some acquaintance and consider them as very amusing Novelists, Romancers, and Poets; but as historians of little or nothing else than fiction. Voltaire’s Essai sur les Moeurs, written for and addressed to a philosophical Lady, is one of the most disgustingly obscene books that I ever had the misfortune of reading—worse if possible, than his Pucelle, and quite as bad as Piron’s abominable Ode, for which the same Maitre Arouet intrigued Piron’s exclusion from the French Academy—As an attack upon the Jewish and Christian religions it appears to me beneath contempt—Voltaire was a Janus with two faces; one of which was as beautiful as the Apollo; and the other as Rank a Satyr, as ever gloated from the pencil of Rubens. If the Citoyenne Dupuis had any delicacy of taste, I think she ought either to have been unacquainted with this latter face, or at least to have confined her admiration to the other—Mr Count de Gebelin’s astronomical mythology is as ingenious and as learned as many other systems which have no foundation in truth, and quite upon a level with the Craniology of Drs: Gall and Spurzheim—But as I never believed that the whole religion of the Greeks was a mere allegory to represent the movements of the Sun, and the changes of the Seasons, I am still less disposed to believe it of the System of Christianity; and it would be labour lost in me to read the twelve volumes of Dupuis, if the great conclusion to be drawn from them is that the New Testament is to be regarded as a mere collection of Poor Richard’s Almanacks.
To mingle a little amusable matter with these grave and solemn disquisitions I send you a couple of drolleries that have just started from the press, and are now administering food for the public Curiosity—One is a short summary of the life and reign of Napoleon, purporting to have been written by himself, though generally believed here to be spurious—It as many internal marks both of authenticity and of imposture; and if not written by himself is at least the composition of some person who understands his character and has the art of assuming his Style—I incline to think it genuine—Several of the servants who accompanied him to St. Helena, have lately left him, and arrived in this Country—among them one was in some degree a confidential person. He has published a Letter from Montholon, to Sir Hudson Lowe, the present Governor of St. Helena, remonstrating against the ill treatment experienced by the ex-emperor, and an additional narrative of his own: which represents that ill treatment as extending to the denial of the necessaries of life—Lord Hollard made a motion in the House of Peers, for the production of Papers to shew whether these complaints were well or ill founded—The Ministers admitted and undertook to justify some of the alledged facts, and contradicted others; but refused to produce the papers—It is remarkable, though perhaps according to the ordinary workings of human Nature, and human Passions, that the enemies of this man grew more inveterate against him, and his partizans more enthusiastic in his favour, as the term of his captivity lengthens; and as the prospect of its being perpetual acquires probability. Chained to his Rock, he is at this moment more dreaded and detested, and at the same time more admired and beloved than when he was at the summit of his Power.
The other enclosed pamphlet is by the Poet Laureate, Southey—It is a bundle of combustibles, of materials the most worthless—mere stubble, fit for nothing but to kindle a blaze, without substance enough in itself to burn longer than time enough to light up other inflammable matter—But the piquant of the matter is, that the same Southey is the author of an Article in the last number of the Quarterly Review, in which he inveighs against the Reformers, with the Spirit of a grand inquisiter, and calls upon the Government to put them down by halters and hurdles—It was notorious that Southey had begun his career as a furious Jacobin; but even then he had not been able to find a publisher for his Wat Tyler—He had given a copy of it to a Clergyman named Winterbotham, who was in prison for Seditious writings, and it had lain perdue from that time until after the publication of the Article urging political persecution in the Quarterly Review—Winterbotham has been sometime dead and after his decease, the Manuscript of Wat Tyler fell into the hands of a Bookseller, who sent it forth as a Ghost to haunt Southey for his political prostitution and apostasy—It has answered its purpose so well in this respect, that Southey applied for an injunction from the Lord Chancellor to Suppress his own book—And the Lord Chancellor refuses the injunction, because the Book is of so atrocious a character that no action for the property of it could be maintained at Law—And so Southey, the very tool employed to stimulate literary political prosecutions, stands the avowed author and publisher of the most incendiary book upon which the Crown Officers could fasten their fangs—’Tis sport, to see the "Engineer hoist with his own petard."
As Southey has become one of the most useful, because one of the basest literary Scavengers of the party in power, they cannot prosecute him for Wat Tyler; nor with their hands thus tied can they with any remnant of decency prosecute any other person for the publication of it now—And while they are thus forced to let that book pass unnoticed, and circulate among the people, it compels them to pass over many other publications, which they would most willingly prosecute, but which are harmless in comparison with it—Yet as they are not overburthened with delicacy, and as with the aid of their new laws they are sufficiently sure both of their judges and juries they have commenced already their prosecutions for libels, and probably would very soon have laid hold of Cobbett had he not shrank from the crises, and taken his departure for America—They have thus succeeded in driving him off the ground, and have broken up in him the main pillar of Parliamentary Reform—They have also probably succeeded in silencing the itinerant Orator of the same cause, Hunt—and by rejecting all printed Petitions they have disqualified the third great member of the reforming triumvirate, Major Cartwright—Lord Cochrane also appears to have found it expedient to seek another field for his active energy, and is going upon some project not fully disclosed to South America—The Parliamentary Campaign hitherto has been consumed in one laborious effort to suppress the Reformers and their Projects—Both parties in Parliament have substantially joined in this effort, and they have bound the People hand and foot so that apparently they will be unable to move. They have adjourned for a fortnight over the Easter Holidays, and at the last moment, the Opposition members started up and said that as they had done as yet nothing but coerce the People, they hoped the Ministers would in the recess do something to relieve the People—What the Ministers could do in the recess, of such high importance, they did not explain—It is very obvious to all the world that during a recess of fourteen days, the Ministers can do little or nothing to remedy evils for which the tried wisdom of Parliament has effected nothing in as many months—but now the Reformers are down, I suppose the whigs are planning to stand forth again as the champions of the People.
We have accounts from New-York down to the third of March, but I have none from you, or my dear Mother later than the early part of January. We hear that you have had a winter unusually severe—Here it has been exactly the reverse—without exception the mildest winter—that I ever experienced any where—no one instance of Snow to cover the ground for two days, and scarcely frost enough to harden the surface of a mud puddle. We had flowers in blossom in our Garden in January.
With my dutiful remembrance to my dear Mother I remain faithfully yours

A.


Title: From Richard Rush to Abigail Smith Adams, 2 April 1817
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Respected Madam.
					Washington April 2. 1817.

				I am to thank you for the kind wishes contained in your favor of the 24. of last month. You have often, indeed, gratified and flattered me by similar ones, and I feel how much I owe to your over partiality.The appointment of Mr Adams gives, as far as I can ascertain, the highest satisfaction. If ever a citizen of our country owed his elevation to the solid merits of his own character, your son, madam, allow me to say, has emphatically a claim to that distinction. His talents and services were the dignified titles that pointed him out for the post. To promote the publick good, to give to the country the benefit of the counsels of such a statesman, these also were the dignified and national motives that led to his selection. Yes madam, I must say, that I know Mr Monroe to have been actuated by such motives, the right ones to govern the virtuous and enlightened chief of a nation.It is true that, before the appointment took place, there were cavils. I cannot say that they arose from the gentleman to whom your letter alludes. He did not assign it as a reason for not coming into the  cabinet, as secretary of war, but stood upon others of a character altogether compatible with entire respect for Mr Adams. It may be subjoined, that the present footing of intercourse between this gentleman and the President, indicates nothing but a continuance of the mutual harmony which heretofore characterised it.But cavils there were, from quarters that I cannot, or need not name. They now seem hushed, not to revive again. I should find it difficult to describe them all; but having gone thus far, I must have your pardon for venturing a little farther. One would exclaim, “what! a gentleman for that post whose publick opinions and feelings do not class with those of the President; how will the executive machine get along”? “Aye”, says another, “so it goes; here is Mr Adams too from Massachusetts. Thus flow to that quarter the great streams of patronage, through whom in turn will be distributed the smaller ones,—while the middle, the south and the west must be content with the recollections of their patriotick fidelity”!But, madam, I should fatigue you, and unnecessarily task myself, by going through such idle recapitulations. Strange to say, the hubb hubbub was not a little fomented by some sons of New England. But the act of Mr Monroe speaks for itself, and is the best refutation of them all. Having formed a good purpose, nobody keeps to it more firmly. He feels nothing but confidence in the just views of Mr Adams; anticipates nothing but his zealous and harmonious cooperation in great and liberal schemes of policy; hails in his abilities a capacity to devise them, and in his long-tried patriotism a powerful auxiliary at home, to the kindred, national, principles which he has sustained with such honors and effect abroad. These are the sentiments in which the President is fixed.I have thus, madam, given to myself the pleasure of an early reply to your kind favor, and in the spirit of confidence with which it honors me. For the present I will only add my congratulations on the prospect, now so near at hand, of a happy meeting with your son, and tender to yourself, and the venerable sage of Quincy, the assurances of my constant and respectful friendship.

					Richard Rush.

					P.S. May we venture to hope, that Mr Adams will embark on your advices to him? Duplicates of his commission, and accompanying letters, have been sent off; but it would be a source of regret if the possibility of their non-arrival; or  contingency of their tardy arrival, should deprive the country too long of the benefit of his services here.

			R. R.


Title: From Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway to Sarah Smith Adams, 8 April 1817
From: Treadway, Susanna Boylston Adams Clark
To: Adams, Sarah Smith

					Quincy April 8th 1817

				I received your letter my Dear Mother by this mornings Mail, and hasten to answer your enquiries: I believe I did not say, Mr Clark had nothing; his pay as a Lieutenant, is 400 dollars a year; and he has between two and three thousand, in the bank at Washington; if we go to house keeping, it is probable I shall have decent furniture at least, given me, yesterday, we dined at Mr Boylston’s, in Jamaica Plain; directly opposite where he lives, is a beautiful little spot, with a convenient, neat house, belonging to him, which is unoccupied; I half in jest, and half in earnest, asked him, how he should like me for a Tenant? “Oh of all things he answered, if you will come, & live in it, I will fit it up delightfully, and be the best neighbour in the world; ” I thanked him, and he made me promise, when Mr Clark arrived; that I would bring him over to see it. it is three miles from Boston, a pleasant neighborhood, and every thing very neat about it. My Grand Father, dear Mother, is much attached to Mr Clark; after he left us, in the fall, Grand  Mother said to him, “poor Charles, I have sent him away with a heavy heart, for he entreated to be married before he left us, and I refused him:” did you, said Grand Father, he would not have found me so hard hearted; he has often told me of the high estimation in which he holds my friend: I have not said any thing to him, as it respects, our being united this Summer; but thought it best, to wait Mr Clarks return; I do not wish for Lavish, or show; all I require is enough to live comfortably; Mr Cs character is very domestic. his house would be his chief delight, and when he is called away, his Sister will be with me; she is a lively, amiable girl, enthusiastic, in her affection for her brother and ready to sacrifice every thing for the Continuation of his happiness; she writes to me constantly, and her letters are dictated by the most devoted attachment.Friday April 11th.  Mr Clark arrived on Tuesday Evening, my beloved Parent, which will account for the delay of my letter; his health is entirely restored, and he earnestly entreats to be married this Summer; it distresses me my dear Mother to see him so unhappy, at the delay of our union; I think I would conform to almost any situation, in which I might be placed; I have seriously considered every circumstance, and hope not to do any thing imprudently, but when I  hear his arguments, in favour of our marriage, and witness the anxiety of his mind, it cuts me to the heart; I sometimes think, I could brave the caprices of fortune, and meet with fortitude, every event; my mind is in a very unsettled state; the fear of doing wrong, and the distress I fee,l at seeing him so anxious, operates, rather unpleasantly upon my spirits and health: may the Almighty direct me in all my steps; our trials here, are for the best, and designed for wise and benevolent purposes; I wish much to hear from you, my Dear Mother, and that you are once more, enjoying your health; Remember me, with kind affection to my Brother, and Sister, and believe me with dutiful attachment / your Child

					Susan B Adams.

					Mr C desires affectionate remembrance to all.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 April 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

					my Dear Sir
					April 10th 1817

				It would be ungratefull in me not to feel & pleased thank you for the interest you take in the Return of my Son to his Country to his parents and Friends; I do rejoice in the hope of Seeing him, yet with Sense Some trembling least my sanguine hopes may be blasted. we know not what a day my bring forth. he has been preserved through many dangers to which voyages across the ocean are always liable to—he has been Successfull in his various Embassys Supported a Character honorable to his Country & to his Family—and he now appears to be calld home not only by the Government but by the voice of the Nation, if we may judge from the general approbation which has been manifested upon the occasionI beleive my dear Sir you must have been an enthusiast in your Youth. there is So much of the fervour of Friendship and keen Sensibility Still warming your Bosom—that I have a good mind to ask mrs vanderkemp if you was not a very ardent Lover? I never had a passion neither for those “Logs of Green wood, which quench the coals” nor ever was a beleiver in the platonic System. query are these exquisite Sensibilities productive of most pleasure or pain. the finest honed instrument is the soonest put out of Tune, but who that possesses them, not withstanding all the Suffering to which they Subject them, would rather have a common Tune or a common  instrument?your correspondent miss Eliot was last monday Evening united in the holy matrimonial Bonds to mr Guild. You must write an Epithelamion upon the occasion I do not know any person So capable of it—you once asked my opinion of Dr Swift—Walter Scott has lately written a Life of him with Notes a preview of which is in the Edinburgh Review for Sep’br. I never could Love Swift. He had none of the milk of humane kindness in his nature, but Scotts Life of him places his Character in Such a cruel & Barberous Light as it respects his treatment to three Ladies, either of whom he was unworthy that my dislike of him has arrissen to detestation and abhorrence of his Character—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 10 April 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					N. 112.My dear Mother
					Little Boston 10. April 1817.

				We have been many weeks without receiving a line from you, or from any of our friends at Quincy—Your last was of 8. January, and then remarked on the mildness of the Season on that side of the Atlantic; corresponding with that which had been experienced here—But here it continued through the Winter, and to this day we have scarcely been visited with frost or snow, while we hear that in your hemisphere the Winter has been severe almost beyond all precedent—For six weeks there have been only two or three arrivals of Vessels, which we are told were cut out of the ice to be enabled to sail, and although some accounts have reached us from New-York and Boston, of dates to the 4th of March, we have no Letters ourselves later written than in January—And although I have written almost every week, you will probably be as long without hearing from us: for the westerly winds prevailed through the last three Months so constantly, that very few vessels could sail from the Ports of this Country, and of the few that succeeded   in getting out, all but one or two were compelled to put back again—The consequence will be, that after a long interval you will receive many Letters nearly at the same time, and I am waiting in the hope of the same good fortune.I sent your floor-cloth, and a few lines of a Letter, by the Galon—Since then I have forwarded to my father two large packets of Books—We have been for the last Month, about half the time in London, and alternately here—John and Charles are at home for the Easter Holidays, and George is gone with General Boyd and Mr Storer, upon an excursion of three weeks to Paris—Mr Storer is a nephew of General Boyd’s, and son of a worthy friend of mine, with whom I served in the Senate of Massachusetts. George had an ardent desire to see France before he should return home, and the opportunity of accompanying these two Gentlemen, was so favourable, that I could not deny him the gratification.Mr Charles King, with his Lady and four Children, are returning to New-York in the vessel by which I expect this Letter will go—Coll. Tallmadge a Son of the member of Congress of that name, and Miss Bond, sister to the late Mr Bond who was formerly British Consul at Philadelphia with her niece Miss Travers are going with them—We have also here Mr and Mrs Patterson, of Baltimore with her two sisters, Misses Caton—They are all very elegant, beautiful and accomplished women, and have been much noticed by the Prince Regent and his Court in this Country, and by the Duke of Wellington at Paris—The youngest Miss Caton is to be married immediately to Coll. Hervey, one of the Duke’s Aides de Camp.There has been for some Months past a sort of political fermentation and of popular agitation in this Country, which must have appeared very formidable at a distance; but which has in reality been trifling and insignificant—It was much exaggerated by the enemies of the Government for the purpose of exciting discontent against the Administration; and by the Ministers to justify the recurrence to measures of restriction upon the People—These have been carried through Parliament with little opposition—The Habeas Corpus Act is suspended—The popular Meetings are subjected to such a discipline that they can no longer be held for scarcely any other purpose than to vote loyal addresses—The Press is overawed; and the Petitions for Parliamentary Reform are rejected by the House of Commons, by hundreds at a time—Cobbett has sailed for New-York; and his departure is a triumph to the Government, as important as all the rest put together—He threatens indeed to continue the publication of his Registers after his arrival there; but they will be comparatively harmless, and easily suppressed here if the Government should find them troublesome.I enclose with this Packet Letters from my Sons John and Charles. I made their writing them the Condition of their going with us this Evening to Drury Lane Theatre, to see the Honey Moon. Charles complains that he has been many Months without receiving any answers to the Letters he has written—I have very strictly enjoined upon George to write to you and to my father from France.I remain, ever faithfully yours.

					A.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 April 1817
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Sir
Quincy April 11. 1817

Lieutenant John Percival of the Navy of The United States is about to embark for London, and from thence to the other maritime Powers of Europe upon business of importance to Navigation and consequently to Humanity. The Subject is a new Invention of an eliptical Valve Pump, which if I understood it, I must not explain. I earnestly recommend him to your Attention, as much as possible; though I hope nothing will retard your immediate Return to America. An introduction to the Lords of the Admiralty I presume is his first and principal Object. He Says he is one of my Naval Offspring. He is connected with Commodore Hull.
Federalism, as he calls himself is now incarcerated in a kind of St. Helena in Massachusetts. It is a deep humiliation, to be compelled to have recourse to Such a Character as General Brooks whom Seventeen Years ago they would not approve, upon my Nomination
A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 12 April 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Sarah Smith

					My Dear Daughter
					Quincy April 12th 1817

				Susan has written you, I Suppose that mr Clark has returnd, and that he is very desirious of being married. She has also informd you of his income and means of Support. Will you under these Circumstances consent to their being married at present? They are Young, neither of them disposed to Habits of dissipation, but Such limited means I fear will involve them in difficulties. To keep House upon it, will require Stricter habits of frugality than either of them have been accustomed to.—To go to Board altho very fashionable with many families, who have been Housekeepers. yet She knows nothing of the inconvenience of confinement to a Single appartment, who has been accustomed to range at large, or the lonely hours She must pass, in his absence. He is Stationed at Charlstown, and if married would expect her to be with him.—For between ourselves, His whole Heart & Soul, Seem to be bound up in her, and he is misserable when absent from Quincy If ever a poor Soul was desperately in Love,—he is the Man—in truth I know not what to do with him—you and I, who know what value to place upon a durable, and lasting attachment, know also, that without it, a palace would be dreary, and the most luxurious living tasteless and insipid—yet Man cannot live upon that alone, nor Woman either—there must be Solid food, and we must look beyond the present moment, and calculate for futurity. we have Some Family warnings, which ought to Show the folly nay the Cruelty, of entering into engagements—without the means of Support.while her Grandfather lives, his income is So limited, that he could do no more for her, than to give her decent furniture, if they Should go to Housekeeping and be Satisfied withMy own advice to them is to wait, and be Satisfied with their mutual affection for each other, untill more untill more favorable circumstances may better warrant their union—I wish to have your opinion and advice upon the Subject. I hope to hear your Health is better. poor Louisa remains very weak, has not yet ventured to ride out. with Love to mr & mrs Johnson & a kiss for my G Grandson I am dear daughter Your affectionate Mother

					A Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 12 April 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear Son.
					Little-Boston 12. April 1817. your birth-day.

				The enclosed Letter is from Mr Le Dieu, and was received the day after you left London—As I did not notice the jr. on the superscription, I opened it, supposing it was for me; and on discovering the mistake closed it again, and now forward it by Mr Boyle who I trust will find you still in Paris.We went into town on Thursday with your two Brothers. Dined with Mr G. Joy—at Paper Buildings—saw the Wapitis before dinner, and went in the Evening to Drury-Lane Theatre—The Play was Know your own Mind—Flat—flounder-Flat—in spite even of Mrs Alsop.Last night your Mother and I came home, and went to the party at the Doctor’s, which was Concert, Ball and Supper—in the great School-Room—Mrs Salmon sung like a Seraph—Your Brothers stayed in town, by further invitation of Mr Joy—Your Mother is going to bring them home this Evening. We made two trials to see Toby the Sapient pig; but not at the proper times. The Boys were to go again.We are anxious to hear from you, and I shall expect a particular account of all the curiosities you will see—You must have the resolution to rise very early every Morning, that you may have time for writing—Probably you will have no other time for that purpose in the course of the day—The traveller should always have the pen in his hand; and note down his observations as speedily as possible after they are made—He must also learn to employ all his leisure half hours and quarters of hours; and above all adhere to the practice of rising early—This is not difficult at Paris, where they do not keep so late hours at Night as in London.Present my respects to Genl: Boyd and Mr Storer, and believe me, Dear George, / your affectionate father.

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to William Hamilton, 12 April 1817
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Hamilton, William

					12 April 1817.

				Mrs  Adams requests the favor of an order from Mr Hamilton to receive from the Custom House a small Packet containing Childrens caps brought by Mr Oswald from Paris.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 April 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

					My dear Son
					Quincy April 13th 1817

				Your Letters are always Common property with the Family to hear from you, and know that you are all well, is a mutual gratification to us all—Your Father is not so punctual in acknowledging Letters, dates and numbers as you are, so that your last Letter to him of Janry 14th No 56 is left for me to notice, and laugh, at your excuse for its brevity. I have received several from you of the like kind for your expected return so occupies my mind, that other Subjects are of minor consideration.I have received Several Letters of congratulation upon the Subject, but none more Warm and Enthusiastick than one from mr Vander-kemp, who sees nothing before you, but honour and Glory.—From experience I know how to estimate popular favour, & while the vol’ms of History are open before me, I am not so day Dazzled by the brightness or Glare of high Station as to forget, that a “Breath can Create, and a Breath destroy.” when call’d to fill an important office, an approving conscience, is its best Reward, one hour of which, says Pope “whole years, out weighs” “of Stupid Starers, and of loud Huzzas”yet I would not sit too lightly by publick opinion or say that it has not afforded me pleasure, to know that publick it both preceeded and has followd the appointment, altho not without some jealousy of Patronage, and fear that poor disgraced Massachusetts will recover her weight and Rank in the Union, while others  exprest fears, that your publick opinions, and feelings, would not Class with those of the President.while a very flattering Letter from one of the Cabinet (for I have my correspondent there) assures me in these words, “The appointment of mr Adams, as far as I can assertain, gives the highest Satisfaction—If ever a Citizen of our Country, owed his Elevation to the Solid merits of his own Character, your son Madam, allow me to say has emphatically a claim to that distinction. His talents and virtues were the dignified titles that printed him out for the post, and I must say that I know mr Munroe to have been actuated by such motives, & having formed a good purpose, nobody keeps to it more firmly”we have had an uncommon cold winter and the spring follows Still chilld with the frost of winter—we hope for more propitious Seasons. Publick tranquility Reigns. the annual Elections have excited no other Interests, than the Lights and Shades of the candidates. to neither of them has any vice been attributed, or Stained their Characters. Govr Brooks has been Reelected. a phenomenon has taken place in Connecticutt a new Edition of the independent Whig has been published there, and revolutiond the State of publick opinion, and brought in mr Oliver Wolcott for Govenour.I have written by a vessel which saild a week since to you & mrs Adams & the children; to whom give my Love.We are Well as usual, Louisa excepted who still remains low & weak—tell mr Smith, that his Sister was well and the little Girl, last week; when mr Clark, on his return from Washington saw them—mr Philips whom you mention in one of your Letters, has not been past, without notice here; his Speeches have been Printed in our papers.—the dean of St. Patricks has been handled by the Reviewers without  much candour but I know not the literary Character who deserved more censure. it does not excite much compassion in me, who always despised certain parts of his character and were he living, should enjoy the flagellation he has received.I am my dear Son your / affectionate Mother

					Abigail Adams


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

My dear Mother.
London 23. April 1817.

Your kind Letters of 12 and 17. March, the latter enclosing one (copy) from Mr H. G. Otis to my father reached me on the same day with a Letter from the New President of the United States, informing me that with the concurrence of the Senate, he had appointed me to the Office just vacated by himself—I had never received from him any previous intimation that it was his intention to make this nomination, although from various sources and among others the public newspapers, suggestions had found their way to me, that it would probably be made—I am duly sensible to this mark of his Confidence, and devoutly wish that he may never have occasion to regret that it was misplaced—The only hesitation that I could feel, with regard to my duty on the occasion, arose from a very serious doubt of my competency for the place—You will give me credit when I assure you that this doubt has weighed more heavily upon my Mind, than it ever did upon the occasion of any former appointment with which I have been honoured. You may not be aware, and it is not necessary for me to set forth the array of all the incidents that contribute to the pressure of this doubt, because I have nevertheless overstepped them all and accepted the trust—The dispenser of every good gift can alone enable me faithfully and acceptably to discharge it.
Your imagination travelled upon the wings of your affection when you allotted the Month of May for the period of our arrival in the United States—It will at the utmost be that of our embarking. The Letter that I have received from the President was a fourth copy; and a mere notification of my appointment—The official Letter of Recall, and the Instructions how and with whom to leave the affairs of the Mission here have not yet reached me. We are making in the mean time preparations for our departure, and next Monday we are finally quit the mansion at Little Boston; one of the most delightful spots upon which I ever resided—If we land upon my native soil, as early as the first of August it is the utmost that I can expect.
	 16. May 1817.
									You will scarcely think it possible that this Letter should have lain nearly a Month unfinished for want of an hour of time at my disposal. We took final leave of our residence at Little Boston House, on the 29th. of last Month—On the 3d. of the present I received the Letter of Recall from the Mission here, which I delivered the day before yesterday to the Prince Regent. I have engaged passage for myself and family on board the Ship Washington, Captain Forman, to Sail the first week in June from this Port for New-York—My Books, together with the Portrait of my father painted by Copley, and that of my Sister which I have procured for you, I shall send to Boston, perhaps by the Brig Lion, to sail about the last of this Month—My Son George has just returned form his tour to Paris, Bruxelles and Ghent.
I received yesterday your kind Letter of 13. April—On the subject of my new appointment I can add nothing to what I have said on the other side. The manner in which the President has thought proper to nominate me, was certainly honourable to himself, as it was without any intimation from me, or as far as I know, from any of my friends which could operate as an inducement to him—His motives were altogether of a public nature; and I trust I shall be duly sensible of the personal, as well as of the political duties which this unsolicited and spontaneous confidence imposes upon me. As to the popular favour with which you observe the appointment has been attended, I well know how to appreciate its stability as inherent in its own nature; but that is the smallest of my concern; I have no fear of injustice from my Countrymen—for through the whole course of my life I have experienced from them favour far beyond my deserts—They have always overestimated, not the goodness of my intentions, but the extent of my talents—And now when their anticipations go so far beyond what I have the consciousness of being able to realize, mine have too much reason to apprehend that they will terminate in disappointment—I have no anxious forecast but of my inability to justify the President’s choice by active, efficient, and acceptable assistance to his Administration, and the expectations of the public, by solid and useful Service to my Country.
You observe that among the various public speculations there have been some expressing apprehensions that my public opinions and feelings would not harmonize with those of the President—It is certain that our sentiments upon subjects of great public interest have at particular periods of our public life been much at variance—That they may be so again, is as certainly not impossible—If I had any present reason for expecting it, I should deem it my duty to decline the Office which he has tendered to me—but I have none—Ever since his appointment to the Department of State has brought me into official Relations with him, I have known few of his opinions with which I did not cordially concur, and where there might be shades of difference, have had ample reason to be satisfied with the consideration which he has given to the candid expression of mine. I am aware however, how much more delicate and difficult a task it will be to conciliate the duties of self-respect, and the spirit of personal independence, with the deference of personal obligation, and the fidelity of official subordination, under the new station assigned to me, than it has hitherto been, in those which I have held—I am aware that by the experience of our history under the present Constitution, Mr Jefferson alone, of our four Presidents has had the good fortune of a cabinet, harmonizing with each other, and with him through the whole period of his Administration—I know something of the difficulty of moving smoothly along, with associates, equal in trust, justly confident of their abilities, disdainful of influence yet eager to exercise it, impatient of controul, and opposing real stubborn resistance, to surmises and phantoms of encroachment, and I see that in the nature of the thing an American Presidents Cabinet must be composed of such materials. For myself, I shall enter upon the functions of my Office, with a deep sense of the necessity of union with my Colleagues, and with a suitable impression that my place is subordinate. That my duty will be to support and not to counteract or oppose the President’s Administration, and that if from any cause I should find my efforts to that end ineffectual, it will be my duty seasonably, to withdraw from the public service, and leave to more competent persons the performance of the duties to which I should find myself inadequate. The President, I am sure, will neither require nor expect from me any sacrifice of principles inconsistent with my own sense of right, and I hope I shall never be unmindful of the respect for his character, the deference to his sentiments, and the attachment to his person, due from me to him, not only by the relative situation in which he has placed me, to himself, but by the gratitude with which his kindness ought to be requited.
I am obliged to close my Letter, and remain, ever affectionately yours

John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 29 April 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy April 29th 1817
What right have I to be one of your tormentors? and amongst the numerous applicants for introductory Letters?Why I will plead, old acquaintance, old Friendship and your well known Benevolence—but to the Subject of my present address. Mr Theodore Lyman, who possesses an ardent thirst for Literature, and whose Father, is one of our most respectable Characters for probity, honour, & wealth, this Young Gentleman has been much out of health, occasiond by too close application to his Studies. He is now going abroad with the hopes of regaining it—He is desirious of getting an introduction to some Gentlemen of Letters in France—my good Husband has furnishd him, with one to the Marquis La Fayette, one to mr Marbois, and one to mr Gallatin, But as your acquaintance with men of Letters in France is of a more recent date, I thought it probable that you might give him a Letter or two, which might be of much Service to him, from the weight and respectability of your Character, He understands the French language, and is a young Gentleman of most estimable Character, and acquirements, whom I am not asshamed to recommendhe is a nephew of Mr Williams, late consul of the US in England.—he has been once in England, and in France before, and knows full well that to Men of Letters, he cannot be easily admitted, without honorable introduction—He has been so attentive in Supplying us with such rare, and valuable Books that I feel  indebted to him for his kindness, and as I am not able myself to repay his civility,—like other debtors—I am drawing upon my Friend’s—any Letter you may think proper to forward—you will please to Send under cover to my Husband, and they will be gratefully acknowledgd, by your old and Steady FriendAbigail Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 29 April 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, George Washington

					My dear Son.
					Craven Street 29. April 1817.

				I have received your Letter of the 11th. and your mother has that of the 16th. from Paris. I wrote you by Mr Boyle, and have not written since, supposing a Letter could not reach Paris before you would have left it.—We shall from this day be constantly expecting your return, and I write this merely with the chance of its finding you at Bruxelles.We are preparing with all possible despatch to embark for the United States; but do not yet precisely know from what Port or in what vessel we shall sail—We have finally removed altogether from Little. Ealing, and bade a last Adieu to Boston House yesterday. Your brothers however still remain at School, and were yesterday well.If this Letter reaches you at Bruxelles, and you pass through Ghent on your return, present my affectionate regards to Mr Cornelissen, to whom I gave your Letter, and tell him that I have since received his Discourse to the Botanical Society, though I know not through what channel; and return him many thanks for it.You Speak in your Letters of Mlle. Duchesnois and Mlle. De Vert, and Brunet, and Potier, and Govourlan—but I hope you have not confined your observations or reflections to Plays and Players—Take care never to mistake the relaxation for the business of Life.Present my best Respects to Mr and Mrs Eustis, and Genl: Boyd, and remember me kindly to Mr Storer.I write in haste and am your ever affectionate father

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Adams to John Peter De Windt, 1 May 1817
From: Adams, John
To: De Windt, John Peter

Dear Sir
Quincy May 1st. 1817

You would be pleased to See the pretty Figure your Peach Trees and Cherry Trees make in my Garden. Their buds are at least a fortnight more forward than any of our native Trees. I hope you will contrive to come and see them next fall.
Be Sure to bring the Sprightly Elizabeth with you. Tell her never to forget how her great grandfather Smoked his Segar. Tell her, if She will come and See him again he will endeavour to give her Some good Advice for her to remember, and that will be to be good and to do good.
Thank Caroline for her Smoked Beuf, which is excellent and will enable me, to treat my military and naval Friends now and then with a Sandwitch. Her “Beuf fumée,” is quite a Luxury.
My greatest Want, is Some One to read to me. I well remember how you delighted me, by reading Eustace to me. I have been ever Since endeavouring to purchase him, but not a Copy of him is to be found in Boston. Although it is an insidious, partial prejaced Book of a bigotted Priest of an execrable Religion, there are So many Subjects of Speculation and Investigation, that I think him at least as important to be Studied as Chateaubriand.
Thanks for you kind and gerous presents and love / to all, with the Sincere Esteem and cordial Affection / of
John Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 2 May 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Dear Harriet
					May 2d 1817

				mr Clark will deliver you this Susan has  a Letter from her Mother urgeing her to come to See her, and consenting to her.… which I cannot under present circumstances—so they say no more to me—I think with you that it will be best for them to go Silently and if a female travelling companion can be found at the Same time it will be more agreable—fine weather for your Father & SisterMr C will tell you all about the party at Milton Hill—we have got dr Franklins private correspondence, lately publishd by his Grandson it will be a treat to you—but when Shall I See you again to stay with us? I am better than When I wrote last, Louissa much the Same—the P has a voilent cold taken a riding on horse back to the Seaside wind East, inflamed his Eyes, but he will read—I Shall write to Caroline to day. Sir has written to mr D.Mrs A writes Susan that mr Johnsons buisness is Such that he cannot leave it to visit us—The Ribbon did not come—Yours as ever

					 A A


Title: From Richard Rush to Abigail Smith Adams, 4 May 1817
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Respected Madam,
					Washington May 4. 1817.

				Some time in the early part of last month, I had the pleasure to write you a letter in answer to your favor of the 24th of March. The mail is so true that it never occurs to us to doubt the safe arrival of a letter when we know that it has been safely lodged in the post office; nor did that which I wrote leave any thing suspended leading me to look for an answer. My only reason for thus referring to it, is, that I entrusted it to the hands of a servant somewhat careless who has since left me, and since whose absence I have learned, that one other letter which I thought he had taken to the post office, has never got to hand. I will hope that such has not been the fate of the one which I had the pleasure to address to you.When you shall have heard from Mr Adams, after intelligence of the event of the 5th of March has reached him, I will indulge the hope of receiving a line from you. It may help to regulate some little movements of my own in refe reference to a projected tour into Pennsylvania before the autumn. What intentions the President may have formed in relation to a successor for the post that will be vacated at London, at is wholly unknown to me. I have thought it probable that he may wish the benefit of Mr Adams’s advice on a step which he will deem so important.I tender you madam, and to the venerable Patriot of Quincy, the assurances of my respectful and devoted friendship.

					Richard Rush.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 5 May 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					dear Harriet
					5 May 1817

				I inclose to you a paper with the distrest State of an old Batchelor, not Supposing that you will answer the advertizement, but because amongst my acquaintance I know no one who So nearly answers his description—He has left his own qualifications out of the question—a dolt does he think to get Such a wife without Sterling worth on his own part? dr Franklin says “a Batchelor is not a compleat Human being. He is like the odd half of a pr Scissors, which has not yet found its fellow, and therefore is not half So useful as they might be together.”now I think a Single Lady—not to Say an old ——— is a very usefull Being, much more So, than a Single Man yet you know I have ever been a warm advocate for Matrimony—and with Allen Ramsey in the gentle Shepard—I “knew that men were made for us—and we for men”Harriet my pen is So bad that I cannot write half I have in my , which is rather wagish having had a good nights rest. Your Letter Shall go this day—I shall read the peices You mention—I cannot get Letters from Monticello under a fortnight. we expect a visit from Gen’ll Lalamand—hear he intends oneLet me know when mrs Baily comes—Louissa remains much as She was when you left us—yours as ever

					A A

					burn this and all other of my Scrawls—
				5 May  the plumb Trees are in full Blossom a moto for the old B—who ever thinks a faultless peice to see, thinks what  near was nor is, nor near shall be


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 5 May 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Sarah Smith

Dear Daughter
Quincy May 5th 1817

The account of your Health and your debility gives me much concern. the frequent bleedings your Physician thinks Proper for you, quite allarms me. I am sure Louisa could not have Survived, if any blood had been taken from her. for more than a month, She could not rise from her Bed: to Sit while it was made, without fainting, and looking as if she could not be yet back alive. She has now So far recoverd as to be able to ride out, but much Emaciated, & yet very weak—You having sufferd under Similar complaints know how to Sympathiz with her. is not your complaint  upon a critical period of Life? If you can get through that—your Health may be better—Susan is very  10— her Sister and Nephew and I are equally desirous  Mr Clarke is very desirous of Seeing you and I have answer’d  the  of it, and he does not.  impropriety   mr Clark accompanying Susan to Utica  most prudent to defer. in the early part of their acquaintance, they looked forward to a Speedy connection, without calculating upon the necessary funds to Support an establishment. He had hopes and expectations from an Uncle; which are not So Sanguine as formerly, that uncle a Batchelor, living upon a plantation with a Number of Slaves who for want of proper management.  his affections, gets the better of his judgement. I am obliged to bring him back to reason. the two Letters which I inclose in confidence, and which I wish to have returnd to me, will lay  to you his Heart. it is now a year Since I first became acquainted with him, and the longer I have known him, the greater my esteem for him—I have never known him chargeable with but one imprudent action, and that was falling desperately in Love, and rising to get  without the addequate means of supporting a family. Altho he is very prudent, and Spends not any money, but what it costs him for cloathing and comeing to Quincy, which he never fails doing on every Saturday  will not Support a Family—and Commerce does not at present open any flattering prospect to him—by waiting Some time longer: I think he will find his account in it—If no objection arrises in your mind they think of Setting out the first week in June, to visit Utica—

You will let me hear from you Soon. I am very sorry that mr Johnsons buisness will not permit him to visit Quincy with Abbe, and her darling  I long to See. You were always  must be  of your flesh. give him a kiss for his Great Grandmother whom he will never know—affectionatly / Yours

A Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Christopher von Lieven, 9 May 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy,Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Lieven, Christopher von,Lieven, Dorothea Benckendorff von

					Craven Street. Vendredi 9. Mai. 1817

				Mr et Madame Adams infiniment sensibles à toutes les attentions obligeantes, dont Monsieur le Comte et Madame la Comtesse de Lieven les ont honorés, pendant leur Séjour en Angleterre, et particulièrement a l’invitation aussi flatteuse que cordiale qu’ils viennent d’en recevoir de nommer un jour pour diner chéz eux, avant leur prochain départ, profitent de cette permission pour leur proposer celui de Mercredi prochain 14 du Mois, si ce jour leur convient. Ils seront charmés d’avoir cette occasion de renouveller à Monsieur et Madame de Lieven l’assurance des sentimens de Reconnoissance et d’Attachement, qu’ils conserveront toujours pour eux.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 May 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

					my dear Son
					Quincy May 10th 1817

				I will write to you again, and untill I learn from you, that you have taken your passage home.—I have now to acknowledge a succession of Letters from you, arriveing nearly all together No 106. No 107 No 108 No 109 No 10010 and No 111 March the 16th which is the late date—I hope you did not think, when I wrote to you pressing your return to America, that my object was the office to which you have Since been appointed—I knew too Well your spirit of independence, and feel my own too powerfull, to solicit offices. it was merely Selfish motives which prompted me to urge it—I wished to have you near me the few remaining days allotted me, and as a Solace to your Father in his old Age—Years Steal“Fire from the mind, as vigor from the Limbs”“And Life’s enchanted cup but Sparkles near the Brim”you cannot fail to be shocked after Eight years absence at the change you will find in those most dear to you. when I look in my Glass—I See that I am not what I was—I scarcly know a feature of my own face—but I beleive that this mortal Body—Shall one day put on immortality—and be renovated in the world of Spirits—having enjoyed a large portion of the good things of this Life, and few of its miseries, I ought to rise satisfied from the Feast, and gratefull to the Giver. I look forward with hope, that I may be permitted the priviledge of beholding my dear Children and welcomeing them to their Native Country—a happy a flourishing and peacefull Country—at the present day—every account from our old Step dame Britain fills me with dread and anxiety—oppression will make the wise madyour Colleigue at Ghent mr Russel is married to my Neighbour miss Smith—a Lady of no common acquirements—the Ceremony was conducted in rather a Novel manner for this Country, and has excited News paper S comments and remarks; too severe I think for the occasion—as nothing criminal attended the exhibition—our own News papers were not Sufficient to throw Ridicule upon it, but all the Southern papers must take up the Subject, and pass Sentance upon it—must mr Russel has drawn a prize—and Envy has no small Share in the Calumny—we make no pretentions to Rank & titles, yet Humane Nature will break through the disguise, and show that the Spirit of Ceasar is alive within us—an officer who enters, as the Sailors Say at the Cabin window—is never equally respected, as one who rises by regular gradation—The Season is late with us, and dry. we hope for a more fruitfull Season than the last. Bread Stuff as it is call’d is very high. our crops of corn being cut off, makes flower much dearer. it is 15 to 16 dollars pr Barrel, and we have to do what never before happend purchas all our corn from the Southward—I do not write now to mrs A or the Children. this Letter must Serve for all—I have just given one for you to mr Theodore Lyman, who I hope will arrive before you leave Englandmy floar Cloth is arrived. I Shall pay to your Brother the cost. I requested Mrs Adams to bring me half a doz. double Muslin hankerchiefs if to be had. there are none imported hereI Shall look earnestly for Letters from You after you receive notice of your appointment—I am dear / Son ever your affectionate / Mother

					A A


Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Smith Adams, 15 May 1817
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Monticello May 15. 17.
Your letters, dear Madam, are always welcome, and your requests are commands to me. I only regret that I can do so little towards obeying them. but eight and twenty years since I left France would, in the ordinary course of mortality, have swept off seven eighths of my acquaintances, and when to this lapse of time are added the knife of the Guillotine & scythe of constant and sanguinary wars, I am left without a single personal acquaintance there of the literary family; for Dupont, the only one of that day still living, is in the US. a correspondence however has since taken place with some literati not known to me personally, nor their habits of society, or situations in life. among these I have chosen M. destutt-Tracy & Say; the former great in the moral sciences, the latter particularly in that of Political economy. Mr. Tracy’s connection too with M. de la Fayette will facilitate mr Lyman’s acquaintance with him. I have selected these two the rather because, in the course of our correspondence, I owe a letter to each, and am glad to avail myself of the opportunity by mr Lyman of paying the debt, adding to my letters the recommendations of him which your information authorises. should therefore any circumstance prevent mr Lyman’s visit to France direct, I will pray him to forward the letters by the first entirely safe conveyance, under cover to mr Gallatin. in the letter to M. de la Fayette I have associated my sollicitations with those of mr Adams for the courtesies to mr Lyman, which he so willingly extends to all Americans. wishing a pleasant voyage and tour to him, and to yourself and mr Adams long years of health and happiness, I tender you the homage of my constant respect and attachment.Th: Jefferson


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 18 May 1817
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					My Dear Madam
					London 18th. May 1817

				As we are on the point of departure and much engaged I can only write to mention that we are all well and very desirous of soon meeting you in Boston. The remainder of the time that we shall stay in this Country will be very unpleasant as we are harrassed to death in procuring furniture and such articles as may be useful to us in America according to the advice which you gave us in a Letter some time ago the great expence attending it however has almost induced Mr. A to believe that we could have done better in America—of this I cannot be a judge but as every thing is very low here at present and when we made our purchases we expected to return in a public Ship which would have rendered it much less expensive—My health is very bad and I expect to suffer much on the voyage as I can by no means bear fatigue as I used to do.Present my best love to the President and family and believe me yours with much affection—

					L C Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 23 May 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					My dear Brother,
					London 23 May 1817.

				Since my last letter to you, which was of 28 February I have received yours of 6 and 12 Feby  both numbered 24. of 19 Feby. N 25. & of 13 april N. 26 with all their enclosures. Mr Ogdens Bill for £877.10. has also been duly received and paid. I am now so much hurried by the preparations for my departure that I have no time to trouble you with observations upon my affairs. The only instruction I can give you is to dispose of a sufficient number of the Bank Shares to pay the last instalment upon the remainder.
				We are to embark in the Ship Washington, Captain Forman is from this Port to New York. The time for her departure is fixed for the first of next month, but may be some days later. I propose to ship most of my books to Boston by the Brig Lion, and pray you to be on the look out for her. As the boxes & trunks form a part of my personal baggage, they will of course be admitted duty free at the Custom House. I hope I shall arrive about the same time with them. You may expect us from the first of August. faithfully yours.


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

					Respected Madam.
					Washington May 24. 1817

				The President yesterday received a letter from Mr Adams, in which he mentions his acceptance of his late appointment, and that he expected to embark in the course of the present month. The letter is dated on the 19th of April.In the possible event of this information not having reached you by the same vessel, I hasten to communicate it, offering my renewed congratulations to yourself and Mr Adams, with upon it, with the usual assurances of my great respect and attachment.

					R. Rush.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 28 May 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Sarah Smith

Dear Daughter
Quincy May 28th 1817

 When I received your Letter of the 8th, written upon a Sunday, for which you apologize, it brought to my mind a Letter I once read written upon a Sunday morning by the Revd dr Mayhew of Boston, to mr James otis, respecting Some secular affairs of importance. he began his Letter with these Words—“To a good man all time is holy, and none too holy, to do good.” I think you may have absolution upon that score, for I presume you was performing a Duty, when you exprest a decided disapprobation of a proposed visit.

You may be right, pure intentions are not always judged of with Candour. Sure I am that neither of the parties on this occasion will act contrary to your opinion, or Subject themselves to the censure of the world.
It cannot be supposed that you can feel towards mr Clark as I do who have known him a Year, and have the utmost confidence in the rectitude of his heart, and the delicacy of his mind, as well as of his Sincere affection—and not a fear would  arise in my mind, respecting committing to his care, and protection, the choicest Treasure I possest. I will not Say that you are wrong, you are certainly upon the Safe Side
When I Sent you the Letters which past between me & mr Clark, it was, that you might have before you the reasons which had deferrd their union. Upon their only acquaintance, they flatterd themselves, that they might be married, and live at Board upon the income of his property and pay. I knew they were too young to be acquainted with family expences—and living at Board would Soon be unpleasant. To House keeping they could not go at present If a house was ready furnishd. Mr Clark acquiesced, and determined to go to the Meditterranaen, as from active Service alone could he expect promotion he accordingly Saild for that Station, but by the providence of God he was detaind. Susan has related the circumstances to you. Dissapointed in his views, he returnd to Boston, having obtaind an appointment to the Navy Yard in Charlestown—

your infirm State of health made Susan very desirious of visiting you, and mr Clark visited to accompany her—your opinion with regard to the impropriety of it, has decided them.
I am rejoiced to hear that Your Health, is better. My Love to Mr and Mrs Johnson from / Your affectionate / Mother

Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 30 May 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Dear Harriet
					Quincy May 30 1817

				The Books have come, and never were in the Custom house as I beleive. it was not a Box, but a package. Farmers Works are a part of them. mr Tappant, Sent them out. mr Aspinwall our consul had the charge of them, and they came in the Margaret Frances, and not as Supposed in the GalenI received your Note by mr Greenleaf. I inclose the pattern I like best. Seven yds if you please of it. Louissa wants half a peice of Gown trimming or 4 yds like what Susan bought for her Cambrick. I send the Butter, there is 4 pd in the whole, tho every Lump is not alike in w’t, for Nancy workd it to get out the butter milk—we wish want to know when mrs Smith will come, as Louissa wishes not to be from home at that time. the weather is So cold, that I think it will be pleasenter for Louissa a fortnight hence. Let me know when I Shall See mrs Bailey here? I will Venture the Tumblers by mr Adams. please to return the Box & 4 pd of Currents if you have enough in your hands to get them—Now for the brilliant part of your Note. the president Says your compliment to him, ought to be cut out and put up in a Frame. I inclose you mr A’s last Letter you will See by Carolines, that mr Adams may not be able to come home So Soon as he would wish to. I never had an intimation that Such a manufacture had taken place—I hope it will be of the feminine Gender. his Next Letter will probably give me Some Light. Caroline very candidly tells me, that She will not be able to come, till late in the Season—I will hope to See her then with a son and you must, return with her, So She Says—Poor Susan is much dissapointed, mr C—— more So. he thinks it is a want of confidence in him. I do not view it so. it is the Eye of the World. She is mrs A—— is right. I beleive dr Frankling Says “if it was not for the Eyes of other people we should not want fine Houses fine furniture or fine Cloaths.” Respect to publick opinion ought not to be disregarded—not to Subject yourself to it is the Safest course be sure—I have not heard from mr C—— this week he appeard so unwell when he left here last Monday, that I requested him to let me hear from him. we have not—mr A—— has calldYours as ever

					A A


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 7 June 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, John Adams

					Sir.
					London 7 June 1817.

				Conformably to the Instruction which I have received from the President of the United States, by  a Letter from Mr. Graham of the Department of State, upon my departure from this Country I leave in your care the business of the Mission to this Court until the arrival of a Minister or until the President shall otherwise direct. The papers relating to subjects of individual interests, upon which communications have been made to the British Government; and answers are to be expected are left with you; and also a copy of a minute of them delivered to Lord Castlereagh.With this letter, I place in your hands three orders upon the Brothers Baring and Co. one dated 29 May last in favour of N. G. Ingraham Consul at Plymouth for £97.10.9. one dated 6. June in favour of Coll. Aspinwall and payable only to him, for £500 to be given to him when he shall call for it, and one dated also 6 June in your own favour for £100 to defray the contingent expences of the mission, of which you will keep accurate & particular accounts until you receive further directions from the Government of the United States. You will continue to receive the Salary as Secretary of Legation. Any further compensation to which you may be intitled can only be determined by the orders of the President.You will continue to transmit Weekly the Newspapers and such publications as may be of general political interest, to the Department of State, and to give by Letters to the Secretary of State, any information which you can collect, respecting the passing Events in this country or in the other parts of Europe. You will also correspond as occasion may require with the Ministers of the United States on the European Continent, and with the Consuls in the British Dominions.I am with great regard and esteem your friend & obedt Servt.


Title: From Ruth Hooper Dalton Deblois to Abigail Smith Adams, 16 June 1817
From: Deblois, Ruth Hooper Dalton
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Highly Respected Madam
					Boston 16th June 1817

				The long friendship experienc’d from you, and the President and the regard he has ever had for our lamented Father and my poor agoniz’d Mother induces me to take the liberty of soliciting you both in our behalf—When we left Washington we had reason to believe if my Parent was unable from indisposition or if this sad event we now all mourn—was to take place, my Husband would be his successor—Many are for it and much interest are making for others—if the President would so far favor my husband as to give a few lines to Mr Munroe in his favor it would be confering a great obligation on a distress’d and needy family,—Pardon the liberty I am taking—Many years ago My dear Madam, you honor’d me by receiving and answrg my letters—I lament I have not had the pleasure of seeing you since I have been in Boston—My Mother unites in best regards and hopes you will call and see her—she is with me—and it will add an honor greatfully received by Dear Madam Yours with great respect and esteem—

					R H Deblois


Title: From Robert Stewart to John Adams Smith, 2 July 1817
From: Stewart, Robert
To: Smith, John Adams

					Draft to the American Chargé d’Affaires.
					Forn. Off: July 2d. 1817

				Lord Castlereagh presents his Compliments to Mr. A. Smith, & in answer to Mr. Adams’s note of the 19th. of August last respecting the ill treatment said to have been experienced by the American Prisoners at Dartmoor during the late War, has the Honor to transmit to him the Enclosed Copies of a Correspondence which has been received from the Admiralty and which he has no doubt will afford a full & Satisfactory Explanation to the American Govt.—upon the Subject.—

					Lord Castlereagh &c.


Title: From John Pope to Abigail Smith Adams, 20 July 1817
From: Pope, John
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Dear Madam
					Frankfort July 20th. 1817

				I am one of the Trustees of the Trasylvania University, and on that account have to request the favour of you to give me in detail as correct a view as you can of the moral habits, literary attainments, and religious tenets, of Docr. Holly—Is. he a Christian? Does he deny the divinity of Jesus Christ? That is does he believe Jesus Christ to be merely an inspired man, or the Son of God in the sense generally understood by Christians? Or if you will permit me Madam to be more particular—does Docr. Holly consider Jesus Christ to be the son of Joseph and Mary, or the ofspring of divine agency—I make these enquiries not so much for myself as for some religious members of the board of Trustees who are very sensitive on certain Calvinistic points—He has been proposed as the President of our institution—And I am very much disposed to Vote for him, if it is possible to reconcile our religious people to him—Such is the division of opinion in the board that his election will much depend on me. The responsibility I must incur by taking either side induces me to solicit this information—Please to inquire of Mr. Adams and your son John Q. Adams if in your country when this letter reaches you upon the subject of this letter—I have addressed you Madam not only from a conviction of your superior intelligence—but because altho’ you are a politician I prefer obtaining my information from a Lady than a Gentleman the Ladies are generally more frank and have less political caution in the expression of their opinions—It is not my intention to lay your letter before the board or otherwise give it publicity unless agreeable to you—My leading object is to satisfy myself as to Docr. Holly’s Moral, Literary, and Religious Character—Please present me very respectfully / to President Adams and believe me to be / Your friend

					John Pope

					N B I shall be much indepted by receiving an early answer—
				J.  P


Title: From Richard Rush to Abigail Smith Adams, 29 July 1817
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Respected Madam.
					Washington July 29. 1817.

				Your kind favor of the 14th of this month, was very gratifying to me. Nothing can be more interesting then the account which it gives of the Presidents visit to Boston and the vicinity. The letter from Mr Adams which you were so good as to enclose, I have to apologize for not returning sooner. I desire to thank you for the opportunity afforded me of perusing it. There is an impressive wisdom and refinement in its sentiments. Of the principal parts, I have ventured to take, in my own hand, a copy. Although you granted me  no such permission, I am willing to hope you will infer, that I will make no other than a discreet and proper use of it. Indeed, I derived so much satisfaction from reading it, that I am not able to rest content with its coming  under my own eye alone. I therefore hope for your pardon.The President has been pleased to leave to me the option of succeeding Mr Adams as the representative of our government at the court of London. Although I do not consider myself as yet at liberty to mention his intentions, (the newspapers acting upon their own impulse.) I do not feel that I depart from the spirit of the reserve in making the communication to you, even before Mr Adams’s return. I am aware of the difficulties and hazards, many of them so formidable, before me; yet have taken the determination to go. It would be a disadvantage to any man in our country to succeed so immediately to the experience and skill of your son in this important mission. Much more so will it be to one entirely a novice. I give a candid opinion when I say, that I count this one of the perils. If it admits of any alleviation it is, that  it is his exact and long-trained pen which, in filling my porte-feuille with instructions, is to lay down the rule of my conduct. This madam is, I do assure you, a genuine consolation to me; that being wholly inexperienced myself; I shall have the benefit of the most experienced of guides to put and always to keep me in the right path.The good wishes of yourself, and the venerable sage of Quincy, I am quite sure I shall carry with me, wherever I may go; and I must use this occasion, lest none other should offer, to say how affectionate and grateful a remembrance I cherish of the manner in which they have ever heretofore been extended to me.

					Richard Rush


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 2 August 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					dear Harriet
					2 August 1817

				How shall we get on without you? I dont half like it. why cannot you come out with mr Shaw? if you had Said Yes mr Clarke would gladly have come in for you. taking all things into consideration—I made a proposition to them to day that they should be married on Sunday Evening—as they rejected having a dinner, for I could not see how I could avoid a dinner if they were married in the forenoon—and sit off in the afternoon after some little persuasion, Susan agreed to it—mr Clarke thinks that he must sit off for Philadelphia immediatly even if he does not get a Letter from Captain Stuart, two or three days might make essential odds to him. he designs to take her with him, & trust for a safe conveyance for her back or to utica as may happen—I inclose two dollars. you will pay the cake which mr C will bring up, if he can. if not must get mr Shaw to take it—I want three or four qt blue & white China bowls—cannot you get a housekeeper from Sunday till monday morning & come out with mr Shaw—I inclose you a Letter from mrs Fryye. she appears comfortablely married, at which I rejoice much. no News yet of our Friends—I have two Letters which I wish to Show you, may hap I may send them to be returnd tomorrow—I will leave this unfinishd till morningNothing new to day / Yours as ever

					A Adams


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

					My dearest Mother
					New York 6. August 1817.

				After a passage of fifty days from Cowes, we have this day landed from the Ship Washington; all well—We shall stay here only so long as may be indispensable for landing our baggage, and making other necessary arrangements. In the course of a week or ten days, I hope to enjoy the happiness of seeing once more, my dear father and you—Remaining in the meantime, ever affectionately your’s.

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 7 August 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Smith, John Adams

					Dear Sir
					New-York 7 August 1817.

				I have but one instant to inform you that we arrived here yesterday; all well. Mr Coles also arrived in the Evening from Liverpool, and delivered to me your Letter of 17 June with the Dispatch for the Secretary of State, and the Packets from Mr G. Joy & Mr Bentham.W. S. Clarkson is below while I am writing: your family relations are well. We expect to see Mr and Mrs DeWint to-morrow. I go next week for Boston.Yours.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Boyd, 7 August 1817
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Boyd, George

					Dear Boyd
					New York 7th. August 1817

				We arrived here yesterday morning after a most tedious passage of fifty days and intend proceeding to Boston as soon as possible—I am commissioned by Mr. Adams to request you will look about for a house for us that we may know where to apply on our arrival in the City he does not wish you to enter into any positive engagement but to ascertain the terms of such as you may think suitable I have a considerable quantity of furniture therefore it must not be very small and he would prefer a situation between the Presidents house and George Town I should be to have a kitchen that was floor’d and with dressers fixed in the English manner as I have an English Cook and this had better be engaged before we enter any house with the owner—As we intend sending our furniture as soon as possible from here Mr. A. will likewise thank you to make some arrangement for having it stored untill we arrive as it is very bulky and heavy and will be much indebted if you will superinted the unlading as he is fearful of its being damagd should you know of any house likely to suit write me here addressed to Mrs. Bradishes 9 State Street and I shall find it on my return from Boston—Present me most affectionately to Hariet and all the family and believe me sincerely yours

					L. C. Adams

					I have a small Box of Watches for you sent by your Brother Robert from Paris—And I believe your Carpets  &ca are on board the Ship we came in I was much surprized on going to Mr. Felthams a few days before I sailed to find them still in the Warehouse but he said it was the fault of the Barings I told him to Ship them in our Ship and I suppose you will receive them with mine—Adieu—


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 August 1817
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy Aug. 10 1817

Yesterday was one of the most uniformly happy days of my whole long life. The Morning brought Us a Letter from our Friend Crafts of your Arrival; in a few hours our Neighbour Beal brought Us a Newspaper confirming it, and the Evening presented Us your Letter to your Mother of the 6th. that you were Landed “All well”.
A thousand Circumstances exalted the delight or as West used to Say upon all Occasions finished the Picture. Two Letters from Susan very pleasing, and Satisfactory of her progress with her Husband on a Visit to her Mother and Sister; a Succession of warm Showers all day: My Threshers, my Gardeners my Farmers all behaved better than Usual and all together kept me in a kind of Trance of delight the whole day.
Kiss all the dear Creatures for me, Wife, George, John and Charles. I hope to embrace them all here in a few days. God Almighty bless you all. So prays

John Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 August 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

					My Dear Son
					Quincy August 10th 1817 Sunday morg

				Through the kind of attention of mr Crafts we learnt yesterday morning of the arrival of the Washington, and in the Evening, through our watchfull centinal Harriet, I received the gratefull intelligence under your own hand, that you were Landed and all well for which joyfull News to your parents; God be thanked—we now wait, in pleasing expectation of welcoming You; one and all, to the old Habitations alterd only by the depredations of Time; like its ancient inhabitants. Come then all of you; we will make you as comfortable as a cup of cold water, tempered with Love and warm affection can render you—Fill the Children, I am Sorry they were not here a week sooner, to have been present at the wedding of their Cousin Susan, who is now gone with her Husband, to Visit her Mother at utica—I am anxious to know how mrs Adams Sustaind the Voyage, as her last Letter, gave me concern for her Health—I remember what a voyage was of 57 days, from the Same place;—so you were seven day more fortunate / than Your affectionate Mother

					A Adams.

					your brother and sister Louisa & all Friends Send Love and greetings—Your Father will write himself.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 10 August 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Welsh, Harriet

					Quincy 10 August 1817

				Thank you thank you dear Harriet for the Letter from mr Adams you sent me last Evening. tho only a few lines, it informd me that after a passage of 50 days from Cowes they had arrived all well—and should remain no longer in N york than to get out their baggage & necessary arrangements, that in a week or ten days they would be here—I presume by the close of the week or sooner—It will indeed be a joyfull day to res his  presents that our Lives and health have been prolonged to this period in such a manner—that we can enjoy their compan, at our advanced period of Life it hardly could have been expected—I have an other Letter from Susan, which I inclose—You will see where good fortune placed them. I am much obliged for the civility shewn them, so say to mrs Lyman. there was a certain Subject, now of no concequence, upon which you, and I never exchanged a word—I am now glad that we never did, the story which Susan heard at Hingham, she soon learnd was not true, and told me so, the first time She went to Town after She heard the report. I am sorry She ever mentiond the Story—The Letters I sent you the other day were curious. mr B——d had sometime when he Sat in Senate become a little Jealous of mr Adams, when abroad he found that there was not any cause for it, and he harmonized with him tho now they want to have it beleived that Bayard joind Clay & Russel who it is Said were for Sacrificing the fisheries. Bayard wished mr Adams to have justice done him, and upon his dyeing Bed did what he could to obtain it for him. this report no doubt got in circulation, and was at any rate to be crushd in Embrio—terrified at the power of Clay and his Friends—this poor man behaves like a Coward & Blockhead—mr Adams never insinuated to his nearest Friends, that one man more than an-other had any merrit in the negotiation, much less that he had himself. we know that upon the Subject of the fisheries there was a division—and so great as to determine mr Adams not to sign the Treaty. it was afterward happily comprimised by the British Agents—all who know and are  acquainted with the parties, know the Labouring oar lay upon mr A. this is the Language which Huges the Secretary of the commission held when he first came to Boston, untill he was silenced, as I have since heard“Envy will merit as its shade pursue”I am glad Judge Story has copies of these papers.—I have felt the weather very much these rainy damp days. I think mr Hinkly must feel them it too. I pitty poor Ann whether She comes while he Lives, or has to lament his loss. the last time I saw him—there was that coulour in his cheek, that like a worm in the Bud of the Rose, ofttimes hides the worm seeds of dissolution which are seeping the whole fabrick—have you heard lately from your Mother of mrs Baily—So You are charged with Charming a Gentleman away from all his invitations to dinner—Nay he openly declared that he had rather dine with Harriet than with all the Gentry in Boston—what a pretty Story that would be to tell of 25 or even thirty, but of Eighty odd, o that is quite an other thing—adieu dear Girl. you know my spirits are good when I can thus trifle—yours as ever

					A A


Title: From John Quincy Adams, 15 August 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

					15. Augst. 1817.

            Order on T. B. Adams—in favour of W. S. Clarkson for $200—Receipts. 1817.

            Augt. 11.One Hundred Napoleons361:20.of T. B. A. order in favr of W. S Clarkson200:Septr: 4. Order Bank U.S. Boston favr. J. P. DeWint400Cash.3009.Cash.300.17.Bank US. Philadelphia. Order on Washington780.18.Schuylkill Bridge do.12—22. Cash—for 225 .478:221819. 26 Augt.Philadelphia. Recd. at Bank U.S.423—99.15. Pr— List of Trunks in Custody of E Cruft1821.20. Paid J. P. Van Ness—805.71.cash 305:71.Order 1. Septr or February500:805:71.


Title: From Hendrick W Gordon to Abigail Smith Adams, 16 August 1817
From: Gordon, Hendrick W
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					Madam,
					Merrimack, NH, August 16th. 1817—

				I congratulate you, my illustrious friend the President, and all  your family on the safe arrival of your son His Excellency John Quincy Adams to the country of his love, and of his fathers. I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with Mr. Adams, If I had I would not trouble you with what I am about to ask, though he probably remembers the many letters he received from you through my hands, and the many newspapers & pamphlets I sent him myself while he was at the court of Russia. Having been unfortunate  in business at Boston, I deemed it best in order to lessen my expences to remove to a small farm I had in the interior of New Hampshire which I did in the spring of 1814, where I have since remained hopeing something might offer to better my condition—In addition to my pecuniary losses I have to sustain a far greater one in the death of my beloved consort, leaving to my care and protection four little children & myself a widower at the age of 35. On hearing the appointment of Mr. Adams to the office of Secretary of state of the United States I concluded I would venture to ask him for some situation under the government, the duties of which I could perform, and the emoluments of which with prudence should give me something more than a bare living.Being known to you & the President, I have taken the liberty to address this communication directly to you with a request that you will be pleased to do me the distinguished favour to mention my wishes to Mr. Adams, & if you consistenly can I pray your good word to accompany them.Governor Plumer near by whom I was born, and who knows me well will write Mr. Adams respecting my character, & qualifications for public employment. I shall ever feel grateful to you Mrs Adams if it shall be in your power to answer this petition in my favour.With the greatest Respect, I have the honor / to be, your very humble Servant

					Hendrick W Gordon


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 18 August 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Sarah Smith

					Quincy Sunday 2 August 19 1817

				This Evening my dear Daughter, will give you a Son, and me a Grandson, whom I have no doubt will prove himself worthy that Relation—He has plead So hard, and appeard so anxious and distrest, that it Should be so, before he again went abroad that I could no longer withhold my assent, and hav Susans Grandfather also joind with me, altho my former objections Still remained the Same. Tomorrow they will Sit out for utica, their first duty being due to you. they would not have taken a time So inconvenient as I fear it will be to my Dear Abbe, if mr Clark could command his own time; but Captain Stuart of the Franklin has kindly given him leave to remain untill the last of August, when he has orders, to join the Ship at Philadelphia. He wishes to take her there with him—but of this we must judge hereafter—I think mr Clark a most estimable young man, after more than a years acquaintance and that he will make Susan a kind tender and affectionate Husband—and I hope She will make him a prudent Discreet and affectionate wife and—Monday morningI feel this morning little able to add to my Letter. the thoughts of parting with one whom I have had from her early years under my care, & who has been the Life and Spirits of the family—is a Serious Subject to me—Years have added to her worth—and  She is daily increasing in amiable qualities—with me She will always find a Home, untill a more Eligible one may be provided for her. may the Heart of her Husband always Rest in her. with every wish for your Health and happiness & that of your daughters—I am ever your affectionate Mother

					A Adams


Title: From John Adams Smith to Jeremy Bentham, 20 August 1817
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Bentham, Jeremy

					Dear Sir
					London 20 August 1817

				It is with much pleasure that I am able to furnish you with a statement of the number of officers & the amount of Salaries of the several Departments of the Government of the United States.I hope you are enjoying your health, & I pray you to make my remembrance to Mr Mill—I am Sir with / much Respect your / obedient Servant

					J. Adams Smith


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Boyd, 22 August 1817
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Boyd, George

					Dear Boyd
					Quincy 22d August 1817

				Your kind Letter was put into my hand this morning and I have to thank you for the readiness with which you executed the troublesome commission which I have imposed upon you—Mr. Adams requests me to beg you will engage the house you mention provided the rent is such as we may find supportable as our means are by no means considerable and we are under the necessity  and  we  of making this matter an object of serious consideration—As you have been so long a resident in Washington you are a better judge of rents than we can possibly be and on this account Mr. A—wishes you to make as favorable an arrangement for us as you can—We propose to be in the City on the 21st of next Month and I wish to get to house keeping as soon as possible after my arrival you will therefore take the house as soon as the President leaves it—With best love to you all I am ever affectionately

					L. C. Adams

					P. S. I will thank you to tell Antoine that I am very angry with him for having taken the Childrens clothes with him in some of the trunks to Washington and desire him to look up every thing which belongs to them pack them up in as small a compass as possible and send them by the same Vessel he went in, to New York, addressed to Mr Adams at Mrs. Bradishes and to be careful that he leaves nothing behind—AdieuRemember me to Ellen.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Peter De Windt, 9 September 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: De Windt, John Peter

					Dear Sir
					Quincy Tuesday 9th. Septr. 1817

				I enclose herewith an order upon the U.S. Branch Bank at New York, for 460. Dollars, with many thanks to you for the loan of the Money.We are to leave Quincy this Morning and Boston tomorrow, for our Journey Southward—Miss Welsh accompanies us New-York, where we hope to arrive by the Steam Boat from New Haven next Saturday Morning.—My intention will be to proceed from New-York next Monday. Should I not have the pleasure of seeing you there I will thank you for a line acknowledging receit the receipt of this.All here are well—With my affectionate remembrance to your Wife, believe me Dear Sir, your faithful friend & Servt:


Title: From John Quincy Adams, 10 September 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

					Minute of Effects in hands of T. B. Adams in Septr. 1817.
					September 10, 1817

				Quincy Farm.House in Naussau Street. 1.Do2Do3.House &c in Court Street.House in Hancock Street.Neponset Bridge Shares 6.Braintree & Weymouth Turnpike. 10.Middlesex Canal. 12—State Bank do. 45.—2700.N.E. Insurance Co. 55.5500Fire and Marine do.Boston Bank—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 10 September 1817
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					My Dear Brother.
					Boston 10th. Septbr. 1817

				I have placed to your credit as my Agent the sum of ten thousand Dollars, in the United States Branch Bank, which you are to employ as follows, and in no other manner without express authority from me hereafter.I have authorized Messers: Payne and Co. to purchase for me, Middlesex Canal Shares at 330 Dollars a share, all assessments paid—or at 250 dollars with the last Assessment to pay—If they purchase any they will give you notice, and upon receiving the transfer of the Certificates into my name you will pay for them from this fund.—If you have any opportunity of purchasing shares from other persons at the same rate you may pay for them in the same manner.—For every share thus purchased and paid for by you, you will charge me a Commission of five Dollars. Should you be informed of any other manner of employing the money advantageously to write to me for instructions.Yours affectionate brother—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to William Smith Shaw, 13 September 1817
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Shaw, William Smith

					Dear Sir
					Quincy Sepbr 13th 1817

				By a Letter which I received from Caroline dated 1st Sepbr She acquaints me that a mr Verplanck has a Letter of introduction from mr dewint to you, and that She wishes him to come to Quincy to See us, that he has with him two Sisters, one much out of Health, very particular Friends of mrs Dewints. they proposed taking Lodgings at mrs Delanoes. If any Such persons have come into Town, you will oblige me by giving me the earliest notice, as I wish to see them at Quincy, and Shall Send in, that they may appoint a day to come out. mr Verplanck was a class mate of mr J A Smiths, and one of the most respectable young Gentleman of the State, the Ladies fine women—they reside only a mile from mr de wints House—I would not by any means miss an oppertunity of Seeing themJohn and Charles will go tomorrow to Town. it is of great importance that they Should be kept Steady, they have been three months from School, and it is hard to them to come to it, especially amongst all Strangers. the Books are different from those in which they have been instructed—altho John is ready & apt yet he wants Steadiness. Charles is a mere Satellite to him, and tho a very manly Boy, he beleives all John Says and does is right—I pray You to keep an Eye upon them. it is very unfortunate that Harriet is absent. John has a very good disposition, but too independent for his Age—Yours most affectionately

					A Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 September 1817
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

					My Dear Mother
					New York 13th.—16 Septbr 1817

				We have arrived safely at this place after a fatiguing journey owing to the dust and extreme heat of the weather which nearly overcame me and produced so much fever by the time we reach’d New London we were apprehensive I should be incapable of proceeding as I found myself considerably better we took our passage in the Steam Boat at New London yesterday morning at 7. o-clock and reached New Haven yesterday Evening at 8. after a pleasant sail which was only interrupted by a slight shower of Thunder and Lightning We then exchanged Boats and took in so numerous a company that during the night we were almost suffocated by the heat which I think can only be exceeded by the black hole at Calcutta—The company in the first Boat was tolerably agreeable and the squabbling for beds in the second would have been exceedingly amusing to a disinterested spectator Harriet and I enjoyed very much after we were provided. We got in at six o’clock this morning, and were not a little pleased to be released from our purgatory.13 Harriet left us last evening at five o’clock under the protection of Mr Tensbrook who was going to Fish Kiln and promised to see her safe to Mrs. De Wints. he is a respectable clergyman—.14 I was so unwell yesterday morning I could not go to Church and was obliged to lay on the bed, the greater part of the day as  was positively engaged to Dine with Mr. Mrs. Cormich at three o’Clock I went accordingly and you will be a little astonished to hear that I sat five hours at table as the Gentlemen would not release me being the only Lady there—I think I shall get a fine reputation—Mr. Pillet would say I had brought some of the english Bachanalian propensities with from the dear little Island—We were much surprized at the arrival of Mr. De Wint who came to take Harriet up to Cedar Grove he is looking very well and says Caroline is in very good health and spirits—he returns on Tuesday.16 We left New York at 7 o clock in the Steam Boat for New Brunswick the day was cold and rainy and we had not a great many passengers In the afternoon we got into the Stage and went as far as Trenton—I was so Ill from the fatigue that I was obliged to go to bed immediately on my arrival—This morning we took passage in the Steam Boat for this Place and arrived here at 11 o’Clock the Boat was crowded with passengers some of whom were pleasant and genteel among whom was a quaker Lady by the name of Coates—A Lady said to be one of the most sensible women in America I must close this journal or whatever it may be called with love to my boys and to Louisa and with duty to my father and yourself from your daughter

					L C A.


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

					dear John—
					Quincy Sepbr 17th 1817.

				I received your Letter by mr Beals, and was very glad to learn that you and your Brother had enterd School you will very soon get familiar with it, and if you do as well as you know how, you will not be behind your Class. If Charles is really unwell; mrs Welsh will give him something to take, and he must restrain his appetite which was too keen for the season of the Year. I would have you call and inquire after mr Shaw, & write me word how he is. you had best not go into the Room, as the complaint is infectious—Be strict to whatever Rules are directed in your Studies. you know how to make yourself beloved. attention & diligence & punctuality will not fail to make you esteemed by preceptors & school mates—give my Love to Charles & tell him I know he is a Good Boy—and if he is not well to tell mrs Welsh. I Shall not forget you on SaturdayI have not heard from your parents since they left providence but hope to this morning if I do before miss Elkings goes I will let you knowJames is going to day—you will see him I doubt not. write often and let me know how you get onYour affectionate / Grandmother—

					A Adams