Title: From John Adams to Mathew Carey, 21 June 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Carey, Mathew

Mr Carey
Quincy June 21. 1815

I thank you for your Letter of the 14th. and printed half Sheets inclosed. I am Sorry there has been So much cause for the publication of the Olive Branch; but as I believe it will do good I have Subscribed for it. I am ashamed of the Vanity and Injustice of Some of our Preachers and Writers: and rejoice that the Events of the War have so completely confuted their Calumnies against the Southern and Transalleganean States.
You have paid a handsome compliment to a Work, which is forgotten in America, though not entirely in Europe as it has been translated into the German as well as the french Language, and, in the opinion of Some persons, has contributed Somewhat to introduce Representative Governments into Some of the old Electorates and Principalities in Germany as well as into the mighty Kingdom and Empire of France. It certainly had Some Effect in producing our present national Constitution, and more in the Adoption of it by the Several States. Never were Volumes written with more Sincerity, than the defence, and the discourses on Davila: and never were Scriptures interpreted, with less.
Perhaps, the most remarkable merit of the three first Volumes, if they have any, is the date of their composition and publication in  1787 and 1788, when the French Revolution exhibited in its countenance to the view of Mankind in general, nothing but Innocence, Purity, Virtue, Humanity, Liberty and Patriotism. It had not then assumed its face of Blood and Horror, of Murder and Massacre, of Ambition and Avarice, of Conquest Despotism and Devastation.
Mr Dilly conducted the Publication of the “Defence,” very absurdly 100 Volumes of the 2d. and third were Sent to Phyladelphia, without the first. Mr Dobson, had them, Eight and twenty Years ago, and when I left Phyladelphia there were about Eighty dollars as I understood, due to me. There have been three Editions of the first Volume printed in America, besides Cobbets; one in Boston, one in New York and one in Philadelphia. Mr Dobson has conducted with perfect Integrity and honour, from first to last. My own Indolence is only  fault. If there are any Copies of the first Volume, of whatever Edition to be had I should be glad to purchase fifty of them.
I am Sir, with much regard your humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dr Sir
Quincy June 22d 15

Can you give me any Information, concerning A. G. Camus? Is he a Chateaubriand? Or a Marquis D’Argens? Does he mean to abolish Christianity? Or to restore the Inquisition, the Jesuits, the Pope and the Devil?
Within a few days, I have received a thing as unexpected to me as an Appartition from the dead; “Rapport a L’Institut National, Par A. G. Camus, imprime par ordre de L’Institut, Pluviose An XI.
In page 55 of this report he says
“Certain Pieces which I found in the Chamber of Accounts in Brussells gave me useful indications, concerning the grand Collection of the Bollandists; and conducted me, to make researches into the State of that Work, unfortunately interrupted at this day. It would add to the Institut to propose to Government the means of compleating it; as it has done with Success, for the collection of the historians of France, of diplomas and ordinances. Permit me, to dwell a few minutes on this important Work. Note, “The Committee of the Institut, for proposing and Superintending the litterary labours, in the month of Frimaire an XI, wrote to the Minister of the interiour, requesting him to give orders, to the Prefect of the Dyle, and to the Prefect of the Two Nethes, to summon the Citizens, Debue, Fonson, Heyten, and all others, who had taken any part, in the sequel of the Work of the Bollandists’; to confer with these persons, as well concerning the continuation of this Work, as concerning the cession of the materials destined for the continuation of it; to promise to the Continuators of the Bollandists, the support of the french Government, and to render an Account of their Conferences.” End of the Note.
“Almost all the History of Europe, and a part of that of that of the East, from the Seventh Century, to the thirteenth, is in the Lives of Personages, to whom have been given the title of Saints. Every one may have remarked, that in reading history, there is no event of any importance, in civil order, in which, Some Bishop, Some Abby, Some Monk, or Some Saint did not take a part. It is therefore, a great Service, rendered by the Jesuits, known under the name of the Bollandists, to those who would write History, to have formed the immense Collection, extended to the Fifty two Volumes in folio, known under the title of The Acts of the Saints. The Service they have rendered to Litterature, is considerably augmented by the insertion in their Acts of the Saints, a great number of Diplomas and dissertations, the greatest part of which, are Models of Criticism. There is no man, among the learned, who does not interest himself, in this great collection. My intension is not to recall to your recollection the original authors or their first labours. We may easily know them, by turning over the leaves of the Collection, or if We would find the result already written, it is in the historical library of Meusel, T.1.part.1.p.306 or in the Manuel of litterary history by Bouginé. T.2.p.641. I Shall date what I have to Say to you, only from the epoch of the suppression of the Society of which the Bollandists were Members.
At that time, three Jesuits were employed in the collection of the Acts of the Saints; to Witt; the Fathers, De Bie, De Bue, and Hubens. The Father Gesquière who had also laboured at the Acts of the Saints, reduced a particular collection intitled select fragments from belgical Writers, and extracts or Refferences to matters contained in a collection intitled Musæum of Bellarmine. These four Monks inhabited the House of the Jesuits at Antwerp. Independently of the Use of the Library of the Convent, the Bollandists had their particular Library, the most important portion of which was a State of the Lives of the Saints for every day of the Month, with indiations of the Books in which were found those which were already printed, and the original Manuscripts, or the copies of Manuscripts, which were not yet printed. They frequently quote this particular Collection in their general Collection. The greatest part of the Copies they had assembled were the fruit of a Journey of the Fathers Papebroch and Henshen made to Rome in 1660; They remained there ‘till 1662. Papebroch and his Associate brought from Rome, Copies of Seven hundred Lives of Saints in greek or in latin. The Citizen La Serna, has in his Library a Copy taken by himself, from the Originals, of the relation of the Journey of Papebroch to Rome, and of the Correspondence of Henshen with his Colleagues. The Relation and the Correspondence are in latin. See Catalogue de La Serna.T.3.No.3903.
After the Suppression of the Jesuits, The Commissiones apposed their Seals upon the Library of the Bollandists, as well as on that of the Jesuits of Antwerp. But Mr. Girard, then Secretary of the Accademy of Brussells, who is still living, and who furnished me a part of the documents I use; charged with the Inventory and Sale of the Books, withdrew those of the Bollandsts and transported them to Brussells.
The Academy of Brussells, proposed to continue the Acts of the Saints under its own Name, and for this purpose to admit the four Jesuits into the number of its members. The Father Gesquiere alone consented to this Arrangement. The other Jesuits obtained of Government, through the intervention of the Bishop Neustadt, the assurance, that they might continue their Collection. In Effect the Empress Maria Theresa approved, by a decree of the 19th. of June 1778 a plan which was presented to her, for the continuation of the Works, both of the Bollandists and of Gesquiere. This plan is in ample detail. It contains twenty Articles, and would be useful to consult, if any Persons Should resume the Acts of the Saints. The establishment of the Jesuits was fixed in the Abby of Caudenberg at Brussells; the library of the Bollandists was transported to that place; one of the Monks of the Abby, was associated with them; and the Father Hubens being dead, was replaced by the Father Berthod, a Benedictin, died in 1789.
The Abby of Caudenberg, having been suppressed, the Government assigned to Bollandists a place in the ancient Colledge of the Jesuits at Brussells. They there placed their Library and went there to live. There they published the Fifty first Volume of their collection in 1786. the fifth tome of the month of October, printed at Brussels, at the Printing Press. Imperial and Royal, in Types Imperial and Royal. (in Typis Cæsario regiis) They had then two Associates, and the flattered themselves that the Emperor would continue to furnish the expence their labours. Nevertheless, in 1788, the establishment of the Bollandists was suppressed, and they even proposed to sell the Stock of the printed Volumes: But, by an Instruction (Avis) of the 6th. December 1788, the Ecclesiastical Commission superceded the Sale, till the result could be known of a Negotiation which the Father De Bie, had commenced with the Abby of Saint Blaise to establish the Authors and transport the Stock of the Work, as well as the materials for its continuation at Saint-Blaise.
In the meantime, the Abby of Tongerloo, offered the Government, to purchase the Library and the Stock of the Bollandists, and to cause the Work to be continued by the ancient Bollandists with the Monks of Tongerloo associated with them. These propositions were accepted: the Fathers De Bie, De Bue and Gesquiere removed to Tongerloo; the Monks of Caudenberg refused to follow them, though they had been associated with them. On the Entry of the French Troops into Belgium, the Monks of  Tongerloo quitted their Abbay: the Fathers de Bie and Gesquiere retired into Germany where they died; the Father De Bue, retired to the City of Hall, heretofore Province of Hainault, his native Country. He lives, but is very aged. One of the Monks of Tongerloo, who had been associated with them is the Father Heylen: they were not able to inform me, of the place of His residence. Another Monk, associated the Bollandists of 1780 is the Father Fonson, who resides at Brussells.
In the midst of these troubles, the Bollandists have caused to be printed the fifty second Volume of the Acts of the Saints, the sixth Volume of the Month of October. The fifty first volume is not common in commerce; because the sale of it, has been interrupted, by the continual Changes of the residence of Bollandists. The fifty Second Volume, or the Sixth of the Same month of October, is much more rare. Few Persons know its Existence. The Citizen Lerna has given me the 296 first pages of the Volume which he believes were printed at Tongerloo. He is persuaded that the Rest of the Volume exists; and he thinks it was at Rome that it was finished. (terminé).
The Citizen D’Herbouville, Préfect of the department of the two Neths at Antwerp, has made, for about 18 months, attempts, with the ancient Bollandists, to engage them, to resume their labours. They have not had Success. Perhaps the present moment, would be the most critical. (opportune). especially if the Government Should consent to give the Bollandists Assurance of their Safety.
The essential point would be to make Sure of the Existence of the Manuscripts which I have indicated; and which by the relation of the Citizen La Serna, filled a Body of a Library of about three toises in Length, and two in breadth. If these Manuscripts Still exist, is easy to terminate, the Acts of the Saints; because We Shall have a the necessary Materials. If these Manuscripts are lost, we must despair to See this Collection compleated.
I have enlarged, a little, in this digression, on the Acts of the Saints, because it is a Work of great importance; and because these documents, which cannot be obtained with any Exactitude but upon the Spots; Seem to me to be among the principal Objects, which your Travellers have to collect, and of which they ought to give you an Account.”
Now, my Friend Jefferson! I await your Observations on this Morcell. You may think I waste my time and yours. I do not think so. If you will look into the “Nouveau Dictionaire Historique, under the Words “Bollandus, Heinshemius and Papebrock you will find more particulars of the Rise and progress of this great Work “The Acts of the Saints.”
I shall make only an Observation or two.
1. The Pope never suppressed the Work, and Maria Theresia, established it. It therefore, must be Catholick.
2. Notwithstanding the Professions of the Bollandists, to discriminate the true from the false Miracles and the dubious from both; I Suspect that the false, will be found the fewest, the dubious the next, and the true the most numerous of all.
3. From all that I have read, of the Legends, of the Lives and Writings of the Saints and even of the Fathers, and of Ecclesiastical History in general: I have no doubt that the Acta Sanctorum is the most enormous Mass of Lies Frauds, Hypocracy and Imposture, that ever was heaped together upon this globe. If it were impartially consulted it would do more to open the Eyes of Man kind, than all the Phylosopher of the 18th. Century, who were as great Hypocrites as any of the Phylosophers or Theologians of Antiquity.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas McKean, 1 July 1815
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Philadelphia July 1st. 1815.

				We have been spectators of such wonderful scenes within the last fifty years of our lives as perhaps were never seen before in the same space of time: tempests, convulsions, wars & revolutions have succeeded each other with such rapidity & violence as to cause the utmost astonishment of the human mind; but the events in Europe within the last and present year surpass all the rest. Napoleon, Emperor of the French, King of Italy, Protector of the confederation of the Rhine, Moderator of Switzerland & c. who had made half a dozen kings and had a fair prospect of universal empire, was in 1814 compelled to accept the sovereignty of the little island of Elba in the Tuscan sea, and to abdicate all other authority in every part of the world. This fallen degraded exile, the latter end of February 1815, steals from his island, accompanied by a thousand armed men, and lands near Frejus, from whence he marches with his small band of soldiers by a circuitous rout more than 700 miles thro’ France and enters Paris on the 20th. March, taking immediate possession of the throne which king Louis 18th. had deserted the preceding day; and all this was done, without a drop of blood spilled, a musket fired or an arm raised in anger; what a subject for the historian? It is the wonder of all the wonders that ever the world wondered at. This Napoleon is no doubt intended as an instrument or agent for the execution of some great, wise & salutary decree of providence.Let us now recur to the late treaty of peace between The United States and Great Britain & Ireland. It seems to me a fair treaty and equally honorable to both nations.What Governor Smith of Connecticut says is true, the causes of the war are not noticed in it; but it should be considered, that the Orders in Council had been repealed, the paper Blockades disavowed and the searching our Merchant vessels for the purpose of impressing our seamen denied: suppose them all to have place in the treaty, it would avail nothing; the British Rulers would violate it as soon as interest, anger or caprice should govern them: Napoleon excels them in perfidy & iniquity no more than as he does in talents.It is remarkable, that J. A, the father, in 1782 made a glolious & happy treaty between the same countries, and was appointed Envoy extraordinary and Minister plenipotentiary to the king of Great Britain; and J. Q. A, the son made a treaty of peace between them, fair and equal, in 1814, and was then appointed to the same dignified station: it only remains to complete the similitude, that the son should also be President of the U.S.—This would be a grateful tribute & spur to talents and patriotism.We have reason to be thankful to God for the success of the arms of the U.S. the last year of the war, both at sea and land; it is true, the enemy got possession of the city of Washington (an unfortified and open town) and retained it four & twenty hours, but they were beaten at Baltimore, Chippewa, Bridgetown, Erie, with equal numbers; on Lake Champlain and at Plattsburgh a glorious victory was obtained over them by inferior numbers, and to crown the whole, they sustained a most signal defeat at New-Orleans by a still less proportion of combatants, the great majority of whom were Militia, brave but undisciplined. By these events our Independence is strengthened and the American character exalted. We may now reasonably hope for a durable peace, altho’ we must expect annoyances, while there are wars in Europe between the countries with whom we trade.If the french nation are in favor of Napoleon the allied Sovereigns will find it impracticable to subdue him, if the military part only are with him, he may be conquered but not without dreadful slaughter and wading in blood. If the Allies had just cause of war against the French (which I cannot subscribe to) yet I think, they should pause and weigh well the probability of success, before they commence it. Oh what horrible mischief and destruction of the human species can a dozen men occasion at their will & pleasure! So much for Emperors & Kings.—If, my dear Sir, I write to you but seldom I compound for it by the lenghth of my letters, but I must not tire you by reading them. Vive, Vale.—

					Thos McKean


Title: From John Adams to Thomas McKean, 6 July 1815
From: Adams, John
To: McKean, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy July 6. 1815

Your friendly letter of the first of this memorable month; bearing in the hand writing, the sentiments and the arrangement every mark of undecayed Vigour of mind and body: while it delights me in every other View mortifies me by a comparison with my own quivering Infirmities which make it painful and difficult for me to write.
The History of Mankind, as far as We can race it, is full of Wonders; And the greatest Wonder of all: is the total destruction of all the Monuments and Memorials by which We could have formed a correct and impartial Judgment of Characters and Events.
The present question before the human Race, that great Democratical Trybunal; is whether the Jus divinum, is in Men or in Magistrates? in human Nature, or in instituted offices? in human Understanding, or in holy Oil? in good sense and sound Morality,? or in crowns, scepters Crosses and Episcopal and presbyterian ordination?
When and where shall We date the Commencement of these struggles? I fear it must be from the death of Abel. But to leap over all former Ages and Nations. Shall We begin with Constantine and the Counsell of Nice? With Clovis? With the Crusades? With the Wars of the Hussites? With Luther? With Charles 5th.? Louis 14th? Shall We recollect the Waldenses, the Powder Plott, the Irish Massacre? St Bartholomews day, Robespierre? Or Equality? the Duke of Orleans, or his Predecessor the Regent of France and his Mississippi Bubble? Shall We come down to Napoleon and the grand Counsell at Vienna?
These are all “Bubbles on the Sea of Matter lost.” The question is still before the democratical Trybunal of the human Race. Is the Court, as yet, sufficiently enlightened to give a Verdict and Judgment according to Law?
Will the Verdict be, in favour of Zinzindorph? or Sweedenburg? or Whitefield or Westley, or Hopkins? or Priestly? or Voltaire? Phylosophy and Religion will still move with Politicks; and both like matter, are infinitely divisible. As We Mariners say “I can yet see no blue sky.”
Your Parrallel, between John and J. Q. is amuzing enough. Whether it will continue a step,  or two farther, is a question before the democratical Trybunal, and there I leave it. But I have a Presentiment, that if it should be protracted for a leap or two, it will end in a perfect Resemblance, of disgrace, contempt and neglect.
Mr Madisons Administration has proved great points, long disputed in Europe and America.
1. He has proved that an Administration, under our present Constitution can declare War.
2. That it can make Peace.
3. That Money or no Money; Government or no Government, G. Britain can never conquer this Country or any considerable part of it.
4. That our officers and Men by Land are equal to any from Spain and Portugal
5. that our transalliganian States, in Patriotism, Bravery Enterprize and Perseverance are at least equal to any in the Union
6. That our Navy, is equal, Celeris paribus to any that ever floated on the Ocean.
In a few minutes, I shall be elevated to your honourable Rank of an Octogenarian. Mean time I am as I have been for forty years and more I your Friend

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Henry Marston, 6 July 1815
From: Marston, Henry
To: Adams, John

					Respected Sir
					Boston July 6th 1815

				Knowing that Miss Welsh is on a visit at Quincy and fearing you might be in want of her kind offices in sending you the glorious news of the day, I take the liberty to enclose you the Gazette containing the account of another atchievement of our gallant Tars; the capture of H. B. M. S. W. Penguin, by the Hornet after an action of twenty two minutes, only, upon which I congratulate you most sincerely. The P. was superior to the H. in every particular. The paper also contains the report of the Court Martial, that sat to inquire into the causes of the capture of the unfortunate Chesapeak which you will find interestingYour barrel of Flour, together with one for your son, were delivered to the order of your good lady on Monday last, while I was at Quincy.With great respect, Your / most obt & Huml Svt

					Henry Marston


Title: To John Adams from John Marston, 6 July 1815
From: Marston, John
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					6 July 1815.—

				Permit me to Congratulate you on the glorious victory obtained by our little sloop of war Hornet over the Britsh Ship Penguin, which was superiour to the Hornet in size—number of m & number of guns.—With sentiments of respect & Compliments to the Ladies, Am Dear Sir Your most humble Sert

					John Marston


Title: To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 12 July 1815
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Adams, John

					Hon. John Adams, EsqrSir,
					Philada. July 12. 1815

				Your favour of the 28th. ult—is duly recd I believe there is not a copy of the first Volume of the Defence, to be had in the United States, for Sale.This work, revised & corrected, would, I believe, at a future day, bear a small Edition. It is a pity itshould be out of the marketI am, very respectfully, / Your obt. hble. servt

					Mathew Carey


Title: From John Adams to William Gray, 25 July 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Gray, William

Dear Sir
Quincy July 25, 1815

Inclosed is a Letter for Major Sweet. I leave it open, that he may shew it at his discretion in France. He may shew it to Monsieur Le Ray de Chaument, to the Count Marbois, to Mr Benjamin Beale, or to the whom he will.— My old Friends in France, (and I had Some) are all dead. I would venture to write to the Gentlemen above mentioned: but my Eyes and hands admonish me to forbear.
If Major Sweet should see my Son; he will want no introduction.
I am Sir as usual your assured Friend.
John Adams—


Title: From John Adams to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 25 July 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Dear Sir
Quincy July 25 1815

Major Samuel Sweet, who had has served in the American Army attached to General Izzards Staff, as a Topographical Engineer; wishing to Visit France to Compleat his Education, in the Study of Military Tacticks; I have been requested to give him a Letter of Introduction to a Character so interesting to Mankind in America and Europe, as — (shall I say know very well which title you would prefer.)
my Son has given me, a pleasing Account of his kind reception in France, by yourself and your illustrious Family and Connections. I rejoice in the prosperity of those charming Babes, that I once knew, and I wish particularly to learn more of my lovely Correspondent Anastatia.
If the Sublime, as Phylosophers say is composed principally of the terrible, I am sure, We have witnessed sublime Changes, in this World since I had the honour to see you. We are always brought back, to old conclusions, “Sic transit gloria Mundi.” I can learn S’en alla, come it etait  venu.” Major Sweet is married to the only Daughter, of my Friend the late Lt Governor of Massachusetts, and the greatest Merchant, as I believe, in the United States.
It will always give me pleasure, to hear of your Wellfare and that of all your Friends: but the news must arrive soon, or it will be too late: for I am a Candidate for the honours of an Octogenarian. Less than three months will decide the Election.
I remain, Sir, with real respect and sincere affection, from the first time I saw you in bed at Bethleham, Confined by your wound in our Service.
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas McKean, 30 July 1815
From: Adams, John
To: McKean, Thomas

Dear sSr
Quincy July 30. 1815

Who Shall write the History of the American Revoluion? Who can write it? Who will ever be able to write it?
The most essential Documents; the debates and deliberations in Congress from 1774 to 1783 were all in secret, and are now lost forever. Mr Dickinson printed a Speech which he aid he made in Congress against the declaration of Independence: but it appeared to me very different from that which you and I heard. Dr Witherspoon has published Speeches, which he wrotebeforehand and delivered Memoriter as he did his Sermons. But these I believe are the only Speeches ever committed to Writing. The orators, while I was in Congress from 1774 to 1778 appeared to me very universally extemporaneous, and I have never heard of any committed to Writing, before or after delivery.
These Questions have been Suggested to me, by a Review, in the Analectic Magazine for May 1815 published in Phyladelphia. page 385 of The Chevalior Botta’s “Storia della Guerra Americana.” The Reviewers inform Us, that it is the best History of the Revolution that ever has been written. This Italian Classick has followed the Example of the Greek and Roman Historians by composing Speeches for his Generals and Orators. The Reviewers have translated one of Mr R. H. Lee in favour of the Declaration of Independence. A Splendid morcell of oratory it is: how faithful, you can judge.
I wish to know your Sentiments and Opinions of this publication. Some future Miss Porter may hereafter make as Shining a Romance of what passed in Congress while in Conclave, as her Scottish Chiefs.
You Friend durante Vitata
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Lloyd, 8 August 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Lloyd, James

Dear Sir,
Quincy Aug. 8. 1815

The most pleasing Present I ever received in the whole Course of my Life was your favour of the fifth, and the half barrell of Kennebec Flour. I ordered it to be instantly made into Bread for my Breckfast the next morning and found it So Sweet and So pure that it reminded me of the most perfect bread I ever tasted, made of Wheat grown, ground and bolted into Flour on the Farm of Judge, Colonel Counsellor John Chandler of Worcester, more than Sixty Years ago.
I am now, more than ever convinced that our Massachusetts, need not, unless it chooses, be depondent on any other State or Country for their dayly Bread. Experiments made in the West and the East, for more than Sixty Years, have concurred.
Yet I cannot abandon our good old Indian Corn. As it is in the Field the sublimest Object of Our Agriculture, it is upon the whole the Surest Crop and the most profitable for the subsistance of our Inhabitants and our Cattle and Manure for our Lands that can be cultivated here
Accept my thanks and present them to the Honble Messieurs Coneys Bridge and Williams, from your and their Friend / and obliged humble Servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Holmes, 10 August 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Holmes, John

Dear Sir
Quincy August 10th 1815

I am deeply indebted to you for your kind letter of the 7th of this month, & the Oration enclosed in it.
Old age lies under the scandalous imputation of querulousness, & the ridiculous charge of gerrulity. Though I reject the imputation, I cannot consistently deny the charge. Your request of criticisms from me brought to my recollection an Anecdote. Voltaire has published criticisms of great sagacity & exquisite taste, on the tragedies of Corneille. Some of his friends in a social Evening, asked him, Why he did not write criticisms on Racine? Because said Voltaire there is nothing to write but beautiful, charming, excellent, at the bottom of every page.
I have read your oration once with attention, & I found no fact misrepresented, nor any sentiment to disapprove. but I will read it again, and if I can find a fault, I will.
Aug’ 11th
I have read it again, and in page 2nd I find the word “progress” in page 4th “progressing” and in page 19th “progressing” again. This is not English language. Proceed, advance are much better.
Here again old age recollects an Anecdote. Dr Swift said “if the world had but a dozen Arbuthnots, I would burn my travels; but even he has his fault—a Slouch in his gait.” I find however, only this one a touch in your style.
There are two criticisms of a more serious nature. The first will call my republicanism into question, the second you and all the world will impute to my envy.
1st In page 21st you apply the word “Robbers” to the Emperors & Kings of Europe. This might been left to newspapers. Emperors & Kings find it as difficult to satisfy their subjects, as Washington, Jefferson, and Madison have found it to please their fellow Citizens.
2nd I protest against the application in your 9th page of the magnificent title of Father of his Country to Washington. I could name twenty men, who have merited that appellation more than Washington. I will only mention two & they shall be Virginians. Richard Henry Lee and Patrick Henry. I have sometimest wondered, that popular delirium, called public opinion, has not given this title to Tom Paine!
All this, you & all America & all Europe, & all posterity will attribute to my Envy. Be it so. But the records in the grand Roullean, the sacred parchment written in Heaven, will bear me out. New England Whigs & Tories have ruined themselves by their idolatry to Washington.
I have read Sir all that I have seen in your name & have conceived, a great respect for your talents, and Esteem for your character. I cannot conclude in better language, than in that of Ancient Republicans “Macte virtute esto.”
John Adam.


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 10 August 1815
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir  Monticello Aug. 10. 15.The simultaneous movements in our correspondence have been really remarkable on several occasions. it would seem as if the state of the air, or state of the times, or some other unknown cause produced a sympathetic effect on our mutual recollections. I had set down to answer your letters of June 19. 20. 22. with pen, ink, and paper before me, when I recieved from our mail that of July 30. you ask information on the subject of Camus. all I recollect of him is that he was one of the
			 deputies sent to arrest Dumourier at the head of his army, who were however themselves arrested by Dumourier, and long detained as prisoners. I presume therefore he was a Jacobin. you will find his character in the most excellent hi revolutionary history of Toulongeon:
			 I believe also he may be the same person who has given us a translation of Aristotle’s natural history from the Greek into French. of his
			 report to the National Institute on the subject of the Bollandists your letter gives me the first information. I had supposed them
			 defunct with the society of Jesuits, of which they were: and that their works, altho’ above ground, were, from their bulk and insignificance, as effectually entombed on their
			 shelves, as if in
			 the
			 graves of their authors. fifty two volumes in folio of  dog-Latin, of the Acta Sanctorum, in dog-Latin, would be a formidable enterprize to the most laborious German. I expect, with you, they are the most enormous mass of lies, frauds, hypocrisy &
			 imposture that ever was heaped together on this globe. by what chemical process M. Camus supposed that an Extract of truth could be obtained from such a farrago of falsehood, I must leave to the Chemists & Moralists of the age to divine. On the
			 subject of
			 the history of the American revolution, you ask Who shall write it? who can write it? and who ever will be able to write it? nobody; except merely it’s external facts. all it’s councils, designs and discussions,
			 having been conducted by Congress with closed doors, and no member, as far as I know, having even made notes of them. these, which are the life and soul of history must for ever be unknown.
			 Botta, as you observe, has put his own speculations and reasonings into the mouths of persons whom he names, but who, you & I know, never made such speeches. in this he has followed the
			 example of the antients, who made their great men deliver long speeches, all of them in the same style, and in that of the author himself.
			 the work is nevertheless a good one, more judicious, more chaste, more classical, and more true than the party diatribe of Marshall. it’s greatest fault is in having taken too much from him. I possessed the work, and often recurred to considerable portions of it, altho’ I never read it through.
			 but a very judicious nei and well informed neighbor of mine went thro’ it with great attention, and spoke very highly of it. I have said that no member of the old Congress, as far as I knew, made notes of the discussions. I did not know of the speeches you mention of Dickinson and Witherspoon.
			 but on the questions of Independance and on the
			 two articles of Confederation
			 respecting taxes & voting I took minutes of the heads of the arguments. on the first I threw all into one
			 mass, without ascribing to the speakers their respective arguments; pretty much in the manner of Hume’s summary digests of the reasonings in parliament for and against a measure. on the last I stated the heads of arguments used by each speaker. but the whole of my notes on the question of
			 independance does not occupy more than 5. pages, such as of this letter: and on the other questions two such sheets. they have never been communicated to any one. do you know that
			 there exists in MS. the ablest work of this
			 kind ever yet executed, of the debates of the Constitutional convention of Philadelphia in 1788? the whole of every thing said and done there was taken down by mr Madison, with a labor and exactness beyond comprehension. I presume that our correspondence has been observed at the post
			 offices, and thus has
			 attracted notice. would you believe that a printer has had the effrontery to propose to me the letting him publish it? these people think they have a right to every thing however secret or
			 sacred. I
			 had not before heard of the Boston pamphlet with Priestly’s letters and mine.At length Bonaparte has got on the right side of a question. from the time of his entering the legislative hall to his retreat to Elba, no man has execrated him more than myself. I will not except even the members of the Essex junto; altho’ for very different reasons; I, because he was warring against the liberty of his own
			 country, and independance of others; they, because he was the enemy of England, the Pope, and the Inquisition. but at length, and as far as we can judge, he seems to have become the choice of his nation. at least he is defending the cause of his nation, and that of all
			 mankind, the rights of every people to independance and self-government. he and the allies have now changed sides. they are parcelling out among themselves Poland, Belgium, Saxony, Italy, dictating a ruler and government to France, and looking askance at our republic, the splendid libel on their governments: and he is fighting for the principle of national independance, of which his whole life hitherto has been a continued violation. he has promised a free government to his own country, and to respect the rights of others; and altho’ his former conduct inspires little confidence in his promises yet we had better take the
			 chance of his word for doing right, than the certainty of the wrong, which his adversaries are doing and avowing. if they succeed, ours is only the boon of the Cyclops to Ulysses, of being the last devoured.
			 present me affectionately and respectfully to mrs Adams, and heaven give you both as much more of life as you wish, and bless it with health and happiness.Th: JeffersonAug. 11.P.S. I had finished my letter yesterday, and this morning recieve the news of Bonaparte’s second abdication. very well. for him personally I have no feeling but  of reprobation. the representatives of the nation have deposed him. they have taken the allies at their word, that they had no object in the war but his removal. the nation is now free to give itself a good government, either with or without a Bourbon; and that  govern- France unsubdued will still be a bridle on the enterprises of the combined powers, and a bulwark to others.


Title: To John Adams from Richard Rush, 16 August 1815
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Washington August 16. 1815.

				Grattan said of Burke lately, “that he had read more than all mankind, and that his command of history gave him the powers of prophecy.”I do not say it idly, sir,—I say it because I believe it,—the book of history lies more open to you than to any individual, at least, on this side of the water.Pray what is to be the end of the great scenes that are passing? What is to become of poor France? A dismemberment?The royal European hunt of the heart they called a usurper, is at an end, and Wellington has got the brush.England now sees the long purpose of her ambition accomplished. She is triumphantly at the head of Europe. What says history that nations commonly do in such situations? I observe that her foreign secretary has begun, by giving an official insult to the monarchs and generals of Europe by that exclusive insult compliment to the duke of Wellington. If it be in itself true, neither Russia, nor Austria, nor Prussia will think so. And if they did, they will be offended at its utterance. The military power of France would seem to have been first broken down in the campaigns of 1812, 1813, and 1814 between Moscow and Paris with which the English had nothing to do.But more important than all, how are we to be affected? There is nothing would afford me so much gratification as to hear you, sir, for an hour upon these subjects, could I transport myself to Quincey. The newspapers which spoke of your visit to the Independence, gave me the assurance of your being well up to that date, and I fervently hope that this letter may find you equally so.The information which Mr Crawford brought us of France, and of Europe generally, has been in a great degree superseded by subsequent events. We are now upon a par with him. Nothing that comes from him is more grateful to the American ear, than his accounts of the raised views which are entertained of us abroad since the war. The evidences of this he says are as visible, as its good effects are likely to be solid. Had the war continued, he states it to have been the fixed determination of the Marquis La Fayette to come over, and ask a command in our armies. What a spectacle, thus to have repeated at the close of life what gave so much lustre to his early days!Mr Crawford, I think, has but feeble expectations of the French people being able to make any further struggle. He says it is a perfectly well understood fact in the cabinets of Europe, that the allies, in 1814, offered to place the crown upon the empress, and secure the succession to her son. She at that time, however, would listen to nothing that would separate her from the fortunes of Napoleon. This fact assumes some new importance now;—though the deductions we would make from it may all be dissipated by the next arrival. Who can say what a day or an hour may bring forth in Paris?Your letters from our minister at London must be full of interest. I fancy our government have no late communications from him.I have to offer to you the assurances of my greatest respect and warmest friendship.

					Richard Rush.


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 August 1815
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and high respected Frend
Oldenbarneveld 16 aug. 1815.

To relief a while mÿ distressed mind I take up again your interesting favour of July 13—but do not expect, I make no pretence to it, that I Shall answer it as it deserves, as I Should wish—It is but Seldom, that I can persuade myself to come up to this pitch—but I am fully convinced of your indulgence. I know that even an indifferent line is not unacceptable to your kindness. I entered Some time Since a course of chemical lectures—and was delighted by it as much as instructed; was I younger—and in a more affluent Situation, I Should devote all my strenght to it as no knowledge Seems to me more apt as this to develop and explain the wisdom of the creator—what an useful and interesting work might be performed by a enlightened Chemist, if he display’d by chemical experiments the intelligence of a first cause in all the operations and combinations of his works! when I was young I devoted a part of my time to this Study, but convinced ere long of the folly to grasp at everÿ thing, I abandoned it and threw myself entirely in the Study of the Public Law and that of my late Countrÿ—and was not unsuccessful—but alas! what avails me now this vain knowledge—what profit do I reap from these unrelented exertions?
I have been thwarted in this new pursuit, to which I was encouraged by some professional frends by a relapse in head-ache—though less Severly than formerly, but preying more on my Spirits, and have resolved to make an excursion—for a few days—with my Dear Daughter—to Oneÿda Lake—to bid a last farewel to a respectable frend Mrs Barnhard—who is persuaded—on the decision of her Physician, that this year Shall be her last—and Submits without reluctance with a calm resignation—Her wishes are accomplished—She enjoÿs independence and affluence—which they had before by birth and from family—thro her own and her husbands and only son’s unexampled industrÿ—while befor she lived and was educated in the first circle of high life—She has seen her Son married—in a respectable family—Bloomfield—and does not wish to protract her journey here. I was not there in three years—and She desires to see us once more—particularly my Daughter. I nearly envy her lot, and find it a difficult task—to learn to Submit, and wait—till we are called in our Turn—Must I make an apologÿ for mÿ manner of corresponding? in that case I must not have written—I must have forgotten, that I did write to mÿ venerable frend—your Ladÿ Soothed my Sorrows in the absence of mrs v. d. k—and you Succeeded—in making me participate in the happiness She enjoy’d at Philadelphia—But you must feel—as you my friend—what it is to be interested in domestic Scenes of bliss—to paint these with Such vivid colours.
I must have expressed myself very incorrectly—which happens more—and against my design—if I penned—that I was a dissenter from you in Politics and Religion—my intention was to Saÿ, that I trusted So much in your indulgence and candour, of which I had So many proof, that although we differed in Speculative opinions in Politics and religion, it would be of no more consequence, than if it related to Philosophical and Literarÿ pursuits.
In politics—generally spoken—I owe you, what I know—and revere you as my master—although I might differ in opinion about our Situation, and the conduct of our Rulers—and here yet, I maÿ err and grope in the dark. Our Religious creed, I believe, is verÿ much in unison—mine is not altered in forty years—and formed—upon a plain rule—believing I must Say convinced, of the historical truth of Christianity—it seemed to me if it was a revelation of a good and wise Being—an honest—uninstructed mind—the meanest man with a Sound head and Sincer heart, must be able to discover So much of its truth—to be the rule of his conduct and happiness—I perused thus the Scriptures—and did not care about that, which I did not understand—at a first attentive perusal—renewed this inquiry in that manner again and again—and was confirmed in a Simple doctrine and lately renewed it again without any new discoveries.
I thank God with you of having been placed in the blessed abode I thank him for our elegant—useful and noble frame and limbs—I thank him to have given us an assurance of an immortal existence and praÿ fervently—that—my weeknesses and follies notwithstanding I maÿ be mercifully favoured—to be replaced in the society of those I loved and respected, in what ever low degree it were—to learn and improve from their exalted example. The absence from them—although finally conducive to happiness—would be a severe punishment—and even a following rejoinder—an inferior degree of attained perfection, with a vivid Sense, that a superor excellence had been placed within my reach—would remain eternally a matter of regret—which recollection must give more or less bitter pangs.
You did not expect, my Dear Adams! to hear again from your beloved and respected frend—I knew—the communication would be delightful—it was a sauf conduit for my Letter—ah—Adams!—my heart is Sadly wounded—I can not write it without tears—that frend—de Gyzelaer is no more!—He died the 30 Maÿ—In april—he send me word—with Some Books—to write me ere long—and his last Letter—of which I give you notice, was the warmest efusion of his noble heart, I ever received—I answered him directly—which alas! Shall never reach him, but I would maÿ be balsam in the wounds of his amiable and excellent Daughter—you, who loved and respected him, will feel for me—will pity me—two more of my frends are remaining—and both older as I am—De gyzelaer was 64—Our intimacy begun in 1774—at the university, and was as ardent in our declining years—as in the days of our youths—One of the best men of that Countrÿ is gone—I Shall bewail my loss, and regret, that your friend Everett can not reap the benefit of my Introductory Lett—in this respect too my endeavours to do good—to be usefull have been in vain.I remain / your obliged frend

Fr. Adr. van der kemp


Title: To John Adams from Richard Rush, 20 August 1815
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, John

Dear and respected Sir.
Washington. August 20. 1815

Your opportunities of obtaining correct information from St Petersburgh, were long superior to those of any one else. In the loss of your accustomed fountain of supply, I send you a few extracts that I have copied from a couple of letters lately received from Mr Harris. I think they will afford you pleasure. Mr Russel writes from Stockholm under date of May 27th, that, the crown Prince was so struck at the manner in which we had sustained ourselves against Britain, that he was for a treaty of alliance with us outright! Thus it would seem, that while our country, our government, and the war, are so depreciated by many of our own citizens, those testimonies which after all will make up the historical verdict to be awarded, are likely to be quite different.
I can do nothing, sir, but repeat to you at all times the assurances of my genuine attachment and respect.

Richard Rush.

Extracts from Letters from Mr Harris, chargé d’affaires at St Petersburgh to the Secretary of State.
Feb: 28. 1815.
"The British agents at the congress in the Austrian capital, have latterly, ’tis said, acted a part very hostile to the views and dispositions of the Emperor Alexander; and their conduct has been repeated here in such a light that Lord Walpole has been treated with marked coldness in society, and his government spoken of with equal disrespect. A like temper has been discovered at the court of the empress mother, where the British minister has lately been very little noticed"
May 26.
"The ukase of 1811 is revived, and under circumstances somewhat peculiar. The sentiments of the Emperor towards England are too well known, for one to mistake the course of his majesty’s policy in his future commercial relations with that nation, and the late proceedings at Vienna have sufficiently shown the political feeling which the British agents at the memorable congress have, by their conduct there, excited in the heart of Alexander. The English merchants here are outrageous at the revival of a supposed exploded system, and consider it as a death blow to the priviledges on which they had buoyed themselves for some time with the hope of seeing fully restored to them".
"It has been a source of satisfaction which I feel proud to announce to you, that during the contest which we have just so honorably closed, we have enjoyed in all the first circles here, the most distinguished favor. Our cause has been supported even with enthusiasm, and which the English agents have witnessed, as may well be supposed, with no little chagrin. At the court of the empress mother, I have found myself equally noticed with the envoy from St James, though inferior to him in grade. At a dinner at a principal noblemans, at which were present several ministers of the empire, the American army and general Jackson were given as a toast."
The chancellor, Count Romanzoff, who is considered the first nobleman of the land, continues to entertain for our country, the same sentiments he has long been known to possess for it. He considers our war, even that as it has been, as one of the greatest benefits that could have befallen us; and the resolution that decreed it as an evidence of human wisdom equal to any which his knowledge of public events enabled him to compare it with".
"I can say nothing as to the return of the chancellor to power. He still enjoys the esteem and confidence of his sovereign, and on his majesty’s return there doubtless will be many important changes in the ministry".


Title: From John Adams to Richard Rush, 23 August 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Sir
Quincy August 23 1815

I might perhaps agee with Mr Grattan, that Mr Burke had read more of the Brittish Poets than even Dr Johnson, who wrote their Lives, that he understood them better and tasted them with better Judgment and correct discomment; & that he had read the Latin Poets and Orators: but I can go no farther. His uncommon Reading of History, the Law of Nature and Nations of Jurisprudence in General and of Ecclesiastical History, does not appear. If his Reading on these Subjects had been extensive and his reflections mature, he could not have published So many gross Errors and blunders as he has. if you lived near me, I would read his Works with you and tell you Anecdotes that I should blush to commit to Paper.
You ask me an awfull question “What is be the End of these great Scenes”? I can only point like Anexagoras to the Skies. The Question before the great Counsell the great Judge and the great Jury of the human Race, is ecclesiastical as well as civil: it is spiritual as well as temporal. It is more ancient than Huss and Wickliff. The three great Sciences of Phylosophy Theology and Policy have always been at War. I pitty France, as I pittied Phaelon in the Fable. “A Dismemberment”! Would involve Europe in the flames of War, for Centuries. She has been dismembered. England has dismembered her. Germany has dismembered her Spain has dismembered her. And you know the Consequence of all those dismemberments.
“England tryumphantly at the head of Europe”! England will behave as Napoleon did. England was never in a more perilous Situation.
“How are We to be affected”? Increase you Navy, as fast as possible. Never lay another Embargo, Non Importation or Non Intercourse for more than Six Weeks. Repent in “dust and Ashes, that you ever did more.
Mr Crawfords Account of the Effects in Europe of our military Glory I know and feel to be true. I Saw it and felt it for ten Years, from i.e. from 1778 to 1788. Our naval Splendor has done the business. Nothing has degraded Us in Europe, like our Neglect of a maritime Force for defence. It has been considered as full proof, that We are a Weak ignorant stupid thoughtless inconsiderate People, not only destitute of Genius but of common Sense, insensible of our own natural resources which God and Nature have placed before our Eyes. I could prove this. And if you desire it I will.
I have not a Line from my Son since the 21 of March, When Napoleon made his first public appearance in Paris. I cannot recollect any five months of the five Years past, when no Letter has been received from him, either to his Father, Mother, Brother or Children. I cannot account for this Strange Fact. He has made it a rule to write to his Mother once a month. She has received as many Letters as he had been absent Months, till 20 March 1815 but not a Line Since.
I wish I had you nearer to your Friend
John Adams.Your Brother made me a momentary Visit, and it was a great Grief to me, that I could not enjoy him longer J. A


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 24 August 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy Aug. 24. 15

If I am neither deceived by the little Information I have, or by my Wishes for its truth, I Should Say that France is the most Protestant country of Europe at this time, though I cannot think it the most reformed. In consequence of these Reveries I have imagined that Camus and the Institute, meant, by the revival and continuance of the Acta Sanctorum, to destroy the Pope and the Catholic Church and Hierarchy, de fondi en comble, or in the language of Frederick, Voltaire, D’Alembert &c “ecrasor le miserable,” “crush the Wretch.” This great Work must contain the most complete History of the corruptions of Christianity, that has ever appeared; Priestleys not excepted. And his History of ancient opinions not excepted.
As to the history of the Revolution, my Ideas may be peculiar, perhaps Singular. What do We mean by the Revolution? The War? That was no part of the Revolution. It was only an Effect and Consequence of it. The Revolution was in the Minds of the People, and this was effected, from 1760 to 1775, in the course of fifteen years before a drop of blood was drawn at Lexington. The Records of thirteen Legislatures, the Pamplets, Newspapers in all the Colonies ought be consulted, during that Period, to ascertain the Steps by which the public opinion was enlightened and informed concerning the Authority of Parliament over the Colonies. The Congress of 1774, resembled in some respects, tho’ I hope not in many, the Counsell of Nice in Ecclesiastical History. It assembled the Priests from the East and the West the North and the South, who compared Notes, engaged in discussions and debates and formed Results, by one Vote and by two Votes, which went out to the World as unanimous.
Mr Madisons Notes of the Convention of 1787 or 1788 are consistent with his indefatigable Character. I Shall never See them; but I hope Posterity will.That our correspondence has been observed is no Wonder; for your hand is more universally known than your face. No Printer has asked me for copies: but it is no Surprize that you have been requested. These Gentry will print whatever will Sell: and our Correspondence is thought Such an Oddity by both Parties, that the Printers imagine an Edition would Soon go off and yeild them a Profit. There has however been no tampering with your Letters to me. They have all arrived in good order.
Poor Bonaparte! Poor Devil! What has and what will become of him? Going the Way of King Theodore, Alexander Cæsar, Charles 12th Crowell, Wat Tyler and Jack Cade; i.e. to a bad End. And What will become of Wellington? Envied, hated despized by all the Barons, Earls, Viscounts Marquis’s as an Upstart a Parvenue elevated Over their heads. For these People have no Idea of any Merit, but Birth. Wellington must pass the rest of his days buffetted ridiculed, Scorned and insulted by Factions as Marlborough and his Dutchess did. Military Glory dazzles the Eyes of Mankind, and for a time eclipses all Wisdom all Virtue, all Laws humane and divine; and after this it would be Bathos to desend to Services merely civil or political.
Napoleon has imposed Kings Upon Spain Holland Sweeden Westphalia Saxony Naples &c. The combined Emperors and Kings are about to retaliate upon France, by imposing a King upon her. These are all abominable Examples, detestable Precedents.  When will the Rights of Mankind the Liberties and Independence of Nations be respected? When the Perfectibility of the human Mind Shall arrive at Perfection. When the Progress of Manillius’s Ratio shall have not only
Eripuit Cælo fulmen, Jovis que fulgores, but made Mankind rational Creatures
It remains to be seen whether The Allies were honest in their Declaration that they were at War only with Napoleon.
Can the French ever be cordially reconciled to the Bourbons again? If not, who can they find for a head? The Infant or one of the Generals? Innumerable difficulties will embarrass either Project.
I am as ever
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Richard Rush, 26 August 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Sir
Quincy August 26 1815

I thank you for your favour of the 20th and the Extracts which are very consolatory. I have Sometimes thought that the People of the U.S. of both Parties were the worst Judges in the World, of themselves, their Resources, the Character of their own Nation and even of the Geography of their Country.
Mr Madisons Administration, must be recorded by Historians; not with Standing all the Errors, blunders, confusions Distractions, Disasters and Factions with which it has been tarnished: as the most glorious Period of the History of the United States. It has laid a foundation of Power and prosperity. It has Settled many Points and decided many questions. It has proved that a President can declare War, and can conclude Peace, without being hurled from his Chair. It has converted the Nation to a confidence in a Naval force, It has given the Nation a Confidence in their own Militia; it has proved that We can raise Taxes; it has proved that the Nation has Submitted, tho’ not that it will submit again to absurd Embargoes, Non importations and not Intercourses; it has proved that the Western and Southern States are as warlike as the Northern: and it has exalted the Reputation of this Nation in the Eyes of all Europe, by the only means with which it can be exalted or maintained, i.e. by Splendid Victories, by Sea and Land; it has proved that our Generals, Admirals and Ambassadors are equal to any in the World in Policy, and Superiour in Wisdom and Humanity.
Last night I received, from your Ambassador in London a few lines dated 19th of June, informing me that he had received his Sons, that they and he were already homesick. This is the only Line his Family has received from him here Since March 21. from Paris.
Laying together all Circumstances that I can recollect, I conclude that Mr Gallatin and Mr Clay are united with Mr Adams in a Commission to treat of Commerce: but I have not intimation of this from Washington or from Europe.
We have Letters from his Boys. one has been to the House of Lords and heard a Debate upon the Slave trade others have been to Sadlers Wells and Ashleys, and all are Studying Spanish and Italian. The oldest is 14 and the youngest 7 or 8.
The Ambassadors Letter is dated 14. June, the day of the decisive Battle of, Le belle Alliance! He Seemed to expect its decision. But he Says truly, though Napoleon perishes, “the cause of which he is the Champion will Survive him.” America think of that! and be not led away by transient Appearances.
I inclose You the only Letter We have received Since March 21. which I pray you to return to
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 September 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear and highly respected Friend,
Quincy September 3. 1815

Your affecting favour of 16. Aug. is before me. The natural bent of my mind has the honour to resemble yours so much, that chymical physical and mathematical studies would have been the favourite Amusement, pursuit and Occupation of my Life, if I had been permitted to choose. But such Felicity has not been granted to me. Imperious Circumstances have driven me, to Metaphysicks to Theology, and what is no better and no worse, to Politicks and War. When a Boy, I read Ray, Derham and Nieuenteit; and I have never read any Thing since with more delight. You may smile when I tell you that at the same early age, I read in a poor English Translation, Fontenelles Plurality of Worlds. After this shall I tell you, that I have had personal Conversation with Dr Herschill, and seen his Astronomical Machinery, heard from his Lips his observations on the Heavens. Can it be supposed that I do not admire this Universe? And adore its Author? its Ruler? its Father? its Master? Its supream, almighty, all wise, and all benevolent Judge?
Cannot I say, as pathetically, as you do? “Alass! what avail me now this vain Knowledge of public Law, and that of my Country?” “What Profit do I reap from these unrelented Exertions?” And what Profit did Alexander, Cæsar, Hannibal, Frederick or Buonaparte, reap from theirs?
You have a Talent, at the Pathetick, which I could never equal, if I would; and which I never would equal, if I could. Who can read your excursion to Oneida Lake without Tears? I could give you histories too, of domestic seperations! But I forbear. “That Way, Madness lies.”!
In your pathetic lamentations over our departed Friend De Gyselaer I most cordially sympathise. Perkins and Lady, Everett and Tickenor, Eustis and his Everett are all gone to Holland with Sanguine Hopes of the Friendship of De Gyselaer. What a disappointment will they meet.!
But your endevours to do good will not be in vain. Neither your Letters nor mine will be lost.
You and I have experienced so many Vicissitudes in Life that We ought to recollect our Epictetus whom We read in our youth; We ought to recollect Socrates; Oh! Shall I dare to say, that We ought to recollect a greater Example, than Socrates, or even than Moses? A greater Example, than History furnishes, or human Imagination or invention ever conceived
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Stephen D. Kingston, 8 September 1815
From: Kingston, Stephen D.
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Philadelphia 8th. Septr. 1815

				I do myself the honor to address you on a point of the treaty of Peace of 1783, become important in a case of ejectment pending in this State, for property which I purchased in the Island of Barbados in the year 1807, not doubting immediate possession on a title perfectly clear.The 6th. Act provides that “no more confiscations shall be made” The estate in controversy, was then, in 1783, the unquestionable property of Doctr. Oxley of Barbados, who took by devise as well as descent, prior to the Revolution. He never was in the US, was not a refugee, tory or traitor, yet of that class, the joint letter of the Commissioners at Paris dated the 10th. Septr. 1783 recommended “such discrimination” as would receive “the approbation of disinterested men, and dispassionate posterity.”Doctr. Oxley made a will & died in 1784, his two sons, then minors also in Barbados, thus became heirs by devise as well as descent. it is however doubted whether as aliens they can take by either, our acts of Assembly on one point being very vague & the Chief Justice Tilghman having in the other, laid down, (Case of Jackson’s lessers vs Burns, 3d. Binney) that “an Alien cannot take Lands by descent in Pennsa.” an expression broader than that case required, differing from the present in all material points. Jackson was a Citizen & died intestate, without issue, his heirs were aliens, claiming the Estate of a Citizen. Dr. Oxley was an alien, made a will & left issue; his heirs being aliens also, claim the Estate of their father also an alien, to whom as such it was confirmed by treaty.The present case affords an extraordinary contrast: the persons in possession hold under forgeries, not only of the patent, the genuine original being in my possession, (received from Mr. Sansom a Gentn. of well known reputation here, whose family had care of the Estate for 70 years) but also of three several and seperate deeds all forged.The right of aliens to take by descent the real estates of aliens, appears a natural corollary of the right to hold their then possessions, and so was determined in New York. Johnsons cases Vol 3 pa 109 &c. the only case in point the books afford.The argument by which C J Tilghman supports his decission, is conceived to be a sophism, not worthy of him. It is now generally if not universally acknowledged, that however the narrow notions of regal policy may have prescribed to subjects, the principle cited by the C J “that no man can, even for the most pressing reasons, divest himself of the allegiance under which he was born” yet in Republics, under free & happy Governments every Citizen disclaims and scouts such slavish doctrine. In that case the opinion of the worthy C J appears at this day of more mature experience & investigation to convey certain views of the Subject by no means consonant with the liberal policy which forms the basis of our social fabric. The distinction set up between citizens of the US & British subjects “because there was a time when the people of England and the united states owed allegiance to the same Sovereign, yet there never was a time when the people of England owed allegiance to the U States”. adding, “I am informed however, and believe it to be a fact, that by the law as now held in England, Citizens of the U States born before the Revolution,  are capable of taking lands in England by descent. It is supposed by some that merely for that reason, the courts of the US should extend the same principle to the subjects of G Britain. To this I cannot assent, I confess I should be mortified, if my own Country was surpassed by any on the globe, in acts of humanity and benevolence”  This observation but ill accords with his charge. Without intending to imitate the conduct of G Britain, a much higher motive, a sounder policy, and a much nobler spring urges the US on the subject. Immutable Justice, it is truly matter of astonishment that this cruel and wicked idea is yet to be discarded: is it not astonishing that in this natural soil of liberty it ever existed? that it ever crept in! that this shred of royal robbery should have found shelter, could have found an advocate, after we had for years contended for our own rights? that native Americans, Irishmen, Germans, Frenchmen, Scotsmen & Englishmen, should all have united in asserting their rights, and when secured, immediately commence by law, to rob their own Kindred of their birth rights, without giving them even a pot of porridge? Here the rights of property are founded on equity and the laws of society, those of Alienage on the laws of Sovereigns. But I have wandered from the subject which induced me to take this liberty your well known liberality and readiness at all times to promote the cause of Justice is my best excuse. Have the goodness to say how this matter was understood, what was contemplated and intended to be the effect of the 5th. & 6th. Articles of the Treaty of Peace on Real estate, at the time it was made?With great respect I have the honor to subscribe / Sir / Your very Obedient / and humble Servant

					Stephen Kingston

    “Doctr. Oxley, neither his Children from whom Mr K derives title, “divested himself” of allegiance to the US:” not one of them had ever been in the US, they did not quit it to become Vassals of G Britain, they did not commit any act of “treason, felony” or any other crime, they were not “denounced Rebels” which under the feudal System, only could blot out the heritable quality of their blood, they did not take Oaths of adhesion to any legitimate King, but remained in the Island of Barbados, not in the Kingdom of G Britain,—and by the severation of the Empire remained or continued her subjects, not of choice, or by election, during the War, but by the Peace. The operation of this case reversed, the C J has given. “Citizens of the US born before the Revolution, are capable of taking lands in England by descent.”

   See Mr. Tilghmans letter 26 April 1792 to Mr. Jefferson, on decissions of the general Court of Maryland, Justice done to Brit Creditors.

   See Laws of Virginia Chap 93 Sec 18—Alien descent no bar—

   See Laws of N York New Jersey 1794 pa 124 Secn. 2—Alien purchases good—

   See laws of Kentucky pa 297. 19 Decr. 1796 Sect 18—Alien Descent valid—

   Constitution of New York Secn. 36—All grants prior to 1775 good.


Title: To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 9 September 1815
From: Morse, Jedidiah
To: Adams, John

					Respected & Dr Sir,
					Charlestown Sept. 9th. 1815

				I have been waiting for the Specimen of such a kind of History, of our country, at the Commencement of our Revolution, as you should write, were you to be our Historian, & whh you encouraged me to expect from your pen—I shall be much obliged by such a specimen—& hope it will be a long one, & contain such facts, as fell within your own knowledge, during the period of your active public life, & whh can be accurately obtained, probably from no other Source—Any papers  or printed whh may throw light on our history, since the year 1765, will be gratefully recd. & carefully preservd returned (if desired)— by me.—I kept no copy of my last letter to you—Will you favor me with a copy of it, or with the original—to save you the trouble of copying—as it is not worth preserving—I find that a copy of your answer, (not from me) has found its way on ’Change in Boston,—& copies have been multiplied & sent into different parts of the country—In these circumstances, I presume, sir, you will have no objection, to its being printed—Otherwise it may produce effects, from the manner in whh it is circulated whh were not contemplated by you, & whh it would not be pleasant to me, to contemplate. I had no expectation, or design to enlist you Sir, in the controversy, when I sent you the pamphlet—but supposed, merely, that the letters of Priestly, & Jefferson, particularly, might amuse you—Such an answer to my letter & communication, was not expected; though the information it contained was highly important, & very interesting—& such as I should be very glad, with your permission, to lay before the public. Any facts & information, further, whh you possess, on this subject, will be gratefully received—by Dr. Sir, / Your respectful friend

					Jedh Morse


Title: From John Adams to Jedidiah Morse, 11 September 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Morse, Jedidiah

Dear Sir.
Quincy Sepr. 11th 1815

For some time past I have been unable to read write or See.—So that it has been impossible for me to answer your Expectations as I wished. And now it costs me more pain and time to write a time than it did but seven years ago to write a page.— you will find me but a miserable resource for information or advice in your great Undertaking. I can give you nothing but broken hints. At present I send you a few documents from the oldest Statesman in America Governor Mackean. Four Letters. Aug’st 20th. Octr. 9. Novr. 15. 1813. Jan. 1814. Also a Pamphlet “Authentic account of the Proceedings of the Congress held at New York. A.D. 1765 on the subject of the American Stamp Act.”
Instead of Specimens of hints of the manner in which I did write, history, poorly enough indeed, Five and Forty years ago.— These Letters and pamphlets I rely upon your Friendship to return to me by the Mail, after you have noted what may appear to your Purpose. When these shall be returned if my inflamed Eyes and quivering fingers will permit, I may give you a few hints but probably of no great importance.
Inclosed is a Copy of your Letter to me which you requested of your Friend

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Stephen D. Kingston, 23 September 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Kingston, Stephen D.

Sir,
Quincy September 23. 1815

If any thing in my power to write, could promote the cause of Justice I should undertake it, with pleasure. But if I have distinct recollection of any of the rules of law, one of them is, that Treaties, as well as Wills Grants and Deeds must speak for themselves—The Trybunals of Justice, Judges and Juries must interpret them by their own Words and by comparing one part with another. No extranious Testimony or Evidence can be admitted in explanation. Nothing therefore, that I could say or write, though it should be confirmed by the highest solemnities, would be of any service to you, in your cause.—Fraud and Forgery can confer no Title, or colour of Title. But I have too much respect for the Talents and legal Information of C.J. Tilghman to question the correctness of his Judgment.
You speak Sir of the Doctrine of Allegiance I am too far advanced in Years to comprehend the Morality, the Policy, the Law or Religion of the present Period. The Notions of Allegiance will be defined  ascertained and settled when those of Blockade, Retaliation and Impressment are decided. It seems now, that the People of France, and all the other People of Europe, owe a kind of complicated Allegiance to a combination of Emperors and Kings in a sort of temporal Œcumenical Council.— If so, Mankind must appeal to the Congress at Vienna to know what is Right and Wrong.— I am Sir very respectfully, your very humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Bentley, 24 September 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Bentley, William

Dear Sir,
Quincy Sept. 24. 1815.

I thank you for your Letter of the 19th. and the important Box.
I pray you to express to my Brother Octogenarian Mr Endicott my particular Obligation to him for his kind and obliging attention which has a greater Charm in it for me than a thousand panegyrical Puffs in Newspapers or the costly Presents of Emperors Kings or Princes would have if they had ever fallen to my Lott, which they never did.
The hurricane of Yesterday has covered the Ground about me with Pears. It cannot rain but it pours. I, however would give more to have you situated within a mile of me, than all the Pears and Peartrees in the World, Governor Edicotts and my Graft from it not excepted. A Library of dead Books is of no Use to a Man without Eyes: but a living Library may be consulted by the blind
You would oblige me very much, if you would permit your lovely accomplished Daughter to spend a few Weeks or Months with Us. Mrs Adams and Miss Suzan and Miss Louisa would be highly gratified by such a Visit.
According to a present appearances the War of the Reformation is to continue three hundred years longer, more or less. The Perfectibility of human Nature has not yet arrived at Perfection. My dear Friend Dr Prices Elixir of Immortality has not yet been discovered.
Your Friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Richard Rush, 2 October 1815
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, John

					Respected sir
					Washington October 2. 1815.

				I have been obliged within the last year or two to be very much of a law student. The solitude of Washington during the present and past season, has favored the habit; and for three or four months I have been reading and reading until I have found myself alternately a languid book-worm, and a heated enthusiast. The three last volumes of Robinson’s admiralty reports systematically; Pothier on contracts; Vattel through and through, (for the second time since I came to Washington;) both volumes of Brownes lectures upon of civil and admiralty law,  a good deal of incidental law reading, with lastly “Wheaton on Captures,” have been my achievements in the mere professional line since I returned from my jaunt to Philadelphia. Gibbon records of himself, That he once “devoured a hundred pages of Cluvers Italy, a closely printed folio abounding with quotations, in a single day.” I have no conception of such rapid reading as this; but I at least find that I can read a law book through in a much shorter time than I could when a younger man.During the last fortnight, probably in the paroxysm of enthusiasm, I have been throwing out a little law pamphlet, a copy of which I beg leave to send herewith for your acceptance. I have some tremblings for its fate. It is by no means clear to me that the profession in our own country will relish it. I have endeavoured, it is true, to fight a little battle for them all; but I am not sure that other sentiments which it contains may not do away in their eyes any imaginary merit resulting from such an attempt. If however, sir, it meets in any degree the approbation of such a judgment as yours, it will be to me a gratification that cannot easily be outweighed. But your kind partiality must not tell me so, unless it really does; in that case it may help to prevent my doing better in another attempt.I make the usual offerings of my respectful and devoted friendship.

					R. Rush.


Title: From John Adams to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 3 October 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            Fellow Citizen of The United States and of the World.
                            Quincy October 3 1815

Your Friend J. Q. A has given me Such an Account of his kind reception by your Family and of his delightful Journey and Visit to La Grange: that, though I could not envy his family their pleasure, I ardently wished I could have been one in their Suite. I would go father for such an excursion than for a Sight of Scipio in his retreat. Many Heroes, Statesmen and Phylosophers have retired: but few have been So patient and So wise.
Having invariably heard of your kindness to Americans, I have ventured to give to Major Swett a few Lines of introduction to you, I now add another to Mr John C. Gray a Son of our late Lt. governor William Gray, one of the most respectable of our Fellow Citizens.
It would be idle in me to Speculate on the affairs of the great World: but it seems as if a Seven years longer continuance of our late War would have been a Blessing. We were beginning in our little young World to be industrious, laborious, frugal and considerate: but the return of the piping time of Peace, with her train of Graces, Pleasures and fashions is precipitating Us into more Luxury and greater Extravagance than ever. With great respect and Esteem, for all your Family I have the honor to be your old Friend, now the / Octogenarian

                            John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Ripley, 4 October 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Ripley, William

Dear Sir
Quincy October 4th 1815

I rejoice in the publication of the pamphlet under the title of “Facts relative to the campaign on the Niagara in 1814” & am highly gratified in receiving a copy of it, from as respectable a source.
Had honour & rewards been at my disposal, or if I had possessed any share in the disposal of them, General Ripley would long since have heard from me, but as none of these things have fallen to my lot, I can only present you the thanks of a solitary individual. These, with the most unqualified sincerity I pray you to accept for those invaluable services you have rendered to your Country by a display of civil, political & military talents & virtues, that have not been exceeded, if equalled, since the fall of my dear friend Warren, at Bunkers Hill. I have been the less reserved, on this occasion, because the Statesmen & Warriors of Massachusetts, instead of supporting each others characters seem rather disproved to diminish each others fame. They manage these matters much better for their own interest in Virginia, & in most of the other States. With great esteem I have the honour to be Sir your most obedient Servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Louis Hue Girardin, 8 October 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Girardin, Louis Hue

Sir
Quincy October 8 1815

Your favour of September the 30th. was received last night. Your frank avowal of your birth in France is no diminution of your respectability in my Estimation: for of the two most conspicuous Nations of Europe I know not to which, I ought to give Preference in Science litterature and taste, but in point of Civilization and politeness I have no hesitation in preferring the French to the English.
Accept my Thanks for the two “Daily Compilers.”
In the first Line of the Letter dated Boston 17. April 1809 there is a mistake, instead of 1650, it Should have been 1630. For Joseph Adams Senior, the only one of the Eight sons of Henry who settled in this place, was an original Proprietor in the Township of Braintree which was legally incorporated in One thousand Six hundred and thirty nine, as appears by their Records.
In the second Paragraph of the same Letter is another Mistake. Samuel Adams and John Adams, it is true, were both descended from Henry, but not “by two of his sons.” They descended from two of the sons of Joseph Adams Senior. John descended from Joseph Adams junior the oldest son of Joseph senior. Samuel was descended from John Adams a Merchant in Boston, and a younger Son of Joseph Senior. If I should ever come to Boston and will favour me with a first I will take a Walk with you in the congregational Church Yard in Quincy, where the Grave Stones of the Race still appear with inscriptions in very legible Characters.
There is another little mistake in the Acount of the Letter of 1755. My dear youthfull Friend and correspondent Dr Nathan Webb, died a Batchellor and left no Son. He left the Letter to his Father who left it to his Nephew and Devisee Captain Jonathan Webb my Neighbour now living who was kind enough to send it to me when it to me when it was more than fifty Years old.
Another Mistake. J. Q. Adams’s Grandfather Smith was a Clergyman it is true: but his great grandfather was not. He was a Merchant in Charleston Massachusetts and a relation of the Smiths of Charleston South Carolina.
Another Mistake, J. Q. Adams’s Father did not “receive Permission to come home.” He was left in the most aukward Situation imaginable: but he took upon himself the resolution to return home, and run the Guantlett a Second time, through the thousand Ships of War of Great Britain and run the risque of the Tower and the hurdle and the Axe.
Thus far, with the above exceptions the Letter is correct and exact. In the continuation of the Letter, in the Compiler of September 25th. Justice is not done to J. Q. A. His “Acquirements in Science and Litterature have been equal to those of any public Man I ever knew in America, Jefferson and Madison not excepted. What may be intended by Sciences, I know not: but in Mathematicks, in Physicks, in Chymistry and in Natural History, his Proficiency need not Shrink from a Comparison with the proudest Sons of Fame in political or military Life.
There is another Inaccuracy. He had not “entirely neglected his Greek.” He had studied that Language at Leyden and there are Memorials Still in being in his hand Writing, of his studies in Greek, which shew that he was not only master of the Characters but had made a respectable Progress in the Rudiments. All the rest of this Letter is exact.
You request “further Information concerning the diplomatic Career of J. Q. A. On the 8th of August 1809 He sailed with part of his Family for Saint Petersburg as Min. Plen. to the Emperor of Russia. His Negotiations there and at Ghent; are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Secretary of State of the United States? I know nothing of them but what has appeared in the Newspapers. He has had too much discretion I presume, to communicate them to any but his Government.
He is now Min. Plen. in London, with his Wife and his three sons.
I am, Sir respectfully your humble Servant
John Adams
P.S. J. Q. A’s Travels in Silesia while he was Minister in Prussia were published in the Port Folio at Philadelphia and thence pirated into a printed Octavo Volume in London, and have since been translated into French. Any Man who will read them and his two Volumes of Lectures on Oratory may form a Judgment of his Litterature. His Letters to the public offices and to his Friends in America written from Europe for the last twenty years would form a History of the European and American World for the whole of that Period.
J. A.


Title: From John Adams to Richard Rush, 9 October 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Sir
Quincy October 9th 1815

Thanks for your favour of the 2nd. & the valuable pamphlet “America Jurisprudence” With no less pleasure than difficulty I have read it once; the difficulty arose from a distressing inflammation in my eyes.
Before I venture to say another word, concerning this book, I must promise, that I am no judge of its merits, because for the last forty years, I have been a stranger to Lawyers, Judges & Courts of Justice: during the seventeen years, ie. from 1758 to 1775, that I was a practitioner at the bar, Hume, Bracton, Brittoin, Fleta Glanville, the year books, Ploudens Commentaries, Lord Cokes reports & in the civil law Vinnius Cujacius &c were studied by some, & respected by all. When I began the study & indeed the practice, the name of Blackstone, had never been pronounced in America, & scarcely in England. the history of the common law is still more modern.
If you can command patience enough, to read Ploudens Commentaries, if my memory does not deceive me, you will find research, learning, patience, & assiduity, equal to any of our American reports, respectable as these are & have been. And the “Cocus quidam” of the Dutch Pedant, and Runster, Punster Bynkershook, will shew you a comprehensive knowledge of the Law, Learning, of his age & Country, that will command your admiration. And notwithstanding a little court compliance in the case of Rawleigh &c, you will find him a Patriot of the first water.
It has long been a mystery to me, that the Lawyers & political writers & Speakers of our Country have never mentioned the Consolato del mare. You are the first. In page 28 you say “the free states of Italy in the 13th. Century, had their Consolato del mare, of which they acknowledged the Authority.” All maratime Europe, my friend acknowledged its authority before the 13th Century, & ever since, down to Mansfield & Rider. If Blackstone had investigated the history of the Consolato, with as much accuracy as he did that of Magna Charta, if Roberston had spent as much time on it, as in the history of Charles 5th. if Gibbon had laboured it, as he has, the decline & fall of the Roman Empire, they might have done, still more service to mankind.
Rome
In Rome in 1075, in the Church of St John Cateran, these laws were solemnly sworn to be observed.
Acri
In 1111 they were acknowledged & sworn to be observed by St Louis & the Count of Solvia, on their march to Jerusalem.
Majorica
In 1112 they were sworn to be observed by the Pisans.
Pisa
In 1118 they were sworne to be observed, in the Church of St Peter, in the Podestatship of Ambrosio Mighiori.
Marseilles
In 1162 in August, they were sworn to be observed in the Podestaship of Antoia.
Almeria.
In 1174 they were sworn to be observed by the Count of Barcelona & by the Genovese.
Genoa
In 1186 they were acknowledged and sworn to be observed in the Podestaship of Pinet migleri, Peter Ambrori, John de St Danato, William de Caimosino, Baldoni & Peter of Arenes.
Brandi or Brindisi
In 1187 1 February they were accepted & sworn to be observed by King William.
Rhodes
In 1190 they were sworn to be observed by Galeta.
Morea.
In 1200 they were received and sworn to be observed by the Prince of Morea.
Constantinople
In 1215 they acknowledged & sworn to be observed forever, by the Republic of Venice, and by King John in the Church of St Sophia.
Germany
In 1224 they were adopted & sworn to be forever observed by the Sovereign.
Messina
In 1125 they were acceded to and sworn to be observed in the Church of St Mary, in presence of the Bishop of Caterina by Frederick Emperor of Germany.
Paris,
In 1250 they were acceded by John of Belmont, representing the king of France, who was sick in presence of the Knights, of the “Ost” of the Templars & Hospitallers, and of the Admiral of the Levent, to be observed forever.
Constantinople
In 1262, they were accepted & sworn to be observed forever by Paleologus, the Emperor, in the Church of St Angelo.
Soria
In 1270 they were acknowledged, & sworn to be forever observed by Frederick King of Cyprus, and in Constantinople by the Emperor Constantine.
Majorica
In 1270 they were accepted and sworn to be observed by James, King of Arragan, and Majorca.
Old Ocean, you see Mr Rush, has been a region of Controversy before this month of October 1815. Seven or 8 hundred years ago, old Anarch, reigned upon it, with such injustice & Inhumanity, as to compel all nations to agree, & take a solemn oath to the observance of their agreement. England is not mentioned, that Island was at that time, neither a manufacturing a Commercial, nor a maratime power. Shall that upstart power, now dictate a system of despotism to this Globe? Had the Sovereigns at Vienna concerted a new Consolato del mare, sworn to observe it, & invited all nations to embrace it, they would have attempted, at least, a plan of Justice for Humanity. But despotism & superstition prevailed. Poor human nature, is still left to wallow in blood.
I have many faults to find, as well as many beauties to acknowledge, in your “Jurisprudence” but my eyes, forbid me to write at present more than the name of
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 12 October 1815
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir
					La Grange October 12h 1819

				Your kind Letter by Major Swett Has afforded me the Highest pleasure—it Will Be Answered By a more direct opportunity than the Introductory lines which I beg leave to put into the Hands of Mr Poussin—this Young Scholar of the french Architectural Academy is Recommended to me By an eminent professor, my particular friend—Mr Poussin, Son to a Late distinguished artist, possesses THimself talents and knowledge Which He Hopes to Employ avantageously in the U.S. and particularly in Boston. I Have presumed to Hope You Would Have the Goodness to favour him with Your kind advices, and I am Happy in Every opportunity to offer You the High Respect and Most Sincere Affection of / Your old Constant friend

					Lafayette


Title: To John Adams from John Vaughan, 16 October 1815
From: Vaughan, John
To: Adams, John

					D Sir
					Philad. Oct. 16. 1815

				Accept of my warmest thanks for your kind letter by M. Gilman; the certainty that our old highly respected friends have not forgotten us is always grateful, & you have rendred it the more so, by the channel you have selected to communicate this token of your recollection.I have seen a Copy of your letter to D Morse which is highly satisfactory to the Society of Liberal Christian worshipping here, & is a proof of the continuance of those sentiments which induced you to Countenance the open profession of their sentiments when Dr Priestly, first laid the corner stone of our present establishment—Had you remaind here, we might probably have been enabled to have then formd a socy. &  supported a successor to D P.—From the want of it, our socy. became almost a private one, & has continued such till some Bigots taking the alarm, forced us into notice, we have with slender means boldly erected a building & with lay assistance from amongst ourselves kept it open, not without hopes that when we overcome our pecuniary difficulties the establishment will become permanent; we have been much aided by the occasional visits of our liberal friends from your quarter. The Sun of Liberality from the East, is not only dispelling the clouds of ignorance & Bigotry with you, but extending its benign influence here—& we hope e’re long will put it in our power to have a settled minister—In this point of view, such visits as Mr Gilmans are essential to us, & we shall always welcome such introductions—Our own people become more confident; prejudice is attacked in her strong hold—Many come thru’ curiosity, & go away respecting what they had before disdained—Mr G’s visit, brought some within our Walls who had before Walked on the other Side—We have been much pleased with him—I am pleased that you have not suffered from the late Storm You have seen & weathered many storms of various description—May the remainder of your days be, marked with a peace & quietness—to which you are so justly entitled, from a life so eminently active & Useful.I remain with respect / Your friend & Serv

					Jn Vaughan


Title: From John Adams to Asa Packard, 30 October 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Packard, Asa

Dear Sir
Quincy October 30th 1815

I accept with gratitude your Oration on the 4th of July 1815. Having read it over & over with renewed pleasure I must say it is a compend of good sound orthodox Politics, morals, and religion, very well expressed and  with Attick wit, which, I have not seen exceeded, in any former publication, on the same Anniversary If any of your hearers, or readers can find fault in it; what shall I say? Let him be Anathema, for what I care.
My love to your amiable Lady. Oh how many recollections of her Mother, her Grand mother, her Uncles & Aunt, my childish days, does her name bring to my view. They were the salt of the Earth; and may the Salt never lose it savour in her posterity. So prays on the dawning of the Anniversary of his Eightieth year, your very humble Servant

John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Melville, Jr., 31 October 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Melville, Thomas, Jr.

Sir
Quincy October 31st 1815

I have received and read your address before the Berkshire Society for the promotion of Agriculture & manufactures.As it appears to  be a well digested and well formed Compend of practical Agriculture & practicable Manufactures, well adapted to this Country in general, and to the Country of Berkshire in particular it has given me much pleasure for which I pray you to accept my thanks.
Our Societies of all kinds, our Schools, Academies, Universities, and Legislatures too, must exert all their wisdom to preserve the population of New England; for our people are emigrating to the Southward, in as numerous flocks as the Brants, and wild geese of Quincy Bay, at the approach of Winter.
That your Society may be prospered, and your labours properly estimated, is the sincere wish of your humble Servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Jedidiah Morse, 2 November 1815
From: Adams, John
To: Morse, Jedidiah

Dear Sir
Quincy Novber. 2nd 1815

On September 11th. I wrote you a line inclosed in a pacquet with four original letters from Governor McKean and a pamphlet of my own. I requested the return of them: but have not been informed whether you have received them or not.
Whether it was jocularly or ironically, or ludicrously, or vanity, that I promised you a specimen of the manner in which I would write the history of our country for the last half Century,I now perform my promises.
I would begin by informing the world and posterity, that the history of the United States, never has been written, and never can be written. Nothing remains of the Revolution but the dead Carcass. The soul is fled from Earth & recorded only in heaven. Congress was the soul of the Revolution, if it had any soul; But Congress, was a secret conclave. Their journals are the most meagre of Annals. There was a secret Journal, which has never been published, and another more secret, the Secret, of Secrets, which never will be published. This timidity sufficiently excited my contempt & Indignation at the time to make me Enemies, who never forgot their resentments.
There are minutes it is said of the Secretary of the Council of Nice; and Father Paul has written the history of the Council of Trent: but no man has written the history of the Congress of America from 1774 to 1783, nor from thence to 1789. Nor can the history of it from 1774 to 1778 ever be written. The Members did not write their orations before hand, nor read them from their seats, nor reduce them to writing afterwards for publication in the Newspapers. I have never seen, nor read a single speech for four years, i e from 1774 to 1778 except two or three, that Dr Witherspoon it seems, composed as he did his Sermons, and delivered from his memory, which have been published in his posthumous works.
If you return me my documents, and wish any more of my hints, if Eyes and fingers will permit I may give you one or two more. mean time I am with respect, and esteem your friend
John Adams