Title: From John Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 31 May 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Johnson, Alexander Bryan

my dear Sir—
Quincy May 31—1819.—

I have yours of the 22d. before me—your Law Grammar is undoubtedly a useful Book—In my time, we had none but Noyes’s rude Sketch, and Lord Hales improvement upon that,—from seventeen hundred and fifty five—to seventeen hundred and fifty Eight—I lived in the family of Coll, James Putnam of Worcester, and Studied Law under his direction, in his Office—He advised me to begin with Hawkins Abridgement of Coke upon Littleton, which I read, but found it enough to disgust any young man, who had not more patience than I had—He next recommended to me Woods Institutes, which I read with something like pleasure—after that, he Recommended to me Cooke upon Littleton at large, and his Lordship’s other Institutes and his Reports.—
It is unnecessary to go through the whole detail of reporter’s and Entry’s and Crown Law, Trials—per-payis, Dr: and Student, Gilberts tenures; his Law of Evidence, and Various other small Works—He recommended to me also to read Salkeld and Raymond, which I did.—In Short I read day and night, when my Latin School would allow me time—till I over stretched my Eyes and laid the foundation of that blindness which Compel’s me to borrow a hand to write this Letter.—
In one thousand and fifty Eight, I was admit’ed to the Bar in Boston, by the recommendation of Mr Gridley—Mr Pratt, Mr Otis, and Mr Thatcher—each of whom did me the honor the exalted honor to speak to the Court in my Recommendation—
In one thousand seven hundred and Sixty one I was admitted as Barrister at Law in the Supreme Court of the Province of Massachusetts Bay—about this time I was invited by Mr Gridley to his Seat in Brookline to Spend a Sunday, I went on Saturday and staid till Monday, We went to Church forenoon and afternoon—on Sunday, and it was at least as profitable a Sabbath as I ever passed—Mr Gridley then showed me a Copy of Blackstone’s Analysis and Inaugural Oration, which was sent him from London by Thomas Oliver, one of his Pupils, and the first Copy that ever reached the American Shore—this was long before his Commentary’s appeared—I soon got a hint of Blackstons law tracts—and sent to England to obtain them—and I advise you to write to John Smith in London to procure for you a Complete Edition of Blackstons Work—his History of Magna-Charta ought to be in the hands of every Law Student—
I will close this Letter with the advise of which Mr Gridley gave to me, in one thousand and fifty Eight—“Let the Law be your object rather than the gain of it—pursue the gain enough to keep yourself out of the Briers, but the Law, Law, must be your principle pursuit”—He then introduced me to his Civil Law Library which was the most Complete which ever appeared in America, as I believed—His Hoppius, his Vinnius and his Cujacius—and his Corpus Juris—
The path of a Lawyer is now a Turnpike Road—Strew’d with with flowers and scented with Aromatick roses—In my time it was a rugged Rocky Mountain the Ascent to which was incumber’d with thorns and brambles—
Oh fortunati sua si bona norint juvenis sua, si bona norint juvenis studiousi—
This Surely is a Sufficient dose for one time—
I am your Affectionate Grandfather in Law
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Smith Shaw, 9 June 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Shaw, William Smith

					Quincy June 9th

				I thank you kindly for sending me the Centinel containing the peices upon neutrality signed by Marcellus which I have long been seeking without success—I hope you will be able to lend it to me long enough to get Copied those papers—for no human being knows the value of them so well as I do—not accepting the Auther of them himself—I hope you have not forsaken us—the time seemes very long since we have had the pleasure to see you here—where the sight of you is always grateful to your friend and Uncle
				John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Smith Shaw, 10 June 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Shaw, William Smith

my dear Shaw
Quincy May June 10th. 1819

I thank you kindly for sending me Cen the Centinel containing the pieces upon Neutrality signed Marcellus—which I have long been seeking without success—I hope you will be able to lend it to me long enough to get Copied those papers—for no human being knows the value of them so well as I do—not accepting the Author of them himself—.
I hope you have not forsaken us—. The time seems very long since we had the pleasure to see of seeing you. here,—There the sight of you is alwawy grateful to your friend and / Uncle


Title: From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 11 June 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear daughter
Quincy June 11th. 1819

I have received yours of the 3d.—I can only say if Susan will return to me with her Child and live in my complicated Family—she will be welcome to my heart—I will protect her at all hazards, as long as I live, and I will keep peace in my house, as long as I shall have the means, and the power—she must return to me, and there must not and shall not be family bickerings—
Your Children have given me hol’ydays—I long for Saturdays when I always hope to see them—I sit here with three Children of one Son—and Six of another Son. enjoying there exercises sports and amusements as much as they do—make yourself perfectly easy on that score my happiness is promoted by all this.—
Your employment in translating Plato has excited I know not what feelings in me—Curiosity astonishment, and excuse me, when I say risibility—you could not have hit upon a subject more to my taste—it must compel your Boys sooner or later to master Plato in his original Greek—they will find him or John Jacks Reauseau eloquence in perfection, fantastical in Substance—but strange to tell, and horrible to Contemplate—the Original Corrupter, but the means of his disciples of the Divine Christian Religion—
I rejoice to hear that the President intends to shorten his Visit Journey because I believe if he lengthens it—it will kill him—and I sincerely wish he may continue President another four years—after the expiration of this—and that Your Husband will continue to be his Secretary—for a more happy Combination is not to be expected—
I am my dear Child your affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Susanna Boylston Adams Clark Treadway, 22 June 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Treadway, Susanna Boylston Adams Clark

dear Child
Quincy June 22—1819

I have your letter of the 9th. is received—your packet from the Meditaranean is safe and shall remain so till your Orders—Mr Clarkes letters and your letters—which your Grand Mother left in a bundle together—are my property and shall remain so for the present—nobody has seen them, and shall see them for the present, but my self—I should not be very willing to transmit them to you by the Mail—for fear of accidents and from regard to you and your Child—if you return here—I will deliver them to you in person—as to your returning hear—you ought to be apprised of the Consequences—you know your Uncle and Aunt with Six Children and two Men three Maids are here—Louisa Catherine and myself are also here—I have two Men hired by the year, to work in my Gardens Barn Stable & after all my House is not so full—but it contains Room—what ever Mr Fearon may say—to Contain you—your dear Babe—and your Maid—and if you think these heterogeneous ingredients can be amalgamated together so as to live in harmony—Come here and make part of the Group—but peace I will have in my Family—as long as reason is in my head and breath in my Nostrils I am my dear Susan your affectionate / Grand Father
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 25 June 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

my dear daughter
Quincy June 25th 1819.

With no less gratitude than astonishment I have received your Alcibiades,—and your Sons shall have it—but I am really concerned for your Health. How it is possible that a Gay Lady of Washington amidst all the ceremony’s, frivolity’s, and gravities, of a Court, and of a Legislature—Can find time to write so many and so excellent Letters to me; to her Children, and at the same time, translate Plato’s Dialogues—is to me altogether incomprehensible. Two such honey industrious honey Bees, as John Quincy Adams and his Wife, were never connected together before—not accepting Monsieur and Madam Dacier.—
But I greatly fear you will both destroy your health and your lives—by your excessive exertions—you must return to Old Quincy, Old Braintree, and still Older Mount Waliston, to preserve your-selves, and to Educate your Children; upon a plan of rigorous or what the diplomatic Gentry call an infamous Economy—human Nature cannot long endure such exertions—as your Husband and your-self are now making—
I am my dear daughter your Affectionate Father.
John Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 28 June 1819
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					My dear Brother.
					Washington 28 June 1819.

				It is only within these very few days that I have found a moment of time to examine the particulars of your account with me for the year 1818 which you transmitted to me last January, upon which, I find occasion to make very few, and unimportant remarks—Under date of 20. June it gives credit for $550.. Dividend from the Fire and Marine Insurance Office, instead of which it should be the New-England Office: and on the 31st. of July. a Dividend of the West-Boston, which should be the Naponset Bridge—I cannot yet exactly understand, the Entries on both sides of the Account relating to the Mutual Insurance Office, nor how they have terminated in a charge against me, when you actually received money from them for me—But I presume you will easily explain it when we meet—I shall then also renew the request that you would again review with me the Settlement which we made on the 8th. of September 1817—for desiring which I have two very strong motives—First that in one of your Letters you have intimated that you were not satisfied with it—and secondly because after a very particular and minute re-examination of your accounts upon which that Settlement was made, I am led to apprehend that there was a mistake made in the adjustment, of between two and four hundred Dollars to your disadvantage—This error if it has been committed must be rectified—At the same time I consider the Settlement as conclusive against myself, and if the mistake should turn out to have been the other way, I will claim nothing from the revision. I have received from Mr Hubbard 794 dollars 50 Cents more towards payment of Mr Justus B. Smith’s Note, whereupon according to notice heretofore given you I authorize you to charge in account against me $79..45. as the Commission to which you would have been entitled, if the payment has been made to you.I hope to be at Quincy the last week in next Month, or the first in August. My wife has been gone a week, on a visit to her Sister Boyd in Virginia, and is to return home on Friday or Saturday next—Mrs Clarke was well last Saturday—Her child has been quite ill, but is recovering.With my duty to our honoured Parent, and affectionate regards to all the rest of the family, I remain, ever faithfully your’s.

					John Quincy Adams


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

					My Dear George
					June 1819

				I send you another sheet of the dialogue but it is so badly done I am quite ashamed of it. If it serves to excite your curiosity to read it in the original my object will be attained—We are all well and presume you are enjoying your self at Quincy with your Grandfather to whom I request you will remember me and be assured of the affection of your Mother &

					L C A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 1 July 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Charles Francis

					My Dear Charles
					Washington 1 July 1819

				Just returned from Virginia about 2 hours ago, I hasten to answer your Letter which your father gave me on my arrival, and expressing to you the deep sorrow I feel at the gloomy temper which still appears throughout the above mentioned Letter—At your age my Son this habit of fretting and complaining is peculiarly particularly to be avoided, as it acquires strength hourly, and renders your days cheerless and uncomfortable to yourself, and unpleasant to all with whom you associate—Your father is so distressed by it that he talks of sending you to Andover, and you will then be removed so far beyond my reach, that I perhaps shall not see you for several years—You are hasty my Son and have entirely misunderstood Miss Welsh’s meaning when you supposed she taxed you with stealing; I am sure you are uncapababl incapable of such an act, and I cannot understand to what purpose you should take the Cigars them as you are too young to smoke, and you too well know my antipathy to the practice, to do that which I have so long laboured to destroy in your brothers—. To you it would be of the most fatal consequence as it would deeply injure your lungs, which are already weak, and throw you into a decline, a state of suffering from which you would only be relieved by death. let me entreat you my beloved child to spare me this deep affliction by avoiding the m every thing tending to produce so dreadful a calamity; to parents who have ever shewn you the tenderest affection, and who have ever been ready to gratify you in every proper indulgence. It is a wretched and disgusting habit of the most pernicious tendency, as it produces a constant thirst which inevitably leads to that most dreadful and loathsome one of ine inebriety; sinking whole families in shame and ruin—I write to you as to a man for you have sense above your years, and it is to that sense that I address myself. You are capable of exertion, and none that you can make, can be more honourable than that of acquiring self command, and a thorough controul over your inclinations. remember that one of the greatest advantages of education is, that it teaches us to curb our passions, and to check all unruly desires; and our religion strongly forbids their gratification—remember my Son that we are sent into this world for noble purposes, and that it is our duty to early to check, nay to root out if possible all our evil propensities—and follow the example of your father, who has weaned himself from all those habits which might have led to ill and for but which his taste and studious habits led him naturally to indulge—Be timely warned my Son, and avoid Cigars, they are the baneful enemies of sobriety, and if you persevere at your early age in using such a stimulous, your health, your happiness, your peace of mind, may and will be ruined for ever, and your Mother who so dearly loves you, may have to rue the day you were born, instead of rejoicing to sign herself the most affectionate of Mothers

					L C A.

					Shew this Letter to John


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 3 July 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					My Dear John
					Washington 3 July 1819

				Tomorrow is the great National anniversary and at the same the anniversary of your birth which event was to me as joyful as the other to the nation; and I always hail its return with pleasure and gratitude, Oh may this sentiment exist as long as you I have life, and may no unpropitious event cast a cloud over the brightness of this day which hitherto has been a day of joy. accept my congratulations on its return with every good wish that the most affectionate Mother can suggest, and may each revolving year add to your happiness your worth and your felicity—You will see by my Letter to Charles that I have been in a visit to your Aunt Boyd which was the reason of my not writing to you—I do not the feel quite well and am considerably fatigued therefore cannot write you a long Letter. Next week I will resume our Correspondence upon the old footing—I have so entirely relied on your obedience to my wishes as it regards smoking that I was a little surprized nay hurt to learn that you still persevered in the odious habit of smoking Cigars—The practice is every way odious very expensive and extremely hurtful—At your age you require no stimulous whatever; on the contrary you should rigidly abstain from every thing of the kind as its tendency is extremely injurious both to your health and morals and its consequences fatal to your and honour and your future peace—You have both example and warning and remember should any ill befal you, double nay treble censure must fall on all your heads and bring down added shame on the heads of your parents—I so repeatedly recur to this subject my beloved Son because you live in the centre of vicious and ensnaring example and because I tremble lest your mind become familiarised with a vice which may thus lose half its horror and lead to everlasting mischief—To you I look to shew to your youngest brother how easy it is to vanquish yourself and to sacrifice a temporary gratification for a lasting good and prove your duty and your love for your heavenly and your earthly parents by early acquiring the habit of controuling your passions and your tastes and every hour rise in that virtue which leads to heaven and the consciousness of which cheers every hour of a long life and soothes even in the pangs of death—Heaven protect you my beloved Child and strengthen you in all good is the daily prayer of her whose her every pulse of whose heart throbs with solicitude for the welfare and happiness of her Children

					L. C. A—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 14 July 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

My Dear John
Washington 14 July 1819

I yesterday received your Letter announcing the death of Judge Tudor but the melancholy news which I had received from St Petersburg only half an hour before broke the shock as that comparatively was a calamity so dreadful that the death of the Judge appeared nothing more than an event which must naturally be expected—It is no doubt a distressing event to the family and sudden deaths are always awful I am very sorry for them indeed—
It is quite uncertain when we shall get to Boston as the President is not returned and there are many unfavourable rumours about the Treaty which may possibly prevent our coming at all.
I am delighted to learn that George has a part and should much rejoice to hear him speak it—I beg you will inform me what it is as I should like much to know—
You seldom mention Charles in your Letters and you artfully evade answering me when I write you upon any particular subject—This I trust is not done with a view to deceive me—as the anxiety of a mother should never thus be trifled with.
We are very still here and suffering intensely with heat which makes me almost incapable of any great effort and I do not know whether I shall be able to accompany your father—He will at all events take Mrs. Clark and her Infant to Quincy and if I should not come I shall certainly see you in the Winter to pass your vacation with me.
Give my love to Charles and Miss Welsh and believe me ever affectionately yours

L C A.

We are to move into another house in Septbr.


Title: To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 16 July 1819
From: Boylston, Ward Nicholas
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Cousin And  kind Friend
					Princeton July 16th 1819

				We return’d to this place the Day after we had the pleasure of seeing you at Quincey—I have seized upon every moment of leisure since to reperuse your discourses on Davila, and Letters written at Amsterdam—from both I daily derive more information and pleasure than from any thing on those subjects publish’d before, or since the Revolution,—in so much that I am astonish’d at my own stupidity in not haveing made the request at that time (which I fully intended,) and now beg to urge—which is, that you will allow me to collect such of your publications, or other writings upon that Eventfull period, as you woud deem proper to be continued to posterity: which I mean to have elegantly bound in Morrocco, and deposited in the Library I contemplate will, at some not far distant period; be Erected at Cambridge; from the accumulating fund I have more than 19 years since establish’d at that University and when I shall direct a Niche to be reserved For that purpose—You must not my Dear Friend, refuse me this token of your affection—it is a record due to you; a tribute to your Family, a source from whence, a gratefull Nation will draw those testimonials of the debt they owe you, and transmit them with the Imperishable Epocha from which they    emanated, to their children’s children, & they again to theirs—When envy and party spirit will be buried wth. our Dust, and triumphant truth & true patriotism will revere their worth and yours—  I always feel an inward, and Constant delight in the  hours I have been permited to enjoy in your society; and if I have not returned home better, (which I ought to be) I have always returned wiser from every meetingI have received a very kind Letter from Mr Secretary Adams a few days since. I do not wish to rob you of a moment of his time, in his intended visit to you next month, but it wou’d be conferring the greatest favor on us, if on his return he, & Mrs Adams, cou’d deviate a little out of the post Road to Washington and pass a few days, with us here— Mrs Boylston desires her best respects and regards to you, and kind remembrances in union  with mine to Judge—Mrs  Adams Miss Smith & yr. family—And ever consider me /  My Dear Cousin / Your affectionate Relative /  And Sincere Friend

					Ward Nichs Boylston


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 17 July 1819
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Sir
					Washington 17 July 1819

				I take great pleasure in introducing to your acquaintance, Mr. David Hoffman, a distinguished Member of the Bar at Baltimore, who makes with his Lady a Summer  excursion to our Section of the Union and will deliver you this Letter.I am dear Sir ever faithfully your Son


Title: To John Adams from Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 17 July 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Washington 17 July 1819

				I have been so unwell with the Chicken pox since I returned from Virginia and the weather has been so hot, that I could not answer your last kind Letter so soon as I ought, to thank for the flattering kindness with which you received my ridiculous labours Believe me they it were not attended with fatigue, and did not at all interfere with my other avocations and are hardly worthy of the praise you so lavishly bestowed upon  my industry—At this season of the year when we are allowed a little relaxation from the toil of morning visits, my time passess heavily on my hand, and my sight is too weak of to admit of my plying my needle as I formerly did, and the mornings are so long that the translation occupied agreably both my mind and my body—I believe Platotes could he return would be a little ashamed to See his dialogues handled by a Woman, and still more to find them so despoiled of their original merit but he might perhaps be tempted to forgive such an indignity as it was only intended to excite an appetite for the original work and by contrast to enhance its natural beauties—I agree with you it is an odd thing for a Lady to do but as it was done without pretence, never intended to be seen but by her Sons, and done with a view to excite them to improvement and industry, I trust it will be excused for the sake of the motiveSusan is sick of the Measles which she has however very favourably I saw her last night—The President has not returned yet—and it is quite uncertain when Mr. A. will leave the City to visit you I much fear I shall be deprived of the pleasure of seeing you as the great host debilitates me so much I am afraid to undertake the journey—Present me kindly to the family and believe me with great respect and affection your daughter

					L C Adams.

					Mr. & Mrs. Smith request me to present their duty—


Title: From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 24 July 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

					my dear Sir
					Quincy July 24th. 1819

				I thank you for your favor of the 16th. It is impossible for me, as it was for Junius to recollect the innumerable trifles I have written. of those that were printed in the olden time of the Revolution I believe I could give a list—but nothing I ever printed or wrote in my whole life, is fit for the inspection of Posterity—all written in a hurry distracted with care, dispirited by discouragements—never transcribed, never corrected and not even ever revised—the F Discourse’s on Davila I consider as a fourth Volume of the Defence of the Constitutions of the United States—and as it is out    of print, I should be glad to see an Edition of it under the title of the Defence of the Constitutions & &  Volume fourth,—leaving out all the Preface’s and advertisements—of the Printers in the Copy you possess—but no printer or Bookseller would undertake the expence of Publishing such an Edition—my writings are all too dull for Sail—I inclose a Copy of a glaring example— / and am your affectionate / friend and obliged Servant

					John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 26 July 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

dear Sir.
Quincy July 26th. 1819—

I thank you for your favor of the 16th.—It is impossible for me, as it was for Junius to recollect the innumerable trifles I have written.—Of those that were printed in the Olden Time of the Revolution, I believe I could give a list—but nothing I ever printed or wrote in my whole life is fit for the inspection of Posterity—all written in a hurry distracted with Care, dispirited by discouragements, never transcribed, never corrected, and not even ever revised—The Discourses on Davila I consider as a fourth Volume of the Defence of the Constitution of the United States—and as it is out of Print, I shall be glad to see an Edition of it, under the Title of the Defence of the Constitutions & Volume fourth leaving out all the Prefaces and Advertisements of the Printers in the Copy you possess—but no printer or Bookseller would undertake the expence of publishing such an Edition—my writings are all too dull for sale—I inclose a Copy of a glaring example.— / and am your affectionate / friend and obliged Servant

John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 1 August 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					Washington 1 August 1819

				I was much gratified by the receipt of your Letter my dear George yesterday at noon and am somewhat surprized to find that you have not read my translation of Plato which was sent on some weeks since to your Grandfather by Mr. A. and which I supposed you had already read soon after its arrival—The two first Dialogues were sent together and the copying of them was very laborious to me—I wish you to peruse them but not to mention my having done them to any one as they are very indifferently finished and the translation much too literal to be elegant. added to which I have no pretention whatever but that of exciting you to read these dialogues in the original and in french that you may judge of my work and by this means ascertaining its real merits. I have nearly finished two more which I will send when copied.I am much gratified at your having a part and have not the least doubt of your doing yourself credit in the performance I should like to know what it is as I fear it will be impossible for either myself or your father to hear it—Tell John not to have any apprehensions I feel perfectly confident that his labours will be crowned with success—I only hope that he will exert himself to speak well that is the only thing which excites in me the slightest apprehension. and this very little as I am sure his desire to oblige me will operate most favourably and be crowned with complete success—I wish he was well through his examination poor fellow it is a hard trial but he must keep up his spirits and you must encourage him and not depict it as very awful.I think it is probable your father will be prevented from setting out for some weeks and I am quite uncertain whether or not I shall accompany him. As the great heats will probably be  over perhaps I may—If not John and you will come and pass your winter vacation here as your father has decided to have you with us during that period when you will find meet the warmest reception from your affectionate Mother

					L. C. A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to George Washington Adams, 17 August 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, George Washington

					My Dear Son
					Washington 17 August 1819

				You will probably have received the translations I sent you my dear Son of Plato as I understand you have made a visit to Quincy to your Grandfather—In a conversation held at our house in the course of last winter I heard Socrates compared to our Saviour Jesus and it was this comparison which induced me to read the life of Socrates, and the dialogues of Plato; with attention; that I might endeavour to discover the resemblance—I do not find this resemblance any where, and though I admit that Socrates was a man really wonderfully great for the days in which he lived, yet he was only a man perfectly mortal made up of the frailties and weaknesses of humanity—there was worldly pride in his humility, and his sarcastic humour which though a powerful weapon is not an amiable one—was unlike that angelic benevolence which pervaded every word and every action of our Saviour—In the latter we behold a being as it were out of the World into which he had condescended to come—a being so superior to every thing which surrounded him that even in his earliest days he inspired confidence fa and faith—Trace the course of his life no weakness assailed him no suffering appalled him but steadily maintaining the mild majesty of superior virtue he went through every act of his predesined course like one not of this world unlike all that ever had existed unlike all that ever can exist breathing nought but peace and love to a sinful and wicked race whose sins he was willing to redeem by his sufferings and to raise to virtue and holiness by his unwearied exertions his patience and his constant example.—There is something grand in the contempt of death shewn by Socrates but how much more touching how much more beautiful in that of our Saviour whose pathetic words speak to the heart and to the understanding who expresses no contempt for the suffering which must release him from his earthly state even though it is to translate him to the heaven of heavens but implores his heavenly father to support him through his painful trial as it is his will.The perfect unaffected submission conveyed in the simple words of “thy will not mine be done” the confidence the serenity the heavenly placidity, attending each aggravated torture and insult imposed on him all display a nature far superior to common mortality and partial inspiration and I believe it is impossible to find a paralel among the heathens or in any period of the world of this unblemished being whose simple history always leaves sensations of admiration and adoration on the mind and we ever return to it with new delight upon every reperusal—It is from this study my Son we learn what real meekness is how saintly is the humility he practiced and how immaculate and pure every action and every word to testify his total exemption from all those frailties and follies which are attached to the human race and from which even the most perfect in our sphere have to the very extremity of their days a large portion to struggle against and to correct.—The history of Socrates displays a bli brilliant meteor whose transient splendor excited the astonishment of the unenlightened race among which he lived incapable of relishing ideas so far superior to the gross Idolatry in which they lived delighted and which tended to inculcate a degree of purity so contrary to their gross and sensual gratifications. Jesus came with a mild and steady glory which nought could shade even for a moment whose lustre never overwhelmed  cast a ray of light bright as the emanation of the divine Spirit which animated him and pure as the ethereal essence which is breathed by the Vital source of all.Do not shew this Letter and believe me most affectionately / your mother

					L C A—


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 20 August 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Johnson, Alexander Bryan

Dear Sir
Quincy August 20 1819

Cares, Sorrows, Misfortunes, and Infirmities have prevented an earlier Acknowledgment of your favour of June 10th.
There are no better Maxims for a Student or a man of Business than “Festine lente” and “One thing at a time.”
“Six or Seven hours” are quite enough. According to Lord Coke, “Sex  horas Somno, totidem des legibus equis” Six are enough for Study but not enough for Sleep. “Quatuor orabis” Says his lordship. But four hours in a day consumed in what Monks call prayers, would be fanatically and foolishly, I had almost Said impiously employed. “Thy Will be done” is the only prayer We can offer with Confidence and that We ought to ejaculate every moment of our lives. I do not remember how much he allows to Epulis but I know it is far too much. Monks loved Banquets much better than prayer or Study. These Verses I presume were not the composition of Coke. He had picked them up among the rubbish of more antient monkish Students in civil or cannon Laws.
Perhaps I omitted in a former letter to inform You that Mr Gridley in his Sage advice to me Added “Attend to the Gain of the Law, enough to keep Out Of the Briars.”
Alass! Poor great Man! He had been lacerated by the Briars, and died insolvent.
Love to every Body. kiss my Babes. Dont Spoil my Great Grandsons by too much tenderness.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Harriet Welsh, 30 August 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Welsh, Harriet

Miss Welsh
Quincy August 30th. 1819

I know not what my Friend Mr Jay can mean, unless it be a Series of Letters Printed in the Boston Patriot beginning on the 10th. of April 1809 and continued for too or three Years. No Notice of them was taken of them, at the time but by now and then a thrust and Stab from the Tory Press.
I have not a Copy of them. If I had I would send it to Mr Jay—Some Antequarian an hundred Years hence, who Studies Mathew Paris and Hollenshead may possibly Stumble upon them by accident.
I am very respectfully your Friend and / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Mary Catherine Hellen Adams, 3 September 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, Mary Catherine Hellen

					My dear Mary
					Quincy 3d September 1819

				Surrounded by my chattering Boys I can scarcely write you a word to tell you that we arrived safely after a most fatiguing journey and are all well at Quincy and very comfortable—The journey was unpleasant and I think we were more jolted and jostled even than last year.I beg you will tell Mrs. Smith that during the time of my absence she can be supplied with milk from my Cow and if Mr. Smith chooses he can make use of my horse altho’ I fear he is too wild to be of much service. The old gentleman is very well but his nerves are in a very irritable state and it is rather difficult to go on quite smoothly—but we make out as well as we can—You I presume are going on with your studies and practicing your music the same as if I was with you. Mr: Cristianna was in the Steam Boat when we arrived from Philadelphia and made me a present of some music of his composition. He intends coming to Washington next winter and will resume his lessons if he can.We saw Mr. and Mrs. de Neuville at New York with Mr & Mrs Cruger they enquired after you very kindly. Mrs. Cruger spoke much of her old friend Mrs. Frye—Have you heard from your Aunt Boyd—write me all about her that you hear—The Country here looks beautiful but it is intensely hot and they still have the fever in Boston. I do not know when we shall go there but suppose we shall go before we leave this part of the Country—We met with no adventures therefore could keep no journal—Miss  at Philadelphia is fatter than ever and full as affected—John is grown very ugly George always was so and Charles looks better than last year tho’ he is of the same stamp they are all would be Dandies but John outstrips them the others in his pretensions—Give my love to your Aunts and write me immediately—and all I have to recommend to you is to write without fear and put down on your paper what you think, without thinking of what you must say and your Letters will be most acceptable to your affectionate Aunt and Mother

					L C Adams

					I hope the Border you are working will be completed when I return and that your clothes will be kept in good order—


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 September 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

					List of Letter Books, Journals and other Manuscripts given by John Adams Esqr to his Son John Quincy Adams
					6th of September 1819

				Number.1A volume of written extractsQuarto2Letter Book beginning from 26th May 1776 to 8th February 1778 Folio3Ditto from 3rd Febry 1777 to 7th July 1777.Ditto...4.Journals of voyage to France in 1778."5Letter Book France from 12th: May 1778 to 8 Novr. 1779."6Journal 13 Feby. 1778 to 26th. April 1779—Quarto7An account book 12 Feby. 1778 to 17 June 1779"8A Letter book from 3 June 1778 to 9 Febry. 1779 and from March 25 1809 to 6 May 1814.Folio9French letters from Vergenes and Sartine 1778. & 79"10Letter book from Mrs A Adams from 1779 & 1780."11Letter " " 14 Novr: 1779 to 28 July 1780—"12" " " 11 Decr: 1779. " 5 June 1780—"13" " " 10 June 1780 " 14 August 1780—"14" " " 12 Febr: 1780 to 12 September 1780—"15" " " 17 August 1780 to 13 April 1782.—Quarto16Holland Vol 1st:17Holland Vol 2nd:List Continued18Holland Vol 319Holland France and London Vol 4th4 volumes Folio20Peace W T Franklins CopiesFolio8 B Letter Book 3rd May 1778 to 12th Febry 1779Folio21Mediation 1781Folio22Peace 1782. + 1783.Folio23Peace 1782Folio24Peace October 1782 to September 1783.Folio25Account Book 1784.Folio26Account Book 1779 to 1786.Folio27.Letter Book from May 27th 1785 to 13th December 1785Folio28Letter Book from 15th Decemr 1785 to 28th February 1788Folio29.Letter Book from 12th December 1785 to 2nd February 1789.Folio30Letter Book from 20th May 1789. to 7th January 1793Folio31Letter Book from 18th May 1789 to 2nd October 1797Folio32Letter Book from 23rd March 1801 to 26th November 1812Folio33Letter Book from 30th Novembr. 1812. to 17th April 1813.Folio34.Letter Book from 29th May 1814 to 4th November 1816.Folio35.Letter Book from Nov. 13th 1816 to 12th August 1819Folio


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 23 September 1819
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

				Know all Men by those Presents, that I John Quincy Adams, of Boston in the County of Suffolk, Esquire, am holden and stand firmly bound and obliged unto John Adams of Quincy in the County of Norfolk, Esquire, my honoured father, in the full and just sum of ten thousand Dollars, to be paid unto the said John Adams, his Executors, Administrators or Assigns; to the which payment, well and truly to be made, I do bind myself, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators firmly, by these Presents. Witness my hand and Seal Dated the twenty–third day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.Whereas, the said John Adams has this day by his Deed, duly executed and acknowledged, conveyed all the Estate; belonging to him in Quincy, known by the name of the Mount Wollaston Farm, to the said John Quincy Adams, his Heirs and Assigns, in fee simple; Now the Condition of this Obligation is such, that if the said John Quincy Adams, his Executors or Administrators, shall from and after the first day of April next, well and truly pay to the said John Adams, during the term of his natural life the sum of one thousand Dollars, a year, in quarterly payments of two hundred and fifty dollars each, to be made on the first days of July, October, January and April, or as soon afterwards as demanded; then the above Obligation is to be void, and of no effect: otherwise to abide and remain in full force and Virtue.

					(signed) John Quincy Adams

					Signed, Sealed and delivered in presence of us.Hannah MillerEdward Miller.Norfolk Is. Quincy September 23. 1819. Then the above–named John Q. Adams acknowledged the above instrument by him subscribed to be his free Act and Deed.Before Edward Miller J. P. A true Copy. / Attest.
			John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 September 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

					September 23, 1819

				Know all Men by these Presents, that I John Adams of Quincy in the County of Norfolk, Esquire, in Consideration of one dollar to me paid by my Son John Quincy Adams of Boston in the County of Suffolk, Esquire, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, and in Consideration of a Bond of the said John Quincy Adams to me, bearing even date with these Presents, and for divers other good and lawful Considerations, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey to the said John Quincy Adams, all that part of the Real Estate of the late Norton Quincy of Quincy Esquire, which was by his last Will and Testament bequeathed to my late wife, Abigail Adams, deceased: and also all those portions of the same Estate, which were conveyed to me, by the following persons Cotton Tufts junior, and Mercy his wife, by their Deed, dated 1. April 1803.Richard Cranch and Mary his wife, by their Deed of 29. March 1802Quincy Thaxter, Thomas Thaxter junior, and his wife, Thomas Loring and his wife, Hannah Thaxter, Elizabeth Thaxter, and Celia Thaxter, by their joint deed of 29 March 1802Stephen Peabody and Elizabeth his wife, by their Deed of 7. August 1802.Being the whole of the Estate of the said Norton Quincy, known by the name of the Mount Wollaston Farm, in Quincy, bounded Westerly on the town Land, and on Land of the late Moses Black Esquire, Northerly on the Creek, and on the Salt Water, Easterly on Land of Samuel Spear, and Salt-Marsh of sundry persons, and Southerly by a line drawn from a Creek, or Arm of the Sea, along by the Town Lands so called, and Salt-Marsh of sundry persons, and across Rocky-Island; or however the same may be otherwise butted or bounded, the whole consisting of three hundred and seventy-five Acres, or thereabouts: together with two lots of Cedar Swamp, in the Town of Randolph containing twelve Acres or thereabouts; and a woodlot of about ten Acres, in the Six Hundred Acres so called.—With all the Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments, and their Appurtenances and Privileges, bequeathed as aforesaid, or in the said Deeds described or contained; excepting such part of a Cedar Swamp, as I and my said wife, Abigail, heretofore conveyed by our Deed to the said Cotton Tufts juniorTo Have and to Hold, the afore-granted Premises, to the said John Quincy Adams, his Heirs and Assigns, to his and their Use and Behoof forever. And I do Covenant with the said John Quincy Adams, his Heirs and Assigns, that I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; excepting the one Ninth part of the said Estate, bequeathed as aforesaid to my late wife, Abigail Adams; and which by our joint Deed of 17. August 1803. was conveyed to the said John Quincy Adams, his Heirs and Assigns, in Trust for the use and benefit of my said wife and of me, and of the survivor of us, during said survivor’s natural life, and afterwards to the use of the said John Quincy Adams, his Heirs, and Assigns forever—That the said Premises are free of all Incumbrances, except, as aforesaid; and except a Lease of the said Mount Wollaston Farm, for one year from the first day of April last, to Luther Spear—That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said John Quincy Adams, and that I will warrant and defend the same Premises, to the said John Quincy Adams, his Heirs, and Assigns forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.In Witness whereof, I the said John Adams have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, this twenty third day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.

					John Adams

					Signed, Sealed, and delivered, in presence of us.
				Hannah Miller—Edward MillerNorfolk ss. Quincy Sept 23 1819 Then the above named John Adams acknowledged the above instrument by him subscribed to be his free act & Deed BeforeEdward Miller J.P.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 September 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

					September 25, 1819

				KNOW all Men by these Presents,That I John Adams of Quincy in the County of Norfolk Esquire, in Consideration of One dollar to me paid by John Quincy Adams, of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, Esquire the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have remised, released, and forever quit-claimed, and do, for my self and my Heirs, by these Presents, remise, release, and forever quit-claim unto the said John Quincy Adams, his Heirs and Assigns, All my Right, Title, Interest and Estate, in and to a certain tract of Land in Quincy, containing seventeen Acres, more or less commonly called Verchild Pasture, lying in common with and between the Atherton and Belcher pastures, which I conveyed to the said John Quincy Adams, by my Deed of the twenty-third of April 1804—and of which he has from that time had possession; and which before and until that time had been upwards of thirty years in my possession.To HAVE and to HOLD the afore-mentioned Premises, with all the Privileges and Appurtenances thereunto belonging, to him the said John Quincy Adams, his Heirs and Assigns forever; so that neither I the said John Adams nor my Heirs, or any other Person or Persons claiming from or under me or them, or in the Name, Right or Stead of me or them, shall or will, by any Way or Means, have, claim, or demand any Right or Title to the aforesaid Premises, of their Appurtenances, or  to any Part of Parcel thereof, forever.In witness whereof, I the said John Adams have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this twenty-fifth Day of September in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and nineteen.

					John Adams

				Signed, sealed, and delivered, in Presence of us,Jno DavisThomas GreenleafGeo. W. BealeNorfolkss. Quincy September 27th 1819. Then the above-named John Adams personally appeared and acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act and Deed—before me,Thomas B AdamsJust. of Peace.


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 September 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

					September 27th, 1819

				I John Adams of Quincy, in the County of Norfolk Esquire, do hereby give to my Son John Quincy Adams, of Boston, in the County of Suffolk Esquire, all my Manuscript Letter Books, and Account-Books, Letters, Journals, and Manuscript papers; together with the trunks in which they are contained; also a Bureau, with three large Drawers, two small Drawers, and two glass folding Doors, standing near the foot of my bed, at the North-side of my bed-chamber; and an Escritoire, having a writing Desk, with two folding doors beneath, and a drawer over it; of checkered wood; standing on the other side of the chamber, next to the South-easterly window; with all the papers contained, or hereafter to be contained in them—Also a Silver Tankard, which I purchased of the Executor of the late Norton Quincy Esquire, and which formerly belonged to Coll. John Quincy; Great-Grandfather of the said John Quincy Adams—Also, all my Family Pictures.Witness my hand and Seal, at Quincy the twenty-seventh Day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.

					John Adams

					Signed, Sealed and delivered in presence of us.
				Jno. DavisThomas GreenleafGeo. W. Beale


Title: To John Adams from William Cranch, 27 September 1819
From: Cranch, William
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Alexandria Septr. 27th. 1819.

				I intend that this shall be handed to you by my daughter Nancy, who accompanies her sister Mary; in a visit to our friends in New England. These my children are almost what I could wish them to be. I rejoice that they will have an opportunity of seeing you whose character they have been taught to revere. I had hoped that they might have become acquainted with her who was so deservedly dear to you, to me, & to all her friends; but they are intimate with her character, and will humbly endeavour to imbibe her virtues.I hope you will not consider this letter as imposing any obligation on your part to reply to it, as I am sufficiently gratified in being permitted to assure you of my unabated affection reverence and gratitude.

					W. Cranch.


Title: From John Quincy Adams, 7 October 1819
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

					October 7, 1819

				I John Quincy Adams of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire, do make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament.I give and bequeath to my eldest Son George Washington Adams, all that real Estate in Quincy, in the County of Norfolk, known by the name of the Mount-Wollaston Farm, conveyed to me by my honoured father, by his Deed dated the twenty-third day of September last; And also one of the two dwelling Houses in Nassau-Street, Boston, which I purchased of John Lowell Esquire in June 1806: namely the house forming the corner of Nassau and Boylston Streets, with all the privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging—To have and to hold, to him and the heirs of his body forever.I give and bequeath to my second Son, John Adams, all the Lands, Houses and Appurtenances in said Quincy, conveyed to me, by my said father; by his Deeds, dated the eighth of August, one thousand eight-hundred and three, and the twenty-third of April, one thousand eight-hundred and four—and also, the land, which I purchased of Isaac  P. Davis in Nassau-Street, and in Hancock Street, Boston, on the 23d. and 28th. of April 1807. together with the dwelling houses, and other buildings standing thereon, and all the privileges, and appurtenances, thereto belonging. To have and to hold to him, and the Heirs of his body forever.I give and bequeath to my third Son Charles Francis Adams, my land in Court-Street–Boston, which I purchased of my father in September 1793. together with all the buildings which are, or may be standing thereon, and all the privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging—and also the second of the two dwelling Houses, in Nassau-Street–Boston, which I purchased of John Lowell Esquire in June 1806: with all its privileges and appurtenances, to have and to hold to him and the heirs of his Body forever.But all the Real Estate herein above bequeathed to my three Sons shall be subject to the charge of my wife’s dower.I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Louisa Catherine Adams, in lieu of all her right to dower, or third part of my Estate real, personal, and mixed, all the lands, tenements and Hereditaments, of which I may die seized in the District of Columbia; with all their privileges and appurtenances. To Have and to Hold, the same, for the term of her natural life; and after her decease I give and bequeath the same to the eldest of my three sons, who may be living at the time of my said wife’s decease; or if the youngest of them, namely Charles Francis should alone be then living, to him—To Have and to Hold, to him, whichever of my said Sons, to whom this bequest shall become effective, and to his Heirs forever.I further give and bequeath to my said wife, all my Household Furniture, table-linen, Plate, Carriages and Horses, and Cows which shall be at Washington the place of my residence at the time of my decease, excepting Books, and papers, Manuscript or printed.I further give and bequeath to my said wife, eight hundred shares, in the Bank of the Metropolis at Washington, and one thousand Shares in the Planter’s Bank of Prince Georges County, Maryland with whatever dividends may be Live or accrueing upon them at the time of my decease.—And these bequests to my said wife, being in lieu of all her right of dower and thirds, in my Estate, if she accepts the same, are to exonerate all the remainder of my Estate of what kind or description so ever, from any and every claim on her part—But if she should decline accepting these bequests; then I give and bequeath to the eldest of my Sons who may be living at the time of my decease, or to the youngest if he only should then be living, all my real Estate in the District of Columbia, to have and to hold, to him and the Heirs of his body forever.I give and bequeath to the eldest of my Sons who may be living, at the time of my decease, or to the youngest if he only should survive me, all my manuscript Books and Papers, and all those given me by my honoured Father—Also the whole of my Library; which it is my desire may be kept and transmitted entire, to the eldest Son of my Posterity, in succession, as long as the Books shall last, and the succession be continued; and I do strictly enjoin it upon my Son, to whose benefit this bequest shall enure, to consider it as the most precious portion of his inheritance; and to employ all his faculties, upon which I implore the blessing of Almighty God, in improving the intellectual Treasure thus bestowed upon him, to the glory of God, and the good of his Country and of Mankind.And if either of my Sons should die, without leaving Heirs of his body, I then give and bequeath all the Real Estate, by this my Will given to him, to his two brothers, to have and to hold to them, and to the Survivor of them, as Joint-tenants and not as tenants in Common; and to the Heirs of the said Survivor’s body forever. and if any two of my said Sons should die without leaving any heirs of their Bodies, then I give and bequeath the whole of my Real Estate hereby bequeathed to either of them, and generally all Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments with their Privileges and Appurtenances, of which I may die seized, and not otherwise disposed of by this Will, to the survivor of my said three Sons, to have and to hold, to him, and the Heirs of his Body forever.And if my three Sons should die, neither of them leaving any heirs of his body then I give and bequeath, all the Real Estate, hereby bequeathed to them, to my honoured father, John Adams of Quincy Esquire, to Have and to Hold, during the term of his natural life; but subject to the payment of two thousand dollars a year; in quarterly payments of five hundred dollars each, to my beloved wife; and after the decease of my said Father I give and bequeath all the said Real Estate, to my said wife, for the term of her natural life—And after her decease, to my nephew John Quincy Adams, son of my brother Thomas Boylston Adams, of Quincy, Esquire, to have and to hold to him the said John Quincy Adams, and the Heirs of his body forever; but subject to the yearly payment of two thousand five hundred dollars a year, in quarterly payments manner following; to the said Thomas Boylston Adams his father, during his natural life; twelve hundred and fifty dollars a year. and afterhis decease to the yearly payment of five hundred dollars each, during the term of their natural lives respectively to Thomas Boyston Adams junr. Isaac Hull Adams, Joseph Harrod Adams, Abigail Smith Adams and Elizabeth Coombs Adams, children of my said br other.I give and bequeath to my said brother Thomas Boylston Adams, his two Notes to me, of five thousand dollars of 12. October 1816 and of two thousand dollars of September last; and direct my Executors to discharge the Mortgages of my said brother’s Estates at Braintree and at Medford, given to secure the payment of the said debts. To William Steuben Smith, John Adams Smith, and Caroline Amelila De Wint, children of my late Sister Abigail Smith, and to Susanna Boylston Clark, and Abigail, Louisa Smith Johnson, daughters of my late brother Charles Adams, two hundred and fifty dollars a year each; and after the decease of my said brother Thomas Boylston Adams, to each of his children, Thomas Boylston Adams junior, Isaac Hull Adams, Joseph Harrod Adams, Abigail Smith Adams and Elizabeth Coombs Adams; two hundred and fifty dollars a year, during the terms of their natural lives respectively.And as to my personal Estate, not otherwise disposed of by this Will, of what kind or description so ever it my be; after the discharge of my debts and funeral charges, which I direct to be done altogether therefrom, I give and bequeath all the remainder to my children, living at the time of my decease, equally to be divided between them.I hereby constitute my Sons who my be living, and of the age of seventeen years at the time of my decease, Executors of this my last Will and Testament, and I constitute my beloved wife, sole Guardian of my three Sons, until they shall arrive at the age of twenty one years respectively.I give and bequeath to the children of my late brother Charles Adams, his bond to me of September 1798 forI give and bequeath to my Nephew, William Steuben Smith, his Note offordollars; and three hundred dollars which he has borrowed of me at Washington, and of which I have no note.I give and bequeath to my nephew John Adams Smith, the pictures of his father and mother given me by my father, and also five hundred Dollars to be paid to him by my Executors, in twelve Months after my decease.I give and bequeath to my nephew John Quincy Adams, my lands at Salem in the State of Vermont; conveyed to me by Jonas Comins. To have and to hold to him, and his Heirs forever.I give and bequeath to my Niece, Caroline Amelia De Wint, and to my Cousin, Louisa Catherine Smith, five hundred dollars each, to be paid, in twelve Months after my decease.And I do hereby declare null and void all Wills heretofore made by me; and particularly one bearing date the 27th. day of July eighteen hundred and nine.In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal, at Boston this 7th day of October, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and nineteenSigned, Sealed, Published, and declared as the last Will and Testament of the said John Quincy Adams; in presence of us, who in the presence of the Testator, and of each other subscribe our names as witnesses hereto.I John Quincy Adams of Boston in the County of Suffolk, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire, do make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament.I give and bequeath to my eldest son, George Washington Adams, all that Real Estate, in Quincy in the County of Norfolk, known by the name of the Mount-Wollaston Farm, conveyed to me by my honoured father, by his Deed dated the twenty-third day of September last: and also, one of the two dwelling-houses in Nassau Street, Boston, which I purchased of John Lowell Esquire, in June 1806: namely the house forming the corner of Nassau and Boylston Streets; with all the privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging—To Have and to Hold, to him, and the Heirs of his Body forever.I give and bequeath to my second Son, John Adams, all the Lands, Houses, and Appurtenances in said Quincy, conveyed to me, by my said father; by his Deeds, dated the eight of August one thousand eight hundred and three, and the twenty-third of April, one thousand eight hundred and four: and also the land, which I purchased of Isaac P. Davis in Nassau-Street, and in Hancock Street, Boston, on the 23d. and 28th. of April 1807, together with the dwelling houses, and other buildings, standing thereon, and all the privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging—To have and to hold, to him, and the Heirs of his bBdy forever.I give and bequeath to my third Son, Charles Francis Adams, my land, in Court Street, Boston, which I purchased of my father in September 1793, together with all the buildings, which are, or may be standing thereon; and also the second of the two dwelling Houses in Nassau Street, Boston which I purchased of John Lowell Esquire, in June 1806: with all their privileges and appurtenances To have and to hold, to him and the heirs of his Body forever.I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Louisa Catherine Adams, in lieu of all her right to Dower or third part of my Estate, Real, personal and mixed, all the Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, in the District of Columbia, of which I may die seized; with all their Privileges, and appurtenances; To Have and to Hold, the same, for the term of her natural life; and after her decease, I give and bequeath the same to the eldest of my three Sons, who may be living at the time of my said wife’s decease; or if the youngest of them, namely Charles Francis should alone be then living, to him—To Have and to hold, to him, whichever of my said Sons, to whom this bequest shall become effective, and to the Heirs of his Body forever—I further give and bequeath to my said wife, all my Household, Bed, Table, and Kitchen Furniture, Plate, Carriages and Horses which shall be at the place of my residence, at the time of my decease, excepting Books and papers, Manuscript or printed.I further give and bequeath to my said wife, eight hundred shares in the Bank of the Metropolis at Washington—and one thousand Shares in the Planter’s Bank of Prince George’s County, Maryland; with whatever dividends may be due or accrueing upon them at the time of my decease: And these bequests to my said wife, being in lieu of all her right of dower, and thirds in my Estate, if she accepts the same, are to exonerate all the remainder of my Estate; of what kind or description soever, from any and every claim on her part. But if she should decline accepting these bequests, then I give and bequeath, to the eldest of my Sons, who may be living at the time of my decease, or to the youngest, if he only should then be living, all my Real Estate in the District of Columbia, To Have and to Hold to him, and the Heirs of his Body forever.I give and bequeath to the eldest of my Sons, who may be living at the time of my decease, or to the youngest, if he only should survive me, all my Manuscript Books and Papers, and all those, given me by my  Father. Also the whole of my Library; which it is my desire may be kept and transmitted entire, to the eldest Son of my Posterity, in succession, as long as the Books shall last, and the succession be continued: and I do strictly enjoin it upon my Son, to whose benefit this bequest shall enure, to consider it as the most precious portion of his inheritance, and to employ all his faculties, upon which I implore the blessing of Almighty God, in improving the intellectual Treasure thus committed to him, to the glory of God, and the good of his Country and of Mankind.And if either of my Sons should die without leaving Heirs of his Body, I then give and bequeath all the Real Estate, by this my Will given to him, to his two brothers, to have and to hold to them, and to the survivor of them, as Joint-tenants and not as Tenants in Common; and to the Heirs of the said Survivor’s body forever. And if any two of my said Sons should die without leaving any heirs of their bodies; then I give and bequeath the whole of my Real–Estate, hereby bequeathed to either of them, and generally, all Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments, with their Privileges and Appurtenances, of which I may die seized, and not otherwise disposed of by this Will, to the Survivor of my said three Sons, to Have and to Hold, to him and the Heirs of his body forever.And if my three Sons should die, neither of them leaving any heirs of his body; then I give and bequeath all the Real Estate hereby bequeathed to them, to my Father, John Adams of Quincy, Esquire—to have and to hold, for the term of his natural life; but subject to the payment of two thousand dollars a year, in quarterly payments of five hundred dollars each, to my beloved wife; and after the decease of my said Father, I give and bequeath all the said Real Estate, to my said wife, for the tern of her natural life—And after her decease to my nephew John Quincy Adams, son of my brother Thomas Boylston Adams of Quincy Esquire; to have and to hold to him the said John Quincy Adams, and the Heirs of his body forever; but subject to the yearly payment of two thousand five hundred dollars in manner following.To the said Thomas Boylston Adams his father, twelve hundred and fifty dollars a year during his natural lifeTo William Steuben Smith, John Adams Smith, and Caroline Amelia De Wint, children of my late Sister Abigail Smith; and to Susanna Boylston Clark, and Abigail Louisa Smith Johnson, daughters of my late brother Charles Adams, two hundred, and fifty dollars a year each; and after the decease of my said Brother Thomas Boylston Adams, to each of his children, Thomas Boylston Adams junior, Isaac Hull Adams, Joseph Harrod Adams, Abigail Smith Adams and Elizabeth Coombs Adams, two hundred and fifty dollars a year during the terms of their natural lives respectively.I give and bequeath to the children of my said brother Thomas Boylston Adams, his two Notes to me, for five thousand dollars, and two thousand dollars; the former, bearing date the 12th. of October 1816. and the latter the 25th. of September last—together with the interest which may be due upon the same at the time of my decease; for the benefit of his children—And I direct my Executors to endorse the said two Notes, and to assign the said Mortgages to a Trustee or Trustees to have and to hold the Estates at Braintree and at Medford, mortgaged to me for the payment of the said two Notes and interest; for the use of all the children of my said brother who may be living at the time of my decease, and of their heirs, as Tenants in Common forever.I give and bequeath to my nephew John Quincy Adams, my lands at Salem in the State of Vermont; conveyed to me, by Jonas Comins—To have and to Hold, to him and his Heirs forever.I give and bequeath to the children of my late Brother Charles Adams, his Bond to me upon interest, for two thousand two hundred and seventy two dollars, bearing date the 22d. of April 1799.I give and bequeath to my nephew William Steuben Smith his Note to me, upon interest, for one thousand and eighty-eight dollars and three Cents, dated 27. April 1814 also three hundred dollars which he has borrowed of me at Washington, and for which I have no Note.I give and bequeath to my nephew John Adams Smith, the Portraits of his father and mother given to me by my father: and also five hundred dollars, to be paid to him by my Executors in twelve Months after my decease.And as to my personal Estate, not otherwise disposed of by this Will; of what kind, or description so ever it my be; I charge it, first, with the payment of one thousand dollars a year, to my father, conformably to my bond of the 23d. of September last—Secondly with the payment of the above legacy of five hundred dollars, to my said nephew, John A. Smith. and thirdly with the payment of all my debts and funeral charges. After which, I give and bequeath all the remainder to my children, living at the time of my decease, equally to be divided between them.I hereby constitute my Sons who my be living at the time of my decease, Executors of this my last Will and Testament, from and after they shall have attained the age of seventeen years respectively;  and I constitute my beloved wife, sole Guardian of my three Sons, until they shall respectively have attained the age of twenty-one years.And I do hereby declare null and void all Wills heretofore made by me; and particularly one bearing date the 27th.  of July 1809.In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal at Boston this seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and nineteen.Signed, Sealed, Published and declared as the last Will, and Testament of the said John Quincy Adams, in presence of us, who in the presence of the Testator; and of each other subscribe our names as witnesses hereto. (the words “the children of” being previously interlined, and the word “said” erased on the third page)

					John Quincy AdamsJoseph Mall—James H. FosterEdw.

					Cancelled 25. Octr. 1832
				J. Q. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 9 October 1819
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, George Washington

					My dear George.
					Boston 9. October 1819.

				On examining my books at the Athenarum, I find there are several volumes missing; among which—Vols. 1. 2. and 32. of Voltaire—1. Volume of Racine—One Volume, from three different sets of Shakespear. 1. Vol: of the Glasgow Sophocles; and some others—part of not all of which, you have—There is danger, if you keep them out that they will get damaged, or mislaid and forgotten; and then make broken sets of valuable Books—I have therefore two things to enjoin upon you.1. That you write to me immediately, in answer to this; and give me a list of every book of mine that you now have, from the Athenarum, or from Quincy—And that you give me immediate information of every book that you shall take out of the Athenarum hereafter.2. That before you leave Cambridge to come to Washington, you return back to the Athenarum, every volume of mine that you have taken out—And when you do return them, you will write to me that you have so done; naming the books returned.We are to leave town at nine this Morning, for Providence—Address your answer therefore, to me at Washington.May the blessing of Heaven, attend your Studies, and your conduct; and those of your brother—prays your affectionate father

					J. Q. Adams.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 9 October 1819
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Johnson, Alexander Bryan

					Dear Sir.
					Quincy October 9th: 1819.

				As I am now favoured with a little leisure, I have been looking over my Agency Accounts for the last twelve years, in connection with our family interest in certain Lands, situate in the Town of Salem in the State of Vermont. I am desirous of exonerating myself from the charge of future Agency so far as it is susceptible of being transferred to those who are immediately interested, and I now enclose you a Statement of my A/C with the Lands. I also enclose a Letter from our Agent Mr Whitelaw, which may give you Some information not now possessed by you on this subject, and which I will thank you to return. In the event of a sale of your share or right, Mrs: Adams will of course be consulted. Mrs: Clark is here and will at any time express her wishes as to the future disposal of her share. I have recently consulted with my Brother, who has left to my discretion the future management of his share, which has been chosen for a farm by a settler without purchase or title, who has built a Log-house upon it and cleared up 15 or 20 Acres of the land. I shall either sell out to this sturdy squatter or rout him off if possible. The lands are valued at an average of three dollars per Acre; but it is not easy to find purchasers for cash.If  I rightly remember you took a copy of the original deed from Abner Mellen to Charles Adams. You will do me a favour by communicating your views on this subject.We are all well, and present our best remembrance to you and all your family. My brother & Sister Adams with their youngest son left Boston for Washington this morning.I am very respectfully your friend

					Thomas B Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 10 October 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, John Adams

my dear Grand Son,
Quincy October 10th 1819

I have received your favour of the 5th of August—and the Cheese by Genel Boyd—for both—which I thank you—I have been for four, or five, and thirty years entirely of your opinion—that the United states have not among any Class of Politicians in England, any sincere friends, and those Millions of People who are not politicians, neither know or care, any more about us, than they do about the Seminole Indians—I suppose that the Execution of Arbuthnot and Ambrister, extinguished the hopes of the English Nation of employing Indians and Negro’s for their Cutt Throats in the future Wars, which they hope, expect, and prey for against us.— I found in England as little friendship for us, amongst the Whigs, as amongst the Tories. Mansfield and North were quite as friendly, and much more civil, than Richmond or Camden—It is astonishing to me, that so many of my Country-Men, still cherish a fond attachment to the people of England, and of our over-weening opinion, that, that Nation has any affection tenderness or delicacy towards us—
There is not a Nation in Europe that hates us so heartily as the English— and that Studies and labours so herd to dispose Us, without being able to succeed, there real fear and dread of us, is equal to their Hatred—I wish and pray for a continuation of the tranquillity of the World—But I am no prophet—and therefore can foresee nothing for a Century to comebut turbulence and Wars, after a little interval
The nineteenth Century appears to me likely to produce greater changes than the eighteenth has done may the progress of Knowledge of Physical and intellectual Liberty increase as time rolls on—and the nations of the Earth become better acquainted with each other, as civilization advances.—
Your sister friends are all well - Caroline De Wint has another Daughter—Your Uncle and family commenced their journey Yesterday, on their return to Washington, from a visit which has given me inexpressible delight—
In daily expectation of a summons to a more enlightened World—I remain / your affectionate / Grand Father
John Adams


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 10 October 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

				BoothN. 2.

					10-12 October 1819

				I think my last closed at our arrival at New London but I am not sure therefore you must excuse repetitions—We left the Hotel early in the morning to go on board the Steam Boat and I met many objects of attraction on my way to whom I should have been delighted to have paid my respects but my young master held my chain so fast that each attempt was frustrated and we arrived at the Wharf without before I succeeded even in expressing my regret at the cause which so impeded every approach to a more intimate acquaintance—In this state of disatisfaction I was hoisted over the side of a large Boat from which issued Streams of Sulphureous vapours accompanied by a noise which so dreadful that it was long ere I could obtain any degree of composure.  The day passed heavily to me as my fears where continually assailed and I hailed with joy the appearance of New Haven. but to my inexpressible astonishment I had the grief and mortification to find myself of much less importance than I imagined for my master left me to the care of Philip while he merrily strolled through the beautiful little Town of New Haven—They returned after an absence of two hours and I own I felt a little pleased to learn that they had not had the pleasure of seeing the Colleges as they had anticipated—.My supper was excellent and I enjoyed my self in the whole as much as could be expected although to express the terror I suffer in those machines as is altogether impossible—language was denied me and I shook as if I was siezed with a fit of the palsy—11 After a fine nights rest I on waking, found that we had arrived at New York a far   famed City in which you no doubt remember I have already been famed for my folly in deserting the best of masters We went to the City Hotel and I enjoyed the most excellent breakfast—Feeling that here I was indeed in the land of puppies I paid due attention to my toilet and accompanied (my master and mistress to make some purchases) an object of general attention—Many made advances which I disdained to meet for with the determined insolence of a thorough John Bull I determined resolved to notice nothing but myself, and my supercillious   importance rendered me so   very disagreeable, I soon learnt to repent it, when I found that no one took the trouble to mind, whether I was pleased or not—The City was less brilliant than usual, and at 11 o’clock I was again thrust into one of those terrible Boats so much the object of my aversion.In this Boat I made a new acquaintance, We frisked about in frolick play, and welcomed each other with mutual pleasure. For a time I was pleased, but that national propensity of undervaluing every thing but myself, soon returned and I could not refrain from making comparisons, which  caused the republican Spirit of my new acquaintance, and I was soon forced to run with my tail between my legs, and my ears down, which drew upon me the  of all who saw me—thus passed the day—when’ere we met we snarled, and grumbled out our quarrel: We took the stage at Brunswick in which I had the agreeable surprize of meeting one of my own Countrymen, the very prince of Dandies—who  seemed to have acquired a little of my experience, and contrary to custom, took infinite pains to please, and to appear modest and contented—He was very handsome, and on the whole I was not displeased to see such a specimen of my Countrymen, altho’ his language did not denote a man of high breeding—We slept this night at Trenton—.12 Left Trenton in the Stage and breakfasted at Bristol, from whence we started in the Steam Boat Pensylvania for Philadelphia a, charming City—Again I was assailed by temptation in all the varied forms of elegance, and beauty—The bold and staring fashions of New York are here divested of their effrontery, and there is here an easy settled good breeding which seems too habitual to have been assurred with the recent importations—I spent two delightful days in this metropolis and could relate some amusing anecdotes concerning the rebuffs I frequently met from the pair for my gallant impertinences—but of this enough, the theme is too prolific—  The rest of the journey was totally uninteresting untill I entered the Capitol plain of the Union—My master took some pains to show me this building but I averted my eyes with some degree of shame, from an object, which had cast such odium on the character of my Nation—

					Booth


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 19 October 1819
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John

					Booth’s Journal. addressed to his MasterHond Sir
					Washington 19th Octb. 1819

				You who know with what painful sensations I saw you depart for College, can readily imagine how much my sufferings were encreased, when this hour arrived, in which I was to bid adieu to the home which had so kindly cherished me, where I enjoyed a felicity much beyond my deserts, and which has excited in my heart a sense of gratitude difficult to express. My poor companion  with whom Doctor, with whom I had formed a strong friendship, drooped his head and hung his tail in all the sadness of grief, and I was obliged to make the most violent exertions, to obtain such a degree of fortitude, as could at least conceal with becoming philosophy the feelings of my heart.Octb. 10 The Providence Stage drove up to the door and I ascended the steps of the carriage with a palpitating heart. We drove through the streets of Boston, and stopped at Mr. William Grays, and there took up Mr. J. Gray and Md Goodhue who appeared a little surprized at my appearance, and somewhat struck by my personal graces—I confess I was pleased with their expressions of admiration, and felt that I was likely to become an object of some consequence in the great City. I flatter myself that I shall do honour to the race of Puppies who have preceded me, and that my Countrymen residing here will not have to blush for me in any way. On the arrival of these two Strangers I was transfered to the Box between Philip and the Coachman; at first I felt a little piqued; but soon consoled myself with the reflection, that in England I should have been countenanced by the first rate Bucks, and that so far from being degraded by my situation, I ought to feel gratified at this  Dandy distinction. I delighted in the opportunity it afforded me of surveying the Country, and although it would by no means bear a comparison with the richly cultivated fields of my native land, I reflected on the liberty I enjoyed, and snuffed the air with the consequential and assuming tone of a freeborn Citizen. I got but a poor breakfast as the old Woman at the Inn had so unmercifully peppered the fowl, I could not support its piquancy, and not being aware that we should not dine till I again ascended the Box, predoomed to fast till evening—We arrived at Providence late in the evening where I had an excellent supper and a comfortable breakfast bed.11 This morning I arose very gloomy, and could scarcely support the idea of mounting the Box in a very heavy South Est Storm, in which I must of necessity be drenched with rain, and shivering with cold. my old Master took compassion on our miserable situation, and  exerted his influence with our fellow Passengers, to let me in; and I enjoyed a delightful nap on the lap of my mistress, after having made my acknowledgments to the Gentlemen for their politeness—In this way I rode until the Sun once more cheered us with his beaming rays, and then I resumed my seat with the all sufficient air of an accomplished Traveller. We arrived at New London where we dined, and met the famous Lancaster—I do not interest myself  in such systems and have hitherto only turned my  thoughts to those best adapted to improve the canine race. In this respect my travels have already proved very advantageous, and after passing through a winter at Washington, where I shall no doubt, have an opportunity of hearing many new ideas elicitted by the bright luminaries who assemble to settle the affairs of the Country, I have no doubt but I may be enabled to produce some plan, which will prove extremely advantageous to the future race of puppies, and by rendering them Classical Scholars, prevent them from committing faults, which now call forth such biting  We slept at New London, a pretty town in Connecticut: but I was too much fatigued to think of making a acquaintance. one small puppy attracted my attention for a few minutes, but he was too shallow and uninformed to amuse me long—I was somewhat surprized at the attention my master Charles paid him which mortified me for a moment, but an instants reflection was sufficient to convince me of my own superiority, and I found my vanity rise in proportion to the distance we travelled from the “Land of good habits.” It is really very singular to observe what different results spring from the same causes, all the puppies that I meet seem to be actuated by the same motives, an ardent and unquenchable love of self, and evince it in all the different grades and shades which can be expressed between philosophy and folly.I must now close this sheet but will continue to write the first opportunity, excuse the observations which I have casually made concerning my own Country and remember that the honor patria is a virtue.

					Booth.


Title: From John Adams Smith to John Quincy Adams, 25 October 1819
From: Smith, John Adams
To: Adams, John Quincy

					Dear Sir.
					London 25 October 1819.

				Mr William Davis Robinson has been some weeks in London, and is about departing for the United States, his intelligence & zeal, but more than all, his sufferings, will I am sure always recommend him to the kindness and attention of our countrymen. I could not let him depart hence without giving him a line to testify in his favour those sentiments, I shall ever feel in exercise I hope, to those who endure, with the fortitudes & energy of character, that he has evinced, throughout his painful imprisonment, in the dungeons of “our Great and Good Friend” the King of Spain. I beg leave As far as I may be permitted to do so, to give him my humble recommendation, to your Kindness.I am Dear Sir with great respect / your very obedient

					J. Adams Smith.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to Alexander Bryan Johnson, 30 October 1819
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Johnson, Alexander Bryan

					Dear Sir,
					Quincy October 30th: 1819

				Your favour of the 19th: instant I duly received with Mr: Whitelaw’s letter I have opened a correspondence with Mr Baxter an Ally of Brownington to whom Mr Whitelaw referred me, relative to the future disposal of my own and the lands under my care in Salem, and as you may wish to know the whole truth, however discouraging in relation to  the property in which you have some interest, I send you for perusal a letter recently received from him. I have  answered him by requesting further information and shall be governed in my future instructions to him by the intelligence he may give. I would gladly embrace your offer to purchase your Share, on some terms, if it were in my power; but having no money to invest in such property and being in need of all I can command, I am obliged to decline the proposition you make, and to make the best of a hard bargain in the degree of interest I already hold in the Vermont lands—My purpose is to give Mr. Baxter a power of Attorney to sell my lot on such terms as it will yield, and to expose it at Auction—if no private sale can be effected. Mrs Clark is of the same disposition as to her share, but a difficulty might occur in disposing of a part of undivided lots. The quality of the lands and their local Situations according to the information of Mr. Baxter, derived from Ephraim Blake Esqr the first Settler in the Township affords no encouragement that the property will increase in value, and as it may still tax the owners with expence if not sold, at some rate, my advice is to get rid of it as soon as possible. The best part of my brother J Q. Adams’s lot is taken up by a Mr: Willson, and it may be most advantageous to him as it has raised the value of his lot above the rest. Mr: Blake’s valuation of the land is lower than Mr: Whitelaw’s, but probably more correct.When I hear more from Mr: Baxter on the subject I will acquaint you.Mrs: Clark and her daughter are very well, as we are generally. My father is this day four–score & five years old, and his health is yet firm. He often walks three or four miles a day, and seems little fatigued by the exercise—With my own and Mrs Adams’s best love to your wife and family, I am / Dear Sir, Your friend & Hble Servt

					Thomas B Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 3 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear Daughter
Montezillo November 3d. 1819—

I can hardly believe my Eyes when I look upon your letter of the 13th. of October at Philadelphia, and recollect that it has not been acknowledged; and the comfortable intelligence of your safe arrival in that City, ought not to have been so long forgotten: Since that time, we have no intelligence from your family except a letter from Master Charles, to Master Thomas, by which I am happy to learn that he is highly delighted not only with his restoration to his Parents, an inestimable blessing, but with his Studies Situation and prospects in Washington. My love and blessings to him, and too you all.—
I am glad you fell in with Friend Lancaster, who must have saved you all the trouble of talking, and have entertained you with his Wit, and humour, and his inexhaustible Anecdotes—
I have had the pleasure of a Visit from Mr Ticnor Ticknor and Mr Everet since their return from their travel’s,—refined and Polished Gentlemen, they have both of them already revived the trumpets of their fame, which is resounding far and wide, and may it long continue to Animate their contemporaries to exertion, to Sustain and promote the honour and reputation of their Country for Literature and science—
Mr Adams has left in my possession whether by inadvertency or design, I know not, a great Work upon the Black Sea’s of by Generall Dearborn the Younger, which is a memorable effort of industry and perseverence, he is a Legitimate Son of the Family of the Searches and his work ought to be read and preserved.—
Another great Volume by Mr Walsh has been politely presented to me by the Author, and it is the most faithful American Book that I ever read, he ought to have a Medal Struck to his honour, by every American State.
I have received a Visit also, since your departure from Mr Maury another Son of our Consul in Liverpool—a Smart sensible young Gentleman, whom I hope you will receive Hospitably if he should appear at Washington.—
Your Sons of Harvard are in good Health and in fair Esteem—John only has made us a Visit of an hour or two, of an Afternoon after he had attended one of the Exhibitions at College; he was in fine Spirits, much pleased with his society, his Studies, and his prospects.—
Tell Mr Adams that the Materials for his Barn are arrived, and that my hands and Team are now employed, with others in transporting them from the Sea, to the spot of their destination—We shall draw upon Mr Cruft for the means of paying for them—but he will say h nostra non voco—
Louisa, and Susan, and Susie are well—and send love—the rest of the Family are in good Health—we expect your two Sons to keep Thanksgiving with us the 4th. December—
I am your affectionate Father

John AdamsMrs T B Adams has gone to Haverhill, as Mrs Stebbins is very ill.S C


Title: From John Adams to Ward Nicholas Boylston, 3 November 1819
From: Adams, John
To: Boylston, Ward Nicholas

Dear Boylston
Montezillo November 3d—1819

I think it is Voltaire who some where says, the life of a Man of Letters ought to appear only in his writings, without any pretentions to the Character of a Man of letters—it has been my destiney to scribble a great deal—always in great haste, never revising or correcting any-thing—You desire a list of my publications—and I have given you incouragement to expect it—but I shall be accused of promising more than I shall be able to perform—I could wish however, that I could recollect every trifle that I ever pened, because I am constitution conscious that I never commited a sentence to paper, but from a sincere desire to promote the public good—
The little things that I should most wish should be collected together, are first the Instructions of the Town of Braintree to Ebenezer Thayer Esqr, their Representative in the General Court in the year 1765.—
Secondly the Instructions to the Town of Boston, to their Representatives in the General Court in the year 1773.—and 1774. These three Instructions were accepted by those Towns without alteration or Amendment,—The Instructions from the Town of Braintree were printed in the Massachusetts Gazette—these from the Town of Boston, in the Boston Gazette.—
Thirdly, four papers printed in the Boston Gazette, in 1765, printed in the Boston Gazette in the Mongths of July and August without any signature, but reprinted in London under the bastard title of “a dissertation on the Common and Feudal Laws,”—
Article fourth, eight letters to General Brattle published in the Boston Gazette, in 1773, upon the Independence of the Judges, or rather upon the actual dependency’s of the Judges and the absolute necessity of their Independence in the Government of a free people.— There were many other flickerings in the newspapers between Mr Sewall and me—the precise dates of which I cannot recollect—Sewall wrote under the Signature of Philanthropos sometimes, and at other times, under the signature of a long J, and I wrote under that of great U, and perhaps other signatures that I do not remember—all these triffles of mine were printed in the Boston Gazette—there were several papers written by me on occasion of the Assault of Colel. Murray, or Morrow, upon Genrll Brattle, on the Council Stairs of the Old Town House.—
The letters of Mr Kalkoon, the Discourse on Davila the Novanglus and the Defence of the Constitutions, you know as well as I do—I mention these things—and I would mention all others, If I could recollect them—to show that although sometimes, much boldness of expression escaped me—yet no scurrility ever flowed from my into print from the pen of your Cousin—
I have been importuned by many persons both Europeans and Americans to write my own life—but if I could prevail upon myself to travel over such a series of Egotism—it is now become as impossible as to cast the Blue Hills on our Mountain Waychusetts into the Sea—
Your affectionate Cousin—
J. A—
P.S. I had forgotten to mention a series of letters, to the Patriot which fills several columns of his papers, from 1819. to 1812. which if collected together in Volumes, would make as many as the Life of Washington by Chief Justice Marshall—Voltaire boasted that he made four Presses groan for Sixty Years—But I have to repent that I made the Patriot Groan for three years—because I now think I was very Idly employed in vindicating my Conduct under my Commissions for Peace and Commerce—against the Charges and Insinuations of Conceited Blockheads—

John Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 4 November 1819
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

					N. 24.My dear Brother.
					Washington November 1819.

				On the 7th. of last Month, I left at the Branch Bank, Boston, a Check payable to you, requesting it might be passed to your credit, as my agent, which was no doubt accordingly done, and which as you recollect was to be reserved to pay for the timber, for which you had agreed, for building the Barn upon the Mount Wollaston farm, and for the work and other expenses of building it—The check was for one thousand Dollars—Mr Knap, mentioned to me, that there was a dividend of two Dollars a share, declared on the Boylston Market Shares—This together with the Dividends on the Neponset Bridge, and the New–England Insurance Company, will I trust keep you in Cash, for all the demands upon me, to which you will be liable for the expenses of my two sons at Cambridge, and enable you at the Commencement of the Winter vacation to furnish them with eighty Dollars each to pay the expense of their Journey to this place—It should cost them not more than fifty Dollars each; but I intend they shall have a surplus on hand; to meet the contingency of any accident on the road—During their absence they will of course not be chargeable upon you. At the end of the year, according to our agreement I hope to receive; and thereafterwards quarter yearly a statement of our accounts.I spoke to Mr James H. Foster about the removal of the Carriage from Mr. P. Foster’s yard—I desired that unless there should be some objection of which I was not aware, it might be put up in the Chaise–house of the place where you formerly resided, at Quincy—We preformed our Journey from Boston to this place in one week; having started on Saturday Morning, from Mrs Burr’s at the foot of what was once Beacon Hill, and landed here the next Saturday about two in the afternoon—We stopped only from six to eleven O’Clock one Morning at New–York; but I was persuaded to pass once day at Philadelphia—I must have crossed W. S. Shaw, in the exchange of Steam–Boats at New–Haven for on our arrival at the City–Hotel in New–York, we found he had left it to return to Boston the Morning before.Since our arrival, Charles has opened a Correspondence with some of his young Associates at Boston and Quincy—Among the rest with your Thomas, from whom he has received a very gratifying Letter.The President returned to the City last Monday from Virginia—The Session of Congress commences in one Month, and there are combustibles in a train of preparation, sufficient to produce a Warm Winter.Let me hear from you frequently—Tell me that you and all the family are well; and comfortable; and happy—No delight can surpass that, with which those tidings will be welcomed by your affectionate brother

					John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Charles Francis Adams to John Adams, 7 November 1819
From: Adams, Charles Francis
To: Adams, John

					Dear John
					Washington November 7th: 1819.

				I am glad to find you so happy at college and I myself assure you I feel as much so here there is one thing I regret and that is the loss of Mr Gould for certainly let Ironside be himself whatever genius he may yet he does not know the right way of keeping school nor will he till he keeps order; but as it is now every boy in the school is talking from the minute he goes in till he comes out. I have had letters from Langdon and Dawes the former writes me that they have began Arithmetic and therefore I beg you will procure me Webber also; at School We have copied still more after your College there have been bills of the School printed in which the whole is taken in five classes the 1st: containing 27 the 2d 22 3rd: 48  37 4th: 48 5th: 47.As to Booth’s journal Mother’s is so angry with you for not answering him that No 2 won’t come Booth since he has been here has been so dreadfully sick that Mother gave him a dose of oil and now it has ended in a cough I did not expect he would live over it Remaining your affectionate Brother

					C F Adams

					Call for a pair of boots and shoes when you set out to come here.


Title: From John Quincy Adams, 11 November 1819
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

					11 Novr. 1819.

				House in F. Street—WashingtonDeeds.1. Nicholas Voss to Andrew & George Way.Lot n. 8. Square 253. 25. Jany. 1813.Liber A–E. N: 30. Fo. 150. 151. 152.Recites Lease from J. Templeman to Voss. 30. June 1802. Recorded Book H. n. 8. folio 342—for $110 ground rent renewable forever.Voss assigns the Lease to A & G. Way as Tenants in Common—for $3700.2. Thomas Campbell Cox and Susan Mason Cox, his wife to A. and G. Way. 28. May 1813Liber A–E. N. 30. Fo. 480–1–2–3–4.Recites Lease from J. Templeman to Voss. 9. March 1801 for 99 years renewable forever.That the fee Simple of the lot has been in due form of Law conveyed to T. C. Cox.Conveys the fee to A & G. Way for $1400.Commissioners to J. Templeman. 15. Jany. 1798.Li. C. N. 8. p 287.Templeman to  John Cox. 30. June 1802.Mehitabel Li. H. N. 8. p. 368.John Cox to T. C. Cox. 14. Feby. 1804—Li. K. n. 10. p. 171. Matilda