Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Catherine Nuth Johnson, 4 May 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Johnson, Catherine Nuth

Quincy May 4th 1810

I am indebted to you my dear Madam for three Letters. I have made two attempts before to acknowledge two of them; but was unable to accomplish my intention. The Spirit was willing, but alass the flesh so weak and feeble that my hand would not guide my pen. I have had a Severe Sickness, which has left me very low, and a slow fever continues to consume my strength and Spirits. When your Son in Law mr Boyed brought Your Letter, I made an exertion, feeble as I was to see him, I was much pleasd with him, and regreet that the Sickness in my family has prevented me, from seeing more of him. The week after he came, my Son TB Adams was taken down with a voilent Rheumatic fever, confined to his Bed, almost helpless, and had to undergo the various scourges of bleading, and blistering &c &c he is just getting out, much reduced. add to this mrs Adams had an attack of a Remitting fever. we have been a mere hospital of Invalids. you are too well acquainted with the distress occasiond by Sickness in a family not to Sympathize with me, and your benevolence will receive it, as my apology for not writing to you.
I thank you my dear Madam for your communications respecting our Children, altho they are not of the most pleasing kind. it has ever been my opinion that mr Adams Should not have gone abroad. I am sensible the presidents motives were good, and I am not unmindfull of the honour done my son by the confidence reposed in him. His Situation here was not pleasent. he had been obliged to quit those whose Friendship he had formerly enjoyed, because they had quitted the principles which had ever guided and governd his actions. he was Subjected to all the Slanders and falshood, to the neglect and contumely which the bitterness of part Spirit engenders. his feelings  were too keen not to Suffer a depression in concequence of it for a  time. he was rising superiour to it, conscious of his own integrity, his devices at this Time in his own State would have been more justly appreciated. where ever he is stationd, his object will be to serve his Country, unbiased as much as possible by party considerations.—The Sallery of a Foreign Minister, as I know by woeful experience, is too narrow and contracted to reside with a family at any foreign Court. but the nature of our Government is such, that there is not any prospect of it being enlarged, nor is there any consideration for the difference of expence or living at one Court, more than an other, however well dispose the president might be to do it, so that I do not See any way for mr Adams to Save himself, and family from total ruin; but by requesting a Speedy recall.
we have Letters from him to the 25th of Novbr, but as they are a continuation of a journal of his voyage he had not reachd his presentation to court; or his unpleasent situation respecting a House and accommodations. tho William Smith and mr Grey do. the latter gave his Mother Some account of the unbounded expence of living. he writes that the French Ambassadors palace and Equipage furnished by Napolean, was only exceeded by that of the Imperial palace. I shall be spairing of my communications respecting expence as I would not gratify those, who would rejoice in any thing which might tend to mortify and embarrass the Minister.
I hope the articles which mrs A wrote to me to procure for her, which were Sent to her by captain Harrod, a cousin of mrs TBAs will reach her safe. If you have Letter and will forward them I have frequent opportunities of conveyance. a Gentleman calld yesterday who will sail next Sunday week, for Gottenburgh, by whom I shall write if I am able.
Catharine my dear Madam must have written to you by some other vesselwe have duplicates—the originals not yet come to hand. I presume you have written frequently. has not the Secretary of State Letters from mr Adams?
Congress I presume have risen. I am sorry they did not allow mrs Hamiltons claim. I know her to be an amiable deserving woman She has certainly in domestic Life been a Suffering one—every mitigation to her Sorrows ought to be renderd her, altho her claim was barred, and it is not probable would ever have been calld for if her husband had lived Yet deprived as She was of him, with a family of children to bring up, and educate, I think She Should have been considerd. if I had been a member of the Senate, injured as my family were by her Husband—I would have used every argument in my power to have obtaind her claim.
if Congress have not done all the good they might have done, neither have they done the evil which was in their power. The Situation of our Country is very difficult. we have the virtues of patience forbearance and long Suffering if no others—
they would have done well to have provided a house for Lunatics and given an apartment to J. Randolph, and Mat Lyon. Randolph is more unpardonable than Lyon, as he is a man of more education, tho not of Manners.
In a private Letter from a Friend to Mr A. his Character is thus sketched.
“I have long considerd him as a Mischeivous Boy with a Squirt in his hands, Throwing its dirty contents into the Eyes of every body that looked at him—A kicking or a horswhipping would be the best reply that could be made to his vulgar parlimentary insolence. it is only because the Body which he insults is what it is—that he has been so long tolerated—In the Congress of 1776 & 1777 he would soon have fallen and perished with his Brother insects upon the floor of the House” The Man is so well depicted that I could not refrain giving you his portrait, tho Scarcly fit for a Ladys pen don do not expose me—
an accident which my paper met with, has renderd it unfit to send. my inability to coppy must be my excuse—
I should be very happy to see you at Quincy tho you have not the inducement you once had to visit Boston
My health is so poor and precarious that I cannot promise myself an abiding place here much longer my dear absent Children are ever upon my mind. with few hopes of ever seeing them again—Gods will be done—I submit—
mr Boyed is gone to Portland I hope to see him again before he returns to Washington.
Remember me to each branch of your family, and be assured I am dear Madam / your Friend—
Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 May 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy May 7th 1810

Captain Smith, a Brother of Mrs Charles Millars call’d here to let us know that he should sail for Gottenburgh in a day or two, and would take Letters from us to you.
I am desirious of writing to you as frequently as I can, tho no doubt many vessels sail without my knowing it. My last Letter to you was by Captain Harrod, who was charged with the articles which mrs Adams wrote me to procure her, and which I hope will reach her safe. I do not know if any Letters have reached you. I have written to you, and to mrs Adams repeatedly, and your Brother has not been less frequent.
I know you must feel anxious to hear from us, and from your dear Sons. I have the pleasure to assure you that I never knew them enjoy Such uninterrupted health for so long a period. not a days real Sickness since you left them. they both behave with Steadiness and propriety. George makes proficiency in his Studies, and John has progressd improved in his reading so as to delight in it—They are both sitting by me, and request that I would present their duty to you, and their Mother, with Love to their Brother:
Your Letters to your Brother from Petersburgh, the one a duplicate dated 28 october, and an original of 28 Nov’br reachd us, upon the 19 of April, and compleats the regular file of your Letters Since your absence; I read them with great interest, and I hope with a heart and mind duly impresst with gratitude for your preservation, and escape from the dangers which surrounded you: may the same overruling providence continue to watch over and preserve you.
Your Brother has had a severe Sickness and confinement, with a rheumatic fever: from which he is now happily recovering altho still weak and feeble, he will write to you, and give you every intelligence respecting your private affairs, and which you committed to him; and which I believe he manages to the best advantage in his power.
As to public affairs—you may feel a little surprize at the turn they have taken in this State, as well as in New Hampshire, Road Island and Vermont. in this state mr Gerry and Grey, are undoubtedly Elected Gov’r & Leiu’t Governor by a Majority of three thousand votes.
To the conduct of the federal party in congress respecting the resolutions of mr Giles, approveing the conduct of the President in refuseing to negotiate with mr Jackson, after his insulting replies to the Secretary of State, so disgusted those who had Eyes to See, and Ears to hear, that they could not shut their Eyes to the disgracefull  conduct of those who could support the injustice of a Foreign Government, against that of their own Country—the part the legislature of this State adopted in concequence of a mutual league and Covenant between them, and the federal party in Congress, if I may judge from a Similarity of language and argument, may be seen in the resolutions past the last winter upon the Same Subject, coined by “our writers‘” who are well known to you, and whose loving kindness and tender mercies you have so amply experienced.
The correspondence between mr Smith and mr Jackson was publishd, and amply discust by some leading Character, in every principle Town and Village in this State, and notwithstanding all the glosses of the British party, and their advocates, who labourd three months to prove our Government in the wrong. Truth has finally prevaild, and her advocates have outweighd, all the oppulence of wealth, all the power of art, and influence of office—
Massachusetts has once more broken the toil, and escaped from the snare. the Senate are pretty equally divided, the struggle now is, to obtain Such a representation as to embarrass the Govenour. for this purpose the house of representatives will be as numerous and as unwealdy as the National assembly of France.
untill our differences are adjusted, and our wrongs in some measure redressed, both with France and England, it will be in vain to look for that union and harmony amongst ourselves which would give strength and energy to our Government.
your Lectures are published—I have read them with great delight, as I Should Such a work from the pen of any man. I have to regret that forty years ago, I could not have had the benefit of such information and instruction as they contain. They are a work the value of which time will enhance in our Country. When the illiberal Spirit of party distinction shall cease to blind and bewilder the understanding, and political acrimony to corode the judgment, the Merrit of that work will be justly appreciated
your Brother will Send you the Anthology in which there is a review of those Lectures, perhaps as candid as might be expected from the pens of Gentlemen who profess they will not Suffer their judgments to be influenced by any feelings of political antipathy, yet almost in the next sentence, Stigmatize mr Adams’s political Sentiments by declareing that they have no sympathy with him whatever, lamenting that the orb of his political glory has become dark.
“Irrevocably dark, total Eclipse:
Without all hope of day”
They have travelld thus far out of the road to review a work, which has not anything to do with the politicks of any party, and which it was altogether unnecessary for them to have noticed, aspireing to be numberd amongst the Friends of Literature. they could not Suffer a work of Such intrinsik merrit to pass unnoticed, without bringing upon themselves the odium of bigoted partizans by every candid man of Science who Should read them. hear their Apology—
“We offer this free expression of our opinions, least the praise we may be bound in justice to bestow, should lose in value by being Supposed to proceed from political Friends”—this I presume they consider as a prodigious stretch of impartiality and candour—especially when they allow mr. Adams’s “claim to the name of the best read, and most accomplishd scholar, the Country has produced.”
In the perusal of this  Review you may find some criticisms which may be of use to you if you should ever have leisure to revise and correct the Lectures, written as they were in the course of only two years, a large portion of that time necessarily absent attending your duty in the Senate of the united States, and occupied in some measure with your professional buisness, it is not to be wonderd at, that they Should not be so correct, and perfect, as more time and leisure would have renderd them. Of this important circumstance the Reviewers make no mention, after some criticisms, the justice and propriety of which I am not competent to decide upon, they break out into an apostrophe “yet let us do him justice” as tho they were conscious that they had been deficient. The strong mixture of censure, and applause, some of which appears trivial, and the dread least they Should Say too much reminds me of those lines in Popes prologue to the Satires.
“Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer
And without Sneering, teach the rest to Sneer
Willing to Wound, and yet affraid to Strike
just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike”
I question the learning and research of these Gentlemen, to qualify them to review with advantage to the Author such a work as that which they undertook it must therefore remain without “a second, and without judge”
I feel anxious for you my dear Son as it respects your pecuniary affairs. from the great expence of living in that Country, I fear your Sallery will be very incompetent to your expences if you find it so, do not remain any longer than from the nature of your buisness, necessity requires—especially when your political Enemies so pathetically lament that you should abandon the laurels which you might have gained without a rival to gather a barren, and withering Chaplet of political renown.”
With much more Sincerity my dear Son I deplore that Spirit of insolence, political frenzy, and persecution, which renderd your Native Country unplesent to you, and led you to accept a mission, with the hope of Still Serving your Country in a foreign Land, untill the political animosity so unhappily prevalent, Shall Subside, into a temper more congenial to that Spirit of charity benevolence, and good will to Man, So fully inculcated by the great Exemplar of Mankind—
may you live to see, and feel its influence. Whenever a kind providence Shall restore you to your native Country, and to the Bosom of your family, whether or no, that day be permitted, or not,To your ever affectionate / Mother
Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 7 May 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

7 May 1810

Received Quincy 7th. May 1810 of Thomas B. Adams the sum of Twenty-five Dollars: fifty Cents in full for one quarter’s interest due on John Q Adams’s Note—
$25:50

Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 15 May 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

my dear Daughter
Quincy May 15 18110 1810

When I closed my Letter; last week to my son by captain Smith, I fully intended to have written to you, but my health has been very miserable for the last three Months, so that for many weeks I have not been able to touch a pen, a universal debility and weakness daily reminds me of my decay. it is then that the distance, and seperation from my dear Children most Sensibly wounds me, yet it ought to prepare and reconcile me, to that final seperation which must ever long take place.
Altho we have heard from you quite as often as we had reason to expect, during the winter season, we shall soon be looking for Letters as the spring opens, and unlocks the Northern Ocean.
I cannot bear to contemplate the distance you are from me. do you not experience the same sensation, when thought crosses the Atlantic, and your dear Children rise in view before you, together with all the links which bind you in close amity to those you have left behind?
even every Tree, plant and flower, find a superiour interest in our bosoms, if they are the natives of our own Soil; altho not half so beautifull, or fragrant as those of a foreign Country. This is an instinctive Love of Country. The frozen Laplander, and the burning affrican feel the same partiality.
I doubt not, that the splendid scenes which surround you: when become familiar, are viewed with less interest, as custom effaces their impression, than the simple stile, which communicates pleasure; from being attaind with more ease, and enjoyed with more comfort.
I am confirmed in these observations, by Letter which I have received from your Mother, in which She describes the perplexity of your situation—when the means are so inadequate to the end it requires great skill and judgement, “to shape the course—you must extricate yourself by a return to America. what shall I say that Country deserves, which will not support its own dignity, a Country rich in resources, and increasing wealth? yet it will have no mercy as respects pecuniary affairs.
we have had the pleasure of a visit from your Brother Boyed, and learnt from him, and from Letters received the 24 April from your Mother, that your family were all well.
your mother writes me, that she was much mortified, and grieved, that she had not any Letters from Catharine, by the same opportunity which brought yours, to your Sisters. I became the apologizest for her, by saying, that she must have written by some other conveyance, for that we had received a duplicate from mr Adams, the original had not yet reachd us.
your sons are both well, and with us to day. John stands by me with a pen ready prepared for me to write a Letter to his Mamma. I must commission his Cousin Abbe to that office. he grows daily more, and more like his Mother, George like his Father, in looks, and in many other respects, he even partakes of a little too much positiveness—which was an error I endeavourd to correct in his Father in early life, but the Boy inherits it, by regular descent as his Father did before him—Age, a knowledge of the world, and experience will correct it, and molify it into firmness, and inflexibility.
I suppose Catharine would like to learn something respecting her Boston acquaintance, miss Hannah Storer is soon to be maried to mr Keating. The difference in Age is rather too much, but the amiable virtuous, and respectable Character of the Gentleman is an over balence. miss Eliza Otis is published to mr Lyman—many other matches in contemplation, not yet made visible
our Family Groupe are now all well, each member present a kind remembrance. write to me my dear daughter, and let me know how you have supported change of climate, mode of living &c believe me with Sincere affection / your Mother
Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 May 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy May 28th 1810

I received a Letter yesterday from mrs Johnson, informing me that Capt Bandrige, in the frigate President, was to Sail with dispatches to St Petersburgh.
I embrace the opportunity, tho not more than ten days since I wrote you largely, by a vessel bound to Gottenburgh. Mr Smith a Brother of Mrs Charles Millar took charge of the Letters. Yet to learn that We are all alive and Well, by whatever opportunity, must I know give you pleasure. your dear Boys who dinned with me to day, enjoy fine health.
I returned last Evening from a visit to Atkinson where I had been to visit my Sister, and to procure a little more health and Strength. I have returnd, I think, benifitted by the journey. Your uncle, and Aunt, desire me, when I write, to remember them to you.
We have not any Letter from you of a later date than 28th of Nov’br you may easily imagine how anxious we are to learn from your own hand, how, you and your family, have supported the Rigors of a Russian Winter?
As to what relates to your Mission connected as Russia is, and Situated as we are with France—I own that I have not any very Sanguine expectations of a favorable result to America—you are accused by the English News papers of April 9th, in the following terms—“the American Minister is the meddling advocate for the exclusion of American vessels from the Russian ports, under pretence of preventing the frauds practised under the American flag; but in reality, in prosecution of the Jeffersonian Anti-commercial System”
and this Sensible paragraph is coppied into the federal papers, Without any comment and to pass where it will for Truth. the British party wish to render the Mission to Russia as unpopular as possible—thus the English writers have represented mr Forbes, the Consul at Hamburgh as equally disposed to injure his Country, at the very time when he is exerting his utmost endeavours for their benifit—
you are too much accustomed to have your good evil Spoken of, to experience any sensation, but that of pitty for those who wilfully or wickedly misrepresent you. The change of politicks in N England, is in favour and support of our own Government. foreign influence is much less predominant as it is more fully understood—Napolean can not retain it, while he is so unjustly seizing upon our commerce
I have written to you by several vessels which have Sailed from hence. my last was by the cignet Capt Caynew deliverd to Mr Smith, a Brother, of mrs C Millars who promissed to deliver the Letters himself. by him I wrote to mrs Adam’s by Captain Harrod I also wrote—your Brother, who has been very Sick, but is now recoverd, has written you largely by various opportunities. I hope to learn that Some, at least, of my Letters have reachd you—your Lectures are becomeing very popular and are much Sought for—
Mrs Johnson With whom I keep up a correspondence, has written to you by this opportunity, we communicate our intelligence to each other, and I learn from her many times, what others would not communicate—
you know what the State of the Cabinet was before you left us. Report does not make it more harmonious now between the Secretary of S——e and the Secretary of the J——y as to any dissagreement with the others. we hear nothing it is confidently Said a change will take place—The President has embarressments enough I believe; and who at the head of a Nation has not? those who envy, know not what they sigh for—
Let William know that Susan had a Letter yesterday from Caroline from Lebanon. the family were all well. John had been made a Master in Chancery, which for a young Man just getting into buisness, is as much as could be expected by way of promotion, and was the more agreable, as it was unsought, and unexpected—
With a kind remembrance to all your family and a kiss for my dear Boy Charles—I am yours / affectionate Mother


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Catherine Nuth Johnson, 30 May 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Johnson, Catherine Nuth

my Dear Madam
Quincy May 30 18010

upon my return from a visit to my Sister in Newhampshire, where I had been in pursuit of health; I found your obliging and interesting Letter of May 14th. I thank you for the communications, and embrace the opportunity offered, of writing to my Son, tho from my absence, I fear it may prove too late for the conveyance. if it should, you may return it, I begin to feel quite impatient for Letters from them. I have not seen the communication of the Count Romanfoss—to which you allude, and will thank you for an extract from mr Hellens Letter. it is pleasent to be well received, even tho, the great object of the Mission Should not be accomplishd, Napoleans interest is much too great.
Your account of the disunion of the cabinet, corresponds with public Rumour. I had some knowledge of the formation of it. I never supposed that harmony could Subsist between two, whom you Name—however capable mr G——n may be of filling mr S——hs place, I think the public voice would be in favour of a Native American. Mr G——n has qualification for that which he now holds. I do not see how the President can possibly liberate himself from the powerfull connexions of mr S–—h, & if he chooses to hold the office, without raising a Clamour, which would require much firmness to resist, I know not how to believe that he can substitute the visitor you mention; in his place, who has not any popularity any where and who is known to have been, so much, the humble Servant of France—
I Should think mr King, if he would accept the appointment, better qualified to fill the office, with judgment, and Skill, and to the benifit, and satisfaction of the country, as I never, knew him accused of any partilities to foreign powers, and tho steady in his politicks never devoted to party, but of what avail is my opinion? J Randolph I suppose, thinks himself qualified, mere will of a whisp as he is—his judgement has no weight, and his opinions, no stability—to day he is one thing, and tomorrow an other—burst like a meator, flashes and goes out. he has some tallents, but they neither serve himself, or his Country—
Remember me affectionatly to all your family, to your son when you write to him.I hope he is pleased with his office, but I know him so well, he cannot be happy whilst seperated from the Bosom of his family—thus it is with my Dear Daughter, my only daughter My age and infirmities prevent my visiting her, and I know not when, or whether ever I Shall See her again—You also have trials of this kind and therefore know how to Sympathize with Your / Friend
Abigail Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, May 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, George Washington,Adams, John

My dear Children Sons.
St: Petersburg May 1810.

I write to you both together, to assure you that although far distant from you, I always bear you both in my thoughts with tender affection—I hope that when you receive this letter, you will both be able to read, and understand it, and that you, George, will also be able to write me an answer to it—The greatest pleasure that you can give to you Parents, is to pursue your Studies with diligence, and improve yourselves as fast as you can.
I send with this letter a present for each of you—to George, three packs of Cards, in French; containing the antient History, the Roman History; and the History of France—In the pack of with the Roman History, there is a paper of directions, shewing how to play at these cards—I wish you may find them amusing and at the same time instructive.
I suppose that John will not know enough of French, to understand the game at Cards, and so I send for him a book with some pretty pictures in it, which will help him to learn it—
At the same time that I wish you not to forget the French that you had learnt before I came from home, I do not doubt but you have been and will be very studious in attentive to your other learning your Latin and Greek as well as your writing and . This is for George and it is about time for John to begin to learn the same— Your brother Charles, who sends his love to you, has already begun to learn to read, and can tell the letters of almost all the pictures in the book that I send you.
You must present my best respects to Mr: and Mrs: our Uncle & Aunt Cranch, and also to Mr: Whitney, and thank them in my name your Mama’s name and mine for all their kindness to you.
I am, your affectionate father.
John Quincy Adams.
P.S. After I had written the above, your Mama and I, received John’s letter of 30. December, which gave us great pleasure; and we thank Cousin Susan for having helped him to write it—We are very glad to hear that you are both good boys, and both well. We hope to hear often the same good account of you; and that you will both always write to us, when you know of an opportunity to send your letters.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to William Smith Shaw, 2 June 1810
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Shaw, William Smith

My Dear Son,
Atkinson, June 2d—1810—

your good Aunt Adams has made us a most agreeable visit—I wish you could accompanied her—She says you look relaxed, & are very unwell—That you are pressed with business, which you are obliged to attend yourself, & that induces you to set up late a nights—I have been long of the opinion, that midnight Oil never enriched the mind, nor the Purse—But in its consequences impoverished both—for Health soon falls its sacrifice— The morning is the time for business of every kind—& is a Friend, to the Muses, in particular— I have not  time by Master Somes, only to request you to come, & recruit here, with your Sister, she will do all in her power to make you happy— Mr Peabody joins in this request, with your most affectionate Mother—

E PeabodyI thank you for Mr Adams’ most excellent Lectures you were so good as to send. As to me, I am so far advanced in life that I must be content, if I can retain the Focus, the Sentiment, the Soul of an Author, but your Sister, when she is delighted with a Book, is not satisfied with this. She covets the appendages, the Drapery, the ornamental parts, which often renders the original more peculiarly pleasing— She folds them to her Bosom, & Treasures them in her Memory— May this Literary Deposit be a Fund, which in future Life, she may draw upon, that may prevent insipid conversation, improve hers, & render esteemed, & beloved—
Mr Somes is now going adieu, adieu—Take care of your health—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 6 June 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Mother.
St: Petersburg 6. June 1810.

Captain Thomas of the Express, a vessel belonging to Mr: W. R. Gray arrived here a few days ago, and brought me your kind favour of 31. Decr: and 12. January—It was the second letter from you, that I have had the pleasure of receiving, and after several months of expectation gave me new reason for rejoycing at the final release of these regions from the chains of Winter.
The ship Horace, Captain Beckford, to which and to whom we are indebted for bringing us safely hither, after having been locked up nearly eight months by the Ice, is now about to sail upon her return home—Her voyage hitherto has been upon the whole highly prosperous, though as you have learnt from my letters to my brother, not without imminent perils, which with the blessing of Providence we escaped; and though during the Winter, the Captain has had the misfortune to lose three of his men, by the Small-pox. How she will accomplish her return voyage, is yet in the bosom of futurity—She has all my good wishes and prayers for her safety.
I have ordered a package of sheeting to be sent out by her; recommended to the care of Mr: Gray, and containing two pieces for you, two pieces for Mrs: Cranch, and two for Mrs: Welsh—This I think was the quantity for which I was commissioned—I hope you will find it in quality such as you desired.
The failure of Mr: Jackson’s Mission was naturally to be expected, as well from the transactions between the American and British Governments, which had immediately preceded it, as from the known character of the Negotiator. What the proceedings of the British Cabinet, towards America, since they have been informed of that event, I do not know—The king’s Speech to Parliament, professed a pacific disposition towards the United States; but there has been no relaxation of the British maritime system, as it was modified by the orders in Council of April 1809; and it is said that Mr: Jackson has not been recalled. The Marquis of Wellesley who is now the English Minister of Foreign Affairs, appears in his general political system not to differ much from Mr: Canning—Neither of them has discovered the disposition, upon which alone any Peace is to be expected, in Europe or upon the Ocean.
France on the other hand, and all the States directly under her influence and controul, have been keeping the measure of outrage and injury to our Commerce—They have not only condemned and confiscated our vessels and their cargoes, in France, in Spain, and in Naples, but they have formally stipulated by Treaty, that the American property imported into Holland, since the first of January 1809, shall be placed at the disposition of the French Emperor, according to the relations between France and the United States—France too has adopted the English practice of giving licences, and levying upon them an enormous tax—In this substitute for natural trade, both those nations, or rather their Governments find their account so well, that I see no prospect of any tolerated neutrality during the remainder of the present War, between France and England.
I have been much amused by your extract from the leaned labours of the analyzer, with his palpitations of heart, at the thoughts of the Russian Mission—This same Suspicion, which Mr: Pickering’s political ethics, have turned from a vice into a virtue, plays its votaries as foul tricks as any other heathen idol ever practised—It is not only perpetually leading them to false conclusions, but it mocks them with an image of their own profound sagacity—They hug themselves for their discoveries, and attribute to the superior keenness of their own eyes, the privilege of seeing what nobody else can perceive—when the real reason is, because there is nothing to be seen.
By the English newspapers, which from time to time I have the opportunity of seeing here, we have intelligence from America, much later than we can receive it directly. They are particularly assiduous in disseminating every thing, which has a tendency to injure and discredit us in the opinions of the European Nations—The Resolutions of the Massachusetts Legislature, on the subject of the Negotiation of Jackson, have had that effect in an eminent degree—The conclusion drawn from them on this Continent is, that the Americans are on the point of a civil War, between the partizans of France and of England—In France, the Emperor Napoleon, who upon newspaper publications and pamphlet satire upon himself, is irritable to an extreme, has been exasperated against America, more by the ribaldry upon himself, with which our presses, and legislative debates have teemed, than by any measure of our Government—In England, where the contempt which almost all parties affect for us, is merely a disguise for envy, malevolence, and fear, they recur to those Massachusetts and New-York Resolutions, as proofs of our national impotence, and at the same time of our Government’s partiality to France, and against them—Both parties are encouraged and confirmed in the policy of oppressing a Nation, so debilitated by internal dissensions, and the result is that we are made the common foot-ball of Europe—The English and French Newspapers have both announced, that the Standard of War against the Government of the Union, is ready to be raised in Massachusetts; but I think I know too much of the character and disposition of my Countrymen, for this to be possible—It is however certain that as regards our relations with the rest of mankind, the Massachusetts Legislature has taken the lead of a system diametrically opposite to that of the National Government—I am also well aware that the radical absurdity of the Massachusetts system, is yet a problem for the solution of Time—That it will eventually be demonstrated, to the conviction of all Mankind, every days experience more strongly convinces me—Austria—and Prussia, and Sweden, and even Russia, have learnt this lesson, at heavier cost than we have—My only concern is, lest in the instability of our humours, we should before we finish risk our Fortune’s upon the same stake which they have lost.
I have enjoyed my health here very well, except for five or six weeks in the latter part of the winter—My wife has been less fortunate, and suffers by a complaint in the head which has affected her hearing—The weather has at length become moderate, though we have had frost after the commencement of this Month—I indulge the hope that as the Summer advances, her health will be restored. The severity of the Climate has also been peculiarly sensible to Mr: Gray—The rest of us, have had as good a portion of health as could be expected. We have hitherto been altogether in lodgings at a Public House—I am now about to move; and the family will be separated, as I have not been able to procure apartments which could accommodate us all—Mr: Everett and Mr: Gray, take separate lodgings for themselves—I shall very much regret the loss of their Company—Mr: J. S. Smith, the son of General Smith of Baltimore, pass’d the Winter principally in Sweden, and arrived here in March.—He intends going next week upon a tour of six weeks or two months to Moscou, and in the ensuing autumn purposes proceeding to France—We find him a very amiable and pleasing young man—
I remain faithfully your’s
A.


Title: From Walter Hellen to John Quincy Adams, 11 June 1810
From: Hellen, Walter
To: Adams, John Quincy

                            Dr Sir
                            Washington 11 June 1810

                        I had the Honor to write you on the 22 March whereof the proceeding is a Copy. By the late arrivals we have reason to believe, that the Emperor of France means to shut all the European Ports against our vessels—it appears that most of those that are there, together their Cargoes are sequestered & many condemnations actually taken place; I am therefore afraid that not only the Property which I have in the Presage—may share the same fate but that two other adventures which I have made to Tonningen may be placed in the same predicament, should this unfortunately be the case I have to beg the favor of you my dear Sir, should it fall in your way to use your Kind influence to get my Property restored. The first shipment I made to Tonningen was by the Ship Charles Capt, Larrote of sixty Hhds. Tobo. marked WH N. Va. 60. which Vessel sailed in Decr. last & arrived at some little Port near Tonningen & remain’d some time to Keep clear of the Ice—The other shipment was by the ship John Andrew Capt Bayne for the same place, seventy Hhds Tobo. WH No: Va. 70. This vessel sail’d about the same time that the Presage did the particulars of whose Cargo you have already been made acquainted with. As the property shiped in each of these Vessels in my name is my own, & there being no deception in the vessels or any part of there Cargoes I trust should there be any difficulty, your Kind interferance may be the means of its being immediately restored.I have been these Ten or twelve days Past confined to my Room with a severe pain in my Breast & Side & am at this moment unable to write. Believe me my dear Sir / Yours most sincerelyWalter Hellen


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 13 June 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw

My dear Sister
Quincy June 13th 18010

I ought to have written to you before this day and have informed you of my Safe return home. benefitid by my excursion—on fryday I left Haverhill and went on to Newbury port, where I was kindly received and hospitably entertaind by mrs Coombs and family: my cold became less troublesome, and on Saturday morning we Sat our faces homeward. the morning was cloudy, and warm. we proceeded Slowly, and reachd Boston by four oclock—
I was fatigued, the weather very dry and dusty, but the wish I had to reach home that night, lead me to exert my Strength, and having rested a few hours, about Seven oclock I reachd my own habitation, and found the family all well. I was so fatigued that I was rejoiced to rest the next day. I could not go to meeting. the weather became very hot, and for Several days we experienced a mid Summer temperament. a small Shower prepared the Season and the roads for a comfortable Election Day—Since which we have been abundently blessed with plentifull rains which has revived the languishing fruits of the Earth, made the hills to rejoice, and the vallies to sing—the husbandman to rejoice, and give thanks with a gratefull heart I hope. The weather has been uncommonly cold Since
upon my return, I found Your Son much better than when I left him, and he gave me a promise to visit you and bring his Sister back with him, which I hope You will be kind enough to consent to. in a week or two, my family will be red reduced in numbers. the little flock will be drawn off, and I Shall feel lonely.
I feel daily anxious for to hear from my dear absent Children—the intercourse beside distance, has become very uncertain oweing to the conduct both of France and England—to how many troubles “is flesh Heir to”
Brother and sister Cranch are well and my own health benifitted by my late excursion
with my kind regards to mr Peabody Love to my Neice, and compliment to Your Young family / I am my Dear sister / affectionatly Yours
Abigail Adams


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to James Madison, 18 June 1810
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Madison, James

Sir.
Quincy June 18th: 1810.

Since the departure of my Brother, Mr: John Q Adams, upon his Mission to Russia, and while he was still yet at sea, I had the pleasure to receive from him a list of names, comprizing the circle of his particular friends to whom he requested I would present, in his name, and as a small token of his respect, a set of Lectures on Rhetorick & Oratory, delivered during the period of his Professorship at Harvard University. I have the honor, at this late hour, of complying with the injunctions of my Brother, when I transmit to The President of the United States, and ask his acceptance of a copy of these Lectures. Unforeseen delays have prevented an earlier discharge of this duty.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, / Your Obedient Servant

Thomas Boylston Adams.


Title: From Ann Frances Harrod Adams to John Adams, 20 June 1810
From: Adams, Ann Frances Harrod
To: Adams, John,Adams, Abigail Smith

Quincy 20 June 1810

When I take a retrospective view of the innumerable obligations which I owe you, not only as the revered Parents of my husband but as the kindest and best of friends, my heart expands with filial gratitude yet I know not how to attempt an expression of my feelings.
After a residence of five years under your roof which has been endeared to me by  some of the most interesting events of my life, as well as by the thousand nameless attentions you have uniformly bestowed upon me, I can not look forward to the hour that will separate me from you, without a variety of emotions beyond my power to describe. Let me intreat you my venerable Parents to follow us with your blessing. you have the satisfaction of seeing us happy in each other and in our children. Should health be permitted to dwell among us, the new Situation upon which we are entering, though less affluent than the home we leave, will, I doubt not, afford us all the comforts of life which ever ought to insure contentment and satisfaction
The hope of seeing you often gives me much anticipated enjoyment. While in your family I have been so situated as to be frequently excluded from your Society when I should have deemed it one of my highest priveleges to have profited by it. And what has been a still greater source of regret the impossibility of being always present at family duties necessity alone has compelled me to this omission, knowing with what indulgent eyes you have viewed the failings of others, permit me to hope you will draw the veil of charity over those you have discovered in me, for “to err is human” and I claim no exemption from the general accusation excepting that of willingly offending. If minds so enlarged and benevolent, whose delight it has been to diffuse happiness to all around them are rewarded in proportion to their good works your bliss will be without end which is the most ardent prayer of your affectionate and grateful daughter—

Ann Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 30 June 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

N.7.
St: Petersburg 30. June 1810.

There have been within the last Month a large number of arrivals at Cronstadt from the United States, and a sufficient proportion of them from Boston and Salem; but we have had the pleasure of receiving letters from Quincy, only by one—The Express-Captain Thomas—Who brought me your letter of 12. January, and a packet of sundries for my wife—We are apt to repine a little when we hear of a vessel coming so directly from home, and find ourselves disappointed in the expectation of hearing from you, but we suppose that many of them come away without giving notice of their destination; and in these Times, owners and Captains of Vessels may not be very willing to charge themselves with any sealed private lettersThat very Captain Thomas, sailed three days ago from Cronstadt, without letting us know of his intention to go so soon, and of course with out having a line from us on board—You will perhaps on his arrival feel the same disappointment, which we have experienced, upon these late arrivals from your side of the Water; but Captain Beckford having sailed not more than a week before the Express will give accounts from it, abreast as late as Captain Thomas could have taken, and while the Summer lasts some of will endeavour to write by every opportunity of which we shall be informed.
In my last letter to you, dated 21. April, I mentioned that I had drawn upon Mr: Gray for £300 Sterling of the credit furnished me by him, for the repayment of which he would call upon you—I also informed you of my determination not to draw again, untill compelled by absolute necessity, and requested you not to reserve any considerable sum of mine in your hands, under the expectation of having to meet any further drafts of mine—But to apply every dollar which you may receive, and which after providing for the support of my children, can be spared, to the discharge of my debts in America—I now confirm and renew this request—The only debts that I recollect are those due upon my two notes to  my father and mother—The largest of which I wish to be first paid—I hope you will be able nearly to take it up by the close of the present year—And do not forget to send me at least at the close of each year an account regularly stated. I feel the greater anxiety on this subject, because I am apprehensive that I shall not be able to get along without contracting debts here, and it is my most indispensable duty, before, I recur to my property in America, for their redemption, to liberate it from the weight of those prior debts.—On my first arrival here I wrote to Mr: Gray requesting of him an additional credit, and referring him to you for the security; but I know not whether he ever received the letter, or if he did, whether he has given the credit which I desired—If he has, I shall have no occasion to use it, and if you have given him any security upon my property, I shall be glad to have it cancelled, and the credit withdrawn as soon as it will suit Mr.: Gray’s convenience—One principal motive upon which I should not draw upon this credit, is the same which had prevented one from drawing to the full extent of the credit which he gave me—And I shall be under no necessity for drawing, as I have now a private credit here to the full extent of what I shall need. Another reason which would deter me from using any credit upon the same house here upon which the former credit of Mr: Gray was given is, that this house is the most exorbitant in its charges, of all the merchants in St: Petersburg—Captain Beckford will give Mr: Gray some information upon this subject; and if he had not been returning to Boston, I should have written to Mr: Gray about it myself—The Cargo of the Horace was committed by Captain Beckford to another house—When she sailed from Cronstadt, it was the opinion of the Americans here who were acquainted with the commercial transactions of the Winter, that the sales of her Cargo hither, and the purchases of that to return had been more advantageous to the owner than those of any one among 14 American vessels that wintered there, and the charges came to about five thousand dollars less than they would have been made by the house of Mr: Meyer—It is to this house however that nearly one half of the American vessels that come to Cronstadt are consigned.
After having resided nearly eight months at a public Hotel, we are at length settled in  house or rather apartments of our own—We have hitherto been very uncomfortably, and not very suitably lodged; we have now more conveniences, but are so much straitened for room that Mr: Everett and Mr: Gray have been obliged to take separate lodgings in another house—Mr. John S. Smith was here between two and three months, and about three weeks since, went upon a tour to Moscow—He proposes to return in about six weeks hither; and in the Autumn to proceed to France or England, if our relations with those Countries will permit Americans to visit them.
The intercourse between these Country and France, is regular by the mails which pass twice a week. That with Austria and Sweden which had been interrupted by the War, has been renewed since we arrived here—But with England it is almost entirely cut off. The English Packets which in time of Peace ply between Harwich and Helvoetsluys had been kept going from Yarmouth to Gottenburg, untill within these few weeks—But as British vessels are now excluded from the Ports of Sweden, and as Gottenburg is blockaded by a British fleet, that source of Communication is interrupted, and we have now scarcely any accounts from England, except by the way of France—The direct intercourse between France and England is very great, and daily increasing.
It is now understood that Mr; Pinkney has not succeeded in effecting any arrangement of our affairs with the Marquis of Wellesley—Sir James Saumarez allows no American or other vessels, without British licences to pass, to or from any Port from which the British flag is excluded. He has already turned away, and endorsed the Papers of several American vessels, bound to this place—But this had been the effect of new orders received from England since the appointment of one Mr: Yorke, as first Lord of the Admiralty in England—A man who has of late become very  very noted or very notorious; and who appears to be one of the chief pillars of the present Administration.
We are expecting to hear from day to day, of a great Battle in Spain; and the continuance of the War, or the restoration of Peace is supposed to depend upon its event—Spain and Portugal, are the only remaining parts of the European Continent, which furnish a pretext for continuing the War, on the part of England; but there is so much internal fermentation in that Country just now, that her Government, may very probably find it necessary to maintain at all hazards a foreign War, to preserve Peace within her own island—With regard to commerce the two parties have already come to an arrangement de facto, which suits the purpose of both—All neutrality and neutral trade, is by is by common consent of the belligerents annihilated—The British, at settled prices grant licences to any flag, French as well as any other, which are respected by her Navy—The Emperor Napoleon gives licences, to any flag, English as well as any other, which are respected by all his subordinate authorities—All other commerce is proscribed, and under these double hands the commerce between the British Islands and the Continent of Europe is now carried on to an extent by and that of the most active and prosperous times of Peace—France and England both raise a large revenue, from their licences, which ultimates as a tax upon the consumption of the Articles circulating by this new method of trade. The People of Europe pay this tax with a good grace, and according to all appearances our Countrymen, are prepared to pay it in like manner.
I know not any news that it would be possible for me to give you from this place, unless it should be of the War between Russia and the Turks—This is an object extremely interesting here—But I do not suppose you would take much concern in a detail of the progress of the Russian arms–I was summoned last week to a Te Deum at the Imperial Chapel, on account of the glorious victories of General Kamensky, and the defeat of the Seraskier Peglivan.—The said Seraskier it seems was taken together with the fortress of Bazargik and about 1600 Men, a remnant of 10,000 by storm, the eight thousand and odd hundred other Turks ofthe garrison were cut to pieces in the process of the capture—Te Deum laudamus—For the loss of Russians in this atchievement, did not exceed in killed and wounded, seven hundred men—Silestria surrendered without waiting to be stormedµIf you never heard the names of these places before, look for them upon a map—Eight thousand and some hundreds of valiant Turks were butchered in the first of them, for which but eight days since I heard Christian Priests & Princes give solemn thanks to God—
Ever affectionately your’s
A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 9 July 1810
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

St Petersburg July 9th 1810

We have this morning recieved your kind letter my dear Mother and I hasten to write you a few lines by a Vessel which I understand will sail immediately Mr. Adams is very well but so much engaged it will not be in his power to write by this opportunity having only notice of it late last night Mr Harrod is not yet arrived but is hourly expected—I shall be extremely happy to see him and shew every attention in my power during stay in Petersburg—
You have no conception how much we were astonished at the news of Mr Gerry’s election it appeard to us almost incredible, so great a change could have taken place in the last few months It affords me infinite pleasure even should it produce nothing more than a check to the extreme arrogance of the F.-’s it must convince them that they are not yet all powerful with the people of the State and they their labours must yet still be very great ere they can hope to succeed—
We were sincerely sorry to learn from your letter that your health was so indifferent I trust however that it has long since been perfect-ly re-establish’ed and that heaven may long grant you to the prayers of your family—Permit me my dear mother to repeat my thanks for your kindness in executing my commissions I felt almost ashamed of troubling you with them knowing the distance you are from town if I encroach’d too much on your goodness I will take advantage of your known indulgence for my excuse—
Mr Grey has just recieved letters from America he appears to be a little out of spirits at some news recieved but I believe  it is nothing alarming—
We have moved into a very handsome house for which Mr A pays 15 hundred dollars a year it is the cheapest we could get being partly furnished and we have every thing about us that can be desired but I do not like the place nor the people
Adieu my dear Mother we all unite in every sentiment of affection to yourself and family to my dear boys say every thing affectionate and tell George he must be very good to deserve so much indulgence Kiss them both a hundred times for their most affectionate Mother L C Adams

P.S. Charles is in fine health and grows a great boy—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 July 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

my Dear Son
Quincy July 25th 18010

Mr Gray had a vessel which Sailed last week direct for St Petersburgh. I was mortified that I did not know of it untill the day She went. Mr Grey is so much engaged in buisness that he does not always think of giveing his notice in Season when a vessel is going. as he wrote by the vessel, I fear you may think us neglegent.
I wrote to you the week before by mr Jones who is going to Gottenburgh. this is to go by a vessel to Hamburgh of mr Greys of which william Welch is Captain. I shall request mr Pitcain to forward it to you. we have not any Letters of a later date from you than seventh of Feb’ry which was from mrs Adams
I hope we shall obtain a large packet from you,  for we know nothing of you since your first arrival in Petersburgh. Such a distance, and so many impediments in the way of hearing from you, that I am disconsolate at the prospect
Your Dear Sons are well, and with me today. they are brown with the Sun, but healthy and thriveing in body and mind.
our colledge has Sustained a heavey loss in the Death of their late President Webber. to whom your Father was pall holder the last week—his Death was Sudden—was instantaneous. an Apoplexy deprived him of Life, and the Colledge of their head
you knew his estimable qualifications his loss is much to be regreted at this time, when Theological and political parties divide good Men—and endanger the prosperity of Science and literature—dr Kirkland it is thought will be his Successor—our commerce is as you well know in Thraldom between France and England and their Satellites. I think it cannot long remain thus embarressed
our National Jubilee was celebrated this year with more than common festivity—the Republicans did you the honour to Toast you in various places. the Federalists did not this year abuse you—they only past you by in Silence. at Bunker Hill, they gave as a toast J Q Adams our minister at the court of St Petersburgh, who has proved himself to be the Son of John Adams the “sage of Quincy.” at York, J Q Adams already Numberd in the list of our great and good Men. while our Country can Boast of Such patriots, we shall never be at a loss for Candidates for the highest National honours. washingtons March—Several others which I do not recollect.
I have written you before that your Brother has removed with his flock of little ones. you may easily imagine what a vacuum this makes in our family. the little ones kept Us always lively, and in motion—I can feelingly Say with Scott the Bard
while musing on companions gone
we doubly feel ourselves alone
Something my Son we yet may gain
There is a pleasure in this pain
It Sooths the Love of lonely rest
Deep in each gentler heart imprest
Tis Silent amid worldly toils
And Stifled Soon by mental broils
But in a Bosom thus prepared
Its Still small voice is often heard
whispering a mingled Sentiment
“Twixt resignation and content”
When I write a Letter to you, I mean it for both mrs Adams and You—I have not always time to write Seperately to each—I have not any late Letters from washington. in the recess of Congress. and after the turbulence of our State Election is over, we have a tranquil time, even the constant cry of French influence Subsides.
Napoleans late conduct of indiscriminate plunder of our Commerce is not very like to promote his influence or interest in this Country—power without right will never do—
I inclose a letter for william from his Mother—present me affectionatly to your Family—how does Charles bear the climate?
I am my dear son, whom I pray God to bless and preserve / Your affectionate / Mother

 Abigail Adams.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to James Madison, 1 August 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Madison, James

Sir Quincy August 1st 18010

I take the Liberty of addressing you in behalf of my Son, now at St Petersburgh, and to ask of you, permission for his return to his native Country. I hope you may have already received, through the Secretary of State, his own request to this effect.
From Several Letters which I have received from Mrs Adams, I have been led to think their Situation very unpleasent, as it respected their Domestic Establishment, and I can now confirmd in the fact; by a Letter recently received from him—
The outfit and sallery allowed by Congress, for a public Minister; is altogether So inadequate to the Stile, and Manner of living required, as indispensable at the Court of St Petersburgh, that inevitable Ruin must be the concequence to himself and family.
To quote his own words—“you can judge how congenial it is to my habits, and Disposition to find extravagance and Dissipation become a public Duty—you will readily conceive the embarrassment in which I find myself and of the desire which I feel to get out of a Situation irksom beyond expression”—
I will allow Sir that there are Situations and circumstances in which a Country may be placed, when it becomes the Duty of a good citizen to hazard, not only property, but even his Life, to Serve and Save it.—
In that School I was trained, but those days I hope have passed—I have too much confidence in your wisdom and justice to imagine that you would require a Sacrifice not only of the most valuable Season of Life for active pursuits, but subject a gentleman whom you have honourd with your confidence to pecuniary embarrassments which would prevent his future usefullness
In making this request, I am not insensible to the honor done mr Adams, by your repeated nomination of him to this Embassy—what ever confidence you have been pleased to repose in him, I trust will never be forfeited by him—
The ex pay expence attendant upon this Mission, was I presume as unknown to you, as to him. however ver readily you might be disposed to consider his Situation, I presume their is no way to extricate him, but by allowing him as speedily as possible to return to America.ica.
I Should not So earnestly make this request if the circumstances of his Father would enable him, to aid in Supporting him there—but after near fifty years devoted to public Service a rigid Economy is necessary for us to preserve that independence; which asks no favours; and solicits no recompence—
As this is the only opportunity I have ever had of addressing you Sir, permit me to Say that I entertain a high respect for your person, and Character, and to add my Best wishes for the Success, and prosperity of your administration—
I am Sir your Humble Servant

Abigail Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Walter Hellen, 8 August 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Hellen, Walter

My Dear Sir,
St Petersburg 8 August 1810.

Some time since my wife received a letter from Mrs. Johnson, in which it was not mentioned that you and Mr. Boyd had thoughts of sending a vessel here, but that you wanted some information respecting the Commerce of this place, which might assist you in ascertaining the objects of speculation most advantageous for the market. In consequence of which I immediately applied to the Brothers Raimbert, Nephew & Co, a very respectable house, with which I was well acquainted when I was formerly here in 1781 and 1782, and with whom I have had the pleasure of reviving my acquaintance since my return. I mentioned to them your desire, knowing that there was no person better able to furnish the information which you wished, or who would furnish it with more accuracy and integrity—I told them, that if in consequence of the information you should obtain; you should conclude to send a vessel, I should recommend them to you as consigned, in whose integrity and capacity the utmost reliance may be placed—they accordingly prepared & furnished me the two papers enclosed, which I hope will fully answer your purposes.
The State of all the Commerce of the World is at this time so extremely precarious, so liable to sudden and violent measures, of all the European Governments, and subjected to so much vexation, oppression & extortion, in every shape, that I can hardly venture to add to these papers any advice, upon which you could place confidence, in determining upon an Adventure—Especially as from the State of the Reason, you could not after receiving this letter expedite a vessel for this place untill the approach of the ensuing Spring—One might as well undertake to predict the history of the year five thousand, as to foresee what the next winter will bring forth, in regard to Commerce in general and to that of the United States in particular—Of seventy or eighty vessels direct from America, which have arived this Season, I learn that allmost all, are likely to make prosperous voyages; but none are suffered to enter, coming from Ports of any Country at War, with Russia, or which have even touched there upon—their voyages—The Ports of Portugal in Europe, and those in Spain under British influence are included in these pr prohibitions.
This morning I received your favour of 22 March, together with those of about the same date for my wife and Catherine, and with them a letter from R. Kettell at Gottenburg—He mentioned that he has no prospect of disposing of his Cargo there, and was unwilling to bring it here, because it consists partly of Teas and Tobacco, unsaleable Articles at this Market—He was afraid to leave them behind, and proceed with the rest.—You will see by the enclosed papers that Teas and Tobacco, are in fact articles not suited to this Market—But if he has Cotton, that is in great demand, and would fetch high prices.—
I have requested Messrs. Raimbert Brothers, Nephews & Co. to furnish me with a price current which I shall send to Mr. Kettell, by the first Mail to Sweden, which will go the day after tomorrow—From that he will be able to judge, whether the interest of his owners, will admit of his coming hither—In that case I shall recommend him for the transaction of his business to Messrs. Raimbert, as I recommend them to you as Correspondents, in case you should have any business to be transacted in this place hereafter
I will write you again and more at large, as soon as I can—I write this in haste, to secure the opportunity of a fast sailing vessel bound to Baltimore, which is about to sail this day or tomorrow from Cronstadt.
We are all well, and beg to be remembered most affectionately to Mrs. Johnson Mrs. Hellen. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd and all the family.Truly yours.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 15 August 1810
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

St Petersburg August 15th 1810

Your letter of the 24th of march, my dear Madam, is but just arrived, and although it was so long before it reached us, it afforded us the satisfaction of hearing from yourself, that my dear Boys were well at that period.—We have not yet heard any thing of Mr Harrod, I fear he has stopped at some other port in the Baltic, and that we shall not see him at Petersburg this Season—I feel much concern’d for the box, as we are much in want of the things—
Mr Gray, and Mr Everett, are about leaving us to visit Moscow. Mr John Smith, has just return’d, and does not encourage them much to take the journey. the gentlemen seem to have some idea of proceeding to France, I hope Mr G. may be as happy with the friend he has chosen as we have endeavored to make him, he as the happiness of knowing Mr E. to be strongly attached to him, which is a great advantage to both, Mr Gray is so great a favorite with us, that we all feel much regret at parting from with him, he has a most amiable disposition, but is of a too open, and unguarded character, to pass through the world, without some risk of imposition, Mr Adams has advised him not to go to France at present, and I imagine he will postpone it for sometime. he now enjoys perfect health, and appears equally happy, and contented—
You will have hear’d of the Death of the beautiful, and Suffering Queen of Prussia, I grieve for her, though I believe her misfortunes must have render’d her indifferent to life, it is reported that the King will abdicate, like Louis Buonaparte, and the late King of Sweeden and become a private Citizen, this is a singular age in which we live, when Kings seek private life as an honor, and Beggars become Em——
Adieu my dear Mother, I am under the necessity of concluding my epistle, as Mr Hixon is to be here immediateately, present me most affectionately to all the family, and assure my darling boys of the tender affection of their anxious Mother,

L C Adams
P.S. We are all well and Charles desires his love to his brothers, and you cannot concieve how delighted he was with John’s letter, he would not suffer anyone to touch it, for a considerable time—


Title: From James Madison to Abigail Smith Adams, 15 August 1810
From: Madison, James
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Madam
Montpelier Aug: 15. 1810

I have received your Letter of the 1st. instant. Altho’ I have not learned that Mr. Adams has yet signified to the Department of State his wish to return from the Mission to St. Petersburg, it is sufficiently ascertained by your communication, as well as satisfactorily explained by the considerations suggested. I have accordingly desired the Secretary of State to let him understand that as it was not the purpose of the Executive to subject him to the personal sacrifices which he finds unavoidable, he will not, in retiring from them, impair the sentiments which led to his appointment.
Be pleased, Madam, to accept my acknowledgments for the gratifying expressions with which you favor me, and to be assured of my high esteem and very respectful consideration.

James Madison


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 18 August 1810
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Quincy, Josiah, III

Sir
Quincy August 18th: 1810.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Official letter, as Corresponding Secretary of the American Academy of arts and sciences, informing me of my Election as a fellow of that Institution, on the 29th: day of May last. Be pleased, Sir, to accept my thanks for this communication, and to express, in my name, to the President and Fellows of the Academy, my Respectful acceptance of the flattering distinction conferred upon me, by their choice.
With great esteem & respect, / I have the honour to be, Sir, / Your very Humble Servt: Thomas B. Adams.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 25 August 1810
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Sister,
August 25th

By yesterday mail I received your kind letter. It is indeed a great while since we have heard from each other, I have thought I would write every day, but have not had a moments leisure & I hoped we should be in better health for I did not wish to send you a doleful ditty of our troubles—for every family seems to have as much as they know how to bear—But for this month past we have been very sick—with lung complaints—almost like the hooping cough—only more feverish—Nabby Mitchel was taken first, & then when she was very weak, poor Lydia was siezed with, I hope a lung fever for to have a crisis, it is the only seeming chance She has for recovery—She has kept her Chamber, & bed for more than a fortnight—If she should be taken from us it will be a terrible loss—but I really believe she is so habitually religious, that it will be her gain—
Mr Peabody has a terrible cough, & quite sick with it, but keeps about house—It has seized almost every one of my family—it lasts, I know not, but it will be as long as the hooping cough—When I heard from Abby, she was well & much pleased with the place—She has not yet returned, but expect her soon—While Mr Peabody remains so unwell he cannot go from home, & while my poor dear Lydia continues so sick I cannot think of his leaving us a day—I myself am speachless for this day or two—but to day feel a little better, & somewhat releived I have not felt a stricture upon my breast, since I was as at your house & that was scarcely nothing—I attended to it immediately, & was well—but now I have a great deal both upon my hands, & heart—It was our association last week &—I know I over fatigued myself—for no young help, is like my good, long tried Lydia—
I have written this in about five minutes—that you need not feel as if you expected to see any of my family at Quincy—What is  the designs of Providence, or what is before me, it is not proper I should know—may I meet every Event with a becoming temper—I thank you for your family communications—I wish your Son was in america—we might then had a President at Cambridge—in whom all wishes would have concentrated—
The mail will not wait—present my love to all, from your ever affectionate Sister

E P—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 27 August 1810
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

St Petersburg 27th August 1810

I recieved your very kind letter my dear Aunt a few days since and hasten to answer it although without hopes of its my letter’s arriving at its destination owing to the Danes who capture every American Vessel either passing the Sound or the Belts I have written by every opportunity but we have heard of the capture of almost every vessel which contain’d our letters it is shocking to think of the immense property which these pirates have taken from the Americans and I hope our government will shortly take some efficient measures to check their rapacity—
I thank you sincerely for the particular details which you wrote me concerning my darling boys assure yourself that every thing relating to them however minute will ever prove highly interesting to their father and myself and I only fear that it must prove tedious to you—
You who know the anxiety I suffer’d on account of John’s health can readily concieve how delighted I felt on reading your letter I trust he will suffer no more from the same cause and that his constitution will become stronger he has arrived reached the age which at which we may expect a favorable turn and lay in a stock of that blessing health without which we can derive but little enjoyment I entreat you to pay particular attention to their teeth George has I suppose nearly shed his John will now I suppose begin to lose his and I request you will be careful to have the teeth extracted so as to make room for the new ones—
Tell my dear Mother that I have received the box she was so good to send me and am much obliged to her Mr Harrod went to Koningsburg and will not come to Petersburg this season present me affectionately to them all how ardently I wish the time was come for us to return the quiet and easy life I led in Amera (nothwithstanding politics) totally unfitted me for the splendor of this luxurious court.—
Our family here are all well Charles preserves his beauty, his size and his health and is altogether a very fine boy—
Adieu my dear Aunt make my best respects to Mr Cranch Kiss my sweet boys for me and tell them how happy I am to hear of their improvement and their good behaviour which if possible encreases the tender affections I bear them and believe me ever affectionately your niece
L. C. A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 3 September 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, George Washington

N.1. Master George Washington Adams—Quincy
My Dear Son GeorgeSt. Petersburg 3. September 1810.
Your Mama and I have received your letter dated the 28th: of February last; which gave us much pleasure—I suppose by the hand-writing that your Cousin Susan was kind enough to write it for you; for which we thank her.—By the time when you will receive this I hope you will be able to write me an answer to it yourself: and I shall expect you write to me, or to your Mama, as often as you know of an opportunity; and especially that you answer all our letters to you.
I advise you also to keep all my letters and those of your Mama—I have therefore numbered this letter at the top, and will continue to number those that I shall write you hereafter—Thus you will know whether you receive all the letters that I shall write you, and when you answer them you must always tell me the number or the date of the last letter you have received from me—If you will ask your uncle Thomas, he will shew you how to put up letters, to keep them on file—and how to endorse on the outside of them, from whom they came; when they were received, and when answered—You should lay them by in some safe place, so that if at any time afterwards you may wish to read them again you may know where to find them—I have got letters from your Grandpapa written when I was not older than you are now, and I love to read them as much as when I first received them.
I am very glad to hear that you are a good boy, and attentive to your studies. You must write to me what books you study, and tell me what you think of them, and of what you learn. I hope that by this time you are a good Latin Scholar, and that you will before long be a good Greek one—Your hand-writing and your cyphering, you must be specially careful to improve—English Grammar must by no means be neglected, and you will not forget how earnestly I wish you to preserve and increase your knowledge of the French.
As you have a good natural disposition, I am persuaded you will always be kind and affectionate to your Schoolmates, as well as respectful and obedient to your instructors and to your Uncle and Aunt Cranch—I hope always to hear that among your companions, the best boys are your best friends; and I trust you will always be ashamed to let any one of them learn faster or by his good conduct make himself more beloved than you—At the same time you must take care never to be jealous or envious of others, but when you see them rewarded for behaving well, to be glad for them, as you would for yourself, and to deserve as much by the same good conduct.
Under the care of the excellent guardians and teachers, who so kindly supply the place of your absent Parents, I am sure you will be duly taught your duty to God, and learn to follow the paths of piety and of virtue.
We are, my dear Child, indeed very far dustant from each other; but we love you and your brother John as much as we could if we were all together—We hope that your brother Charles ans you will still grow up together enough to love one another with the tenderest brotherly affection—He enjoys, we thank God, very good health, and grows very fast—He has begun to learn to read, and already speaks some French and still more German—He learns French from me, and German from a woman of that Nation who lives with us.
I have written you here a long letter, all of which I hope you will easily understand—But if you find any thing in it, either word or sentence, of which you cannot immediately take the full meaning, ask your uncle, or your Grand Papa, or Grandmama to explain it to you—And do the same for any letters that you may receive from me hereafter—Read them with attention, and remember the advice they will give you.—Be assured it will always be for your good.
Present my respects to your uncle and Aunt Cranch, and to Mr. Whitney; my love to your brother John, to whom I shall soon write, and who must consider this letter as  almost as much written to him as to you; and believe me to be your ever affectionate father

John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 8 September 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

N. 8.
St. Petersburg 8 September 1810.

Just one month ago, arrived here Captain Haskell, in the Ship Lucia, belonging to Mr. Gray, who sailed from Boston about the 15th: of June.—He brought me letters of the 13th. of that month, from him and your favour of the 20th: of Febuary—I was indeed almost as much rejoiced as if your letter had been dated four months later; but I could hardly keep the thoughts out of my mind how agreable it would have been to have learnt from you by this occasion, what sort of a Summer suceeded the excessive cold which was pinching your fingers in Febuary—I had a month before received a letter from my dear Mother, dated 20. March, and we have since received one from Mrs. Cranch of 17. May. Mr. Gry too in his latest Letters has the goodness to tell me you are all well, which comprizes the quintessence of what we should most wish to hear directly from yourselves.
Captain Harrod has found it practicable; or at least advisable to come no farther this way, than Konigsberg in Russia; from whence I have received a letter from him, and also the box for my wife, which had been committed to his charge—He had fortunately an opportunity to forward it by a vessel of Mr. Gray’s which came from Königsberg to Cronstadt, and it has reached us in perfectly good condition—I found in the box a set of my Lectures, for which I thank you, and request you would forward me half a dozen more Sets, by the first occasion you may have the next spring—I suppose there will be vessels of Mr. Gray’s coming early in the Season, and will thank you to send them by two different opportunities, three sets in each—I have already given away this set, which is the only one that I have received—and I want the rest to present to some of my literary acquaintance in Europe, from whom I am under the obligation of similar favours—
yours of 20 Feb:y is the fourth that I have received from you; but not being numbered I do not know whether there were any others intermediate to them, which have not come to hand.—I have not a line from you later than Febuary, and as the season during which vessels can arrive here from America is now just at its close, I have prepared to give up the hope of hearing from you again more than once untill the Spring—The old adage tells us that no News is good news; but so far as consists in hearing directly from our friends, we hear so much of this good news, that for the Love of Variety we long for a little of the other kind, which is certified to us under their own hands.
With respect to my affairs in your charge, as you say nothing in your letters since November, I suppose it is because there was not much to say.—At the close of the present year I must ask you to make up and send me an account of your receipts and expenditures for me since I left home.—I shall draw no more upon you, untill all my debts in America shall be paid; which I entreat you to accomplish as speedily as possible. I have drawn for £300 Sterling upon the credit first furnished me by Mr. Gray; which draft I dare say you have had to meet by this time, and which is short of the balance in Cash which I left with you—Apply every thing which you shall receive, and which after providing for the expenses of my children can be spared to pay my debts. I believe this is the fourth or fifth time that I repeat this request, which will only serve to show you how anxious I am upon the subject; and how strongly my situation here required that I should be relieved from debt at home.
I have written to my son George, who is coming now to an age, which will call for all the care and all the zeal of a Parent for his EducationAs you are now yourself the father of a boy and I hope will be of more, you will more perfectly enter into my feelings on this subject, and the more readily indulge my opinions, although you may perhaps not always coincide with them. With regard to ordinary learning, the languages; all the classical studies and such personal accomplishments as are usually taught among us I shall depend upon the School and the College— I wish indeed he could have an opportunity to take lessons of drawing and of fencing, of both which I learnt a little at his age, or soon after; and of which I always regret that I did not learn more—The first of these arts has not only the advantage of forming and improving the taste in all the fine Arts, but there is no occupation of life, to the purposes of which it may not be made emminently useful.—The second is a very good exercise, and besides its tendency to invigorate the Constitution,  contributes to quicken the operations of the eye, and to give firmness and pliancy to those of the hand—I suppose however that for the present I must be content to let my biys wait for instructions of this kind, as you have probably no teachers of the sort in your neighbourhood. One of things which I wish to have them taught, and which no man can teach them better than you, is the use and management of firearms.—This must undoubtedly be done with great caution, but it is customary among us, particularly when children are under the direction of ladies to with hold it too much and too long from boys. The accidents which happen among children arise more frequently from their ignorance than from their misuse of weapons which they know to be dangerous. As you are a sportman I beg you occasionally from this time to take George out with you in your shooting excursions, teach him gradually the use of the musket, its construction, and the necessity of prudence in handling it; let him also learn the use of pistols, and exercise him at firing at a mark.
In genenral let him have as much relaxation and sport as becomes his age, but let him be encouraged in nothing delicate or effeminate. Seize ever possible occasion to give him hardihood—inure him to fatigue—Let him if there be an opportunity begin to mount on horseback—If he goes into Boston to see a Play, make him walk for it, rather than ride in a Carriage—Let him learn to Skait this Winter, and if he had not already begun, let him by all means learn to swim next Summer. In every thing of this kind I know there is danger; but it is a world of danger in which we live, and I want my boys to be familiarized as soon as possible with its face, that they may be the better warned and guarded against it.
To his French, his speaking, and his Hand-writing, I must rely upon you to see that constant attention be paid—I have directed him to keep files of the letters which he receives, and told him you would have the goodness to show him how to put up and endorse letters in files—Much, very much must be taught to children without seeming to teach them. A father should elicit from every thing in Nature instruction for his child; and you must in this respect be a father to mine—
One of the kindest correspondents that I have had since I left home is Dr: Mitchell of New York. He writes me in his last letter, that the Anthology has taken favourable notice of my Lectures; but though his letter is dated in May, he appears not to have seen the Lectures at that time himself. His name was upon the last of persons to whom I desired you to send copies as presents, in my name; which I hope you have not forgotten. And to that list I wish you to add the names of our Sister Smith, and of Mr. Pope the Senator from Kentucky.
Among the reasons why I am so much disappointed at being so long without hearing from you is the wish to know something more of the great revolution in the political aspect of New England and New York. A Revolution which I was far from anticipating at my departure from the United States, and still less expected after the last Winter’s Patriotic Resolution. Absurd and pernicious as I know the policy of the faction which ruled the Eastern section of the Union to be, they had for two years been so much countenanced by the People, that I had no hope of seeing them so soon deserted by their majorities—or that they had so grossly miscalculated the effect of their measures upon the public sentiments—I hope and from their selection of characters, and the Complexion of Governor Gerry’s speech, and the House’s answer to it, I trust that the rising party will secure their ascendancy by moderation and conciliatory Councils.
I have left myself little space to tell you Russian news; and all that I can tell you worth learning, comes from Turkey and from Sweden—There is a Russian Army of more than 100, 000 men advancing beyond the Danube towards Constantinople—But there is little or no prospect of there getting there this year—One of Napoleon’s generals (Bernadotte) is elected Crown Prince, and sudden death apart will probably before long be King of Sweden. So much for Alliances with that “that  Mand”. The cashiered King Gustavus Adolphus  may thank that Island for all his misfortunes and those of his family—But from mere horror of France and of Napoleon, he has made his Country a French Province, and himself an exile dependant upon the will of Napoleon for air to breathe and a shelter to his head.—
We are all Well—But the summer is already gone—My thermometer has never been above 77.º—We had last Winter 66 below 0 of Fahrenheite
your’s affectionately.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Catherine Nuth Johnson, 13 September 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Johnson, Catherine Nuth

My dear Madam
Quincy 13th September 18010

I was much rejoiced to receive your kind Letter of Sep’br 26th I began  to be very anxious that I had not heard from you for a long time, I so often had experienced your punctuality. that I was apprehensive, that either You or Some of your Family were Sick. altho my anticipation was realizd, I rejoice that the cause was so far removed, as to enable you to write with so great a Share of Spirit and vivacity. your Letters My dear Madam, are allways entertaining and interesting to me, and as we have a common bond of Union, by which are hearts are drawn to a Foreign Country, we mutually Share in all the concerns of our Dear absent Children, and we cannot but feel gratified, at the marked and particular attention, which the Imperial Family have shown to our Children. The Distinction with which the Emperor honourd Mrs Adams, and her Sister by selecting them, in the Eye of all his Court, and the whole Diplomatic Body, to open the Ball, and dance with him, I consider not only a personal distinction, but confered with a view, thus publickly to manifest his Friendly Disposition to the United States. You know Madam what weight and influence these apparently trifling circumstances (as some consider them) have in the Cabinet Court of princes.
Our Newspapers are very licentious and publish Sentiments and opinions as comeing from mr Adams, for which they have not any Authority, but the detected American British partisans are very wroth that he should discover their frauds, and degradeing traffic, accordingly abuse and vilify him Chargeing him with ill using his Country, when all who know him, know, that he would sooner lay down his Life to Serve it. there has not a line of his, which he has written to his Friends here, been publishd in any paper, except a short Character of the Emperor Alexander, which was publishd in the Patriot, but not as an extract of a Letter.
That the British Party will most cordially hate him, while he supports opinions, so contrary to their views and designs upon this Country, is to be expected. nor can he accord with those which Napoelon has practised upon us, notwithstanding his late Love Letter, as I call it, from the Minister. I wish I could think that his present policy, proceeded from a sense of Justice.
I have a Letter from mrs Adams the 9 of July, in which. as you observe, she writes in better Spirits. having got to housekeeping. altho in a House not large enough to accommodate the Gentlemen of the family. he mr Adams pays, 15 hundred Dollors  pr An for it—Yet our Countrymen, are representing him as filling his pockets by his Sallery, when I know that he is obliged to draw upon his private property in order to live—
If he has written to be recalled as you have heard he has not informed me of it,  altho I have expected that he would upon account of the expence of liveing, to which his Sallery is by no means adequate. From some of his Letters which I have seen, I think it may be in his power, most essentially to serve his Country if he remains an other year.
You express an apprehension that Kitty will acquire a taste for a Stile and manner of living, which may render a return to the comparatively Simple mode of living in America, unpleasant to her. I think too highly of her understanding and her good sence, to believe that she will not justly appreciate the true value and worth of all earthly magnificence and Grandeur. She has seen the Glare of Life, and is too wise to be blinded by it
“True happiness never enter’d at the Eye
True happiness resides in things unseen”
I did not see Gov’r Clabourn I was so unfortunate as to be in Boston when he visited Quincy or I certainly Should have inquired after the welfare of your son, tho I have learnt from other sources; that he was doing very well and that the office he holds, is daily increasing in profit. he is so carefull and prudent, and now so habituated to the climate; that painfull as the seperation is, from his Family, I could not advice to his reliaquising it, for any office he might solocit here. the old proverb—a Bird in the hand, is worth two in the Bush is a good maxim
You must be Sensible Madam how many more candidates there are, than offices to Supply them—If I had any interest with the ruling Powers, and I make not any pretentions to any, I Should not venture upon useing it.
I feel an insurmountable Delicacy upon this Subject. I am Situated differently, from any other person in the United States—“I will not say to labour I cannot; but I will say, to beg I am ashamed.’
I hope miss Adelade is recovering I am anxious for the health of mr Hellen, and will thank you to mention him when you write, with my kind Regards to each member of your Family, some of whom by your Letter I find are fullfilling the command of Scripture, increase and multiply.
I wish them, good Speed, and much happiness, / and am Madam / Your Friend /   and humble Servant

Abigail Adams


Title: From Emily Phillips to Abigail Smith Adams, 14 September 1810
From: Phillips, Emily
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Scituate Sepr. 14th 1810.

I am sorry my dear Madam to be under the necessity of communicating melancholly tidings to you, but I am requested by my dear & affected aunt to inform you of the sudden death of her truly estimable husband—he died this morning at 11 o clock after a confinement of eleven days—aunt discovers that fortitude & christian resignation which you would expect from her—his funeral will probably be attended on Sunday—
I am with great respect my dear Madam ever sincerely yours

Emily Phillips—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, 15 September 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Cushing, Hannah Phillips

My dear Madam
Quincy Septr. 15th 18010

If I had known the Messenger who left the Letter from your Neice, communicating to me the death of your beloved Husband, would have called upon his return, I should not have delayed. to have assurd you how sincerely I feel your Sorrow, or how pathetically I mourn our own loss. For to your dear departed Friend, we have reason to say, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
To feel and estimate your loss aright my dear Friend, is to have known how blessed you were in each other, how cordially your hearts were united, and how intimately your joys and Sorrows were blended, how much you were to each other, “all that lavish Hearts could wish.
The stroke which has severed these bonds, must sink deeper into your Bosom, and calls forth the sympathizing tears of your Friend. whilst I can rejoice that your Dear Husband, who had lived, as a just Man, and an upright judge—is released from those increasing infirmities which years were accumulating upon him and the period was fast approaching.
“When like a thrice told tale
And that of no great Moment or delight
Long-rifled Life of sweet can yeald no more”
When it is painfull to behold the powers of the Body, and the noble faculties of the mind Sinking into apathy—
of Age the Glory is to wish to die
That wish is praise and promise. It applauds
past Life, and promises our future bliss.
of that bliss you  have every well grounded hope which Religion inspires, as your solace your consolation and your anchor
Unto that Being who hath promised to be the support of the Widow I commit you my dear Friend in this hour of your affliction, and offer up my prayer that you may be sustaind by that Religion to which your Life has been an ornament, and by the consciousness of a Faithfull unwearied and punctual discharge of every relative Duty. That I may be enabled to imitate your vitues is the sincere and ardent wish of Your Sympathizing Friend

Abigail Adams