Title: To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 17 July 1820
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Cousin
					Princeton July 17th 1820

				I have not been so much puzzled to find the Text, I quoted in my last letter, as I have been, to get relief from a constant stricture in my breast with a severe Cough & incipient hemorhage of the lungs, which has forbidden the use of my pen; and thus my first hour of convalescence I dedicate to the gratefull acknowledgemt of your kind letter of the 16th. ultimo.—Nothing my Dear Cousin gives me greater pleasure than hearing from you, with the evidence of your enjoying so much Health & good spirits—and that every thing around you bears the promise of abundant harvestI am now in the midst of my haying that from present appearances expect I shall have more hay than my great Barn of 160 feet by 50 will contain—I am now geting in from a Six acre field opposite the old mansion House 431 Cocks of the usual size—32 Cocks to a Ton is 2 1/4 Tons to the acre—the adjoining Ton abt 4 acres is cut but not yet cocked, appears to be stouter & heavier and is judged will produce 2 1/2 Tons to the acre—I hope your fields will yield in equal degree with mine—and the experiment made with the lime compost has fully answer’d your expectations—I observed with sincere pleasure a tribute due to you, in a toast given at the last Celebration of Independence—Altho’ I know you never bowed to Preists, or Kings, yet there was one of the latter who in his age, and by succeeding generations has been considerd the wisest of his our race both as Prophet & King whose declaration is exemplified in you—glorious is the fruit of good labours, and the root of wisdom shall never fall away—this every day you continue in Life (& may those days be multiplied,) and confirm, not so much the hopes but the evidences of things daily seen—I regret that I am to resign all hopes of seeing you untill we meet at Quincy The Thots of your attempting to come in a Gig, as you say you intend, should you come to Princeton;—I had rather relinquish to see you in Elishas Chariot assending to Heaven & your son Mr J Q your Elijah receiving your mantle to add to the innumerable virtues which adorn his character in this Life and prepare him for the rewards of a better.—The Promised text I will give you at length as the former part equally applies to you—namely— “There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be happy, and the tenth I will utter with my Tongue, A Man that hath joy of his children, and he that liveth to see the Fate of his enemy—Ecclesiasteus 25th & 7th verseAs to the Phylosophy of the latter part of the verse, or its accordance with the Doctrines of the New Testament I am not casuist enough, to settle, but its natural effect upon the Human mind every one can judge for himself—Mrs Boylston who has been for some time & is yet a sufferer from severe cold decrees her ardent & affectionate regards & respects to you with her very best remembrances to Judge & Mrs Adams and the Ladies of yr family CircleI am Dear Cousin / your ever affectionate / and faithfull Friend

					Ward Nichs Boylston


Title: From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 31 July 1820
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, George Washington

					My dear George.
					Washington 31. July 1820.

				If the twenty-five Volumes of the projected compilation of English Poetry, which were published at Philadelphia, for which I subscribed, and which I promised to give you, should be sent on to Boston, you shall still have them; but it is not worth while to purchase them there, if the remaining volumes are not to be published—You shall not lose however an equivalent for the donation, and you may now if you prefer it, purchase a set of the Cicero and Tacitus published by Wells and Lilly, and ask Mr Cruft to pay for them, shewing him this Letter—and take them as the substitute for the Poetry. I enclose herewith a Receipt in full from Gales and Seaton to the Harvard College Athenaeum, for the National Intelligencer to 15. September 1820. As it is only to that date, the additional half dollar was not due, and Mr Gales paid me 25 Cents, for the postage of the Letter to you, erroneously calling for the payment, which had been already made, last October—He was much mortified at the mistake; but in a large establishment requiring a multitude of small accounts, such accidents will occasionally happen—As in this instance you have found the usefulness of keeping your own accounts and vouchers correctly, it may serve to confirm you in habits of punctuality—You will charge that 25 Cents in your small account with me, and of course credit the Athenaeum to the same Amount. And write me whether you continue to give attention to the art of Book-keeping by double-entry: a system which I wish you throughly to understand both in theory and practice.In observing that the Government of the University have deferred giving you a part at the next Exhibition, you express a Confidence in yourself, which is pleasing to me, because I trust it is well founded—I trust also that the opportunity, which you say it will give you of endeavouring to gain a better one at the next Exhibitions will not be left unimproved—Had your Dissertation upon the Character of Socrates been honoured with the prize, I am sure it would have given me as much pleasure as you—But let not this event discourage you—Let it on the contrary prompt you to redoubled exertion—The most precious of all success is the result of perseverance after repeated failures—The character of Socrates, required more time and deeper investigation than you could bestow upon it at present; for instead of searching books to know what other men have said of it; your only course to write upon it properly, would have been to read, and profoundly to meditate upon almost all the works of Plato—There you would have been able to judge of Socrates from his own discourses—You would there have seen him in his principles and in his conduct—you should then have compared them together—Remarked how far his principles were consistent at different times with themselves—What there was in them peculiar to him, and differing from the doctrines of other Sages and philosophers his predecessors or cotemporaries—How far his conduct corresponded with his principles—From all the Dialogues of Plato in which Socrates is an interlocutor, you should have collected and digested his System of Moral Philosophy—compared it with that of Zeno—with that of Epicurus, and shewn how it differed from that of the Old Testament—Mr Luzac has considered Socrates only in his character and conduct as a Citizen, and his work is rather a Panegyrick than a character—I said nothing of all this to you, before you had sent in your Dissertation, because I did not wish either to dissuade you from writing, or to prescribe to you any plan, other than that which would occur to your own imagination—I shall expect the copy of your Dissertation, and upon reading it, shall very probably suggest some ideas which you may turn to account, when you write for the next year’s prize.Among your readings have you ever met with the Choice of Hercules? and if you have, where was it? I ask you the question, for several reasons, and among the rest, because it has some connection with the Character of Socrates. Let me have your opinion of the fable and its author—Your affectionate father

					J. Q. A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 7 August 1820
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Quincy, Josiah, III

					Dear Sir
					Washington 7 Augt 1820

				I accept with pleasure the proposal in your Letter of 27th ulto. respecting my library now deposited at the Athenæum; which is agreeable to me in every particular. I have only to add a few suggestions. There has never been at the Athenæum a complete Catalogue that of my Books.— When they were removed there in 1809 I gave Mr. Shaw the only Catalogue that I had of them, which was nearly perfect, but which is lost.—Mr. Hill promised me when I left Boston last to make one out for which purpose I left a Book with him.—I should wish that when they are removed to your rooms you would personally satisfy yourself by inspection of the accuracy of the Catalogue—Some of my Books at the Athenæum have been lost—others mutilated—you will do well to note and have marked down the condition in which you will receive them.There are at a Store of Mr. Shandelle’s in Boston, under the diary of Mr Edward Cruft twelve  Trunks and Boxes of Books which came from England on my last return to this Country in 1817. I believe they have not been opened since their arrival—If you have room for them I should be glad to have them added to those from the Athenæum. I have a Catalogue of them with me here nearly correct: which if you consent to take them I will send to you; but this may be done if you chuse, after the removal of the others—As the Shelves or Boxes in which the books are to be put are to be on my account, I shall be glad to have them made such as can be taken down from one place and set up in another without the necessity of altering or cutting them up.We shall consider the term of four years as merely assured for the designation of a period, subject to other arrangements at our mutual convenience.—My service here may terminate much sooner in which case my intention is to resume my residence in Boston, and my books will become necessaries of life—But wherever they may be, I need not say they will always be at your service for any use that you may have occasion to make of them any of them—Your intimation of engagement in pursuits requiring extensive and frequent reference to Library Books, has given me a hope that you are employed upon some considerable work; and it is gratifying to me to anticipate that my Books may thus contribute to purposes useful and honourable to our Country.I am Dear Sir, ever faithfully yours.

					P.S. I shall not for the present wish any insurance to be made.


Title: To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 7 August 1820
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Cousin
					Princeton Augt 7: 1820

				My boasted convales’cense, did not continue but a few hours after Dr. Warren & Dr Gorham left me. To the care of the former I committed the last letter I have been able to pen, from the severity of my relapse wch. has reduced me to an extreme degree of Weakness, & for 11 Nights out of 13 I was unable to lie down & caught what repose the Intervals wou’d allow me to take, bolster’d up in a Chair—I am now somewhat relived from this distress, my fever & colliquative sweats have abated, but still am very weak & emaciatedI wish to correct a misnomer in my last I wrote in great haste as Dr Warren was on the wing & I had not time to correct. vizt. shd. be Elijah’s instead of Elishas Chariot, & Elisha not Elijah receiving yr. mantle—no matter the object of my wishes were the same—& hope if we are denied a meeting in this world of trials & pains, we shall meet where neither mental or Corporal suffering, will ever interrupt our future felicityI am very impatient to see Mr. Secretary Adams & I must beg your Interest to prevail with him & Mrs. Adams to pass 2 or 3 days wth us either in his way to Quincy, or his return to Washington I mean to write him as soon as I am able & hope you will indulg me by leting me hear from you as its always a source of the greatest pleasure to / Your affectionate / Cousin

					Ward Nichs Boylston

					PS. Mrs. Boylston desires her kindest respects to you & joins me in best remembrances to the Ladies of yr. family & yr. Son


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 8 August 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 8 August 1820

				Harriet Welsh writes me that George and you intend to visit Mrs. de Wint during the vacation and that if your father grants you permission you intend to go on to Niagara—I had made a partial engagement to accompany Mr. & Mrs. de Wint to Niagara this fall but I do not feel quite sure that I shall be able to accomplish this purpose as your father tho’ he says I may go always appears to have sudden apprehensions of a fever or some sudden indisposition and this usually produces great irresolution on my part concerning the proposed journey. as however it is not by any means decided and Mr. & Mrs. Calhoun do not go for a fortnight I may perhaps accept their invitation and go with them to Cedar Grove—The journey would be delightful and I am sure I should enjoy it above all things—Charles grows amazingly fast and is now growing fat—I do not know how his education goes on but I have some fears concerning it tho’ his master speaks well of him he will have much to do to fit himself for College next year—We shall move into our new house the 1st of October and a terrible move it will be—I expect to be very uncomfortable there but I suppose it will not last long as your father is always hinting that his time will be short—This is and has been, one of the most truly disagreeable parts of my life—and makes it utterly impossible for me even to enjoy the present because I am perpetually worried by anticipations of the future which anticipations however seldom arrive—This property that I am about to remove to I always detested as it has in my eyes no one recommendation and it is in vain that I am told it was purchased to please me I only go into it because it was bought and because I think it nonsense to live in a rented house when your father has one of his own.I have many times expressed a desire to know what success you had at the examination but you never mention it. I have to wait so long for Georges promised Letters that when they arrive they lose their zest and have very much the effect of a good dinner after waiting till the appetite is gone which you neither relish nor digest—tell him or rather show him this as I only write thro’ you because I have no idea of forcing my Letters upon so negligent a correspondent—How is your Grandfather and the family at Quincy I hope you are getting over your dandy ways and that will always prove a respectable and amiable Son to your affectionate Mother

					L. C. A.

					P.S. Have you grown at all since I saw you? You have I suppose got your books from Mr. Bailey


Title: From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 10 August 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

My dear Cousin,
Montezillo August 10th. 1820

I have two kind letters from you to answer—the last—of August 7th.—has filled me with deep sorrow and affliction. I am afraid you are not so careful of your health as you ought to be. I pray you to do every thing in your power to preserve it, for it is very interesting to me and mine—and let me add, without flattery, to the public.
The misnomer, an error currente calamo—needed no correction, for it is well understood, and easily accounted for—That we shall meet in another state I have not a doubt—for whatever errors either or both of us may have committed, I hope, and am confident they will be forgiven.—My last letter from J. Q. A. says, I am hand cuffed by the Spaniards, fettered by the Census and crushed by weights and measures, and therefore fear I shall not be able to come to Boston this Season. If he should come I will use my best persuasions with him to visit you,—and I know his inclination to see you and your seat will be as ardent as yours to see him.
The Foxtail seed you gave me I sowed, but very few if any have appeared to grow—there are a few plants such as I have never seen before, which I hope are of that species.—My experiments in Lime have not been wholly without effect but not as yet so beneficial as I could wish. I am trying it however again, not without hopes of better success.—I tried a cask of Calcine Gypsum upon grass without the smallest effect—and my neighbour Quincy, has tried it more largely and with as little success. I fear we are too near the effluvia of Marine Salts.
I have the most beautiful crop of Corn directly before my eyes, in front of my House, that you ever saw in your life. I would give any thing you could see it—it is more brilliant in my eyes than the finest Brigade of an Army that I ever saw drawn up. My grass was less than mediocrity, and all other things on the Farm & Garden are but mediocre. But why do I talk of my Farm and Garden, in comparison with yours they are but a speck of dirt, smaller than the Roman Empire appeared to Scipio in his dream when he thought himself among the fixed stars. With the usual protestations of love to you, and yours—and a sincere veneration for your Public munificence. I am your affectionate Cousin

John of Montezillo.P.S. My family unite in kind regards to yourself and Mrs: Boylston.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 10 August 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear George
					Washington 10 August 1820

				As I am much afraid that I shall not accomplish the plan proposed in my last Letter to John you will have an opportunity to take a part at the last exhibition in preference to the one you mention in October as should your father be able to go on he will probably not stay more than a fort night and that might not suit the time fixed—Your Letters to me leave me so little to answer that I can only write you a few lines; as it is difficult to keep up a correspondence which is only supported on one side—and your occupations are too numerous to admit of your wasting your time on so frivolous an object.—My object in writing you at present, is to send you a small gift of ten Dollars, the utmost my limitted means will admit of; which I hope you will immediately make use of to arrange any little embarrassments you may be under when you receive it—and make yourself easy in having spent it to some useful purpose—Do not be offended at this suggestion but remember that the caution comes from your Mother, and prove to her that it will not be necessary in future—I am easily deceived once, but cannot be so very often.—In the Winter I hope to see you again, and much reformed in your general manners, which you may rely upon it, it is essential for you to pay attention to—Have you seen your fathers character in the Aurora by Brutus?. It is certainly highly drawn but not calculated to do much mischief—Give my love to John and believe me as usual most affectionately your Mother

					L. C. Adams

					Write me immediately on the receipt of this—Your last excuse has already served long enough.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 14 August 1820
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

					My Dear Sir
					Washington 14 August 1820

				I received with much concern your kind favour of the 8th instt. particularly as it mentions your being in a feeble state of health—I hope it is only a consequence of the great heat of the Season with which we are also suffering here—While I had flattered myself with the hope of being able to visit my father this Season, I had the fixed determination of paying you that visit which with my Wife I had promised  you and Mrs. Boylston—But the duties of my situation have forbidden for the present year an absence from this place even for a few days weeks—I am therefore compelled to defer again the hope which I yet earnestly cherish of passing a few days with you; and as I am obliged to make the sacrifice of my vacation for the present year; I hope to be indulged for it with an earlier and longer furlough the next Season.—I shall then receive every explanations of your intentions, which you will be disposed to give, with the devotion of my whole soul to the execution of them, conformably to your wishes, but with a prayer no less ardent, that if it should ever be the dispensation of Heaven to call me to take part in the Execution of your last Will it may be yet after the lapse of many years of comfort and happiness to you.With the kindest respects of Mrs Adams and mine to Mrs. Boylston and yourself, I remain dear Sir, / Your ever faithful friend & Servt.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 18 August 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington. 18th August 1820

				As I have already said every thing on the subject of your last which was necessary I will only make one observation which is that reputation is always proved by actions and the less we say about generally the better we guard it and preserve it—You are now verging on the Vacation. Are you likely to have a brilliant Commencement? who are the graduates of Note?—Who makes an entertainment?—. We are here as dull as bad weather oppressive heat and stagnant Water can make us—Your father more deeply immersed in business than ever and less capable of participating in any domestic enjoyments if we had an usual—his whole mind is so intent on weights and measures that you would suppose his very existence depended on this report— We sometimes have a little Star gazing of an evening but the malignant influence of the Mosquitoes almost always drive me into the House and I am forced to amuse myself with stupid Loto because I can neither see to read or work—Of my garden you have often heard me talk its luxuriance in Weeds would defy description even the enraptured fancy of the Poets would scarcely paint them in their varied forms hues clustering thick oer flower and shrub till all is lost in one vast ruin and confusion—In this chaotic pickle I will leave it and trouble you no further with my scenic pictures—Charles is well and very anxious to adopt your plan I wanted him to go on with Mr. Bailey but he did not like and now that this opportunity is gone he regrets it. Your father has had a letter from Mr. Boylston in which he says he is very ill and seems to hint that his career will soon be over—have you heard anything of it? how is your Grandfather?I will this epistle of questions and desiring you to give my love to George and to tell not to scorn his Mothers mite assure you of the kindest affection of your Mother

					L. C. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 21 August 1820
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, George Washington

					My dear Son.
					Washington 21. August 1820

				Your Letter of the 13th: instt. is received and gave me pleasure—It would have been still more acceptable if it had contained your opinion of Prodicus’s Fable of the Choice of Hercules; your account of which is correct as far as it goes—Its first appearance is in the Memorabilia Socratis, of Xenophon, and is I think there represented not as written, but spoken in a dialogue. You will recollect I asked your opinion of the Fable and of its author, and observed that my question had some relation to the character of Socrates—Now this same Prodicus is one of the interlocutors in the Protagoras of Plato, a dialogue which I advise you to read with great attention during the vacation—Read it in the original Greek, and to facilitate your understanding it thoroughly read it also in the French Bibliotheque des Philosophes, where you will find two Translations of it; one by Dacier and the other by Grou. You may if you please send me a Review of the Protagoras—And in writing this Review, arrange for yourself a certain method of writing, which may serve you to perform the same operation with any other Book—For example; after having gone through the whole Dialogue, examine what is its Subject—It is a discussion between Socrates and Protagoras, in which several other persons occasionally interpose—I want you to tell me, what is the main question between them, and how each of them maintains his opinion. then to compare the reasoning on both sides, and judge which has the best of the argument—If there is a remarkable difference between the manner, of the two disputants, I wish you to state in what the difference consists; which of the two is best, and why—In the observations made, by other speakers, if there is any thing serving to shew the difference of their characters; note it down—Observe particularly the opinion that Socrates expresses of Prodicus, and compare it with what he says to him, and with what Prodicus says in reply—Notice the humour of the different speakers; the character of their discourse; whether grave or gay, plain spoken or ironical—If there is anything tending to shew the manners of the age and Country, in the time, the place, the Circumstances in which the dialogue occurs, let it not escape your attention—finally examine into the motive and design of Socrates in holding, and of Plato in writing the Dialogue. Study the Stile of the author, and enquire whether he might have told the Story in a better manner—In making up your judgment upon all this, my only recommendation to you is to avoid all partiality—You will find the notes both of Dacier and Grou, grossly partial on the side of Socrates; but do you judge for yourself—After going through this exercise you may further inform me, whether it does not shed new light upon your estimate of the character of Socrates.There was a prose translation of the Choice of Hercules, first published in the Tatler—That which you mention as being in the second Volume of the Preceptor, I have read or heard was written by Spence, and revised by Pope. Shenstone made a poem of it in the ordinary couplet verse; the other as you know is in ten lined Stanza’s—I prefer it much to Shenstone’s which is called the Judgment of Hercules.I am very sorry that you find the study of Mathematics unpleasant; but if you have profitably studied the choice of Hercules you will know that Toil is the price of all learning and all excellence—Among the sayings of the wise Men of Greece, I recommend to your meditation that of Periander of Corinth Μελέτη τό πᾶν.the more difficult you find mathematical studies, the more obstinately you should devote yourself to them—I can tell you why you make so little proficiency in them; it is not that you indulge your imagination, nor yet from the want of the faculty of discrimination—It is want of persevering application—want of resolution to bend your mind intensely to the study—I say it is not for the purpose of reproach, but of exhortation and intreaty. Whenever you become sensible of a defect in your own character let it be the steady purpose of your Soul to get the better of it—Never give up the cause of your own Understanding in despair.I shall speak to Mr Gales, and request him to have the papers for the Harvard College Athenaeum sent to Cambridge—I am glad you speak for the Boylston prize; and will only say, do not be discouraged, if you fail of obtaining it. Your affectionate father.

					J. Q. A.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 21 August 1820
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John

					Dear John.
					Quincy 21st: August 1820.

				There is in Boston, a Lemmon-tree of a peculiar kind, called the Sweet Lemmon, Sent to your Grandfather, by a gentleman from Malaga—and I expect it will be in the custody of our friend Mr J H Foster, by Tomorrow. Your Grandfather is desirous of presenting this plant to the Botanical garden, in Cambridge, and wishes you to call on Mr: Peck the Professor, with his compliments, tendering the Tree to his acceptance, and he will perhaps indicate some mode of conveyance for it to Cambridge, from Mr Foster’s house in Pond-Street.Be so good as to write me the result of your interview with Mr Peck, and with love to your Brother George, believe me truly / Your Unckle

					Thomas B Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Baker Johnson, 26 August 1820
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Johnson, Thomas Baker

					My Dear Sir,
					Washington 26. Aug. 1820.

				I am engaged in preparing by order of both Houses of Congress a Report upon the subject of Weights and Measures, embracing a Statement of the Regulations of the several States of this Union concerning them—I wrote a circular Letter to the Governors of the several States requesting information, and from the Governor of Louisiana, received a Copy of the Law of the State, adopting the Weights and measures used at the at the United States Custom House—Not feeling authorized to give the Governor of the State any further trouble in the case, I take the Liberty of resorting to you, for other information which will come within the scope of my Report, and for which I know not to whom else to apply. I put my enquiries in the form of the following questions, and as I wish to have the Report ready at the commencement of the next Session of Congress, the sooner I can obtain your answer the more useful it may be to me:1. What were the measures of length—of Land, of capacity, and Weights used in Louisiana, before the Cession to the United States?2. Were they of French, or of Spanish Origin, or of both?3. Are they, or any of them, still in use among the Inhabitants?4. If they are, what are the proportions between them and the weights and measures of the United States—If they used a pound for instance, what was its weight in English Troy Grains—If an Aune what was its length in English Inches—If a Pinte what were its contents—If a foot what where its dimensions, if a Boisseau what where its proportion to our Bushel—If an Arpent, how many were its square feet English Measure?5. If both French and Spanish Weights and Measures were in use what were the proportions between them?6. If the former Weights and measures are yet in common use, are the new ones equally so?7. Were there formerly any Police Laws for the accuracy of Weights and Measures; or any public Standards kept?8. If the old and new Weights and Measures are equally in use, the old Inhabitants complain of any inconvenience arising from the Change?Any other information relating to the Subject, which you may think interesting, will also be very acceptable.I am, Dear Sir, with great esteem and attachment, faithfully yours.

					John Quincy Adams


Title: From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 2 September 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

dear Cousin
Montezillo September 2d. 1820

I have been as Civil to Mr Lane who brought me your letter of August 26th. as I could, he dined with me, and I was much pleased with him—I am sincerely grieved at your long confinement and continued indisposition, what can I do to restore your health—If you come to the Convention as I hope you will—That I think will cure you—for wrangling and Contention exhilirates the Spirits, and Animates the Body—You will have enough of that to Cure the last stage of a Consumption—neither you, nor I will see the Secretary of State this Year—accounts received this day are decisive that he cannot come—My Crops are more abundant than I expected—I have the most beautiful Cornfield I ever saw—it is drawn up like an Army in Aray, in a long line before my house—The Constitution is a good Coat, made of good Cloth and well put together—And though a few alterations may be made with propriety—yet I hope the Convention will not imitate Jack in the Tale of the Tub—by tareing the garment to raggs and tatters—I hope it will be the means of bringing you oftener to Quincy—
your Account of the health of your Daughter in Law, and of your Son, is deeply affecting—But it is the Lot of humanity, and we ought to beare with dignity what we cannot avoid—Resignation is our only certain Consolation in this World—If your two Grand Sons—and your Grand Daughter should devolve on you—You will find in them a pleasing and salutary Amusement—I have seven Grand Children—and one great Grand Child under my roof—and they afford me much entertainment—
Your answer to the Corporation of Harvard College was the result of Conscious dignity, let them digest it at their leisure—I am my dear Sir, your affectionate / Cousin
John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 3 September 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					Dear George
					Washington 3d Sept 1820

				Your Letter has remained unanswered some time in consequence of the illness of Mary which has been pretty severe tho’ short she is now convalscent and I hope will soon be well—I propose to leave Town for Frederick on Thursday next where I shall probably remain ten days after which I shall go to Baltimore to the Wedding of Susan Buchanan who is to be married on the 21st. we shall only stay one or two days tho’ I should not be surprized if your father went on to Philadelphia for a day or two as he stands in great need of books for his report on Weights and measures which he cannot procure here—I am anxious to hear some account of your Commencement and want to know who entertained and who graduated? was there any one very conspicuous? Next year will probably prove the most interesting Commencement I have ever witnessed. You I suppose can guess the reason. How did the Boylston prize go on? who were the speakers?I heard of you from Col Freeman the other day who had received a Letter from Solicitor Davis who mentions your having passed the day there. should you Helen Davis give my love to her and tell her I hope we shall see her here next winter—I am always gratified when I hear you spoken of with approbation—You are I suppose at Quincy where I hope you will find your Grandfather well and happy—Johns plan is a good one provided his absences are short you I presume will accompany him occasionally—Tell my friends how much I regret having been disappointed in my visit this year—but I hope next year to make up for it as Mr. A—has large plans in petto This is common with him until the period arrives when they generally prove air bubles only fit to keep expectation alive and prevent the sinking dejection and fretting occasioned by frequent disappointment—When too often practiced they lose their effect but I am always ready to be gulled if a Lady may use so uncourtly an expression.Adieu write me speedily and be assured of the affection of your Mother

					L. C. A—

					If you are under any embarrassments confide in me and send your Letter by Mr Bailey who will deliver it me if you give him a hint without your fathers seeing it—


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 September 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

my dear Son
Montezillo September 8th. 1820

Our George has gained the first prize—and bares his honour meekly—He is a dutiful Son, for he is deeply engaged in Platonick Greek, In obedience to your advice and requisition—and what surprises me more is, that he is becoming an early riser—He was up this Morning before I was—And his Mind appears to be awakned by an Ambition to become an eminent and useful Man—John is at present devoted to his Sports, in shooting and Fishing he thinks he has a licence in the Vacation—But he is allowed to be studious in Term time—They are both good Lads and will come to something, If you do not allow them two much Money—I wish that Charles was here at Mr Goulds School—What would you say if I should tell you that I feast upon the prospect of seeing you next year at your Son Georges Commencement with Mrs Adams and Your Son Charles—And that a gleam of flash of Gleam has entered my old brain—That is is possible I may go to Commencement with you—And sett in awful judgement at P.B.K on the next Candidate for the prizes on the Art of Oratory
Your Lady has not been so good of late as she used to be—she has not written to me for a long time—The heat of the summer has been almost two much for me—What comforts I enjoy in my Family, I will tell you when I see you next summer—If I Live—If not, they may be buried in oblivion—
Of Publick affairs in this Country, or in any other part of the World, You will not expect me to write much—We are about to have a Convention to revise the Constitution—who I hope will not imitate Jack in the Tale of the Tub—by tareing and rending the Old Garment to raggs, and tatters—but they will make a mighty Bustle and produce an abundance of disputation It may take a longer time than they foresee to settle the fermented Liquor—but I hope nothing essential will be alterated for the worse—
We are all well—and affectionately yours / as is your Father
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway, 9 September 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Treadway, Susanna Boylston Adams Clark

my dear Susan
Montezillo September 9th. 1820

The circle in which I move you know is very Contracted—and when I go round regularly like a hores in a mill I do pritty well—but if I indulge in the smallest eccentricity I am sure to suffer for it—I did however venture upon one which proved an exception—I went to Boston and dined with the Venerable Dr Vanderkemp at Mr Benjamin Guilds, in Company with a social Circle of Wise, Pious and Virtuous Men—I was very much pleased with Mrs Guild, returned in the evening to Quincy, with a Young lady with whom I was not less pleased—Miss M. Bradford And how could I suffer from such a transgression of my narrow Periphery—I did not suffer the least inconvenience from it—
While Louisa was writing the last word—she received your letter of the 1st. instant—I rejoice to hear that your Mother—yourself, Brother Sister and Children are all well If Abbys Youngest Child is so much like Susan—I believe it will be difficult to find two such pritty little things together any where—pray does Abbys Boy prattle as fast as your little Susanah—
We are now favored with the Company of the Learned Dr Vanderkemp—George and John are with us George received a letter from his Mother while at Breakfast this Morning all well—But no other comfortable news—no hopes of seeing them this year—
If you do not make haste home the Sunday School will be ended before you arrive—Dr Jarvise and his Lady are at Mrs Blacks yet—by which means I have had the pleasure of forming some Acquaintance with them—he is very respectable in all things—But his new Temple he is very respectable in all things His Temple in Boston is wonderfully magnificent—but very deficient in Worshipers—it is said to be a vast  void who are the dupes—
The Miss Quincys give a very flattering account of the pleasure they took in their Visit to Mr & Mrs Johnson and regret very much they missed seeing you they are highly delighted with their travels and the Country they passed through—and were full of wonder at the Falls of Niagara—
with love to all, and a burning kiss to Susanah—I am dear Child—your affectionate / Grand Father

John Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 12 September 1820
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					N, 26My dear Brother.
					Washington 12 Septr. 1820.

				I have to reply to at least three Letters to you, the reason of which I will tell you hereafter, if it please God—At present I only write to give you full power to do with my Penn’s Hill farm and both the Houses as you think best.—The same with that at Mount Wollaston—except that you must not strip the latter of any good wood—And beware of running me too much in debt for repairs.I was much gratified by learning that George had taken one of the Boylston prizes for declamation—The more so because I am well aware of the petty prejudices against his name and connections, which sway among the Learned Thebans of Harvard—But I had rather my children should have to make their way against those prejudices, than that they should ever be suspected of obtaining prizes by favour—I see also that they will have a better chance for success in competitions, before other persons as well as the judges, than in cases of conclave-verdicts, where the umpires have no public-opinion present watching over themselves; and think it very doubtful whether George would have been among the victors, if the declamations had been in private—Still I can conceive that no injustice was done to George in the case of his Dissertation—He says the prize was given for Style—The prize of such a composition ought to be given for Style; and he should take it as an admonition to be more careful of his. I am much pleased with his work, and still more for his Spirit in entering the lists; but the next time he writes he must prune and polish more—His words are redundant; his epithets general and not sufficiently discriminating, his tone of discourse too colloquial, his language not duly tuned to the ear—All these things are irradiations from the lamp—they are to be elicited by Study, and by study he can gather them. As he has gained one prize, he can with more confidence renew the claim to the palm for composition, and I hope he will do so. It grieves me to the soul that I am unable to pay my father and friends my usual yearly visit, this Season but when I tell you that three O’Clock is my regular rising hour, and that I shall yet not be in time to meet the Session of Congress, you will perceive that I have not had a week to spare.Mrs. Adams with her Sister Smith has gone to pay a visit to her friends and Relations at Frederick—Mary Hellen has recovered, and is with her Aunt Frye—Charles and I keep bachelor’s Hall.Love to all friends, from your affectionate brother

					J. Q. Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 12 September 1820
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Cousin
					Princeton Sept. 12th 1820

				Your kind Letters are more likely to renew a worn down constitution than the recipe you give, for making my way to it by wrangling & Disputation in a Convential diet (if I should ever get there) tho I shall expect to see a good many coxcombs in politicks & constitution makers as will produce to my feelings what you describeWhen the yeas, & nays wch. were tried in this Town, several of the leading men called upon me, & requested my opinion on the subject, & if possible to have my sentiments on paper to be read at the Town meeting. I was in such a state of languor that I cou’d hardly get from my Bed to a table, but as they pressed me hard I told them I wou’d endeavor to do something before the day of Town meeting, accordingly I collected as many forcible points in favor of a negative as my feeble powers of mind could collate, and I was most pleaseing struck when I read that part of your last letter wch. compared the present Constitution to a good Coat, &c which your modesty (as being one of the framers of it & I believe had the principal share in making it, tho’ you have given it so humble a comparison)—mine I think with submission was best adapted to the place, and occasion for which it was design’d, & to let you see how we are unison I send an extract of mineHere follows the extractFrom my address to the InhabitantsI consider the present constitution as susceptible of as few exceptions as any constitution of any state thro-out the whole Union, and if my partiality for the only now surviving author, & framer of our  own constitution did not restrain me from saying all I cou’d wish; I cou’d say a great deal more, but thus much I must say? it is a model for every other state in the Union. The same Author framed that complete Judiciary code of constitutional Law of the United States Government wch. has with stood the attacks & cavils of every succeeding change of its administrations from General Washingtons Presidency to the Present day.Having now given you my respectable Fellow Townsmen a short introduction to the subject of our present inquiry. By your permission I Wou’d  beg leave as briefly as the subject will admit, to submit to you, my reasons why I ought not to vote for calling a Convention to alter the ConstitutionWhen a Public Building is a model of perfect architecture & has stood the criticisms of the best judges of the science, & also has been the admiration as well as the convenience of the Public for 40 years, is it adviseable to pull it to peices to try if it cant be made better wou’d not various opinions arrise in the minds of those who wish its alteration as to what wou’d suit his own tastes, or whim, without considering whether he cou’d make the materials of the former building answer the same purpose they had   been used for before hence confusion dissagreeing modes, and constant conflicts wou’d arise between the different projectors so that at last the whole wou’d be left a confused heap of ruins—just so seems the present aim of those who are such ardent advocates for a change in the Constitution.The other parts I wont trouble you to read. I can only say as Johnson has observed, that’s the best sermon or composition is that which produces the best effect—and if that be the Test every denomination of party voted in the negative except 5 Baptists who tho’t a convention wou’d give to their sect the front rank in the rules of Christian dutiesThe other points I urged with so much success, I will read to you when we meet—for if I do consent to be a candidate, my eyes & heart must be upon you as my guideing star—no other in the whole constellation of new fangled politicians will dazzle or allure me.I have been extremely gratified and indeed beyond what I can express, by seeing Mr. G W Adams’s name announced as obtaining the first prize in Elocution at the last exhibition. its worth to me all the money, cares & pains I have had in establishing that Institution. It also brought to my mind a prophetic opinion of your guardian Angel & my kind Friend Mrs Adams; when I shew’d you my draft of the plan before I laid it before the corporation in which I had then & as it yet stands, your Name & Mr Secretary Adams’s being my nearest relations as judges dureing life to which you replied you would not suffer your name to be mention’d & did not altogether applaud the plan—Mrs. A then took it out of my hand and after reading it said; I think it ought to suffer no alteration let the Presidents name stand I like it much—for who knows but George may one day obtain the prize—I beg you to make my congratulations to him on his success & hope it will not be to his Father less gratifying to hear than it has been to you & as it is to me—I find also the Institution is becoming more & more popular if it produces public good its all I ask of mortals—I want no other reward or distinction while living or dead,—and I am happy also to find you approve of my reply to the Corporation of Harvard College is a full confirmation to me that I have done no more than you wou’d wish me to have done. I am pleased with the account that you give of your Farm, that it has yields & it fruits in such abundance, and your care is so prolific; that kind of Grain has been universally productive thro’ this State as well as in other adjoining & is now I think out of danger from frosts or mildews—here we experience the most distress’d drought I ever remember we have had but 2 Days rain since the 24th. of June the pastures are drying  up & what is left the Grasshoppers is daily eating up in so much that our pastures look like December, more than the first month of Autumn. add to this our springs are every where nearly dried up—tho’ I learn wth pleasure that you are not suffering in this way near Boston—I am sorry to tell you I have lost my favorite horse Steady, he died of a stranguary which all the Esculapians in Farrary in Boston cou’d not releive, a mortification ensued wch put an end to his sufferings in a few hours after he arrived thereI have the satisfaction to say I think I am on the recovery. the last week has discover’d more signs of it than I have experienced beforeI had the pleasure of hearing from the Secretary of State since my last, and to my deep regret he confirms yours, that I am not to see him this Season.My Daughter in laws health continues much as when I wrote you last, some days flattering her hopes, the next desponding—I see nothing yet on which to fasten any prospect of her recovery tho’ she may linger on for some time to come.Mrs. Boylston has made an experiment of your opinion that Grand Children are a Salutary amusements by experiencing with taking home a Grand daughter about 3 years old who has at present certainly the Gift of Speech, if she possesses no other latent quality, she has enough of that to supply the whole neighborhoodMrs Boylston desires her kindest respects to you & joins with me in our best remembrances to the Ladies & Judge Adams / And am / My Dear Cousin / ever affectionately / Yours

					Ward Nichs Boylston


Title: From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 15 September 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas,Adams, John Quincy

My dear Cousin Boylston
Montezillo Septr: 15. 1820

O that I had the talent at description of a Homer a Milton or a Walter Scott I would give you a picture of a hill that I have visited with more pleasure than I should mount Ida or Monticello. Mr David Hyslop has been importuning me for seven years to dine with him in Brookline: I have always declined till last Tuesday when taking my grandson George Washington Adams for my guide and aid de camp I went to visit the original habitation of the Boylstons where my mother was born and where she carried me frequently in my infancy and where I used to sport among the fine cherries and peaches and plums and pears as well as among the flowers and roses on that fertile spot, or garden. It is more than seventy years since I set my foot upon that hill, indeed my Mother seemed to have an aversion to visiting or thinking of it after her Father sold it to his brother Dr Zabdiel Boylston and removed into Boston. There are ancient trees Elms and Buttonwoods some of which I seem to remember, but I have inherited the feelings of my Mother and have not set my foot upon that the Weather was very fine and I know not that I ever passed a pleasanter day. I ascended the hill which is exuberantly fertile to the very top where there is a handsome summerhouse to the roof of which I mounted, where are convenient seats and a sufficient railing from whence your Wachusett is plainly seen and even your own mansion house was visible through a prospect glass, at least George imagined he descried it. On that elevation my imagination was exalted almost to ecstasy, a prospect nearly as vast as that from Wachusett opened all around me. Land and sea conjoined together to produce an assemblage of beauties. The great city of Boston and the town of Charleston, the Castle, the Island, the Rivers, the Ponds of water, the orchards and the groves were scattered in such profusion over this great scene, that I was lost in admiration of its variety and to add to its sublimity in my estimation, Whites hill was full in view, the seat of my Great Grand Father and the birth place of my Grand Mother. all these lands have passed into the hands of other families and other names. I said to Mr Hyslop, “if I was worth money enough upon the face of the whole earth, I would buy it of you” Your Uncle Nicholas was well born he had a soul “bien née” but Thomas had not otherwise he would certainly have purchased it and given it to you. We had a very agreeable company at dinner, very good cheer, and very pleasant sociability, but there I took my final farewell of Boylston and Whites Hill. My Grand Father and Grand Mother were desirous that my Father should purchase it when it was sold to Dr Boylston, and my Mother was very desirous that he would, but my Father was a very cautious man, had a great aversion to being in debt, and although my Grandfather was willing to take his bond for the purchase and wanted only the interest of the money, my Father was afraid he should not be able to accomplish and fulfil so large an engagement, and now I fear the estate has departed from the name and the blood forever, unless you will purchase it and give it to your son or Grand Son.
Thus much for family vanity and family mortification now for Politics and Legislation I hope you  will attend the Convention and come up to Montezillo and talk with me, and I with you about Plato and Solon and Lycurgus. I shall rejoice to see the name of Boylston among the members of that convention as that alone will be sufficient to preserve it.
George who bears his honours meekly is now humbly employed in writing this letter for, / your affectionate Cousin

My Dear Son,P.S. The foregoing is a Copy of a letter I have sent to Mr Boylston—That you may know, that your Ancestors were not all Born in obscure Places—
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 16 September 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

					my dear Cousin Boylston
					Montezillo September 16th 1820—

				O that I had the talent at discription, of a Homer a Milton or a Walter Scot—I would give you a Picture of all that I have Visited—with more pleasure than I should Mount Irea or Monticello—Mr David Hyslop has been importuning me for seven years to dine with him in Brookline—I have always declined, till last Wednesday—when taking my Grand Son George Washington Adams for my guide, and aid de Camp—I went to Visit the original  Habitation of the Boylstons—where my Mother was born; and where she carried me frequently in my Infancy, and where I used to sport among the fine Cherrys and Peaches, and Plums and Pears, as well as among the Flowers and roses, in that fertile Garding—It is more than seventy Years since I set my foot upon that Hill—Indeed my Mother seemed to have an aversion to visiting or thinking of it after her Father sold it, to his Brother Dr Zabdial Boylston and removed into Boston—There are ancient Trees Elms and Buttonwoods—some of which I seem to remember; but I have inherited the feelings of my Mother—The Weather was very fine, and I know not that I ever passed a pleasanter day—I asscended the Hill which is exuberantly fertile to the very top where there is a handsome Summer house—to the roof of which I mounted where are convenient seats and sufficient railing from whence your Waychusett is plainly seen, and even your own Mansion House was visible through a prospect glass—at least George imagined he descried it—On that elevation my imagination was exalted almost to extasy a prospect nearly as vast as that from Wachusett opened all around me, Sand and Sea conspired together to produce an assemblage of Beauties—The grand City of Boston and the Town of Charleston; the Castle the Islands, the Rivers, the Ponds of Water, the Orchards and the Groves, were scattered in such profusion over the this great scene; That I was lost in admiration of its variety—And to add to its sublimity in my estimation—Whites Hill was full in view, the seat of my Great Grand Father—and the Birth place of my Grand Mother; all these lands have passed into the hands of other families, and other Names—I said to Mr Hyslop If I was worth money enough upon the face of the whole Earth, I would buy it of you Your Uncle Nicholas was well Born—he had a Soul “bien nee” but Thomas had not; otherwise he would certainly have purchased it and given it to you—We had a very agreeable Company at dinner, very good Cheer, and very pleasant sociability—But there I took my final farewell of Boylston and Whites Hill—My Grand Father and Grand Mother were desirous that my Father should purchase it—when it was sold to Dr Zab  Boylston—and my Mother was very desirous that he would—But my Father was a very Cautious man—had a great aversion to being in debt, And although my Grand Father was willing to take his Bond for the purchase, and wanted only the interest of the money My Father was afraid he should not be able to ful accomplish and fulfil so large an engagement—and now I fear the Estate has departed from the Name, and the Blood forever, unless you will purchase it—and give it to your Son, or Grand Son—Thus much for family vanity, and family mortification—now for Polices and Legislation—I hope you will attend the Convention and come up to Montezillo and talk with me, and I with you about Plato and Solon and Lycurgus, I shall rejoice to see the Name of Boylston among the Members of that Convention, as that alone will be sufficient to preserve it—George who bears his honours meekly; is now humbly employed in writing this letter for / your affectionate Cousin

					John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 21 September 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

dear Cousin
Montezillo September 21st. 1820

I have been as Civil to Mr Lane who brought me your letter of 26. As I could. He dined with me and I was much pleased with him—
I am sincerely grieved at your long continued indisposition, What can I do to restore your health—If you come to the Convention, as I hope you will; That I think will Cure you—For wrangling and Contention exhilarates the Spirits and Animates the Body—You will have enough of that to Cure the last Stage of a Consumption—
Neither you or I shall see the Secretary of State this Year; Accounts received this day are decisive that he cannot come.—
My Crops are as more abundant than I expected I have the most beautiful Cornfield I ever saw; It is drawn up like an Army in Aray, in a long line before my House—
The Constitution is a good Coat; made of good Cloth, and well put together; And though a few alterations may be made with propriety, yet I hope the Convention will not imitate Jack in the Tale of the Tub, by tearing the Government to raggs and tatters—I hope it will be the means of bringing you oftener to Quincy—
Your account of the Health of your Daughter in Law, and of your Son, is deeply affecting; but it is the lot of Humanity, and we ought to bear with dignity, what we cannot avoid—Resignation is our only certain Consolation in this World—If your two Grand Sons, and your Grand-daughters should devolve on you—You will find in them a pleasing and Salutary Amusement—I have seven Grand Children—and one Great Grand Child—under my roof and they afford me much entertainment—
Your Answer to the Corporation of Harvard College was the result of Conscious dignity—Let them digest it at their leisure
I am my dear Sir, your / affectionate / Cousin
John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 22 September 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear George
					Washington Baltimore 22 Sept 1820

				My absence from the City must plead My excuse for not sooner congratulating you on your success in obtaining the prize and still more on the probability of your obtaining a reputation as an Orator one of the most essential requisites for a Publick man in our Country—It is a talent which may be considered as leading most directly and immediately to promotion and frequently to the highest Stations in our Government—You will perhaps be surprized at my differing with you in opinion concerning your superiority in writing to speaking I have always thought you excelled more in the latter and that you did not pay sufficient attention to the choice of words or language to attain a correct and elegant style—It is an error easily acquired and extremely difficult to conquer but practice and experience produce wonderful effects and almost always favorable results. Do not therefore lose courage but persevere in your industry and I promise you the fullest reward—  Last Evening I was at Susana Buchanans Wedding and left her as Mrs. Newman to all appearance perfectly happy and delighted at her prospects which are as fair as prudence and industry can make them her Husband is a Yankee and said to be an amiable clever fellow.—The entertainment was handsome and quite poetical there being four Tables on which the confectionary was placed representing the four Seasons producing on the whole a very pretty effect—Weddings are to me the dullest things in creation and the one of last evening was not more agreeable to me than others more especially as I was quite a Stranger to the largest part of the company—I returned out home at Ten o clock and left the party in high glee—I intended to have gone part of my way home to Washington this evening but in consequence of the indisposition of my Coachman I am obliged to postpone my return untill tomorrow morning and you of course will not receive this Letter so soon by one day from your affectionate Mother

					L. C. A.


Title: From John Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 2 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Sarah Smith

my dear daughter
Montezillo October 2d. 1820

I thank you for your kind Letter of the 16th. I rejoice to hear of your comfortable health and eligible situation—I hear that most pleasing accounts of Mr Johnson and his Lady, and of all their Children A high gratification to me; And a foundation of an Ardent hope, That, that Branch of my Posterity will be useful members of Society, and consequently, consolations to their Parents; and examples and Blessings to the World—
We are in daily expectation of seeing Mrs Clark, and her sprightly lovely Susan  But have as yet no intelligence of their departure from Utica—
You have great reason to rejoice in your Children and Grand Children—And I congratulate you upon it—I think as favourably as you do of my acquaintance and Name Sake Master John and receive accounts of the other too also favourable, and promising—
The Grey lock, you request, is enclosed—Louisa thanks you for her kind Invitation
Your City of Utica is becoming a splendid Mart—The Grand Canal will make it a Place of much resort Wealth, Power and Grandeur—But what are, Wealth, power and grandeur, in this sublunary World; I have never had much of either But enough however to make me sick of them all
It is not probable we shall ever meet in this World—but there is a better World on high— / So believes your affectionate / Father
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 5 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Sarah Smith

dear Mrs Adams
Montezillo October 5th. 1820

I thank you for your kind letter of the 16th I rejoice to hear of your comfortable Health—and eligible situation—I hear the most pleasing accounts of Mr Johnson and his Lady—and of all her Children—a high gratification to me—and a foundation of an Ardent hope—that, that Branch of my posterity will be useful members of Society, and consequently consolations to their Parents, and examples and Blessings to the World—We are in daily expectation of Mrs Clark and her sprightly, lovely Susan—But have as yet no certain intelligence of their departure from Utica.
You have great reason to rejoice in your Children and grand Children—and I congratulate you upon it—I think as favourably as you do, of my acquaintance and namesake Master John—and receive accounts of the other two, also favourable and promising—
The grey lock you request is inclosed—Louisa thanks you for her kind invitation—Your City of Utica is becomeing a splendid Mart—the grand Canal will make it a place of much resort—Wealth, Power, and grandeur—But what are Wealth, Power, and grandeure; in this Sublinary World—I have never had much of either—but enough however, to make me sick of them all—It is not probable we shall ever meet in this World—but there is a better World on high— / So believes your affectionate / Father

John AdamsP.S. love to Abby and her Children


Title: From John Adams to Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway, 10 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Treadway, Susanna Boylston Adams Clark

my dear Susan
Montezillo October 10th. 1820

I am grieved at our disappointment, and at yours—and much more for the illness of my dear little Susanah—I presume you have returned to Utica—And I hope still, you will return to Montezillo, as soon as the Child recovers, and you can find a Convenient opportunity—
We go on here in the old way—just now interrupted in our Harrvest, by easterly winds—and frequent rains—I find myself two much more agitated than I ought to be—with the dangerous state of Great Britain, an Empire I pity and respect, in spite of all their faults—
Our late domestic, Ward—whom you know, has lately meet with a Romantic and Tragical misfortune, which has deprived him of his reason—but I hope  not finally—the story is two long to be related—
Eliza Sumner our Cousin is Married—and many parties were given upon the occasion—but—we you know, have nothing to do, with the fashionables—Louisa has a peice of the Wedding Cake—and will keep a piece for you
Wherever you are, may Blessings attend you, and yours—but the ensueing Winter you must—and I hope will pass here, with your affectionate Grand Father
John Adams—


Title: From Ward Nicholas Boylston to John Quincy Adams, 11 October 1820
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John Quincy

					My Dear Sir
					Princeton Octbr 11th 1820

				I defer’d the acknowledgement of your very kind Letter of 14’ Augt untill I had completed the object mentiond in the Inclosed Vote—which has undergone a revission by the Corporation, (the first vote not being so full and satisfactory to me) as I had stipulated was returned to them;) and only a few days since received it corrected—In which you will find I have taken an unauthorized liberty with your name—which I hope you will not reproach for, or refuse your aid to our Institution in which it has given me the highest satisfaction to find your Eldest Son, has so justly received the almost, first fruits of my Intentions— I have several Letters which speak of his talents as a publick speaker in terms of grand approbation, and as so considerd by the best judges, and also by a very large assemblage of the first Ranks in Boston and its vicinity, more numerous than select than on the Day preceeding—I also find from various Letters the Institution is a grand favorite with the Publick, which under your fostering care and Information will do infinite good.It is to your able Suggestions for its improvements, the Institution must be indebted for the Continuance of publick patronage. when you have leisure to attend to it (if possible for you to possess a vacant moment) as it seems from the accounts I have heard, you have more upon your Head & Hands than almost any Humans mind or strength of body can long sustain without injury to both—It has been a severe dissappointmt to me, in not haveing the pleasure I had so fondly cherish’d of seeing you, and Mrs Adams at this place the past Summer—The next year is upon trust, and to me a very uncertain one, as my health is yet very far from being renovated; tho’ I am so far convalescent as to induce me to attempt my return to my Hermitage at Roxbury next week.—I beg you to make my own and Mrs Boylstons best regards to Mrs Adams, with our respects to yourself—I remain / My Dear Sir / Your ever affectionate / And faithfull Friend / And relative

					Ward Nichs Boylston


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 16 October 1820
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Quincy, Josiah, III

					Dear Sir
					Washington 16 October 1820

				In answer to your obliging Letter of the 8th. instt I have only to renew the request that you would procure the necessary shelves for my books though the cost should be to the extent of your estimate observing only the caution mentioned in my former Letter that the shelves be made adoptable to removal to any other placeI am as ever &c &c &c.


Title: From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 21 October 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

my dear Daughter
Montezillo October 21st. 1820

My Eyes were delighted with your handwriting this Morning—And my heart Cheered with the Contents of the letter Your apology for the interruption of your Correspondence is amply sufficient, and indeed as I have previously found in my own reflections apologys for you, It was more than was necessary—I am delighted with your studing Latin—The Town of Quincy have been pleased to Elect one a Member of the Convention—and wonderful to related the Election is said to be Unanimous, and if you will believe me, I am sufficiently advanced in my dotage to have accepted the Choice—And if I should fall like Chatham attempting to utter a few sentences I believe it would be pronounced by the World; as certainly it would be by myself EUTHANASIA. I feel not much like a maker or mender of Constitutions In my present State of imbecility in body or mind—But I presume we shall not be obliged to carry wind-mills by assault; as I was at the head of my forlorn hope forty years ago—No man I believe will now contend for a Sovereign Legislative Executive and Judiciary Government in a Single Representative Assembly—Which I at the head of the Essex Junto was obliged to combat through all the weapons in opposition to the sense of the Majority of the Convention. When they first Assembled Which majority was at first  Countenanced by Mr Cushing, Mr Samuel Adams and Mr .Robert Treat Paine—As I have always been obliged to mount the forlorn hopes—I was obliged upon this occasion to Conduct Arguments, to answer objections, and refute Arguments, with some assistance indeed from younger Men of Eminent talents, but little experience in public affairs, and of more timorous dispositions.—I fear the Town of Quincy will acquire little Credit by this Election and that their Representative will leave some what But I must be a silent Vote—and as I have no private interest to subserve; nor any fame to expect or to Covet, I shall express my judgement according to my Conscience, which is all my honour, and all my the reward I expect—
I was upon the point of writing to your Husband—but your kind letter of the 15th. determined me to write to you, who are one with him—
A terrible Influenza has raged at College, as every where else—and driving George, and John from the great Hospital of Invalids, has favoured us with a few short Visits from them since the Vacation expired—I  please myself with seeing you all at Cambridge on the next Commencement When George perhaps may have another occasion to display his Oratory—
I am my dear daughter your / affectionate Father—
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 5 November 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Johnson, Alexander Bryan

dear Sir
Montezillo November 5th. 1820

I received with pleasure your favour of October 26th. A Seat in the Convention as it is the Spontanious evidence of the kindness of my fellow Citizens—is indeed a gratifications to my feelings—If I should make my exit in the service it will be EUTHANA—but whether my attendance will be any assistance to the deliberations of that great Assembly who are to revise the Constitution, I know not—Forty years ago I flatter myself I did some good in the formation of it, especially by preventing the Sovereign Authority from being placed entirely in one Representative Assembly—
I am pleased to find, that you think well of the Defence of the American Constitutions. I think I can say without Vanity that, that Work contains a greater Number, and Variety of Solemn warnings against the dangers of Republican Governments in every form and shape in which they have ever existed, than are to be found in every Work—Ancient or Modern—now extant. It was written for that express purpose as a warning to the People of France, as well as to the People of America—And I hope it will be so, to the South Americans, as well as to all Europe. The South Americans have got it Translated into Spanish, and are endeavouring to Copy it System—The Germans have it Translated into their Language—And they may derive some benefit from it if they please But whether the People of Europe, or South America have any Common principles upon which they can Unite—or any common Intelligence capable of adopting and persevering in any regular system remains to be determined—
I have great pleasure in the assurance I have received from various quarters of the happiness of your family and the promising Characters of your Children—I hope you are pleased with the Study, and Practice of the Law—and Congratulate you upon the growth rapid growth of your City, to Opulance and grandure—
my love to every Branch of your family  We are in daily expectation of seeing Mrs Clark here—with her dear Susan, and the sooner they arrive, the sooner our anxiety will be relieved—
I am affectionately your
John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 14 November 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					Washington 14 Novbr. 1820

				How grieved I am my dear John at the news we have just received you may concieve who knew what an effect the same circumstance produced on me on a former occasion—Your father and I are in a state of great anxiety for the consequences of your fault and impatiently wait for the result which must fix your future destiny—Write me immediately and let me know how the Government feel towards you so that we may endeavour to procure you a situation in the Navy which thus remains your only prospect—George has represented your situation to your father in the most favorable light possible—but I know the natural impetuosity of your temper and I tremble lest a romantick idea of generosity should lead you to persevere in conduct, so reprehensible which can only inflict pain on Parents who have ever been so indulgent and lasting mortification on yourself. Let me beseech you my beloved Son to consider and weigh well the precipice on which you stand and ere you take the leap which is to decide your fate by disappointing an anxious fathers hopes and blighting your mothers fondest wishes return to that sense of propriety which is and ever can  be the only road to success and prosperity through life. In this hope I beg you to listen to your brothers advice and experience who tho’ he formerly set you so bad an example has had time to repent and to feel the regret which such conduct produce in a good heart and well regulated mind and so assured am I of your possessing both I hasten to subscribe myself your affectionate Mother

					L. C. Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 15 November 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					15-18 Nov 1820

				I do not know if I ought to congratulate you or not on your acceptance of the trouble and anxiety attending you as a Member of the Convention my dear Sir but I hope it will yield you amusement and vary your occupations we rely on your making it as easy as little laborious to yourself as possible—Congress has convened again and as you will perceive by the papers of the day they have assembled in a temper little likely to produce harmony during the Session The three first days were occupied in the choice of the Speaker and Mr. Taylor of New York has proved the successful Candidate altho’ there was considerable opposition from his own State he being a very high toned Clintonian—The Southern interest is terribly galled at this unlooked for triumph of the North and scarcely conceive what could produce—but the fact is too evident to be denied and our Northern folks have learnt that a little zeal and unfeigned exertion would place them very high in the scale of our Country if they seriously wish an ascendancy—All this must bring forward the old Missouri Question and the fire once rekindled will I fear blaze more fiercely than ever and perhaps prove more destructive for having only been smothered so long under its ashes.14 Many visitors this day An accident of a very serious nature occurred this morning—One of the workmen at the next building fell from the roof and was dreadfully injured—Mr Adams accompanied him home and remained with him while the Surgeons set his Leg which was badly fractured—The Shoulder was also much hurt the blade bone being split—he left him very composed considering the shock his nerves had sustained and hopes are entertained of his recovery—He is a man of property and much respected15 Mrs. Custis and Mrs. Bloomfield called this morning—The Gentlemen called on Mr A—accompanied by Genl Smith—We are very uneasy about College matters having just heard of the Rebellion—My Children seem to have some very intemperate blood in them and are certainly not very easy to govern. Mr. A— and myself are very uneasy about it—John is somewhat like his Mother a little hot headed and impetuous and want of timely reflection will I fear often lead him to error as long as he suffers the first naturally strong impulse to guide him. Experience is scarcely sufficient as I too well know to check this exuberance of feeling and even age has to contend for the mastery of Passion against reason against passion—It is a singular that the most generous natures are most liable to this failing and that quick sensibility a quality so amiable in itself should often lead to the most painful delemma’s but alas such is the lot of humanity even those virtues which were given us to purify the grossness of our mortal natures become dangerous when not subjected to due controul—We rest our hopes on the mildness of the Government and flatter ourselves that John will still be allowed to continue his studies.16 Went out yesterday to execute a piece of business for Mr. Adams and as usual did it wrong the fault however is reparable therefore of no material consequence—Again many visitors—Returned several among the number to Mrs. Bloomfield. She is the youngest Sister of Mrs. Rucker appears to be about thirty and is just married to General Bloomfield a Gentleman of about sixty five—He settled thirty thousand dollars on her the day before the Wedding and thus I suppose sweetened the matrimonial Pill. this I give however as mere ransom.We are told that there are several Candidates for the Vice Presidency. I see you are an Elector—how will you Vote for V. P.?17 My ramblings have begun my mornings are devoted to visiting and I return so weary and exhausted that I return neither feel the capacity of being amused or amusing supposing I ever possessed the latter and generally retire between eight and nine oclock—The Town is full of Strangers but there are not many Ladies—An invitation for Mr A from the President to dine on Tuesday next and it is said the Drawing Rooms are to begin on Wednesday next in contradiction to a whispered rumour which has been floating about the City for some time signifying that there were not to be any this winter.—Were I to write all the ridiculous reports I hear you would be very much diverted as they go so far as to arrange what dishes are to be prepared at the great House this Season and how often they are to be served. Whence such reports originate is easy to conceive and we may rationally doubt their truth—It is said jelly is only to be made twice during the Season Madeira Wine being too expensive.The Winter is not likely to be brilliant as some of our great ladies are in mourning and others likely to be in the Straw—The  Secretary of the Navy has a handsome establishment and the Attorney General as well as myself is endeavouring to adapt his  rooms to his society it being impossible to adapt the Society to the rooms without risking too many mortal offences.18 Contrary to established ettiquette the Speaker of the house honoured us with a call yesterday we have averaged about eight and twenty visits a day the two last days and Mr: A has the larger proportion to return it will be of service to him this year as our house is to near the Office for proper exercise—He has enjoyed uninterrupted health this Season and is look—very well—We shall look for our boys at Christmas as they have already an invitation to eat their Christmas dinner with their Aunt Frye—God Bless you my dear father and keep you in health is the prayer of your affectionate daughter

					L. C. A.


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 22 November 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					22 Nov.—4 Dec. 1820

				Novbr. 22 Spent the day at home excepting about an hour in which I paid a number of visits—Dr. Thornton called in late last Evening and chatted some time His conversation is indeed a thing of threads and patches certainly amusing from its perpetual variety—He is altogether the most excentric being I ever met with possessing the extremes of literary information and the levity and trifling of the extreme of folly—He is good natured rather than well principled—A singular circumstance occupies the  attention of the Public which affords the amusement to some and apprehension to others. All the bells of the House have kept ringing alternately or altogether without any visible cause and still continue to ring noth notwithstanding the Wires have been strictly examined and all means taken to discover if it was occasioned by any trick—Some have thought it proceeded from Electricity but the puzzle is beyond the solution of the wisest heads and we are waiting the event with impatience—Some recommend a general whipping of all the Blacks and even suggest the torture to force confession—We must not talk now of Inquisitions as a boy who was suspected of robbery a short time since was actually thumb screwed and afterwards hung up by the neck until he gave up some names and acknowledged a crime which he probably never committed—This is a fact without dispute which happened not far from the House I at present occupy in the face of the publick and has never been noticed in any shape. So much for the honor of the District and the advantages in Slavery23d Our dinner party assembled at five o clock. Mr Canning the new british Minister, Mr Antrobus the Secretary Genl Vives Mr Politica, Baron Stackelberg Mr Roth Mr. Sanford Mr. Johnson of the Senate Mr Dickenson Mr Sergeant, Genl Morton, Genl Mason, Mr Lowndes and Mr G W. Campbell made up the party with the family—Mr. Canning is a very gentlemanly man and I was pleased with his manners He met with an awkward accident as I rose from table—In endeavouring to make room for me to pass He fell over his chair and I was under some apprehension lest he should have hurt himself He was excessively embarrassed and apologized to Mr. Adams saying he hoped we should not think it was the effect of the Madeira—They left us early and we went to a ball at Mrs. Calhouns were we found a large party assembled and dancing already commenced—Being the first party since Congress assembled I was surrounded by my old acquaintance of last year and the whole of the Eveng was occupied in “how do you’s—&ca. Mrs. C—— told me it was the first and last party she meant to give this Winter as she expects shortly to be shut up—Her Mother who from an excess of religious fervour has an objection to dancing was gone from the house to spend a day or two and they made use of the opportunity—During our dinner I could not help smiling at some questions put by Mr. Poletica which savoured a little of Russian barbarism or boorish courtesy—Among several equally indiscreet he asked him a Member how he liked the salary bill then before the House purporting to reduce the pay of the Officers of the Government and Members of Congress to the old standard? The Gentleman made after hesitating a moment made some slight reply such however as marks his sense of the impropriety—They are labouring in Congress upon the subject but as they must bend their own necks first which hitherto have appeared too stiff for the yoke I do not think it will succeed—It is merely a sugar plum for the Publick—We are very indifferent on the subjects. The Salaries of Officers in this Country can never operate as a motive for obtaining preferment as men of requisite talents would do better in the practice of their professions24 Sat quietly at home at my different avocations and having but one Room for Lessons and visitors I am obliged frequently to deny myself to the latter—Mr. A—— dined at Mr. Poletica’s and we passed the Evening at Mr. Frye’s where Mr A joined at an Oyster Supper—Mr. F–— is very uneasy at the motion in the House for general retrenchment. He having already had his Salary reduced two hundred dollars within the last two years—It is said Mr Crawford has suffered in reputation in consequence of Govr Clarks Pamphlet It is reported the Drawing Rooms are to commence on Wednesday next if Mrs. Monroe’s health permits—She is subject to a nervous complaint which frequently attacks her suddenly  and incapacitates her from receiving company and she cannot support either fatigue or agitation.—Mr. & Mrs. Governeur are expected in three weeks—25 Received a few visits as usual and then rode out to make some—The weather is like Summer and most delightful—Nothing occurs worthy of Notice—Mrs. Tingey has been disappointed in the hopes of an heir for the present—but the Com whom you will well remember says he shall have a Son yet to inherit his name and it is  to be hoped his Constitution—He is seventy four years old and married his Son in laws Sister She is his third Wife turned of five and forty according to rumour—a fine looking womanDecr: 4 Adieu my dear Sir—We are all very anxious for you fearing lest the fatigues you daily undergo should prove injurious


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Eward J. Coale, 24 November 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Coale, Eward J.

					Dear Sir
					Washington 24 Novb 1820

				I enclose bills to the amount of five & forty Dollars in payment of the account of Messrs. Benson & Co. and will be obliged by your taking a receipt and returning it by the Post whenever it may be convenient. This account would long since have been settled had it not been delayed without our knowledge by my husbands Steward for which I beg your excuse—Mr. Adams and myself offer our best respects to you and Mrs. Cole’s and all our Baltimore friends With sentiments of esteem and respect I am / Dear Sir Your obedt Servt

					Louisa C Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 27 November 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 27 Novbr. 1820

				I last evening received your Letter of the 20h with great delight and assure you I require nothing but your word to satisfy me regarding your conduct having always had full reliance on your respect to truth—When I wrote I had heard a terrible account of the rebellion and was excessively alarmed at the consequences for you under this impression and trembling with lest George in his desire to make things appear better than they were I thought it my duty to warn you of what you must expect should you be so unfortunate as to merit the punishment of expulsion—Most sincerely do I congratulate both you and myself on your escape from a peril so imminent which however trifling young men may think it often gives a colouring to their future livesYour father desires me to tell you that you may commence your journey on the sixteenth and recommends should the Steam boats continue to run that you both come in them in preference to a land journey should they not run he desires you will pass one night at New York and one at Philadelphia to rest yourselves on the road but does not wish any longer delay. Your Grandfather seems to be in the midst of business and occupation and hitherto it appears to agree with him very well—Hariet Welsh has written to me and says he is quite the  fashion—It reminds of me a little of Dr. Franklin and the French Ladies who never could let him alone—How does he like all this? George is becoming quite grave I hear tell him to guard against extremes as they do not suit a very young man.God Bless you my Son may you always be as fortunate in extricating yourself from your difficulties but be timely wise and in future let the lesson you have now learnt be impressed upon your mind that it is  safer to avoid and easier to avoid danger than to extricate ourselves from it when we have once thrown ourselves into its jaws—You must take me to be supplied with apparel as it much cheaper and better in Boston than it is here.Your Mother

					L. C. Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 3 December 1820
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					3-11 Dec. 1820

				Decbr. 3d Did not attend at Church Mr Ryland was to preach and his last sermon was such a strange medley of scraps and ends miserably put together I did not feel tempted to go again—remained at home all day.4th The day was stormy and disagreeable—In the Eveng went into George Town to fetch Fanny Johnson. The Stage had not arrived and we drove to Mrs. Frye’s where we took Tea—She mentioned that there was a report of the death of Columbia Peter who it was said was siezed with a billious cholic and died before her parents could reach her. I told Caroline I hoped it was a false report and that they had blended the recent death of Miss Lewis who was buried about five weeks since She however inclined to think it too true as the details were too precise to admit of doubt—We returned into George Town and still finding no prospect of the arrival of the Stage returned home leaving word for Fanny to come to me in the morning.5 Went to the Funeral of poor Columbia the news of whose death was unhappily confirmed—Her Mother arrived half an hour after she expired and performed all the last duties for her herself—She was followed by almost all the respectable families of George Town and some from Washington When I returned I found Fanny Johnson and Major Graham sitting with the young folks We invited him to dine with us but he was engaged he promised however to come in the Evening—Our party assembled at the usual hour but was again infected by gloom in consequence of the recent loss of Mrs. Peter and for my own part I was neither amusing nor amused.—Fanny was stiff and cold in her manners feeling herself so much a stranger—Miss C Thompson and Miss Van Ness gave us some good music of the Harp—Mrs Smith came as the company were dispersing in consequence of Mrs. Seaton having omitted to send the Carriage back for her and Mrs. Gales6 Went to a small Tea party at Mrs. James Thompson’s We were acquainted with the Ladies and of course very sociable. Music as usual was the chief part of the entertainment—Nothing new occurred worth relating and in the Political world we hear of nothing but the Missouri Constitution It is thought they will have a majority in the house and that it will pass in the Senate—The business will not last long in either house in its present form—The Questions being altogether different tho’ very similar admits of a change of opinion and many of the dough faces of last year will seize the opportunity now offered of appearing firm without deviating from their former principles—returned home at Ten o clock the Girls in high spirits which they had the whole evening  in a family circle very much at the expence of some individuals of the company—Mr. A. passed the Eveng at home.7 A party of twenty at dinner the President of the Senate the Speaker of the House Mr: Taylor Mr Otis Mr Holmes of Miss Mr. Newton Mr Simkins Genl Cocke Mr Folger Mr Baldwin Mr Plumer Mr Tracey Mr King of Alabama Mr Meed Major Graham Fanny Johnson Mary Hellen Johnson Hellen Mr. A and myself made up the company—Mr. Otis is so pleasant in company a party is always easy and social of which he forms one. He is one of the gifted who are adapted to shine every where—Both the Speaker and the President were friendly and inclined to be social and on the whole our time did not hang heavy on our hands—The Mr Gaillard is always particular in his enquiries concerning the European Courts when in conversation with me—He perhaps has some views or a leaning towards a Mission The Speaker was anxious upon the subject of ettiquette. I observe as people rise in situation this same thing becomes an object of considerable importance to them and they are sure to maintain their own privileges—We departed early and met at Mrs. S Thompsons where we found a large party ready to begin dancing—My two young Ladies continued dancing until eleven o’clock when they returned home scarcely able to walk.—We spent a delightful evening and every one appeared gratified at the acquisition of this family to our City—8 Rode out and went to the House of Representatives where we heard Mr. P Barber sometimes called logic to distinguish him from his brother the Senator who is called Rhetoric—His speaking did not please me being noisy and impetuous and the action violent and ungraceful He is very popular however as a  speaker in the House but he appears to me to be narrow minded and bigoted towards his own state. It is really a pity that the Southern interest should have renewed this a subject altogether so inimical to the peace and quiet of the Country—It is calculated to rouse  a spirit more difficult to quel than exorcise than all the Ghosts that have been doomed to the red Sea for Centuries back—We went to an Oyster supper at Mr Cooks accompanied by Major Graham who dined with us. Our Evening was dull in consequence of the extreme anxiety of our entertainer who could think of nothing but his Oysters and the manner in which his table was to be set—It is impossible under such circumstances it is utterly impossible to be gay.9 The day was excessively stormy I took Johnson up to Mr. Frye’s where he was engaged to dine and went from there into George Town where I remained about two hours—We passed the Eveng. playing Loto a very dull and heavy game which set us all to sleep—Johnson He returned home quite unexpectedly—Fanny is a lovely Girl and will make dreadful havoc with the young Gentlemen’s hearts and I suspect he feels the attraction very powerfully—We expected him to pass the night at his Aunts—10 There was a Sermon at the Presbyterian Church which however I did not attend for the Colonization society—The Church was very crowded and I could not have procured seats—Mr McIlvain  was not very successful tho’ his reputation as a preacher is very great—Major Graham Mr Cook Mr Frye and the boys Mr. D. P Cook dr Huntt Mr & Mrs. Smith and the family dr & Mrs. Thornton were in to Tea—We had some conversation concerning the question now before Congress and though there were divided opinions it was all very amicably adjusted11 Went to return many visits and in the Eveng to a party at Mrs. Frye’s was small—Mrs. Smith was quite unwell during the visit her cough is still bad and her health very critical—

					L. C. A—


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 17 December 1820
From: Adams, John
To: Johnson, Alexander Bryan

my dear Sir.
Boston December 17th 1820

Your letter of the 30th of November has filled me with grief, The untimely death of my dear Great Grand Son cast over my mind a sorrowful gloom—There has not been one of my Posterity who has excited fonder hopes that he would be a comfort to his Parents and a Blessing to Society—But Providence destroys the hope of Man—I sincerely condole with you and my Grand daughter her Mother, and your Father and Mother—You must all arouse your selves—summon all your fortitude and submit with entire resignation to the chastising rod of the Father of all He is the Father of us all—and afflicts us only for our good—
I have been more than a month in Boston attending the arduous Labours of the Convention—which however have not been so severe a trial, as the unbounded hospitality and Civilitys of this Ameable people—my love to my grand daughter and her Mother—and am my dear Sir your / affectionate Grand Father
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 5 January 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

my dear daughter
Montezillo January 5th. 1821

If after your example I could have keept a Journal—from the fifteenth of November, to the eighteenth of December—I could have given you a Curious history—
 I have had the Influenza, and with great difficulty have got the better of it—but not perfectly cured—I attended every day the Convention and the Air of that Hall—Instead of curing my Cold imperceptably increased it from day to day—And the unceasing hospitality of  the gentlemen in Boston compelled me most willingly, to accept invitations to Dinner, all most every day—The Company was most facinating—An Assemblage of the Power, Authority, Wealth, Genius, Learning, and Politeness of the State—The Governor—Leiutnt Governour—The President of harvard College—The President of the Senate—The Chief Justice—and other Judges—Mr Webster Mr Prescot—Mr Storry some of the best of the Clergy, Strangers of distinction, Electors of President and Vice President—and whatever Characters there were most precious, composed the Company—Add to all this the Ladies were very Charmingly solicitious to invite me to parties in the Evening—and in this enchanting delirium, I passed a whole month and three days How my shattered nature held out so long, I know not—at last however nature gave way, and I fell sick hurried home to Quincy—and here have been confined to my Chamber—and House from the 18th. of December to this day—
Now let me ask you a serious question—do you not think that this was the most Boyish folly that ever was committed by a Man of eighty five years—I acknowledge it—But it was one of the most delightful months of the eighty five years—
I miss my George and John—but you have their Company, who have a double right to it—and they have a fine opportunity to see the great American World, and to know the great Characters—I wish they could have attended some of the debates in our Convention where there has been an exhibition of talents, information, and eloquence which will do honour to any Assembly in the World—
The weather has been extremely severe for a long time—I expect it will carry off a great number of Old people—for who can stand before such Cold—
Will you be so good as to inform me whether Mr Randolph is in Congress—and whether he distinguishes himself as usual by his Oratory
 We are in general pritty well—and  send love to you, and yours—and none more / cordially than your / affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 15 January 1821
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Cousin
					Jamaica plain 15 Jany 1821

				I call’d this morning upon The Treasurer of the Commonwealth—and rec’d of him Eight Dollars—to  your pay as Elector—your pay as delegate he said required your order—Which I enclose for your signature & to be returnd to me, wch. I will immediately apply for payment, wch. is 70 Dollars—added to the Eight Dollars already rec’d I will pay to Mr Foster or send to you by post if he is not able to see you within a day or two—I have the pleasure to say Mrs Bs Cold is better—& we intend if the weather is favorable to send over the close sleigh early in the forenoon on Friday to Quincy to bring you and your family to spend the day with us—and to return you safe again at any hour you may think most agreable to you after dinner you may depend upon a well  air’d rooms—and every attention paid to prevent your taking cold.With mrs Boylstons kindest regards respects to you, and our kind regards to—Mrs Adams, Mrs Clark & Miss Smith and Judge Adams, on whom we depend for their company at the same timeI am, my Dear Cousin / most affectionately / yours—

					Ward Nichs Boylston