Title: To John Adams from John Trumbull, 21 July 1801
From: Trumbull, John
To: Adams, John

My Dear Sir
Hartford July 21st 1801.

Returning last night in the course of our Circuit, I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 8th. Instt: Notwithstanding the extreme fatigue I have undergone in the last fortnight, in attending the Sessions in two Counties in weather as severely hot as I ever experienced, & from an almost total loss of rest all the last week, owing to the decided attention, which my numerous companions in the Bedstead thought it their duty to pay to a Connecticut Judge, I will spare a little time on this day to write you some sort of answer, as I shall not be again at home for six weeks. The residue I shall seriously devote as a day of rest. Thus, be my letter what it may, I have clearly proved that according to the phrase you quoted, You have “great reason for thankfulness” that I give any answer at all at present.
The same jealousy, you mention, prevented me from sending my last letter in the first instance by the mail.
The old Aristocratical families, who formerly ruled Connecticut absolutely by the aid of the Clergy, are almost universally sunk below the middle rank in society; and so far as their descendants venture to assert their family pride, they gain not importance but contempt. I know of but two of those antient families, who have preserved their rank & respectability in this State – and they are more indebted to appointments from the General Government, than to their own popularity or influence here. I have indeed no doubt, that our present Governor is indebted for his station, in a great degree, to the reverence we feel for the memory of his father – but that father was a Novus Homo, & his elevation was opposed by all the family pride in this State, which still considers the Trumbull family as Intruders. The two brothers you name, whose talents certainly equal their appointments, (te judice) were indebted ten times more to clerical influence, than to family connections.
	The truth is that for near twenty years every appointment to office, has been predetermined in Caucus, in imitation of the plan first devised in your wise State of Massachusetts. The People have been regularly instructed for whom to vote, & taught that all other votes would not only be thrown away, but give advantage to the opposite party. This is still the case, & if it were now to be discontinued, we should be more than half revolutionized at a single Election.
I never attended a Caucus, & never intend to do it. You needed not to have guarded your expressions as the aristocracy of family pride, as opposed to independent merit, because I have always known that you detest & despise it—I can only assure you that there is no danger from it in Connecticut—I will add, not much in Massachusetts. The current runs the other way.
You say you are convinced you do not understand human nature, & cannot comprehend the conduct of Mankind. Of mankind in the groupe, of the affairs, interests & policies of nations, you are completely a judge—but I will agree that you are not so scientific an adept in the developement of the characters of Individuals.—At least I should differ from you in respect to the characters of every one you named in your last letter—I do not except myself. For notwithstanding all your compliments, which my vanity takes in very good part, I would just whisper to you, that betwixt me & my conscience (let it go no farther) I know better.
You tell me you rejoice that I am a Judge of the Supreme Judiciary in Connecticut—but wish that I had been something more & higher. Connecticut has nothing more or higher to give—for as to the parade & insignificance of a Connecticut Governor, they would be the last objects of my ambition. I could have had my appointment, if I would have accepted it, fourteen ago years ago—for the Bar then wished me out of their way. This is the fifth year, in which I have held the office. None ever doubted my qualifications in respect to legal science; and the world have had sufficient opportunity to see whether I possess the other talents, necessary to render a man respectable in that office. Considering the fatigues &c of the duty, & the low salary annexed, it is a matter of great doubt with me how much longer I will hold it voluntarily, & I should not care a sixpence, if by the prevalence of any party I should be turned out of it.
The more & the higher must have come from another quarter. My feelings prompt me to put the question, Why was I totally neglected at the first organization of the general Government? On this subject my lips have been sealed in a silence of fifteen years. I have now opened a vent and am in a humour to let it run, once for all.
Washington had a right certainly, if he pleased, “To scorn the humble Poet of his praise.” Indeed his character was too high, to want the aid of eulogies. But he knew me well & was under personal obligations to me—I will mention the principal one. It was wholly owing to me, that his last circular address, on quitting the army, had not been a mere schoolboy declamation, & in some parts absolutely contemptible. (This must be kept to ourselves, & especially from one of my best friends, Col. H.) I happened to be at the Camp, when the thing, such as it was, had been composed by the person hinted at, & was ready for signing. Washington, who had too much good sense to be pleased with it, & too little scholarship to write one for himself, directed it to be submitted to my inspection. I struck out at least half, caused many other passages to be written anew, corrected the whole, & inserted a few sentences of my own, which I leave you to discover by your critical sagacity. All this was sorely against the will of the Draughtsman, who really thought he had produced a perfect model of sublime eloquence. But the General approved of every alteration I proposed, & certainly did not at that time appear to be the ungrateful, insensible being, since described by Tom Paine—This is E Pluribus Unum.
Having now told part of my story, & given vent to what you will perhaps think the “Odium in longum jacens” of Tacitus, I will proceed to answer my own question. Were I to tell more, I should only prove myself a Great Dupe.
Washington on his first appointment to the Presidency thought it absolutely necessary to render the new Government popular by appointing to all offices the men, whom he supposed to be the favorites of the people. From this principle he departed in one or two instances only, & that from necessity—He was one of those rare Men, who perfectly know their own talents, & are always ready to supply any deficiency, by calling to aid the talents of others. Of the pains he took to employ confidential emissaries in every State, to find out what men the Public expected to receive an appointment, I probably know more than you: But the farce was truly ridiculous. Besides, he expected that every man who wished an office, should apply for it, & humbly signify that he wanted the office, was perfectly qualified for it, & “as in duty bound should ever pray.”—In consequence all his appointments were made of Men, whom he supposed influential by their popularity or formidable by their party-connections—of some of the best & some of the worst men in the community.
Then & afterwards, to certain independent characters, whose assistance in some departments he wanted, he recommended by this emissaries to seek popularity, & gain offices in their own States, that he might be able to promote them without censure. I leave you to guess what effect a hint of this kind would have on my feelings.—“This much shall suffice at present.”
I perceive by your letter, that you forgot to give my respects to Mrs. Adams. I now request you to inform her, that though She never liked me one quarter so well as you did, & I was always a little afraid of her penetrating eye, there is no Lady of my acquaintance for whom I entertain an equal respect.
I apologized for my letter before I knew what it would be—A strange one I see it is. But no matter. I hope to rest the better after this partial discharge of the overflowings of my good nature. I wish to you & your family all possible happiness on the elevated site of Mount Wollaston in this world, & in all the higher regions of the other.
John Trumbull


Title: From John Adams to Aaron Bancroft, 27 July 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Bancroft, Aaron

Dear Sir
Quincy July 27th 1801

I have recd your favour of the first of this Month with a copy of your Election sermon. That which I heard with delight when it was delivered. I have read with increased pleasure upon more deliberation. I thank you for this obliging instance of your attention & remain
with great esteem / Your friend & humble / servt


Title: From John Adams to Charles Paine, 27 July 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Paine, Charles

Sir
Boston. July 27th. 1801

I have recd and read with great pleasure your oration on the 4th. of July. While I thank you for this instance of your obliging attention to me I take the liberty to say that I observe with sincere pleasure the many proofs of genius and accomplishment in the Family of one of the most ancient of my friends, Judge Paine, both among the Males and Females.
With much respect & esteem / I am Sir your most obedt & humble Servt.


Title: To John Adams from Hannah Adams, 3 August 1801
From: Adams, Hannah
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Medfield, August 3, 1801.

				Impressed with a sense of your condescension, in permitting me to prefix your name to a second edition of this work, I am ambitious, that the present should make its public appearance under the same dignified and respectable patronage.I am the rather induced to avail myself a second time of the honour, which your name hath conferred on my Compendium, since your important talents and commanding virtues have become more conspicuous, by having been displayed from a station of greater eminence.Nor can I forbear to boast, as an additional motive, the personal acquaintance, with which you have honoured me, and which hath brought to my own knowledge the justice of your exalted reputation, and given me a striking view of the union of moral and intellectual excellence.Long may your country be blest with the salutary influence of your example, while you enjoy the grateful benedictions of the virtuous and enlightened part of your fellow-citizens, and the smiles of an approving conscience, in reflecting on your disinterested and persevering exertions for the welfare and honour of the American republic.I am, with profound respect,
/ Sir,
/ Your much obliged,

/ and very humble servant,

					Hannah Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Elias Boudinot, 18 August 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Boudinot, Elias

My Friend
Quincy August 18th 1801—

I received, by my Son, your kind Letter of the 13th of July, with a present of the Age of Revelation; and pray you to accept my cordial thank for both,—
My Son had been attentive enough to his Fathers Wishes to send me this Valuable Work as soon as it appeared, and I had read it through, with pleasure and Advantage some time before the Copy Arrived by him. It is both ingenious and learned: nor is it less distinguished by a vein of Piety and benevolence, which runs through the whole of it. I lent it to Mr Whitney the Minister of this Parish, who has read it, and esteems and admires it.—I have now lent it to Mr Ware of Hingham a Clergyman of no common Talents and of much information on the subject.—
Were Piety and Virtue the Characteristick of this Age, you could not fail of a Reward of Honor and Glory, if no other, in this World; But as it is, you must wait for your reward in Heaven. A Bookseller in London gave me the Character of this Age, in part, by an Account of the Trade in Books, of Hannah Glass’s Cookery, they sold Thirteen thousand Copies a year.—of the Pilgrims Progress ten thousand: of the whole Duty of Man Eight Thousand, from those facts he inferred that Gluttony was the first, superstition the second and a rational Piety the third Ingredient in the Character of the Age. This was fifteen years ago—At this Time, I am afraid that Epicureanism has much increased.—
Before I conclude I shall condescend to become a Beggar: of one copy for the Accademy of Sciences of the Massachusetts and another for our little public Library at Quincy.—I have a Wish that these Societies should have the Honor of possessing a Copy of the Age of Revelation presented by the Author.—
My Family join with me in Sincere assurances of Friendship to Mrs Boudinot and Mrs Bradford.—With great and sincere Esteem I am Dear Sir Your / Freind and Servant

John Adams.—


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 August 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dr Sir
Quincy August 20, 1801

I have recd your favor of the 5th of July with your Letter to Chanceller Livingston on Some Points of the natural History of Buffon and Jefferson, and your other Letter to Gerrit Boon. Col. Lincklain by whom you Sent them has not favoured me with a Visit—if he Should I Shall Shew him all the Civility in my Power.
I have read the Letters with great pleasure. There are too many Subjects of curious speculation in them for me to enlarge upon them. There is one Subject of Investigation however that I wish you would pursue. The Generation of shell fish. Will you be So good as to inform me, in which Writer this Subject is most fully treated.—I Suspect that the Generation of the greatest part of them is on the Surface of the Ocean: that it has been carrying carried on, from the Beginning, on ever part of every Sea. if this is so, it will Account for those immense quantities of Shells which We know exist. The little Nautilus, or what the English and American Sailors call the Portuguese Man of War, which is found Sailing in every Sea is a shell fish in Embrio. The Spat or Egg, is hatched by the Sun, on the Surface of the Water, as I Suppose.
Whatever Information you possess on this subject I pray you to impart to me. If you are not of my Opinion, I will give you my Reason, when I am more at Leisure, for my Conjectures. Mean time I am / with much Esteem, your friend & / sert
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Churchman, 3 September 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Churchman, John

Mr Churchman
Quincy September 3 1801

I have received your favour from Rhode Island, and in Answer to it, take this opportunity to Say, that I was early made Acquainted with the Theory of your Universal Variation Chart and have always wished you Success in the Pursuit of it: that I have been acquainted with you many years, that I never knew or heard of any Thing to the disadvantage of your Character: and that I have always considered you as a Man ardent in Scientific pursuits and equally desirous of improving your Talents for the Benefit of Mankind.
I am, Sir your most obedient / Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 7 September 1801
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir!
Olden barneveld 7 Sept. 1801.

Though my apprehension of abusing your kindness made me delaÿ my answer on your Letter, with which you was pleased to favour me in July Last, I cannot longer resist the temptation in addressing you once more with a few lines, flattering meself that my Sincere homage to your exalted virtues will atone in part for mÿ intrusion.
I am persuaded at present, that the boasted answer to your Defence—proposed by Subscription by Barber—had been a low—cunning Electioneering—trick—and I should not be averse of thinking, that the Jealous Partisans of the Present Administration—if theÿ are yet unprovided—will rather endeavour to Apologize the men and measures of the daÿ, than to overthrow others
Having devoted last winter to disquisitions on Nat. Hist. and reconsidered Count Buffon’s ingenious opinions—the discoverÿ of Some huge remnants of bones in these parts, and their comparison with others of the Same kind made it probable that Some large unknown species of Animals were yet existing
By communicating in my correspondence with the Chancellor few hints about it, I was allured by him to a more ample discussion of this point, as you will have Seen from mÿ cursory remarks, if you condescended to peruse them—and—may haps—it was a bait—thrown out purposelÿ—as you Suspected—and So the unmerited encomiums—and the prospect of Presendential applause—may all be materials adapted to the Same object—but I am not So easily catched, and he would not have ventured the undertaking, had that Gentl.—been better acquainted with my Character—my prayer to them in power is that of Burnet’s father—or grandfather—“O Sanite Cilmacloti, da, Si bona tua nobis non prosint ne mala tua nobis naceant”
To this moment the Chancellor had not yet repliqued on my answer on his letter—could I with possibility have uttered a word—impeaching the immaculate patriotism of our new Moderators? I thought I kept a Sufficient reserve and was not Sparing, where I could applaud, though as an Independent Citisen I was entitled to tutoyer with my illustrious Correspondents—more So at least, than once a Delegate in Congress—with respect to America’s Supreme Executive—
I flatter meself with the prospect of the Informations relative to the voÿage of Mr Greÿ, which you give me Some hope, that you will endeavour to procure me; the Same may happen with C. Ingraham’s Journal—if not lost.
How unequitable are you, much respected Sir! in your judgment of the Services you have performed to your Countrÿ—I know your Character, and this Forbids me to indulge my feelings—but how could I expatiate to anÿ other on what you performed, even if I circumscrbed me Self—to what you executed in the Hague in Londres—and during the 12 years of your Administration—but heaven forbid, that I Should hurt your delicacÿ—Our wealth—our prosperity—our preserved peace and Independence—do you call all this a Little good? well then—continue to preserve us by this little—and bless us by your good wishes with your exertions: the modulations of every motion in your present contracted circle may reach—and become influential beneficial—to the utmost borders of Our continent.
Lately I amused meself with reading again M. Schoock’s Small treatise On the Achaian Republic publ. 1664—and wished, to have it translated—mutatis mutandis—in our tongue, as he composed it as a warning for the Dutch Republic—but I dropt the design, confident, that my Execution would be defective by want of a Correct language. Executed bÿ a masterly hand it would make a beautiful pendant to your defence—it could be augmented—corrected—illustrated
Our new State administration has reappointed me as an Adsist. just: which favour I have humbly declined—Not So Shall be my conduct, if you will continue to me the permission of assuring you now and then, that I am with the Highest considerations and respect / Sir! Your most Obed. and obliged / Servant

Fr. Adr. vanderkemp


Title: To John Adams from Winthrop Sargent, 14 September 1801
From: Sargent, Winthrop
To: Adams, John

most respected Sir
Boston Sept: the 14th: 1801

At the Solicitation of some of my particular Friends in this Country I have published a Compilation of Papers in relation to my Official Conduct in the Missisippi Government and Take Leave most respectfully to offer a Copy to the perusal of yourself and mrs Adams—
I have the honour to be with gratitude / and highest Consideration / your very great Admirer / and obliged humble Servt
Winthrop Sargent
P.S. I had proposed to go to York upon the morrow but Indisposition of an Infant prevents & will delay me until Thursday – it will give me great pleasure to take your and Mrs Adams’ Commends—


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 October 1801
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 3 oct. 1801.

The favour of your Letter of 20 Aug—with which I was so unexpected honoured—procured me a delightful pleasure in renewing your kind assurances of esteem, and opening a new field for my instruction—I am only grieved, that it is beyond my power—to make some equivalent return, and discharge a part of the obligations you have laid me under.
I should sooner have acquitted meself of the duty of a rescription, had I not been intimidated with the apprehension of abusing your condescending correspondence and the moment, that was devoted to its performance, was again prorogued bÿ an unevitable perusal of Oriental Literature—received from Europe.
Accept Sir! my warmest gratitude for your intended politeness to Col. Lincklaen—I know, he would be his deserving it, have discharged a part of my obligation, and am assured, that he will be exceedingly sorry; that an imperious necessity of promoting the intrësts of his Employers (Dutch Gentlemen—intrested in the Canals) obliged him to unrelented journeys—through N. England, and deprived him through these means, of the opportunity of paying the tribute of his personal respect and attachment to his late President. I am informed he is returned home, and expect soon a line of him.
I congratulate you Sir! with the safe arrival of your Hon. Son and familÿ—Luzac’s encomium’s made me respect Him—the Prussian treaty corroborated my frend’s opinion—and I hope—your glorious days may be so long protracted—that He—pressing the footsteps of his father—maÿ fill the highest office of our countrÿ—without lounging for or fearing to accept it.
With respect to my cursory Lucubrations I am already paid above my expectations—and the utmost that I request is, that you will be so obliging—to mark in them the week places—when I will trÿ—instructed by your farther considerations, to give them—by an accurate revision, a greater degree of perfection—I have a supply of materials at hand—but him—cui curta Domi supellex—is left but little time for Philosophical researches—
The Chanc. send me a polite but general answer before his departure—offering a more circumstantial—when he shall be in France—more at his ease! He communicated a small note of Pres. Jefferson to him approving the authors exertions “showing a great deal of reading and observation, and having properly estimated some of M. D Buston unphilosophical but eloquent Dissertations!”—
I do not scruple, to confess my ignorance, with respect to the best authors on the generation of shell-fish. There are manÿ valuable productions in respect to it in the Dutch language—which I have perused—when in Europe—of the English I have only seen Woodward’s, who dived deep in this matter, and small partial publications—more is there to be found among the French.—I remember valuable diss. in the Mem: des acad. des Scienc. Bouguer’s sentiments are preserved in the Bibl. vais. 1730—and many curious facts have been resembled in the Mem: Phys. de mr de Grignon—’Tis here—as in other parts—more my office, to request information, than to administer it—and you wish not to see my wrecked on the rocks of a vain arrogance, in assuming the air of a connoisseur, when I scarce am acquainted with a part of a vocabulary of this Science.
I can not yet coïncide with your opinion of the formation of the shells—though it struck me by its novelty, and was highly applauded by my frend Mappa, who imagined to have observed similar Phenomena’s in the Eastern-Asiatic seas and considered the various species of foam—floating on the waves—as a preparatory matter for shells and crustaceous fishes—but I apprehend—that the name of Adams influences perhaps too much my ingenious frends—and iterated experiments—more than doubtful observations would be required by me—befor I was persuaded—which however may be, when you, as you promised, can get leisure to favour me with the reason of your conjectures.
With regard to Buston’s molecules—my cousin J. T. v. dkemp. has tried to cloath this opinion in a more Philosophical garb in a Phys. Diss. Diss. Medica exhibens cogitationes Physiologicas de vita et vivificatione materiae humanum corpus constituentis Edinburg. 1782. He is one of the most excentric genius—I have been acquainted with—of an uncommon penetration—instructed in all solid learning—acquainted with ancient and Modern Literature thoroughly—with a stupendous memorÿ, in a word—with most eminent mental parts—He was till 1775 a captain under the stadholders guards—(Dragons) when he had published some of his Metaphysical works—left the service—went to England—Scotland—and returned an eminent Physician, and followed this practice several years in Holland with uncommon success—and went—at last in 1799 as a British Missionarÿ to preach the gospel to the Indians!!
Had Buston been acquainted with this singular man’s Metaphysics—he would have farther embellished his theorÿ—
Confident, that you are not displeased with my making use of the priviledge of your correspondence, it is with a peculiar satisfaction that I assure you—to remain with the highest considerations of respect and sincere attachment / Dear Sir! / Your most humble and obliged st.

Fr. Adr. van derkemp.


Title: From John Adams to Jan Willink, 9 October 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem

My dear Friends
Quincy October 9. 1801

It is a long time, since I had the pleasure to write to you: but this omission has arisen from engagements in public Business, which left me no time for any Attention to my private Affairs. It is now time for me to think of my own little concerns, and this Letter is to inform you, that I have engaged my worthy Son John Quincy Adams, late Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the King of Prussia, who is now establishing himself in Boston to take upon himself the whole Care and management of my Affairs in Holland.
I therefore hereby authorize and request you to comply with all his Requests respecting all the Obligations and Coupons in your hands which belong to me, as well as all which he may transmit from America to you.
I pray you to consider him as invested with all my Authority in this whole Business, and to make all Sales which he shall direct or request and remit the Money when and where he shall desire as fully as if you had my particular directions in writing for every particular.
My Family unite with me in presenting our cordial Esteem and Sincere friendship to you and yours.
With I am, Gentlemen / your affectionate humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Augustus Elias Brevoort Woodward, 16 October 1801
From: Woodward, Augustus Elias Brevoort
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Washington; October 16th. 1801.

Having learnt from the resolution of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which has just appeared in the gazettes of the Territory of Columbia, that their attention is about to be directed, in a particular manner, to the subjects of light and of heat; I do myself the honor to transmit you, as President of that institution, a work lately published by me, having an intimate connection with those subjects.
There is no desideratum of greater importance with respect to light and heat, than the true constitution of that body, which appears to afford to the inhabitants of this earth so great a quantity, or degree, of both.
Whether the doctrine advanced in this work be true, or false, is a question which will require no inconsiderable investigation and research; but if true, a datum will be clearly presented, from which the most essential assistance may be derived in framing a perfect theory of heat, or of light.
I have the happiness to be Sir, / with impressions of high respect, / your humble servant,

Augustus B. Woodward.


Title: Oration on JA’s Birthday, 19 October 1801
From:
To: Adams, John

To the Honourable John Adams

October 19, 1801Your neighbours and friends assembled to celebrate the anniversary of your natal day, beg leave to approach you with sincere congratulations upon the pleasing occasion.
Be assured Sir, that no lapse of time can abate our respect and gratitude for your long, laborious and faithful public services, or diminish our affectionate attachment to your person and character. An attachment founded in the contemplation of virtues, which the splendour of office, and the allurements of power could never contaminate, and which the shades of retirement cannot obscure.
We have seen you, Sir, the early assertor of the rights of your countrymen while we were yet a part of the British empire, and one of the foremost in the dangers of the contest which attended the contest that ended in our seperation from Great Britain. Your animating and prudent counsels through this eventful period cheered despondence, and checked temerity.
The talents which suggested the most suitable measures with regard to foreign relations during our revolutionary war, were equally conspicuous in their successful execution. And diplomatic eminence attended the exertions of enlightened patriotism. In the negotiations which secured our Independence, Territory, Navigation and Fisheries, were displayed amid difficulties and risks insuperable to common minds, an intelligence, an integrity and a firmness which place Adams and Jay among the few who in different ages from principle alone, have been willing to devote themselves for their country.
The adoption of the present national government called to office our first citizens. Your impartial and decisive conduct for eight years as Vice President of the United States, and President of the Senate, greatly assisted the organization of the system, and gave efficacy to its operations.
Soon after your illustrious Predecessor had expressed his determination to retire from the head of the government, the policitical clouds began to thicken anew. Devoted to your country and true to its interests, you did not hesitate undertaking the arduous task to which its suffrages then invited you.
The crisis was indeed important. We were threatened from without and from within. Much was required to rouse spirit, and to guide opinion—to repel aggression and to regulate resentment. With one hand you ably directed all the manly energies of our country and magnanimously weilded in the other the olive branch of peace.
The administration of the American government for twelve years, has commanded the admiration of the virtuous and the wise of every nation. Future Statesmen will learn from the example of Washington and Adams, that to forego contempary applause, & apparent temporary advantages, for the establishment of benificial principles, is the true way to solid fame.
We trust you will pardon us, Sir, for this short recapitulation. The sentiments we have expressed were awakened by the occasion. They come from the heart, and speak its feelings.
While we can view with so much satisfaction the past affairs of our country; considering the fluctuation of human events, and the various passions which destract mankind, we cannot look to the future, but with anxious apprehensions. You, Sir, will join us in the prayer that the people of the United States, to latest time, may so conduct as to meet the favour of Him, in whose hands are the destinies of nations as well as of individuals.
To that Being we offer our fervent supplications for your personal and domestic happiness—that the period may be far distant which shall close your useful and honourable life—and when the hour of seperation from mortal scenes shall at length arrive;  that your transition to a brighter world may be easy and serene.


Title: To John Adams from Philip Peck, 4 November 1801
From: Peck, Philip
To: Adams, John

To the Hon. John Adams Esq.
Dear Sir,
Providence (RI) 4h. Novr. 1801

Excuse the Privolage that An Entire Intire Stranger to you takes in Informing You that he Has Ben blest, with a Son and his First born, and being very Anxious to have his Name Cald, After Yours he takes the Liberty to Request of you, your Approbation, and In So Doing he Shall Esteeme it as a high Favour Confurrd on Himself and Son, this Sir are the Real Sentiments of a Sincear Mind that Wishes you well Notwithstanding All the Odium that Has ben Hurled At Your Character, Which Sir. for the past Sarvises of your Long and well Spent Life In the Cause of your Contry, you) By Many, Have ben So Illy Repaid, But Sir. Which I have Allways Uniformly Appraisd, as being Conducted as well as Human Foursite Could Devise and Sir. May you Close your Days with that, Consolation: that you, Have, Desarved, well of your Country—
Sir I Subscribe Myself Your Sincear / Friend and Humble Sarvant.

Philip Peck
NB Sir. My Son was Born the 17h. Octr. 1801


Title: From John Adams to P. Mallet, 10 November 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Mallet, P.

Sir
Quincy Nov 10 1801

I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 20 Oct and have communicated its melancholly contents to the mother and other relations of the deceased Mr. William Smith. They all sympathize with you in your affliction.—I know nothing of Mr Smiths affairs and I cannot learn that any of his relations are better acquainted with them. They desire that their respects may be presented to you and your family—with those of your most obedient servant


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 November 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Quincy November 10. 1801

I thank you for your favour of the 3. oct....I Should be obliged to your friend Mr Mappa if he would commit to writing a description of the Phenomena, he observed in the Eastern Asiatic Seas; and the various species of foam which he saw floating on the waves and thought preparatory matter for testaceous and crustaceous fishes. The Spat, or Eggs of oysters, float on the Waves, and are deposited in the sands and flatts all round the Island of Great Britain. At Cowe’s on the Isle of Wight I saw Boats from Colchester daily employed in collecting this Spat to carry home to be deposited on the oyster grounds at that place, where they grow very fast. Whether the eggs laid by the shell fish at the bottom of the sea, are light enough to rise to the surface and are there blown about by the Winds untill they are hatched by the Warmth of the sun I know not. this is mere conjecture.
On my passage to America, from Europe to America, the last time in 1788, our ship was becalmed in the Gulph Stream. The Captain sent out his Boats to observe the Course of the current....Seeing a multitude of Portuguese Men of War as the Sailors call them, I requested the Men to take some pails and bring me a Number of those Curiosities. They readily Agreed: and I was diverted to see the Amusement the Sailors made of it. One would lay hold of a Nautilus, for so I will call it and roar out as if he had been shot. The Creature has the Power of Electricity in him, which the Seamen call a Caustic and a corrosive and sometimes poison. The brought me in a Number, Say half a dozen or half a Score. Each was a bundle of strings and gristle, some of them as large as a hat. Each of them had a shell fish growing in the Center of this Gristle, Some more and others less grown. I saw a Cockle in one, a Muscle in another, and one of the great Clams in a third. I saw also several other species.—These observations Suggested to me the Idea of the Generation of Shell fish on the surface of the Sea, or at least the conjecture that the Spat or eggs are hatched by the Sun and float about in the shape of Portuguese Men of War, till the shell fish is compleatly formed and by its Weight drops out of its decaying gristly vehicle and sinks down to the Bottom for the Nourishment of Sharks Tortoises or other voracious fishes whose Jaws and Teeth are strong enough to Grind and Stomacks capable of digesting shell and fish together.
I am, Sir

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Augustus Elias Brevoort Woodward, 10 November 1801
From: Adams, John
To: Woodward, Augustus Elias Brevoort

Sir
Quincy Nov. 10. 1801.

I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 16 Oct together with your “considerations on the substance of the sun.” This pamphlet I shall transmit to Dr Lathrop of Boston, the librarian of the society, to be laid before them at their next assembly. In the mean time, I thank you for the pleasure you have given me of reading it. I will venture to say it contains much information on an interesting subject, conveyed in an handsome style. I wish you much success in your pursuits of science & letters and am
Sir your most humble servt.


Title: To John Adams from Adam Gerard Mappa, 30 December 1801
From: Mappa, Adam Gerard
To: Adams, John

Sir!
Oldenbarneveld, December 30th 1801

Mr. van der Kemp communicating to me your desire of committing to writing a description of the Phenomena Which I Saw floating on the Surface of the African & Asiatic Seas, commonly call’d and known by the name of Portuguese Men of war, I do cheerfully undertake,—unhappily I am not Sufficiently informed of the variety and species of foam, to be found in those Regions, which undoubtedly are very numerous, and well worth the researches and attention of naturalists.
It was accidentally that I saw one of these Nautilus on deck, being drawn by a bucket when our Sailors Scrubbed the vessel, (which is often the case when near or under the Equator.) The poor Nautilus was very much bruised, however the touch had the same effect as you did observe on your passage, in 1788, and a Swelling of the part touched was the consequence, which afterwards produced red pustules like measles.
The innumerable Millions which are constantly found near and under the Equator, where Calms generally prevails, likewise in the latitude of the trade winds shows, that the Nautilus is a fair weather Sailor, and delights to Swim or Sail where the least Storms oblige him to dive for Security.
Your observations that each of them had a shell fish growing in the center of their gristle, and of different Species, Suggested with propriety the Idea of a floating power of the spat or Eggs, of the various species of shellfish, which being inbodied or enclosed by slimy and glutinous Substance, receives the power of being carried in, and over the Surface of the Ocean to incalculable distances, whereby probably the different Species have become common to different parts of the Globe,—thus preserved in their weak and defenseless situation till, when quitting their protecting abodes, Serve undoubtedly as a nourishment to voracious fishes, or in being cast on rocky banks or shores, attach themselves by their Spinning power on those rocks to propagate again.
Perusing my dutch Dictionary of Arts & Sciences, compiled by Egbert Buis, counselor of his Polish, and Prussian Majesties, printed at Amsterdam in the year 1775, I found the description of two sorts of Nautilus, the one call’d Nautilus Pompilus, the other Nautilus Papiraceus—of this last, the author relates, that when divided in two parts, (cutting it length way) it discovers a number of cells or cavities, Sometimes to 40 in number connected together by a trunk or hollow pipe, growing in diminution towards the Centre—It is through this tube or pipe that the animal passes its tail or hind parts, with which it is firmly connected to its shell; which he never quits.—this tube appears to be formed by joints in a growing or progressive Succession, as is also the shell and its Cavities, in proportion to the growth of the occupant. These Cavities or divisions are Smooth, and not sharp pointed like the ammons horns.
When the Ocean is calm, then does the Nautilus appear on the Surface, throwing out or Spitting a glutinous Substance which serves him as a sail, at the Same time Stretching out two Arms, or Oars, to row, and advance, or move in any direction. As soon this Nautilus wants to dive, his Sail is lowered, his Oars draw in, and filling his little bark with water to promote his diving power, he Sinks to the deep.—In order to let in the water the fish draws his body with a contracting power close down to the bottom of his shell, giving thereby room to the pressure of the water which soon fills the cavities and promote its Sinking weight,—If the Nautilus wants to rise again he stretches his body into the Cavities, forces out the water, whereby lightening his bark, Soon appears on the Surface.—thus far the Author.
If the observations Concerning this Sagacious Nautilus are correct, how much reason have we not, to adore the Maker of these Wonders of the Deep, who created an insignificant animal with Electric powers, admired, feared, and despised by Man, and with such feeble defence that to avoid the danger of being shipwrecked by Storms and violent waves, he dives, and diving, is perhaps the prey of his Ennemies.
Your observation when at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, that Boats from Colchester were daily employed in collecting this spat, to be deposited on the oyster grounds of that place, is similar to what takes place in the province of Zeeland, where every Spring Several vessels called Zeidsche Bommen, Send out to the Same Island for that purpose, return with their Cargo of Spat, to be deposited in the Oyster pits in Said province, which in November have their full growth, and are preferred above any kind of oysters in Holland.
In the Year 1772, my Lot cast me to be garrisonned in the Small fortified Town of Axel, Situated on a branch of the Hont or western Schelde.—This having communication with the North Sea, I saw a number of flatt Boats in the latter part of April along the dike at low water mark, throwing out the spat of Muscles, being in clusters, Stringed together by a tough thread, very difficult to break.—Which Muscles did remain on that ground till the latter end of october, and middle of November, when, having their full growth were taken up, and carried to markett. The fishermen informed me that they fetched this Muscle Spat, all along the Coast of Zeeland, from Sand Banks interspersed with Stone rifts.—On these rifts did grow a Sea weed, of a tough and Strong Substance on which the Muscle fastening it self as well as on the rocks, and stones found shelter and nourishment; these weeds abounding with Small crabs and shrimps, furnish the shell tribe with abundant Support.
From the observations of both kinds of Spat, it is evident that the large Stock of their progenies does not float upon the Surface of the ocean, but Seemingly remain upon the Spot where the greatest quantity, are every hatched, and gathered for the above mentioned purposes,—as evident however it is that of the great mass of preparatory matter for shell fish, thrown out by the Oyster and Muscle, a vast quantity, in the first instance does rise and float, which being enclosed by the glutinous Substance as observed, produces the innumerable Millions of that Species of Nautilus, in, I believe every part of the known World.
I observed further that among the number of voracious fishes, who live entirely upon the shell tribe are, the holly bot, Turbot, flounders, and Haddock.—I never recollect a Single instance, when I opened the Stomach of any of these Species or, I found a number of Spat, of every sort in them, particularly the Haddock which Seems to be the most voracious, and of which we have prodigious quantities on the dutch markets, in the months of May and June, being catched on the numerous Banks which surrounds the Holland Coasts.
I hope that my little Stock of Information may be of any Service to your interesting researches, and notwithstanding their Small meritt will be of Some use in promoting that Object.—I have the honor to be with due Respect, / Sir! / Your Obedt. humble Servant.

A: G: Mappa


Title: To John Adams from John Marshall, 1801
From: Marshall, John
To: Adams, John

Sir
1801
Inclosd is the answer of the secretary of the Senate to a request that he woud furnish the department of state with the names of the Senators. There being no official certainty of the Senators newly elected to serve after the 3d. of March may produce some doubt respecting the propriety of a summons addressd to them individually.
There is not to be found on the files of this department any copy of the summons heretofore issued to the members. That having been a Presidential act is I presume to be lookd for among the papers in the keeping of the President. If Mr. Shaw will furnish a copy the proper number of summonss shall immediately be made out.
I am Sir with the utmost respect / Your obedt. Servt

J Marshall


Title: To John Adams from Department of the Treasury, 1801
From: Department of the Treasury
To: Adams, John

March 8drew an order, Warrant issued & I signed it the 9th for2000:0:0 DollarsApril4.Recd on a Warrant of my Salary2000:0:0May18.Signed a Warrant for2250:0:0June 26. Signed a Warrant for2000:0:0July20.Signed a Warrant for3000:0:0Aug.2Mr John Brisler drew500:0:0Oct. 31.Dto500: 0:0Nov.I received of Mr Joshua Sands2000:0:0Decr5.Signed a Warrant for2000:0:018for2000:0:01798Feb.3. Signed a Warrant for1500:0:0March5.Signed a Warrant for a sum paid by General Lincoln to Dr Tufts3000:0:0March13.Signed a Warrant for4250: 0:027,000: 0:0

By Mistake, the officers of the Treasury charged to the Household Account 2000 dollars which ought to have been charged to the Salary Account.
1797 March
Dollars1797March20.Paid Mr Tench Francis for filling the Ice house and cost of the Straw as Pr Rect.60:0:0Ap.19.Paide James Drake for Horses600:0:0

Received July 6th 1797 of John Adams Esqr President of United States Six hundred & Sixty Six dollars 67/100 in full of one Quarters Rent due 9th June 1797
$666.66
for Kennedy & LynchEzekiel McShane
Philadelphia December 19th 1797 Received of John Adams Esqr Thirteen hundred & thirty three dollars & thirty three Cents in full of House Rent to the 9th Instant
$1333.33
for Andw KennedyEzekiel McShane
Philadla. March 19th. 1798 Received of John Adams Esqr Six hundred & Sixty six 67/100 Dollars in full of a quarters Rent due Andrew Kennedy the 9th inst
666.67f
Kennedy & LynchPhilada. December 17. 1798. Received of John Adams Esqr. Five hundred pounds including Bales for Paper and Papering the House—in full for six months Rent due the 9th. Instant
L500
For Andrew KennedyEzekiel McShane
Salary 1798
Dollars1798 April17.Signed a Warrant for2000:0:0June4.for2000:0:0July5for2000:0:023for2000Aug7Recd by Mr Brisler250Recd of Gen. Lincoln2000Recd of Gen. Lincoln4000Mr Wolcott sent to the Citizens of Phyladelphia500Nov.20Recd by Mr Brisler250Decr17Signed a Warrant dated the 14. for20001799. January 19th. Signed a Warrant for1000February6.Signed a Warrant for1000April12Recd of General Lincoln being the amount of what was due to the President for his Compensation to 4. Mar: 17996000June5.Recd of Gen. Lincoln2000Aug23Pr. Dto2000Sept.25Dto200030Dto2000November.15.Signed a Warrant for2000

Philadelphia June 14th 1798. Received of the Honourable John Adams Esqr. Six hundred & Sixty Six dollars 67/100 in full of Rent to the 9th Instant
$666. 67/100.
for Andrew KennedyEzekial McShane
Philadelphia March 9th 1799 Received of the Honourable John Adams Esqr Six hundred & Sixty Six dollars 67/100 in full of Rent to this day
$666 67/100
for Andrew KennedyEzekial McShane
Philadelphia November 16th 1799. Received from the President of the United States Thirteen hundred & thirty three dollars 33/100 in full of Six Months House Rent due the 9th September last
$1333.33
For Andrew Kennedy Jr.Ezekial McShane
Philadelphia December 18th 1799 Received of the President of the United States Six hundred & Sixty Six dollars 67/100 in full of three Months Rent due the 9th Instant
$666 67/100
for Andrew Kennedy Jr.Ezekial McShane
Philada. March 11th. 1800 of the President of the United States Six hundred & Sixty Six 67/100 Dollars in full of a quarter’s Rent due the 9th Inst
$666.67 Dolls. Duplts for Andw. Kennedy
Kennedy & Lynch
Salary 1799
Dollars1799December11Signed a Warrant for2000:0:01800January20thSigned a Warrant for2000:0:0March3.Signed a Warrant for3000:0:0April4.Signed a Warrant 2000:0:015Signed a Warrant the Ballance of last year ending 4 March5300:0:0May 16th.Signed a Warrant for2000: 0:023.Signed a Warrant for2000:0:0June19drew a order for a Warrant in favor of Mr Shaw for2000:0:0September4.of General Lincoln2000: 0:0October8of General Lincoln2000:0: 0Mr Brisler recd500:0:0November26Signed a Warrant for 1500:0:01801 January6Signed a Warrant for2000:0:0Feb2Signed a Warrant dated Jan. 31 for2000:0:0Feb.26.Signed a Warrant for4000:0:027Signed a Warrant for1102:0:0
Treasury Department. 18. January 1801
Balance due the president of the United States for Compensation to the Close of the Year 1799–Ds. 12.300Compensation for the Year 1800–25.000Dollars 37.300
Warrants issued Viz:
1800WarrantJanuary20.No.477pr Presidents Letter of20 Jany 1800.for2000.—March 3. 566. ditto 3 Mar: 18003000.April 4.653  ditto 4 Apl. 18002000.“ 15.670ditto15th. Apl. 18005.300.the Balance due 1st Jany 1800.12.300May15.778.pr Presidents Letter of same date2,00023.819.ditto2,000June20.877.ditto19th. June 18002.000Sepr.30.1157.pr Presidents Recd. to B. Lincoln of 4 Sepr. 1800 for2000October17.1246.pr John Briesler500.Novr.27.1342.pr Presidents Letter26 Novr. 1800.1500.Decr.31.1410.pr do: Recd: to B. Lincoln of8th. October 1800for200024,300Due the President on 1 January 1801. D.13.0001800. By Compensation to 3 March inclusiveJanuary6—Warrant forD.  200031. ditto 2000

Extract from the records in the office of the Secretary of Treasury
B. Wood


Title: To John Adams from Latour Longnevoué, Marquise de Fleury, 1801
From: Fleury, Latour Longnevoué, Marquise de
To: Adams, John

					Monsieur le Président des Etats unis,

				Le Colonel fleury mon mari que vous avés honoré de votre estime & de Votre bienveillance a cessé de Vivre. le Délabrement de Sa Santé, la mélancolie, & les souffrances qui étoient la Suite de Son état lui rendoient depuis quelque tems la vie insupportable; & le même Courage qui lui fit si Souvent braver la mort dans les Combats l’a malheureusement porté a abréger ses jours.il me laisse dans une douleur profonde & sans Consolation, ainsi que mes enfans qu’il aimoit aussi trendrement que s’ils eussent été de Son Sang. Presque toute sa fortune Consistoit dans quelques Contrats sur les Etats-unis, qui lui ayant été malheureusement remboursés il y a environ dixhuit mois, se trouvent absorbés par les nombreuses faillites que nous Venons d’éprouver à Paris; en sorte qu’il ne me reste de lui que son nom & le Souvenir de la gloire dont il s’est Couvert en Combattant sous les drapeaux de Votre grand & immortel Général qui l’avoit jugé digne de Son amitié & de Sa Confiance.Mais Cette pensée soutient mon Courage & dans le triste état où je me vois reduite, je Viens mettre sa Veuve & ses Enfans sous votre protection, Monsieur le Président, pleine de Confiance dans Votre justice & vos bontés. j’ose espérer que vous partagerés ma douleur & mes regrets & que vous aurés la bonté de Solliciter vous meme en ma faveur auprés du Congrès qui honore dans Vous l’un des premiers fondateurs de la Liberté, une marque de Satisfaction pour les services de mon mari. Ce bienfait sera pour moi & mes Enfans aussi glorieux qu’il nous est nécessaire. il ne peut qu’honorer surtout une nation généreuse dont le Colonel fleury a défendu les intérets & la Liberté avec autant de Desinteressement que de Courage. le Congrès ne laissera certainement pas dans la douleur & l’oubli la Veuve d’un Officier distingué dont il a Cru devoir immortaliser le nom & les actions par une Médaille frappée en Son honneur.Je crois pouvoir Vous offrir d’avance, Monsieur le Président, l’hommage de toute ma reconnoissance: elle égalera les Sentimens de respect qui sont dûs à Votre patriotisme & à Vos Vertus encore plus qu’à Votre rang. / Votre très humble servante.

					Latour Longueruë, veuve fleurÿ

					post scripton—j’ai perdu, Malheureusement, par La mort de votre illustre et immortel général, Le plus fort appui de ma demande—C’est sous ses yeux—que Le Colonel fleurÿ s’est tant distingué, par son Courage, et par L’eclat de ses actions.sa veuve verse des Larmes sur La perte, de Cet illustre, et immortel général:


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 2 January 1802
From: Wheaton, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington Jany 2d: 1802—

Mr. Shaw has written to me to procure, and forward to him the President message, the reports of departments and generally Such State papers as Shall be laid before the house of representatives, and has requested me to direct them under cover to your address—. but Sir however warrantable I might feel myself in so doing from the Suggestions of my friend whom I wish much to Serve, I dare not presume without making this communication—& Shall therefore consider myself permitted Unless forbidden—
I bow with respect, to the dignity of your Character, and add again the assurance of my homage, and remain faithfully / Sir / your most Obedient / Humble Servant

Joseph Wheaton


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 January 1802
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir!
Olden barneveld 3 Jan. 1802.

Had I not been favoured with so manÿ proofs of your kindness I should have hesitated to undertake the task in writing this letter; more so, as I flatter’d meself, that it should have been in mÿ friend’s power, to satisfy in this article the utmost of your wishes. But here I fear I shall be disappointed, as this is the time of the ÿear of making up his annual accounts, which require all his time—and the remnants of it shall, I apprehend, be taken up with preparations for his intended trip to Philadelphia.
Few moments ago mÿ hope is revived of getting something of Mappa, though he unjustly complains that I make of him a Naturaliste per force, a la Moliere. Meanwhile, I shall impart to you whatever information I possess on the subject. I spend some time in the discussion of your ingenious conjecture, and doubt not, in comparing it with a few annotations, corroborated by mÿ friends observations, or truth lays at the bottom of it; though there may yet be some heterogeneous adhesions easilÿ removeable bÿ your expert hand.
What a large field have you opened for philosophical experiments to displaÿ the grandeur and wisdom of our good Maker! It will produce an unanswerable arguement for the real existence of shells—in the state of the hides of once living animals—buried since ages in the middle of rocks and mountains.
Dare I hazard a conjecture, owing its birth to your Letter, then I should suspect that the eggs of all the shell-fish, perhaps of the crustaceous too—were actually hatched, and the shells effectuallÿ formed in miniature in the (mother) shell-fish—and from that reservoir, at stated periods ejected in clusters, to be fostered for some time by the Sun. From their glutinous nature their lightness and construction theÿ must (as so manÿ kegs, excuse the simile, fastened with strings and bladders) rise to the surface, and maÿ float around the ocean till of sufficient growth this spat sinks to the bottom that did escape the voracity of the fishes: all this might be  ascertained if more foam was carefully examined.
That the spawn of the greatest part of the fishes is floating on the surface of the water, so that you see covered for a great extent in the same time of the season is beyond doubt though there may various exceptions. The Salmon shed its spawn in the sand, make a ditch around it and surround this again with stones, to break the force of the waves, and prevent that their eggs are carried off. The Tjol, a fish common in these western waters, covers with care its spawn with a heap of stones in a conical form, that it maÿ not be devoured bÿ other fishes, who are peculiarly fond of it. I have seen many times these curious monuments of their parental care in the Oswego River and in Lake Oneida.
But it appears to me, that this general Phænomenon ought to be distinguished from a particular relating to a genus of shell-fish, who effect this motion of rising, sailing and diving again at their pleasure. Should the carina holothuriorum—the cornæ—the nautilus not belong to this class? And so the Portuguese man of war, if they are the same with the Nautilus. You will decide the matter; after I have arranged in order of battle the various facts—Which I principally owe to Mr. Mappa to Rumphius observations in his coll: of curios: of Amboina, besides few of mÿ excerpts on this curious subject.
There are doubtless on the surface of the seas various species of foams, and I imagine, that the foam, often seen floating on the Lakes, abounding with muscles, clams and a delicate species of squilla, is of the same kind which point I will endeavor to have it examined. It is proved bÿ Bakers observations, that this it the fact in stagnating waters and ditches in Europe.
In different seas have been discovered large pieces of foam (I must keep this word to avoid confusion by my ignorance of proper terms) the same called by the Dutch kwalls zee kwabben—bÿ some known with the name foam marine fishes urticæ marinæ all species of the same genus.
Baker mentions that Reamur requested Mss Guettard and Jussieu to make experiments on them on the coasts of Poictou and Normandÿ. Theÿ cut them in pieces, and saw the different parts all alive. The same or a similar phænomenon was observed by Jussieu at Rochelle, when some fishingmen observed to him that it was impossible to kill it by cutting it asunder. (Micros: obs. ch. v). It was supposed though not verified that those urticæ did belong to the class of Polypus. May haps it was a bundle of strings and gristle—containing half a thousand young shellfish, and then it was not at all surprising, that they were not killed by dissection.
1. Bloedige vuurige roode zeelappen (panni rubri, ignei sanguinolenti) I know not, how to translate them in English.
This foam, being the foetus cancrorum, often mixed with that of a small sort of Squillæ (Shrimps) has been explored, and is full of small ones. From these is made the ketsjup, being bruised and pickled. Some of this foam is found at the mouth of large Rivers in India—Some in open seas—Rumphius ambon: Rar. i. 26 Pag. 28.
2. Holothuria (pulmo marinus) a foam found in the Indian seas—the Mediteranean and on the coasts of Portugal. Flesh-colour, the pulp resembling a jelly—this foam burns more or less when touched. Td. ib: Pag. 48—
3. Holothuria (in Dutch het besaentje) Urticus marinæ Species, Epidromides marinæ In the Indian seas covers them for a great part in the month of Aug, burns sensibly when in sea, less when out the water. Td. ib. Pag. 49.
4. Spawn of the nautilus tenuis: their eggs small—white—in a cluster having everÿ one a small black spot in the centre.
5. The spawn of the echinus marinas (oursin) zee appels maÿ make another appearance.
6. Sea foam (ecume de mer, biscuit) the bonÿ substance of an insect fish (seche, Boufron) in the Mediterranean and Ocean. Soft in the beginning, hard afterwards, used by the goldsmiths when powdered to make their moulds. Their Eggs in clusters, as a bunch of raisins are deposited on sea-grass (algæ) white in the beginning, every grain of such a bunch contains a living individual.
7. Oÿsters. These are in Maÿ and Juin full of a milkÿ juice—in which the Eggs by assistance of a microscope are discoverable. This glutinous humour undergoes various changes, and receives different accretions before the two shells in the centre are discoverable, and about this time—or a little later in August: the spatts are ejected. At this period in the western seas—at Caÿenne this spat is fastened at the branches of the mangliers—while others are deposited at their roots—extending in the Sea.
In exploring an oyster from the north sea numberless small oysters with pellucid shells have been discovered Leeuwenhoek Lett. 94 app. 5 and app. 6 Lettr. 103. This indefatigable, accurate observer opened another oÿster the 4th. of Aug. and found in it a considerable number of living Oysters with compleat shells. App. 5 of his Lett.
The moment this Spat is ejected it maÿ become floating, and sink afterwards, while in April or Maÿ next they are increased to the bigness of a sixpence, fastening themselves at everÿ thing they meet descending: rocks, other shellfish, with one word to everÿ tangible object.
At this time theÿ are carefully collected and spread on the oyster banks—or if not found in sufficient quantity then more spat is fetched from the coast of England and mixed amongst them. In their fourth year they are proper for the table, the largest are of 6 and 7 years—not so good—their age is discoverable from their shells.
8. Muscles: Their eggs are discoverable in April; In this month and Maÿ they fasten their spawn on the outside of their shells with a glutinous substance, that the muscle uses in fastening itself to various matters, and which is executed with more ease as their shells have thin cover—separable from them. In these 2 months the fishing of muscles is prohibited bÿ edict by Government. After a while theÿ are separated from the parent shell, and the cavities, which theÿ filled there have been seen with a microscope by Leeuwenhoek 5 app. of Lett. 95 Philos. Trans. num 336. and no man was a more judicious observer. It is highly presumtif, that they are detached from the outside of the shells in clusters. The muscles are good for the table the 2d. year.
9. Bÿ those sorts you have gained the cockle, the clam and other species. The phosphoric property of some of this sort of spawn is as well observed as the power of electricity in others.
Now it is high time to give few facts to which I alluded in the later part of the conjecture proposed to your discussion and decision.
1. Carina Holothuriorum
This covers in Aug. and Sept. the Indian Seas; often may be seen a fleet of more than 1000 of these together. This species is classed under the Nerites on the Mediterranean coast.
2. The Cornæ—of these are different sorts in the Indian, Mediteranean, and Atlantic seas of various forms and size: some so gigantic that six man with difficulty move one single shell from the spot—Some of a Liliputian mould—of which there is a Large collection in the kastel of Capo di Monte—of the king of Naples— Du Patÿ mentioned in his Lett. on Italÿ. Lett. 94—of the Largest Rumphius had given an accurate and circumstantial description—All the Cornæ agree in having double shells (bivalvæ) He distinguishes them in large () and smaller with a smooth outside. They live all on the bottom of the seas, the smaller sort rise by calm weather to the surface, open their shells and turn it to the wind side, the other serves in lieu of a vessel. In this manner large fleets are sailed at the least danger, they shut their shells and plunge again in the depht. Johnston Hist. animal. Lib. iv
A small one, as that in the Mediterranean is found in the river the Gobelins near Paris.
3. Nautilus. Of these again two sorts are remarkable.
The Crassus major. floats on the sea, turns his boat and sinks. Crabs—Sharks—Kaÿmans and various sorts of fishes preÿ on them. Of their large shells are formed Bocals Rumph. ii. 2. bl. 59.
This sort appears plentifully in all of the seas of the Molukkes, and appears again in the Atlantic. Histr des Antill L. 1. cap  art. 4.
The Nautilus Tenuis of this species are again two sorts. The lesser from 3 and 4 inches. Rumph ii. 3. 63–65. The larger from 5–7. This too turns his boat when he intend to rise to the surface, and in this manner he reallÿ appears, as he comes at the top of the water. This Nautilus is a kind of Polypus with eight feet. Small fleets of this sort sail in company bÿ calm weather, and dive again bÿ an approaching danger. There is a good description of them in the Man. du Natural: Pag. 345. and 49 concamerations of them are distinguishable in a curious Drawing giving of a Nautilus, sawed by Martinet Phÿ. Catech Tom. ii Pag. 374. Having mentioned the art of Oysters the formation and growing of their shells—I must subjoin a few words—at the expence of tiring your patience a little longer.
1. Some are formed by apposition of a new matter originating from a tough glutinous humor of the fish, at the aperture (mouth) of the shell, as bÿ the Murices and Turbinatæ—These anterior parts of their shells are always thinner and purer than the posterior.
2. Bÿ extension of the whole crustaceous bodÿ—as in the Porcelanÿ the Cauris &c
3. By Apposition and extension together—as in all Muscles—Oysters &c growing larger and thicker, everÿ year a new round, passed (feuilleté)
It is easy to verify these observ: of Rumphius—he had given another proof of his assertion, in the Chamæ Pelagiæ broken in pieces, when the laÿs to the naked eye were visible—
Now Here Sir! is all that I have been able to collect—and a principle part is yet owing to Mr Mappa’s communications, and his ocular evidence must outweigh my ampelations. By you Sir! however I know it will merit some recommendation from my good wil and sincere endeavours to effect all, what was in my power.
Permit me Sir! to detain your attention few moments longer. Maÿ I request you, to favour me with your remarks on the exceptionable parts of my Letters to Chanc Liv. and gr. Boon—what merited your consideration—few hints may be serviceable to elucidate many parts—and if you think them worthy the trouble of a revision, I would in the course of this year refund them, enlarging and emending them—So they would be at least more acceptable to my particular friends. I had an opportunity few days ago of submitting them to the judgment of Prof. Dwight of Connecticut—but had no copy—as what was in your hands—Is that gentleman distinguished in that part of Sciences—and of a character—to lose a part of his time in the perusal of similar performances, I intend to communicate them with J. Mifflin at Philadelphia—(who presented me with a copÿ of the Philos. Transact: from his father Mr J. Bordleÿ—) The Chanc. told me in his last Letter—he would replÿ as soon he was at his ease at Paris—c’est possible—but the Embassador may forget the inhabitant of the western woods.
Does your Privilege of franking extend to such a package as my Letters? if not—perhaps—one or other time you may find a safe opportunity—without my defraying the postage—so far my circumstances oblige me to extend oeconomy—
Indignation has lately filled my breast inseeing some Political Phoenemena’s—will you be more circumspect in your correspondence, then you was when Adams—when Washington was at the helm? I have taken up my arms again—tho an old veteran, and have alreadÿ drawn the outlines of the Achaic Republic—which—when I shall have finished— intend to submit to your judgment. If I am so happy, that my intention is crowned with your adprobation, that you will condescend to communicate with me your remarks on it and favour me with few luminous ideas. I shall join to this sketch another of the Dutch Republic—to learn the Americans by the glaring faults of them, what they have to follow—what to evitate—
I spend a part of my Life home in the diplomatic study—and perused a Large number of papers and Documents relating to them—but never saw in all together so much heterogeneous matter—as in the late official communications in regard to the affairs of Tripoli. Did ever a government—king or republic—expatiate and apologize—for his sending an squadron here of there—to his ministers—Embass., even Consuls—? What power on Earth would not blush at the Letter to the Tripolyan Bassa—and would not have burned in his bosom the urgent necessity of sending a squadron (fitted out to defend the trade, and attack the ennemy) to learn their trade!? What commander in chief general or admiral received—besides his general and special or secret instructions—the form and copÿ of a Letter—he should make use of–? I am surprised at the silence of the American Novellist, who take often so much pains in barking at trifles—In Europe it will not be admired neither followed as a Republican precedent—But perhaps I am wrong—and so you will  set me right, and then I shall long peccavi—
Our Federal friends shall at this time be persuaded—they of the Senat at least I hope, that it had been America’s intrest to give—as you wished—an unqualified ratification to the French treaty. Buonaparte has jaggled America fairlÿ—and our government says—Lett it be so—as says Buonaparte.
Permit to assure you, that I am with the sincerest veneration and highest respect / Sir / your affectionate and / much obliged Servant
Fr. Adr. van der Kemp


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 9 January 1802
From: Wheaton, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Washington City Jany. 9th: 18012

Permit me Sir to add to the documents forwarded to Mr. Shaw the National Intelligencer; Since the doors of the Senate are opened, to Stenographers, the editor of this paper attends in Senate, and as the Subject of repeating, that part of the Judiciary System which passed last Session of Congress is now taken up in Senate, the Speaches of the Senators will I presume be interesting to you, if I could do any thing which would gratify, oblige, or servic you, it would constitute a happy moment in my life—I hope that I entertain a proper Sense of the usefulness you Sir have  rendered, and Shall ever consider you as the parent under our Heavenly one, of the great blessings our Country has injoyed. With due homage / I remain yours—
Joseph Wheaton.


Title: To John Adams from Rufus King, 12 January 1802
From: King, Rufus
To: Adams, John

Sir,
London January 12. 1802

I have the honour to send you enclosed the copy of a convention which I have signed with Lord Hawkesbury concerning the 6. & 7. Arts. of the Treaty of 1794—As the discussions which led to this Result were begun and conducted under your instructions, I feel it to be my Duty, as well as a mark of Respect that is due to you, to send you this Copy by the same opportunity that I avail myself of, to transmit the original to the department of State.
No one knows more thoroughly than you do, the source of those difficulties, often discouraging, & some times disgusting, which continue to encumber our negotiations with this Government; The affair of the Debts of all others was the most likely to revive feelings and Prejudices not yet extinguished, & which have been suffered to do so much real discourse to both Countries; I have notwithstanding persevered, and waded through—; whether meritoriously or otherwise, is a question, that I must refer to those, whose Provence it is to decide—
With entire respect, and the most sincere Attachment, / I have the Honour to be / Sir, / Your obedient & faithful Servant
Rufus King


Title: To John Adams from Wilhem Willink, 15 January 1802
From: Willink, Wilhem
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir!
Amsterdam 15. January 1802.

We have but shortly received Your much esteemed and friendly favor Copy of October 9. last directing us to hold Subject to the orders of Your Son J. Q. Adams Esqr. all the property of yours in our hands, and to follow his instructions in every particular, as fully as if we had your particular directions to that purpose: we shall attend duly to Your Son’s orders and conform strictly to the Same.
We are much obliged to You for Your Friendly Remembrance and assure You that the continuance thereof shall be looked upon by all of us as a particular favor; and our families uniting together in their very best Respects to Your good selves and Family Request You to accept the assurance of their regard & esteem, wherewith we are always / Your Sincere Friends / and mo. hb. & Ob Servts.

Wilhem & Jan Willink


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 January 1802
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Quincy Jan. 26. 1802

I have recd your favors of the third, and am much obliged to you and to Mr. Mappa for your Observations on the generation of shell fish &c
My Privilege of franking extends to all Letters and Packetts. I return your letter to Chandler Livingston with this, and will return that to Mr. Boon, in a short time.
I can afford you no ideas on the Subject of the mammoth because I have none. The Spirit of political Party has seized upon the Bones of this huge animal, because the head of a Party has written some thing about them, and has made them a Subject of more conversation and Investigation then they merit. The Species may yet exist in America and in other quarters of the globe. They may be carnivorous, or they may Subsist on the Branches or the trunks of Trees: but as I See no means of determining these questions, I feel little interest in them, and am willing to wait for the decision of them, till a living Individual of the kind shall be found. Mr Peales Skeleton may determine whether he is graininiverous or carnivorous or both, but our knowledge of the globe and even of this Continent is not Sufficiently advanced to determine that the Species is extinct. We know so little of final causes as well as of physical causes of the phenomena of nature, that no certain conclusion can be drawn from the Wisdom of the Creator against the extinction of a species. There may have been reasons for their existence at one time, which may not remain at another.
You ask me, if "I will be more circumspect in my Correspondence, than I was when Adams and when Washington was at the helm." I answer yes, I will be more circumspect than ever I was in my Life. My Friend Mr. Ralph Izzard, once answered a gentleman who said something to him about Patience, "Sir I believe I have by me a large stock of Patience, for I assure you I have never used any." I should have answered my Patience is almost exhausted, for I have had occasion to use an immense quantity of it. Patience and Circumspection are different qualities. I must Say with Izzard, I have used very little, and as I must have a large fund of Circumspection in Store I am determined for the rest of my Life to use it freely, on all occasions.
I read the Newspapers and apply what I learn’d from Juvenal half a Century ago, an excellent Precept of Circumspection. Digito compesce labellum which is well translated by our vulgar monosyllable Mum!!!
Notwithstanding I have my Observations, Reflections and feelings.
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Wheaton, 26 January 1802
From: Adams, John
To: Wheaton, Joseph

Sir
Quincy Jan 26 1802

I have received our letter of the 9th and a former one. You may inclose to my address the public documents which Mr. Shaw desires, and I shall have the use of them, when they arrive. I thank you for the newspapers, containing the debate on the motion for repealing the judiciary bill & for the expressions of personal kindness to me in both of your letters. I congratulate you on your continuance in your office. It would not have been honorable in any sett of men to have removed an officer, whose services were so faithful, of so long duration & whose behavior had been so uniformly decent and civil to all men. I wish you every comfort and a long enjoyment of the prosperity of your Country being / with due regard your humble sert.


Title: To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 4 February 1802
From: Morse, Jedidiah
To: Adams, John

Respected sir
Boston Feb 4. 1802

This will be handed you by Mr Charles Coffin, son of Dr. Coffin of Newbury port, educated at Harvard College, a prime scholar, & now a Candidate for the Ministry, & Vice President of Greenville College in Tennessee—He is commissioned by the Trustees of sd. College to sollicit contributions to the funds of sd. College, & was sollicitous to confer with you, sir, on the subject, it being considered as important to the political, as well as literary & religious interests of our country. He will more fully inform You of his wishes & plans.
With the highest & most / sincere respect, & esteem, / I am, sir, your / most obdt. & humble servt
Jedh Morse


Title: Claim Against the Estate of Norton Quincy, 15 February 1802
From: Adams, John,Tufts, Cotton
To:

No 339Quincy February 15th. 1802—

There is due from me to the Estate of Norton Quincy Esq. late of the Town of Quincy deceased. One Thousand and Eight Dollars it being for a Pasture called Babel Pasture sold and conveyed to me by the Executor of the said Norton Quincys last Will & Testament—
John Adams Enclosure
                                                February 15-April 28, 1802Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Cotton Tufts of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executor of the last Will and Testament of Norton Quincy late of the Town of Quincy, Esquire, deceased, being in the County of Norfolk aforesaid, By Virtue of the Power and Authority given to me in and by the said last Will & Testament, as well as by the free Consent of the Devisees mention’d in the said Will & Testament And in consideration of the Sum of One Thousand & Eight Dollars, paid by the Honorable John Adams of said Town of Quincy Esquire, the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge and in my said Capacity do hereby grant sell and convey unto him the said John Adams a certain Piece of pasture Land in said Town of Quincy, commonly called Babel Pasture, containing Fifty Acres, one Quarter and Twenty seven Rods, Bounded Southerly on a Town Way leading to William Harman’s, South Westerly on Land of Zechariah Marquand Thayer, North Westerly on the six hundred acres so call’d, North Easterly on land of   or however bounded or reputed to be bounded, saving however and reserving a necessary Drift Way through the said Land to the Six Hundred Acres so called—To have and to hold the said granted and bargaind Premises subject to the Reservation aforementioned, to him the said John Adams, his Heirs to his and their Use and Behoof for ever, And I do in the Capacity aforesaid covenant with the said John Adams that the said Norton Quincy died seized of the Premises and with the Heirs and Assigns of said Adams; and that they are free of all Incumbrances; and that I will warrant and defend the same to him the said John Adams His Heirs and Assigns for ever against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & seal this Fifteenth Day of February in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and Two—
Cotton TuftsExecutorNB. The Words "of Said Adams" were interlined before signing—

Signed Sealed & Deliverd In Presence of

                            Asa WhiteLydia WhiteNorfolk sct. T. Weymouth February 15th. 1802
Personally appeared the above named Executor Cotton Tufts and acknowledged the above instrument to be his free Act & Deed before me
Asa WhiteJustice of PeaceNorfolk ss. Dedham April 28th. 1802.Received and recorded Libo. 17. Folo. 41—and examined By Elipht. Pond Regr.


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Wheaton, 18 February 1802
From: Wheaton, Joseph
To: Adams, John

Excellent Sir
Washington Feby 18th: 1802

Your favor with which I have been so highly gratified, & which so deeply impresses me with a Sense of your goodness & consideration, came to hand the fiftenth instt, the long detention by the way adds to the Idea which had formed, that the spoilers hand might have been laid on some of the papers directed to your address—I hope my fears are groundless—I will deem myself permitted Suitable to acknowledge the gratification of yours of the 9th. Ulto. at a future day—please to accept the homage of my profound respect
J. Wheaton


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 8 March 1802
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Quincy March 8th 1802

I now return your remarks on Jefferson and Buffon. If I had your permission I would communicate them to the American Academy of Arts & sciences. I think them valuable. The panegyricks upon these philosophers are however too sublime for the region of New England, and would diminish the useful influence of your observations. I sent your letter to Livingston sometime agoI am as usual


Title: To John Adams from John Redman Coxe, 19 March 1802
From: Coxe, John Redman
To: Adams, John

Hall of the Society, Philadelphia, March 19th 1802 THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, Held at Philadelphia, for Promoting Useful Knowledge.

Having received from you by the hands of your Son, the very acceptable Donation of the 2nd & 3d vol of your Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America; which renders the work complete,I am directed by the Society to transmit their thanks for your assistance, in thus advancing the design of their institution.
I have the honour to be, / Your obedient servant,

John Redman CoxeSecretary of the A.P.S.


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 24 March 1802
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 24 March 1802.

You know too well mÿ attachment to your person, and am persuaded how highly I value your honoured correspondence, not to Suspect that Some weighty reason must have prevented my not answering your favour of Jan. 26—I dare not wait longer now I am honoured with another of March 8—With my remarks on Buffon.
I am always apprehensive, to bereave me of the Sensible States faction, which you bestow on me by your correspondence, in obtruding my Letters upon you too often. I was preparing an essaÿ which I wished to Submit to criticism—and beg your adsistance. If I was happÿ enough to carry your aprobation, for its publication—but the Brouillon is not legible—often not for me Self—In less than a mounth I hope, that it Shall be in my power to Send it—The mad pranks of our ruling Characters have prompted me, to try in this our dangerous and  Situation—when every Citisen ought to come forward—to  throw in my mite—to Save our Liberty and undivided independence. It is a Sketch of the Achaic Republic—in Lett. to my frend Lincklaen, you maÿ deem often my expressions to harsh—but durus nodus—durus cuneus—and I treat Greek Republicans.
It would appear to me, that it ought to be published anonymous—my name has no weight what Soever in this countrÿ—it is for that—I wished to have it printed in Boston—Majer Russell’s press has elegant types—and a new England production will have more influence—I know beforehand your principal objection—but may hope—you have in your neighbourhood—Some frend who would not refuse—to give it in so far a revision—that it does not betray a foreigner: I flatter me with Some distant hope, by what you did that you Self will undertake this unpleasant task—if otherwise you are pleased with my production—and this I have endeavoured to effect—what-ever may be the issue of mÿ exertions. All what is good in it—munus opusque tuum est—I claim alone to defend your principles, and Shall shrink a discussion—if anÿ one comes forward.
I must request you, in case you declined to accomplish mÿ wishes, to favour me with your corrections and remarks on a Separate Scrap of paper: because it is impossible for me to take of it another copÿ—mÿ time for Litterary amusements is gone—the Spring work require all mÿ labor—rainy days—and part of the Sabbath is only left to me.
I am more and more confirmed in the opinion—that huge animal—called Mammoth—is actuallÿ existing—thoug without the least reluctance adopting your judicious—I must Say, your answerable remark with regard of the uncertainty of our conclusion from the wisdom of the creator—Stood this argument alone—but I have new Supply’s to strengthen mÿ former arguments. Nothing could be more pleasing to me, than that you have favoured me with your approbation—now I Should not Scruple an instant to publish them—you may guess—how highly I was flattered—with your proposal in having deemed them worthy a place among those of your Academÿ—whoms productions are admired in Europe. I Shall take advantage of your corrections and remarks, and retouch the whole—when I Shall Soften my Panegyricks—but part must be left. You know—on whoms instigation I undertook this task—and that the Ch—— submitted them to J—— who by his note and cool approbation—Seemed but indifferently pleased with it. I wished besides—to mollify my censure—Sed veluti pueri absynthia tetra medentes &c
When ever I have refunded my observations—which may be Some time this fall—I Shall be greatly honoured, if you will favour me with their communication to your academy.
Now yet a word with regard to your Political circumspection—without incurring the blame of vanity I suppose, that an inviolated attachment of more than twenty ÿears, Shall induce you to make an exception—now and then in my favour—which I Should believe me unworthÿ, if you could Suspect the Sincerety of respect for you  virtues and affection to your character—for one Single instant
I Shall not Send a line with the Achaic Republick—determine there her fate—She Shall be Submitted to it! may I once more be Successful—then I am confident, mÿ labour Shall be of Service to my Country.
Recommending me to your remembrance &c  I have the honour of assuring you—that I remain—with the highest Sentiments of respect and consideration / Sir! / Your most obed. and oblige / St.
Fr. Adr. vanderkemp—


Title: From John Adams to Richard Cranch, 29 March 1802
From: Adams, John,Tufts, Cotton
To: Cranch, Richard

Quincy March 29. 1802

For Value received I promise to pay Richard Cranch Esq, on order, Two thousand two hundred and fifty one Dollars in twelve months from this date, with Interest untill paid
Testis
Cotton Tufts

            John Adams

            1806. October. 13th.  Received Sixty Seven Dollars and Fifty Three Cents for one half years Interest on the above Note also the further Sum of fifty one Dollars in part of principal recd. by the hand of Cotton Tufts4r Years Int. 67.53 past principal 51118.53

            Richard Cranch.

            1807. April. 2. Recd. one half Years Interest on this Note being Sixty Six Dollars by the hand of Cotton Tufts

            Richard Cranch

            1808. April 21. Recd—one Years Interest on this Note being  one hundred Thirty Two Dollars, by the hand of Cotton Tufts

            Richard Cranch


Title: To John Adams from Dudley Leavitt, 7 April 1802
From: Leavitt, Dudley
To: Adams, John

Respected Sir.
Gilmanton, N.H. Apr. 7. 1802.

I some weeks since had the pleasure of seeing an advertisement issued by your order, for the purpose of encouraging discoveries relative to Light & Heat.—Such a laudable stimulus to the promotion of Science from so eminent a Patron of useful Knowledge, must, I think, meet the approbation it merits, and contribute to useful discoveries, not only by exciting the emulation of the aspiring & enterprising; but also, “if it were possible,” by even stirring up the dormant faculties of the unambitious and indolent, for the sake of obtaining the Prize.
My object in writing this is neither riches nor honor;—neither have I a prospect of communicating any thing new on the subject of Light or Heat. But, as I have ever been delighted with scientific studies, yet without having those advantages which were requisite for obtaining that share of knowledge which I would gladly possess, I was encouraged by your noble and generous proposal to solicit your opinion, or answer, to the following queries relative to Light; provided you, Sir, shall deem such a condescention not repugnant to the rules and dignity of the respectable society over which you preside.
As Light is something, which eminent authors define different ways, it appears to me, that, previous to expatiating largely on its effects, it is necessary to investigate, as far as possible, its essence and nature,—This, according to the new method of philosophizing, is no difficult task; but my knowledge is so circumscribed that I cannot possibly see how Light can be what many will have it to be.
1st: Light is said to be a substance; but if that is the fact, why does it not, according to an established law of nature, gravitate towards the Earth and other planets, in its passage from the sun, and so form parabolic curves, like other projectiles?—But the rays of light are known to proceed in right lines.
2d: It has been found by experience, that the rays of light proceed equally from all sides of a luminous body, but if they were material, how could the projectile force with which they are impelled, impel the particles as high above the luminary, as tho some force and that of gravity united would depress them below it?
3rd: It is maintained that light passes from the sun to the Earth in about 8 minutes, without exceptions, at a mean rate: But if light were matter, yet lighter than air, why would  it not remain suspended on air of the same specific gravity, and consequently never reach the Earth?—Or, if it were specifically heavier than air, why does not the mercury in the Barometer rise to more than double the height in a dry, clear day, than in the night, when more than half the weight of the atmosphere must be deducted, on account of the absence of Light?
4th: If light be material, why does it not penetrate cork easier than glass? When the density of the former is but 240, and the latter 2666?
5. Mr: Gravesande affirms that heat, in a hot body, is nothing but motion, and if that motion proceeds in right lines, it gives us the idea of light: but if in an irregular manner, only of heat.—Why, then, if a nail be driven by a force perpendicular to its diameter, till it is very much heated, does not its reaction in an uniform right line, produce light?
6. Sir Isaac Newton says "The rays of light are hard bodies." And Dr. Niewentijt computes that in one second of time there flow out of a burning Candle, 418,660,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 particles of light.—Now suppose an eye be placed 6 inches from the center of a burning candle, and that distance to be the radius of a globe of rays, then the surface of such a globe would contain 113 1/7 square inches;—Again, suppose the visible part of an human eye to be one square inch, and the flame of the Candle perfectly globular, and the eye will be acted upon by 370,495,575,221,238,938,053,097,345,132,743,362, 831,185,84 of those "Hard bodies" projected with a velocity of 164000 miles pr. second.—Why do not those accumulated particles falling on our eyes with such a prodigious momentum, immediately destroy them, even if those particles are of no greater magnitude than points?
7. Mr. Martin, Ferguson, Dr. Keill and others, are of opinion that if our Earth had no atmosphere, the Heavens would appear dark in the day time: But if light were substantially emitted from the sun to the Earth why, if we could live without air, and turned our back to the Sun, should we not see the Earth enlightened as usual?
8. In trying to discover the Gravity of Light, I adopted the following simple methods. I firstly took two pieces of rotten wood, from the same trunk; one piece of which, when placed in the dark, continually emitted light, like phosphorous, and the other did not. Then suspending a small pair of scales in a darkened room, that I might better observe, the nature of the light emitted, I put the shining piece of wood into one scale, and balanced it by a piece that emitted no light in the other. And after they had been suspended for several days, the equibilibrium was not destroyed, but remained exactly as at the first.—
I next put into one scale a piece of white cloth, and suspended the scales in equilibrio  by a piece of black cloth in the other: and adjusting them in such a manner, that the sun, then at his greatest altitude, might shine into each scale. Then collecting the rays by means of a Lens placed its focal distance from the scale, I caused the rays to fall upon the black cloth for the space of 1/2 an hour: but though the black cloth absorbed, and the white one reflected the rays, yet the scales remained in equilibrio, tho’ the whole process.
Now if light be a material substance, why did not the increase and diminution of gravity caused by the absorption of the rays in the latter case, & by their being emitted in the former, impair or else totally destroy the equilibrium?
9. If light is the original source of all colour, and no color can exist without it, how did subterraneous substances receive their colours? Or why do we find those plants which have sprung up and grown in darkness, do appear of the same color as the rest of their kind which have grown in the light, upon the first admission of light?—Will any say that they receive their colour instantaneously, and that light only gives them their colours? For since the atmosphere may be changed to any colour you please, by placing different colors at certain angles with the incident rays of light, why may we not as well say that the atmosphere receives its particular hue from colors created by the Deity, as that every substance receives its colouring in a secondary manner from the rays of light?
From your friend and humble servant
Dudley Leavitt


Title: To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 20 April 1802
From: Morse, Jedidiah
To: Adams, John

Respected sir,
Charlestown April 20. 1802

I am much obliged to you for the honour & advantage of your name to head the list of subscribers to the Gazetteer of the Eastern Continent. I wish the Work may not be found unworthy such patronage.
The high & sincere respect I have for your character, the gratitude I feel for the eminent services you have rendered our country, & the many acts of kindness I have received from you, prompt me to offer, for your acceptance a set of the Gazetteer, on whh the binder has bestowed particular attention. I pray you, sir, to preserve it as a small token of my very affectionate respect & esteem.
Believe me, sir, to be truly / your most obdt / servt.

J Morse
Mrs. M. joins me in best respects to Mrs Adams.N.B. I have sent the books to the Office of your son in State Street Boston.


Title: To John Adams from Rev. Manasseh Cutler, 22 April 1802
From: Cutler, Rev. Manasseh
To: Adams, John

Sir.
Washington 22d. April 1802

I have the honour to enclose the late Census of the United States, presuming it to be a document which it will be agreeable to you to possess. I should have been happy to have forwarded to you any documents you would wish to have received, & should have taken the liberty to have sent such as I conceived would have been acceptable, but the number provided for the house, have generally been confined to only one for each member.
We have been principally employed, describing a long session, in demolishing the labours of Congress under the late Administration, & still much of this description of business will be postponed. The wisdom & policy of the measures adopted under the new order of things will be tested by time & experience, and it is to be hoped enough has been done to awaken the people, generally, to a sense of their true interest.
I have the honour to be, / with the highest respect, / Sir / your most Obedient Servt.
M Cutler


Title: To John Adams from James Asheton Bayard, Jr., 25 April 1802
From: Bayard, James Asheton, Jr.
To: Adams, John

Sir
Washington 25. April 1802.

I have been extremely flattered by the letter which you did me the honor to write me on the 10th. Inst. It is no virtue to be insensible to the praise of great & good men. I could not have received a more grateful reward for any labour than your approbation.
I beg the favor of being presented very respectfully to Mrs. Adams. and / have the honor to be / with sentiments of the highest consideration / your Obt. Sert.
J A. Bayard


Title: To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 28 April 1802
From: Tufts, Cotton
To: Adams, John

April 28. 1802

Know All Men by these Presents that I Cotton Tufts of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executor of the last Will and Testament of Norton Quincy late of the Town of Quincy, Esquire, deceased, being in the County of Norfolk aforesaid. By Virtue of the Power and Authority given to me in and by the said last Will & Testament, as well as by the free Consent of the Devisees mention’d in the said Will & Testament and in consideration of the Sum of One Thousand & Eight Dollars, paid by the Honorable John Adams of said Town of Quincy Esquire, the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge and in my said Capacity do hereby grant sell and convey unto him the said John Adams a certain Piece of pasture Land in said Town of Quincy, commonly called Babel Pasture, containing Fifty Acres, one Quarter and Twenty seven rods, Bounded Southerly on a Town Way leading to William Harman’s, South Westerly on Land of  Zechariah Marquand Thayer, North Westerly on the Six Hundred Acres so call’d, north Easterly on land of  or however bounded or requested to be bounded, saving however and reserving a necessary Drift Way through the said Land to the Six Hundred acres so called—To have and to hold the said granted and bargaind Premises subject to the Reservation aforementioned, to him the said John Adams, his Heirs, to his and their Use and Behoof for ever, And I do in the Capacity aforesaid covenant with the said John Adams that the said Norton Quincy died seized of the premises and with the Heirs and Assigns of said Adams; and that they are free of all Encumbrances, and that I will warrant and defend the same to him the said John Adams His Heirs and Assigns for ever against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal this Fifteenth Day of February in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and Two

N.B. The Words “of said Adams" were interlined before signing—  Signed Sealed & deliverdin Presence ofAsa WhiteLydia White

            Cotton Tufts, Executor

              Norfolk Sst. Weymouth February 15th. 1802 Personally appeared  the above named Executor Cotton Tufts and acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act & Deed before me
              Asa White
              Justice of Peace


Title: From John Adams to Rev. Manasseh Cutler, 10 May 1802
From: Adams, John
To: Cutler, Rev. Manasseh

Dear Sir
Quincy, May 10 1802

I duly received your favor of the 17 of April. The letter from Dr Mitchell & the project of the society at N York of a national academy shall be laid before the american academy of Arts & sciences at their next meeting. Your other favor, of April 22 has since come to hand. I thank you Sir for your obliging persuit of the census.
If the government for the second twelve years by undoing all that was done in the first twelve years could restore us to the situation, we were in at first humiliating as that was, we shall be more fortunate than f I fear we shall be. Those who live to that period will see and feel what I hope will be out of the sight of / your very respectful & obedient servant