Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 23 July 1812
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Sister.
St. Petersburg 23 July 1812.

I received a very few days ago, your kind favour of 1. March last, which gave me great pleasure as a token of your remembrance, and by assurance of your restoration to health.—It contains like almost every letter from America, that I have received the last eighteen Months, tidings of affliction; but we had before been informed our brother’s misfortune in the loss of his youngest child.
Your solicitude for the prospects in life, and the prosperity of your Sons is natural; but in the present Condition of the World, it is perhaps more than it ever before was necessary to practice upon the precept of taking no thought of the morrow, according to its true intent—which implies a more than ordinary thought of the morrow; in another sense.—Civil Society has been shaken  in its foundations, and is yet in the process of a Revolution, of which it is impossible to foresee the issue. It affects the destinies of every individual, man, woman and child of every Nation— Remote as our Country is, from the principal scene of this political Earthquake, she is nevertheless deeply affected by it, and the rising Generation in proportion to the length of time they have before them, have a greater share in the stake than their elders.—It is at all times, and to all men, important to remember, that every thing external to themselves is precarious & unstable; at this time, to young Americans it is perhaps the first and most indispensable of lessons.—Your Sons, are I hope both of them thoroughly convinced that there is nothing upon which they can rely for the comfort, and honour of their future lives, but themselves—Their own Prudence—Their own Fortitude—Their own Industry, and their own Frugality—With these qualities, even in these days they may trust to the Bounty of Providence, dismiss anxious forebodings of futurity, and let the Morrow take care of itself.—I wish it were in my power, to place your Son who is with me, in a situation more permanent and more profitable than that he now holds; but it neither is, nor probably ever will be—Young as he is, his experience of the world has been far greater than that of most men at his years, and I trust he will be careful to improve his experience to his own advantage. His brother has a situation less conspicuous, but more Independent.—It gives me great pleasure to learn that his progress is satisfactory to you.—That it should not be so rapid; as he himself would wish, I can very readily conceive, from having commenced life in a precisely similar situation myself—I had, for a longer time than he has yet been in the profession, less encouragement in it, and less assistance for my own support, from it than he has—Month after Month, and I might say year after year, I had little in my possession or in expectation to cheer me, but Patience—I can therefore fully enter into his feelings—But then, and ever since, with Integrity of Intention, with Industry and with Prudence, I have never found the Protection and the favour of Providence to fail. I hope that he will find his experience to correspond with mine.
I thank you for your congratulations on the birth of my dauther, who I hope as your Caroline is to you, will be the future comfort and delight of her Parents, and particularly of her Mother.—We cannot repine at the lot under which all human enjoyments are held; nor ask to escape from the additional care with which every additional blessing must be connected. The first years of an infant’s life, must be a period of unceasing concern and of frequent anxiety and alarm for its fate—Our daughter has been these eight or ten days unwell and during part of the time dangerously ill, with a disorder attendant upon teething—She is not wholly recovered; and probably will not be, untill the teeth come through—But we flatter ourselves that she is getting better, and hope for the best.
I had some reasons for regretting that I could not avail myself of the opportunity offered me last Summer of returning home. My present expectation is to return the next year. In a political point of view, the situation of our Country does by no means hold out to me prospects of personal tranquility, or objects of alluring temptation—Nor have I much encouragement for the belief that I can render essential service to my Country there more than here—But private duties and private affections, my Parents and my children call me home—No public object to which these ought to yield is likely to arise that can detain me here, and the part of my family who are with me, still more than myself, find their health and Constitutions so much affected by the rigour of this Climate, that they languish for an emancipation from it.
At the moment when I am writing, a dreadful War is raging in the heart of this Country—It has been preceeded by two years of incessant and formidable preparation by the only two remaining great Powers of the European Continent.—Of its Events a part only are distinctly known here; and that part, not perhaps the most important; being the side of their own Successes.—The other side will perhaps be sooner known in America than here, though we are only two days distant from the field of action—May Heaven preserve our own Country, from the Scourge of War!
I beg to be remembered to the kind remembrance of Coll: Smith, and of your children, and remain / My Dear Sister, ever affectionately your’s.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 July 1812
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

my dear son
Quincy July 29th 1812.

Mr Benjamin Beal jun’r Who has long resided in France, returnd last Winter upon a visit to his Family here as he connected himself in France, his stay here has been Short, and he is now going back in a  to Liverpool, and from thence to France
I request him to take this Letter for you, which I shall place under-cover to Mr Barlow our Minister in France that he may forward it to you by the first conveyance
The declaration of War by the United States against Great Britain, the necessity for which is deplored, renders the communication between us so hazardous, that I despair of hearing from you or conveying intelligence to you
In this Situation of the Country, you will not expect that my Letter should contain any other intelligence than that which is of a domestic Nature.
your Father and myself are in as good health as our Age will permit, your Sons are also well—I have been dissapointed in a visit which I expected to have made to them, before your Sister left me. I hope however to see them soon—We have not any Letters from you of a later date than the 4th March, and we wait in anxious expectation  of hearing. I have written to you by various opportunities—and I could now fill many pages with subjects which ought to come to your knowledge of a political nature, if I did not feel myself restrained by the desire I have, that this Letter may reach you, as it contains no Subject, to gratify the curiosity of any one and can be only interesting to yourself as a testimony of the health of your Friends—
Col Smith came last week, accompanied by mrs Adams his Sister Nancy and Abbe—in return, he will take back your Sister & Caroline and his sister Nancy, whose health has been much impared by greif for the loss of her Mother—I cannot but regret that necessity, which places them at such a Distance from me. Caroline, without being Handsome, is all in manners disposition habits and principles that a Lovely woman ought to be, united with personal care and elegance of manners. It is something, than Beauty dearer
yet is this Lovely flower destined to Bloom in the wilderness, and Shed her Sweetness in Seclusion from the world—and that without repineing, or a single expression that she wishd it otherways—
your sister returns in good health—and without any further apprehensions from the cause, which gave so just allarm to her Friends—
your Brothers Eldest Daughter is just recovering from a severe and dangerous attack of the Scarlet fever, she cannot yet stand upon her feet or sit up.
From Washington I heard last week—Mrs Pyre had recovered from her late indisposition—Similar to those which have so frequently brought mrs Adams low. mr Hellens eldest son had been sick of a fever, but was recovering Adelaide not yet married—but soon to be so
I heard also from Mr Johnson at N’orleans he was well and doing well
all our Family request to be rememberd to you in which they are joined / By your Ever affectionate / Mother
A A


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 6 August 1812
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: De Windt, Caroline Amelia Smith

My Dear C.
Aug. 6th, 1812.

I received your letter this day, written from Springfield; this has been a relief to us to hear that you were well, and that your dear mother bore her journey so well.
After you left me I felt no restraint upon me, and could give way to all I felt and all I had suppressed; my harp was upon the willow, and my spirits at a very low ebb; I have in some measure recovered them, and follow you daily upon your journey: when I think of my privations, I am silenced by a recollection of my many blessings.
I enclose you a volume from H., and I have written to your mother so lately, that I have not a brain prolific enough to entertain you.
I could inform you that our old gardener went to France in the winter, and did not expect to return soon enough in the spring; we have another in his stead, who, like most successors, finds fault with his predecessor, that this should have been so, and that, otherwise; accordingly he must make alterations—time must prove whether for the better. The season, although cold, is more forward than last year; the grain failed in all parts of the state, and there would have been a want and scarcity with us, if we had no other cause; but the blockade of our harbours has cut off the coasting trade, we cannot get grain but by land from the south, which renders it very high. Flour is at 17 dollars a barrel; this is a calamity which I hope will not last long if we have a fruitful season—bread, the staff of life and the chief reliance of the poor, should be kept low.
Our seventy-fours building; our little navy shows what we should have done if it had not been impeded in its growth: but to compare great things with small,—the successor to the father of the navy, like the gardener, thought that this was not necessary, and that might be laid aside, taxes were repealed, lest our revenue should be so abundant that we should commit mischief with it. Blindness to the future, I will not say in this instance, kindly given. Well, you tell H. she must not write politics; now it is just as natural for me to fall upon them as to breathe; it distresses me to see so many of my kindred and acquaintance, whom I love and esteem, going blindfold, as I think led astray by deceivers, ascribing views and designs to the government of which I know them to be innocent.
Come, let me quit this subject. How many cows do you have upon the farm? How many ducks have you raised? How many chickens? We have found them so mischievous, we have banished them all; not a solitary hen on our territories, or a stately cock rears his head upon the place.
I was called away last evening before I could close. In the evening we have a room full sometimes to overflowing. We have an agreeable addition in Mr. A.’s family; since his return from abroad they have been frequent in their visits to us. He is the most sensible, intelligent gentleman of all our society; rational and liberal upon all political subjects. He has been to Lisbon, and to Portugal, associated with English and French officers of army and navy, and returns to his own country, astonished at the partiality that prevails in favour of foreign countries, and at the opposition to the government of our own. Well, here I am again, upon the old topic; all I can say in excuse is, that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. I want to see you all. With love, regard, and esteem, and without compliment, I am as ever, yours,
A. A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 9 August 1812
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Warren, Mercy Otis

my dear Madam
Quincy August 9th 1812

After I returnd from your hospitable Mansion where the scenes of former days were pleasingly renewd I had the Subjects of contraversy between two ancient Friends and upon a review—I must Candedly Say that I judged both in the wrong, and am certain if personal intercourse from unavoidable circumstances had not been obstructed, neither party would so have judged, or so have written—
I was can however assure my Friend that no personal animosity exists in the Breast of my the person who considerd himself as injured—altho he cannot but regret that he his principles and actions Should thus be transmitted to posterity by the Elegant pen of mrs Warren, Whose sentiments and opinions So cordially harmonized with his own in former days—
a Reluctance I have felt at touching a subject where I was So delicatly situated, has prevented my the expression of my Sentiments untill I have found that my silence might be misconstrued—
I cannot my Dear Madam but express my regret at the intemperate conduct of Some of the inhabitants of the Ancient and respectable Town of Plimouth—the Lawless conduct of the Baltimore Mob—and the not less indiscreet conduct of those who were the occasion of it—ought to be a lesson to every Americn to cleave to the constituded ends  Laws and the Government as the Horns of the Alter.
How Shall the voilence of party Spirit be guelld, and the Spirit of animosity which to which it gives rise, be softned down into a Sacred regard for the honor interest & Liberty of our dear and beloved Country—now threatned to become a scene of discord  hatred and Revengelet the cool wisdom of Age check the fiery ardour of youth and let not that Religion which proclaims Peace on Earth and good will to man, be prostituded to kindle and spread abroad false political Doctrines, practical and incenderay Newspaper publication, & pamphlets—instead of subordination to rulers—and Submission to Government. I am to sorry to Say Such discourses I have heard from the pulpit. what can we expect from the flock when the pastor thus misleads them?
my daughter & grandaughter left me last week. I need not Say how reluctantly I parted with Mrs them. they will always remember the visit they made to you and your Family with pleasure—I pray you to present my kind Regards to your Sons and Daughter & the whole Family and if I may as a Friend be permitted to Say a word to them by way of advise it is, let your moderation be known to all men Still the tumult of the people—that peace may be within our borders and prosperity within our habitations—
My Son will present you this Letter he has lately had a very ill turn from which he is but just recovering—and his Children have been Sick with the Scarlet fever the Eldest dangerously So. I was in hopes that my daughter would have been able to have accompanied him, that I might have had the pleasure of introducing to you, a woman worthy of your acquaintance, and She of Seeing not only the most ancient Friend now living of her parents, but a Lady So highly Esteemd and distinguishd by her literary talents and acquirements & whose mind old Time has not yet been able to Subdue at four Score
I am my dear and / venerable Friend / Yours with Love and / Esteem

A Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to E. Miller, 15 August 1812
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Miller, E.

Quincy August 15th 1812

Will you permit Listen to a Friend to your Reputation to your rising prospects, to your rising prospects, to your future pursuits and to the happiness of your family to tender you some advice, nor deem it an intrusion?
It is a Subject of much delicacy which I scarcely know how to begin yet such is the partiality I have entertained for you from the amiableness of your manners and the good qualities you possess—that I cannot know you have fallen into errors without a sensible pain, and a wish that I to lend my aid to extricate you from them—believing that you still have it in your power to retrieve your reputation, and & back the proud you have wipe of the stigmay which, a suspencion at colledge never fails to inflict upon a Young Mans Character unless his application and future attention to his studies, and regular behaviour, Should prove, that reflection and even punishment has produced a Salutary affect;
In the first place permit me to observe that no Government can be well conducted without Laws or Regulations equivalent to them—Such are made known to every scolar when he enters the university—and it is presumed he assents to them—the Regular attendance upon prayers is one of them and altho there are no doubt occasions when the omission may be pardoned, an habitual neglect, neither recommends a Gentleman to his teachers or his Maker. Remember thy Creator in the days of they youth, is an admonition big with the deepest wisdom, and an habitual neglect of religious institutions is too often a sign of a contempt for them, and is a prelude to all could I guard so amiable a youth against so fatal an error, it would be a Source of much happiness to me. or could I offer you such lights as which one must have lived some years in the would to see the full face and extent of, before experience. that dear bought instructor is forced upon you too late to retrieve your what you have lost will you pause my young Friend and ask Yourself, for what purpose have my parents indulged me with the opportunity of for learning & instruction. have I come to this Seminary of Science to render myself a usefull citizen of the world, or to spend my time in pleasure & dissipation and Idleness? If my prospects in Life are fair, let them stimulate me to be worthy of them, let them excite in me a laudible ambition to become distinguishd by literary acquirements—and this can only be done by hard study and laborious application—the all things are uncertain and fluctuating in this world. Riches may be dissipated. they may be lost in various ways, but learning will abide with me. I will say to those companions who have led me astray—deport from me—I will retrace my steps—I will retrieve all and more than I have lost, henceforth I will need neither admonition or suspension nor any harsher punishment—I will not grieve My Aged Father whose early late and incessant application to buisness for many Years has enabled him to place me in easier circumstances and indulge me with a Liberal Education—from unfortunate circumstances he is deprived of the Society of my Elder Brother and I ought to strive to make up to him not only that loss but to requit him for all his can and tenderness to me by improving to the best of my ability all the talents committed to me.
Shall I plant thorns in the Bosom of my dear and beloved Mother whose only Son, whose only Child I amwho doats upon me—who Suffers more for any improper conduct by which I am disgraced than I can myself o no forbid it honor duty gratitude and affection—
These I trust will be your reflections and your resolutions in your retirement—if you improve it as I cannot but flatter myself you will, and that you will carry back to your instructors the approbation of the Gentlemen to whose care you are new committed, and that you will not in future give receive any the approbation the commendation of Your preceptors. for diligence application and Regular behaviour so honorary to yourself to Your Parents and Friends— this Letter is written without the knowledge of any one but myself,and with the hope that it may serve the cause of virtue,and save from future error a Youth whom I esteem and whose parents I respect—happy shall I be if it is received with kindness, and whose and one whom I wish to see pursuing the path of rectitude from motives convinced that those alone lead to happiness here and here after
A A


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 16 August 1812
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

N 17.
Dear Sir.
St: Petersburg 16. August 1812

The flames of War, which are again spreading universally over Europe, have at length caught across the Atlantic, and involved our Country in the Conflagration—Numerous as the obstacles to a safe and speedy Communication of Correspondence between us and our friends in the United States have heretofore been they are now greatly aggravated and multiplied—We received on the 5th: of this Month, the American Declaration of War, by a Pilot-Boat dispatched from New-York, by Merchants who had large Property, which they were desirous of having secured from Capture—Thus far they succeeded in their object, and the Enemy will find very little upon which to lay his hands in these Seas.
It would be useless for me now to express my sentiments to you upon this recent change in the State of our Affairs—The Revocation of the Orders in Council, and of the Blockade of May 1806. though it could not be known in America in time to avert the Catastrophe, must long before this be in possession of our Government—My hopes still linger upon the possibility that this Event may restore Peace to us—Never was it, so far as I conform a judgment more decisively our Policy; and never easier and more honourable to ourselves.
The new War in the North of Europe, appears already in its most terrible features, and has the prospect of becoming as long and obstinate, as it is already bloody and destructive. The Russian Provinces in Poland have rather been abandoned for the moment than conquered—The Fabian system of warfare, which succeeded in our Revolutionary War, and which has recently been successful against the Generals of Napoleon in Portugal, is now systematically tried against himself—It probably was never brought to a severer test; but the Modern Alexander may after all be destined like his predecessor to be arrested in his career of domination by the Scythians.
The Russian armies already in the field to meet him exceed half a Million of Men; and should he obtain victories over them, a new force is already organizing to supply their places, which if the occasion requires will be still more numerous, and perhaps eventually more efficient.—There can at no time and under no Circumstances be a want of Men to meet the invader, and other resources will in the time of need be found or supplied—The Peace with Turkey and that with England, are concluded. Spain (the Cortes and Regency) Portugal, Sicily, England and Sweden, will be allies of Russia, or at least making common Cause with her—They have against them France, Germany and Italy—the Assailants have a more concentrated power, but the Russians are contending pro Aris et focis; and will certainly not prove an easy prey.
I say nothing to you of particular incidents—We hear the relations of them only from one side; and those naturally a little coloured.—The public Confidence has much strengthened since the War began, although no very splendid success has yet been atchieved.
Not knowing how or when my letter will reach you, I have only to add that we are well; and beg affectionately and dutifully to be remembered to my Mother, and all our friends—
A.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 17 August 1812
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Sister,
Atkinson August 17th. 1812

Has not this long term of rainy weather made you sick? it has almost every body arround us—& I sensibly feel it effects—Poor Norton had a very billious turn, which confined him to his bed a week, & to the House a fortnight—But means have been mercifully blessed for his recovery, though he looks very feeble, & thin of flesh, & more like his Mother than ever—Abby, was taken in the same manner a Friday, & continues very feverish yet—but I hope it will pass off, without a long confinement—The rest of our family are comfortable, & your children have not had any complaint—
At their age, if Health can be confirmed, they will be better able to pursue closely their studies, when more matured—After school they range the fields for Berries, & in the morning they are too sleepy to rise early—The evenings will soon be long enough to get a good lesson—& they always make the greatest proficency in their learning when they sit arround Mr Peabody’s Table—They know then, they must be silent, & attentive Norton, & George say they love to study their Geography, & at their age, they can bear spare the Time, better than when older—
John rather study, the questions, & answers—Mr Vose, took the care of the academy again last monday, & Mr Cogswell is going to take charge of one at Hampton—He has given all possible attention to the youth here—but I suppose Parents will feel a greater confidence in Mr Vose. He will at least have the priviledge of drawing closer the reins of Government, without incurring censure—
I was glad you reproved George, for carrying home his Books, I was so provoked at his folly, that I took out without his knowing it, & put into his draw a number that he had loaded in—Mr Peabody told him, he hoped he did not designedly leave his Dictionary, He said, his grandfather wanted to look into it—It was indeed, “carrying coals to Newcastle”—I sometimes indulge children, on purpose to make them repent of not taking older advice—
The last letter George sent to you, was not fit to be seen—It was written as fast as possible, with his left hand upon his side, instead of steadying his Paper—I ruled paper for him, & wished to have him write it again—but he said you could read it, he knew—I told Abby, the other Day, I did not believe George, ever would write well, unless some person stood over him clothed with authority—Mr Leonard, got an handsome number of Scholars here, & I think Mr Whifford would, I will make enquiries of Mr Vose—Mr Peabody let him Leonard keep school for the sake of encouraging good writing in our room—I think the Cranch’s would attend—they ought to—
	Mr Peabody will I believe, if our family is well  enough, attend commencment, he has some business at Boston, which his Son, wishes he would transact for him—I hope, he will be able to comply with my respected Brothers polite Invitation, & make you a short visit at Quincy—I shall not be able to go, untill our Fall Vacation—I shall always regret, not seeing you here, with Mrs Smith, this season, but hope yet to see you before long—I know how sincerely you wish your dear & only Daughter, was not situated so far distant from you, but since our female missions, have taken place, any distance in the united States, shrinks to nothing—I hope you will hear of her reaching home in safty—I hope Mrs Adams will enjoy better health, than she did before her visit to Newyork—It will always be a solacing reflection that she was enabled to see her beloved Mother, before she joined the world of Spirits, to hear her Counsel, & to pay her the last tender tributes of Love, & respect I rejoice that the life of the dear little Abigail is preserved, I hope a blessing to Her Parents, & that Thomas is recovering too—Abby wished she could have assisted, & releived Mrs. Adams of some of her many Cares—but, we are too distant to do many of those kind offices for each other, we wish—
Mr Webster is gone to Boston to day, I requested him to go to Mr Fosters, that I might know how they all were, for it is a long time since I have heard from their family, & my Son—If Mrs Dexter finds Mr Shaw’s stockings want footing, I wish you would Ask her to give them to you, & you be good enough to send them by Mr Peabody, if he should come—& if he has any old black silk ones, I wish she would send them too—I want if I can, to make a pair of Gloves for Mr Peabody, I cannot buy any large enough—If I should send to him, He would not know whether he had any, or not—He wants a wife to take care of his Interest, as much as ever good old Father Tenant did—But they are happy, who think themselves so—whether it be in a Pallace, or a  —Whether enciveted by the Charms of an amiable wife, or lolling in a solitary Chamber, in a lonely Chair, enveloped in the Fumes of dirty Segars—The Tumult, & the face of our publick affairs is so black, & dismal that I turn from it with fear, indignation, & trembling—& must drop my pen, by saying, I have so long known, how good, & how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Unity, that the reverse, is prayfully deprecated by your most affectionate Sister—
E—P—
our respects, & love attend you, & yours—burn this scrawl


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 21 August 1812
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw

My dear Sister
Quincy August 21 1812

Inclosed are two Letters for you & family or to Speak more correctly one for you, and one for Mrs Cranch—
I was anxious to hear from you, as I had heard of Nortens Sickness. he has a Billious constitution, and Slender health. I hope it will become firmer. we have indeed so wet a season that the fruits of the Earth are decaying for lack of Sun Shine. let us acknowledge our intire dependence upon that Being who causeth the Sun to Shine and the rain to descend upon the evil and unthankfull, as well as upon those who acknowledge him in all their ways—we ought to consider it as one of those furies of providence designed to punish us for our murmuring at the plenty with which our Country has been blessd in Years past. whilst the Nations of Europe have sufferd for Bread, and many of them died for hunger—Napoleon has it has been said humanely Shot some of his Subjects to Silence their complaints, and The as Humane Prince Regent, Sufferd his Subjects to die through famine by the   decrees which prevented their Supply—Such are the Sovereigns of Europe
we have indeed cause for Humiliation and repentance—we have cause to pray God to avert his anger and to quell the tumult of the people—our Rulers are reviled, instead ofhonoured or respected. the worst of motives are imputed to them and the vilest Slanders circulated against them. it matters not who they are. to be in office is a pastport to Infamy—can a people expect the blessing of Heaven when they set out nought the precepts of the Gosple—and thus speak evil of dignities. Men of their own Choice—Men whom they can peaceably remove if they injure them. Men who are of the Same blood, embarked in the same caurse who must fall with a falling Country whose fortunes connections and Liberty and priviledges are to Share the Same fortune with those they Govern? can it be that all these persons in Succession Should be so vile So unworthy of confidence as the opposite Party represent them—No my sister the people are mislead. they would do right if they were not misinformed—
our Rulers to whom we have committed the cause of our Country, have after exhausting every peaceable measure had  recourse to Arms to obtain & maintain those priviledges which Both France and England have deprived us of—those rights without which we could not support our Independence, I conceive we are engaged in an upright and necessary warfare—whether  it might not have been more politick to have defered it untill we were better prepared is an other thing—but having had recourse to Arms—the Country ought to support the Government
The Clergy pray for a suppression of Party Spirit, and then many of them preach Sermons calculated to excite Rebellion—Such I am Sorry to Say I heard from our own Pulpit. I did not attend here yesterdayday. I went to hear mr Norten, who preached an excellent Sermon—Without Hypocracy Without partiality,he preached the Spirit of the Gospel: not mr Lowells pamphlet calld Aladdins War, nor Lying News paper Scandle—
I beleive that mr Whitney beleived what he preached, but I could not. nay, I knew it was false, and he had my pitty and compassion.—I Should have been misirable if I thought with him—Mr Madison is no more under the influence of Napolean or France than mr Whitney himself, and he is as firm a Friend to the Country and would not any Sooner pursue any measure which would lend to injure it—he may be mistaken—he may err, but not designedly with bad motives—such I beleive him to be—and a change of Men would have no benificial effect upon the country as the Same measures must be pursued—if we would support our just Rights—Well here is politicks enough
My Boys must buckle down to their Books—I have Sent Georgs dictionary by mrs Harrod if they do not improve every moment of their time, their Father will now own them when he returns—from this time untill the vacancy I expect they will wake double tides, that I may give & receive a good account of them
—I have had Letters from their Father to the 1 of May. they were all well. When I write again I will tell you more, but the post will leave me—No news from mrs Smith Since I heard from Springfield which makes me uneasy—Abigail has got well. I have her with me Thomas and Elizabeth are both Sick with the same fever, not so bad as abigail, but Sick enough. it is a terible disorder—we hope Still to See mr Peabody here / Love to all from your / Sister
A AWritten in Such haste that I know not whether You can read


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, 1 September 1812
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Cushing, Hannah Phillips

my dear Friend
Quincy Sep’br 1 1812

Your kind invitation would be joyfully accepted by my young Ladies, but at present they have with them Some Ladies Staying with them upon a Visit, whom it would be improper for them to leave—they will however embrace the first opportunity of paying their Respects to you. they will regreet it much if miss Alwin Should be absent, to whom they desire to be kindly rememberd.
Mrs Smith and Caroline both expresst their Sorrow that they could not See you again before they left this place
I have the pleasure to inform you that they all reachd the Valley in Safety, after a pleasent journey of ten days. and found their Friends are well. I received Letters yesterday from mrs Smith and Louisa Caroline.
I cannot close my Letter without congratulating you upon the Glory obtaind by Cap Hull to our flag and Nation—upon that Element we ought to chastise the haughty Islanders. there they have injured us most, and there we Should have had the means of doing it—but from a mistaken policy—
Why my dear Madam cannot you and Miss Alwin make us a visit next Week—if it were only a couple of days it would gratify us all—particularly your Friend

A Adams—


Title: From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 1 September 1812
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Plymouth Ms. Sepbr. 1st. 1812.

Blessed are the Peace-makers!—In that glorious band of righteous do I class my friend Mrs. Adams.
Your long silence, my dear Madam, has not been mis-construed.—I concluded you was waiting for the arrangement you proposed, when I received your very agreeable visit.—I think I did not mis-apprehend the message you then delivered from Mr. Adams, which you promised with his love to me, with a promise to cut out and send forward from his Letter-Book, a number of Letters wounding and grievous to his aged friend, beyond what either he or you may imagine.—Was there any condition in the offer?— I recalled none—yet I hear not from him.—Under present existing circumstances, I know not anything more I have to do in this unpleasant business.—
You my dear friend, are sensible how much I was gratified by the late visit from you and your children,—nor do I give up the idea of once more meeting.—Such is our mutual love and esteem for each other, that I flatter myself you will repeat your visits, so long as we are both resident in this transient state of being.—
I admire your political and judicious observations on the perturbed state of the American Nation. I could dilate on this subject, but it is unnecessary.—Everyone feels & laments the divided state of society, nor can the wisest of men, calculate on consequences.—I have little to feel or fear for myself, but much for my children, my friends and my country.—If age or experience has any influence, my mite has been and shall be thrown in, to suppress animosities and to quiet the ferments that are wrought up by the worst passions, and the constant endeavours, to insult and vilify the best characters that still exist and adorn our country.—
I thank you for your advice to my Sons;—they have indeed, a trying part to act, in walking over the same ground their father has trodden before them, among their malignant & rebellious neighbours.—He spent a large portion of his life, in procuring and defending the rights of his Country, nor did he expect reward in the present life, but an ample treasure was laid up for him, which I trust he now enjoys among the spirits of just men made perfect.—May his Children follow the example of such a Parent!—I think their deportment has generally been cool & dignified.—They have borne much & done much to prevent things coming to extremities, and have constantly endeavoured to prevent the republican party, which is not inconsiderable amongst us, from being easily provoked to return the outrages and insults on Government and its supporters, and I hope they may be led through in safety.—
My family unite with me in presenting regards and respects to each one of yours—to this I add the signature of an affectionate, & / Sincere Friend,

Mercy Warren


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to William Stephens Smith, 6 September 1812
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, William Stephens

Copy.
Dear Sir
August, Seper 6th 1812

Your Letter of Decbr 30 1811 has Slept in my in my Beaurous untill your prophesys have become dreadfull realities—in which I rejoice that you have no lot or portion, if your experience and counsel had been held in requisition the fate of poor Hull might not have been a disgrace to the Nation—Gasconade ought always to be the exclusive Majesty of the Nation Said to be famous for it—just as I was going to sit down to write you a congratulation upon the valient exploit of capt Hull in the Constitution “who bears his Honours Nobly” the News arrived of the Capture of genll Hull and all his Army
Humiliation had so closely upon the heel of Glory, that the pride of Country was wounded, and the laurels even by the victory of one was blasted by the Capture of the other providence seems to have painted by these events to the theater where our Defence ought to have been directed—I shall make no comments upon the conduct of those who pland & directed the measures—for warfare—I shall not stigmatize them in the language of their opponents. If the remedy lies in the hands of the people and a change of the Administration will affect the desirable object it is their duty constitutionally to make it—but I am I see not the Helms Man who can ride in the whirlwind and direct, or quell the storm—those who are satisfied of the justice of the War are dissatisfied with the mode of conducting it, and of the premature commencement of it before sutable arrangements of defence had been concerted and carried into effect—our fronteer will require an Army to guard them and defend them from the savages—who are now engaged with the British against us
Whence is to Spring the light we want, skill to execute it the wisdom to use it and the skill to execute?
I know your mind must constantly & busily employd upon these subjects—and it is often observd that the spectator sees more of the game than the actors—
If I had written you before I should not have so clearly disserned the truth and propriety of your observations—I inclose my two last Letters to you from Russia in which you will discern more judgment prudence and forethought, at ten thousands of miles distance than the Cabinet at  has displayd as appears face events—You will be so good as to return them by the next post to your Friend and Mother
A Abigail


Title: From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 6 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, William Stephens

My dear Sir.
Quincy September. 6. 1812.

My heart is one day as light as air and the next as heavy as lead. The Name of Hull, at one hour exalts my Imagination like a balloon to the Clouds: And a few Hours Afterwards the Same monosyllable depresses it to the Subterranean Caverns where Earthquakes are generated.
How it has happened, that your Letter to your Mother of last December has never been acknowledged I know not. She read it to me at the time. The Sentiments were conformable to your uniform Conversation with me during your Visit to Us in the Fall and appeared to me So judicious, So obvious and correct that I had not a doubt in my mind that Mr Madison and all his heads of department Governor Hull and all his principal Officers, General Dearborne and his principal Officers, were as well Apprised of them as you were. I therefore thought little more abought it: presuming that Madam who is the most punctual Correspondent I know, would have done and had done due honour to it. But last Evening, the Harrows of the Newspapers brought to recollection, some faint Recollection of your Conversations and Letters. The Cabinet was searched and the Letter found. Your Mother will make her Apology, I presume.
I shall pursue this subject no further, at present Another of great importance presents.
Has our Nation the Hydrophobia! Should a foot have been Set in Canada untill We had a decided Overbearing, Annihilating Superiority of Naval Power upon all the Lakes. But this is of less importance than another Inquiry, One the Northwestern, the Transalleganian and the Southern Atlantic States, united and energetical and powerfull enough to Conquer Canada, shall we hear of the Tomahawk, and Scalping Knife; Applied to thousands of Families on our Northwestern Frontier; Will the northern States much longer consent to be hewers of Wood! Have the Federalists any pure Federalist in View as a Candidate?
Is De Witt, a Friend to Commerce and determined to promote a Naval Power for its Protection? That he is not so learned in Books nor so deep in Meditation and Contemplation as Madison is most certain, that he is more honest Religious or Sincere than Madison I have no Reason to believe. Tell me whether he will have the Votes of New York New Jersey, Pensilvania or Maryland for President? In my Opinion it is of no importance who is President if he cannot conciliate the Northern States to this War.—
I have repeatedly explained to you, my Idea of the Politicks of New York That it is and always has been a Feudal System in Miniature: Barons Wars in Embrio. Though I doubt not you meant well, I am confident you have committed gross Errors in Attaching yourself so closely once to Chanceller Livingston and Afterwards to Col. Burr, and Miranda. And in my Opinion you was inexcusable in your open Affront both to Jefferson and Madison.
I have here written to you in the Stile of a Father, as I have a right to do. I think at the Same time, it is a Misfortune to this Nation that your Talents Qualities and Experience and Military Science Should be lost to the Nation. If you answer this Letter, you shall hear more from your Affectionate / Father in Law.
John Adams.


Title: From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 8 September 1812
From: Cushing, Hannah Phillips
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Scituate September 8th. 1812.

My thanks are due to you My Dear Friend for a letter of the 1st. & it would afford me much enjoyment to visit Quincy this week, agreeable to your kind invitation; But my Sister Johnston is now passing a little time with us, a favor that we seldom enjoy so that I cannot leave home at present. By the last of Octr. it is my intention to be with you once more my Dear Madam, in whose society it is always my greatest delight to be blessed with. I regret much not seeing Mrs. & Miss Smith, before their departure. My best wishes for health & happiness will always attend them, & it gave me pleasure to hear that they had such an agreeable journey home. Miss Aylwin went to Boston last week. Her Brother William came for her in great haste, to meet their Brother John, who is Sailing Master in the Constitution, & had received a slight wound in the late engagement. We had flattered ourselves through the summer of seeing the young Ladies of your family here, & it will always give pleasure to us to see them at any time. Offer my regards to Mr & Mrs Judge Adams, & Mrs C Adams, & say that a visit from them would be very pleasing to us. My Sisters unite with me in respects to you, & the President & family.
Your Affectionate Friend
H Cushing


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 11 September 1812
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw

My dear Sister
Quincy Sepbr 11th 1812

My daily care and visits for a fortnight past have been to the sick and dyeing  Bed of our good old Domestic Pheby—and my anxiety for her  when I am absent, least she should not be sufficiently attended to, makes me frequently wish I had her under my own Roof. Mrs Greenleaf is my Second in all my cares. She amply Supplies the place of our dear sister as far as means will permit. Mrs Adamss absence renders my attendence more necessary, for she too, does good and communicates as far as she is able. our great difficulty is to get a person, Sober, and  prudent to attend her. White people of any character will not go, but as watchers, and  there, I must Say I have found  kindness. it requires two of a night to look after her, as she has frequent need to be got out of Bed. our Benevolent Cousin Betty Smith & mrs Greenleaf Sat up the night before  last, and our Nancy & Lucy Greenleaf once this week—
She has lived to an Age when she has out lived not only her own  personal comforts, but the means our dear parent left to support her, and for more than a year past has not been able to Earn a penny—her Drs Bills in Years past have consumed a large portion of it. it would  long ago have been expended if she had been obliged to have paid house Rent and have purchased  all her wood and many other things with which She has been Supplied. and now her wants are few for herself save in help who must be fed—there is but one black woman in Town, and she has a family to take care of, but we get her as often as we can, and there is not any comfort or attention which I can Supply but what will be readily given—I cannot expect that she will feel to others, as to us; when I go,she held me by the hand, and cannot bear that I should leave her, and when shall I see you again, is her daily inquiry?
I was grieved my dear Sister to hear that you had been so ill. the disorder which afflicted you is of a most debilitating nature—I have in years past suffered much from it
Calcined Magnesia I have found a good  preventitive—I hope you will Sit out as soon as the  vacancy commences and make us a visit. I would have the Boys come by all means.
I had Letters yesterday from mrs Adams She is very earnest to have the children sent to them. I am much more earnest to have them return home provided they can get here
Sixteen years of mr Adams Life has been already spent abroad. he is now spending the best part of his days in banishment from his Friends and Country, and the wars which have now commenced, not only is own Country—but in Russia also, make his return highly necessary and proper—all communication is cut off, between our Countries—
What shall we say of Genll Hull? of Captain Hull we know what to say—
we must suspend our judgement.  fault there must be some where
My Love to the Children—I must go to my daily office—I would advise you to get a crape they are very Strong—it should be a good one we wished to have had a visit from our mr Peabody when he was at Boston—our kind Regards to him—do my dear sister come soon. let the vacancy commence the first week in october cannot  cousin Abbe come with you.?
I am my dear sister / your affectionate
A Adams


Title: To John Adams from Josiah Quincy Guild, 12 September 1812
From: Guild, Josiah Quincy
To: Adams, John

To his Excellency John Adams, Esqr
Sir
Newton, Septr, 12th 1812.

Some few months since, you were kind enough, at the intercession of my mother, to give me a letter of introduction to his honor William Gray from which, I fondly anticipated receiving some employment but I presume owing to the unsettle state of the country, Mr. Gray engaged in no mercantile speculations, by which circumstance, I lost the benefit which would otherwise have arizen from your kindness, you then asked me, why I did not petition for some birth either in the army or navy, which has led me to reflect more fully upon the probability of any succeeding in such an application. I scarcely know how to make the request, after having already been so troublesome to you, but the hope of establishing myself in some eligible situation induces me, should you think from the slight knowledge you have of me, I am not unfit for the office, to wish your assistance in an endeavour to procure the birth of purser in the Navy, Should you not feel inclined to comply with my request I still shall never forget my present obligation, and should I through your interference now succeed, my gratitude would be equalled only by your goodness. I am Sir most respectfully. / Your obt. Srt,
Josiah Quincy Guild


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Ann Frances Harrod Adams, 20 September 1812
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Ann Frances Harrod

my Dear Child
Quincy Sunday Noon 20th Sepbr 1812

I received your Letter of 17th of the last Evening and rejoiced with trembling. Dr Hoolbrook thought if  Dear Child lived over that day, there would be hopes of he . I pray heaven it may be so, for all our Sakes— but arly for her afflicted parents. I never Saw greater distress  My dear Sons when he came to See us, the night he left her for Haverhill; he had Struggled to conquer his feelings & came in, took his Father and me by the hand without Speaking & got as far as the door, when the agony burst forth in Such a manner as intirely as overcame him—fatigued with his ride, and his heart turn with the anguish of Seeing his darling child no more, no persuasion could prevail upon him to defer one hour; sitting out to be with you, altho I intreated him not to ride all night, as I feard he would get Sick and add to your troubles, instead of diminishing them. I hope he obtaind more composure and that he found his dear Elizabeth living & with a prospect of recovering She had a fine constitution, and youth. I cannot help flattering myself that she will yet be spared to us—
Abigail is very well, and looks brown, grows fleshy & wild. I think she was never in better Health. Thomas  he is in a habit of Body that requires attention; I did give him a little medicine, but found it necessary to use injections—and he is much releived by it. he is very gay, and looks much better than he did a week ago. I pray you not to be anxious about them, every care will be taken of them. as I have not heard since thursday, I am very desirous to get intelligence, but by mr Balch’s not returning, I have hopes that when I do hear, I may be comforted.
Pheby Still holds out, and is a constant care: it lies with me, to provide watchers for her, and two of  which renders it peculiarly difficult—She poor Suffering  gone, anxious for you and Elizabeth whom She constantly  after and gratefully acknowledges all your kindness to her— much difficulty I can understand what She Says—and She is now  that She cannot be got up. it would be happy for her to be released
I inquired of Natll what he did with the bundle. he says he took it to mr woods to give to mr Thayer and that mr Thayer took it to Boston—I will make further inquiry respecting it, pray write me by every post.
I will keep this Letter open untill tomorrow hopeing to get some intelligence before tomorrowthen. Heaven grant that it may be favourable—your fatigue must be great indeed. I know you are with kind affectionate and tender Friends—but who can bear the mothers burden?
Sunday Even’g 9 oclock
Mr Adams has just returnd with the joyfull news, that Elizabeth is better. thank God that She is given back to our Prayers, may she live to be a blessing to her parents, and Friends—it will be long before she will be able to move be removed, but the children Soon recover from debility—Witness our dear Abigail who seems better than ever—Send me word as often as possible to your / affectionate / Mother
A Adams


Title: From John Adams to Josiah Quincy Guild, 22 September 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Guild, Josiah Quincy

Quincy September. 22. 1812.

I am very sorry I was not absent, when your excellent Mother left me your Letter of the 12th of this mongth, Had I been fortunate enough to see her, I could have explained myself to her upon the Subject of it, with more freedom and in greater detail. Soliciting for Office, for myself or my Friends is to me a Strange Work. Never in one instance in my whole Life did I Submit to it.
Recommendations to Employments, I have Sometimes given, but always with great Caution, and always with difference, and indeed with entire Submission to the Responsible Authority which had the Appointment.
I have never had any particular intimacy, or confidential Communications with the present Authorities of the United States, or this particular State. You have therefore, many Friends more likely to assist you, than I am. It would however give me pleasure to assist you in any Way in which I consistently can.—
The Birth in the Navy, which you Specify is a responsible Trust, of importance in the National Economy, and particularly interesting to the Captain of the Ship, and all his Officers and Men.—It is so long that these Things have been out of my Mind, that I really do not Remember whether this Officer is Appointed by the President or by the Captain of the Ship.—However this may be, I presume there is no Vacancy at Present on board any of our National Ships; and the Navy has behaved so well, that it cannot be expected, any Officer Should be removed in favour of any Candidate, unless in case, of Misconduct and regular Complaint.—
I hope to see your Mother, in her Way to Hingham when I may have the pleasure of further Conversation with her.
I am Sir with Regards to you and your Family yours
John Adams.—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 27 September 1812
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, George Washington

N. 10.
My Dear Son.
St: Petersburg 27. September 1812

I wrote a few days ago to your Grandmama, and desired her to inform you, and your brother John, of the heavy misfortune that had just befallen us, in the loss of your Sister, who after a very severe illness of four weeks, left this world, I trust for a better, on the morning of the 15th. of this Month.—I need not tell you how much distressed your Parents are at this afflicting dispensation of Providence. Your Sister was and promised to be all that the wishes of an affectionate Parent could ask of Heaven in a child—As you never enjoyed the happiness of seeing her, you know not and cannot feel the extent of your loss in her; but I am persuaded from the goodness of your own heart that you will share in our sorrows at this bereavement; and I hope that you and your brothers will feel a new obligation upon you to contribute every thing in your power to the consolation of your Parents in their affliction; which you can only do by your steady and continual improvement in piety and virtue—
My last letter to you was dated 18. June—Since which I have received yours of 1. March; and was pleased to perceive some improvement in your hand-writing—It is still however so indifferent, that I promise myself a frequent renewal of the same pleasure whenever I may have the good fortune to receive your future letters. I am also glad to observe the progress you had made in your studies, and particularly the advances you had made in learning Latin and Greek. It is my wish that you may become a really accomplished scholar in those languages; because I consider it as one of the most useful and most elegant accomplishments that a Gentleman can possess.—But in order that you may attain it you must be capable of a steady and persevering pursuit, founded upon a principle, which you are now of an age sufficiently advanced to assume, and which I ask you deliberately to consider in your own mind.
When children first begin to learn their letters, they know and feel nothing of learning but its pains—Their lessons are tasks, which they get over as well and as quick as they can, and they have neither inclination nor sense of duty, prompting them ever to undertake any thing more than the task assigned to them. This disposition is almost if not quite universal, and therefore is not to be blamed in any one individual. Even those who have naturally an ardent thirst for knowledge, seldom feel it operate with regard to the subjects upon which they are instructed, but often indulge it upon objects far less useful in themselves, and even absolutely pernicious.—This repugnance to learn, that which it is the express purpose of their education that they should be taught, continues long after boys have become capable of reflection, and perhaps more than half the time runs through the whole course of Education—At school and at College, as well as in learning the letters of the alphabet, an ordinary boy, thinks only of mastering the particular lesson prescribed for him by his teacher, and at most bounds his ambition, to making the same general progress in his learning, as his Classmates, or other boys with whom he is learning.—But he who would make great and profitable proficiency must adopt for himself another rule—He must not content himself with doing merely that which his Instructor requires of him—He must not be satisfied with making the same progress with others who perhaps have not the same advantages. He must accustom himself to measure his acquirements by his own powers, and must task himself more rigorously than any of his Instructors will task him—This rule is absolutely indispensable with respect to the antient languages—If in learning the Latin and Greek, you merely wade through your Virgil, your Cicero’s Orations, and your Greek Grammar and Homer, at so many lines a day, and when you have just made out to construe and parse a few fragments of the Collectanea Graeca, you throw the Classics aside for the rest of your life, you may do as well as many, perhaps I may say as most boys of your acquaintance who go through College, but you must never pretend to the name of a scholar; and you will hereafter be very apt to look upon all the time and pains you are now bestowing upon the languages, as labour lost. I hope you will never be satisfied with your acquisition of Greek and Latin, untill you can write them correctly, and read Homer, Demosthenes, and Thucydides, Lucretius, Horace, Livy, Tacitus, and all Cicero, with almost as much ease and readiness as if they were written in English—And then I hope you will actually read all those writers, and all the other Greek and Latin Authors who have been for two and three thousand years the Admiration of mankind—That you will read them, not for the vain-glory of saying that you have read them; but for the lessons of literature, of wisdom, and of virtue, which may be collected from them.—Get Understanding, my Dear Son; with all thy getting, get Understanding—But never indulge yourself in any pride or vanity for what you have got—Learning is but the food of the mind—Reading, says Lord Bacon makes a full man—But to be vain or ostentatious of his fulness, is as ridiculous as if a fat man should go abouts and boast of all the Roast-beef and plum-pudding he had devoured to pamper himself, and make his cheeks rosy.
Goldsmith’s History of England is an entertaining Book, and I hope has given you a good General idea of the History of a great and powerful Nation; from whom our own Nation originated, and whose annals are instructive, by the numerous examples which they afford of virtue for imitation and of vices and crimes for abhorrence—Such is indeed the character of all History—And unfortunately man in his best Estate is so depraved a being, that his conduct in Society every where presents hundreds of actions which ought to be avoided for one that ought to be imitated—History is in itself so amusing a Study, that I hope you will always consider it as among your relaxations from labour, rather than as itself a toil—You may now read History for the sake of the facts, the adventures, and the character of distinguished personages. But as you advance in years and acquire the habit of meditating for useful purposes upon whatever you read, History will present itself in a new and different form to your view—But in order that you may hereafter read History to the Best advantage, there are three things to which you must attend as preliminaries. The first is Geography; with its divisions into antient and Modern—The Second is Chronology—or the succession of time, by some great Epochas or Revolutions, in Nature, and in Human Society—The third, is a compendious and general idea of what is called Universal History; or a summary of the various great Nations which have successively inhabited the different quarters of this planet on which we inhabit dwell.—Geography, and Universal History, will soon be included among your regular studies at School or at College—Chronology you must study by yourself. What I now wish you to remember is that whatever you learn of them will give you great facilities in reading History to Advantage, and that you must accustom yourself to read History with continual reference to them.
Remember me with respect and affection to Mr Peabody, and to our dear Aunt, and thank them again for me, for all their kindness to you and your brother—Give my love to John—I intend to write to him by the same occasion with this. Your Mama, Brother Charles, and all of us now left are pretty well—We long to embrace our dear Sons again; but know not when it will please Heaven to grant us that blessing.—We command you both in the meantime to the care of a kind and gracious Providence.
Your affectionate father
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 28 September 1812
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

My dear Son.
St: Petersburg 28. September 1812.

Since I wrote you last, which was on the 23d: of June, we have received your letter to your mother, dated 2. March, in which you express the wish that we should come home: that you might have the pleasure of knowing, and loving, and paying every attention of an affectionate brother to your little Sister—These were good and laudable wishes, but it has pleased God, to determine that they should never be gratified.—In the wise though to us most painful dispensations of His Providence he has seen fit to remove your dear Sister from this life to a world where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary are at rest.—Her pure and gentle Spirit left us on the 15th: of the present month—left us sorrowing though not as without hope—We hope, and humbly believe that her corruptible has put on incorruption, and her mortal has put on immortality—For her therefore we have no longer need to grieve—If the blessing of long life has been denied her we trust the goodness of her almighty Creator, whose tender mercies are over all his works that still greater blessings have been reserved for her; and although we know that she can never return to us, we indulge with holy reverence the belief that in his due time we shall go to her, and enjoy in her sweet Society, bliss which Death will no longer be able to disturb or to destroy. Your Sister was so lively, and sweet-tempered a child, that if you had ever seen and known her, you would have tenderly loved her, and have been bitterly afflicted by her decease—You can now only share in the mournful feelings of your Parents.—We implore the father of Mercies, that the Children who are still left us, may by their piety to God, and by their future usefulness to their fellow Creatures, administer to us the most healing Consolation for the blessing of which we have been bereft.
I was rejoyced at the part of your letter in which you mention your affection for your brother George, and his for you—Behold how good, and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! how good!—and how pleasant!—how virtuous the sentiment of fraternal affection is in itself; and how much by its effects it promotes the happiness of those who are inspired by it—Cherish and cultivate, my dear Child, not only this attachment to your brother, but all the kindly affections of your heart towards your friends and Benefactors, and schoolmates. Love, is the only link between Earth and Heaven; and it is by Offices of Love in this World, that men can alone prepare themselves for admission to the joys of the other.
I have written a long letter to your brother George, which will go with this, and which I wish you to read and think of as well as he. The same advice that I give to him, I recommend with equal earnestness to you. I am much pleased to see the proficiency you have made in writing; and I hope before you receive this letter that you will have begun, and made considerable advances in your Latin studies.—The Wars, which have broken out this Summer, will perhaps delay our return home longer than I had wished and intended—I know not at present when it will be possible for us to come—But I ardently long for the day, when I may be permitted again to embrace my dear and long absent Sons; to witness, in my own person their improvement and to assist them myself, in the pursuit of useful knowledge and of Virtue—
Your brother Charles, always asks me, when he knows I am writing to you, to give his love to his brothers George and John—He grows very fast, and can read both French and English—But he has learnt to speak French so much more than English, that when any person speaks to him in English he almost always answers in French.—I want to go home for his sake as well as for yours and my own; because I wish him to be educated in the manners and principles of his own Country; and that he may know and be known to his brothers, and form together with them that mutual affection, which constitutes the greatest happiness of life.—God Grant, that we may ere long be again all reunited together; in the meantime, receive my dear Son, the blessing of your affectionate father
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to Ebenezer Francis Thayer, 28 September 1812
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Thayer, Ebenezer Francis

Dear Sir.
Quincy September 28th 1812.

Your friendly note of this day is not unexpected. I am ready to meet my antagonist, on my own element. But as a brave General is always magnanimous, in the hour of victory, I will cheerfully display the heroism, which this occasion demands. Mr Lemuel Hall, who has after, suit brought paid to my Attorney, four or five Dollars more than he was under a necessity of paying, by reason of Costs &ca: is justly entitled to a demand against me, for a quantity of beef supplied in my family. The charge from the commencement and delivery according to dates, I will pay, with interest; but I acknowledge no other charge against me on his part—Should no other item be included in the Bill delivered, Captain Thayer is authorised to discharge it otherwise I shall be willing to pay something for my own tation.
Truly your Obedt Servt
Thomas B Adams
PS. The Costs of collection to be included in Mr Hall’s bill if settled, that is, I will allow them. The bill for Beef left with Mr Greenleaf did not, if I remember right, amount to Five Dollars.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 29 September 1812
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

N. 35.
My dear Brother.
St: Petersburg 29. September 1812

A War between the United States and Great-Britain, and a War between France and Russia, having commenced on the same Week in the month of June last, have concurred almost entirely to annihilate, the few and precarious opportunities of Communication with you, which I had previously possessed—Our War has banished our flag from the Baltic, and stopped the channel of conveyance though England of which I sometimes availed myself—The French and Russian War has stopped the communication between this place and Paris, by which I sometimes received letters from America, and through which I sometimes wrote.—I have had no letter from you, nor from any person in America, since I wrote you last.—I seem to be cut off from all intercourse with my Country.
It has been a painful and distressing period of my life, since I wrote you last. I then sympathized with you upon the loss of your beloved infant daughter—Alas! that very day came the first summons of Heaven for the departure of my own—She had shortly before been several days ill with a Dysentery, and had apparently recovered—That day she relapsed, and on the 17th: of this Month I committed her earthly remains to the grave—No language can describe the feelings of my Heart; but you have too dearly learnt how to estimate them.—Of the Mother’s Anguish, neither you nor I can adequately judge—She was our only daughter—and lovely as a Seraph upon Earth.
As I know not how, or when, or if ever this letter will reach you, nor into whose hands it may fall, common prudence forbids me to say much on the public affairs of the world—You know my sentiments with regard to the War which has commenced in our own Country—I cannot say that the Declaration was avoidable, when it took place—But I think that its principal Cause and Justification was removed precisely at the moment when it occurred—I have flattered myself with the hope that when the change of policy, forced upon the British Ministry, by our previous measures, should be known in America, it would still be practicable to arrest the War at the threshold, and to restore us to the blessings of Peace and Neutrality—But my expectations have been weakened by the information of what was passing in America, immediately after the Declaration; and now are almost extinct.
A more terrible and destructive War is raging in the heart of the Country where I reside. Three months have elapsed since the invasion of the Russian Territories, by French armies; and they are already in possession of Moscow—Several bloody Battles have been fought, with various and alternate success: none of them however of a character to decide the Event, even of this Campaign—Neither the People, nor the Government of this Country are disheartened, by the present aspect of their affairs.—They consider the situation of their Enemy as desperate in the midst of his success, and entertain not a doubt that they will ultimately expel him and his armies from their Country—The army destined against this City, has been repeatedly defeated with such heavy loss that the place is thought secure notwithstanding the occupation of Moscow—Some of the English Inhabitants of the City, are however preparing to leave it.
Your affectionate brother.
A.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 4 October 1812
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

N. 18.
My Dear Sir
St: Petersburg 4 October 1812

“Why was that fair flower blasted so soon”?—The last letter which I have had the consolation of receiving from you, in mentioning to me the misfortune which had befallen my brother in the loss of his Child, forewarned me that this is a question that we are not permitted to ask—I knew not when that letter came, how shortly my own trial of bereavement was to take place, how deeply my own heart was to be wounded—how cruelly my own feelings were to be harrowed, by the same visitation of Heaven upon myself!—Alas! my lovely flower is blasted too, and I am not permitted to enquire why? The desire of my eyes, the darling of my Heart is gone, and unavailing sorrow, and the bitter memory of what she was, is all that is left us in her stead!—Resignation to the Will of God, is I know, the duty of a Christian; and it is my ardent desire, and my earnest endeavour to practice it, but whether inflicted as a trial of our Virtue, or as chastisement for my offences, I feel this stroke to be the severest that the hand of Heaven has ever laid upon me—Yet, blessed be God, it is not without consolation—My child I fondly hope and believe is a purified Spirit, in bliss; and if by the Mercy of Providence which I devoutly implore, I am enabled duty to discharge my own duties upon Earth, I humbly indulge the expectation, that my own joys in a future world will be heightened and exalted by the consciousness and participation of hers.
With regard to the War in our own Country, although it gives me great anxiety, I have little else to say. I have hoped that it would be of short duration—The prospect now is that it will be long—God grant that its end may be honourable and useful to us!
But of the War in the Country where I reside you may expect me to speak more at large, and besides the general Interest to which it is entitled, as forming so large a portion of the history of the Civilized World, our residence here may give you a particular concern with it, as our own situation and Circumstances are in no small degree involved in its Events.—On the 24th: of June the War began; and from that day to this according to the official Bulletins published here, has consisted of an uninterrupted series of Russian Victories—We have had Te Deum’s Illuminations, Cannon firing, Ball-ringing, and all the external demonstrations of continual triumph, while the French armies have been advancing with rapid and steady pace, untill on the 15th: of September, the very day that my poor child died, they took possession of Moscow, the antient and renowned Metropolis of the Russian Empire—The real progress of military Operations has been known very tardily, and only by the dates from time to time of the Official Reports from Head-Quarters—It is not prudent to have the knowledge of disasters, when they have happened—still less to anticipate those that may come—The private Correspondence from the armies, must tally with, or at least not materially vary from the official Reports of the Commanders in Chief—Discretion, is one of the most universal Virtues, in Governments organized like this, as the Want of it is one of those the most surely and most severely punished—The concealment and disguise practised to keep the knowledge from the public, of facts which it would be disagreeable to them to know, give rise however to many rumours of defeat and misfortune still more unfounded than the official Reports of Victories, so that between flattering misrepresentations on one side, and fictitious alarms on the other, the real state of Affairs is perhaps better and sooner known, in the other hemisphere, than here as it were upon the very scene of Action.
Here however a spectator has the opportunity of witnessing the impressions produced upon the public mind, by the course of the War, which could not be so well observed at a distance—]The hopes of the Russians, that the issue will be glorious and successful to them are founded, first on their army, and secondly on the natural advantages of their situation—To judge of the Operations of their Generals from their measures it would seem that their sole Instructions are, on no consideration and in no Event whatsoever to risk, any essential disaster to the army—To abandon every thing else rather than stake the army upon the chances of a Battle—This system is cautious, and perhaps the best that could have been adopted, but it gives an appearance of timidity to all their warlike operations, singularly contrasting with the boldness and impetuosity of the invader, and which he has not failed to turn to his own advantage—Twice on the passage from the river Nieman to Moscow the Russians appear to have determined to meet their Enemy in Battle, and on both occasions they assert that the field of Battle was theirs—But the fear of hazarding the safety of the army, has not only prevented them from profiting by their success, but has induced them to yield to their vanquished antagonist all the fruits of Victory—For the Battle of Borodino, St: Petersburg was illuminated and a Te Deum was performed—The Russian General who commanded at it was made a Field-Marshal, and received a gratuity of a hundred thousand Rubles—and eight days afterwards Napoleon entered Moscow; and the Field-Marshall, with excuse and apology reported to his Master, that notwithstanding his Victory, he had surrendered the Capital, to preserve the army.
But Napoleon is in an Enemy’s Country—Hemmed in between four Russian Armies, over whose bodies he must either advance or retreat—Two thousand Miles distant from his own Capital; having lost one half the forces with which he commenced the War, and surrounded in the midst of his Coup by auxiliary armies so disaffected to him and his Cause that at the first symptom of defeat they would more eagerly turn their arms against him than they now follow his banners—Notwithstanding his rapid and hitherto triumphant Career, the hope of finally expelling and even of annihilating him and his whole host here grows sanguine in proportion as he proceeds. It is far stronger and more Confident than it was at the Commencement of the War, and the Emperor Alexander, who then pledged himself to his People that he would never make Peace while one armed Enemy should have his foot on the Russian Territory has since the loss of Moscow publicly said, that none but a scoundrel, can at the present juncture pronounce the name of Peace.
This City is considered as secure for the present, and I presume will be so as long as the plan of preserving the Army shall continue to be successful—The Main Bodies both of the French and Russians are on the other side of Moscow, and the Detachments from the French force destined to proceed upon St: Petersburg after suffering various real and substantial defeats have been unable to penetrate at all on this side of the Drivine, and will probably soon not find it possible to maintain themselves even there. Many of the Inhabitants however are removing themselves and their property from the reach of possible contingencies; and the most precious effects of the Imperial family are shipping for transportation to places of more unequivocal safety.—Our own situation is as well protected as that of any person—better than that of almost any one—We have the shelters of Neutrality, and of the Laws of Nations.
I remain ever faithfully your’s
A.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Walter Hellen, 5 October 1812
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Hellen, Walter

My Dear Sir,
St. Petersburg, 5. October 1812.

I received so early, early as last January your obliging favour of 18. Novr. to which Notwithstanding the difficulty amounting almost to an impossibility of conveying letters to America I should ooner have replied, but that I was in hopes of having an opportunity to write you on subjects less melancholy and more cheering than those which for two years years have forced themselves upon our correspondence.—In this anticipation I have been disappointed, and to all the sorrows which it has pleased Heaven to inflict upon us, is now added one which I feel with the keenest anguish, and which has almost broken my dear wife’s heart—We have lost the charming infant, with which we had been blessed since our residence in this Country—She died at the age of thirteen months, September 15. after four weeks of most severely distressing illness—Her original disease was a teething Dysentary—It assumed a variety of forms and symptoms in its progress, and ended in strong convulsions.
It would have give me pleasure had we returned this year to the United States, to have executed your Commissions, and to have taken with us the Articles for which you wrote.—But we are not only still detained here; we scarcely know when it will be possible for us to return—As long as our War with England Shall continue, it would be a vain attempt for us to embark, and I have now little expectation that it will Soon terminate.
We have received no letters from America of later date than April; but I have from here Mr. Politica, who left Washington in May—He desires me to recall him to your remembrance—He spoke of his acquaintance with you, and the family with much pleasure—He is now going, as a counsellor of legation, with a Russian Minister to Spain—
From him, and from the letters of some of my correspondents at Quincy I have been led to look forward to the occasion of offering you my Congratulations, on a new matrimonial connection—As I trust it has ere this taken place. I beg you and your partner to accept my hearty felicitations, and best wishes for your mutual happiness—
Please to remember me affectionately to all the branches of the family—We are, all that remain, by the blessing of God, in good Health—Still warmly wishing and strongly hoping to meet you again, in this World, and in our own Country, I remain, in the meantime, with due attachment and friendship, ever your’s


Title: From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 October 1812
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

October 13th. 1812—

The with in I prepared with design to forward by your Son on his return from Barnstable Court, but he passed with out calling upon me.
Since which I have delayed to send it as Mrs. Otis informed me that you intended writing me soon.—When you put in execution the kind intention, you will let me know whether you have heard from Mrs. Smith since she reached her distant dwelling, as I shall always feel an interest in her happiness, I shall be glad to hear if she arrived safe and continues in health.—Whatever your letter contains I am sure it will give me pleasure in the reception, and as you are in the way of all intelligence & information, it would be gratifying to me to know how the aspect of public affairs appears both to yourself & to the late President of the United States, who has been so long inured as a Statesman, & a Citizen to view everything on a large scale & to calculate on consequences.—
You may wonder at the protracted curiosity & attention to the movements of this world, when she views it so nearby ended with herself, as does, your aged & affecte. Friend,
M Warren


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 24 October 1812
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

N. 38
My dear Mother.
St: Petersburg 24. October 1812.

I have not received a line from the United States, public or private since I wrote you last—That letter, dated 21. September I sent by the Mr Kimball—Last week, Mr Jackson of Newbury-Port left this place, and by him I wrote to my father, brother, and both my Sons at Atkinson—The present is to go by Mr Harris, a Nephew of our Counsel here, who has resided some time with his uncle, but is now upon his return home—My last letter ecchoed back to you the melancholy tidings of family distress and untimely death which has for two years constituted the greater part of our Correspondence—The wound of the heart still bleeds—It can never be entirely healed—!
One of the Antient heathen philosophers, recommended to persons in affliction to seek comfort in a comparison of their sorrows with the calamities of the family of Agamemnon—Miserable indeed is the consolation that can flow from the consideration that others have been, or now are, more deeply plunged in distress than ourselves. How much more philosophical, how much more wise, how much more exalted is that admonition of the psalmist: “it is good for me that I have been afflicted—that I might learn thy Statutes”! To turn the misfortunes of human life to the purposes of improvement in piety and virtue, is to change their nature and convert them into real blessings—It is to reconcile the existence of evil with the moral government of the Universe.
But the effort of Virtue necessary to make this use of the ills which befall us, and to make it effectually is so great that without divine assistance it transcends the powers of Human Nature.—Dejection, Despondency, excessive anxiety, and a distrust of the goodness and protection of Providence, I find from my own feelings are too apt to proceed from heavy affliction for the dispensation of which we cannot perceive the reason—These ideas I am constantly endeavouring to controul—But although Reason and Principle are at all times competent to expel them, yet the mind is deeply agitated by the obstinacy and inveteracy with which after repeated expulsions they continue to return.
If relief could be obtained for actual woe, by contemplating the wretchedness of others our distress would indeed be light—There is now scarcely a spot upon the habitable globe, but is desolated by the scourge of War—I see my own Country, writhing under it, and every hope of better prospects vanishing before me—If I turn my eyes around me, I see the flame still more intensely burning—Fire and the Sword are ravaging the Country where I reside—Moscow, the antient Metropolis, one of the most magnificent and most populous Cities of Europe in the hands of an invader, and probably the greatest part of it buried in ashes—Numerous inferior Cities daily devoted to the same Destruction, and Millions of People, trampled under the feet of oppressors, or fugitives from the ruins of their habitations, perishing by hunger, in woods or deserts—It is by the slaughter of many thousands, and by the time and chance, which happens to all men, winning the race from the swift, and wresting the battle from the strong, that the spot from which I write has hitherto been saved from sharing the fate of the Capital of the Empire—No one can tell how long it will enjoy this exemption—Its prospects are more favourable than they have been heretofore; and it is now threatened by no immediate danger—But while the invader shall thread upon the Russian Soil, its situation cannot be perfectly secure.
You will perceive that I write you in a temper of mind little calculated to excite pleasant, or even cheerful sentiments—It is indeed so impossible to find, either in our own circumstances, or in the situation around us, any subject upon which to write, but such as are full of gloom, that it is with extreme reluctance, I sit down to write to you at all.—Yet while I have no new affliction to tell you of, while I can add the notice of the manifold blessings which still claim our gratitude to the Supreme Creator and Preserver, I cannot suffer the opportunity to pass, without remembrance of my beloved mother, and without recalling myself and my family here to hers.
25. October.
I will not close my letter without remembrance of this day, and without the prayer to divine Providence that you and my father may yet be blest with many many happy returns of it—I have just seen in an English Newspaper, an Extract of a letter from him to Mr Watson, dated 6. July, which is nearly three months later than I have heard directly from him or you—That the War was necessary I believe with him—Would to God that it had not been! There is now nothing for an honest American to wish on this subject, but that it may be maintained with vigour and success and terminated with honour and advantage.
Here, the Spirits of the people are elated by several recent Successes, and hopes are more sanguine than ever of the expulsion or extirpation of the French Army—There can be no doubt that their situation is now if not absolutely desperate, extremely dangerous—Napoleon has already made proposals for an armistice, which have been rejected by the Russian General—The Catastrophe must be nearly at hand—
I remain ever faithfully your’s
A.


Title: From John Adams to John Adams Smith, 12 November 1812
From: Adams, John
To: Smith, John Adams

My Dear Son
Quincy November 12th 1812

Your letter of the 4th has given me much pleasure. I rejoice that you have been admitted a Counsellor in the supreme Court of your state, in the Mayors Court of the City, and Proctor and advocate in the district Court, as well as master in Chancery. I know not the distinction between a Master and a Solicitor in Chancery.
. You have the ; But can you move the world? this will depend on your books and your visits to the Courts and the use you make of them; and especially on the company you keep and the life you lead. New York is a City of great dissapation. If you mingle in the fashionable pursuits of young men, you are undone. If you can recommend yourself to the good will of the judges and the older and most judicious Lawyers, you will do very well. This felicity however cannot be obtained without a patience of application to study in devotion to business, and habits of sobriety discretion and industry. I will never again advise any young gentleman to the study and practice of the Law, till I am sure of his genius and his patience.
If you have any regard for my advice keep your pen and ink forever about you and take accurate minutes of every cause you hear.
It is a pity that your Fathers military knowledge and Experience should be lost to his Country, but no personal friend of his can regret the neglect of him, for had he been appointed in season and in character the sacrafice of him would have been certain and that to no purpose. If he should be chosen into Congress his advice will be of use.
I have preached and prayed for a Navy 37 years, to very little purpose without a Navy on the Lakes and on the Ocean we may as well give up the contest and become Colonies again.
Whether Mr Madison, or Mr Clinton shall be President he will have an implacable opposition and the national service will be much embarrassed. God save the U.S. of America.
Have you taken an office? Pray write me every Post. My kind compliments to Mr Mc Cormack
your affectionate
John Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 19 November 1812
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: De Windt, Caroline Amelia Smith

my dear caroline,
Quincy, 19 November, 1812.

Your neat, pretty letter, looking small, but containing much, reached me this day. I have a good mind to give you the journal of the day.
Six o’clock. Rose, and, in imitation of his Britannic Majesty, kindled my own fire. Went to the stairs, as usual, to summon George and Charles. Returned to my chamber, dressed myself. No one stirred. Called a second time, with voice a little raised.
Seven o’clock. Blockheads not out of bed. Girls in motion. Mean, when I hire another man-servant, that he shall come for one call.
Eight o’clock. Fires made. Breakfast prepared. L—— in Boston. Mrs. A. at the tea-board. Forgot the sausages. Susan’s recollection brought them upon the table.
Enter Ann. “Ma’am, the man is come with coal.” “Go, call George to assist him.” (Exit Ann.)
Enter Charles. “Mr. B—— is come with cheese, turnips, &c. Where are they to be put?” “I will attend to him myself.” (Exit Charles.)
Just seated at the table again.
Enter George with “Ma’am, here is a man with drove of pigs.” A consultation is held upon this important subject, the result of which is the purchase of two spotted swine.
Nine o’clock. Enter Nathaniel, from the upper house, with a message for sundries; and black Thomas’s daughter, for sundries. Attended to all these concerns. A little out of sorts that I could not finish my breakfast. Note; never to be incommoded with trifles.
Enter George Adams, from the post-office,—a large packet from Russia, and from the valley also. Avaunt, all cares,—I put you all aside,—and thus I find good news from a far country,—children, grandchildren all well. I had no expectation of hearing from Russia this winter, and the pleasure was the greater to obtain letters of so recent a date, and to learn that the family were all in health. For this blessing give I thanks.
At twelve o’clock, by a previous engagement, I was to call at Mr. G——’s, for cousin B. Smith to accompany me to the bridge at Quincy-port, being the first day of passing it. The day was pleasant; the scenery delightful. Passed both bridges, and entered Hingham. Returned before three o’clock. Dined and,
At five, went to Mr. T.  G——’s, with your grandfather; the third visit he has made with us in the week; and let me whisper to you he played at whist with Mr. J. G——, who was as ready and accurate as though he had both eyes to see with. Returned.
At nine, sat down and wrote a letter.
At eleven, retired to bed. We do not so every week. I tell it you as one of the marvels of the age. By all this, you will learn that grandmother has got rid of her croaking, and that grandfather is in good health, and that both of us are as tranquil  as that bald old fellow, called Time, will let us be.