Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 8 January 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

8 January—18 Jan 1819

8th. The morning very stormy and a heavy fall of snow sent to decline an invitation to a Ball given by the Officers of the Marine Corps at the Barracks—Went to the Presidents to dine and finding the weather quite clear sent word to Miss Buchanan to make ready to accompany us to the Ball notwithstanding our Apology—The company were nearly all assembled when we arrived—The Vice President and Lady the Speaker the Secretary of War and Lady the Secretary of the Navy Mr Guillard Mr. G. Mason Judge and Mrs. Bland, Mr & Mrs. Paulding Miss Tremble Col Johnstone and several other Gentlemen were of the party—The dinner was uncommonly social and pleasant—The President gave us some Mendoza wine which was sent him a present by the father in Law of San Martin. We all thought it very bad but Mr Clay said it ought to have been sent to Congress with the other documents from that Country which—Mrs. Monroe was so much more animated than I ever saw her I thought her more beautiful than ever—Returned home to take Mary Buchanan and preceded immediately to the Barracks; on entering the Ball room we were greeted with much cordiality by the entertainers and we apologized for my our apparent caprice—It had entirely escaped my recollection that this day was the Anniversary of the battle of New Orleans. Ever thing was handsome the decorations suitable and the dance animated—The Officers were much gratified by the attendance of the Vice President three of the heads of Department and several members of the Presidents family—The Treasury department was the only one who did not countenance the celebration of this event whether in avowed hostility to Jackson or for some other reason I cannot say—but it is generally understood that they are irreconcilable enemies—One or two of the Western members teazed me with political conversations, upon subjects not very agreeable which I tried to baffle in a jesting way—In Europe it is easy to get out rid of this sort of embarrassment because Gentlemen are restrained by the rules of common politeness, but here it is quite the reverse and if you endeavour to shake off such discourse you are immediately exposed to some rude or coarse observation which either excites a momentary flash of anger or makes you feel like a fool—this was exactly my situation when one of the Gentlemen informed me in a very stately manner “that he was an honest man and totally unacquainted with diplomatic tricks”—I had no resources but to refer him to Mr. A—though I knew it was on a subject most disagreeable to him—It is at these times that I feel all the weight of your remarks on Foreign Ministers for they are unfortunately most forcibly printed against myself in consequence of being considered one and almost wish from my long residence in Europe as belonging to the Corps and I often wish that I had either ended my days in that career or that we had never entered it—as I find myself an object of continual suspicion and mistrust though I never intrigued in my life but on the contrary have made many enemies in consequence of my proud independence—If extreme silliness would prove a shield from this kind of persecution I should be very much delighted to adopt it notwithstanding your kind compliments which have a strong tendency to inflate my vanity but jesting apart the system practiced here of sounding person’s on whose weakness they depend for information which they may use or misuse for their own purposes are more truly diplomatic than any thing I ever met with before and our Members of Congress make no scruple of using this privilege to great excess. I avoid as much as possible to give them opportunities and seldom admit the morning visits of gentlemen of this description—Mr de Neuvilles Carriage overset on the road his Lady not with him, and nobody hurt.
9 Received visits from Mr Sanford of the Senate and Mr Johnson they sat chatting on different subjects near an hour—After dinner went to the French Ministers the party was small but very pleasant and I danced twice in the coarce of the evening I have refused the whole Winter for which—Mr A has laughed at me so much I at length consented to try and succeeded better than I expected. Mr Talbot said he was delighted with the Ball of the last evening and wished that the anniversary should be celebrated throughout the Union throughout the year—Returned home at ten o’clock—
10 Rose late and read the prayers of the day after which received visits from several Ladies and Gentlemen—Nothing new—evening at home alone—
11 Mrs. Tomkins returned my visit and several other Ladies called; Mrs. T—is a fine looking Woman very mild in her manners—In the evening, Mr. & Mrs. Smith Mr. Forbes drank and Dr. Hunt drank tea with us—The morning passed heavily I felt too anxious about Charles of whose indisposition George had written to me to be myself
12 Visits almost without interruption from eleven to three o clock: then drest to receive a company of twenty at dinner consisting of the Vice President his Lady (and two daughters who however did not come) The Russian Minister. The Prussian do and secretary the Portuguese, the Dutch and his Secretary Com Chauncey Mr Johnson of Senate Mrs. Chotard, Col Lewis and his niece Mrs. Cabbell his Lady sick of a Pleurisy and could not come and Mr. Wilson of Senate neither answered his note or came A fashion confined to this place but which occurs continually and is even practiced towards the President—This proved one of those unlucky dinners which I anticipated on the last occasion as it was a company so mixed it was impossible to produce a topic which would interest the general attention—The Vice President you are acquainted with and probably have observed that he is not a man of much or very brilliant conversation His Lady is one of those mild meek women who seem to have been made only to look at—Mr Thompson the Secretary of Navy has a countenance in which strong intellect is depicted and whose brow indicates close application and deep study—his appointment has given general satisfaction—his talents are said to be of the first order and his private character irreproachable—Mr. A—was seated next Mrs Tomkins who is so impenetrably cold all his efforts were vain to draw her into conversation and not being at any time a very shining character among the Ladies or being accustomed to address to them the brilliant nothings which usually attract and fascinate their attention he was so completely disconcerted I could scarce command my visible faculties so as to behave with propriety during dinner—Mrs. Cruger who called this morning informed me that the Speaker is losing his popularity so fast there is little chance of being re-elected to that situation in the next Congress.—Mr A—laughingly said in the morning that he should not be surprized if the Russian Minister placed himself between me and the Vice President and attempted to lead me to Table I said if he did I would certainly reject it not having an idea that he could be so impertinent. The thing however occurred he offered to take my hand and I very coolly bowed and said excuse me Sir and laid my hand in that of the Vice President without turning to see what effect my rudeness had produced—I have lived too long at Petersburg not to have learnt how to set down Russian effrontery though it is always disagreeable to me be wilfully rude  on any occasion—Mr A—was quite surprized at my cool intrepidity as he has generally found me timid on such occasions—
13 Dined at Mr Middleton’s the company small—Had a good deal of pleasant conversation with Mr Dagget but all very desultory—He told me some ridiculous annecdotes of General Humphries some not much to his credit—Mr Forsythe and his Lady were there—He is going Minister to Spain—It is astonishing to see how anxiously these appointments are coveted by people of every description whether with or without qualifications to fill them otherwise than very negatively and it is never until after they have accepted that they appear to have an idea of a possible deficiency and then come all the difficulties of expense Climate &ca &ca He is a pleasing man but I do not think his talents of the highest order by any means—She is a fine looking Woman well calculated to contrast by the gravity of her deportment the sprightliness and levity of the spanish Ladies—As Georgia is inclined to be rather turbulent just now good consequences may result from this appointment—The P. suffers no one to interfere on the subject of appointments and they are decided by him alone—The young Ladies played and sang and we returned home—
14 Remained at home part of the day and received 10 or 12 visits—The evening at home alone Mary Buchanan  to the Assembly with Mrs Weightman having made an engagement with her in the morning—She is a beautiful Girl and excessively admired paid 20 visits in the course of the day—Susan Buchanan disappointed from coming in consequence of illness of James Ringold—
18 I pray you to remember me kindly to Louisa Smith and George and to believe me with the greatest duty & affection your daughter

L. C. Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 12 January 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear George
					Washington 12th. Jany 1819

				I yesterday received your Letter of the 1st Jany. and cannot account for the length of time it appears to have been written, before I received it; more especially as it contained news to me very afflicting concerning your Brother Charles’s health, from whom, or of whom I have not since heard. I am very anxious on his account as well as on yours, and request you to be particularly careful of the pain in your breast, of which you complain, and should it return immediately to put on a burgundy pitch plaister on—Your Letters always give me pleasure as they are always full of the most affectionate expressions of duty and respect—The latter part however of the one to which this is an answer, has occasioned me some anxiety, as I do not clearly understand the sense or the spirit in which it is written—You intimate the possibility of another rupture between your class and the Government of the College, and state that you think it your duty to inform us of this possibility that it shock should not come upon us too suddenly—The shock has come on us already most unexpectedly, and come on us in a form which to adds much to its painful effect—It comes on us in the form of a threat to blast all our fondest, proudest anticipations, and promises to terminate at once all the sanguine hopes which your tender parents have nourished as a part of their existence—No! it cannot be! You cannot have determined thus rashly to blight your earliest prospects of success in life by a rash and ill judged adoption of conduct which I know you despise, and which only admits of one sentiment—and that contempt—You cannot coolly and deliberately intend to take the part of a set of dissipated extravagant young men, in direct contradiction to your reason and your understanding—to those sound and correct principles with which I trust your heart is filled. Oh think my beloved Son ere you entangle yourself in the mazes of folly and disobedience—think of the agony you inflict on the heart of a mother, whose children have hitherto been her pride and her boast, and let me implore you by the love you bear your Creator, by the duty you owe to Parents whose study has been to gratify your every desire, whose lives have been devoted to your welfare, to ponder well on the consequences which must follow your misconduct, and do not cast yourself from the arms and hearts of those who now joy and delight in you—Do not my Son take the advice of those who surround you, on the contrary write me fully and cordially every thought of your heart, that I may be enabled to correct if possible any error in your judgement, or save you from the danger of acting upon false suggestions or of reasoning upon false principles, to which unfortunately you are too prone—Perhaps I have not understood your Letter correctly—If not I need not say with what delight you will find me ready to do you justice, and even to entreat your pardon for having doubted you one moment—Your father says I boast too much of my influence over your affections—is it true? do I deceive myself or must I shrink into the horrid conviction of having lost all that love and respect, which can alone render happy your ever affectionate Mother

					L. C. A—

					Your father request’s you to inform him what are your plans  this event takes place? Should any in your class urge you to act with them shew them this Letter by my express disire—Frederick King is understood to have written an apology to his father—


Title: From Harriet Welsh to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 16 January 1819
From: Welsh, Harriet
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

Dear Mrs. Adams—
January 16th. 1819  Boston

My negligence about writing to you has arisen not so much from the want of something to say as from the number of materials which I found in my mind for a long letter—. in despair of ever finding time to say all that I have at various times wish’d to—it is my conclusion to give you only the thoughts of the passing moment—the minister of State can scarcely number up—more daily employments than I have;—but mine are like the paper fortunes of the year 1775—. Mary Hellen will know a piece of history if she can tell why they are so. Of that perilous & eventful year—we have the week past found a minute &—touching history in the letters written to your father by his family & friends if there were anything wanting to raise in our estimation the character of the writer of many of those letters as recurence to them would be sufficient to display heroic fortitude & patriotism—firm & elevated religious principles—animating & supporting her thro hours of the deepest dismay & sorrow—I do not believe a stranger could peruse these letters without tears.—They are now laid carefully in a trunk & my promise is given to go the next month & finish the arranging all the series of her letters. Miss Otis who went with me for a few days assisted in reading & fiting many others of that period from various persons—some of which were mark’d thus X to denote to whoever should read them hereafter that they were of more than ordinary interest—a vast number are wholly uninteresting—being merely upon business. George is a very pleasant companion there, it is quite a gratification to his Grandfather to have him—the taller does not seem to suffer from the loss of air as I feared he would, he rode a few times in the chaise before it became very cold—. Your journals are as eagerly expected by him as they were by your mother the last winter by your mother & are a source of pleasure—as they were to both the last winter then: I do assure you that your letters to all your family here, have for several years past were a source of pride as well as pleasure to her—& the frequent similarity of your situations to those in which she had been placed excited her sympathy much oftener than you can have been aware of, & in proportion to her sense of your sufferings has her estimation of you increased. I believe that without arrogance I can claim to have known much of her feelings & sentiments the past 6 or 8 years, & I tell you of those which she entertained of you because my own heart tells me the approbation of those connected with us becomes more valuable when we can have it only in our remembrance: frequently have I had the pleasure of taking out to her letters from her son or of being present when they arrived from Europe—& witnessed—the shackling eye or trembling hand, as hope or fear predominated when the seal was breaking—& seldom were they read without tears of sorrow or joy—sometimes after a long interval without the reception of letters, she would glance over them & if not of very private nature she would desire them to be read to her for she “could not”—from excess of emotion—at some expression of affection or of sorrow she had found in them & especially those expressions of affection which the anniversary of her birth day call’d forth.—I need not say how much consolation & happiness was shed upon the eve’g of her life by the filial affection & reverence of him who always gave her pleasure—.
Dr. Kirkland call’d here while I was at Quincy—he is on his way to your city—he & has a pin belonging to Mrs. Clarke: when it was sent to him I had not time to write her—will you be so good as to say so—? It is directed to you—. Dr. K—— will give you as mild an account of the affair at Cambridge as you could obtain & it is perhaps best you should have it ’though they are all calm now—in the class.—George thought he did right—& still thinks so, it is a subject however not touch’d upon now—time will change his idea that it is  properjustifiable upon every real or supposed grievance to resort to measures of oppugnation to the government—without asking for redress, I do assure you however that G—— honestly thought he was “gloriously resisting tyrany” as his Grandfather had done in the days of our revolution—it was a delusion that kept him so excited for three days that he was exhausted & sick when he came to Quincy. The violent went so far as to talk of making it a Gottingen affair—it is singular that at the same time there should have been just such a scene acting at Eton—excepting that they did not break windows at C——. It is not probable that anything will happen to excite the same imagined necessity to act in the same manner again very soon—& if I may advise, it is to be silent upon the subject when you write George, at present; it may kindle a fire that seems to be smothered & may be thus extinguished—he says he has become “a methodical man”—& studies regularly in the morn’g & eve’g—taking a ride or walk for exercise in the afternoon—. My boys are still so good that I cannot find subjects for lectures for you—without you say a few words to John upon the unchesterfieldian stile in which he throws his feet over the room when he sets in a chair, or swings his chair about as Birkbeck says all the Americans do—. He and Charles too are still a little too harsh in their manner of contradicting & speaking each to the other—& I do not find that one is less liable to mistakes in their assertions than the other—every admonition comes with so much more propriety from you that it is a medium I much prefer—: they both seem to be in good spirits & happy & from his account not a very wise one. I am always so sincerely ashamed of my letters upon glancing over them that my intreaty is you would destroy them when read—you will naturally ask why I do not write better—the truth may as well be told once for all, I cannot. Y & C—are both reading some French books Mrs. Lyman sent me for them at my request—Y’r hose I shall now be able to get done. The woman is better— / adieu—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Richard Mentor Johnson, 18 January 1819
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Johnson, Richard Mentor

					Dear Sir.
					Monday Morning 18. January 1819.

				If on your way to the House this Morning, you can do me the favour to call at my house, it will confer an obligation on your friend and very humble Servt


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 22 January 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					(Private)
					22 Jan-13 Feb 1819

				Jany. 22 Still in bed not allowed to rise in consequence of the faint turn’s which still harrass my frame—The Dr made an attempt to bleed me, but the blood would not flow—and after opening two veins he abandoned the attempt—grew better towards noon—Col Johnson concluded his speech—Mrs. Smith passed the day with me and nursed me most affectionately—Mr Adams went to a Ball at Mr Pleasanton’s Gales’s he having first dined at Mr Pleasanton’s received a charming Letter from Charles, which did more for me than all the medicines in the world—Mr Smith sat with me a short time—23 Still confined to my bed, the Dr. will not release me yet but still insists upon quiet and great care. Congress sat and Col Talmadge spoke—Somebody had the cruelty to inform him that the news had just arrived of the death of one of his children, which overcame him so much  he could of course not go on with his speech—It was a sore disappointment to the house as much was expected from him—Mr. Starr’s made a most violent attack upon Mr. A’s Letter—Mrs. Smith passed the day with me—Genl Jackson arrived this morning—Mr. A—— met him at the Presidents and is much pleased with his countenance and manner—The Genl. had been to visit him with all his Staff before he went to the President24 Passed a very restless and feverish night, but towards morning fell asleep and awoke quite refreshed. Intended getting up but my inexorable Dr would not permit it, and I was obliged to give up the point—I have been so well nursed that I fear the people here will think I have been playing false, as they almost make it a crime in Mrs. Monroe to look as well as she does after her severe attacks—Read prayers—Mr. Adams paid visits—It had been reported that Mr Jefferson disapproved the policy of the Administration and particularly the Letter of Mr Adams to Mr. Erving—He however had the pleasure of seeing a Letter from that Gentleman in which he not only expresses the fullest approbation, but recommends it should immediately be translated into French, and copies sent to be published in different parts of Europe, as they are without exception the ablest State papers he ever read—including the one of Novr. to Mr Onis—Thus this fact is ascertained and another cabal refuted—They now have recourse to Mr Madison who is however very well known to be with the administration; and when they have discovered this secret, I suppose they will be modest enough to require of you to come out and condemn your Son—Evening alone—25 Passed an excellent night and waked for the first time without fever and quite well—Received a Letter from Mr. Pope saying that he shall not be able to come on and make his promised visit—How strangely is a woman’s mind constituted! At the Presidents on Wednesday night when  I was sick & suffering I cast my heavy eyes round the splendid room’s, & as the gay throng pressed by me, I thought I could exclaim with Solomon “that all was vanity and vexation of spirit” and now when health has returned, I exclaim if all is vanity there is much of real good and much of joy in this transitory world—Solomon surely made this exclamation when a satiated appetite had produced disgust, and when the good things of this world which he possessed in such immense abundance, had cloyed his imagination—True wisdom must teach us to appreciate justly the inestimable blessings, which have so wisely and mercifully been provided for us in the moments of our extremest need; and the kind testimonies of affectionate and tried friends in the hour of suffering and deep distress, must awaken a sense of gratitude to our great Creator. for the benefit he has provided in our extremest need for thus even in our last moment affording us comfort & consolation—Surely if this is vanity it is not vexation of spirit—26 The debates still continue in the house with equal warmth, Mr Mercer made a speech which it was understood was to be very pathetic—It is said that there will be an unusual call for cambrie pocket handkerchiefs, and that the washerwomen of this place will derive the principal benefit resulting from his exertions—Sat up a short time in the evening but found myself excessively weak—There was a Ball in the evening at Mr Monro’s the Post Master Miss Buchanan went but Mr A would not go—Sent Genl Jackson an invitation to dinner but he declines all attention’s until his case is decided for which I admire him much—There is a delicacy and propriety in this man’s idea’s understood by very few, and far beyond the age of the Country in which he lives—27 Mrs Smith called to see me—I left my chamber for the first time—received several visitors and went down to dinner—Miss Buchanan dined at Mrs. Gales’s and returned home to dress for a party at Mrs. Cutts, where she went accompanied by Mr. Adams. Retired early being extremely weak and exhausted—28 Mrs. Smith came again to see me I was so ill that I again kept my bed all day—Miss Buchanan went to the Circus—Mr Adams passed the evening at home I am so out of the way of news I have nothing to write about—amusing myself with Miss Burney’s Traits of Nature—not comparable to her Sister Madame d’Arblais29 Arose and left my bed this morning from mere weariness, but was so low and ill it was scarcely possible to keep life in me—Dr Hunt told me of a duel fought this morning, between young Fenwick and who is going to Spain with Mr. Forsythe, and a young man from New Orleans a Clerk in Mr Lee’s Office, who wanted to go—Owing to some arrangement of the seconds, the Pistols fortunately missed and the quarrel was amicably adjusted—Passed the Evening at home30 At home all day and still continued very low but grew better towards evening—Mr Adams dined at Mr. Crawfords and passed the evening at Mrs Pleasanton’s—Miss Buchanan spent the day at Mrs. McKain’s who has been very sick—31 I have somehow or other made a mistake in the dates Finding myself much better I went with Miss Buchanan to Mrs. de Neuvilles where I met with a reception almost too flattering—passed a delightful evening and had some agreeable conversation with Mrs. Tomkins31 Read prayers and immediately after went to see Susan Clark, at Mr A’s request—The day was very raw and cold; I stopped to take Mrs. Smith but she was unwell and her husband accompanied me—We arrived after a two hours ride over a dreadful road, and found Susan and her baby quite well and Mr Clark too ill to leave his bed—Poor Susan appears totally unconscious of the trial awaiting her, and Mrs. French thinks the crisis so near it would be right to inform her of it—I returned home so ill as to be obliged to take to my bed again; the ride was at least twelve miles and as it was the first I had attempted it was too much for me—Feby. 13 I thank you my dear Sir for your Letter and can assure you that I am too much flattered by the interest you appear to take in my journal to leave it off as long as it can afford you to slightest amusement—With great Respect


Title: From John Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 24 January 1819
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Adams, John Quincy

				No 38.
					Dear Sir.
					London 24 Jan. 1819.

				On the 14th instant the day of the meeting of Parliament we dined with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr Vansittart has been exceedingly attentive and civil to us, and has manifested so far as these civilities extend what may be deemed perhaps marked attention to the American Legation. On my right hand sat Mr Hammond, former Minister to the U.S. a much younger man than I could have expected to have seen. He said not a great deal about America, he observed that Mr Bagot was soon to return on account of his health, and that so soon as the next spring, last year about this time, I heard something of this, in so direct a way that I could not but recollect it; Mr Bagot’s health probably will not allow him to return again to his station at Washington, this may lead to what he may be disposed to consider an advancement from being a Minister to a Republic—Mr David Erskine whom we have met since, speaking to Mr R & me upon this subject observed, that Mr Bagot was coming home, & he added that They did not like to leave their Ministers long among us lest they should get too fond of us. with how much sincerity this was said, you who are better acquainted with Mr Erskine than I am, can better estimate—Mr Hammond did not fail to lavish to a few epithets upon Mr Cobbett, adding that he would never return to this country for in addition to the £3.000 he owes Sir F Burdett, that he was indebted to this government three or four thousand pounds stamps for his political Register—he did not add however as Mr Thornton did speaking of Mr  Cobbett to one of my acquaintance, that he “Cobbett was a most ungrateful scoundrel for he had himself paid Cobbett in the United States for his writings against the American government”—On my left hand sat Count de Cazes Secretary with the Marquis D’Osmond, whom I learned was about to leave London & be succeeded the papers since mention by the Marquis de Latour Maubourg.There is also I am told no distant probability of Mr De Neuville’s being succeeded at Washington by not an Ultra—Count Caraman said I to Mr De Cazes will hardly ever go out to America  again; I should not be surprised said Mr De Cazes if Count Caraman should be sent as Minister to the U.S. at some future period—I expected this answer to my observation, but it was rather a Yankee way of getting at it perhaps you may say—I did not infer however that Count Caraman was to succeed Mr De Neuville but I should not be surprised if it were intended—There has been scarcely a pistol flashed since the great gun from Washington to Madrid—and now forsooth they say “It is a very difficult subject and they don’t quite understand it.” I must confess I feel no apprehensions for the course the Earl of Liverpool may take upon this subject in making to tranquilize the minds of their Lordships, the promised “fullest  explanations”Mr Fearon & Bristed works are in great vogue among the Upper circles, the “lower orders” wont believe their slanders—Mr Fearon saw but three beggars in the United States, one of them accosted him in the Hall at Congress—If the condition of the people is any thing in the estimate of an inquiring traveller, that fact of itself speaks volumes—In England! there are beggars! whose character! condition! and situation! Mr Fearon although in his own country, and he is a very observant man! I dare to say Knows nothing—The attendants upon her late majesty!, of charitable memory!, her majestys servants!, during her life time! & since her death!—I well remember it time & again to have been the organ of administering to their humble importunities, there is no putting them off with shillings or sixpences they are Royal! and must have guineas, when they call to present their humble duty and bring up their books that you may record for posterity to judge of it, tho munificence extended to them—The House servants! of The Right Honorable The Earl of Liverpool!, the Prime Minister of the King of England, this great noblemans waiters!It stands recorded that a foreign Minister has been solicited for money! in the entry of His Majesty’s principal Secretary of State for Foreign affairs upon his first visit to the noble Lords mansion, on his arrival in England—say not a syllable of this nor would I; Are these the customs of Palaces? in what class of Royal personages, are not these distinguishing traits to be found?—This is what may be said to Mr Fearon, as to there being no beggars in Republican America—Another year of restriction of Cash payments for the Bank, more horrid murders for these public associations against the rights of man, & the propping up of factitious dignity to the utter disgrace of the Licensed orders, to starve & manacle His Majesty The People.


Title: From John Adams to Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway, 25 January 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Treadway, Susanna Boylston Adams Clark

Dear Mrs Clark
Quincy Jan. 25. 1819

I long to hear again from you, having received but one letter, concerning Mr Clarks your own or Susanna Maria’s Health.
The Paine of Writing has become to me insupportable. It is with infinite difficulty that I can Say We are all well, that Miss Hall was married on the 26th, that I was at the Ceremony, and that Mr and Mrs Taggart Sat off, for Bergen on the next hour.
Kiss the little Cherub for me, though I fear She would no longer laugh and crow at the Sight of the Face of her great Grandfather
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1 February 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

				(Private)

					1-20 Feb 1819

				Feby 1. Continued very ill but having company at Dinner made an effort to struggle against my indisposition with a view to receive my expected guest’s—It was however and at four o’clock having gone through the labour of receiving many morning visitors I was under the necessity of retiring to my chamber—She was unusually gay and excellent and all the company sociable and merry—The party assembled were Mr. Clay Mr & Mrs. Calhoun Mr Crawford Mr & Mrs. G Strother Mr & Mrs. Middleton, Mr. Vandyke, Mr Trimble, Mr Robertson, Col Johnson, Mr. Terrell, Mr E Lincoln Son of the Govr of that  name—Dr Kirkland called he had just arrived and was accompanied by Mr. Schuyler—2 Much better though extremely languid. Miss Buchanan passed the day at Miss Lee’s—nothing occurred during the day worthy of remark—The Debate still going on with great warmth—3 Went to the Drawing room but the crowed was so great that I nearly fainted Genl Jackson was the object of attraction which had occasioned this great assemblage He is tall and very thin and when he smiles his countenance is animated and agreeable—The features are strongly marked and very expressive of firmness decision and resolution and his manners from the little I have seen of them are unassuming and affable and betoken a very superior education to what he has the reputation of having enjoyed—Many person’s came up to me with expression’s of astonishment at not finding him half savage—4th Received visitors all the morning—Mr Sanford Senator from New York who appears to be attracted by the charms of Miss Buchanan sat here—He is a Gentlemanly man and of agreeable conversation—a Clintonian in politicks—Eveng alone the Debates on Jackson’s affair have become so tedious that the Members have ceased to listen to them altogether and even the Ladies are tired out notwithstanding much of the eloquence displayed was intended solely for their amusement—Lady Morgan in her France says that in Republics Ladies can never have a predominant influence—I wonder if this is a fact in modern ones?5 Again occupied in receiving visits all the morning until two o’clock. Then returned my visit of thanks to the foreign Ministers Ladies—for their repeated enquiries during my indisposition—Mrs Bagot whois a lovely woman and whose family we are about to lose invited me in a most friendly manner to pass the evening sociably with her but when I returned home I found myself too much fatigued to venture out again so far—Mr Forbes passed the eveng with us—Mr. A. having been to the sinking fund meeting visited both houses of Congress and heard a capital speech from Mr Baldwin in the House and one from Mr Hunter in the Senate—In discourse with the Members of the House on the subject then pending Mr A. told them he had seen nothing like it but the trial of Gulliver among the Lilipution’s—6 A most horrible duel was fought this morning between Mr. Armistead Mason and Mr McCarthy—Mr. A. dined with the Virginia Mess at Strothers and came home quite sick some of the dinner being cooked with bad butter had disagreed with him.—Mr. Bailey passed the evening with us—He told us Mr Clay had begun a speech in the house on that day (still on the Seminole) but complained of indisposition and they adjourned until Monday—They are determined to take the question when he has finished—7 Rose early Mr A much better accompanied him to hear Dr Kirkland who gave us a most excellent practical discourse which delighted all his hearers.—The weather very disagreeable—Mr. G. Verplank and Mr Wheaton called and sat chatting some time—Heard that Mr. Clark is much better—but no hope of recovery—Eveng at home.8 Mr Sanford sat some time with us and several Ladies & Gentlemen called—A large company at Dinner consisting of Mr Otis Dr Kirkland Mr Schuyler Mr Westerlo Mr Ruggles S. from Ohio Mr. Beecher Mr Amory Mr. Lowndes Mr Verplank Mr Tayloe Mr Simkins and Mr Parish The dinner very social all our company left us early except Mr. Verplank who sat chatting until near eleven o clock Mr. Otis told me the particulars of the Duel which are most dreadful—The Gentlemen were first cousins and besides connected by marriage—they fought with muskets at twelve feet distance with bullets. Mr. Mason was killed on the spot and his body was brought from Bladensburg in a Hackney Coach without a human being to take charge of it but the Coachman who carried it to the Hotel where the Hack waited thirty minutes at the door with the body in it until it was decided what was to be done with it and he then drove to Georgetown with the Corps without exciting pity interest or curiosity in any human being—It is said they had agreed in case the failure of their battle proving mortal they would each sit on a cask of Gun Powder and blow themselves up at the same moment—The Senate intend mean to demand that the President shall punish the seconds—I much fear their interference will be productive of more harm than good9 Dined at the Spanish Ministers—A large company all the Judges President Kirkland, French Minister and Lady and a number of others—Went from there to a Ball at Mr Sewalls accompanied by Mr A & Miss Buchanan—Genl Jackson was introduced to me, and he introduced all his staff to me by turns—The Ball very crowded and gay—heard nothing of any consequence and returned home very tired—10 A violent storm of thunder & lightning which prevented my going out and paying visits—She heard The weather cleared off quite fine and in the  evening Mr A. myself and Miss B. went to Mr. Calhoun’s Ball—The party very large and excessively warm—Met there Mr Allen Smith and had some conversation about Russia of which he appears exceedingly fond—he himself was a great favourite there so it is not surprizing—Conversation with a number of person’s but all trifling and exciting but little interest—20 Susan Clark came and sat an hour with me yesterday She has grown very fat and is quite well Mr. Clark is confined to his bed though a little better. All the family well—if it would be agreeable to you my dear Sir I would go and pay you a visit as soon as Congress adjourn’s and assure you in person how sincerely I am your affectionate daughter—


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy Feby: 3d: 1819.

You made me a rich present when you allowed your son George to spend his vacation with me. He has been to me a companion and a friend. He has indulged in no dissipation, has been very constant to his studies & his reading. I cannot find it in my heart to say that he has indulged a little too much in his segars and in his flute.
I see that you have the honour to be the target of all the sharp shooters & I advise you to stand like Mount Atlas and sustain their poisoned arrows and cheuwed rifle balls as long as the shield of integrity can defend you. When that fails renounce all public employment forever, peremptorily, decisively, and unalterably: retire to Mount Wollaston superintend the education of your children, and devote your time to your studies by which you will benefit your species and secure your own felecity more effectually than you can do in any public employment whatever.
My love to Louisa thank her for her journals and pray her to continue them for the instruction & amusement of / her and your affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son,
Quincy Feby: 8th: 1819.

I have been employed for a month or six weeks in hard labour to save you trouble. I have ransacked chests, trunks, boxes, bureaus, chests of drawers, escritouirs, or in fewer words, every hole & corner, from the basement story to the cockloft, in search of manuscript books & papers, and in course I have been obliged to break open locks whose key’s were lost and destroy every thing that lay in my way and the result is Parturiunt Montes the whole is now collected in my bedchamber. But still there is enough to give you six weeks labour as fatigueing as mine has been. And there you will find a more authentic history than has yet been written of the American revolution, though that you will find very imperfect.
My dear Son, you can have no idea of the situation in which I am placed. I am now involved in a controversy about a half a dozen acres of land and a hundred cord of wood, at the same time I am solicited from various quarters to write my own life, and from various artists to sit for my bust, and from many others to write the history of the revolution, yet I am alone & have nobody to assist me but a young lady of sixteen whose name is Elizabeth Foster. After all never mind me, do your duty to the nation. So enjoins your father
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Boylston Adams, 8 February 1819
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

					Dr: Sir.
					Feby 8th 1819—

				I have reflected with mingled emotions of filial tenderness and respect upon the proposal you made me, yesterday, to take up my abode with you and to make one family of your’s and mine. As a proposal of such a nature, would not be proper on my part, it is my duty to consider it and to answer it, as made by you. And I prefer the freedom of epistolary communication on this occasion to oral, because I can express my mind with more precision in writing than in conversation, on all subjects which peculiarly engage my feelings & passions—I am fully sensible of the necessity of some domestick establishment which shall relieve you, in a great measure from the cares of a family—and I am happy to say that my Wife, whom I have consulted, from a sense of duty, urges my acceptance, with as little delay as practicable, of your proposal. We will give up our own comfort, ease,  and every other consideration, for the purpose of making your days more peaceful & tranquil, which at your age they ought to be; and we will become tenants under your roof, on the first of April ensuing, should that time be agreeable to you.So many circumstances occur to me, which would be proper to premise and to particularize, on this Subject, both affecting yourself as a father & me as a Son, that I am already overwhelmed with the idea of committing them to paper, and I prefer, if agreeable to you, that you should take an opportunity, when convenient, to converse with my wife, who is to me the best of friends and to you wishes to approve herself, the best of daughters in proportion to the opportunities afforded her of displaying her disposition—I have been thus explicit that you may be relieved in your mind as to the reception of your proposal, and I wish that you should re-consider it, so perfectly, that whether you persevere in it as being, all things considered, for the best, or otherwise, no one shall have just cause of complaint—On one point I will be explicit, let what may fall thereon; viz. that you ought to command your household so long as you live, and however old-human-nature may rise in youth and wrestle with age, there is in the fitness of things as well as in the injunctions of Holy-writ, a command, to “honour thy Father & thy Mother”—I humbly & fervently hope that events and designs may be so ordered as to render the remnant of your days, peaceable and as exempt from the perplexities of life as the lot of humanity will admit.On the subject of my young family, I can say but little, as they are so young as not to have much discretion of their own; but we intend to place three of them at School, this Spring, and myself & my wife will endeavour to supply their absence, by being your amanuenses—I should enlarge, but that more might seem too formal between parent & children; when you feel disposed to converse with us, we shall take pleasure in hearing a full communication of your inclinations and wishes—We are truly & affectionately / Your’s


Title: To John Adams from Ann Frances Harrod Adams, 8 February 1819
From: Adams, Ann Frances Harrod
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir
					Quincy February 8th 1819

				I have heard, with some surprize, your proposition to Mr Adams that we should once more take up our residence with you. It is not unnatural that you should wish to have your Children with you, but with so numerous a family as ours it cannot be expected that we should at all times promote your enjoyment, and there may be many times when the necessary wants and recreations of Children would be a great interuption to your own pursuits and the hours you may wish to pass in tranquility. As it regards myself I can say with truth that nothing would afford me higher satisfaction than to devote the remaining years of my life to the divided duty I owe my Husband and Children and yourself who have been to us Parent and friend. Were you alone I should not despair of rendering your home as comfortable as it could be, bereft of her who was its ornament. Her examples I should strive to imitate but her united virtues and heavenly graces few earthly beings can hope to attain.If we find it possible to make any arrangements to place some of our Children at School it is our wish and intention to do it should the plan meet with your approbation.There are many circumstances which have occurred to my mind, that I can not name on paper—If I could see you alone without exciting suspicion I would mention my impressions upon a subject most interesting to us all, and which want to be settled for the mutual interest and harmony of the family circle. In the interval believe me my dear Sir with every sentiment of affection and respect your daughter

					Ann Adams


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 11 February 1819 to 26 February 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					(Private)
					11-26 Feb 1819

				Feby 11 Mr Bailey called this morning and informed us that Mr Pinckney was to speak at the Supreme Court and if we felt inclined he would accompany us—We accordingly accepted and went to Court which was just opened and Mr Pinckney rose—His oratory is formed in the modern theatrical school, and consists chiefly of whispered breathings almost inarticulate, and immediate transitions to burst’s of vehemence, which however greatly admired in a Tragedian who is expressing both in language and gestures the force of the Passion’s is according to my idea of justice seldom allowable in her presence; their passion should never usurp the place of reason and in that Court only a mild and calm solemnity should reign—In the case of a man pleading his own cause I can readily admit the impossibility of his arguing with coolness perhaps with judgement; because the interests are too deep not to excite feelings incompatible with these necessary qualifications: but when a professional man is employed though he may deeply  partake of the feelings of his Client he cannot be actuated by the same power of action or sentiment and his reason can exert due influence over the passions of his nature—Mr P——s manner is trifling, is action unsuited to his words, and  every word and motion is too evidently intended to produce effect—His eye rolls in search of admiration and he addresses his discourse to the weaker part of his numerous audiences as if to bask in the sunshine of their smiles was the height of his ambition—Nature is entirely banished and art does not even condescend to wear the modest garb of simplicity, but strikes you in a blaze of pedantry and affectation study of the most unblushing affectation—You admire the inflexions of his voice the rapidity of his elocution, and sometimes the vehemence of his action; but as this was an unusually dry law case resting upon a common law question, it appeared to my simple and unadorned imagination, to be totally unsusceptible of such high wrought and  exquisite polish—I am told that it is not fair to form an opinion of him on this occasion, so I will leave room to retract—We soon grew weary of this species of exaltation as the french say, and went from thence to H of R. where we were entertained with a very different style of Oratory, which I denominate the hum-drum; as it produced on my ear something like the effect of a Cotton spinning wheel, which is not dull enough to set you to sleep, tho’ sufficiently monotonous to weary your spirits—It was an appropriation bill, and the orator speaking against it—one of the members informed me that had lent C. Fox’s  speech to the person then speaking, and that he had not been able to comprehend for what purpose; till he had the pleasure of hearing him as he had then made it sufficiently evident to his audience—Notwithstanding this, as Fox himself might not have been aware of the compliment paid him, I took the liberty of proposing an adjournment to my party, and the resolution was adopted unanimously that we should look in on the Senators—We found them occupied on an appropriation for a Statue of Genl. Washington to be placed in the Capitol Square Mr Otis was speaking, and I was much pleased with the natural ease of his manner, tho’ I did not think what he said much to the purpose—he was answered by Mr. Fromentin whose broken english was enough to excite attention and afford amusement—Mr. Lacock Mr. Goldsborough and Mr. Dagget and Mr. Forsythe spoke while we remained—The bill passed a second reading and was taken up on a third reading in Committee of the whole; but having morning visits to pay, I was obliged to leave the house—returned home very much fatigued, and continued reading Lady Morgans Novel of Florence McCarthy. She has given a fine sketch of Lord Byron’s character, and a handsome dressing to Gifford who attacked her France in so ungentlemanly a manner—It did not require the labour of a Giant to crush an atom—There is considerable freedom in all her writings, and I do not think her morality the most pure—But there is also much genius in her works, and novelty in her characters which are excentric and finely sustained—Her moral is loose, her style unequal, and inflated—but she unquestionably possesses talents of a superior order, and we have too many evidences of the difficulty if not impossibility of binding native genius by common rules—Reviewers give importance to trifles by their imprudent violence, and Lady Morgan like Lord Byron, has been whipped into fame by their lash—Mr. A— dined at Mr. W. Lee’s Judge Johnson came in and sat about half an hour—He told me the bill encreasing the Salaries of the Secretaries had passed the house. Was again seized with violent fainting fits, which continued some time and was put to bed very ill—12 Arose very ill with a violent cold and great soreness of the breast and throat—was engaged out but declined going—A heavy Snow Storm all day—Had some chat with Mr. A— after dinner a thing most unusual—He is continually reproached for want of sociability & for pride, hauteur, and foreign manners—Such reproaches are in themselves so absurd it is impossible to pay any attention to them, and in me I am sorry to say that they only produce ridicule and scorn; and It is a matter of utter astonishment to me that a man can be susceptible upon the subject of either of uneasiness or anger; which may do very well to occupy the  brain of a vacant Dandy whose head is generally too thick to be impressed by more important subjects—The constant application to study, and to occupations of the most serious importance to his Country, have unquestionably given a coldness to his manners, which to those who do not seek his acquaintance, and only see him in public, (and ever beset by a herd of drones seeking office and favour) make him appear severe and repellant—but America is much changed since we left her—a man’s manners formed but a small portion of his qualifications for Office formerly, and it is only since cabal and intrigue have become the despotic rulers of the Nation, that the courteous bribery of affected affability, and the plausible solicitude of deep interest in concern’s, to which you must feel totally indifferent, have become the just and leading steps on the ladder of promotion—If  things go on at the rapid rate in which they are now growing, the systematic bribery and corruption of England, will not have much to boast over our own, and all the splendid fabric of our best Institutions must crumble in the dust—Congress makes Presidents and unmakes them at pleasure, and a few leading members take the reigns in their hands, and declare open hostility to any one who has courage, or patriotism sufficient, to wish to repel their encroachments, or to resist unconstitutionality and abuse—When the highest Offices of the Government are made to hang upon the smiles and frowns of every popular demagogue, whose personal ambition and gratification forms the only basis of his conduct, and who has neither principle or modesty to scruple at any means, to attain his ends, it is not surprizing that the effect is felt by every person from the highest to the lowest, in the actual service of the Government; and the effect of such influence must be felt to the extreme injury, if not the total destruction of all the Institutions which have hitherto been our honour and our glory—It is an evil requiring a powerful the hand to correct, but one too serious in its tendency to be neglected, and I sincerely hope the time is at hand, that will unveil some of the mysteries which I conceive so prejudicial to our Country—Mr. A— would be a little surprized if he even saw my journal, perhaps a little displeased: and you will laugh at my undertaking to handle topics so much above my capacity—but such are my impressions and as such I write them—I am quite well and ever your dutiful and affectionate daughter
				26. I intended to enclose my Letter in the half sheet but did not leave space sufficient to enclose it—We are all pretty well and very happy that this Session will so soon be over—poor Mr Clark is still very poorly and the weather much against him as it is very cold and the ground covered with Snow—


Title: From John Adams to Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway, 14 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Treadway, Susanna Boylston Adams Clark

Dear Susan
Quincy Feby. 14th. 1819.

Our friend John lends me his hand to write you a line to acknowledge your favour of the 7th of this month. I sympathize with you in all your sorrows & congratulate with you in all your pleasures as I know you do in mine. Give my love to Mr. Clarke and wish him health and every blessing but you and I must submit him to a wise & benign providence. I can not wish you to exchange visits very often with your Aunt whose necessary cares must be very fatigueing to her but I hope you will preserve your reverence for her and her husband and they will never abate their affection for you. I seem to see little Susan putting out her arms to go to Mr. Addison.
George has gone to College, Charles is in Boston. John alone remains to write this letter for me & cheer my heart.
Mr. & Mrs. De Wint & their little Caroline Elizabeth arrived in Boston on friday and I expect them here every moment. Your young female friends in this village would be delighted to correspond with you. I am very glad you have an opportunity to become acquainted with Mr. Clarke’s Mother, Brother & Sister and the Library must be a choice blessing to you. I cannot finish with out giving you one political hint whether you will understand it or not. if you do not I pray you to inquire. I rejoice that Ambrister the second Jonathan Robbins has been seen in his true light by the House of Representatives.
I am my dear Child / Your affectionate Grandfather
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 14 February 1819
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir.
					Washington 14. Feby 1819.

				I have received you kind Letter of the 3d: instant, full of good counsel, of which I hope at the proper time to make a suitable improvement. It is a great satisfaction to me, that my Son George has mentioned your approbation, and made himself in any manner useful to you during the vacation at the University. My affection for him induces me to hope that his time has been spent most advantageously for himself, and that the benefit of your kind instructions and advice, has provided for him Stores of Wisdom and Virtue for the conduct of his future life. By the Letters that I have received from him, I am glad to perceive that he is fully sensible of the advantage he has enjoyed—His vacation will be terminating just at the time when you will receive this Letter, and I hope you will dismiss him with an admonition to remember the maxim of Juvenal—”Nullum Numen adest, ni sit Prudentia”.My wife continues transmitting her journal to you as regularly as her precarious and often suffering health admits—If I do not myself hold communion with you so often as I should desire the mortification and loss is more mine than your’s—In the mental preparation that I am making for that retirement which you enjoin upon me, and of which the period cannot be remote, I sooth myself with the reflection that your present occupation is assorting your papers has a forecast to my future occupation upon them—With the blessing of Providence, whatever your intentions in this respect may be, so far as their accomplishment may depend upon me, they shall be fulfilled.Last Sunday and this day, President Kirkland has edified and instructed a respectable auditory with a Hall of the House of Representatives of the Union, with ingenious, moral, pious and elegant discourses, upon the Christian’s comparative duties to the temporal and eternal World, and upon the transcendent Christian Virtue of Charity—So far as I have heard they have given universal satisfaction.You have seen and heard something of the political agitation which has been excited at a late period of the present Session of Congress, and may perhaps have some perception of the unseen causes which produce the ostensible effects—You observe that I have become a favourite target for the sharp-shooters, but there appears to me to be something very whimsical in the choice of their weapons. Of the transactions behind the Scenes, I know no more, perhaps not so much as you—That the South-American Horse should be ridden as long as he had legs to stand and that he should if possible be spurr’d rough-shod over me, was to be expected-But the campions of Pueyrredon and Bolivar, should at the next breath, become the champions of Pizarro and Onis, that the sympathies of Buenos-Ayrean Patriotism should melt into tender mercies for Arbuthnott & Armbrister, that General Jackson should be insinuated a murderer, for hanging murderers, and another Officer extolled as a hero, for going out to be murdered to atone for a breech of discipline—all these and numbers numberless more are metamorphoses logical and rhetorical, which put to shame all the metamorphoses poetical of Ovid—Pelion has been heaped upon Ossa, to put down poor Old Hickory—All with perfect respect for his character—with profound gratitude for his services—with entire conviction that those against whom he has perpetrated those enormous wrongs, have no right to complain of them or demand satisfaction for them—with undoubting confidence in the purity and patriotism of his motives—Jackson was their friend—they admired him—they venerated him—But the Constitution!—Oh! the Constitution—And military usurpation—and cruel despotism! and so to guard the sacred Palladium of the Constitution, a bill of Attainder upon Jackson’s reputation, was to be passed by one Branch of the Legislature, without hearing him—in his own defence—As to the right of censuring without hearing him, who could doubt that? for it was not the man, it was only his conduct that was to be censured—and why should not a man be blamed, as well as praised without being heard for himself. Votes of thanks were always granted without calling upon the party to prove himself worth of them, and why should not a vote of censure be passed, without calling upon the interested party to shew that it was not deserved? From this style of argument may be informed how much and how little of the real merits of the case, operated on the intended vote of censure—But the Event timed out different from what was contemplated—For a solemn vote of the house, passed by a considerable majority, has sanctioned every act that was to be blasted by a vote of disapprobation. It has been asserted and maintained with some earnestness that this has not been treated as a party question; and to a certain extent it is undoubtedly time—All the known denominations of parties have been broken down by the debate and the vote—Neither the geographical, nor the political, nor the personal Standard, has rallied all its votaries on either side—The most inveterate avowed enemies of the Administration have however been the  most decided in their virulence against Jackson—Many of those who at the last Session voted against the Administration, have now been steadily in its favour—Still more of those who were then its friends have now deserted its banners—Some are moved by State prejudices, and resentments—Some, by the doubts of really timorous consciences—Some by considerations altogether personal—The art of a political partizan, in Congress, at this time, is to unite as many various motives as possible under the Banners, of one pretext—In this instance the motives have been various, and the pretext has been captivating—A strong minority therefore was formed; but a minority which will not be likely to adhere together upon any other important question—Certainly not to form any permanent, organized coalition—The views of those whose conduct has been governed principally by attachments to individuals have not been unanimous—And the individuals with whom the strongest combination of votes usually sympathizes, have considered the merits of the question in different lights, and came to opposite conclusions. New-York and Georgia did not agree. Virginia was about equally divided against herself —So was Kentucky; and if the eloquence of the Speaker made some proselytes, he lost as many or more by the result of twenty days of discussion than he gained—In one thing the enemies of General Jackson, and mine heartily coalesced and completely succeeded—that is, they involved me, and me alone in the whole responsibility of all his Acts. There was neither member of the Administration, who had less or even so little concern with them, or agency over them, until long after they were past and irretrievable—The orders by which he was authorized to enter Spanish Florida, had issued from the War Department, without my being consulted, and without my knowledge—His correspondence was entirely with that Department—But from the instant that the Spanish Minister Onis knew that Jackson had authority to enter Florida, he began to remonstrate against it, and every step that he advanced, Onis assailed me with a new and more vehement note of remonstrance—In proportion as the facts were made known to the Spanish Government, the Minister of State there repeated his complaints, with increasing heat of crimination and demand of Satisfaction—until on the 31st. of August he formally suspended all Negotiation, and threatened War, by a Note which was communicated to all the Courts and published in all the Newspapers of Europe.To all these complaints, and accusations and menaces, it was the duty of my Office to answer; which I did by the Letters to Mr Erving of 28 Novr and 2 December—It was strictly and exclusively an answer to Spain and her complaints—But immediately after the Meeting of Congress and of the Virginia Legislature, an attempt was made to concert a joint attack by the latter and by both houses of the former, upon General Jackson, and upon the President, but most especially upon the Secretary of State—At Richmond, after some preliminary skirmishing by the Editor of the Enquirer, forth came Jack the Giant Killer, Algernon Sidney, and opened a Battery upon the whole military career of General Jackson—A similar Battery was immediately afterwards opened in the House of Representatives of Congress by a member from Georgia—while in the Senate, another member from Georgia, was working under him a Mine, to be blown up as soon as the favourable occasion should be presented. It was soon known that the complains of Spain had been answered by a despatch from the Department of State to Mr Erving—and immediately there came a Call for it from the House—It was given—and no sooner was it printed in the Richmond Enquirer, than Algernon Sidney, transferring his attack from Jackson to me, filled in two numbers of falsehood and Sophistry, eight or nine columns of that paper with invective against me for having defended Jackson against the complaints of Spain—Then came on the debates in Congress, Algernon Sidney having given the cue, by pretending that I alone of the President’s advisors had counselled the course pursued by him with regard to Jackson’s proceedings and that my Letter to Erving was to be viewed not as an answer to Pizarro and Spain, but as an elaborate effort to vindicate myself before the people of this Country. The first of those Assertions was false; and the second was a disingenuous misrepresentation; to which Clay however gave further countenance in his first Speech on the Subject—The object and result of it all was to identify the Secretary of State, with all Jackson’s sins and make him responsible for them all, and for those of the President for not trying him by a Court Martial, as well as for his own—Since this glorious conspiracy has failed, and neither the Virginia Legislature, nor the House of Representatives nor the Senate of the United States has been bullied or inveigled into the plot, and as the whole proceeding is discountenanced by the popular opinion throughout the Union, I see the newspapers are contradicting Algernon Sidney’s lye, that the Secretary of State alone, counselled the course pursued by the President with regard to Jackson’s proceedings, and stating, as was the fact, that it was with the unanimous concurrence of all the Heads of Departments—The bunglars have found that what they meant for calumny was working as commendation.I have barely room to assure you of my unalterable duty and affection.

					J. Q. A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Harriet Welsh, 17 February 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Welsh, Harriet

					My Dear Harriet
					Washington 17 Feby 1819

				In the midst of bustle and preparation for a small party of 400 and some person’s I cannot refrain from writing you a few lines in answer to your most soothing Letter which has entirely quieted all my anxious apprehensions as such kind care and attention can leave me no room for uneasiness—Our campaigne is almost terminated and it is really time; or we should all sink under the fatigue and exertion which we are constantly called upon to make—and the perpetual succession of parties dinners &cc require a large portion of strength to go through with proper dignity—We have now Congress the Supreme Court and all its auxilliaries and almost all our Naval and Military Heroes beside innumerable stranger’s come to bask in the sun shine and pleasure’s of our sphere, which is thus illumined by a large portion of the talent, wit beauty and wealth of the Land and if our City is not in appearance a great Capital it is in reality the centre of attention encreasing every year ad infinitum and we must soon branch out into circles not to say so indecorous a word as classes which is terrifically aristocratick to avoid gently dropping our numerous guest’s into our cellars which I think really must be the case if this does not take place.—You will see my dear Harriet from this extent of the society which we collect here not half of whom I have invited what it would be if I made the first visits to every body who comes I am therefore more and more determined to keep to my system more especially as it is universally agreed that I have nothing whatever to do with M—— A——’s official situation.And I know no man in America who would or could expecting his Wife to make herself the slave of the public to so great a degree more especially possessing neither right or privilege beyond any other individual—In other cities Ladies have a right to select their society and enlarge or limit it as they please—Here I must visit all or none or exist in a state of perpetual wrangling—It is all an evil to me and I think I have chosen the least—in addition to which we who boast so much of our morality ought to be the last instead of the first nation in the world to draw lines of distinction between a man and his Wife and this is an argument which scripture sanctions;  and which I never saw infringed in any Country until I had the honour or the misfortune to be the Wife of a Secretary of State—There is too much of aboriginal barberism in this practice  and it is only fit for Cherokee’s and Seminoles  There can be no morality in such a doctrine for the moment I s cease to be a part of my husband I am nothing—and the world no longer respecting in me the link that binds us to one another I am liable and which is my greatest protection I forfeit all pretention to respect because I am rendered  of non descript not possessing the independence of a single woman nor the claims of every individual married woman in the United States who is in the situation of a common citizen—On such a ground every public Office must be odious and the higher the Office the greater the indignity offerred to those who sustain them—No man who has passed his life with an affectionate partner and the Mother of his children can bear to consider her in an inferior point of view to himself—There is no such usage in any other part of the world and I never will adopt it—I have now explained to you the motives of my conduct and I hope you will approve them—Love to all and believe me ever with sincerest esteem

					L. C. A.


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 18 February 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

18-26 Feb 1819

Feby. 18th The Evening brought my expected guests or rather a small part of them and on the whole the party appeared to enjoy themselves tolerably well—The night was fearfully cold and my company left me early on account of the complaints of the Coach men who refusd to wait for them—We are drawing near a conclusion and I certainly shall not regret it—Some Music and some dancing—
19 Went out and paid 25 Morning visits—Mr. A did not get home to dinner till 1/2 past seven o’clock and we went at little after night to a Ball at Mr. Gales’s—Should have passed a pleasant evening if I had not been fatigued with a political conversation from a Western Member in which I was again forced to repeat I had nothing to do with affairs of State—returned home in a heavy Snow Storm—
20 Mr. A. was engaged to dine with Messr. Otis McKlane and Ogden and I went by earnest entreaty to dine with the French Minister—We had a pleasant party and the evening was unusually brilliant and the party as usual sociable—Madame is a Woman of superior mind and I believe essentially good—She has been for many years living in a confined society and suddenly removed to a situation which calls for much excition—Her manners are not of the first order of fine polish but there is a bonhommie about her irrisistably attractive to our good people and excalculated for our region. She is universally beloved and does much good in charities—Mr. Ogden and Mr Otis who had entertained a party at Dinner were a little elevated by their hospitality and the former contributed not a little to the out diversion of the company—Saturday is the only leisure day and many of our noble legislators use or abuse it as they please—Mr N. told me the Treaty was signed at which I was much rejoiced knowing how much Mr. A. had laboured to get any thing like an amicable arrangement between the two Countries—and in this business we have had a steady friend—I danced one dance with Mr. N.—Mrs. Clark called and sat with me sometimes her husband is a little better.
21 Arose late and did not go to Church but went and paid ten visits which had long been due took Mrs. Smith with me to see Mrs. Frye who we found pretty well—Mr. Bailey called in the evening and Mrs. Smith passed the day with me—Mr. Crawford has been dangerously ill but is much better—Miss Monroe the daughter of the President is likewise sick of the scarlet fever which has produced great alarm in the family. She is at a boarding school in Philadelphia and the last accounts are favourable—Miss Buchanan passed the day at Mrs McKim, who is likewise indisposed—
22 Received morning visits until three o clock and dispatched cards of invitation for another dinner on Thursday—In the evening went to the Ball at Crawfords Hotel in honour of Washington’s Birth day—The President was there but not Mrs. Monroe on account of her daughters indisposition—The Ball was thin the members of Congress storing their dollars to give the English Minister a Ball in preference to celebrating their national féte. The supper was handsome—The decoration’s heavy, the transparency a carricature, and the room badly lighted—Everything was quietly conducted and no appearance of disorder—I had the honor of being led down to Supper by Genl Brown and was seated at the head of the table between the Ladies of the Foreign Ministers—The Treaty was sent into the Senate this morning, and Mr Otis who accompanied me to the Ball (Mr A. Having dined with Mr Simkins of South Carolina) told me that Mr. King pronounced it the best treaty ever made in this Country, and it would pass through the Senate with great eclat—We returned home immediately after Supper Mr. A. having a bad headache I had an opportunity of seeing the two most dashing Ladies we have here to great advantage—The one is an American Lady lately returned from France as she says quite Parisian—A perfect hoyden about 25 who married an old Gentleman of 80 who died lately who left her a claim upon some land, in Louisiana to the amount of half a million (which it is said Congress will never pay) of Dollars—She is remarkably ugly, ridiculously excentric, and forever displaying her naiveté at the expence of modesty and decorum—She has been a Widow but a short time and is in colours, dancing; and seeking  every opportunity of amusement with the most indefatigable industry—The Other is an English Lady generally thought handsome, stiff in her manners, awkward in her gait, and apparently correct in her morals, but is grossly indelicate in her dress, and so foolish and insipid in her conversation, that she is by far the most insupportable of the two—the one perpetually offends the ear, the other disgust the eye and distresses the eye; and mantles the cheeck with the blush of shame—from the first we seek refuge in the hope that no one has heard her folly but ourselves, from the other there is no resource but averted looks and a dread of meeting the eyes of those who surround her, and whose contemplation can only add to our confusion—They danced facing one another in a Cotillion, and would have afforded an excellent carricature for the pencil of Bunbury.
23d Feby. The Supreme Court is now quite the fashion and is thronged every day with Ladies—Mr. Webster is universally admired and spoken of with delight—I believe I mentioned him in my journal of last winter—he is a man of great ability and solidity perhaps not possessing the brilliancy of native genius so much as  acquired talent, strong conception, clearness, and precision, and that sedateness of manner, which enforces respect and insures admiration—He was answered by Mr Hopkinson who forms a striking contrast to the above mentioned gentlemen, in person, continuance, manner, and I should suppose disposition—He is a man of lively, nay brilliant wit, subtle, shrewed, and possessing that sort of genius, which makes it impossible to confine himself within a common or beaten track, catching at straws to shew his ingenuity, and ever following the sophistical doctrines of an unsteady imagination, not properly balasted by a sound and correct judgement—He is quick and penetrating, but incapable of the slow process of cool dispationate investigation, and will seize upon the first bright idea to work up into a theory, which no one can maintain but himself—He is a delightful companion, full of animation, poetry, and music—I have taken the liberty of drawing this sketch as being possessed of some of the failings (without the merits that counterbalance them) and qualities which I represent—He is much admired as a speaker but more as a Lawyer—Mr. Wirt is to speak tomorrow—the question between the State of Maryland & the U.S. Bank—Mr. Wirt Mr Pinkney and Mr Webster for the Bank Mr. Martin Mr. Jones & Mr Hopkinson for Maryland—The cause will last some days and Mr P. closes—It is said that the presence of the Ladies has the happiest effect upon the oratatorical powers of the Gentlemen of the bar and that the cause will probably be very fully argued with a view to their especial gratification—The Senate have taken up the Seminole question and the Report was read to day—As there are several ex––Governors in that respectable body they think their dignity impeached by the Genl’s Letters to Govr Raban and must support the latter for the sake of good fellow-ship—A Ball in the evening at Mrs. S. Peters in honour of the Birth day which Mr A. and myself declined—Miss Buchanan went with her Cousin Mr. Rogers—
24 Went to the Supreme Court and heard Mr. Wirt with whom I was much pleased as a speaker—What shall I say of him? he is a man formed to bask in the sunshine of a Court—with eloquence to captivate, and manners calculated to win applause—ambitious and vain, desiring every thing contented with nothing, and ever insatiate of praise—As a family man his conduct is perfectly meritorious, and I have never heard a breath against him—These are observations originating entirely with myself, and founded solely on the slight opportunities I have had of becoming acquainted with his character and all liable to be retracted upon a nearer intimacy—Mr. Jones answered and is said to have made the best speech on the question but he had the worst side to maintain—his voice was so monotonous, and his manner so heavy, I could not wait to admire; and left the Court to those possessing more patience—he is proverbial for his indolence, and his manner certainly ratify’s the report—It was thought singular that the District Attorney should be engaged in opposition to the Attorney Genl. of the U.S. in a cause in which the Government was concerned—Paid a number of visits and returned home to dinner—Mr. Rogers dined with us and Mr A., Mr. Rogers, myself, and Mary Hellen, went to hear Mr. Artiguenave who performed very well—He will not meet with much encouragement here I believe—My health is becoming quite good again and every body tells me I am growing fat—Miss Buchanan not well—
25 A Snow Storm all day—company of 17 at dinner instead of 22—The party Mr. B. Vaughan Mr: P. Vaughan Mr. Harris Mr. Worcester, Mr. Ingersoll Mr. Parrott Mr. Little Mr. Law, Mr Silsbee Mr. Hale Mr Rogers Mr. Artiguenave Mr Upham & Mr. Baily—An odd sort of mixed dinner I sat between Mr. Vaughan & Mr Law the former of whom compared me to Susannah between the elders—Mr Vaughan you know Mr Law has all the wild excentricity of genius with an extraordinary degree of its enthusiasm for a man of his age—He was very solicitous to have me read a Book which he has written against the doctrine of original sin called Instinctive Impulses I told him if he would not insist upon my conversion I would but I a little doubted the principle point on which he grounds his theory which is that all our natural Impulses are good, and that it is education alone that occasions the corruption which we so often meet with in the world—If in fact our natural impulses are uniformly good, why are we our earliest impressions would be virtuous, and this gift of reason would guard us against assaults of temptation most effectually; and that strong sense of wrong or that secret monitor we call conscience and from which we can never fly would not have been implanted in us to warn us against the danger of gratifying our passion’s—or indulging the propensities attendant on our imperfect natures—
This is the subject altogether beyond my depth and I am thankfull that the weakness of my intellect has ever proved a shield against the admission of scepticism in any shape & that my faith grows hourly stronger as I grow older and draw nearer to “that bourne from whence no traveller returns"—He is a good man and his book inculcates universal benevolence and charity throughout the world—Much discourse about the Author of Junius’s Letters Mr. V. who had known Sir Phillip Francis said he did not think he was the author but Mr. Law who had likewise known him in the East Indies appeared to have no doubt of the fact—They left us early and we went to a Ball at Mrs. Bagots
26 Went to a Ball given to Mr. & Mrs. Bagot in honour of them and expressing the high esteem of Congress and the Inhabitants of the City and George Town—Mrs. Bagot opened the Ball with the Country dance of Yankee doodle and would only dance with Americans—The decorations consisted of an Arch across the Centre of the room decorated flowers and and lighted with a number of Candles and at each end of the room a transparency one with the name of Mrs. Bagot and the other Mr. Bagot—The idea was not brilliant and I could not help thinking of that part of the marriage ceremony which say "what God has joined together let no man put asunder" This was clumsey and tasteless but passed off without notice by any one but myself. Mrs. Bagot was led down to supper and I had the honour of following with Mr. B. the supper was handsome and Mr. B. made a handsome address to the publick on the occasion—It was short, forcible, and neat and clothed in elegant language altogether appropriate—he was excessively agitated and evidently felt the full force of the compliment—The Band struck up God save the King, and immediately after Yankee doodle and the Ladies retired from Table that the Gentlemen might sup—We left the Ball directly Mr. A having a bad head ache—The Speaker would not go before because he said it was a bad precedent and a great many person’s are of the same opinion—I will only say that the French Minister has rendered services so important to this Country & I hope he will meet with the same attention as he is a true and honest friend and has much influence with his Court—The Treaty has produced a wonderful sensation and is another proof that real unassuming ability will confound intrigue—Station is nothing when unsupported by splendid Talent and this is its only solid basis A great Nation will never submit to be long cajoled by party faction’s and will learn to appreciate and value real unadulterated merit—My husband now stands on the highest pinnacle of elevation for he can conscientiously say he has deserved well of his Country and I desire no other reward—May my Children walk in his steps and may their greatest ambition be to go and do likewise Then indeed I shall have cause to be proud—with such a husband and such Son’s I may raise my head with thankfulness to my maker and say "Lord! now let thy Servant  depart in peace for I have been greatly blessed”—Tickets of invitation were issued to see the Launch of the 74 lately built here at which such great offence has been taken that the tickets have been recalled to appease the public indignation—The tickets had been issued in consequence of some little robberies having been committed last year I omitted to say that the supper tables at the Ball were ornamented with small frigates bearing the joint Flags of America and England which give rise to many good jest, and some good wishes—Who could of anticipated such an event two or three years since—It will have a good effect in England and teach them to send us respectable people—Com Porter was not there—he say’s the English cannot like him—
My Cold is getting better slowly—All the family wellWith great Respect &ca—


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy Feb’y 19th 1819—

I thank you for the noble pacquets of documents you send me, for though I cannot read them it is convenient to have them by me. I may get a friend to consult them for me as occassion may require. I thank your lady for me for her last journal. I am really grieved at her late severe indisposition which appears to me so alarming that she ought to be extremely cautious of exposing herself to any extraordinary cold, damp, or fatigue— Mr. & Mrs. De Wint with Miss Welsh are upon a visit to us — with one of Mrs. De Wints little “Cairns” the ladies  are very helpful to me in arranging my papers, to save you the trouble hereafter, I have it in contemplation to take your & his family into my house, as I am reduced to a solitary individual, it seems to be very unnatural that I & my son should have two separate establishments at a distance of only a mile & a half their children will be nearer the schools & will be a comfort & amusement to me in many of my solitary hours. I would write you news if I had any— my late research of old papers has revived so much of the history of my life & have tempted me almost to cry out in the language of the wild Lord Rochester “what a dog am I for having left such a wife and such a family to go a collanelling for a nation who care no more for me than the English did for Sir Hudibras—
I am as ever your affectionate father
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 22 February 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear daughter
Quincy February 22d. 1819

Your journal ending 13th feb has given me a mixture of allarm and delight, allarm for your health and delight in your reflections.
Mr. Jeffersons advice to translate the friendly epistle  Don Onis and Mr. Irving into French and send them to Europe made me laugh outright—the expectation from Mr. Madison of a condemnation of his friend Monroe made me smile—but the threat to apply to me to condemn my own Son seriously allarmed me—Yet I am inclined to think the prophecy is already accomplished in part—for I have received a letter from two gentlemen in New York requesting my opinion upon the whole subject of the conduct of the administration—The conduct of General Jackson and the conduct of the house of representatives and all their debates upon the subject,—and I have given them an answer—but I expect to be accused of playing cunning for the first time in my life— if it were not asking too great a favour of my fair amanuensis—I would send you a copy of my answer.
The mysterious and romantic character of King Soloman is altogether incomprehensible by me, it resembles that of Frederic and Franklin—As to Vexation of spirit or real causes of vexation of spirit—I have had more of them than he had—and if I believed this world to be the only state of my existence I would say with him all is Vanity! for this life with the hope of another and a better is a boule de savon—but with the hope and expectation of a future and a better State, this state of probation is not only a comfortable but a delightful scene.
The Patriarch who said in a fit of the vapours my days have been few and evil, ought not to have said it if he believed in a future State—I cannot say that my days have been few or evil—for I have always believed that this is a state of trial for a better world—this belief and this hope have been my support through life, without it I should not have arrived at my 84th year.
Poor Susan, I hope her misfortunes will teach her discretion I have long considered her a widow and her child an orphan
Pray continue your journal for the comfort of your / affectionate father
John Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 22 February 1819
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					N 21.My Dear Brother
					Washington 22d Feby. 1819

				Your Letter N. 12 of the 14th. instant is before me—I approve of every thing which can contribute to the comfort of my father’s life: and of every thing which may at the same time contribute to your welfare and that of your family—Though I do not fully perceive in what manner my assistance can be required for your removal to his house, I am not aware of any manner in which, I shall hesitate to give it if desired by you—I am persuaded that you will all go, with the steady determination to promote his ease and comfort, according to his ideas, and inclinations, never forgetting the perfect example you have so long had before you, in the practice of her whose place you are to fill—The only caution I think it at all essential to give you is included in the word harmony—I will certainly pay my Wife the 85 dollars according to your desire, and have omitted saying so hitherto, only because I took your former mention of it as a notice, and concluded you would charge me with the sum of course.Mr. Morton’s intimation to you shall be made of known to the President; but there are so many and so strongly recommended particulars competitors who have been upon the seat before him; that there is no chance of his being appointed.—The Convention with Spain itself, of 1812 will be annulled; if a new Treaty, this day to be signed and sent to the Senate shall be ratified.Your affectionate Brother.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 25 February 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear George
					Washington 25th Feby 1819

				Your Grandfather has expressed so much satisfaction at your conduct during your visit to him this vacation, that I have great pleasure in giving you this information; as it must be a great relief to your mind to know, that he has forgiven your late conduct, which I am sorry to say Dr. Kirkland informed me, had been deficient both of affection and respect—I will not say any more on this subject than that you cannot be too guarded in your conduct at College, for the future, as you have left impressions of your character very unfavourable, and which nothing can remove altogether but the most unequivocal good conduct—I have been very sick part of this winter, but am now entirely recovered and growing fat—We have just recd Lady Morgan’s satirical novel called Florence McCarthy—It is flighty, romantic, and excentric—but very amusing She has given a severe dressing to Mr. Gifford and Lord Byron, but on the whole I felt disappointed and it is impossible to think of Lady Clancare (alias Lady Morgan) without laughing, and unfortunately we know too much of South American to take a very deep interest in the sublimity of her hero—The french is too bad for a boarding school Miss, and the style outrée and extravagant—On the whole it is an amusing absurdity, something like its Mother who I suspect would be amusing only for a short time—Your father has just completed a Treaty with Spain which has passed Unanimously in the Senate—It is said to be the best ever made in this Country—I mention this circumstance to you with a view to excite your emulation, and not your vanity, which is a shallow commodity, and only fit to render us the laughing stock of those who surround us—I know no two qualities more unwelcome and unpleasant to the world in general, than vanity & arrogance; and I hardly ever saw a man of a first rate understanding, and real talent, who possessed this failing—It is one which connects itself with littleness of mind and conscious imbecility, which forces it to seek shelter under the disagreeable aspect of supercillious superiority, which though it produces the effect of throwing men to an immeasurable distance from the person who assumes it, answers the purpose of rendering them more clear sighted to his real deficiencies—I earnestly recommend to you to keep a constant watch over yourself, least this intruder should steal upon you unperceived and take a fixed position, which it would be very difficult for you to drive him from—Superior talents are almost always attended with modesty and diffidence of ourselves, and it requires a long commerce with the world even to know that we possess them—How goes the Muse? does she sleep or has some new nymph started up to wake the lyre and sound the poet’s lays? Or has she given place to the more heavy drudgery of College duties the dead languages or living Clubs?—To these I need not say beware!—The shield of virtue is impenetrable and I trust you will never permit it to desert you, and  you should you feel it tottering, to call in the  of her fair Sister Prudence and rely her upon her timely and support. Have you ever read Chesterfield? If you have not I recommend him to your perusal, not as a model by any mean’s, but as a book which from which some wheat may be reaped though almost buried in Chaff—Adieu You will be tired with my moralizing, but you need no additional proof of your Mothers affection than her solicitude that you should attain every excellence—