Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 24 January 1814
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir  Monticello Jan. 24: 14.I have great need of the indulgence so kindly extended to me in your favor of Dec. 25. of permitting me to answer your friendly letters at my leisure. my frequent and long absences from home are a first cause of tardiness in my correspondence, and a 2d the accumulation of business during my absence, some of which imperiously commands first attentions. I am now in arrear to you for your letters of Nov. 12. 14. 16. Dec. 13. 19. 25.I have made some enquiry about Taylor’s book, and I learn from a neighbor of his that it has been understood for some time that he was writing a political work. we had not heard here of it’s publication, nor has it been announced in any of our papers. but this must be the book of 630. pages which you have recieved;
          and certainly neither the style nor the stuff
          of the author of
          Arator can ever
          be mistaken. in the latter work, as you observe, there are some good things, but so involved in quaint, in far-fetched, affected, mystical conciepts, and flimsy theories, that who can take the trouble of getting at them?You ask me if I have ever seen the work of J. W. Goethens Schoristen? Never.
          nor did the question ever occur to me before Where got we the ten commandments? the book indeed
          gives them to us verbatim. but where did it get them? for itself
          tells us
          they were written by the finger of god on tables of stone, which were destroyed by Moses: it specifies those on the 2d. set of tables in different form and substance, but still without saying how the others were recovered. but the whole history of these books is so defective and doubtful that it seems vain
          to attempt minute enquiry into it: and such tricks have been plaid with their text, and with the texts of other books relating to them, that we have a right, from that cause, to entertain much
          doubt
          what parts of them are genuine. in the New testament there is internal evidence that parts of it have proceeded from an extraordinary man; and that other parts are of the fabric of very inferior
          minds. it is as easy to separate those parts, as to pick out diamonds from dunghills. the matter of the first was such as would be preserved in the memory of the hearers, and handed on by
          tradition
          for a long time; the latter such stuff as might be gathered up, for imbedding it, any where, and at any time.—I have nothing of
          Vives, or Budaeus, and little of Erasmus. if the familiar histories of the saints, the want of which they regret, would have given us the histories of those tricks
          which these writers acknolege to have been practised, and of the
          lies they agree have been invented for the sake of religion, I join them in their regrets. these would be the only parts of their histories worth reading. it is not only the sacred volumes they
          have
          thus interpolated, gutted, and falsified, but the works of others relating to them, and even the laws of the land.
          we have a curious instance of one of these pious frauds in the Laws of Alfred. he composed, you know, from the laws of the Heptarchy, a Digest for the government of the United kingdom, and in his preface to that work he tells us expressly the sources from which he drew it, to wit, the laws of
          Ina, of
          Offa & Aethelbert, (not naming the Pentateuch.) but his pious Interpolator, very awkwardly, premises to his work four chapters of Exodus (from the 20th. to the 23d.) as a part of the laws of the land; so that Alfred’s preface is made to stand in the body of the work. our judges too have lent a
          ready hand to further these frauds, and have been
          willing to lay the yoke of their own opinions on the necks of others;
          to extend the coercions of municipal law to the dogmas of their religion, by declaring that these make a part of the law of the land.
          in the Year Book 34. H. 6. fo. 38. in Quare impedit, where the question was how far the Common law takes notice of the Ecclesiastical law,
          Prisot, Chief Justice, in the course of his argument says “a tiels leis que ils de Seint eglise ont en ancien scripture, covient a nous a donner credence; car ces Common ley sur quels touts manners leis sont fondes: et auxy, Sir, nous sumus obliges de conustre lour ley de saint eglise Etc.”
          Finch begins the business of falsification by mistranslating and mistating the words of Prisot thus “to such laws of the church as have warrant in holy scripture our law giveth credence,” citing the above case & the words of Prisot in the margin. Finch’s law. B. 1. c. 3. here then we find ancien scripture, antient writing, translated “holy scripture.” this,
          Wingate in 1658. erects into a Maxim of law, in the very words of Finch, but citing Prisot, and not Finch. and Sheppard tit. Religion, in 1675 laying it down in the same words of Finch, quotes the Year Book, Finch and Wingate, then comes Sr. Matthew Hale, in the case of the King v. Taylor 1. Ventr. 293.
          3. Keb. 607. and declares that “Christianity is parcel of the laws of England.” citing nobody, and resting it, with his
          judgment against the witches,  on his own authority, which indeed was sound and good in all cases into which no superstition or bigotry could enter.
          thus strengthened, the court in 1728 in the King v. Woolston, would not
          suffer it to be questioned whether to write against Christianity was punishable at Common law, saying it had been so settled by Hale in Taylor’s case. 2. Stra. 834. Wood therefore, 409. without
          scruple, lays down as a principle that all blasphemy and profaneness are offences at the Common law, and cites
          Strange.
          Blackstone, in 1763. repeats in the words of Sr. Matthew Hale that “Christianity is part of the laws of England,” citing
          Ventris and
          Strange ubi supra.
          and Ld. Mansfield in the case of the Chamberlain of London v. Evans, in 1767. qualifying somewhat the position, says that “the essential principles of revealed religion are part of the Common law.”
          thus we find this string of authorities all hanging by one another on a single hook, a mistranslation by Finch of the words of Prisot, or on nothing. for all quote Prisot, or one another, or nobody.
          thus Finch misquotes Prisot; Wingate also, but using Finch’s words; Sheppard quotes Prisot, Finch and Wingate; Hale cites nobody; the court in Woolston’s case cite Hale; Wood cites Woolston’s case;
          Blackstone that & Hale; and Ld. Mansfield volunteers his own ipse dixit. and who now can question but that the whole Bible and Testament are a part of the Common law? and that Connecticut, in her blue laws, laying it down as a principle that the laws of god should be the laws of their land, except where their own contradicted them, did any thing more than express, with a
          salvo, what the English judges had less cautiously declared without any restriction?
          and what I dare say our cunning Chief Justice would swear to, and find as many sophisms to twist it out of the general terms of our
          Declarations of rights,
          and even the stricter text of the Virginia ”act for the freedom of religion” as he did to twist Burr’s neck out of the halter of treason. may we not say then with him who was
          all candor and benevolence “Woe unto you, ye lawyers, for ye lade men with burdens grievous to bear.”I think with you that Priestley, in his comparison of the doctrines of Philosophy and of revelation, did not do justice to the undertaking, but he felt himself pressed by the hand of death.
          Enfield has given us a more distinct account of the ethics of the antient philosophers; but the great work, of which Enfield’s is an abridgment,
          Brucker’s history of Philosophy, is the treasure which I would wish to possess, as a book of reference or of special research only, for who could read 6. vols 4to of 1000 pages each, closely printed, of modern Latin? your account of D’Argens’ Ocellus makes me wish for him also. Ocellus furnishes a fruitful text for a sensible and learned commentator. the Abbé Batteux’, which I have, is a meagre thing.You surprise me with the account you give of the strength of family distinction still existing in your state. with us it is so totally extinguished that not a spark of it is to be found but lurking in the hearts of some of our old tories. but all bigotries hang to one another; and this in the Eastern states, hangs, as I suspect, to that of the priesthood. here youth, beauty, mind and manners are more valued than a pedigree.I do not remember the conversation between us which you mention in yours of Nov. 15. on your proposition to vest in Congress the exclusive power of establishing banks. my opposition to it must have been grounded, not on taking  the power from the states, but on leaving any vestige of it in existence, even in the hands of Congress; because it would only have been a change of the organ of abuse. I have ever been the enemy of banks; not of those discounting for cash; but of those foisting their own paper into circulation, and thus banishing our cash. my zeal against those
          institutions was so warm and open at the establishment of the bank of the US. that I was derided as a Maniac by the tribe of bank-mongers, who were seeking to filch from the public their swindling, and barren gains. but the errors of that day cannot be recalled. the
          evils they have engendered are now upon us, and the question is how we are to get out of them? shall we build an altar to the old paper money of the revolution, which ruined individuals but saved the republic, and burn on that all the bank charters present and future, and
          their notes with them? for these are to ruin both republic and individuals. this cannot be done. the Mania is too strong. it has siesed by it’s delusions & corruptions all the members of our governments, general, special, and individual. our
          circulating paper of the last year was estimated at 200. millions of dollars. the new banks now petitioned for, to the several legislatures, are for about 60. millions additional capital, &
          of
          course 180. millions of additional circulation, nearly doubling that of the last year; and raising the whole mass to near 400. millions, or 40. for 1. of the wholsome amount of circulation for a
          population of 8. millions circumstanced as we are: and you remember how rapidly our money went down after our 40. for 1. establishment in the revolution. I doubt if the present trash can hold as
          long. I think the 380. millions must blow all up in the course of the present year; or certainly it will be consummated by the reduplication to take place of course at the legislative meetings of
          the
          next winter. should not prudent men, who possess stock in any monied institution, either draw & hoard the cash, now while they can, or exchange it for canal stock, or such other as being
          bottomed
          on immoveable property, will remain unhurt by the crush? I have
          been endeavoring to persuade a friend in our legislature to try and save this state from the general ruin by timely interference. I propose to him 1. to prohibit instantly all foreign paper. 2. to give our own banks
          6. months to
          call in all their 5. Dollar bills (the lowest we allow.) another 6. months to call in their 10.D. notes, and 6. months more to call in all below 50. Dollars. this would produce so gradual a
          diminution of medium as not to shock contracts already made; would leave finally bills of such size as would be called for only in transactions between merchant and merchant, and ensure a
          metallic
          circulation for those of the mass of citizens. but it will not be done. you might as well, with the sailors, whistle to the wind, as suggest precautions against having too
          much money. we must
          scud
          then before the gale, and try to hold fast, ourselves, by some plank of the wreck. god send us all a safe deliverance, and to yourself every other species and degree of happiness.Th: JeffersonP.S. I return your letter of Nov. 15. as it requests: and supposing that the late publication of the life of our good & really great Rittenhouse may not have reached you I send a copy for your acceptance. even it’s episodes and digressions may add to the amusement it will furnish you. but if the history of the world were written on the same scale, the whole world would not hold it. Rittenhouse, as an astronomer, would stand on a line with any of his time, and as a mechanician he certainly has not been equalled. in this view he was truly great. but, placed along side of Newton, every human character must appear diminutive, & none would have shrunk more feelingly from the painful parallel than the modest and amiable Rittenhouse, whose genius and merit are not the less for this exaggerated comparison of his over zealous biographer.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Clark, 25 January 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Clark, Thomas

Sir
Quincy January 25th 1814

I thank you for your polite and obliging letter of the 17th and for the Copy in two volumes of the Naval History of the United States and for the several Copies of your Proposals for publishing A History of the United States. The plan is ample and judicious, and I wish you every encouragement in the execution of it. Mr. Trumbull of Connecticut has published a general history of this Country. I have not seen it since it was printed. It is probably familiar to you I am so ill at at present that I cannot enlarge; Your proposals shall be distributed to the best of my judgment. I have given one to the modest gentleman who would not allow his name to appear, and told him at the Same time. Contemptu Famæ, Fama augetur. Farewell
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 26 January 1814
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Philada January 26. 1814

				By this day’s mail I forward you a Set of the Naval History, which I request You will place in your library, as a mark of respect & esteem from / Your obt. hble servt.

					Mathew Carey

					I send a Copy for Capt Marston

			P.S. I have much alarmed myself respecting the probability of a separation of the states. My friends generally are tranquil on the subject. This does not allay my fears. Will you be so good to communicate your opinion?


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 30 January 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dr Sir
Quincy Jan. 30. 14

Yours of 14th are here. You must take hints: I cannot write Letters. Half recovered from a former Illness, the fine sleighing tempted me to Boston where I ran about in Irons and got a relapse and I can Scarcely hold Pen. Mrs A is recovered.
The great Mr Mead, before Becker advanced the Doctrine which his grandson and Farmer pursued, But Enoch and Jude and Paul, and Calvin and Milton, and Luther and all the Popes erected their Systems upon the Doctrines of Devils and Hells: and So did the Brachmans the Egyptians, the Persians the Chaldeans Pythagoreans, and Platonicians, and Romans and Teulons and Celtics, and Mahometans. I too firmly believe that Virtue will be rewarded and Vice punised in a future State. I know not, but not only every Pencil, every Ray every Particle of Light may be a good Demon as that of Socrates. If so, what a joly company of them there is in the Universe. I wish I knew a way to convey a Letter to Madam La Roche Nieulles, but I do not.
The Assasin of your Father has attacked and has been repulsed by you, and the insidious Enemy that killed mine in his 71st has not been able by two assauts, as yet to carry my Fortress in my 79th. He employed Stratagem in the first case by making his Approaches after he had first confined mother to her bed. In the last, he Suffered Mrs A. to get well enough to nurse me, before he made his desperate Effort.
Inclosed is Condorcets, Mind, polluted with my idle Scrawls. Pray send it back when you have Sufficiently perused it. It is not yet fit to be Seen any where but in my Closet: and another is not to be found. Condorcet was ingenious learned and profound: but in matters of free Government as Silly as a Goose. He was amiable, till the Demons of the Brachmans and Enoch entered him Brissot and Company. Rensards Poetics I know not.
I have learned nothing but from your Letter of any Letters of Jefferson on the Subject of the next Election. I prsume not to speak write or think of the next Election, but if New York has the next President, I conjecture it will be Mr Clinton, I know not the Gentleman, and Speak only from the little Knowledge I have of Parties Connections, and Interests in that State.
Every Country Girl in New England or New York can teach you better than Hercules to Spin on a distaff, which is a long conical Piece of round Wood, round which the well heckelled flax is bound and drawn out in Thread. by the Thumb and finger and twisted round a Spindle turned by a foot Wheel.
I Should as Soon I think of Sending to a Sattellite of Jupiter for fire to light a Segar, as to Siberia to learn to SpinI have written four lines as much as I thought could, but you always Strengthen

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Richard Rush, January 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Rush
Quincy Jan. 1814

When I meet The beattified Spirit I Shall Say to him, with our mutual frankness, “Sir you ought to have added two Chapters to your last Work; one upon Possessions, and another upon Dreams.” In the first, You you should have examined all that has been written by the great Mr Mead, by the little Doctor Mead, and by the learned Hugh Farmer, about Dæmons, Dæmoniacs, and Dæmoniacal Possessions: and Should have confuted or confirmed their Hypothesis, by Shewing Us, whether they were Simple diseases of the Mind, or any thing more Diabolical. In the Second You Should have determined Dreams to be either mere Distempers, or Messages from Jove according to Homer.He Dr Rush was a great Master. No Man dreamed more Sublimely or beautifully, more philosophically or instructively, more morally or religiously. He almost made a Dreamer of me, Son of Dulness as I was. I have taken Soporifics enough of late to make me drowsy. I have read Priestleys Comparison of the Institutions of Moses with those of the Hindoos: and his Doctrines of Heathen Phylosophers compared with those of Revelation. (N.B. these two Books are the Grouth of the Soil of Pensylvania, Northumberland, to Witt). I have read too the Curse of Kahama and its Notes: and dipped into Holwell and Dow and Asiatic Researches, and Universal History, and Calmets Dictionary and Browns; and even Voltaire and our Boston English; and more than all, Tuckers Light of Nature pursued in Seven Volumes, and Searches Dream at the End of the third. Hence all ye Poppies and Mandragoras of the Dunciad! besides these Enfields Abridgement of Brouiker, Timæus Lucanus, Zaleucus Charondas and all the disciples of Pythagoras. All these together produced Such a Mass of Confusion, that after long and confused Meditation I fixed on the Metempsichosis, and dropped to Sleep, as well as I might, and dreamed.
Feb. 23rd. The above was written a month ago when I fell Sick. My Dream was  too impudent and extravagant to be Sent you at present. Hereafter if you wish it, and I am well and idle enough I may Send it.
Mr Taylors great Work is now printed and Sold. He acknowledges, he has been Studying me these twenty years. It is a great pleasure to me to learn that my 3 Volumes every Letter and Syllable of which were written and printed in fifteen months, have afforded amusement for 20 years to any Man especially to a Gentleman So respectable for his Rank Fortune Experience and Talents as Mr Taylor. I hope Soon to procure the Volume, neatly bound. I hope the Printer will make his fortune, and the Author a handsome Addition to his great Wealth by the Sale of it; for I wish it in the Library of every Man who can read.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas McKean, January 1814
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Philadelphia. Janry. 1814.

				In your favor of the 26th. Novembert last you say, “that you ventured to say, that about a third of the people of the Colonies were against the Revolution.” It required much reflection before I could fix my opinion on this subject, but on mature deliberation I conclude you are right, and that more than a third of influencial characters were against it. The opposition consisted chiefly of the Friends or Quakers, the Menonists; the Protestant Episcopalians, whose clergy received salaries from the Society for propogating the gospel in foreign parts; and from the officers of the Crown & Proprietors of provinces, with their connexions, adding the Timid and those who believed, the colonies would be conquered, and that of course they would be safe in their persons & property from such conduct and also have a probability of obtaining office & distinction, and also the discontented & capricious of all grades.I have not heard the specific sum of money Mr. C. J. Marshall received for his copy right of the life of Washington, nor have I been able to obtain any certain information concerning it: but, if he obtained a sixth part of what you mention, I think he ought to be contented.During my protracted life I neither have had leisure or inclination to write a history, and at my present age it is out of the question. It is true, I have been often spoken to and even sollicited by a great many of my learned acquaintance to undertake that of the American Revolution, beginning at the year 1760 or before; among them, Doctor Rush, your former correspondent, was not the least anxious.Tho’ I shall never write a history, I will give you an historical fact respecting the declaration of Independence, which may amuse, if not surprize.On the 1st. July 1776 the question was taken by a  in the committee of the whole of Congress, when Pennsylvania, represented by seven members then present, voted against it; 4 to 3; among the majority were Robert Morris & John Dickinson. Delaware (having only two present, namely myself & Mr. Read) was divided: all the other States voted in favor of it. The report was delayed until the 4th. and in the mean time I sent an express for Cæsar Rodney to Dover in the county of Kent in Delaware, at my private expence, whom I met at the State-house door on the 4th. of July in his boots; he resided eighty miles from the city, and just arrived as Congress  met. The question was taken, Delaware voted in favor of Independence, Pennsylvania (there being only five members present, Messrs. Dickinson & Morris absent) voted also for it; Messrs. Willing & Humphries were against it. Thus the thirteen States were unanimous in favor of Independence. Notwithstanding this, in the printed public journal of Congress for 1776, vol. 2. it appears, that the Declaration of Independence was signed declared on the 4th. of July 1776 by the Gentlemen, whose names are there inserted; whereas no person signed it on that day, and among the names there inserted, one Gentleman, namely George Read Esquire, was not in favor of it; and seven were not in Congress on that day, namely Messrs. Morris, Rush, Clymer, Smith, Taylor & Ross, all of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Thornton of New-Hampshire; nor were the six Gentlemen last named members of Congress on the 4th. of July. The five for Pennsylvania were appointed Delegates by the Convention of that State on the 20th. July, and Mr. Thornton took his seat in Congress for the first time on the 4th. November following: when the names of Henry Wisner of New-York and Thomas McKean of Delaware, are not printed as subscribers, tho’ both were present in Congress on the 4th. of July & voted for Independence.Here false colours are certainly hung out; there is culpability somewhere: what I have heard as an explanation is as follows; when the declaration was voted, it was ordered to be ingrossed on parchment and then signed, and that a few days afterwds. a resolution was entered on the secret journal, that no person should have a seat in Congress during that year until he should have signed the declaration of independence. After the 4th. July I was not in congress for several months, having marched with a regiment of Associators as Colonel to support General Washington, until the flying camp of ten thousand men was completed. When the associators were discharged, I returned to Philadelphia, took my seat in congress & signed my name to the declaration on parchment. This transaction should be truly stated, and the then secret journal should be made public. In the manucript journal, Mr. Pickering, then Secretary of State, and myself saw a printed half sheet of paper, with the names of the members afterwards in the printed journals, stiched in. We examined the parchment where my name is signed in my own hand-writing.—A glimmering of peace appears in the Horizon; may it be realized: but every preparation should be made for a continuance of the war. When the British arms have been succesful, I have never found their Rulers or Ministers otherwise than haughty, rude, imperious, nay insolent. They & their allies have this year been succesful, both in the North & South of Europe.My sight fades very fast, tho’ my writing may not discover it. God bless you. / Your

					Thos McKean


Title: To John Adams from John M. Carter, 1 February 1814
From: Carter, John M.,Carter, J. B.
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Georgetown, Febry. 1. 1814.

				We take the liberty to send you by mail a copy of Arator, written by Col. John Taylor of Caroline Va.—We do this from having been lately favored by him with an extract from a letter of yours to him concerning this treatise on Agriculture, in which you express a desire to purchase the book but know not where to apply for it—This is the only copy we have unsold from a large edition as you will perceive we are the proprietors of the work.—The price is $1.50 which we will give an order on you for to some Bookseller to whom we will send some copies of a secd. edition about to be printed by us—revised & considerably enlarged by the Author.—We remain Sir, yr. obt. / Humble Servts

					J. M. & J. B. Carters


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Clark, 3 February 1814
From: Clark, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Philadelphia February 3d 1814

				I have received your kind letter of the 25th. January. I am pleased that my undertaking has met your approbation, & sincerely thank you for your patronage.I lament your indisposition, & hope it may be of short duration.You mentioned Mr. Trumbull’s general history of the U.S. It is a very good compend, but not more. The only volume yet published commences with the discovery of America & ends with the conquest of Canada by the British. It is of the sames size, contains about the same information,  & is of a similar plan with Judge Marshall’s introductory volume to the life of Washington. It however displays grater research & more extensive reading than the Judge’s volume. The same period, in my plan, will fill about five volumes of a larger size. The materials of our history are ample, instructive & extremly curious. It is much to be lamented that our general historians have indulged so much in compends. It has strongly impressed our countrymen with the idea, that the history of the United States, previous to the revolution, is extremely devoid of interesting events, & affords little matter of instruction. But I beleive that all, who have made the general history of the U.S. their particular study, will agree with me, that there is no other history capable of affording more useful & agreeable information, & more replete with curious & interesting events. I must confess, I am no admirer of historical compends, they render the most interesting histories dry dry & insipid. It is the judicious management of details that please & attract in history.I am Sir with respect & esteem your / obedient Servant

					Thomas Clark

					No 37 South Second Street


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 5 February 1814
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

               Mÿ Dear and respected Sir!
               Olden barneveld. 5 Febr. 1814.

            Being now pretty free from headache, I will indulge myself in the pleasure, to cheer mÿ depressed spirits, in answering your favour of the 4th. inst; not that I can promise myself the Satisfaction, of sending you any thing much interesting, but to convince you, if it could be wanted, how highlÿ I value everÿ line from your hand. Theÿ are the onlÿ remaining marks of affectionate esteem of a friend—to whom I allways dare write what I think—in this Land. Nevertheless—I am not selfish enough to require a punctual attendance to mÿ scribling—I might otherwyse appear to be ungenerously intruding on your moments of leisure. What a blessing!—to be honoured with such a friend—and although the prospect of its continuance can not lasten long—the youngest of us having entered his climacteric—yet I would enjoÿ this privilege, till the niggard hand of death tears it in pieces. But tell me, my Dear friend! and as I have some little propensity to gourmandise I feel interested in it—if it is true—as Fallopius asserted—that in our 77th year our teeth are renewed? then I care not, if I loose now one or other of these useful auxiliaries. I really am apprehensive, as you did seem encircled with Demons in your last, that one of these envious goblins made you forget—to mention, in what state of health mrs Adams was—if so.—you are reallÿ in great want of an exorciser—or—would you vex me, by your silence?—where you was sure of her reconvalescence? Then I would address her and beg—to retaliate a little upon her Lord—and she might be prompted bÿ her noble mind, to inflict this moderate correction, too well knowing—that the poor insect, we tread upon, feels a pang as great, as when a giant is tortured—I take a pen again, your Letter, in the hope, that I shall be able to finish mÿ answer. When I first opened it I was seared with the Greek and folded it up. after a while—throwing again a glance upon it I admired your elegant Greek characters—at which indeed I was surprised—This is not intended as a compliment:—it is an homage to truth. Was it now in my power to send you such a satisfactory answer to your doubts, I might expect from your candour a similar acknowledgment: but this is not the case—I am incompetent to that task—but your kindness induces me to communicate all that I know on this subject—and this you must deem verÿ defective.Hebr. xi. 5 That Enoch—and Elias—in some—to us unknown—manner were taken from this earth—I take for granted—that their bodÿ remained here—though not found—I do not doubt—their case was the same as that of Mozes—their dissolution was sudden—without feeling the pangs of death—unknown the place, where it happened—and thus it was said—as of Romulus—theÿ were taken to heaven. Jud. vs. 6.It is questionable if here the Angel’s—are to be understood or messengers—Bishops—or Demons. it appears to me probable, the last vs. 14–15- A pretended prophecÿ—then existing maÿ be quoted by the writer, leaving however its authenticity unvouched.—there appears no necessitÿ even, that the writer acknowledges the authority of the apocriphic book—He might appeal to a generallÿ adopted tradition or—then yet existing fragments of such a prophecÿ:—then—as Fenema observed, the writer applies this to the ungodly of his time, while Enoch had in view his cotemporaries, whom he warned from the imminent danger of the threatned flood. If reallÿ such an apocrÿphic book existed, it was, says Michaëly, an unhappy fiction while Letters were unknown at Enoch’s time.Anatolius, Bishop of Antiochia, mentions this prophecÿ by Eusebius H.E Lib. viii. cap. 32—You will receive more light from Lardner vol. iii Suppl. pag. 338 Ant. van Dalen orig: Idolos. Diss. ii pag. 352 Diss. iii pag. 560 upon this Enoch or Edris—you maÿ consult Herbelot Bibl. Orient. Tom. ii Pag. 624 in Edris ou Idris.Its spuriousness has been proved by Lambecius in prodr. Hist Litt. L. i. c. 3. 65 p. 8/9.You mention Scaliger’s Enoch—I do not recollect any work of him under this title. perhaps you allude to his publication of the fragments of a Book περὶ τῶν ἐγρηγόρων—which he published among his ann—ad Eusebii can. chron.—and well from the Chronographÿ of Georg. Syncelli—After  Scaliger this work—or rather its fragments have been republished by Ernst. Grabe in Spicil. Patr. Sec. i & 2 Tom. i p. 345—and lastlÿ by Jo. Alb. Frabritius in cod: Pseudepigr. v T. i. Pag. 160 and Du Pin Diss. Prælim. Liv. i ch. i §8 pag. 27.—This is all, what I can recollect of this real or pretended prophecÿ. It matters not to me, if it be true or false—numerous have been in the first centuries—Similar forgeries—but in my opinion—they do not—I say not invalidate, but do not touch what I call the Christian Religion—and yet—I understand as something more under this name, than the ingenious Tillers: theÿ do not prevent, that anÿ honest man, with a sound common sense—maÿ discover—what he has to know—what to do—for happiness and that, which can not be discovered by such a one, I deem not requisite to know for our salvation. The pure doctrine of morality, as never before was discovered by anÿ Philosopher, the unquestionable certaintÿ of a life to come is the groundwork—the summarÿ of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. We know not here but a part, and this a verÿ little one, and a Newton a Leibnitz and Clarke must have been surprised—to learn, how little it was.The demonologÿ was of oriental origine introduced from there among the Jews—Greeks and other Nations—and maÿ have its foundation in traditions. It seems—thro’ all the various modifications of this theorÿ that they were supposed, to have been possessed—of some corporeal integuments bÿ which theÿ could make themselves visible to the human eÿe, and which maÿ be required to communicate or discourse with one another, although there have been some, who pretended, that, without the aid of language or discourse the angels understood one another bÿ intuition. It is presumtion, to decide peremtorilÿ—and it is pretty indifferent, what is the truth.To keep nothing back, what I can communicate on this subject, I shall add some of the best literarÿ productions on it. Of B. Bekker’s enchanted world there is a translation in German, another in French, neither of which I have seen. Prof. Jac. odé wrote a hugh comm: in 4o. de angelis Traj. ad. Rhenum 1739. Jo. Frid. Cotta’s Diss. historiam succinctam dogmatis Theolog: de Angelis exhibenti Tubingæ 1765—and continuata historia ib. 1766. Jo. Campstede Diss. de angelorum corporibus Groningæ 1772. Jo. Christ. Loerschius Diss: de angelorum corporibus Francofurti ad Viadrum and Duysberg 1719 recusa ultraj: 1723 and 1737. Petr. Janssen defended the same hypothesis from Luc. xx. 27. Lugd. Bat. 1767 and Biblioth. Bremen. class. vi. Pag. 413. Cudworth Syst. Intell. T. ii  cap. 5 pag. 150 and there Mosheim’s annot.The Doctrine of witches and witchcraft was, you know, effectuallÿ exploded bÿ Thomasius—and did not rise again after him. That of exorcising so nearly allied to it, and to possessions; has been undermined—but—was yet late in Germanÿ and the Popish countries—maintained—Dr Nic. Krell—Chancellor—at Dresden—lost his head—when eighty years, for abolishing Exorcismus—which was then reëstablished by Fleischer Schubart vön Kleefeld—J.M. Krafft—Pertscher and J. H. Boëhmer have treated on it at lenght.—I fear, I have exhausted your patience—well, then—I shall turn mÿself to the meteorological stones(for Prof. Silliman—nearlÿ as interesting—and equallÿ enigmatical—and then endeavor, if I can discover any more arguments for mÿ hypothesis—that colours do not more exists in the rays of the sun as in the terrestrial objects—but I can not instutute experiments—for hundred reasons—as the wise magistrates of Amersfoort asserted, for not saluting—first, they had no powder! I have no instruments and cannot purchase them.Tell me with one word, if you can do it with propriety, under the sacred promise of secrecÿ, if you believe—that our Administration is sincere in the present negotiation—do wish peace—on a perfect reciprocitÿ—yes or no—at the end of your Letter will relieve mÿ anxiety. Timeo Danaos.Recommend me to your Ladÿ—I am with affectionate regard. / Your obliged friend:
               Fr. Adr. van der Kemp


Title: To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 12 February 1814
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Plymouth, Febry. 12th. 1814—

				The sudden death of a very amiable Grand–Son, has involved myself and family in such deep affliction, as prevents me from replying, as I intended this day, to the last mark, of your kind attention, dated the Second Instt.—I thought it my duty to return Governor Mc.Kean’s letter immediately, as requested.—By your permission I took the liberty to have it copied, and may observe upon it, when I have the pleasure to hear from you again, which I hope will not be in so laconic a style as your last favor.—My lovely child sunk into Eternity without a groan.—From the purity of his mind and the innocence of his life, I have not a doubt he is received by him who leadeth the flock with his arm and carrieth the lambs in his bosom.—His parents who have never thus been smitten, now require all my attention.—When you write again which I hope will be soon, You will inform me of the state of health of my beloved Mr. Adams for whom I have been long anxious.—Name me affectionately to each member of your family.—I am, Sir, with much respect assuredly, / Yr Frnd. / & Hble. Servt

					Mercy Warren


Title: From John Adams to John M. Carter, 15 February 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Carter, John M.,Carter, J. B.

Gentlemen
Quincy February 15th 1814

I have received your favour of Feb 1, and a copy of Mr Taylors Arator. Your draught  its price, shall be honoured at sight. and I should like to pay for a copy of the second edition at the same time.
I have been waiting a long time, with some impatience for the communication & publication of Mr Taylors great work upon Aristocracy. I should be glad to pay for that work handsomely but at the same time with the first and second edition of Arator. As there is no political subject which I wish to see so thoroughly discussed; I begin to apprehend that I shall be gathered to the dust of my Ancestors, before this elaborate Investigation, will appear in publick. I am gentlemen your obedient Servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Richard Rush, 16 February 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Sir
Quincy Feb. 16. 14

I perceive by your Letter of the 7th. that Mr Hay is married to a beautiful little girl, that I once Saw in Philadelphia, at her Fathers Apartments when She was not more than three or four years old.
Before I proceed farther I must congratulate you on your transmigration. The Office of Att. Gen. must be more congenial, less confined and more liberal than that of Controuler. But your Entertainment, is not my object. Any Plodder, like John Steel or old Duval could cast Accounts in Eagles Dollars Cents and Mills. But Laws and Govt and History are very different Things. Pursue the History of your own Country, and of England and of France and of all Nations in all Ages. Apply an impartial Phylosophy to it all. Your Anecdote of 1794, the Corps of French Emigrants you ought to publish; not with your Name. The British Statute Book and their History are full of proofs, that neither Achilles nor the Paper Money Duke of Orleans, ever adopted in Theory or practice, more implicitly the Maxim
Jura negat Sibi lata, nihil not arrogat Armis, than the Britons have done and Still do.
If Europe Submits to the maritime Despotism of England, the whole Globe is enslaved. Napoleons Despotism could not extend beyond Europe. Is Mankind to Submit to one or the other? If they do, I will not Say with my Friend Raynal “Let them be annihilated” This I leave to eternal and almighty Wisdom.
Zingis, in Asia established more of his Sons, and over larger Kingdoms than Napoleon has done, Tamerlane Subjected more Sovereigns. Alexanders four Generals, were appointed to command more People and larger Territories. The Barbarians who overran the Roman Empire, conquered France Spain Italy Germany and England too. Mahomet conquered and divided among his Cousins more than Napoleon has. Charlemain and Louis 14 did as much. And what has not the Turk done.
If Russia Austria and Prussia Submit to Castlereagh I Shall think Mankind degraded indeed, and all Europe ready to throw Firebrands Arrows and Death at the bidding of George Prince of Wales
Now I will indulge the old Man. In 1755 I began the Study of the Law under James Putman Esqr of Worcester. The first Book he put into my hand was Woods Institute, the Second Hawkin’s Abridgement of Coke upon Littleton, the third Coke upon Littleton at large. Can you conceive any drier Study? I pass over Puffendorf, Grotius, Burlamaqui Heineccius Vattell Domats civil Law and all the Institutes, Reporters and Entries of the common Law that were prescribed to me. in 1758 I was admitted to Practice in Boston. Mr Gridley the most Methodical Systematical and universal Lawyer I ever knew invited me to Spend a Sunday with him at his Seat in Brokeline. I went on Saturday and Staid till monday. Mr Gridley then produced to me the first Fruits of Blackstone’s Studies that ever reached the shore of North America. It was his Inaugural Oration and his Analysis, both of which he made me read to him, and he pointed out to me the Improvements upon the antecedent Analyses of Noy and Hale. I was So Smitten with Blackstone, that I seized on the first opportunity to procure his Tracts and his Commentaries. I had previously read Acherleys Britannic Constitution Nathaniel Bacons discourses, and Bolingbrokes Remarks and I have Since read De Lolme.
And I really think Bolingbroke more correct and De Lolme more luminous and more ample than Blackstone. We should be grateful to Blackstone, without adoring him.
You have a fine young Fellow for a Friend, in Mr Ingersol: but I have a bone or two to pick with him. He treated my Answer to a New Jersey Address, upon memory I presume, with too much Severity, and he lately treated the English Constitution with too much Levity, and too little discrimination.
Whatever happens in Europe, let Us not be intimidated. Monarchical France with all her Exertions could never get more than Ten Thousand Men to America, including the West India Islands with Canada. The Utmost Exertions of G.B. in our revolutionary War, never got 35,000 Men including Tories and Canadians. Calculate the Tonnage of Shipping for Transports, at three Tons to a Man. They ransacked Europe So far from having Ships of their own, they hired Transports in Holland, in Italy and Sweeden. These calculations have not been considered in America.
The situation of G.B. is now more forlorne than it ever has been. I wish I could be more particular: but my Eyes and Fingers complain. I have been very Sick and am not yet well. But yet heartily your friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 February 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear V. D. K
Quincy Feb. 19th. 1814

Yours of the 5th. and 9th are received. My Eyes and my hands forbid every unnecessary Word.
I have read Lardner and Jones; the latter 50 Years ago, and twice Sinse; the last time within a year. They both give Us their opinion but not proofs. They take for granted the Authenticity of Gospels Acts Epistles and Apocalypse, and then produce them as Witnesses.
Sillimans Stones are not So interesting to me as Quincy and Chelmsford Granate. That Colours exist not in the Rays of Light nor in the Surfaces of Objects, but only in our Imaginations has been prouved by Lark and Berkeley almost a hundred years.
I do believe, that “Our Administration, is Sincere in the present Negotiation” that they “do wish peace, on a perfect reciprocity.” But Britain will vote for Heaven to fall, Sooner than consent to “reciprocity.”
As I live upon Indian Porridge and Toast and Water, I cannot pledge your Bumpers: but I rejoice not the less with you “in the Reestablishment of the ancient Dutch Government.” But what do you think of the Invitation to William the First Sovereign &c and the Acceptance of that Title? Have you read the Speech of Sir James Macintosh, in the House of Commons, on this Subject?
Have you received Condorcet? Which do you admire most? The Progress of Plato’s Logos? Manilius’s Ratio? or Condorcets Mind? Have you read English?
Madam and Mr are convalescing Slowly

J. A.


Title: From John Adams to William Adams, 23 February 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, William

Sir
Quincy February 23rd. 1814

My late neighbour Mr Caleb Hayden has presented me in your name some handsome wheat of the growth of your estate, and of a peculiar species, reputed to be less susceptible of blast, than any other as yet tried in this Country.
I hold myself under much obligation to you Sir, for this kind attention and pray you to accept my best thanks; If I live I shall cultivate the wheat, by way of experiment according to the best of my Knowledge, but have very little confidence in any skill in this neighbourhood, in this kind of tillage.
How is that Quincy and Chelmsford should be rivals? We thought ourselves possessed of the richest granite in the Country till you “drove us out of date;” but enough of this.
As I claim a relation of Consanguinity to you though it must be somewhat remote, I should be glad to be informed of its degree; My father was John Adams, who died in 1761, his father was Joseph Adams who died in 1737, his Grand Father was Joseph Adams, who died at advanced Age about 1680, his great Grand Father, was Henry Adams, who came from England, with 8 sons, one of whom returned to England, two went to Chelmsford, four of them went to Medfield, and Joseph the eldest, alone remained with his father in Quincy, then called Mount Wollaston. I, the fifth generation am soon to be buried with the four that preceded me, in this town, where I have already buried the 6th & 7th generation before me.
Will you be so good as to inform me, whether there are any records of your town, precinct Parish, or Church, or any family deeds, Wills, Contracts, or traditions, by which it can be ascertained. What were the names of the two Brothers, who went from Mount Wollaston, or Braintree, to Chelmsford, who built the first Church, and the first Mills in that town, and the date of the erection of those buildings?
Seventy eight years, are too great an age for travel. Otherwise I would make you a visit. You are young enough to travel, with ease and pleasure. I should be happy to receive a visit from you, and talk over all we know of family Antiquities.
I am Sir, very respectfully your relation, and obliged humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, February 1814 to 3 March 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy Feb. to March 3 1814

I was nibbling my pen and brushing my Faculties, to write a polite Letter of Thanks to Mr Counsellor Barton for his valuable Memoirs of Dr Rittenhouse though I could not account for his Sending it to me; when I received your favour of Jan. 24th. I now most cordially indorse my Thanks over to you. The Book is in the modern American Style an able imitation of Marshalls Washington, though far more entertaining and instructive; as a Washington Mausolæum; an Egyptian Pyramid. I shall never read it, any more than Taylors Aristrocracy. Mrs Adams reads it, with great delight, and reads to me, what She finds interesting, and that is indeed the whole Book. I have not time to hear it all.
Writtenhouse was a virtuous and amiable Man; an exquisite Mechanician; Master of the Astronomy known in his time; an expert Mathematician a patient calculator of  Numbers. But We have had a Winthrop an Andrew Oliver a Willard a Webber his equals and We have a Bowditch his Superior in all these particulars except the Mechanism. But you know, Phyladelphia is the Heart, the Censorium, the Pineal Gland of U.S.—In Politicks, Writtenhouse was a good, Simple ignorant well meaning Franklinian Democrat, totally ignorant of the World, as an Anachorite, an honest Dupe of the French Revolution; a mere Instrument of Jonathan Dickinson Sargent, Dr Hutchinson, Genet and Mifflin. I give him all the Credit of his Planetarium, The Improvement of the orrery to the Planetarium was an easy, natural thought and nothing was wanting but calculations of Orbits Distances, and Periods of Revolutions all of which were made to his hands, long before he existed. Patience, Perseverance and Slight of hand is his undoubted Merit and Praise.
I had heard Taylor in Senate, till his Style was So familiar to me that I had not read 3 pages before I Suspected the Author. I wrote a Letter to him and he candidly acknowledged that the 650 Pages were Sent me, with his consent. I wait with impatience for the Publication and Annunciation of the Work. Arator ought not to have been adulterated with Politicks: but his precept “Gather up the Fragments that nothing be lost is of inestimable Value in Agriculture and Horticulture. Every Weed Cob, Husk Stalk ought to be Saved for manure.
Your research in the Laws of England, establishing a Christianity as the Law of the Land and part of the common Law, are curious and very important. Questions without number will arise in this Country. Religious Controversies, and Ecclesiastical Contests are as common and will be as Sharp as any in civil Politicks foreign, or domestick? In what Sense and to what extent the Bible is Law, may give rise to as many doubts and quarrells as any of our civil political military or maritime Laws and will intermix with them all to irritate Factions of every Sort. I dare not look beyond my Nose,  into futurity. Our Money, Our Commerce, our Religion, our National and State Constitutions, even our Arts and Sciences, are So many Seed Plott’s of Division Faction , Sedition and Rebellion. Every thing is transmuted into an Instrument of Electioneering. Election is the grand Brama, the immortal Lama, I had almost said, the Jaggornaught, for Wives are almost ready to burn upon the Pile and Children to be thrown under the Wheel.
You will perceive by these figures that I have been looking into Oriental History and Hindoo religion. I have read Voyages and travels and every thing I could collect, and the last is Priestleys “Comparison of the Institutions of Moses, with those of the Hindoos and other ancient Nations” a work of great labour, and not less haste. I thank him for the labour, and forgive, though I lament the hurry. You would be fatigued to read, and I, just recruiting a little from a longer confinement and indisposition than I have had for 30 years, have not Strength to write many observations. But I have been disappointed in the principal Points of my Curiosity.
1. I am disappointed, by finding that no just Comparison can be made, because the original Shasta, and the original Vedams are not obtained, or if obtained not yet translated into any European Language.
2. In not finding Such Morsells of the Sacred Books as have been translated and published, which are more honourable to the original Hindo Religion than any thing he has quoted.
3. In not finding a full devellopement of the History of the Doctrine of the Metempsichosis which orignated
4. In the History of the Rebellion of innumerable Hosts of Angells in Heaven against the Supream Being, who after Some Thousands of Years of War conquered them and hurled them down to the Region of total darkness, where they Suffered a part of the punishment of their Crime, and then were mercifully released from Prison permitted to ascend to Earth and migrate into all Sorts of Animals, reptiles, Birds Beasts and Men according to their Rank and Character and even into Vegetables and Minerals, there to Serve on probation. If they passed without reproach their Several gradations they were permitted to become Cows and Men. If as Men they behaved well, i.e to the Satisfaction of the Priests, they were restored to their original rank and Bliss in Heaven.
5. In  not finding the Trinity of Pythagoras and Plato, their contempt of Matter, flesh and blood, their almost Adoration of Fire and Water, their Metempsicosis, and even the prohibition of Beans So evidently derived from India.
6. In not finding the Prophecy of Enoch deduced from India in which the fallen Angels make Such a figure.
But you are weary. Priestly has proved the Superiority of the Hebrews to the Hindoos as they Appear in the Gentoo Laws and Institutes of Menu: but the comparison remains to be made with the Shasta.
In his remarks on Mr Dupuis, p.342 Priestley Says, “The History of the fallen Angels is another Circumstance, on which Mr Dupuis lays much Stress. “According to the Christians,” he Says, Vol. 1. p.336, “there was from the beginning, a division among the Angels; Some remaining faithful to the light, and others taking the part of Darkness” &c. But this Supposed History is not found in the Scriptures. It has only been inferred, from a wrong interpretation of one passage in the 2d Epistle of Peter, and a corresponding One in that of Jude, as has been Shown by judicious Writers. That there is Such a Person as The Devil is no part of my Faith, nor that of many other Christians; nor am I sure that it was the belief of any of the christian Writers. Neither do I believe the doctrine of demoniacal possessions, Whether it was believed by the sacred Writers or not; and yet my unbelief in these Articles  does not affect my faith in the great facts of which the Evangelists were eye and ear Witnesses. They might not be competent Judges, in the one case, tho perfectly So, with respect to the other.”
I would will ask Priestley, when I See him, Do you believe those Passages in Peter and Jude to be interpolations? If so; by whom made? and when? and where? and for what End? Was it to Support, or found the doctrine of The Fall of Man, Original Sin, the universal corruption depravation and guilt of human nature and mankind; and the Subsequent Incarnation of God to make Attonement and Redemption?—Or do you think that Peter and Jude believed the Book of Enoch to have been written, by the 7th. from Adam, and one of the Sacred cannonical Books of the Hebrew Prophets? Peter, 2.Ep.c.2.v.4, Says “For if God Spared not the Angels that Sinned, but cast them down to Hell and delivered them into chains of Darkness, to be reserved unto Judgment.” Jude v.6th Says “And the Angels which kept not their first Estate, but left their own habitations, he hath  reserved in everlasting Chains under darkness unto the Judgment of the great day. v.14th. “And Enoch also, the 7th. from Adam, prophesied of these Saying, behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his Saints, to execute Judgment upon all &c” Priestley Says “a wrong Interpretation” has been given to these Texts. I wish he had favoured Us with his right interpretation of them.
In another place. p. 326. Priestleys Says “There is no Circumstance of which Mr Dupuis avails himself So much, or repeats So often, both with respect to the Jewish and Christian religions, as the history of the Fall of Man, in the beginning of the Book of Genesis. I believe with him, and have maintained in my Writings, that this history is either an Allegory, or founded on uncertain Tradition: that it is an hypothesis to account for the origin of evil, adopted by Moses, which by no means Accounts for the Facts.”
March 3d.So far, was written almost a month ago: but Sickness has prevented Progress. I had much more to Say about this Work. I Shall never be a Disciple of Priestley. He is as absurd inconsistent, credulous and incomprehensible as Athanasius. Read his Letter to The Jews in this Volume. Could a rational Creature write it? Aye! Such rational Creatures as Rochefaucault and Condorsett and John Taylor in Politicks, and Towers’s, Jurieus and French Prophets in Theology.
Priestleys Account of the Philosophy and Religion of India appears to me to be much Such a Work, as a Man of busy research would produce, who Should undertake to describe Christianity from the Sixth to the twelfth Century, when a deluge of Wonders overflowed the World; when Miracles were performed and proclaimed from every Convent and Monastry, Hospital, Church Yard, Mountain Valley Cave and Cupola
There is a Work which I wish I possessed. It has never crossed the Atlantic. It is entitled Acta Sanctorum, in forty Seven Volumes in Folio. It contains the Lives of the Saints. It was compiled in the beginning of the 16th. Century by Bollandus, Henschenius and Papebrock. What would I give to possess: in one immense Mass, one Stupendous draught all the Legends, true doubtful and false. These Bollandists dared to discuss Some of the Facts and to hint that Some of them were doubtful, E.G. Papebrock doubted The Antiquity of the Carmelites from Elias; and whither the Face of J.C. was painted on the Handkerchief of St Veronique; and whether the Prepuce of the Saviour of the World, which was Shewn in the Church at Antwerp, could be proved to be genuine? For these bold Scepticisms  he was libelled in Pamphlets and denounced to the Pope and the Inquisition in Spain. The Inquisition condemned him: but the Pope not daring to acquit or condemn him, prohited all Writings, Pro and Con. But as the Physicians cure one disease by exciting another, as a Fever by a Salivation, this Bull was produced by a new Claim. The Brothers of the Order of Charity asserted a Descent from Abraham 900 years anterior to the Carmelites.
A Phylosopher who Should write a description of Christianism from the Bollandistic Saints of the Sixth or the tenth Century would probably produce a Work tolerably parrallel to Priestleys upon the Hindoos,
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 March 1814
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Dear and respected Sir!
Olden barneveld 1 March. 1814.

I Should have yet delay’d further to answer your favour of the 30th of Jan: accompanying Condorcet’s had I not received your Second Summons of Febr. 19. What Shall I plea in defence but, peccari Pater! and yet—if I tell you the cause—which lureth me to Sin; you will I know mitigate the punishment. Not head: ache—although I was not free from it, but, the wish to answer the desire of a few friends—among whom a Wife and a Daughter—and you know how nearlÿ Similar petitions resemble commands—to write—must I call it a Dissertation or an Oration on the Dutch emancipation—to be delivered at Utica about the middle of this month. This task—as I possess no Books for the purpose, and my only assistants were my memory and a few Scattered notes—kept me constantly employ’d during three weeks, having read nothing in all that time—not even Condorcet—except a few of Horace’s odes. I finished the Brouillon last night, and Shall Send it, when I Shall have it corrected—and copied. If it is generallÿ approved by Mr and Mrs Adams—this Shall be my highest praise, as then I am certain it can not be condemned by my Dutch frends. Here and there your penetrating eye Shall, notwithstanding its age, discover Some remnants of that impetuosity, to which you were not a Stranger in 1780—but, if the fragant odour of earthen ware—well Soaked with old wine—is not Soon lost—it is yet more difficult to leave of old Sins—more So, when we delight in the continuance of Such a habit.
Daylÿ we receive yet congratulations—and—if you were not So incredulous even from the brute creation—yesterdaÿ—just when I had finished a hearty dinner on roast-beef and greÿ peas—credite posteri—in pop’d an excellent Haddok—the first who came to make his obeisance—as long I was in this countrÿ—to offer his Services—and, what was more—prepared and cooked—Without manÿ ceremonies I laid down the pen, alreadÿ in mÿ hand—took the prong, and did not rest—till I had Secured him good lodgings, and the bystanders Smiled at mÿ voracious appetite.
I never dream’d that—I Should—So near the grand climacteric year have Composed an oration—and well in behalf of the Dutch, and meddle anew with their historÿ and Political concerns—you will Silentlÿ wish—that mÿ hopes—and I cannot denÿ to you—that I in Some manner are feating upon it—maÿ not prove abortive—If it happens So—you Shall know it—and if you deem, that I deserved it, you will not tell in Gath;—but if I am Successful—if this feeble effort contributes Something for the good of the Dutch—if it is crowned with your approbation—then Sublimi feriam Sidera vertice.
Once for all, mÿ Dear respected frend! write never, when it gives you pain—write onlÿ—when it can amuse you—but then in return—let now and then one of your Grand-children—inform me with two lines of the health and cheerfulness of Mr Adams and his Ladÿ—
I Shall return Condorcet—as Soon I have perused it—but beg another favour—to procure me a view—for a Short time of John Adams Diff. on the cannon and feudal Law—Boston 1765—which Judge Davis declares is an able and eloquent displaÿ of the great movements in human affairs, which led to the peopling of this countrÿ—He certainly must possess it—or Some other frend maÿ have it—I long to See, what that John Adams did learn his countrymen in this branch of Science. Now once more on the Distaff—Is there not a description of it in J. Q. A. Tour through Silesia—or in the Duct:: des arts et matiers? the thread Spun in this manner is more Soft—Silky—tenacious;—than that on the wiels is Stronger—more equal;—that on the distaff again bleaches Sooner and better— absorbs easier the colours—Catullus Says
Laua colum molli lana retinebat amictum
Dextera tum leviter deducens fila Supinis
formabat digitis, tum prono in pollice torquens
Libratum tereti versabunt turbine fusum.
was I a Spinster this might give me an adequate idea of the Subject—now I have only a confuse one.
I do not care much about the real or pretended Meteorological Stones—but could not—without rudeness decline the Subject—I hope—to discharge this business—after the Oration is past. Quincy’s and Chelmsford granite no doubt are far more valuable—but Can you give me Some information about these?
If colours—as I Strongly Suspect—do not  exist—does caloric? or is this onlÿ too an affection of the mind? are Solidity and extension real properties of matter—or—onlÿ appearances? if it So? the Universe would not be less wondrously organized.
I hope—you are correct—I mistaken—in the Sincerity of our Administration—but would—or could Crawford have betray’d his country? If not—was John Q. A—with him not more than competent for this task? Whÿ than that waste of moneÿ—and needless uncourteous addition of three others? once I hope you maÿ be in error—and then you will rejoice with me, that you were So.
Live on porridge and Toast and water!! that’s hard fare in deed—I Say not with Paul, pour a little wine in the water your drink—but drink it freelÿ—it is oil in the lamp of live—it gives fresh vigour—it Strenghtens the nerves—out, dissipat Exius curas edaces—Was you in my Situation—then you might employ my Physician—time—who cures the most inveterate diseases radicallÿ—but his fees—I think—are extravagant—be this as it maÿ—he disappoints never.
I approve the Dutch invitation, and the Prince’s acceptance—Supposing him Sincere—and to know the interests of his familÿ. You know—that under the ancient form of Republican Government—I Speak of the times before 1787—it was only a Shadow of Liberty—which was enjoÿd bÿ the mass of the Nation—The Magistracÿ of the voting cities—might be called free—but besides these few distinguished families—besides the Safety of property and persons—all the remaining parts—had no more Share in their government—as in American or Asiatic Could have claimed in it. All the ancient forms—marks &c were abolished—a new government was to be modelled;—what house could be with more propriety be vested with the Soverainity—than that of orange—and—if this House provides a wise constitution—then a greater share of Liberty may fall to the lot of everÿ Inhabitant, than they ever enjoy’d Since the abjuration of Philip. ii. This was mÿ opinion in 1787. I was not afraid of a Constitutional king—but would not bear the controul of an unlimited arbitrarÿ Master.
I did not See the Speech of Sir James Macintosh—I Shall read it—as Soon I meet with it. Since two months Mr Eliots Son in Law mentioned, to have Send me Inglish—but I have not yet received it. thus patience, and resignation, is the heritage / of your obliged Frend!

Fr. Adr. van der kemp


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hill Everett, 9 March 1814
From: Everett, Alexander Hill
To: Adams, John

					Hon. John Adams. Esq.Sir,
					Boston. 9 March. 1814.

				I take the liberty of sending you a republication in the pamphlet form, of a series of papers essays that were published in one of the papers in this town during the Session of the legislature. They were prompted by a sincere conviction that the tranquillity and Union of the Country were really in danger and that every good citizen was bound to make such efforts as lay in his power, however feeble, to avert it:—At present the appearance of things is rather brighter than it was then, but as the same spirit is liable to revive again at every opportunity, the trifling effect that a republication of these papers may be expected to have will still be good.In declaring opinions of this sort at this time and in this place, I know that I expose myself to considerable obloquy: a small foretaste of which I have already been favoured with: but if they should have the good fortune to meet with your approbation and to promote in the smallest degree the real welfare of our country, I shall count abuse as nothing in so good a cause.In a note on page 48: you will observe that I adduce a passage from Stoddarts Louisiana to shew that it was your intention at one time to take possession of the island of New-Orleans. As I have here placed this matter entirely on the authority of Major Stoddart, I would also beg leave to assure you, Sir, in addition that I never have heard or saw the least intimation on the subject in any other quarter: though considering the treatment we had received from Spain I presume such a measure would have been perfectly justifiable.I beg you, Sir, to accept the assurance of the profound respect, with /  which I am your most obedient servant—

					A. H. Everett.


Title: To John Adams from Timothy Alden, 10 March 1814
From: Alden, Timothy
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston, 10 March, 1814.

				As my American Biography will contain sundry genealogical lists, executed with considerable minuteness, it will afford me pleasure and gratification  to many to see the list of your ancestors and family in the same work—. If agreeable to you to cause the enclosed to be filled up so far as may be practicable and transmitted to me, at the city of New York, I shall then be able to execute my wishes. Trusting your goodness will excuse the freedom of this address, I remain, with the highest respect, your most ob. hum. sev.

					Timothy Alden


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Hill Everett, 14 March 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Everett, Alexander Hill

Dear Sir
Quincy March 14 1814

If I did not feel “the faintness of declining days” if my eyes could see and my hands be steady; I would write you a long letter on the subject of your Remarks on the Governors speech and the preface to them. But I can now only thank you for the pamphlet and express my approbation of it.
If you should live to be an octogenarian as I hope you will, you will know by experience, the delight that is felt by those who are stepping off the stage at the sights of such proofs of genius information and Patriotism in those who are stepping on. I know not when I have read or heard read a Pamphlet with more pleasure, though I have received and read very lately two of great merit one by Mr. Hay of Virginia on Expatriation and one a speech in Congress by Mr. Ingersol. If you have not read these, I can help you to a sight of them. Ingersols is illuminated by a comparison with his Fathers address, to a company at a silly dinner in Philadelphia; the Son thinks like a man. The Father protests like a boy.
Can you tell me whether there is a set of the year Books in Boston? I should delight to converse with you, on these subjects and shall always be glad to see you

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Charles Jared Ingersoll, 15 March 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Ingersoll, Charles Jared

Sir
Quincy March 15th. 1814.

Philosophy and Theology being my principal Studies I am ill qualified to correspond with you upon Politicks. I have lately fumbled here and there in 7 Volumes in 8vo. entitled the Light of Nature pursued by One Search. He says there is a Family of that name. I believe him and perceive that you are of that Blood; and as I claim a remote relation, I hope you will not be offended, if hereafter I should address as, Cousin Search.
I cordially thank you for your Speech, which I have read with more delight than I dare express to you.
As there is very little history of real, that is rational Liberty, in any or all the Libraries of the Universe: you will perhaps find as much of it in English Parlimentary History as any where. This great Work is distinct from the Parliamentary debates, and those there is a Collection in 2 Vols. Octavo of Protests in the House of Lords which may convince you of the Utility of different Branches in a Legislature, even where it is not necessary that either should be hereditary.
Your Researches, in the History of your own Country have been as industrious and successful, as in that of England and Europe. May your Talents and diligence Continue to be exerted in the same Course of Virtue and Patriotism, and they must carry to Fame, and greatly promote the Honor and Interest of our beloved Country. Such are the Sincere Sentiments and best Wishes of your Cousin
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hill Everett, 15 March 1814
From: Everett, Alexander Hill
To: Adams, John

					Hon. John Adams. Esq.Sir,
					Boston. 15 March. 1814.

				I beg you to accept my grateful acknowledgments for the very polite notice you were pleased to take of my pamphlet in your letter of the 14th.—Philosophy itself allows us to feel some little pride in the lauderi a laudato viro.I have not read either of the pamphlets you mention and should be very happy to avail myself of your kind offer to lend them to me. I have read the review of Mr. Hay’s that has appeared in our papers, which had given me a strong desire to see the work itself.—The Mr. Ingersoll, who spoke at the Russian dinner, I have been told is the brother of Mr. Charles Jared Ingersoll, jr of whose speech you expressed your approbation. His name is Joseph Reed—the father whose name is also Charles Jared was the Clintonian candidate for Vice President at the last Election.There is a set of the Year Books in the Social law library—also a copy of them in the library of the late Chief Justice and I am told in Judge Jackson’s—Should you find it convenient to make use of my services in consulting them, I shall feel highly honoured by your commands.With sentiments of the highest respect I remain, Sir, / your very obedient servant.

					A. H. Everett


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Hill Everett, 17 March 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Everett, Alexander Hill

Mr. Everet
Quincy March 17th 1814

I have received your favour of the 15th. Inclosed with this Letter you will find “A Treatise on Expatriation” by George Hay Esqr of Virginia a Son in Law of Mr Monroe, and a speech of Mr Charles J. Ingersol M C. Son of the Clintonian Candidate for V. P. who made the Address at the Antinapolion Dinner, and a Son of Jared of famous Memory, One Collector in Connecticutt and afterwards Judge of Admiralty in Philadelphia under the Royal Govt This Giant is the Giant of the Law in Pennsylvania.
As Worthy a Man, as great a Lawyer and as ardent a Patriot as ever Parsons was, I know him well. My Son T. B. A. Studied Law with him and was introduced to the Profession and practice by him—
I must pray you to return these Pamphlets to me, because they are Presents from the Authors and I have no other Copies.
I am much pleased to find, there are Setts of the Year Books in “Boston. The Precept “Petere fontes” should never be forgotten. The Copy which was always open to me in my Youth was purchased by Mr Fitch at the Auction of Mr Gridleys Library and were carried to England at the Commencement of the revolutionary War.
A paragraph in a Letter I have lately Seen, occations occasioned my Inquiry concerning the Year Books, The subject may hereafter demand your Attention.
“Alfred composed, from the Laws of the Heptarchy, a Digest for the Government of the United Kingdom, and in his Preface he tells Us expressly the Sources from which he drew it, to Wit, the Laws of Ina, of Offa and Athelbert; (not naming the Pentateuch). But his pious Interpolator, very awkwardly, premises to his Work, four Chapters of Exodus, from the 20th. to the 23d, as a part of the Laws of the Land, so that Alfreds Preface is made to stand in the Body of the Work. Judges too have lent a ready hand to further these fraudes, and have been willing to lay the yoke of their Opinions on the Necks of others, to extend the coercions of municipal Law, to the Dogmas of their Religion, by declaring that these make a part of the Law of the Land. In the year Book 34. H. 6 fo. 38. in Quane impedit, where the question was, how far the Common Law, takes notice of the Ecclesiastical Law; Prist, Chief Justice, in the course of his Argument, Says “A tiels luis que its ete Seint eglise, ont en ancien Semiplane. covientamens, a donner credence; car  Commonley sur quets tout manners lui sont fondles; et ausey Sir, nou sumes obliges de conustre lur ley de saint Eglise &” Finch begins the business of falsification by mistranslating and mistaking the Words of Prisot thus “to such Laws of the Church as have Warrent in holy Scripture our Law giveth Credence,” citing the above Case and the Words of Prisot in the margin Finch’s Law B.1.6.3. Here then we find ancient Scripture antient Writing translated holy Scripture. This Wingate in 1658 erected into a Maxim of Law, in the Very Words of Finch, but citing Prisot and not Finch. And Sheppard . Religion in 1675 laying it down in the same Words of Finch quotes the year Book, Finch and Wingate. Then comes Sir Mathew Hale in the case of the King V. Taylor 1. Ventr. 293. 3 Kel. 607 and declares that “Christianity is parcel of the laws of England, citing nobody, and vesting it with his Judgment against the Witches, on his own authority, which indeed was sound and good in all cases into which no Superstition or bigotry could enter, Thus Strengthened the court in 1728, in the King v Woolston, would not suffer it to be questioned whether to write against Christianity was punishable at common law, saying it had been so settled by Hale in Taylors Case, 2. Stra. & 34. Wood therefore 409 without Scruple, lays down as a principle, that all blasphemy and profaness are Offences at the common law and cites Strange. Blacstone in 1763 repeats in the words of Sir Mathew Hale, that Christianity is part of the Laws of England, citing Ventries and strange Ubi Supra. And Lord Mansfield, in the case of the Chamberlain of London v. Evans in 1767 qualifying some what the position says that the essential Principle of revealed Religion are part of the Common Law.—
How many questions may be suggested, on this Subject by Jurists by Phylosophers Theologian and Phylologits, which you may hereafter have to discuss before Courts Juries, Legislative Assemblies or ecclesiastical Counsells?
What are antient Writings? What are holy Scriptures? What is Christianity? What is revealed Religion? What is the essential Principles of it! Are all the Books of the Old and New Testament, Law of the Land.?
But I must abruptly Subscribe myself no with much / Esteem.
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Richard Rush, 21 March 1814
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir.
Washington March 21. 1814.

At the very beginning of the last month my new appointment was bestowed upon me, and I was suddenly thrown into the midst of the supreme court the very day after, without the least previous acquaintance with any of its business. There I have been, day in and day out, ever since until last thursday blundering on in an agony of embarrassment and ignorance, doing the business of the court and not doing it; with Mr Pinkney, the late attorney general, for the most part as my prompter, but sometimes left awkwardly to stand upon my own legs, doing every thing but wearing the fool’s cap and almost that. The scene is now, thank heaven, over, and I have until next February to look about me. I feel what an immense deal of law, history, literature, and every thing else, I must subdue before I can stand erect in this post, should I ever be able to do so. I am at least determined to be industrious. I feel its difficulty; its great responsibility; but there is thus much of hope—that its duties while anxious, are infinitely animating. You must, too, sir, allow me to use you, in some measure, as a father as well as claim the guidance of your friendship, and this will serve in part to help me up the steep I have ventured upon. Your kind congratulatory letter of the 16th of last month, has, perhaps inadvertently, scattered a seed that I may make turn to good account in marking out the prospective catalogue of my own studies. It is gratifying as well as advantageous to know the ways (and through the most interesting channel) of one who has himself trodden all the paths of greatness and distinction in our country, and whose name is destined to be so intimately coupled with all the chief events that will ever be worked to as the most illustrious, the most magnificent, periods of its history. Yes, Sir, after all, the most beautiful day of our history, and which through the virtue of time will look tenfold more beautiful, is the glorious day of the revolution. Its sages, and heroes will ever hold the front ground; and, in due time, poetry and fable will step in and fabricate their fanciful superstructures upon the fair foundation of their merits. Much as I cling to the justice of the present war, the day of 1812 cannot so shine as that of 1776.
I was sorry to find by your favor written in January, continued and concluded on the 23d of February, that it had been interrupted by your falling sick. I fervently hope you are quite well again, and that your venerable life may still be long spared, as well as your health, to your family, your friends, and your country. I am anticipating great pleasure from the dream, which, if it has not flown away, you must do me the favor to impart to me.
What says Mr J. Q. Adams of the state of Europe? What of the intentions of Russia? Is it her wish to enter France with a carving knife, giving another to Austria, and a third to Russia? They are an experienced triumvirate in this kind of work; but I hope and believe better things of Alexander.
You may have seen in the papers something said of an armistice. The English as yet have offered none; we shall not make the offer, and therefore it is not probable we shall have one.
We are in some hopes today that the party calling itself the peace party (but which in truth is the party that prolongs the war) in New Hampshire, may be defeated this year. At any rate it seems pretty clear that Governor Gilman”s majority will be reduced.
I saw Mr Dexter frequently while he was here, and heard him often in court. He gave great and universal satisfaction. I was delighted with his talents and every thing about him. Oh, for so genuine an American patriot to be governor of Massachusetts in times like these! but I fear so great a public good is not to be expected. Let his enemies abuse him as they please; he will see, I trust, in the probable salvation and triumphs of his country through his instrumentality, a ground of satisfaction too solid and lasting to be taken away by their passionate denunciations. Should the periods of the nation not succeed in putting him in the chair, we at least hope he will receive such a vote as to draw off the Lowell’s the Quincy’s and the Strongs from the precipice to which they have been hurrying.
We have no domestic news here of any importance; none indeed of any description but such as congress makes, and the newspapers detail. There seems, indeed, to be quite an hiatus. I hear with pleasure that the recruiting service goes on well, and so of our armament on lake Ontario. Hine illa lacryma. Had the vessels we are now building on that lake been built last year, it would have cost less money; we should probably have had Montreal, Kingston at all events, and been saved an infinite deal of shame. But upon the events of this war, it will not do to look back. We must look forward. We must hope, and hope, and hope again.
I conclude, as at all times, with every expression of sincere, respectful, and devoted attachment to your person as well as character; for such sentiments, dear Sir, always animate my bosom towards you.

Richard Rush.


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 23 March 1814
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Mÿ Dear and respected Sir!
Olden barneveld 23 March 1814

At lenght I have been able to peruse Condorcet’s book—It can not be difficult to you, to conjecture, what impression it must have on mÿ mind. If I had bestowed on it onlÿ Superficial attention, its aim wuld not have escaped me, although I had not been assisted bÿ your correct marginal notes—It is a genuine ofspring of the School of the famous Sÿsteme de la Nature. It is not less daring in its attempt, and, for aught I know, more faithless in the means—which he emploÿ’s So dastardly, to ensure Success. I Sincerely lament, that Such eminent powers have been wasted with Such a pernicious view—whereas—He possessed all the requisites—the political theorÿ excepted—to have executed his vast plan, to the benefit of his cotemporaries and posterty. I read a the greatest part with disgust—perceiving Such glaring proofs of his want of Sincerity, and would not purchase his celebrity—what ever it maÿ be—at the expense of the peace of mind—not even if garters and grand-crosses—had been such its companions. I read with Satisfaction the 9th. epoch—It contains manÿ interesting luminous observations—I was pleased with it and instructed. The tenth is not without value—but full with whimsical paradoxes, originally coined in an atheistical mint. We can not much disagree—about this book—I thank you for Sending it, and more yet, for assisting me in appreciating it.
I am now comparing a Horace’s Stereotype edition by Didot, Send me with others by de Gyzalaer—with the Delphin and Bissantine editions. I was astonished—being delighted by the neat execution of the Typographical part—at the incorrectness of this edition—I have onlÿ advanced So far as the Epodon Liber—and find, that a tenth part of the original odes have been omitted—manÿ equally innocent with the preserved. This Shall enduce me, to compare other classics from that press—If they too are curtailed in this manner, it must give a deadly blow to these editions, as Soon it is publicly known. Could it be of any use to your young frends, I will take the trouble—of mentioning these lacuna—
Are you acquainted with Th. Brown’s essay on popular Errors? It was published in the first part of the 18th centurÿ. If So, be So obliging and inform me on what plan, in what manner it is executed. Was I yet in Europe, I might be tempted, to Spread the canvas for a Similar picture—But I Should aim, to undertake it on a large Scale—including Moral—religious and Political errors—ancient and modern. This noble plan would again be worthy the mind, to conceive, and the hand, to finish this masterpiece, of John Quincÿ Adams. Nothing of an inferior nature ought to employ talents as his—but whÿ do I an effort of chalking out work fir a man, whose Parents—would do it, if wanted, in a better manner—whose own ingenuity is fully adequate to create for his exertions Subjects, on which the energy of others in vain would be exhausted.
I wrote mrs Adams, that my Oration was approved by the audience—I can now add—that it Shall be printed, or you had Seen it before this time at Quincÿ—Be I So fortunate! Of obtaining mr and mrs A. approbation—as I know your indulgence, I am not afraid of your Strictures—I endeavoured—to avoid the Politics of the daÿ, but did not Shrink to express bluntlÿ my opinion of men—facts—and principles—I expect, you Shall Saÿ "not multum mutatus ab illo" viz. in 1783—Had I written a book on the Subject—I might have developed Sentiments—now only hinted at and then the contenture might "Si fas est parva componere magnis" resembled Some what Swifts contests and dissentions?
I intend to Send with the Symposeum to my frends in Holland—perhaps the latter maÿ be published in Philadelphia—altho I have not yet consented to it. I Should have no objection, if the committee of Arrangement, acquainted with its contents, concluded to tack it to the oration. It is a pendant to it. If you See it, as I expect you Shall through Mr Shaw—you will find, it has been corrected and augmented—and—I flatter myself, improved. One year’s residence in your neighbourhood would have enabled me, to write tolerable English—this alas! was not the case—I think however—I have profited in this respect, during my Short Sojourn at Boston and Quincÿ.
I hope, you enjoÿ again your health—and did See—that this blessing is mrs Adams Share—maÿ it be lasting a long while—with cheer, fulness—contentment—and all—what may contribute to your happiness!—Maÿ everÿ vessel from the Baltic bring you new reasons for rejoicings! Oh—live happÿ—my respected friend! remember him often, who with the Sincarest—highest—and affectionate respect—remains / Your obliged Frend!

Fr. Adr. vanderkemp

P.S. I Shall order a couple of the Orations for the Embassador J. Q. A. at your address—trusting—that—when an opportunity offers itself—and you deem not undeserving—you Shall forward to him—


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hill Everett, 31 March 1814
From: Everett, Alexander Hill
To: Adams, John

				Hon. John Adams. Esq.
					Sir.
					Boston, March. 31. 1814.

				I return you the pamphlets you were so good as to send me with many thanks. I have derived much pleasure from reading them. Mr. Hay has said every thing, that need be said upon the subject.—I think there cannot be much doubt of a citizen’s right under the law of nature, to quit his country at pleasure and in a case of pure self-defence, (which is really the only case of justifiable war) to fight for his adopted country even against his original one. Perhaps the difficulty in the case, if there be any, would be whether, as common wars are justifiable merely by the conventional regulations of nations, it be not a part of the same conventions, that citizens shall not take a part against their native country in these morally criminal but conventionally just contests.I beg you, Sir, to accept my thanks for the learned reading  quoted in your letter upon a point of law—I have sometimes thought that a careful comparison of modern authorities and on points, generally considered as quite settled, with the year books would work occasion a good deal of alteration in received principles. Is it not much to be wished that a digest could be made which should relieve us from the necessity of resorting for the decision of every question to more oracles in law, than the superstitious Greeks did in religion or is it better to endure the rust of antiquity upon our system, for the sake of the additional stability, that it affords?—If you have seen the 8th No. of the General Repository, you have probably noticed the plan of a large work designed by your friend and Correspondent, Judge Vander-Kemp—If the merit of the execution could be proportioned to the learning & enlarged views, discovered in the plan, I should think it must be an acquisition to literature. The Tacitus to whose lot it falls to describe the revolutions of late years, however great may be his talents, will hardly be a match of for his subject and how ever great brilliant his success may be, I fancy it will hardly be said of him as Horne Tooke said of Junius, Materiam superabat opus.I beg you, Sir, to accept the assurance of my profound respect—

					A. H. Everett.


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 April 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Quincy April 3. 1814

I have recd Condorcet, in good order and your favour  of 20th. Ult. Enfields History of Philosophy, is worth many Condorcets. This great Work is drawn up from Brucker’s “Historia critica Philosophiæ”; an immense Work in half a dozen folio Volumes of Greek and Latin. Can you give me the Sketch of this Brucker? Who was he? Neither Brucker nor his Abridger, had Seen the Asiatic Researches; nor Priestleys nor Sir William Jones’s Hindoos.
Did the first Philosophy and the first Theology, originate in India, in Egypt, in Persia or Chaldea? I mean the Philosophy and Theology which have Spread over our whole Globe?
Your vast plan of an history of the Revolutions of the 18th Century, has been printed in the 8th Number of the general Repository. So I am informed. I have not Seen it.
Of the juvenile Bagatelle, noticed by Judge Davis, after all the rest of the World had forgotten it, I have no Copy. Inclosed is another Trifle, which I pray you to return to me, for I have no other Copy and know not where another is to be found; for none of my Scribbles have ever been popular.
Your intended Present for J. Q. Shall be Sent with our Letters.
I know nothing of Th. Browns popular Errors. Enfield contains enough. The Acta Sanctorum in 47 Volumes in Folio contains a pretty Specimen of them. Dr Middletons Works, the Model of Priestleys, without his excentricities, are a fine Sample.
When I was a Boy, I wrote a Letter to my Friend Cranch more than 60 years ago in which this Globe was asserted to be the Bedlam of the Universe, into which all the insane, in Mercury Venus and Mars &c &c &c, were Sent to be cured or confined.
Neither The Acta Sanctorum nor Priestley nor Middleton nor Bruker nor the 18th nor the 19th Century have confuted my juvenile Hypothesis.
Nancy Smith who heard your Oration has written Us an Eulogium of it

John AdamsI wait with impatience to read it.AA


Title: From John Adams to Richard Rush, 6 April 1814
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Sir
Quincy April 6th. 1814

As I have been, in the course of my life, 200 or 300 times in an “Agony of Embarrassment” I understand very well what the expression means. Mr Dexter too is not ignorant of it. When in Senate without the smallest expectation, or suspicion, or hope, or wish, or thought, of such a thing, he heard, Samuel Dexter nominated as Secretary of War, he was in amazement, and after a pause exclaimed “I am no fitter for it than my Grand Mother.” C J Marshall when he heard of his nomination to be Secretary of State was equally surprised and equally embarrassed. A long Courtship was necessary to prevail upon these Coy  nymphs to consent to marry their offices. Courage! Courage! my young friend! Be just and fear not. I went, yesterday to Town meeting, and gave my votes for Dexter and Gray with a very small minority; in a Village as devoted to the English Party and the Essex Junto as any spot in the united States. I have known the Constitution of this Town for 70 years & can trace the History of it, civil, political, moral, ecclesiastical, military, Agricultural, mechanichal, and commercial, and every Interest and combination of Interests and knew as well the result of the votes before as since the Election.
If the national Government has not a total Contempt of the five states of New England, Mr. Dexter must be supported. If it has, you may depend upon it, New England will soon despise the National Government.
But the Dream alone, can reveal to you the Truth the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth: but before you see it you must crook your elbow & promise never to communicate it to any one. No, not to the fair Enchantress: but to file it in your archives to be read 100 years hence. at least twenty.
My nerves & eyes bid me say
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 April 1814
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Olden barneveld 8 apr. 1814.

Now I hope, you have already perused my Oration—although I have not Seen it yet in print—I doubt not, or friendship Shall influence your judgment. You desired, to know my opinion about mr. English book. I received it lately—and, as your requests, when it is in my power to grant them, are always considered—equal to commands—I taught it the best way—to do it in this manner. We cannot much disagree—about the value of the book. I Send one copÿ of the Letter to Mr  Braÿ—for him, and the Eliot family. If it is deemed by better judges, that the Publication might do good by unwarÿ youth, they are welcome to it—provided—the idiem is corrected—and my name Secreted—as I can not wish to be compromitted with a man of Such a character—I doubt not—or I Shall be favourd with your opinion and that of mrs. Adams. Now I am longing for European tidings—what Shall be the fate of the Emperor? was it a Prophecÿ of Jean Jacques when he Says
Malheur a l’ame ambitieuse!
de qui l’insolence odieuse
veut asservir tous les humains!
qu’a ses rivaux toujours en bute
L’abÿme apprêté pour sa chute
Soit creusé de ses propres mains!
but treves with Politics and divinity now—I have only a Short time to Spare, then I must again work hard for Six months—for my family, pourvu que je vive—and this I Shall emploÿ in conversation with the two Small  treatises (Philosophical) of Young hem Herhuys—Aristee and Sophÿle—I have not Seen them in 30 years—you must have know them—but—with regard to the hard work—not in a prison—but in my gardens—to which I am doomed—I can not find that Horace or Chaulieu—when theÿ Sing of their contentment—”modo Sit mihi mensa tripes”—and "Fontenaÿ lieux delicieux!" when they possessed all—which they wished for, ever mentioned—the imperious necessity—to work everÿ fair weatherd daÿ from the morning, till evening—If you know Such a passage, mention it—as a Solamen &c.
I had this week a violent attack from head-ache, which drove me alas! twice Supperless to bed. I believe reallÿ—had I been planted in N. England—I might have been better in other respects—but I have no Such deep faith in your atmosphere, that this unwelcome guest would not have found me out there.
Recommend me in the good graces of Mrs Adams—present me copie to your Son—the Judge—and convey—if—you think that it Shall be acceptable, the others to J. Q. A. from / Your affectionate and obliged frend

Fr. Adr. vanderkemp