Title: To John Adams from Joseph Thaxter, 4 September 1822
From: Thaxter, Joseph
To: Adams, John

					Hond & Dr Sir
					Edgartown Augt Sept 4 1822

				Accept my thankful acknowledgment of your kind & frank answer to mine of Augt 21—I do assure you that it was not for want of veneration or affection that for some Years past I have not called on you Such is the obscurity of my Scituation that I viewed myself as forgotten by old acquaintance—But a greater Reason is that, For near Twenty Years my Deafness has been such that little short of a Stenter can make me hear—It has in a great measure deprived me of my social Injoyments. I spend most of my Time in reading & meditation—I read the various News Papers—I find some things pleasing, some to laugh at & some that excite my Indignation—I was exceedingly gratified with the address of Judge Davis on your declining to accept the Presidency of the late Convention for revising the Constitution but was disgusted with some observation made by a member in answer—It brought to my Recollection former days—The Settlement of the Treaty of Peace between the United States & great Britain revived in my Mind—The account given me, by my dear departed Friend John Thaxter, of some special Circumstance which took Place at that Time, which I viewed as  highly honourable to you & Mr Jay—He observed to me, soon after his Return from Europe, that the French Commissioner laboured to leave our Independence, the Western Territory & the affair of the Refugees to be settled after the Peace and that Dr Franklin joined with him—that the English Commissioner sent a messenger to England for special Orders on these Points—He further observed that you & Mr Jay found what was going on & obtained a private Interview with the British Commissioner & convinced him of the ill Policy & consequent Danger of such a Measure & that the British minister immediately dispatched a second messenger post hast with the Result of your Conference—He further observed that the Messenger returned in a short Time with full Power to close the whole Business & that the Treaty was signed without the Knowledge of the French Commissioner & if I recollect Right without the Knowledge of Dr Franklin—I remember He observed that Dr Franklin had been so long in France & became so much of a French man that He put more Confidence in the French Government than He ought to. I know the Time is not come when it will do to tell the whole Truth  of men of Intrigue in such Times as those were—I may have misunderstood & not remembered correctly what Mr Thaxter told me—If there is no Impropriety in it. It would be pleasing to me to know the Facts—I assure you they shall be kept safe that in due Time they may come to lightI cannot forbear to give an anecdote which I had from a Judge Hicks a pensilvania Refugee who was here several Weeks on his Way to Port Rosowa—He told me that on a certain Day He dined with General Howe in Philadelphia in Company with Joseph Galloway that General Howe inquired of him to know the Characters of the Two Adams’s Galloway observed that Samuel was as great a Jesuit as ever existed—But that John was a man of the first abilities of quick Penetration open, honest & of Inflexible Integrity—that He did not believe that all the Wealth & Honours of Great Britan could corrupt him I rejoice that you have a Son who does honour to so good a Father—I am very apprehensive that Southern & Western influence will forever exclude hereafter the Honours due to New England—I did hope that Massachusetts would once more see a President of the United States of her own Sons—I will still Hope accept my Sincere wishes for your Comfort / in Life & Happiness in Eternity your / much obliged & humble Servant

					Joseph Thaxter

					NB If I am troublesome rap my knuckles & I will cease to be


Title: From John Adams to Edward Livingston, 5 September 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Livingston, Edward

Sir,
September Montezillo 5th. 1822.

I have once heard read your report made to the general assembly of the state of Louisiana on the plan of a Penal Code, and the general opinion impression left upon my mind is unmingled satisfaction and delight, in the spirit of Liberty humanity and benevolence which runs through the whole Book, and  less admiration of the depth of thought the extent of views, and the patient labour and contemplation that must have produced it. But I shall not content myself with this general observation. I will hear the Book again and note some passages in it more particularly—From the first page of the report to the thirteenth I have not perceived a world or a thought to criticise; I am very glad that our State of Massachusetts has furnished you with the information they possess, If they had not, I might have attempted something for which I am very ill qualified, or at least I should have excited some other who would have performed it much better than I could; I am very much obliged to all the States, and to all the Gentlemen who have complied with your request, and especially to Mr Rush and Mr Benthum—From page 13. to page 20. I seem to think and feel with you. From page 20th. to the end of 1st paragraph, on page 21st. I am compelled to hesitate pause and consider what will be the consequence of  subjecting the Judges to the unlimited freedom and licentiousness of the press and what will be the consequence of compelling the Judges to give all their judgements in writing with their reasons. Will it not be an eternal delay and denial of Justice, What controul or limitation would you establish over the press, Will it not take all the time of the judges—Must they descend into the arena of the Newspapers and Pamphlets, to combat every scurrilous scrivener. I agree with you that there ought to be a public official reporter, but what controul shall the judges have over him and his reports, I think also that there should be another officer supported at the public expence, whose duty it shall be to defend the judgements of the Court against all the dirty lying scriblers, against all Jesuitical chicaneries. In short this subject presents such a labarynth before me that I cannot as yet make up my Judgement—perhaps some Ariadenea may hereafter furnish me with a clue. I must stop here for the present but will write more hereafter If I can—On the 1st. of August last I wrote you a letter addressed at New-Orleans which I fear you have not received. I shall address this to New York. In the mean time / I am your obedient humble Servat
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Coffin, 14 September 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Coffin, Alexander

Dear Sir
Montezillo 14th September 1822

I rejoice to learn, from your letter of the 9th Instant, that you still live; sand I hope in health, wealth and honour—Your letter is a Cordial to me—I shall be greatly obliged to you, for a fair and full Copy of Mr Thaxter’s letter to you, when you were at Amsterdam, in 1783—And still more, for a similar Copy of your answer to him in Paris, the same year; concerning the Whale and Cod Fisheries. The copies of these letters would give great satisfaction to me and, I hope to every branch of my family; and what is of still more importance, to the publick—Or if you have not a copy of your own letter, I pray you to send me the substance of it, according to your present best recollection—your Letter confered an obligation upon me, which demands my gratitude, which will be much increased, if you can furnish me with Copies of the Correspondence.
I am Sir, with great / esteem and regard, / your obliged friend & / fellow Citizen.

J A


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 September 1822
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear & High Respected Frend!
Oldenbarneveld 16 Sept. 1822—

I am confident, you will kindly permit me to Send you a few lines—at this time—if it was only, & I candidly confess, that I have Scarce any thing else, deserving your notice—to communicate, except it was to congratulate you—in regard to your continued vigour and health—as Mrs Quincy was kindly pleased to inform me, that you twice walked this Summer from your house to her abode, to make You Share in my pleasing Situation, that I actually finished the Laborious task of translating all the Dutch Rec—and already convey’d these to the Secretary’s office—It was not triffling indeed—as I Since last Nov. finished above Three thousand pages! May the New yorkers not foster a Few Seeds of pride—that old—England pressed her Steps—and resolved to collect her Hist. Documents—
As I am So deeply indebted to you—and Feel So warmly, that John Quincy Seems not to be indifferent about me, that, when an oppertunity offers you tell him my Success—
Mrs Quincy mentioned me your noble munificence toward your Native Town—If the dead witness our Transactions—then at the instant of your resolve, which was entirely your own—a Seraphic soound must have thrilled—that instant—in your ears—and the, by you highest praised, admiration must have warmed your heart.
Be So kind—as I have none else to apply to, to remember me to your Son & daughter, their George—a promising Boy—to your Cousin—who paid me So many attentions—and believe me to remain with the highest respect  / your affectionate frend

Fr. Adr. vanderkemp


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Mack, 20 September 1822
From: Mack, Stephen
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Ithaca Tompkins Co. N.Y. Sept. 20. 1822

				I am requested, by Capt. James Young, of the revolutionary Army, to address this letter to you requesting your aid in obtaining a pension for him He is old, infirm & indigent. He says he joined the continental army about the 13th day of May 1775—That soon after, he recd. a commission as Capt. to raise a company of artificers. That the commission was signed by yourself and John Handcock, on application made to you by Gov. George Clinton. He was to enlist the men for three years or during the war. That he belonged to Col. Duboise’s regiment, in the N. York Line. That this commission was taken by the enemy from a chest, at the taking of Fort Montgomery—He has made a declaration in order to obtain a pension under the law of 1818—but was not able to prove that he had a commission. If this fact is written in your recollection, you will do him a favor by certifying and sending the certificate to me and he wishes you to say whether you considered him as belonging to the continental establishment— Very Respectfully Sir / Your Obedient Servt

					Stephen Mack


Title: From John Adams to William Thomas, 26 September 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Thomas, William

Dear Sir
Montezillo September 26th. 1822

The inclosed papers are old Colony Memorials and therefore very proper to be inserted in your Paper, in which if you will be so good as to insert them word for word, / you will oblige your friend and / humble Servant
John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to John Adams, 30 September 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Montezillo September 30th 1822

I thank you for a pretty volume of Poetic effusions; for want of sight I have not read them, but in those which have been read to me,  I perceive nothing inconsistent with morals, on the contrary, a social spirit of charity humanity, and benevolence, Of the Poetical merit I pretend not to be a critical judge.
From your name I conjecture that you are a bee, from one of the six swarms, that issued from Mount Wolliston, to Medfield and Chelmsford, almost two hundred years ago, or from the old hive which has remained in Quincy to the present day, if you will give me your pedigree, you will oblige / Your namesake and humble servant

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from J. F. Dana, September 1822
From: Dana, J. F.
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Dartmouth College Hanover N.H. Sept. 1822

				Be pleased to accept the accompanying papers, and with them the assurances of my profound respect for one, who will ever be remembered with the highest regard by the friends of Liberty and the Rights of Man.That God may preserve your health, and continue you, yet many years the pride and ornament of your country, is the sincere prayer Venerable Patriot of Your Obt Servt

					J. F. Dana


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Coffin, 5 October 1822
From: Coffin, Alexander
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Hudson Oct 5—1822

				I wrote you on the 22d. ult. and forwarded you a Coppy of my letter which I wrote from Amsterdam to your Secretary at Paris in 1782 together with a Coppy of a letter I wrote to Mr Saml. Adams from Nantucket in June 1785—on the same Subject of the Fisherys, with Some observations thereon—and not receiving any answer from you whether you have recd them or not, I am somewhat apprehensive they have Miscarried, if so, will you please to inform me, and if that Should be the case—I will forward you Duplicates of the Same— am Dear Sir, with Respect, / & Esteem, your Assured Fd. / & Fellow Citizen

					Alex Coffin


Title: From John Adams to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 8 October 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My Dear old Friend by the dear old titular of Marquis of La Fayette for I know nothing of your Modern Titles in France
Quincy October 8th 1822

David Hinckley Esqr of Boston a Gentleman of ample Fortune & respectable Character is about to travel in France with his amiable Daughter for the benefit of his health and the Gratification of his curiosity and the improvement of their knowledge of the World. Are extremely desirous of paying their respects to their illustrious fellow Citizen one of the Heroes of the American Revolution and Celebrated throughout the World for his Gallantry patriotism and philanthropy and now retired to his Estate at La Grange in France. I ask leave to introduce him & his daughter to your kindness.
As this is not the Age of News I have none to communicate we have enough of the Republican friction in this country which I believed you in France call “le Frottement Republicain,” and I presume you have a plenty of the like blessings in France though your government is not yet altogeher “republicain” but you have elections and whenever they take place there must be Collisions and “tribulation ditat” Collisions polish & refine. We are all in a flurry & bustle about the next Presidential Election which however is not to take place in less than two or three years before which time I hope I shall be one of the elect precious in Heaven.
Liberty & Liberality both in Religion and Government make a slower Progress in the World than I ardently wish they may.
There is a book in France which I once read by the favor of Mr Jefferson but was obliged to return—which I earnestly wish to obtain it is a kind of Review or Summary of Dupuis Universal Religion I despair of ever obtaining it without your assistance which will oblige me very much.
I have the honor to be Your old & faithful Friend / & humble Servant


Title: From John Adams to Stephen Mack, 10 October 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Mack, Stephen

Sir,
Montezillo Oct. 10. 1822.

I should sooner have answered your letter of the 20th Ulto if I could. My disposition is very good to assist as far as I can with truth & Justice any claims of my fellow citizens on the Justice or favour of their country But the claim of Mr Young is so very ancient & so many things have passed through my mind since, that I cannot depend on my memory for so remote a transaction. If Mr Young has any commission signed by Mr Hancock & me it must have been when I was Pres’t of the board of War, a committee of Congress. I cannot say that I recollect any commission signed by me to Mr Young, Though I have a reccolection of one company at least of Artificers, & have no doubt if Mr Young has such a commission that he was a member of it. I see no reason why artificers should not have the benefit of pensions as well as Soldiers, but if this congress is the only judge, I wish it was in my power to certify any thing that would be more satisfactory to Mr Young, but this is all that can be said by his & your / h’ble St

J. A.


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Coffin, 13 October 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Coffin, Alexander

Dear Sir.
Montizillo 13 Oct. 1822

I have received your letters and copies of the papers inclosed & immediately transmitted them to Wm. Thomas Esqr Editor of the old colony memorial gazette published at Plymouth who has printed them all in that paper of 5 Oct 5. As they are now in the possession of the public, they will contribute largely to diffuse a more correct knowledge of the importance of the fisheries to our wealth comfort subsistence   commerce manufactures naval power and political consequence. I am greatly obliged to you the for the communications you have made to me & rejoice that you  have lived so long and still enjoy such energy of mind & body. May they be Continued to you as long as you desire. I am Sir your obliged friend & humble Servant
J. A


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 15 October 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir.
Montezillo October 15th 1822

I have long entertained scruples about writing this letter, upon a subject of some delicacy. But old age has over-come at last.
You remember the four Ships, ordered by Congress to be built, and the four Captains appointed by Washington—Talbot & Truxton & Barry & ca. to carry an Ambassador to Algiers and protect our Commerce in the Mediterranean. I have always imputed this measure to you; for several reasons. First, Because you frequently proposed it to me while we were at Paris, negotiating together for peace with the Barbary powers. 2dly Because I knew that Washington and Hamilton, were not only indifferent about a Navy, but averse to it. There was no Secretary of the Navy; only four heads of Departments—You were Secretary of State; Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury, Knox Secretary of War; and I believe Bradford was Attorney General—I have always suspected that you and Knox were in favour of a Navy. If Bradford was so, the majority was clear. But Washington, I am confident was against it in his judgment. But his attachment to Knox and his deference to your opinion, for I know he had a great regard for you—might induce him to decide in favour of you and Knox, even though Bradford united with Hamilton in opposition to you—That Hamilton was averse to the measure, I have personal evidence—for while it was pending, he came in a hurry and a fit of impatience, to make a visit to me. He said, he was like to be called upon for a large sum of money to build Ships of War, to fight the Algerines and he asked my opinion of the measure. I answered him that I was clearly in favour of it. For I had always been of Opinion, from the Commencement of the Revolution, that a Navy was the most powerful, the safest and the cheapest National defence for this Country. My advice therefore was that as much of the Revenue as could possibly be spared, should be applied to the building and equipping of Ships—The conversation was of some length, but it was manifest in his looks and in his air—that he was disgusted at the measure as well as at my opinion, that I had expressed.
Mrs Knox, not long since, wrote a letter to Dr Waterhouse, requesting him to procure a Commission for her Son, in the Navy; that Navy, says her Ladyship, of which his Father was the parent, for, says she, “I have frequently heard General Washington say to my husband; the Navy was your Child.” I have always believed it to be Jefferson’s child, though Knox may have assisted in ushering it into the world. Hamilton’s hobby was the Army. That Washington was averse to a Navy, I have full proof from his own lips—in many different conversations, some of them of length, in which he always insisted that it was only building and arming Ships for the English.
Si quid novisti redius istes—Candidus imperti—
Si Non—his utere mecum”
If I am in error in any particular—pray correct / Your Humble Servt
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 15 October 1822
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Philada. Oct. 15. 1822

				By this day’s mail, I send you a copy of the second Edition, improved & enlarged, of the “Facts & observations, illustrative of the past & present situation & future prospects of the U.S. and am, / Very respectfully, / your obt. hble. servt

					Mathew Carey


Title: To John Adams from Edward Cruft, 19 October 1822
From: Cruft, Edward
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir
					Boston Thursday October 19. 1822

				I have seen Mr. Stuart, and he requests me to say he is ready at any moment to give you a sitting that is convenient to yourself, and it is unnecessary for me to add that we shall esteem it a great pleasure to have our house made acceptable to you—If agreable I would inform Mr Stuart the time you shall appoint to see him.—which I presume will be in the early part of the day.I am with great regard / & respect / My dear sir / Your friend

					Edw. Cruft


Title: To John Adams from John Adams, 21 October 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John

					Much Respected Sir
					Boston Octr 21st 1822

				In compliance with your request in your condescending favr. of the 30th. Ulto. that I should transmit the Pedigree of my family. I applied to my Father, who had taken some pains to inform himself respecting his Ancestry—being incited thereto, very much by the important circumstance, that One of the name had risen to the highest honours of our Country; and others, to very distinguished honours and trust—he indulging a hope to find himself Allied to this family, and not the most remote twig. Made a Inquiry about two years ago, to the ancient residence of his grandfather, who had been dead above sixty years, to obtain some information on this point—but to his disappointment, and mortification, could find no clue, by which he could gain satisfaction by manuscript, or otherwise; Although his grandfather was reputed while living, to be a man of information; who in the younger part of his life, commanded a ship out of Newbury, made several voyages to London, but discontinued them, before he arrived of middle age, and commenced the imployment of a husband–man—But while on this journey, heard of a man, by the name of Robert Adams, living but a few miles distant; being distinguished by the long Barn Robert, which name that family had inherited, for several generations, this man, being remarkably inquisitive, and the Oracle of the numerous descendents of that branch, as well as the inhabitants in general.—from this man, he was informed, that five Brothers, arrived from England, and were all together on that spot at one time, immediately after their arrival; but they soon dispersed except one, whose name was Robert, one went to Boston, one to Braintree, one to Chelmsford, and one went to New jersey, this last was, not married nor had issue, the others were married and had families—from Robert descended Abram, from Abram, Robert,—from Robert, Abram, who was the fourth generation from the Original Stock, and my great grandfather, who married Ann Longfellow, by whom, he had Ten sons (eight of whom lived to bring up pretty numerous families) and Three Daughters, Six of the Brothers, were husbandmen, the other two were twins, whose names were Joseph, and Benjamin, who received an education at Harvard, and were both settled in the ministry, Joseph in Stratham, New hampshire, Benjamin, at Lynn-End—the whole of the eight Brothers, including the three sisters, lived to average sixty seven & a half years—My   grandfather was Joseph, who had five sons, & one Daughter, my Father was Joseph, who has had Ten sons, and one Daughter, of whom, six sons, and one Daughter, are now living; the youngest’s name, is Joseph, who graduated at Harvard in 1820 The above information, Sir, I received from my Father, and should it not have been so minute, as to make too severe a trial of your patience, and should any part afford you amusement, it will give the greatest pleasure, Most Respected Sir / to Your Most Obedt Servt

					John Adams

					P.S. I forgot to mention, that the same farm on which they first made their Pitch being between three & four hundred acres, & lies two miles from Marimack River has never been alleniated, but remains in the hands of the Present Robert who is one of the sixth generation, he entertained my Father, with the sight of many Warlike instruments, those Brothers, brot with them, to contend with the Indians; & many other curiosities, of the day, such as Pittes, handled in England, and many farming utensils.—RespectfullyJ A
				My Father presents to  you his most profound Respects—


Title: To John Adams from Johann Friedrich Daniel Lobstein, 21 October 1822
From: Lobstein, Johann Friedrich Daniel
To: Adams, John

					Honourable & Respected Sir!
					Lebanon Pennsylvania October 21. 1822.

				To address so distinguished a personage is in a stranger a liberty perhaps unpardonable, but it is from a conviction that any effort, however feeble, that has a tendency to remove the unfavourable and erroneous impressions Europeans have imbibed of this Country, will meet your approbation, and induce you to pardon the writer for transmitting you the contents of his contemplated work—A Topography of the City of Philadelphia, in which the Author has sedulously endeavoured to convince them that their information respecting the Character of the Americans & the Government of the United States is incorrect and emanated from the most sordid and impure motives and that the said Government is the only one on the Globe where is tolerated genuine liberty in every sense of the word. The collection of materials for my said work since my arrival in this Country has engrossed the major part of my time, and during my residence in America I have had the pleasure of contracting an acquaintance with the most eminent of my profession, especially with the learned Doctor Hosack of New york, who has evinced much friendship for me. I flattered myself ere this period to have had it printed, but I find it will be more advisable for me to return for Europe and to have it there published, as the printing in this Country is too expensive. After its publication I will do myself the honour of presenting a Copy to you, which I trust, may prove acceptable.I had yesterday the gratification of receiving from the venerable ex-President of the United-States Thomas Jefferson, a letter in which he expressed much pleasure in the appearance of such a work.I have the honour, to be Respected Sir / with the highest Consideration and / personal regard / your most obedient & / humble servant

					Lobstein M.D.

					The Author intends to publish in future the following works:1. Of the present State of Medicine in North-America, the diseases that Climat is subject to, the treatment of the greatest part of American physicians, and the cause of the so frequent occurrence of gravel, with the good success the Author had in relieving many of such patientscommunicated to the Judgment of physicians.2. Treatise on Dysentery, and the principal praedisposing cause of this disease in the months of July and August in the year 1822 in the several Towns and Counties in Pennsylvania, which raged with uncommon severity, to which is annexed a treatise of the general mode of treatment of the practitioners at those places and the Authors own treatment.3. Treatise on yellow Fever with Remarks by the Author in the year 1819 & 1820 in Philadelphia, with his mode of treatment.4. Researches and Observations on Leprosy5. Description of the hospital, Almshouse, Orphans-Asylum, Institution for the poor, medical Institutions, and the several prisons in Philadelphia.6. Description of travels in the year 1818 to holland and a voyage to the United States, the Authors residence of four years at the latter place, to which is annexed a View of his life and his miseries with frequent malicious contest that where inflicted on him both in Europe an America.Il a dormi longtems, mais c’etait sans someilIl s’agite a present, et pense a son Reveil


Title: To John Adams from Edward Livingston, 22 October 1822
From: Livingston, Edward
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Red Hook (N York) Octr. 22 1822

				The honor of a communication from you would at all times have given me the highest gratification, but your letter of the 5th. Septr. was received with more pleasure, because I scarcely dared flatter myself that, fatigued as you must be with applications of this nature, you would have found time or inclination to favor me with your sentiments on the report. It was submitted to you solely from a persuasion that the subject would interest one who makes the contemplation of his country’s improvement & happiness, the solace of his age; as the Establishment of her liberty was the business of his youth.I am greatly encouraged in the work which I have (rashly I fear) undertaken, by your approbation of the general plan; and will endeavour to ameliorate the detail by the remarks you have already favored me with, and by those which you have led me to expect. An unlimited right to discuss the proceedings of criminal courts, must as you Observe involve great difficulties in its exercise; it was the subject of much reflexion before it was presented for consideration in the report, and will be reviewed with great care in consequence of the hints contained in your letter.I am particularly gratified by Your approbation of that part of the plan which which included the prohibition of constructive Offences because I consider it as one of the most valuable parts of the system and the sanction of your Opinion will enable me to support it against those (and they are not few) who fear every change that is not first sanctioned by the example of England—I beg you to believe sir that the terms in which you have been pleased to express yourself of the work give me more satisfaction because they convince me it will contribute to the advancement of reformation, than because it gratifies my self love, altho nothing is better calculated to praise the Vanity of an Author than to know that your approbation has sanctioned what he has written.I have the Honor to be with great Respect / Sir / Your Mo Obd. Servt

					Edw Livingston

					Having some additional copies of the report at my disposal, I send two which I pray you to Dispose of to such of your friends as you may think the subject will interest, there are also two in french, which some of your European Correspondents might like to peruse


Title: From John Adams to John Adams, 25 October 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
Quincy October 25th 1822

In the reign of Charles 1st of England, Henry Adams came to America from Devonshire and settled at Mount Wollaston with eight sons, one of whom returned to England. Four removed to Medfield, Medway, Bellingham and the neighbouring towns—two to Chelmsford Thomas and Samuel by name; Joseph only, my great grandfather, and the great grandfather of Samuel Adams of Boston, remained in this place which was incorporated into the Town of Braintree in the year 1639, of which town Joseph was an original proprietor. From one of the two brothers who removed to Chelmsford you are undoubtedly descended. The Revnd Mr. Allen, the Minister of Chelmsford has within a few years written and printed an history of that town, in which you will find the records of the grant of land made by that town to Samuel and Thomas Adams, on the condition that they would build a grist mill and a saw mill on a certain stream of water;  which mills were accordingly built and have descended in the name and family to this year—but I am now told that the mills at least and stream are now sold to the Society for erecting a cotten manufactory in that place for 14000 dollars.  As you appear to be in the full vigor of life, I should advise you to take a trip on Middlesex Canal to visit Chelmsford the seat of your ancestors and give my compliments to William Adams and pray him to shew you what remains of memorials of his family.
From Sir your obliged friend / and humble servant,
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Johann Friedrich Daniel Lobstein, 29 October 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Lobstein, Johann Friedrich Daniel

Sir
Montezillo October 29th. 1822

I have received the letter you did me the honor to write on the 21st. of October, for which I pray you to accept my thanks. The work which you propose to publish will be very pleasing I doubt not to this Country, and to none of its Citizens more than to me. Britain has made too very formidable attempts to Conquer America in Arms; but instead of acquiring glory she has come off with disgrace And now she is attempting to Conquer us by Calumniation, she has commenced a terrible War of the plume But she has been met and resisted in the field by Mr Walch, and many other able writers with so much spirit and success that she is likely to acquire as few laurels in this warfare as any-other, Last week was read to me a New Work entitled a Sketch of Old England, by a New England Man, which the British Empire can never answer I rejoice that a traveller so respectable, in Science and Literature has undertaken to give some account of us, the truth will be received from him, with more candour than from anything that can be written by a Native American. It is our misfortune that the British publications are scattered all over Europe and greedily read, whereas American publications, are not suffered, or even read in any part of the Britis British dominions and have little or no access to any part of Europe. —
I thank you Sir for your design, and have no doubt that the execution of it, will do honor to yourself, and be beneficial to America accept Assurances of the high consideration & Respect / of you most Obedient
J A—


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1822
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Monticello Nov. 1. 22.

				I have racked my memory, and ransacked my papers to enable myself to answer the enquiries of your favor of Oct. 15. but to little purpose. my papers furnish me nothing, my memory generalities only. I know that while I was in Europe, & anxious about the fate of our seafaring men, for some of whom, then in captivity in Algiers we were then treating, and all were in like danger, I formed undoubtingly the opinion that our government, as soon as practicable, should provide a naval force sufficient to keep the Barbary states in order, and on this subject we communicated together as you observe. When I returned to the US. and took part in the administration under Genl Washington I constantly maintained that opinion, and in Dec. 90. took advantage of a reference to me from the first Congress which met after I was in office to report in favor of a force sufficient for the protection of our Mediterranean commerce, and I laid before them an accurate statement of the whole Barbary force, public and private. I think Genl. Washington approved of building vessels of war to that extent. Genl. Knox I know did. but what was Colo. Hamilton’s opinion I do not in the least remember. your recollections on that subject are certainly corroborated by his known anxieties for a close connection with Great Britain, for which he might apprehend danger from collisions between their vessels and ours. Randolph was then Attorney General; but his opinion on the question I also entirely forget. some vessels of war were accordingly built and sent into the Mediterranean. the additions to these in your time I need not note to you, who are well known to have ever been an advocate for the wooden walls of Themistocles. some of those you added were sold under an act of Congress passed while you were in office. I thought afterwards that the public safety might require some additional vessels of strength to be prepared and in readiness for the first moment of a war, provided they could be preserved against the decay which is unavoidable if kept in the water, and clear of the expence of officers & men. with this view I proposed that they should be built in dry docks above the level of the tide waters, and covered with roofs. I further advised that places for these docks should be selected where there was a command of water on a higher level, as that of the Tyber at Washington, by which the vessels might be floated out, on the principle of a lock. but the majority of the legislature was against any addition to the navy, & the minority, altho’ for it in judgment, voted against it on a principle of opposition. we are now, I understand building vessels to remain on the stocks under shelter until wanted, when they will be launched & finished. on my plan they could be in service at an hour’s notice. on this the finishing, after launching will be a work of time. this is all I recollect about the origin & progress of our navy. that of the late war certainly raised our rank & character among nations. yet a navy is a very expensive engine. it is admitted that in 10. or 12. years a vessel goes to entire decay; or, if kept in repair costs as much as would build a new one. & that a nation who could count on 12. or 15. years of peace would gain by burning it’s navy and building a new one in time. it’s extent therefore must be governed by circumstances. since my proposition for a force adequate to the pyracies of the Mediterranean, a similar necessity has arisen in our own seas for considerable addition to that force. indeed I wish we could have a convention with the naval powers of Europe for them to keep down the pyrates of the Mediterranean, and the slave ships on the coast of Africa, and for us to perform the same duties for the society of nations in our seas. in this way those collisions would be avoided between the vessels of war of different nations, which beget wars and constitute the weightiest objection to navies. I salute you with constant affection & respect.

					Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 6 November 1822
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Philada Nov. 6. 1822.

				I have recd & read with great pleausre Your very acceptable letter of the 29th ult.Next to the approbation of a man’s own conscience, that of the enlightened part of mankind, is the greatest reward a correct mind can desire. It has been always my object—”laudari laudatis viris.” And I therefore estimate at a high rate the commendation you are so good to bestow on my efforts to promote the public welfare.I enclose send some more of my          trations, & am, / very respectfullly /  Your obt. hble. Servt

					Mathew Carey


Title: To John Adams from Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn, 8 November 1822
From: Dearborn, Henry Alexander Scammell
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Brinley Place Roxbury Nov 8. 1822

				Do me the favor of accepting a Memoir on the Commenced Navigation of the Black-Sea & the Maritime Geography of Turkey & Egypt, which has been compiled during the few leisure hours that remain to me.With sentiments of the / highest respect your most /  obt. Servt.

					H. A. S. Dearborn


Title: To John Adams from Robert Waln, Jr., 15 November 1822
From: Waln, Robert, Jr.
To: Adams, John

					Respected Sir,
					Philada: Nov. 15: 1822.

				Having it in contemplation to prepare the Biography of Roger Sherman Esqr., one of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and having been informed by his relatives that you were intimately acquainted with his private & political character, I beg leave very respectfully to request, that you will give the weight of your authority to the opinion which has already been formed, in relation to his virtues as a man, & his labours as a patriot.In delineating the character of those distinguished individuals, who, by their exertions in the cabinet or the field, contributed to the Independence of this country, it is of primary importance to obtain the opinions of those who laboured by their side during the eventful contest, & subsequently contributed to place the offspring of their united exertions upon a solid & lasting foundation.From these motives, it is, with perfect respect, that I solicit any communication which you may be pleased to make upon the subject.I have the honour to be / Very Respy / your obedt huml St.

					Rob. Waln Jr:


Title: From John Adams to Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn, 20 November 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Dearborn, Henry Alexander Scammell

Dear Sir
Montezillo 20th. November. 1822

I pray you to accept my cordial thanks for the rich present of your Memoir, on the Commerce and Navigation of the Black Sea &ca. This work had been read to me throughout, three years ago, and I had long since purchased it if I had known where to find it. It is now the more acceptable to me as the it is a present from the Author. I know of no Monument that has ever yet been erected in America, of persevering application and indefatigable research, which has resulted in such a Mass of knowledge, as it relates to regions which will infallibly attract the attention of mankind, for Centuries to come, more than any other; and produce Revolutions, which no human sagacity can foresee in detail
your Work must increase in value and demand from year to year.
Accept again the thanks of your obliged / friend & most Ob. Servt.

John Adams


Title: From François Adriaan Van der Kemp to John Quincy Adams, 20 November 1822
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear and respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 20 Nov. 1822

By the frendship, with which I was gratified and honoured by your Beloved Parents’—during the best part of my life, and which I yet continue to enjoy unabated—By the courtesy with which you obliged me—voluntarily, and by your Literary endowments I feel my Self Sufficiently justified, in Submitting to your examination sundry paper—although I know that your High Station, your more Serious occupations may not leave you Sufficient leisure—to cast a glance upon them. But, so you may lay these aside, as long as you pleas. My only wish is, if life is granted us, that you may examine these and—if they deserve your approbation—if you deem these—when the Idiom could be corrected, useful, and favoured me with your criticisms, then I Shall be satisfied.
I Sopt with the Alen: on copper. when our frend Luzac was taken from us—He would have corrected the whole and given it a decent appearance. The same lot was that of the Sketch of the Ahaicik Republick; my frend Dr. Toulmin died, before he accomplished the correction: Now These prospects are gone, neither I lament
Endeavouring to bring my raw materials in Some order—I intend ere long—to Send to your worthy Niece Emily—with whom I spent, this fall, a few days—a Symposium of Dutch Boors—with a Journal of a jaunt to lake Oneyda—which, if She deems it proper—and these triffles Sufficiently deserving your attention. She is at liberty to convey to you—when you may return these by a proper opportunity. So as request—to forward the Letter to my Sons—with your opinion upon it—
Remember me with kindness—when you write to Montizillo—and believe me to remain with my highest consideration and respect / Dear & Respected Sir / Your Most obed.

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 2 December 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir.
Montezillo 2d. December. 1822

I have been deeply afflicted with the account of your accident—At first your Leg was broke—I shuddered, I feared that I should have no more letters from Montecello—Next came the account that it was only a small bone in the Arm—My hopes revived the difference between the leg and the Arm was immense. To illustrate this difference, and for your consolation and amusement; I will give you an egotistical anecdote; When one of the Comets was here in our neighborhood I went out one evening into my Garden to look at the wandering Star—with four of five Gentlemen. we returned through an alley over which my Men had placed a strong stake to prevent a Peach Tree from breaking down with its load of fruit—In the dark I blundered against this stake broke its fastness—it fell and I with in on the sharp edge of a knot in it—I felt a sharp cut but thought it had only broke the skin, I scampered up and returned to the house with the other Gentlemen—my Daughter Smith cryed out Sir, what has happened to you, your Leg is all bloody, I striped off the stocking and low a gash from half an inch, to an inch deep cut by the sharp knot bleeding profusely my Daughter cried out bring me some Laudanum I knew no better, her mother always had an Apothecarys Shop in her closet instantly brought a Bottle they poured a quantity of it into the wound and washed the neighboring flesh with it—bound a bandage around it, but it produced an inflamation which cost me a confinement for two months several surgeons came to see me and all agreed that neither the genius nor experience of Philosophers, Physicians nor surgeons had hitherto invented any means of preventing the humours falling down into a wound in the Leg but by holding it up, they accordingly compelled me to hold mine almost perpendicularly oftener lieing on my back on a sofa oftener at an angle of forty five but never lower than an horizontal line, in this manner they made me vegitate for two months suffering continual twinges on the shin, the Bathes, tents and bandages and lotions I pass over— I verily believe that if nothing had been done to it but washing in warm water it would have been well in three days—You may console yourself with the hope that your Arm will soon be well; you will not be obliged to hold your arm up pointing to the skies—
If you cannot write yourself pray the fair lovely and accomplished Miss Hellen Randolph to write a line to inform me of your recovery—
Your affectionate friend—
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Stebbins Gorham, 4 December 1822
From: Gorham, Stebbins
To: Adams, John

					Hon. J. Adams,
					Boston Decm: 4th: 1822

				I handed a Subscription Paper, in at your door the other day, together with a communication, humbly to solicit aid for a large School on the Island of Nantucket for the benefit of the poor,—and not recieving any information from you, sir, on the subject, I take the liberty to write to you, lest you might have forgotten to send me the subscription paper, for which I am waiting.—It is needless to say any thing farther to you on the subject, except whatever you are disposed to give, in this, our extremity, shall be most gratefully received, and recorded in our books as a memorial of your benevolence.—As far as we have proceeded in our edifise we have studied the most rigid economy—We are now needing 2000 dolls.—500 or 600 of which must be laid out in a School Library of juvenile books, and Stationary for the School—our case is inexpressibly urgent, 400 children waiting. Some individuals have generously given 200 dolls. and others less—Please to pardon my intrusion for I feel very anxious for the prosperity of the School—Your Obt. Humb. Sevt.

					Gorham Stebbins


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 4 December 1822
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Albany 4th. Dec 1822

				I rejoice to notice by the public papers that you not only live, but that it is evident from yr. interesting letter to Ar. Coffin—that Providence Continues to bless you with an unimpaird intelect. I rejoice Sir to find a motive to address you once more. We have corresponded upwards of 40 years on various Subjects. The object of the present letter is to inclose to you a letter from Mr A Vanderkamp which appeared in this days daily paper in deffence of your just claims on the gratitude of  posterity. I attended the meeting on the Subject of the brave greeks, to which he refers alludes, and verbally explained the error commited by the Orator, but was too unwell to address the audience. Most of the facts stated by Mr. V. K were familiar to Me, especially as I was in debted to you for an introduction to America’s eairliest friends advocate Mons: Dumas our Steady, valuable & efficient friend in June 1784 while traveling in Holland; as well for Letters of introduction to that bright Lorry of science & Literature, the unfortunate Luzac of Lyden; and Van Staphorst the great Banker at Amsterdam. All firm, and useful friends to America in the eventful crisis of an Revolution.I Shall be happy to hear from you once more—& am Dr Sir, / Cordially & Affectionably Yours

					Elkanah Watson

   note—blown up from an explosion of 30,000 uF. powder belongg. to the French Army in 1794—in the Canal opposite his house—where I spent an Evening 1774


Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 10 December 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Elkanah

Dear Watson,
Montezillo December 10th: 1822—

I thank you for your kind letter of the 4th: Instant. I wish that time may bring forth as able a vindicator of the merits of your useful life, as Mr VanderKemp, has proved in defence of my reputation with posterity, for some little usefulness in Holland—This testimony of Mr VanderKemp was as unexpected to me as if Luzac, De Geislaer, Van Berkel, Father Dumas, Cerisier or VanderCapellen de Pol, had risen from the grave and published such a narration. It is written however, avec connaissance de Cause.
I recollect the agreeable hours I have passed with you in France, Holland, England and America, and our correspondence for forty years, and regret that we have not lived nearer together. The Pamphlet which you mention respecting the Canal—has escaped my attention. I will thank you for another copy. I hope you see and receive the Old Colony Memorial; a new paper instituted in Plymouth and Edited by William Thomas Esqr:. A paper which deserves to be read and encouraged by all America—
I am, Sir, both rationally & affectionately / Your Friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John V. N. Yates, 13 December 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Yates, John V. N.

Dear Sir.
Montezillo 13th. 1822 December

I have received this Morning from the Post Office by an unknown hand a slip of an Albany newspaper containing your letter to Dr Vander Kemp I highly esteem the candid impartial & honorable spirit of it, I cannot dictate the remarks that occur to me upon the subject at present—but shall confine myself to one observation—It is most true that I did love and venerate the character of the Dutch—And it is equally true, that I do still love and Venerate their Character. If their Language and History were as well known as those of the Greeks they would be as much Esteemed and admired by mankind—Their Literary Character, their scientifick character their military character by Sea and Land, their Mercantile and Manufacturing Character—would suffer nothing by comparison with any other Nation—Their Statesmen and their Heroes will compare with Epaminondas and Brutus—Indeed in what is called Taste in the fine Arts, perhaps the World might not allow them the perfection of some other Nations.
You may possibly think it affectation if I say, but I can say with truth, that I love and venerate every nation with whom I have lived. I have found exalted Talents and virtues in ever one, and substantial excellencys in the National Characters, of them all, but in none more than among the Dutch.
Dr. Franklines fame can never be obscured, but I know nothing of any loan in 75. Dr. Franlkine was then in America, and a Member of Congress;
I have the honour to be very respectfully / Sir your most obent. humble Servt
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John V. N. Yates, 15 December 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Yates, John V. N.,Hamilton, Isaac

Gentlemen
Quincy 15 Dec 1822

I have received the letter you did me the honour to write me Nov 1822 which has excited emotions too strong for faculties so enfeebled as mine to endure. Every humane christian & philosophical mind must approve the fine feelings and magnanimous sentiments which produced the assembly at Albany. Every lover of pathetic eloquence must be delighted with the speeches pronounced on that occasion. The cause of liberty justice & humanity is in a critical & dangerous situation all over the world. The great powers of Europe are gradually swallowing up all the small ones and the solemn league & covenant among some of them & I know not how many threaten civil wars to their own subjects and long & bloody wars calamities to man kind. Ho The liberties of Holland Switserland & Italy as well as those of Spain & Portugal are in a situation nearly as dangerous as those of the Greeks. I think that Switserland & Italy ought to be supported as well as Greece. Austria already commands Italy & French statesmen avow that in case of a war with, Austria France must take possession of Swittserland. Now I think that Swisserland Italy & Greece ought to be all independent nations & in alliance with each other for mutual support.
Last I have known for more than forty years pasts that the eyes of the great powers and of the deep politicians of Europe have been turned to the Pelopennesus & to all Greece & to all countries between them and India. The ultimate object of the Emperor Napoleons expedition to Egypt was this spot. Every great power in Europe longs to have it but none is willing that another should acquire it. The subject I own is too vast for my capacity My feelings would soon decide but my reason hesitates: As I am just stepping into another world I can do nothing more in this
I have the honor to be Sir with great & sincere respect & esteem / your very hum Sert


Title: To John Adams from Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 15 December 1822
From: Coolidge, Ellen Wayles Randolph
To: Adams, John

					Sir.
					Monticello. Dec. 15th 1822

				My Grandfather informs me that you have expressed a wish to hear from him through my means, since he is deprived of the power of writing to you himself by the accident which has disabled one of his wrists. this accident was much less serious than might have been apprehended from the circumstances under which it took place. the fall was to the ground from a terrace about three feet high; my grandfather extended his arm in an effort to save himself & fell upon it, the consequence of which was a fracture of the inner bone not far from the wrist. it was  immediately set by a skilful surgeon and we hoped that a few weeks would have sufficed for the complete cure, but owing probably to his advanced age, the bone has not shewn as great a disposition to unite again as we could wish. this will subject him for a longer time to the inconvenience of not being able to use his left arm at all, whilst his right hand has been stiff for many years in consequence of a former dislocation of the wrist. his general health is good, and he pursues his usual occupations with the exception of writing, which has become so extremely painful to him, that he avoids it as much as possible. having a horse perfectly gentle & manageable by one stiff hand, he continues to take the only kind of exercise which he has used, for many years past, and spend part of every day in riding over his farm. I am acquitting myself of the commission with which you have charged me with the greater pleasure, as it gives me an opportunity of offering to you, along with my grandfather’s greetings, the homage of my own veneration and profound esteem, nor can it, I hope, be considered as presumption in me, to suppose this homage worthy the acceptance of so distinguished a character; since however insignificant the good opinion of one individual might otherwise appear, it acquires importance when considered as a part of that general admiration to which your great qualities have entitled you; And I may venture to say, Sir, that if public approbation be the best reward of merit, I can wish you nothing better than that, to form the sum of public opinion, each individual should contribute as large a portion of esteem as I have the honour to offer you on my own part.My mother desires to be called to your recollection, and joins me in the sentiment with which I remain / Most respectfully yours

					Ellen. H. Randolph.


Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 17 December 1822
From: Watson, Elkanah
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Albany. 17th. Dec 1822

				I have rec’d your friendly favr. of the 10th. Inst. I took the liberty to shew your letter to Secy. Yates the Great Orator & permitted him to take a copy to transmit to his friend Mr. Van Der Kemp. I hope I have  not transgressed. By last mail I transmitted to you in conformity to your request, Robt. Troup’s pam Letter on New York Canals addressed to Brockholn Livingston. I presume you know the respectable standg. of Colo Troup least you shou’d not—he was aid du Camp to Genl. Schuyler in the revolutionary war, & for many years one of the most respectable Lawyers in this State—& was appointed by Genl. Washn. dist. Judge of the U. States.I State these facts, that you may Know that my distinguished vindicator ranks high as a Man of honor, virtue & Independance, & that his vindication was spontaneously prompted by a sense of public justice t’wards Me, and indignant to notice the shameless assumptions of Clinton.I Shall be highly gratified to be hon’d with a small nitch in your library. The pamphlet is an appropriate appendage to my Canal & Agricultural history which was publish’d by  Steele on his own acco.I regret I have not one to transmit to you, but in that view—Mr. Steele however informs me that Cummings & Hilliard book sellers in Boston have a few Copies. Shou’d my suggestion meet your approbation, it will be proper the pamphlet shou’d be placed at page 104. My work Contains the only correct Map of the rout of the Erie Canal extant—On that account it is valuable—It contains also a plan of a harbor at the Outlet lake Erie which contrary to my calculation as the work of future ages is in consequence of being brought in to view by me for the first time, in actual opperation—at black Rock. It also fell to my singular destiny to give the plan of harbor at Buffalo in 1817 which has been recently compleated on that plan with full success. These harbors were an essential desideratum in Reference to the Navigation of the upper Lakes. However benefitted my Country may be by my efforts & devotion for 30 years,  improvements in Albany—Canals—turnpikes—& Agricultural Society, & many other projects wh. which with one exception have All succeeded—yet to me my worthy Sir—it has been a source of Affliction, & distraction as the magnitude of the objects, & the unparal’d difficulties, prejudices, nay in Some instants barbarism  I have had to encounter has absorb’d all my attention—and caus’d a neglect of my private affairs to my infinite injury—I have reason therefore to dread that the residue of my Voyage thro the Vale of years will be amidst quick Sands—Shoals & Sunken rocksThese I cou’d Support with Philosophy, but to be persecuted by Clinton & his Satilites with the malignity of a demon from the Moment my Canal history appeared, & exposed his Cloven foot—as both cruel, unjust & infamousI wou’d Not Sir presume to trouble you with my grievances had I Not Also received great injustice in the respectable North American Review edited by Mr. P Everett—He Also chimes innocently to Clintons false Notes—It is a matter of Sincere regret to many of his best friends who know he has been circumvented by some of Clintons retainers to give a false colouring to the real history of Our Canals to my prejudice.This fact ought to be well Known in Masssts. & yet altho’ Mr Everett has been wrote to by some highly respectable friends—yet he declines to correct the mistakes he has God himself to inadvertently promulgated & with  a true State of facts truth from his numerous readers. These facts Sir—You will find abundantly developed in the pamphlet.I am Dr Sr, / with profound Veneration / & respect / Your Oblig’d Old friend

					E. Watson

					P.S—I have opened the letter to Say that the gentleman to whom I have taken the liberty to Shew your letter—have express’d a wish it may be publish’d with the exception of any the Subject of Troups pamphlet—this I cannot do without your approbation, altho’ its publication wou’d be very useful to Mr. Thomas of Plymouth


Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 20 December 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Elkanah

					Dear Sir
					Quincy December 20th. 1822

				I have received and heard Mr Troups letter to Judge Livingston of the 23d of January 1822. you need not wish for a more ingenius, a more able or a more spirited vindication of your claim to the first suggestion of Canal Policy in New York, or of Genll. Schuylers sagacious patriotism in adapting and supporting your ideas in the legislature you have both great merit but still I think Mr Clinton has great merit in supporting promoting and executing your plan—It is right to preserve the memory of the first discoverers and inventers of useful improvements, for the Amelioration of the condition of mankind. The Gentleman my Contemporarys in Philadelphia used to say that the first discovery of the efficacy of lightning rods was Ebenezer Kennersley, a young Gentleman of an ardent thurst for science, who drew lightning from the Clouds by his Iron pointed kites, before Dr. Franklin had attempted anything on the subject. Why indeed may we not say that the discovery was made in the time of the Roman Emperor Tyberius for in his reign the Astronomical, and Astrological Poet Mamillius, wrote this line,Eripuit jovi fulmen viresque Tonandi.—yet all this diminishes in no degree the great merit of Dr Franklin, in maturing digesting and propagating to the world his system of lightning rods. It would be well to ascertain if it were possible the first discoverer of the incalculable power of steam; and while we should do honor to his memory we should not withhold our admiration and gratitude, from the great Fulton whose Steam Navagation will be of greater benefit to Mankind than Franklins Philosophy—though that is very great; And while I wish to do honor to these great Men I ought to bear my testimony to the merit, of your long exertions which I think have been very beneficial to this Country—With much pleasure I repeat the assurance / of the long continued esteem and affection / of your friend and humbl Servant

				John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 23 December 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Elkanah

Dear Sir
Quincy Decr 23d. 1822

I have recieved, and heard read Collo. Troups letter to Judge Livingston of the 23d Jan. 1822. You need not wish for a More rigorous, a more able, or a more spirited vindication of your claim to the first suggestion of the Canal policy in New York; and of Genl. Schuylers sagacious patriotism, in adopting, and supporting your Ideas in the Ligeslature. You have both great merit but still I think Mr. Clinton has great merit in supporting your plan
It is right to preserve the memory of the first discoverers, and inventors of useful improvements for the amelioration of the condition of Mankind.
The gentlemen who were my cotemporarys in Philidelphia, used to Say that the first discovery of the efficacy of lightning rods was Ebenez Kenning a young gentleman of an ardent thirst for science, who drew lightning from the clouds by his iron pointed Kite, before Dr. Franklin had attempted any thing on the subject.
Why indeed may we not say that this discovery was made in the time of the roman Emperor Tyberius for in his reign the astronomical and Astrological Poet Manillius wrote this line, “eripuit jovi fulmen viresque tonandi” he snatch’d lightning from jupiter and arrested the force of thunder yet all this deminishes in no degree the great Merit of Dr. Franklin in maturing, digesting and propogating to the world his system of lightning rods. It would be well to ascertain If it were posible the first discoverer of the invaluable power of Steam. While we Should do honor to his memory we shou’d not withold, our admiration and gratitude from the great Fulton, whose steam navigation will be of greater benefit to mankind than Franklins philosophy—though that is very great.
And while I wish to do honor to these great men, I ought to bare my testimony to the merit of your long exertions which I think have been very useful to Our Country.
With must pleasure I repeat the assurance of the long and continued esteem and Affection of your friend and humble Servant.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from John V. N. Yates, 23 December 1822
From: Yates, John V. N.
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Albany Decr. 23. 1822

				Your much esteemed favor was received a few days since, and I could not deny myself the pleasure of sending it to the press, though at the risk of being charged with Egotism—But the desire of the Publick is so strong to see every thing that falls from the pen of one of our earliest & most distinguished Statesmen and patriots, that I yielded to the wish of several of my friends in making it publick—I hope you will pardon the act and ascribe it to the true motive—You will perceive from the Newspaper herewith sent that the Editors have accompanied the letter with some extracts from Sanderson’s biography—It is however essentially the same with your Account—Franklin was in England & America during the same year [1775.]—I must confess  I do not exactly apprehend what Dr. Vanderkemp means in his letter to me by the loan he speaks of, when Contrasted with your remark that you knew of no loan in 1775—Perhaps, however the Doctor’s reference is to Another year—Were it not, that I know how much you are troubled with correspondence I should be pleased in hearing your explanation of it—Your compliment to the Dutch was very gratifying to all our Knickerbockers of this City—“There” say they “see the testimony of a New Englandman in favor of our Countrymen.” The liberal and enlightened opinions you express of every nation with whom you have lived, testifies, what we have long since known, your experience & knowledge of human nature, and that wherever, and under whatever form it is exhibited, the spectacle is substantially the same—With my best wishes for your health and happiness I am, Dear Sir / With profound Respect & Esteem / Your mo: obt. servt.

					J: V. N. Yates.

					P.S. Your letter to our Grecian Committee here, has also been received, and they are preparing an Answer to it.—


Title: From John Adams to Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 24 December 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Coolidge, Ellen Wayles Randolph

Dear Miss Randolph
Montezillo December 24 1822

You cannot imagin how much pleasure I have received from your kind letter of the 15th. It is perfectly beautiful, and I have given it to my Grand Daughters as a model of literary composition.— Your account of your G. F. activity and energey almost excites my envy, who have neither a manageable horse, nor capacity to mount him, if I had one. It is delightful to me to see and hear so many proofs of the soundness of his Health, and the entire preservation of his great Mental Talents. Our liberal Theologians or as the Orthodox call them our philosophick Divines are so eager to have access to his letters that they have draged into publication one of them, with my answer to it. His is eagerly read; but mine has exposed me to much Criticism and some censure
The good old Ladies are astonished that Mr Adams is hinting at the comforts of Dotage had not dwelt at the ravishing hopes and glorious prospects of a future State. My only apology to them is, that when writing that letter I had it full in my mind to quote the raptures of Cato major in Cicero’s old age, when he declared to Scipio and Loelius, that if some God should offer to rejuvenize him he would decidedly refuse it, for he would not relinquish his delightful hopes of soon meeting his dear departed Son, and the Sages and heros he had known in his Youth; Snd I had also full in my mind to mention Fontenelle’s delight in his asparagus and oil at ninety nine, and Theophrastus’s regret at being obliged to go out of the World, when he had just learned to live in it—But I know that all these facts, were better known to Mr Jefferson than to me and therefore it would be a ridiculous pedantary in me to send such coals to New Castle.—
Present my best respects to your Mother my recollections of her, and her Sister have been constant as well as my ever since I knew them in Europe; too of the lovelyest little Girls I ever saw and equally constant have been my regrets, that I have never been able to renew my acquaintance with them—in Virginia, or Massachusetts.
With my best wishes for the health and happiness of the whole family, And particularly for the early restoration of the Presidents Arm, and my best thanks for the favor of your letter, I have the / honor to be my dear Miss Randolph / your affectionate, and friend / and obliged humble Servant


Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 29 December 1822
From: Adams, John
To: Watson, Elkanah

Dear Sir
Montizillo 29 Dec 1822

I have received your favour of the 17 Dec You may do what you please with my letter of 20 Dec The Mr. Troop you mention is the gentleman I presume whose eloquent speeches I read in the vol of transactions of the convention for reforming the constitution. It would give me pleasure to peruse all your publications and to correspond with you on the subject of them but I can read nothing and scarcely write the name of your friend

J. A.


Title: From John Adams to John V. N. Yates, 1 January 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Yates, John V. N.

Gentlemen.
Quincy January 1st. 1823

I have received the letter you did me honor to write me on the 24th. December. And I pray you to accept my thanks for the kind expressions and benevolent sentiments of it,—The Greeks I believe have been alternately excited and encouraged in their resistance to the Turks by Russia, Austria England and France for a course of years past, and now I fear they are to be abandoned to their fate by all of them; It is impossible for us Americans to withhold our sympathy in their sufferings; Indeed we ought to sympathize in the sufferings of all mankind under bad Governments. Superstitions and tyrannical dominations oppress mankind all over the World we cannot relieve them all we shall receive with open Arms I hope, all who can seek refuge and protection under our mild Government, And if public charities could be applied to assist emigrants from Slavery to Liberty it would be more usefully employed than in some other enterprises of less promising beneficence—I hope nothing will be done which may embarrass our National Government, sound political prudence ought not to be banished from our deliberations.
Insani sapiens nomen ferat æqus iniqui
Ultra quam satis est virtutem sipetat Ipsam—
I have the honour to be Gentlemen / with great respect your obedient humb. Servent
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Loring, Jr., 3 January 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Loring, Thomas, Jr.

My Dear Sir.
Quincy January 3. 1823

I thank you kindly for your present of Dr. Gays Sermon. Such has been my veneration for that Revnd. and Venerable Patriarch, from my earliest Infancy, to the present hour, that in reading his Sermon I seem to see him in the Pulpit, to discern the motion of his lips, and to hear the sound of his voice. I recollect the conversations I have had with him, the cheerfulness and vivacity of his Wit and humour, united to the perfectly Gentlemanly purity of his Sentiments.—
I will relate to you one anecdote. An Officer of some rank in the English Army, was envited by some friend to go to Hingham, on a Saturday and pass the Sunday, in the family of Dr. Gay. On his return, on Monday, to Boston, his friends found him extremely dull. They said to him why so melancholy? he waived the question for some time and continued very sober, till they insisted upon knowing what had happened to him; at last he said, the truth is I have passed the Sunday with an aged Clergyman in Hingham, and I have been to Meeting with him and joined in his Family devotions; And I have seen in the Parents the Son, and Daughters, And the Servants, such perfect purity, simplicity and happiness, that it has turned my thoughts upon the frivolous foppery and folly of my owen life; And it has affected me with a melancholy that I cannot get over.—I rejoice at the republication of this excellent Sermon, and again thank you.
My affectionate respects to all the Family Connections—And am dear Sir, with respect / and Affection / your obedient Humbl. ServantJohn Adams


Title: From John Adams to Charles Thomson, 6 January 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Thomson, Charles

dear Sir
Quincy January 6th. 1823

Col: Pickering has sent me in your name your Synopsis of the four Evangelists, The whole of which has been read to me, except the notes, I cannot delay to express my gratitude for your Rememberance of me, and for this rich present, It is much more intelligable to me than King James translation—
I know of no Man who has spent the last thirty years of a long life in so much serenity, industry and utility as you have, Your translation of the Septuagint, your three translations of the new Testament, and this last effort the Synopsis, will raise a Monument to your name which can never perish but with religion and learning; What can be the reason that the Septuagint has never been translated into English before yours, at least I am so little of a learned Man, as never to have heard of any, I am ashamed to tell you, how idle, and inane, my Life has been, in comparison for the last five and twenty years Though you are six or seven years older, my tran The transit will be made before yours, by your friend and most humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Daniel Coney, 7 January 1823
From: Coney, Daniel
To: Adams, John

					venerable Sir
					Augusta Maine lat. 44°,14’ Jan 7. 1823

				This morning at Sunrise the Thermometer indicated the cold 12° below Zero.—contemplating before I rose from my bed, It occured to me how does Presdt. Adams in his old age get on this cold weather; concluded to write a few lines, if able, & respectfully ask him “how do you do”—I will say nothing about Theology Am reading Dr Bancrofts 29 Sermons printed at Worcester 1822—I will say nothing of Politics—the Slave holding States, it would Seem claim a monopoly of the Presidents—Should the Eastern & northerly States Sanction such a Claim at the next Election (but I trust they will not) I can only Say no man in N England will feel more Sincere regret—I notice Mr Jeffersons Letter, I read at your house last June, has found its way into the public Journals, accompanied with a better Letter from yourselfAllow me to enquire how do you keep your feet warm these cold nights, I really Should like to know—for I Suffer a good deal,—It is recorded that David in his Old Age was allowed two young Damsels to keep him warm. Such indulgencies at this day would no doubt Subject an old man, tho’ of a fain well earned reputation, to pretty Severe reproofI will mention a covering for the feet during the night, take flannel let it be double quilt cotton wool bats between, pretty thick around the Tohs  & feet, may be made in form of Socks to lace at the ankle to accomodate the part It will be found comfortable, a great Security against frost—In accordance to the N England custom I tender to you Sir, the Salutations of the New year / With the respects & Esteem / of your ob. hl Serv

					Daniel Cony


Title: To John Adams from Timothy M. Cooley, 9 January 1823
From: Cooley, Timothy M.
To: Adams, John

					Mr: Adams—
					Granville (Mass.) 9th: Jany. 1823

				Permit the undersigned most respectfully to inform you that a Gentleman in our vicinity has made a donation to establish a Library for the benefit of the youth in this Village and as an appendage to a Classical School established here; and we have also been gratified gratuitously by several Authors and Editors of periodical publications with their several productions—We now Sir have presumed to address your Excellency with a request for a copy of the Defence of the American Constitutions or such other work as shall be Agreeable to yourself thus to appropriate—In making this request, permit us to express to you our desire more particularly to become the beneficiaries of the Pride of our Commonwealth, and to receive somewhat of a literary nature; and to hold the same as a relick of one of the greatest and most venerable characters of the Age—Should we be the fortunate subjects of your liberality in this particular we assure your Excellency we shall duly acknowledge and appreciate the bounty and hold its venerable Author in grateful remembranceIn behalf of the Dickinson Library Company in Granville—

					Timothy M CooleyOliver ParsonsJames CooleyCommittee

					P.S.—Any communication forwarded by Stage to the care of John Phelps Esqr Sheriff of Hampden County—Springfield, and notice of the same by Mail to Oliver Parsons Esqr Post Master Granville will meet our wishes—


Title: From John Adams to Daniel Coney, 11 January 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Coney, Daniel

dear Sir
Quincy Janry 11th. 1823

I have received your favour of the 7th. upon a very grave, serious, and important subject—You enquire how I get on this cold weather; I will tell you in few words—I have a bottle of hot water quart Bottl filled with boiling water, laid between the sheet at the foot of my Bed, and it defuses its heat through the whole Bed, and keeps me as warm as an egge under a setting hen—
Your machinery is as well contrived as mine for what I know to comfort old age—
I have as little to say upon Theology, and politicks as you have— / and am with esteem, your / friend and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from A. Stanton, 12 January 1823
From: Stanton, A.
To: Adams, John

					Venerable Sir
					Philadelphia the 12th. of January 1823

				I take the Liberty of Sending my little work to the Nestor of the united States, who more fortunate than he of ancient times, has a Son Who So honorably fulfills the place of a Ulisses.I have the honor to be / Venerable Sir / your most humble / and obedient Servant

					A. Stanton


Title: From John Adams to Timothy M. Cooley, 14 January 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Cooley, Timothy M.

Gentlemen.
Quincy. January 14th. 1823.

I am honoured with your letter of January 9th. 1823. It would give me great pleasure, to send you any Books for the use of your Classical school but I have already given my Library to a Classical School in Quincy, excepting a very few, which are a necessary of Life to me, I send you the second and third Volume of my Defence, of the first volume I have but one Copy—Of the Discourse’s on Davila I have but one Copy, which I call the fourth volume of my Defence
How these four volumes will be considered by posterity I know not. They were written with great sincerity and great anxiety. unpolished as they are they must remain for I can never correct or revise them,
With my sincere wishes for the increase of your liberary, and the prosperity of your Society, And with a duplicate of the second and third volumes—I have the honor  to be very respetful / your most obedient humbl Servt
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Farmer, 16 January 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Farmer, John,Moore, James Barbour

Gentlemen
Quincy January 16th. 1823

my apology for neglecting so long to acknowledge the receipt of your Historical Collections, is that eighty seven years is a heavy load to carry, or in the more expressive and more elegant language of one of my Farmers, the eightyeith year of a Mans life, is a hard outside roe of corn to hoe, but I am weary of alledging age and infirmity as excuses for procrastination.—You have sent me a very acceptable and valuable publication; it is all curious and useful; but the Life of General Starks is above all price.—notwithstanding the present apparant tranquillity of the World the United States of America will have occcasion for more such Characters, as Starks and Jackson the  Mankind are marching upon burning coals, covered with deceitful ashes, Oh that I could, mention Arnold in such company, for though I believe he never had the cool intrepidity solid Judgement, and capacious views of those other heroes, yet he had an ardor for fight which is often very useful, yet all his good qualities were ruined by the baseless fabrick of his moral Character
I thank you Gentlemen for this kind present As I am not ambitious of the Character of a prophet of ill, or a complaining dotard, I pray you not to publish this letter
 / from your obliged and most obedient / humble servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Aaron Bancroft, 21 January 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Bancroft, Aaron

Dear Sir
Quincy January 21 1823

I thank you for your kind Letter of Decr. 30 and above all for the gift of a precious vol—It is a chain of diamonds set in links of Gold—I have never heard or read a volume of sermons better calculated or adapted to the age and country in which it was written—How different from the sermons I heard and read in the town of Worcester  from the year 1755 to 1758 As my destiny in life has been some what uncommon I must beg pardon for indulging in a little egotism—I may say I was born and bred in the centre of thelogical and eclesiastical controversy—A sermon of  Mr. Bryant minister of the Parish who lived on a spot now a part of the farm on which I live occasioned the controversy between him and Mr. Miles—Mr. Porter—Mr Bass and many others—It broke out like the eruption of a volcano and blazed with portentous aspect for many years—the death of Dr: Miller the Episcopal Clergyman produced the controversy between Dr: Mahew and Mr: Apthorp who were both so connected with this Town that they  might almost be considered as inhabitants of it. I may say that my eyes opened upon books of Controversy between the parties of Mr. Buckminster and Mr Miller—I became acquainted with Dyer Doolittle & Baldwin three as able disputants—Mr: McCarthy though a Calvanist was not a bigot—but the town was a scene of dispute all the time I was there—When I left, I entered into a scene of other disputations at the bar—and not long afterwards disputations of another kind in politics—In later times I have lived with Atheists, Deists, Sceptics, with Cardinals Archbishops monks Friars of the Roman Catholic persuasion—with Bishops, Deans & Priests of the Church of England—with Farmer—Price—Priestly. Rippen Rees Lindsay—Dirney & Jebb—with the English and Scottish Clergy—in Holland and especially with Doctr McClean at the Hague, I have conversed freely with most of the sects in America and have not been wholly inattentive to the writings and reasonings of all these denominations of Philosophers and Christians. You may well suppose then that I have had Controversy enough, but after all I declare to you that your 29 Sermons have expressed the result of all my reading experience and reflection, in a manner more satisfactory to me than I could have done in the best days of my strength—The most afflictive circumstances that I have witnessed in the lot of humanity are the narrow views the unsocial humours the fastidious scorn and repulsive temper of all denominations except one—I cannot conclude this letter without adding an anecdote—
One of the zealous mendicants for contributions to the fund of Missionary Societys called upon a gentleman in Haverhill and requested his charity, the gentleman declined subscribing but added that there are in and about the town of Newbury Port 9 Clergymen the ministers of 9 Congregations not one of whom lives on terms of civility with any other will admit none other into his pulpit nor be permitted to go into the pulpit of any other—Now if you will raise a fund to convert these nine Clergymen to Christianity I will contribute as much as any other man—
I am Sir / with great respect & esteem / Yr: obliged friend & Hble: Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Aaron Bancroft, 24 January 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Bancroft, Aaron

Dear Sir
Quincy January 24th. 1823

I thank you for your kind letter of December 13th. And above all for the gift of a precious volume. It is a chain of diamonds set in links of Gold I have never read, nor heard read, a volume of Sermons better calculated and adapted to the age and country in which it was written. How different from the Sermons I heard, and read, in the Town and County of Worcester; from the years, one thousand seven hundred fifty five, to one thousand seven hundred fifty eight
As my destiny in Life has been somewhat uncommon I must beg your pardon for indulging, in a little egotism, I may say I was born and bred in the center of Theological and Ecclesiastical Controversys a Sermon of Mr Bryant Minister of this Parish who lived on a spot, now a part of the farm, on which I live occasioned the controversy between him and Mr. Niles, Mr. Porter, Mr. Bass, and many others, which broke out like the Eruption of a volcano and blazed with portentous aspect for many years. The death of Dr. Miller the Episcopalian Minister of this town produced a Controversy between Dr. Mayhew and Mr. Apthorp who were both so connected with this town, that they might almost be considered as inhabitants of it. I may almost say that my eyes opened upon Books of Controversy—when I removed to Worcester in f one thousand seven hundred fifty five, I found that County hot with Controversy between the parties of Mr. Buckminster & Mr. Miller—I became acquainted with Dyer, and Doolittle, and Baldwin three notable disputants. Mr Maccarty though a Calvinist was not a bigot but the Town was a scene of disputes all the time I lived there. when I left there I entered into a scene of another disputations at the Bar and not long afterward disputations of another kind in politicks. In later times, I have lived with Atheists Deists, and scepticks, with Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops Monks Priests and Fryars, of the Roman Catholic persuasion, with Arch Bishops, bishops, deans and priests of the Church of England, with Farmer, Price Priestly, Kippis, Rees, Lindsey, Disney and Jebb with the English and Scotch cleargy in Holland and especially with Dr. Macklane at the Hague. I have conversed freely with most of the sects in America and have not been wholly inattentive to the writings and reasonings of all these denominations of Philosophers and Christians. You may well suppose then, that I have had Controversies enough but after all I declare to you, that your twenty nine sermons have expressed the result of all my reading experience and reflections, in a Manner more satisfactory to me than I could have done in the best days of my strength—
I am Sir with great Respect and / Esteem your obliged friend / and Humble Servant
John Adams
P.S. The most afflictive circumstance that I have witnessed in the lot of humanity, are the narrow views the unsocial humour, the fastidious scorn and repulsive tempers of all denominations, excepting one. I cannot conclude this letter without adding an anecdote; One of the zealous mendicants for contributions to the funds of the Missionary societies called upon a Gentleman in Haverhill and requested his charity. The Gentleman declined subcribing, but added there are, in and about the town of Newbury port nine cleargymen Ministers of nine Congregations not one of whom lives, upon terms of civility with any other, Will admit non other into his Pulpit nor be permitted to go into the pulpit of any other—Now if you will raise a fund to send Missionaries to Newbury port to Convert these Nine Clergymen to Christianity, I will contribute as much as any Man—
John Adams—


Title: To John Adams from David Sewall, 27 January 1823
From: Sewall, David
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir
					York 27th. Jany. 1823.

				It is some time since, I Wrote you, and I some times think I am culpable in not doing it more frequently, But my Apology to my self is, that it operates as a Tax upon your politeness, for a reply,—Be this as it may, you may be assured that seldom a Day passes, but I think of you, and it will afford me real pleasure to hear from you.—This World is yet in a troubled State—and in much confusion and perplexity as Well in South America, as among the Greeks, Turks, Asiaticks and some of the European Nations.—insomuch that the Millennium tyrrany expected, doth not seem probable, will arive in our Days.—But the darkest part of the Night, is said to be, just before they day Dawns:—The  prophesyes upon that Subject have always struck me as allegorical, and never to be understood in a strict litteral Sense.—But that the general promulgation of the Gospell, would be the means, Whereby the general society of Mankind be would be amelorated; and the visions passions of the human race be restrained and in some measure essencially changed.—One of the greatest Wonders, with us is, the Bridge from Kittery to Portsmouth: And which I despaired of ever Witnessing—This Bridge I have actually passed in my chaize, and it is as marvelous to us, as that of Charles River was to Boston, and its environs of in the year 1786. The expense is said to be about from 31-32,000 Dollars—What effect the Ice will have upon it the present Season will probably determine.—my Health remains much as it has been—My hearing of is some what impaired and I cannot Read by candle light—My Scribling faculties are such, as this communication appears, are made without inconvenience / By your old Friend & only Surviving clasmate

					David Sewall

					The legislature of Maine are now in Session, and some of the difficulty, attending a New state, which its principal Advocates, before the separation from Massa. endeavoured to Secrete, begin to appear—The Building a Penitentiary, or State Prisson—and fixing upon a place for the permanent Seat of Government.—Reports on these Subject are before them—upon the former latter (the permanet Seat of Government) is said to be put over to a New legislature, by a large majority—This Subject I expect will be a Standing Dish for some time to come


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Jr., 27 January 1823
From: Tudor, William, Jr.
To: Adams, John

					Dear & Venerable President,
					Boston Jany 27th. 1823.

				At length I have the pleasure to send you a copy of my life of James Otis. I can hardly express to you the various emotions that arise in thus presenting you with a volume which may be entirely attributed to you, which in almost every page relies upon your authority, and which affords so many proofs of of your kind communications to me. Often as your name appears, I have had some difficulty to avoid using it more frequently. I was not writing  your life nor a regular history of that period, but it is impossible to touch upon it all without finding you connected with all its scenes.I will not express to you the deep anxiety I feel in regard to your opinion of this work. It is obviously more important to me than that of any other person existing. Still I must ask the favor that you will give it to me even though you should be dissatisfied. Even if I have failed, I trust you will be convinced that I have intended well. The men & the events of those times furnish a glorious theme, and what I most fear is that in attempting constantly to check the enthusiasm which the study of them excited I have may have become cold & formal. In trying to escape the fault of exaggeration, and of an inflated style I may have fallen into the opposite faults. But I submit the whole to your indulgence.Allow me once more to thank you for all your condescension & kindness, and to assure you of the gratitude & respect, with which / I am your Mo hble sevt

					W. Tudor


Title: To John Adams from Henry J. Oliver, 31 January 1823
From: Oliver, Henry J.
To: Adams, John

					sir.
					Boston January 31. 1823

				I take the liberty of forwarding to you per the same mail, which conveys this, a pamphlet on the subject of Religious Association, both as it involves the prosperity of the religious community and as it regards those poor in large places, who have too long been neglected and have, of late in this city, elicited much of the public feeling in their behalf—The remarks must not be read with any expectation of finding them the productions of a scholar—they bring the production of one who only has enjoyed the education usually obtained in one of the public schools, in this, his native town.—Should they be honored by you, sir, with a perusal, and should they afford you the least satisfaction for the half hour, which might be expended in the reading of them, it will be truly a source of much gratification to / Venerable sir / Your mo. respectful & Very hble servt:

					Henry J. Oliver


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Jr., 1 February 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Jr.

Dear Sir,
Quincy 1 Feb 1823

From the moment when I received the your Life of James Otis, I have held in requisition my readers till they have finished the Volume, I am afraid to trust myself to express my opinion of it, or my feelings in hearing it, I could wish to read the North American review of it, before I say anything myself that I might shelter myself in some degree under their authority, but I cannot wait; And once for all I say, It is the best, the most important volume of American Biography that I have ever read, Nor have I ever read a life, written by my friends Kipis, or Towers, Those vetrans in Biography so much to my satisfaction; I seeme to live over again, ten or fifteen years of my early Life, I see nothing exaggerated, nothing extenuated nor anything sett down in malice. The Stile is your owen, and among the best of American productions. Your talent at drawing Characters is nobly displaied in those of Otis, Adams, Cushing Hancock, Mayhew, Chauncy Cooper Thacker, And others,—Scientific Biographers, And sagacious reviewers may complain of some departure from their rules, but I know them not.—I once had an opportunity of learning them, my friend Dr. Kippis had a printed sheet of questions which he sent all over the three kingdomes to collect information concerning Lives he was writting this sheet I might have preserved, but as I never expected to write any life, I neglected it—As I did, a million other things, which I now regret,
Accept my best thanks for this invaluable present / and believe me to be as ever, your most / affectionate friend & / humble Servt.
John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 1 February 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

					Dear Sir
					Quincy Febuary 1st. 1823

				Thanks for the renewed testimony of your letter of the 20th frindship and your kind letter of the 20th If JQ—or any of my posterity, do not recognise the obligations of this Country to Holland, It will prove in them an ignorance, inattention, and ingratitude, unworthy of their Name, You ask the history of my seal I had it cut immediately after the peace of 83. It was a proud, perhaps a vain, exultation, at the preservation of the fisheries, and Western Lands, The French and English exerted all their policy to deprive us of both but we carried the point against them. The Fisheries were of vast importance to the Northern States, and if Millions, of Millions of acres of Land, are of any value, the Southern, and Western States, have reason to exult in the preservation of them. The pine Tree and the Cod Fish represent the Fisheries, and the pine Timber, represent Maine and Sagadahock the Country in which naval Timber growes. The Buck under the tree, represents the western Lands, the regions of Game and Hunting; I thought that buckskins and Yankees had reasons to rejoices, at the preservation of them—And my heart acknowledges that I felt no little pride at having had, a hand, in contending for them. I added the moto Piscemur venemur ut olim, we will hunt, and fish as usual.I do possess a copy of a letter, which I wrote to Dr. Price on the French Revolution, in 1789—but it is in a letter Book, long since packed away in a Trunk which I have given to J.Q.—I know nothing of the Book called Ecce Homo or its Author—I know of nothing in the progressive steps of my Grand Sons, George, John or Charles, to displease me—I am with unchangeable friendship / yours forever—

					John Adams

					P.S. Your friends the Quincy’s, are in Boston. He is acquiring a great Character, as Judge—you once offered me a copy Manivius, the Astronomical Poet, which I then declined, but now I have become a mendicant Friar, and beg one, for the Quincy Library, and I pray you to write in it, presented to the Quincy Library by Fr Ad Vander Kemp—


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 February 1823
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Quincy February 4th. 1823

Thanks for the renewed testimony of your friendship in your kind letter of the 20th.—
 If JQ. or any of my Posterity, do not recognise the obligations of this Country to Holland It will prove in them an ignorance, inattention, and ingratitude unworthy of their name.—You ask the history of my seal, I had it cut immediately after the peace of 83. It was a proud, perhaps a vain exultation, at the preservation of the fisheries, and Western Lands; The French and English exerted all their policy to deprive us of both, but we carried the point against them. The Fisheries were of vast importance to the northern States, and if Millions, of Millions of acres of Land are of any value, The Southern and Western States have reason to exult in the preservation of them. The pine tree, and the Cod Fish represent the fisheries, and the pine timber represent Maine and Sagadahock, The Country in which naval Timber growes. The Buck under the tree represents the western lands, the region of Game and Hunting. I thought the Buckskins and yankees, had reasons to rejoice at the preservation of them. And my heart acknowledges that I feelt no little pride at having had a hand in contending for them—I added the moto. Piscemur venemur ut olim We will Fish, and hunt as usual.—
I do possess a copy of a letter which I wrote to Dr. Price on the French Revolution in 1789. But it is in a letter Book, long since packed away in a trunk which I have given to J. Q. I know nothing of the Book called Ecce Homo, or its Author—I know of nothing in the progressive steps of my Grand Sons, George, John or Charles to displease me—You once offered me a Copy of Manilius the Astronomical Poet, which I then declined, but now I have become a mendicant Fryar, and beg one for the Quincy Library and I pray you to write in it, Presented to the Quincy Library by Fr Ad Vander Kemp—
Your Friends the Quincys, are in Boston. He is acquiring a great Character as Judge—
I am with unchangeable friendship / yours forever
John Adams
P.S I have found the letters, to Dr. Price, if you have any particular wish for them, I will send them to you—


Title: To John Adams from Alden Bradford, 4 February 1823
From: Bradford, Alden
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston Feby 4.

				Permit me to introduce to you Judge Thatcher of Thomaston, Maine, who married a daughter of the late Genl. Knox—& who has a Son, that he wishes to have an appointment, as Midshipman in the navy—Judge Thatcher is a Gentleman of education & high standing in Society—very respectfully

					Alden Bradford