Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy May 6 1816

Neither Eyes Fingers or Paper held out, to dispatch all the Trifles I wished to write in my last Letter.
In your favour of April 8th, You “wonder for what good End the Sensations of Grief could be intended”? You wish the Pathologists would tell Us, what the Use of Grief, in our Œconomy, and of what good it is the Cause proximate or remote.” When I approach Such questions as this, I consider myself, like one of those little Eels in Vinaigre, or one of those Animalcules in black or red Peper or in the Horse radish Root, that bite our Tongues So cruelly, reasoning upon the το παν. Of what Use is this Sting upon the Tongue? Why might We not have the Benefit of these Stimulants, without the Sting? Why might We not have the fragrance and Beauty of the Rose without the Thorn?
In the first place, however, We know not the Connections between pleasure and Pain. They Seem to be mechanical and inseperable. How can We conceive a Strong Passion, a Sanguine Hope Suddenly disappointed without producing Pain? or Grief? Swift at 70, recollected the Fish he had angled out of Water when a Boy, which broke loose from his hoock, and said I feel the disappointment at this Moment. A Merchant places all his fortune and all his Credit, in a single India or China Ship. She arrives at the Viniard with a Cargo worth a Million, in order. Sailing round the Cape for Boston a Sudden Storm wrecks her, Ship Cargo and Crew all lost. Is it possible that the Merchant ruined, bankrupt Sent to Prison by his Creditors, his Wife and Children Starving, Should not grieve? Suppose a young Couple, with every advantage of Persons, fortunes and connection on the Point of an indissoluble Union. A flash of Lightening, or any one of those Millions of Accidents which are allotted to Humanity proves fatal to one of the Lovers. Is it possible that the other, and all the Friends of both Should not grieve? It Should Seem that Grief, as a mere Passion must necessarily be in Proportion to Sensibility.
Did you cover see a Portrait or a Statue of a great Man, without perceiving Strong Traits of Paine & Anxiety? These Furrows were all ploughed in the Countenance, by Grief. Our juvenile Oracle, Sir Edward Coke, thought that none were fit for Legislators and Magistrates, but “Sad Men”. And Who were these Sad Men? They were aged Men, who had been tossed and buffeted in the Vicissitudes of Life, forced upon profound Reflection by Grief and disappointments and taught to command their Passions & Prejudices
But, all this, You will Say, is nothing to the purpose. It is only repeating and exemplifying a Fact, which my question supposed to be well known, viz the Existence of Grief; and is no Answer to my question, “What Are the Uses of Grief.” This is very true, and you are very right; but may not the Uses of Grief be inferred, or at least Suggested by Such Exemplifications of known facts? Grief compels the India Merchant to think; to reflect upon the plan of his Voyage.” Have I not been rash, to trust my Fortune, my Family, my Liberty, to the Caprices of Winds and Waves in a Single Ship? I will never again give a loose to my Imagination and Avarice.” It had been wiser and more honest to have traded on a Smaller Scale upon my own Capital.” The dessolated Lover and disappointed Connections, are compelled by their Grief to reflect on the vanity of human Wishes and Expectations; to learn the essential Lesson of Resignation; to review their own Conduct towards the deceased; to correct any Errors or faults in their future conduct towards their remaining friends and towards all Men; to recollect the Virtues of the lost Friend and resolve to imitate them; his Follies and Vices if he had and resolve to avoid them. Grief drives Men into habits of Serious Reflection Sharpens the Understanding and softens the heart; it compells them to arrouse their Reason, to assert its Empire over their Passions Propensities and Prejudices; to elevate them to a Superiority over all human Events; to give them the Felicis Annimi immota tranquilitatem; in short to make them Stoicks and Christians.
After all, as Grief is a Pain, it Stands in the Predicament of all other and the great question occurs what is the origin and what the final cause of Evil. This perhaps is known only to Omnicience. We poor Mortals have nothing to with it, but to fabricate all the good We can out of all inevitable Evils, and avoid all that are avoidable, and many such there are, among which are our own unnecessary apprehensions and imaginary Fears. Though Stoical Apathy is impossible, yet Patience and Resignation and tranquility may be acquired by consideration in a great degree, very much for the hapiness of Life.
I have read Grim, in fifteen Volumes of more than five hundred pages each. I will not say, like Uncle Tobey “you shall not die till you have read him.” But you ought to read him, if possible It is the most entertaining Work I ever read. He appears exactly you represent him. What is most of all remarkable in his Impartiality He Spares no Characters, but Necker and Diderot, Voltaire, Buffon, D’Alembert, Helvetius, Rousseau, Marmontel, Condorcet, La Harpe, Beaumarchais and all others are lashed without Ceremony. Their Portraits as faithfully drawn as possible. It is a compleat Review of French Litterature and fine Arts from 1753 to 1790. No Politicks. Criticisms very just. Anecdotes without number, and very merry. One ineffably ridiculous I wish I could Send you, but it is immeasurably long. D’Argens, a little out of health and Shivering with the cold in Berlin asked leave of he King to take a ride to Gascony his Native Province. He was absent so long that Frederick concluded the air of the south of France was like to detain his Friend and as he wanted his society and services he contrived a Trick to bring him back. He fabricated a Mandement in the Name of the Archbishop of Aix, commanding all Faithful to seize The Marquis D’Argens, author of Ocellus, Timæus and Julian, Works Atheistical, Deistical, Heretical and impious in the highest degree. This Mandement composed in a Style of Ecclesiastical Eloquence that never was exceeded by Pope, Jesuite, Inquisitor, or sorbonite he sent in Print by a courier to D’Argens, who frightened out of his Witts fled by cross roads out of France and back to Berlin, to the greater Joy of the Philosophical Court the laugh of Europe which they had raised at the Expence of the learned Marquis
I do not like the late Resurrection of the Jesuits. They have a General, now in Russia, in correspondence with the Jesuits in the U.S. who are more numerous than every body knows. Shall We not have Swarms of them here? as many Shapes and disguises as ever a King of the Gypsies, Bamfied More Carew himself, assumed? In the shape of Printers, Editors, Writers School masters &c. I have lately read Pascalls Letters over again, and four Volumes of the History of the Jesuits. If ever any Congregation of Men could merit, eternal Perdition on Earth and in Hell; according to these Historians though like Pascall true Catholicks, it is this Company of Loiola. Our System however of Religious Liberty must afford them an Assylum. But if they do not put Purity of our Elections to a Severe Tryal, it will be a Wonder.
J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alexander Townsend, 13 May 1816
From: Townsend, Alexander
To: Adams, John

					Venerable Sir,
					Boston 13th. May 1816.

				I have it in contemplation to devote a portion of my leisure to Recollections of the Life of Samuel Dexter. Any facts, public anecdotes, or pertinent data you may be good enough to supply, wd. be a tribute of respect to his memory, I am well aware, your heart and hand are both open to pay. I add only as apology for a stranger’s application, that obligation indeed wd. thus be conferred on, Sir, your respectful friend and very humble and devoted Servant,

					Alexr. Townsend.


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Townsend, 15 May 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Townsend, Alexander

Sir
Quincy May 15th 1816

Your Thoughts of devoting “some Portion of your Leisure to recollections of Mr Dexter,” have tenderly affected me.
Without any private correspondence, and very little personal Intercourse; his; Father was an invariable and disinterested Friend whome I highly esteemed for more than fifty years.—But what shall I say of the Son? Shall I compare him with Chief Justice Dana or Chief Justice Parsons or Chief  Justice Sewall or Chief Justice Parker or the late amiable Mr Ames or Mr Otis or Mr Quincy? No I might write a Volume of such Comparisons, but who would ever be the wiser or the better for it!
This much I will say, in the forty one years in which I have known all the general Character who have figured on our American Theatre— I have never known his Equal in Genius, or his Superior in Independence of Mind. None, who ever made so deep an impression wherever he went; none who excited so much terror and rancour among foreign Libellers. None more injured by Calumny; none, to whome whose Virtues and Talents new England has been apparently so insensible, He has never employed Puffers; nor have Puffers employed themselves for him.
You acknowledge yourself a Stranger:” but you must be a Stranger no longer, if you wish any father Information from me.
I should be glad to see you in Quincy, wishing you Success in your virtuous Investigations—
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Joseph Gales, Jr., 16 May 1816
From: Gales, Joseph, Jr.,Seaton, William Winston
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Office of the Natl. Intelligencer May 16. 1816

				We have the pleasure to acknowledge your favor of the 5th ulto. directing us to call on Judge Cranch for $10 in payment of your subscription to the Intelligencer. In transmitting our annual accounts to subscribers, which were in February last sent off, we apprehend, from your letter, that our clerk forwarded your account to you; and we trouble you with this letter to say, if such was the fact, that it was done without our knowledge. We should have deemed it wholly unnecessary, if not rude, to dun a patron so old & punctual, & would have prevented it had we been aware in time of the circumstanceWith sincere & high respect / Your obt. Servants

					Gales & Seaton


Title: From John Adams to Joseph Story, 22 May 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Story, Joseph

Sir
Quincy May 22. 1816

I pray you to accept my sincere Thanks for an elegant Sketch of mr Dexter, which has tenderly affected me.
It is a Subject on which I dare not trust myself, to write or scarcely to think.
Mr Dexter was to me a Friend in Need. He was at home, every were, as if it had been by Intuition.
But my reflections upon this occasion, for myself, for his Family, for his Country, and his Species are so melancholy, that I must desist
If an History of this Country Should ever be written with common Sense and common honesty, the Character of Mr Dexter must be develloped at some Length, and that of the late Chief Justice Sewall ought not to be forgotten.
Accept, Sir, the assurance of the respect and Sincere  Esteem, with the thanks of your very humble Servant
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Jedidiah Morse, 26 May 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Morse, Jedidiah

Dear Sir
Quincy May 26th 1816

I have received your Favour of the Second of this Month, and the Letters I lent you of Governor Mackean: but not the Pamphlet I lent you at the Sametime, So improperly entitled by British Editors, “History of the disputes with America.”
This Pamphlet, the only one I know, at present, I pray you to return as Soon as possible; because I have immediate Occasion for it.
I am, Sir, very respectfully your old Friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 May 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Reverend Honourable learned, Venerable and dear Sir,
Quincy May 26th 1816

As I stand in great need of a Casuist in Phylosophy, Morality and Christianity; to whom Should I apply, but to you, whom I consider as the best qualified of all my Friends?
The Stoicks, the Christians, the Mahometans and our North American Indians, all agree, that Complaint is unmanly, unlawful and impious. To bear Torment without a murmur, a Sigh, a Groan, or a distortion of Face or Feature or a Wryth or contorsion of the Body, is consumate Virtue, Heroism and Piety, Mr Lear has compleated the Glory of Great and good Washington, by informing Us that he suffered great distress without a Sigh or a Groan. Jeptha’s Daughter, Agamemnons Iphigenia, The Hindoo Widows who roast broil and fry, with their Husbands Bones probably utter no Shrieks. The Son of Acknomack never complained. Brissot and Some of his Colleagues are said to have pronounced “Vive la Repub,” when the Guilotine, has cut of the head, which hopping and bouncing and rolling, has articulated the Syllable “lyke,” after it was Sundered from the Shoulders.
I can almost believe all this. The History of the Christian Martyrs and the French Clergy on the Second of September, Seem to render it credible. Indeed, in the course of my Strange Life, I have had, at times Some Feelings of a like kind; but I do not give So much Weight to all these as to the cool declaration of our excellent, and blessed, tho’ once passionate Dr Chauncey, that he had found by Experience, that a Man could lye all night upon his Pillow, under the most excruciating Torment of Tooth ache, Head ache, Rhumatism or Gout, unable to Sleep a Wink, without uttering one Groan Sigh, or Syllable.
Now sir, please to tell me what Virtue there is in all this? A common Man, as I am informed, was lately asked What he meant by the Word Resignation? His Answer was “I cannot help it” Could Socrates have given a better Answer?
Resignation is our own Affair. What good does it do to God? Prudence dictates to Us, to make the best We can of inevitable Evils. We may frett, and fume and peeve and Scold and rave, but What good does this do? It hurts Ourselves, and may hurt our Neighbours by the weak Silly, foolish Example, but does no good in the Universe that We can imagine.
Voltaire for the last ten years of his Life, Seemed to adopt as a kind of Motto “Vieux, et malade” and I might adopt for mine Vieux et malade, paralytique et presque Aveugle. My Wife has been Sick all Winter frequently at the point of death in her own opinion, I have been Sick in the Beginning of Winter and the beginning of Winter Spring and the good for nothing all the year round. I have lost the ablest Friend I had on Earth in Mr Dexter. Is all this Complaint? If I say I have the Tooth Ache, the Head Ache, the Ear Ache, the Cholic, the Gout the Gravel the Stone, or the Rheumatism; is this Complaint? As I have alluded to Washington, I may quote Franklin. The Aged Phylosopher alighted from his Coach at my door, at Auteuil, on an Invitation to dinner. I never Saw a more perfect Picture of Horror Terror or Grief, than his Countence. I was Shocked with Surprize and Compassion. He turned to his Coachman and said “You need not come for me; I will walk home.” (to Passy, about two miles.) He then turned to me, and said “I will never enter the Door of a Coach again, at least if I cannot find a Coachman, who has the Stone.” I believe he kept his Word. But was this, Complaint.?
I See nothing but Pride Vanity and Affectation and Hypocrisy in these pretended Stoical Apathies. I have so much sympathy and Compassion for human Nature, that a Man or a Woman may grunt and groan, Shrieck or Scream, weep, cry or roar, as much as Nature dictates under extream distress, provided there be no affectation; for there may be Hypocricy even in these Expressions of Torture,. I have not alluded to the Crucifictions of the Convulsionaries of Paris.
Pray, enlighten my Conscience.
Now, for the Travels on and about the Oneida Lake, which I read with more Interest than Scotts Monument of clannish Fable the Lady of the Lake. Receiving it without any Letter, I concluded it was to be returned to you. Wishing Mr Johnson might have the pleasure and Advantage of reading it, I requested him to return it to you. I no more suspected it to come from De Witt Clinton than from the Prophet of Wabash, or the Prophet of Oneida, or the Up and down Phylosopher and Hero of Elba and St. Helena. Had Mr Clinton condescended to drop me a Line I should have delivered the Manuscript to Mr Quincy as you intended.
I lament the Misfortunes of Frieind Geselaers Family as do those of my Friend Gerry’s and many others of the most virtuous and meritorious Men I have known, I cannot say I have never Seen the Seed of honest Men begging Bread. But I believe Equity as well as goodness will prevail in the Universe throughout This is a fundamental Article in the Faith of your Friend
John Adams
dear Sir
I add a postscript to tell you the news, I heard last Evening, that Mr B Guild, a young Lawyer Nephew to an Quincy is engaged to your Friend miss Elliot, your Letter I have received shall reply to it hereafter—


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Townsend, 2 June 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Townsend, Alexander

Sir
Quincy June 2nd 1816

I regret very much my accidental absence from home, when you did me the honour to call here. It will be found impossible to do justice to the character of Mr Dexter, without a thorough knowledge of the history of this country, especially of that part of it from 1797 to 1808. The parties during the revolution and since, have grown out of those parties which existed before, from the first settlement of the Country.
Judge Story had great cause to apprehend himself “treading upon Ashes, thinly strewed over living embers.” The embers however may be found, burning coals, more intensely hot, & the covering more dirty than ashes; to a degree of which that judicious & able magistrate has no conception or suspicion. Consider the names & characters implicated and the events that occurred in the last years of the 18th century & the first years of the 19th. French policy, & British policy! Pitt, and Miranda! South America, and St Domingo!
It seems to be the will of providence that, that period should remain obscure, and misrepresented. Mr Dexter was the only man, capable of explaining it, and I have reason to believe he intended it.
Wishing you all possible success in your enquiries / I am Sir, your very humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Richard Rush, 3 June 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Rush, Richard

Dear Rush
Quincy June 3rd 1816

I know not whether I am in your debt, or you in mine, but I can no longer refrain from writing
The death of mr Dexter has awakened my most latent feelings; I am personally so deeply interested in this event, that I dare not trust myself to write, or even think, on the importance of it.
Poor, short sighted mortals as we are! I consider my own reputation, & the true character of my administration, as buried in the same Coffin with him. No other man was capable of drawing the portrait, and I have reason to believe he intended to do it. But would even Mr Dexter! would he have dared to say that he great and good Fabius, could not bear the sight of the Laurels & triumphs of Scipio?
Both parties in this Country, according to their principles and feelings, have great reason to rejoice in his death, for neither has any thing to dread, so much as an impartial historian.
Mr De la Plaine of Philadelphia has written to me for minutes of my life. I have referred him to your family. I know your father wrote a sketch of my character, & though I never knew one word that was in it, I believe it was curious enough.
I wish to know whether your amiable family have consented to the publication of it.
With sincere esteem I am your good friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Alexander Townsend, 3 June 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Townsend, Alexander

					Sir
					Quincy. June 3, 1816

				I regret very much, my accidental Absence from home when you did me the honour to call here.It will be found impossible to do Justice to the Character of Mr Dexter, without a thoughrow knowledge of the History of this Country especially of that part of it, from 1797 to 1802. The Parties during the Revolution, and Since, have grown out of those Parties which existed before, from the first Settlement of the Country.Judge Story had great cause to apprehend himself “treading upon Ashes, thinly Strewed over living Embers”. The Embers however, may be found burning Coals more intensely hot, and the covering more dirty than Ashes; to a degree of which that judicious and able Magistrate has no conception or Suspicion.Consider the Names and Characters implicated, and the Events that occurred in the last years of the Eighteenth Century and the first years of the Nineteenth! French Policy and British Policy! Pitt and Miranda! South America and St. Domingo!It seems to be the Will of Providence, that that Period Should remain obcure and misrepresented. Mr Dexter was  the only Man capable of explaining it: and I have reason to believe he intended it.

					Signed John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 11 June 1816
From: Morse, Jedidiah
To: Adams, John

					Hon. & dear Sir,
					Charlestown June 11. 1816

				I have to ask your pardon for delaying to answer Your’s of the 26th. ulto. & returning the enclosed pamphlet, till now—Your letter found me in the busiest season of the year, engaged to the full—& I have been kept so till this time—I wished to give it another reading before returning it—as it contains some important facts & opinions, recorded at the time, of whh I shd. wish to avail myself, in the arduous & delicate work whh I have before me—I wd. Wish to be faithful & impartial—& as far as maybe to give true history—Your communications, I deem of particular importance, & should your liesure & inclination allow you to continue them from time to time, you would confer on me, & on the public  & posterity too, great obligations—Such private letters, as those of Govr. McKean, written by public men in past years, could they be obtained, wd. through much light on our history, as they would be more likely to contain the truth, than those written for the public eye.—I hope, Sir, you may enjoy yet many days of Otium cum dignitate—& be honored, useful & happy to the end of this life—& then, through the grace of the Great Redeemer, enter that World, “Where the Wicked cease from troubling, & the weary are at rest.”Mrs Morse, & our Son, unite with me in best respects to yourself & Mrs Adams.With great Sincerity your / friend & Servt

					Jedh Morse

					Accept my thanks for the loan of the enclosed pamphlet.


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 25 June 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

Dear Waterhouse,
Quincy June 25th 1816

In the style of John and Jonathan Bull, I give you a thousand thanks for your letter of the 18th and the Journal of the Surgeon.
The great James Otis whose style was hasty, rough and coarse, and who hated and despised correction, often gave some of his compositions to Sam Adams, whose language was soft, harmonious, and oily, as Otis expressed himself “To quieu  it”
Who “quieu ” this little book? Aut Erasmus, aut Diabolus.
It has so much of the air of romance, and the American character is so perfectly sustained, as far as I have read, or heard it, that I wish 40-000 copies were sold. I never laughed so much in reading Don Quixote or Mc Fingal.
Shall we have a joyful and harmonious day of Independence, and chain up the Monster Party or not? My Cousin Brooks begins his career decently. But I shall not fail to lament my Dexter on that day or any other.
I presume The Parcee have agreed that Monroe shall be P. Why should I grieve, when grieving I must bear; and take with guilt, what guiltess I might share? But I had rather have had Dexter.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 7 July 1816
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and high respected friend!
Oldenbarneveld 7 July 1816.

I make no apologÿ in not answering your gratifying favour of the 26th of may Sooner, nor do I Suppose, you required it. My avocations having been So manÿ—mÿ work So crowding—having no help but my Son, daÿ after daÿ planting and replanting, and Sowing again—what had been killed by the frost in my garden, that I really was no Sooner at leisure—and yet—often I took your letter in hand—but only to reperuse it—and enjoy the Satisfaction that I preserved the Same Share in your affectionate esteem, with that of your excellent Lady, with which I have been favoured during Such a long interval of time.
But—why I have deserved the ridicule of your Reverend—honorable and venerable Epithets? not that I question your favourable opinion—I respect myself enough to believe, that without Some merits, I would not have obtained in your heart that place, which I know I possess—but have I, perhaps, unconsciously, betraÿ’d Some weekness—of dictating, where it was my province to listen, with a view to be instructed? in this case—the reproof is Seasonable—rather howewer I will consider this humerous playfulness—as a proof, that you continue to enjoy health and contentment—and that not even the infirmities—riveted with high advanced age—not even the precarious Situation of your Lady, during this unfavorable Season could disturb your Serenity, could marr your comfort—could bereave you of that tranquillity—which baffles the assaults of a frail and checquered life; and yet, you can wish—that I Should delineate the precepts which you have learn’d to practise more and more I do not Suppose—that neither about this topic we do disagree widely—Resignation—and a calm Submission to the will of a wise and good Being—whatever may befal us—howewer painful it may be—I consider an exalted virtue—a requisite to become great and good—the brilliant ornament of the man—the Philosopher—the Christian. But I did never contemplate—that it was Situated in apathÿ—that it required, that we Should cease men:
fortissimus ille est,
Qui promtus metuenda pati, si comminus instent
Et differre potest—
A System, which only depended on Strong nerves, can not much recommend itself to me—and he, who weeps, and laments and groans may actually possess a higher degree of fortitude—with a more cheerful Submission to the inflicting rod, than he—“qu’on doit, as montesquieu Said, ecorcher pour lui donner du Sentiment”. He, who can not weep for himself, Shall not have a tear for a friend, or pour the balm of comfort by Speechless Sighs, in the wounded bosom, who deems a groan—unjustifiable—even if extorted bÿ the pangs of excruciating illness, be it of mind or body. I do not Suppose—we excel above the fair—in exquisite Sensibility—and yet they equal us often in fortitude, and Surpass us in calm resignation and for this it was—about a year past, that I wished, that Mount Walaston’s Ladÿ might cheer the last moments of her Consort, and gather then the fruits of her labour.
Mr Johnson was far more courteous than He, whom I requested to Send you my western excursion—He Send me, when he returned it, a verÿ handsome lettar; perhaps this Silence did originate in the unceremonious manner of request—to forward it to your address.
I must have expressed myself incorrectly—that you understood—my information of my frend’s family—as of de Gyselaer’s—full of the Subject, it is presumtive I mentioned no name—no—my Dear frend! although perhaps not rich—our frends family is in no want, met with no misfortune. It is my frend’s Mappa’s only Son. A worthÿ young man in Several respects—but indolent and inactive—trusting the care of his concerns to a partner, who with moderate abilities and extravagant Schemes ruined both; and, what is worse, make my old frend Share pretty deep in their fall—They have compounded with their creditors—at least the majority—and I believe—the remainder Shall follow—my friend being the Security. This event has disturbed our happiness—I hope—it Shall not be lasting. It happens but verÿ Seldom—if it ever does—as you insinuate—that the Seed of honest men is begging bread—without anÿ fault of theirs, either of omission or commission. In this case I pity but can not exculpate—the Sin lies at the door of the Son—and not the father—but in their circumstances—“ipsa Salus non poterat Servare hanc familiam, without a wonder”.
You recollect, that, when three years past, I was So cordially received under your roof—one feast among the many was the communication of the Syllabus of Monticello’s Philosopher—In my correspondence with him, I mentioned it—and that you would not permit me a copÿ—what do you now Say when I tell you—that he favoured me with it:—So he did—and—If I can Succeed—it Shall be published—and—if you—through our Embassadour at London—obtain three copies—you ought to Send one to me—the other to Him if two only, I wave mÿ claim—but no hint about the author—!—was I near you—I would reveal the whole mysterÿ—now a deep mum, was I near you—I would bring you a defence of the Orthodox System by Basanistes—but I dare not expose it to unhallowed eyes—neither trust it in unhallowed hands. It is not a defence of the Trinity-doctrine but of the Quaternity—moses included!! It can not fail of doing execution in England.
You will now permit me, to address a few words to your Lady—and can I do less—
My Dear and respected Madam!
but giving you my Sincerest thanks for your kind communication with regard to my frend Miss Eliza—I received with by the Same mail a Letter of her—but had first unsealed—and read that of mr. Adams—how was I pleased with your three lines! but who knows better than your Ladyship—to oblige in Season—This you proved last year—when mrs v. d. k—was visiting her children—and now again—you knew—you could contribute to my happiness—and you actually did So. I had been before entrusted with the Secret—your lines Stamped it with your approbation—and then the fair innocent made confession. It Shall be a happy pair—if my prayer’s are heard—if He is worthy of Her—which I conclude from your notice—She Shall gain—I doubt not—if introduced in your family—your affectionate esteem—without fear of loosing it again. And now wishing you a more warm and fruitful Season than has fallen to our lot—renewed health, and continued contentment—and recommending myself to your kindness—I must take leave of your Lady Ship—tho’ not without assurance of my Sincerest respect—
I am—as allways— / My Dear and respected Frend! / Your’s faithfully

Fr. Adr. vanderkemp


Title: From John Adams to John Thornton Kirkland, 10 July 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Kirkland, John Thornton

Dear Sir
Quincy July 10. 1816

I have written to my Son and enclosed your Letter of the 4th. which will be the best recommendation of mr Bigalow that can be written.
Though it was a Small Sum that my Scanty Fortune and indigent Family permitted me to Subscribe to your Theological Establishment; I never did any thing with more Satisfaction than by contributing a mite towards removing Some of the Shackles of the human Mind.
My humble Subscription Shall be advanced whenever it is called for, by your undisguised Friend, and very humble / Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Richard Rush, 13 July 1816
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Washington July 13. 1816

				In a letter from one of our family in Philadelphia, I am given to understand, that Mr Dellaplaine has, as yet, made no request for the little manuscript character alluded to in a former letter which I had the pleasure to write you. But I have obtained a copy of it, which I beg leave herewith to enclose. It may be much too imperfect for the publick eye. I will say this of it however, that as far as it goes it is full of merit. It would enrich, as I think, in the form of a note or addendum, some more full biography, from whatever hand such a work may at a future day come. At our fire side in Philadelphia it was always esteemed a precious little relict, and has been read to many a friend. The copy sent, which is respectfully designed for the acceptance of Mrs Adams and the grandchildren about you, is taken, word for word, from the original in my father’s handwriting. It was written during the revolution, except a few sentences towards the close which he added afterwards.  Allow me to say, that I have read within the last few days, what I have esteemed quite a treat. It is the letter dated “Quincy February 6. 1816” addressed to the society established in Massachusetts to discourage war. I rejoice in its publication. There is nothing in Tacitus that goes beyond it. I beg to offer, as usual, the tribute of my respectful admiration and friendship.

					Richard Rush.


Title: To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 16 July 1816
From: Spafford, Horatio Gates
To: Adams, John

					Hond. and Esteemed Friend—
					Albany, 7 Mo. 16, 1816.

				It is with great pleasure that I have observed, of late, the continued evidences of thy health so prolonged, and habitual activity and attention. Long may it be continued.I have lately been favored with a Letter from thy Son, at London, whom so many are anxious to see return to the United States.The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, has conferred on me the honor of a Fellowship, with which I am highly gratified.I have another work in the press, and shall send thee a copy as soon as published: for I am neither a theologian, a philosopher, or a politician. This work, I flatter myself, would not disturb thy peace.I avail myself of a privilege which thy goodness bestowed, and enclose a Letter for the Sec. A.A.S.With very sincere esteem, and respect, / thy friend,

					H. G. Spafford


Title: From John Adams to William Bainbridge, 17 July 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Bainbridge, William,Bainbridge, Susan Hyleger

Dear Sir
Quincy July 17 1816

I thank you for your kind and obliging Invitation to me and my famility to visit the Independence. I can Scarcely imagine any thing that would give Us more pleasure, if We could bear it. But an Octogenarian Gentleman and a Septuaginarian Lady, cannot be too cautious of engaging in bold, daring and hazardous Enterprises, without an Object of public good.
If Commodore Bainbridge and his Lady can find Leisure to visit Quincy, they will be recd. with cordial Esteem by Mrs Adams and her Husband,
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Horatio Gates Spafford, 26 July 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Spafford, Horatio Gates

Worthy Friend
Quincy 7 Mo. 26, 1816

I thank thee, for thy kind congratulations on my Health. There is no Man who wishes the return of my Son So much as myself. But whenever he returns it will puzzle him, as much as it did his Father, to know what to do with himself. It may also Somewhat perplex his Country: but She will give herself very little trouble about him.
The American Accademy, has done honour to thee and to itself, by electing thee into the number of its members. I congratulate them and thee thereupon. Thy Letter to Our Friend and my Neighbour, Quincy, Shall be delivered as Soon as may be.
I am confident that no Work of thine will disturb my peace: there fore, Send it on, the Sooner the better. I wish that our American Accademy could produce So good an Account of Massachusetts, as Thou hast given the World of New York.
I like thy Style and good humour So well that I have endeavoured to adopt and imitate both, I hope without Offence, for Surely none was intended by thy Friend.

John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1816
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

 Dear Sir Monticello Aug. 1. 16 Your two philosophical letters of May 4. and 6. have been too long in my Carton of “Letters to be answered.” to the question indeed on the utility of Grief, no answer remains to be given. you have exhausted the subject. I see that, with the other evils of life, it is destined to temper the cup we are to drink.Two urns by Jove’s high throne have ever stood,The source of evil one, and one of good;From thence the cup of mortal man he fills,Blessings to these, to those distributes ills;To most he mingles both.Putting to myself your question, Would I agree to live my 73. years over again for ever? I hesitate to say. with Chew’s limitations from 25. to 60. I would say Yes; and might go further back, but not come lower down. for, at the latter period, with most of us, the powers of life are sensibly on the wane,
			 sight becomes dim, hearing dull, memory constantly enlarging it’s frightful blank and parting with all we have ever seen or known, spirits evaporate, bodily debility creeps on palsying every limb, and so faculty after faculty quits us, and where then is life? if, in it’s full vigor, of good as well as evil, your friend Vassall could doubt it’s value, it must be purely a negative quantity when it’s evils alone remain. yet I do not go into his opinion entirely. I do not agree that an age of pleasure is no
			 compensation for a moment of pain. I think, with you, that life is a fair matter of account, and the balance often, nay generally in it’s favor. it is not indeed easy, by calculation of intensity
			 and
			 time, to apply a common measure, or to fix the par between pleasure and pain: yet it exists, and is measurable. on the question, for example, whether to be cut for the stone? the young, with a
			 longer
			 prospect of years, think these overbalance the pain of the operation. Dr. Franklin, at the age of 80, thought his residuum of life, not worth that price. I should have thought with him, even taking the stone out of the scale. there is a ripeness of time for death,
			 regarding others as well as ourselves, when it is reasonable we should drop off, and make room for another growth. when we have lived our generation out, we should not wish to encroach on
			 another. I
			 enjoy good health; I am happy in what is around me. yet I assure you I am ripe for leaving all, this year, this day, this hour. if it could be doubted whether we would go back to 25. how can it
			 be,
			 whether we would go forward from 73? bodily decay is gloomy in prospect; but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is body without mind. perhaps however I might accept of time to read Grimm before I go. 15. volumes of anecdotes and incidents, within the compass of my own time and cognisance, written by an acquaintance, a man of genius, of taste, of point, an acquaintance the measure and traverses of whose mind I knew, could not fail to turn the scale in favor of life during their perusal. I must write to Ticknor to add it to my catalogue, and hold on till it comes.—there is a mr Vanderkemp of N.Y. a correspondent I believe of yours, with whom I have exchanged some letters, without knowing who he is. will you tell me?—I know nothing of the history of the Jesuits you mention in 4. vols.
			 is it a good one? I dislike, with you, their restoration; because it marks a step retrograde step from light towards darkness. we shall have our follies without doubt. some one or more of them will always be afloat. but ours will be the follies of enthusiasm, not of
			 bigotry, not of Jesuitism. bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. education & free discussion are the antidotes of both. we are destined to
			 be a
			 barrier against the returns of ignorance and barbarism. old Europe will have to lean on our shoulders, and to hobble along by our side, under the monkish trammels of priests & kings, as she can. what a Colossus shall we be when the Southern continent
			 comes up to our mark! what a stand will it secure as a ralliance for the reason & freedom of the globe! I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. so good night! I will dream on, always fancying that mrs Adams and yourself are by my side marking the progress and the obliquities of ages and countries.Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Stephen Miller, 1 August 1816
From: Miller, Stephen
To: Adams, John

					Respected Sir
					New York 1st Augt. 1816

				Being personally unknown to you, I fear that I am chargeable with a breach of decorum in thus addressing a letter to you without a particular introduction; but as no person is at hand to give me a letter, & the object of my enquiry such as few except yourself can answer, I must depend on your goodness for forgiveness.you will probably recollect sir that Soon after the peace of 1763, the King issued a proclamation granting to the Officers and soldiers who served in the war just then ended, certain quantities of land (in proportion to their several grades) to be located on the River Mississipi; many of the Officers of that army have never received their warrants, nor any compensation in lieu of them, nor do they know how or where to apply but it is generally believed that our government is pledged to satisfy those claims—now sir, the object of my troubling you is to enquire whether, at the conclusion of our revolutionary war, or at any period prior or subsequent to that event, the United States became bound by any direct or implied contract to satisfy those claims, or if any provision whatever has ever been made respecting them.—My father Colo: Stephen Miller, late of Milton, was an Officer during the war ending in 1763, he is still living and formerly resided in the house you now occupy, he has never received any advantage from the grant in question, and it is on his account I make this enquiry, and shall esteem it a particular favor in receiving your reply. Permit me again Sir to apologize for intruding on your retirement & to subscribe myself with great respect & consideration your Obt. Servt.

					Stephen Miller


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 August 1816
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected friend!
Oldenbarneveld 3 Aug. 1816.

I intended at first to have answered your kind favour of July 16—last week—but I was everÿ daÿ So much fatigued in the evening—having—after my gardens were cleared thoroughly, been engaged in, Sawing and Splitting oven-wood, that I rather found it requisite—to take Some amusement, in re–perusing your letter—or taking a book, while an unexpected visit of mr Varick from utica, and mr Childs of casenovia and mrs Seymour contributed to recruit my exhausted Strenght, and made me return the next morning with a renewed alacrity to my task. You know what a comfort I receive from your Letters. In my deep retirement it is really the balm of life. An old tried friend an old wine are above prize, and although I am not over burthened with the latter—being nevertheless through my Son’s generosity not entirely destitute of it, I can Saÿ—which a few have in their power, that I thank my God for enjoying Such a rich Share of the First ale—precious blessing—and—did you not feel, how highly I value it; you could not at your high advanced age bestow upon me So assiduously these proofs of your kindnesses—well then may I indulge a little vanitÿ in presuming—that I am not unworthy of these, how little it may be, that I can return.
Mail after mail I lounged for Boston Letters—I will believe, that theÿ enjoÿ themselves So much, that they can not find leasure, to Spare a few moments to a recluse. It may be even too Selfish to require So much uninterrupted remembrance—to one—their debtor in So manÿ respects—more So, as I told my friend Varick—half complaining of him and half excusing him—It is So difficult, when surrounded with our relatives and friends—when engaged in the battle of the world and enticed by its pleasures—to place ourselves in the Situation of a man in deep retirement—we do not, we can not often imagine, that few lines—which  may we consider as insignificant, may be a Spring of comfort of delight. The worst is, that we become diffident ourselves—that we dare not intrude too often—and So the marks of remembrance become gradually less visible, till they are obliterated. But I remain honoured with your distinguishing remembrance—and this Sometimes, as I have experienced more than once in a pleasant manner—has the effect, that it renews the recollection of one, who was on the point of becoming forgotten.
I was amused with your anecdote of Fontenelle—I allways admired the Philosopher—but I am in doubt—if I Should have been calculated to become his friend—he could not have approved my bluntness and etourderies however he might have Seemed to overlook these, and I Should have wanted circumspection, which Seemed requisite to obtain and Secure his favour—D’Alembert, whose praise approaches often the confines of cutting Satire—describes him with large Characteristic traits “Fontenelle, qui par moderation ou prudence, ne Se vengeoit jamais, et Se plaignoit rarement, oublioit encore moins” that is for, the man, öf the writer I Say with Voltaire
“L’ignorant l’entendit, le sçávant l’admira”
I laughed heartily at “Le tout a L’huile” but I deprecate the curse to arrive at this insensibility—although I free man from piercing Sorrows.
My friend’s pains are not yet at an end—He has alreadÿ accepted to Satisfy large demands—and yet—I apprehend—that finally, his Son Shall be compelled—notwithstanding the Sacrifices made—to take refuge within the Limits—and I Shall bless heaven, if my old friend is at last not materially injured—A hard trial indeed—for a man in his advanced age—So much—So deservedly respected—So amiable—and possessing, all it did Seem, what a mortal could wish—and that though an onlÿ—and beloved Son—with manÿ good qualities—except energetic activity—and commercial prudence! but—I will not complain and rather endeavour to Sooth—where I cannot heal. I was flattered with that mark of confidence from the author of the Syllabus you know—it can not be betray’d by me—I have engaged my friends that they Shall not permit to themselves a Surmise with regard to the author—I Send it in my own hand–writing—accompanied with a Letter—to appearance written in England—of this I requested to correct the Idiom.
I Search’d in vain for that famous council—I have the Same impression on my mind—but begin to doubt its correctness—and Suspect—it was a French Saillie—perhaps from compere Matthieu—une demoiselle n’est pas trop pair trois—I Shall not give up the Search—when I have more leisure—How can I convey to you Basanistes? it is about 200 Pag: in my opinion written with ingenuity. all the pretensions—are proofs from holy writ—as clear as those for the 2 & 3 person generallÿ—
I never heard of Tucker’s light of Nature? and—it must possess a vast deal of intrinsic merit, to lure one to read 7 vol.
Do not complain about want of Strenght—my daughter, who Sits at my elbow—and is So free—to peep Sometimes over my Shoulder—at least to throw a glance on Letters—which they perceives, that gladden the heart of her father—Says—that your handwriting is far better than in former years—and So Says your friend! and it is only the truth—but even—if it was Scarcely legible—then yet—now and then Such a renewed proof of your friendship would be gratifying.
I See—I am not forgotten by your Ladÿ—recommend me to Her, and believe me your Sincerest and obliged friend

Fr Adr. vanderkemp


Title: To John Adams from James Mease, 8 August 1816
From: Mease, James
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Philadelphia 8t. Augt. 1816

				I contemplate publishing a collection of the letters of our late friend Dr Rush on political, religious & miscellaneous subjects; and as he long had the pleasure to enjoy your Correspondence, I will be much obliged by your favouring me with such of his letters as you may have in your possession, and which are not of a private Nature.—Having  for many years had the satisfaction to partake of his confidence, I am enabled to say, that the obligations under which the U. States lay for your uniform, early & firm support of the principles of our revolution were a frequent subject of conversation with him, and I need not tell you, how sincere and great his personal esteem was for you.—It was this confidence that induced him to send to me more than once, the letters which he wrote to you, and to state the substance of others:  and as I know, that he took great pleasure in unburthening his thoughts, and disclosing his sentiments to you upon the important events that have occurred for years past in the world, I flatter myself, that I shall contribute very much to the national amusement and edification of the public, by giving to it, those of his letters which you may please to favour me with.—They shall be carefully returned if so desired, and such part omitted as you may point out.—Permit me to be most respectfully remembered to your lady, and to offer you my most sincere wishes for the continuance of your & her health.  I have the honor to be / your obliged Servt

					James Mease


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 9 August 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy August 9. 1816

The Biography of Mr Vander Kemp would require a Volume which I could not write if a Milion were offered me as a Reward for the Work. After a learned and Scientific Education he entered the Army in Holland and served as a Captain, with Reputation: but loving Books more than Arms he resigned his Commission and became a Preacher. My acquaintance with him commenced at Leyden in 1780. He was then Minister of the Menonist Congregation the richest in Europe; in that City where he was celebrated as the most elegant Writer in the Dutch Languge. He was the intimate Friend of Luzac and De Gyselaar. In 1788 when the King of Prussia threatened Holland with Invasion, his Party insisted on his taking a Command in the Army of defence and he was appointed to the Command of the most exposed and most important Post in the Seven Provinces. He was Soon Surrounded by the Prussian Forces. But he defended his Fortress with a Prudence Fortitude Patience and Perseverence, which were admired by all Europe, Till abandoned by his Nation, destitute of Provisions and Amuntion, Still refusing to Surrender, he was offered the most honourable Capitulation. He accepted it. Was offered very advantageous Proposals, but despairing of the Liberties of his Country, he retired to Antwerp determined to emigrate to New York; wrote to me in London requesting Letters of Introduction. I sent him Letters to Governor Clinton and Several others of our little great Men. His History in this Country is equally curious and affecting. He left Property in Holland, which the Revolutions there, have annihilated and I fear is now pinched with Poverty. His head is deeply learned and his heart is pure. I scarcely know a more amiable Character. A Gentleman here asked my opinion of him. My Answer was, he is a Mountain of Salt of the Earth. He has written to me, occasionally and I have answered his Letters in great haste. You may well Suppose that Such a Man has not always been able to understand our American Politicks. Nor have I. Had he been as great a Master of our Language as he was of his own he would have been at this day one of the most conspicuous Characters in the U.S.
So much for Vanderkemp: now for your Letter of Aug. 1. Your Poet, the Ionian I suppose, ought to have told Us, whether Jove in the distribution of good and Evil from his two Urns, observed any Rule of Equity or not. Whether he thunders out flames of eternal Fire on the Many, and Power Glory and Felicity on the Few, without any consideration of Justice.?
Let Us State a few Questions, sub rosâ.
1. Would you accept a Life, if offered you, of equal pleasure and Paine? E. G. one million of moments of Pleasure and one Million of Moments of Pain?
Pleasure 1,000,000 = Paine. 1,000,000. Suppose the Pleasure as exquisite as any in Life and the Paine as exquisite as any. E. G. Stone, Gravel, Gout, Head Ache, Ear Ache, Tooth Ache, Cholick. &c. I would not. I would rather be blotted out.
2. Would you accept a Life of one year of incessant Gout, Head Ache &c for Seventy two years of such Life as you have enjoyed.? I would not.
1 Year of Cholic = 72. of Roule de Savon. pretty but unsubstantial I had rather be extinguished. You may vary these Algebraical Equations at pleasure and without End. All this Ratiocination Calculation, call it what you will, is founded on the supposition of no future state. Promise me eternal Life free from Pain, tho’ in all other respects no better than our present terrestrial Existence, I know not how many thousand Years of Smithfield fires I would not endure to obtain it.
In fine, without the Supposition of a future State, Mankind and this Globe appear to me the most Sublime and beautifull Bubble and Bauble that Imagination can conceive.
Let us then wish for Immortality at all hazards and trust the Ruler with his Skies. I do: and earnestly wish for his Commands which to the Utmost of my Power Shall be implicitly and piously obeyed.
It is worth while to live to read Grimm, whom I have read. And La Harpe and Mademoisselle D’Espinasse the fair Freind of D’Allembere both of whom Grimm Characterises very distinctly are I am told in Print. I have not Seen them but hope Soon to have them.
My History of the Jesuits is not elegantly written but is supported by unquestionable Authorities, is very particular and very horrible. Their Restoration is indeed “a Step towards Darkness” Cruelty Perfidy Despotism Death and—! I wish We were out of “danger of Bigotry and Jesuitism.”! May We be “a Barrier against the Returns of Ignorance and Barbarism”! “What a Colossus Shall We be”? But will it not be of Brass Iron and Clay? Your Taste is judicious in likeing better the dreams of the Future, than the History of the Past. Upon this Principle I prophecy that you and I Shall Soon meet and be better Friends than ever.
So wishes
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 14 August 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

My dear Sir
Quincy Aug. 14. 1816

Thanks for your third of Aug.—Griefs upon Griefs! Disappointments upon Disappointments! All is Vanity! What then? This is a gay, merry World, notwithstanding.
Pray! Can you tell me What are The Uses of Grief.? And will you tell me What are the Abuses of Grief? Grief exists, to a tremendous degree. So much is certain. But can you tell me, what it is good for? And what it is bad for? For every thing has its good, and its bad.
What would I give, to See your, Basanistes,? Send it, well packed by the Mail. I will return it, in the Same Way.
Tuckers Search is the most extraordinary Romance, I ever read: Cervantes, Richardson, Voltaire, notwithstanding. Payley the Pride of the English Church Speaks of it, in raptures.
To return to Grief! I have had a thought of writing an Essay on Grief, its Uses and Abuses, in our Religious Moral, Ecclesiastical civil political and Physical Terrestrial System; but I am too far gone. I wish you would undertake it.!
Your Daughter is as sagacious as she is lovely, and has a memory equal to her Witt. She is certainly right. My hand Writing which while I could write was always uncouth and vulgar. Now, when I cannot write; when it costs me more time and Pain to write a Line than it did once to write a Page I am compelled to more Attention. I cannot make a Letter without holding one hand by the other.
Will you be so good as to write your own Biography! I have been requested to write it, and would chearfully undertake it, if I could. But A Lack a Day, Sir, I cannot write my own, and I should not think it worth writing if I could.
The Syllabus is not unworhty of a Character than will be and ought to be respected by Posterity: though Fations and Parties Tarnish all Characers. Truth is falsified Falshood is disguised, Virtue is belied, Wisdom is obscured Talents are exaggerated and diminished, Nature is destroyed by Politicks.
Can you tell me Whether Blackstone or De Lolme have been translated into French, German or Italian?
A Winter approaches in which I expect a House as Sick and afflicted as the last. But What is affliction but a Blessing?
Eyes and Fingers fatigued and complaining compell me / to subscribeJohn Adams

P.S. I wish I could drink Madeira as you do. But I cannot touch it. You are greatly to be envied!


Title: From John Adams to Stephen Miller, 23 August 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Miller, Stephen

Sir
Quincy August 23rd 1816

Last Evening Mr: Apthrop put into my hand your polite Letter of the first of this Month from New York. Your civil Apology for writing to me was unnecessary: because I hope I should always be ready to communicate any information in my possession in furtherance of Justice; and especially to a   Gentleman whose Father and Grandfather Uncle and various Relations I have known and respected from my Infancy.
My long and total Retirement from public affairs, has rendered it impossible for me, to give you any Information of the decisions of our National Government Legislative Executive or Judiciary concerning such claims as those of your Father.
My advice to you Sir, would be to consult the Treaty of 1783, and Mr Jay who was one of the Negtiators of it. But I presume that neither his opinion or mine could be admitted as Evidence in any Court of Justice. The Treaty must speak for itself and be interpreted, according to its own Phraseology, comparing one part of it with another.
I know not that any claims like that of your Father have ever been confiscated and the Treaty of Peace stipulates that no future confiscations should be made. But the British Doctine now is, that the Treaty of 1783 has been annihilated by the late War.
I know of no other course you can pursue, than by a petition or memorial, to Congress, where I hope and believe you will find a candid investigation of the subject, and an equitable decision. There is but one other resort and that is to the Courts of Justice. But in this pursuit you must apply to Gentlemen learned in the Law for advice which I am wholly incapable of giving you.
Please to present my compliments to your Father: and if you should visit your respectable relations in Quincy, and Braintree, I should be happy to see you at the Bottom of Stony field Hill, the residence of your hearty well wisher / and very humble Servant

John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 2 September 1816
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 2 Sept. 1816.

When I send you last mail Basanistes, I was so much tortured with head–ache—that it was not in my power, to join to it one single line. The Post-master at first objected—if thus the postage comes higher than you might wish, I only executed your orders but should request—in that case to wait rather for a safe opportunity Perhaps—however—his scruples are unfounded.
You render me nearly enamoured with your Tucker—so you praise him—but I doubt much—if at this side Albanÿ his merits are known—Indeed—I ought to visit now and then N. England—if it was only to obtain a peep in so many valuable works—with which I remain unacquainted—and then you would give me leave, to rise at an early hour—and peruse your admired Tucker before our breakfast was readÿ—then I should carefully peruse once more Barton’s anatomy of melancholy, and entreat, if you did not possess it, to give me a succinct idea of a work of Langbaine in which he exposes Plagiarism—it must have been written about the middle of last century, but I have never met with it.
When I write to you, I always nearly when at the end recollect to have forgotten one or other point in which I wanted instruction—does that not betraÿ a less vigourous memorÿ? I promised—lately in several of our N. papers—two Letters of mr A. and J. to the Society of the Lovers of peace—which I question were intended for publication by either of them. Both Letters are in my opinion characteristic—The one frank and somewhat ex cathedra—the other cautious and circumspect. It is easily to be discovered—that they were not highly gratified but I detest the Publication of Letters—without previous leave of the writers—either by societies or single individuals.
Now to your proposed Essay on grief—your plan is a noble one, and would be a valuable work, if executed in conformity with your intention. I doubt not or it would be adorned with select passages of ancient and modern literature—interspersed with gems of interesting anecdotes—Newton was of your age, when he corrected and improved some of his mathematical workes—and this performance might amuse your hours of leisure during the winter and enrich our scanty literary Suppellex with a cadeau towards New-year—Imperatorem Stantem mori oportere is said of Vespasian blessing his countrymen with a pleasing and instructif farewell is becoming an American President.
Cau, who in the principle point agrees with you, that my large sketch is not to be encouraged in Europe, as the present cabinets, do not wish those principles developed, urges me with all his persuasion, to undertake the task—myself—this however you know is in vain—as I could not undertake it, even if I would—for want of materials. At his request I reviewed the plan for him, and—if his life is prolonged he will publish it on the Continent. Give me the pleasure, if you do not know it already, to inform me of John Q.A.’s opinion of it—what defects, and I doubt not there are, have been pointed at by Him. I consider these of two kinds—of omission—and of arrangement.
Jefferson wished—that I should write the life of J.C. upon his outlines Perhaps—I maÿ draw a sketch—but it shall not be in my power to accomplish the task—as I think it ought to be given upon a far more extensive scale, and if all this was not enough—there comes the Lord of Mount Wollaston with another gigantic scheme—to crush lurking ambition to bring one or other triffle in existence.
If you will not condescend—to bring  to maturity—what you fostered send it to your Tucker—whom you so highly speak of, and command him then, to present me with a copy, joined to his light of Nature, when I engage myself, that I shall not tell in Gath, that he was indebted to you for the plan.
I thank you cordially for the handsome compliment to my Daughter—a father may be permitted to acknowledge, that she in his opinion deserves in some respect such an honorable distinction—but she would not admitt, that she could be the subject of this praise, even—had she been so happÿ—of having been received for some time under your roof—and yet—she must have been very dull—had she not returned from there vastly improved.
My biographÿ—I can assure you without vanity—might fill a whole Letter—making a little allowance for a small tribut of praise. Although I can not saÿ with Jacob, that my years have been few and bad—yet, was it possible, I could not wish to run once more through the same course—tho I do not consider this world as a vale of sorrow. De Lolme—if I am not mistaken—was originally written in French and published in 1774—from which—the Engl. ed. in 1775—was made—in which some passages were omitted. A new edition—in conformity to the English was published at Amst. 1778 with the insertions of these omissions—I do not recollect another.
Blackstone has been published in French—Bruxelles 1774. 6 vol. gr. 8o. In a former letter was a question about Maria—Souverain in his Platonisme devoilé mentions from Hottinger’s Hist. Orient. Lib. ii pag. 227.—that le st Esprit faisont alors (le concile de Nicee) si peu de figure, que quelques Peres de ce concile ne faisoient pas difficulté de donner sa place a la St. Vierge, en la faisant la 3 personne de la Trinite? C’est ce que nous aprenent Elmocinus and Patricides.
If you could drink madeira as I do! you would not be envied—I can not touch it with the finger—it is with me as the old ballad
Il le veulent bien—mais—il ne pouvent pas. I would indulge in it, as conducive to my health—now we are cherrÿ as a medicine—But with so much health and vigorous constitution as my friend Adams yet possesses—and which—may yet be preserved by an Algood Being—encircled with such a familÿ—and surrounded with friends—as you are—you do not want this aid—you at least want nothing from him, whom you continue to obligeYour’s with affectionate regard.

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp

P.S. are you acquainted with c.w. Kæstner’s Introduction of Modern Chemistrÿ?


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 3 September 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy Septr. 03. 1816

Dr James Freeman, is a learned, ingenious, honest and benevolent Man, who wishes to see President Jefferson, and request me to introduce him. If you would introduce Some of your Friends to me, I could with more confidence introduce mine to you. He is a Christian, but not a Pythagorean a Platonick or a Philonick Christian. You will ken him and he will ken you: but you may depend, he will never betray, deceive or injure you.
Without hinting to him, any Thing which had passed between You and me, I asked him, your Question “What are the Uses of Grief”? He Stared. Said “the question was new to him.” All he could Say at present, was that he had known in his own Parish, more than one Instance of Ladies who had been thoughtless modish extravagant in a high degree; who upon the death of a Child, had become thoughtfull, modest, humble, as prudent amiable Women as any he had known. Upon this I read to him your Letters and mine, upon this Subject of Grief, with which he seemed to be pleased. You See I was not afraid to trust him: and you need not be.
Since I am, accidentally, invited to write to You, I may add a few Words upon Pleasures and Pains of Life. Vassall thought, an hundred Years, nay an eternity of Pleasure was no Compensation for one hour of billious Cholic. Read again Mollieres Spsyke. Act. 2.  Scæne 1st. On the Subject of Grief. And read in another place “On est payé de mille Maux Par un heureux moment.” Thus differently do Men Speak of Pleasures and Pains.
Now, Sir. I will tease you with another Question. What have been the Abuses of Grief?
In Answer to this question, I doubt not, you might write an hundred Volumes. A few hints may convince you that the Subject is ample.
1 The Death of Socrates excited a general Sensibility of Grief in Athens, in Attica an in all Greece. Plato and Xenophon two of his Disciples took Advantage of that general Sentiment, by employing their enchanting Style to represent their Master to be greater and better than he probably was. And What have been the Effects of Socratic, Platonick which were Pythagorean, which was Indian Philosophy, in the World?
2. The Death of Cæsar, Tyrant as he was, Spread a general Compassion which always includes Grief, among the Romans. The Scoundrel M. Anthony availed himself on this momentary Grief to destroy the Republick, to establish the Empire, and to proscribe Cicero.
3. But to Skip over all Ages and Nations for the present, and descend to our own Times. The Death of Washington, diffused a general Grief. The old Tories, the Hyperfederalists, the Speculators, Sett up a general Howl. Orations Prayers Sermons Mock Funerals, were all employed, not that they loved Washington, but to keep in Countenance the Funding & Banking Systems; And to cast into the Background and the Shade all others who had been concerned in the Service of their Country in the Revolution.
4. The Death of Hamilton, under all its circumstances, produced a General Grief. His most determined Ennemies did not like to get rid of him, in that Way. They pitied too his Widow and Children. His Party Seized the moment of publick Feeling to come forward with Funeral Orations and printed Panegyricks reinforced with mock Funerals and Solemn Grimaces, and all this by People who have buried Otis, Sam. Adams Handcock and Gerry in Comparative Obscurity. And Why? Merely to disgrace the Old Whiggs, and keep the Funds and Banks in Countenance.
5. The Death of Mr Ames excited a general Regret. His long Consumption his amiable Character and respectable Talents had attracted a general Interest, and his Death a general Mourning. His Party made the most of it, by Processions Orations, and a Mock Funeral. And Why? To glorify the Torys, to abash the Whiggs, and maintain the Reputation of Funds, Banks and Speculation. And all this was done in honour of that insignificant Boy; by People who have let a Dana a Gerry and a Dexter go to their Graves without Notice.
6. I almost Shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal Example of the Abuses of Grief, which the History of Mankind has preserved. The Cross. Consider what Calamities that Engine of Grief has produced.! With the rational Respect that is due do it, knavish Priests have added Prostitutions of it, that fill or might fill the blackest and bloodiest Pages of human History.
I am with ancient friendly Sentiments
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Madison, 4 September 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
4 Sept. 1816

I have So often taken the Liberty to introduce Gentlemen to The President of The United States, that tho’ it might be an usurpation at first, it Seems now to be a kind of Right by Prescription.
Upon no Occasion that I recollect, have I assumed this Priviledge with more pleasure than in now introducing Dr James Freeman whom I esteem one of our first litterary Characters and one of the best of our honourable virtuous and liberal Men.
As I think myself, Sure of my conveyance, I will now venture on a delicate Subject, and more especially as I have but a few days to live. Present my most respectfull Compliments to Mrs Madison. Ask her whether She remembers a Letter She wrote to Mr Steel. Tell her that I was excessively ill used, by Mr Steel. That I never had the least intimation of that Letter, till all my Power was annihilated. Had the Letter been communicated to me in confidence and to none other, as it ought to have been. She may be assured that my Heart and my Judgment, would have concurred with her’s, and that her secret would never have been betrayed by me. Whether her Wishes and mine could have prevailed at that time, You Sir can judge better than I can


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 5 September 1816
From: Tudor, William, Sr.
To: Adams, John

					My dear Sir
					Thursday 5th. Sepr. 1816

				An extraordinary Paragraph which appeared in the Boston daily Advertiser of this morning, & which I inclose, (lest you should not take that Paper) induces me to renew a Correspondence, which I regret has been so long intermitted & which was always a Source of pleasurable & important information.No American who knew the Character of at lest one of the Diplomatists whom the Baron has thought proper so ridiculously to quote, but would have been the last Man in the United States to have applied to a French Philosopher, Statesman or Theologian, for a practical & liberal System of either Political or religious government. Of all Men for national Lawgivers, professed Philosophers have always I believe, make the worst. Witness Locke’s Constitution for South Carolina; Franklin’s single Branch for the democratic Republic of Pennsylvania; the abbe Seyes numerous Constitutions for distracted France: Mr Jefferson’s Ideas of the Perfectability of Man; Sir Philip Sydney’s Arcadia; Chancellor Moore’s Utopia &c. &c. back to Licurgus’s iron Money & the physical & moral Slavery of his glorious & savage Spartans.Believing that you were personally acquainted with Baron Grimm, during that eventful Period that You were negotiating the triumphant Peace of Paris, I have dared intrude upon your Retirement to learn from you something of the Character of a Man whose lively literary Talents have furnished so much Amusement to the reading Part of the World. And whether it was not customary with him when he aimed at either Wit or Satire to fabricate any singular Story, as a substratum for his Purpose. This assuredly was his Object when he introduces two such Men as Messr. Adams & Franklin, to enable him to laugh at & expose the poor Abbe Mably’s Treatise on Legislation.I will not apologise for this Intrusion on that sacred Repose, to which, you, among all the surviving Statesmen of our Country are so peculiarly intitled, for as I do not belong to either of those Classes which you have so lately had occasion to deprecate, I will not consider myself amongst the Number of the proscribed. And more especially as it furnishes me with the Opportunity of assuring You of that affectionate Respect with which I am; my dear Sir, / most truly yours

					Wm Tudor


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 9 September 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

251
Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 9—1816

I thank you for your kind Letter of the fifth—of this month—which—our meritorious friend Mr. Shaw, put into my hand, yesterday, I had before seen the paragraph in the Daily Advertiser—The Baron De Greishm—himself, in a subsequent vol—Sufficiently explains, and confutes the Error—of the rumour which had been propagated, I know not by whom in 1782—. You will find at the End of the first Vol—of the “Defence of our constitutions,”—a Postscript & a letter in french, which will explain somewhat—too—cavalierly &c—vulgarly, the whole matter. If you think it of any importance, however, as soon as the weakness of my Eyes—& the trembling of my hands will permit, I will give you a more decent statement of the facts, & the letter to the Abby—in our Language. I never saw the Baron till 1785, when I left Paris—, never to see it more he was then only a secret Correspondent of the Empress of Russia & some of the sovereigns of Germany—He was soon appointed a Public minister, admitted into the Diplomatic Corps, & consequently become known to Mr. Jefferson—. The Barons great work in 15, Volumes will be read with different views. the lovers of romance, founded in truth, will find it an exquisite entertainment. I need not tell you, how the Amateurs & connoiseurs of the fine Arts of Architecture Painting Sculpture Statuary Music Poetry, eloquence &c and every species of theatrical instruction & amusement will be delighted with it. I am to you, I admire it as the best history of the causes the rise, & progress, of the french revolution to 1790 that I have seen—I am sir your unaltered / friend
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 September 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan

Dear Sir
Quincy Septr. 16 1816

Do you think Basanistes, would bear Publication in this Country? Would an Edition of it, do good or harm?
Tucker is an Oddity, like Tristram Shandy. His Metaphyicks would give no more Satisfaction, than Edwards, Priestly, Soame Jennings, Frederick the Great D’Alembert, His Morals are excellent but not new. His mundane Soul his Vehicular State, and his Vision, are a pretty Romance on the Doctrines of Pythagoras Plato, Egyptians Indians &c. &c. You would be amused with it, as you was lately with your Cousins “Supra lapsarianism.”
Of Bartons Anatomy of Melancholly, I know very little and care less. I am determined never to anatomise the Monster, Curse him! Send him into Utter Darkness, among the fallen Angels, an reprobate Spirits.! Langbane on Plagiarism, I know not.
You and I, are exactly in the Same deplorable Condition. At the End I recollect, twenty things, on what I wanted Instruction. My Memory cannot be expected to be good for much. Nothing was father from my Thoughts than the Publication of my Letter to “good Master Worcester.” You Accuse it of being “Excathedra.” By which I understand that you compare me to a School Master, teaching his Schollars male and female, or to a Professor in a Colledge, with his Hat on his Head and his Bottom in his Chair, dogmatising to his Pupils.! Why did you not impute it to that “Childish Vanity” celebrated in your “Symposion”? “Blessing my Country with a pleasing and instructive Farewell.”! If I understand this, it is an Advice to address my Country men Pro More Washington. This I have been Solicited to do, by many; among whom are Some of the most excellent Characters, America has produced. But, my good Friend, if I should do this in Sincerity I should be thought insane: and lie I will not, I dare not; I cannot. I must Surrender my Country my Posterity, my Character, to Providence; as I do, with a clear Conscience.
God bless my Country.! I Believe in the ten Commandments, and the Sermon on the Mount! What think you of Such an Address to this Nation?
You know not the Slavery of American Ambassadors. J. Q. A. has not a Moment for Such Speculations.
I can tell you D’Llolme and Blackstone too, were indebted for Assistance to a Man, now forgotten, The Earl of Abington!
The Counsell of Nice has never been revealed to Mankind. It was a Secret Conclave, like our Congress from 1774 to 1784, and like the Convention who formed our National Constitution in 1787.
In my Opinion, The Holy Ghost, the Virgin Mary, The Prophet Moses and The Prophet like unto him Jesus Christ the Righteous, have equal Pretensions, to be the King Eternal invisible immortal the only wise God.
I am ignorant of C. W. Keestners Introduction to Modern Chimistry.
I am Sir, with unchangeable / Friendship your
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Maury, 22 September 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Maury, James

Dear Sir
Quincy September 22nd 11816

I thank you for your kind letter of July 30th, and the Quarterly review enclosed with it, & for all your obliging remembrances of me, & civilities to my children & friends.
I had forgotten the first volume, which you say I presented to you in 1787: but as you remember it so well, I pray to you to accept the 2nd. and 3rd which I wish you may remember as long. not indeed for any great value that is in them but as a token of gratitude for your many civilities to me and mine
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 24 September 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

Sir—
Quincy Sept 24th. 16

I have received your favour of the 22d, & the French translation of my letter with Mably’s, & Marmontels original billets, which I lent to your father. You are welcome to publish the whole or any part of my Letters to your father & the papers I sent him—You may insert them in your own way & I have no objection to your stating that they came from your & y’r fathers & your Grandfathers / friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 25 September 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Tudor, William, Sr.

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept 25th, 1816

In my letter of yesterday—I forgot to answer your question concerning Marmontels thoughts of writing on American affairs. Marmontel had been appointed by the King—Histiographer of France, while I was there. I suppose that thinking—the the Duties of his office would require him to write on the connection between this country France & America & hearing of my letter to De Mably—desired to see it. I lent him the French Translation wh’ I lent to y’r father & which you have return’d to me—. When Marmontel return’d it, he sent with it the note which you have seen in his hand writing—. I am ashamed that such a trifling business should have given your father, yourself & me so much trouble. I would give more to see yr fathers first letter to me in print, than all the other letters & papers that have followed. But it is so flattering to me, that it would hurt me; & it is so bold that it would hurt him & you, I hope therefore, You will only Say that I was requested to explain this mighty  matter—
John Adams—


Title: To John Adams from Richard Rush, 29 September 1816
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, John

Dear and respected Sir.
Washington September 29. 1816

For the first time since I was a lad, I have been making an excursion this season. Health and recreation were the double motive, though I am glad to say the latter predominated. I set out on horseback for the mountains in Virginia. I had never been into the antient dominion before, except merely upon its edge. Although it is filled with “Blenheims,” and “Hagleys” and “Mount Airys.” I was still very sad to think, that my home and that of my children and fathers, was Philadelphia. Personally, however, my excursion was, on many accounts, a delightful one. I went with Mr Monroe; was at Mr Madision’s seat, and at Mr Jeffersons. They are both very pretty. The latter in some respects superb; wonderfully artificial—a curiosity!! I sat off early in August, and did not get back until this month.
A few days before I went, I received your kind and very agreeable favor of the 22d of July. It is the one in which you say you “have thoughts of addressing to me a book of paradoxes”. I shall look, Sir, with impatience for the fulfilment. I shall ask nothing more than that the body of the work be equal to the samples sent! Indeed, sir, they have afforded me no small share of entertainment. The pamphlet addressed to Mr Wythe I should very much like to see. If favored with it for a little while, it shall be safely returned. The letter to Dr Webb, I shall make “search” for when next in Philadelphia. It will be a curious relick.
Mr Clark arrived here while I was away. The kind letter from Mrs Adams which he brought, I had not the good fortune to receive until the day before his departure. It would have been a source of particular pleasure to my wife, and self, to make the acquaintance of such friends had we been at home. I have also, since my return, received your favor of the 20th of this month, respecting Dr. Mease, and my father’s letters.
A few days before I was at Mr Jefferson’s it so happens, that he had received precisely such a letter from Dr Mease as the one addressed to you. He was also so obliging as to refer it to me, in the manner you have kindly done. Being on the spot, he added an offer to deliver into my hands, for the family, such of my father,s letters as he still had, the number not being considerable. Dr Mease’s project was new to me; and I confess I am not wholly without my fears, that, should it proceed, there may be more good intention than good judgment in it.
In regard to my fathers long and valued correspondence with you, sure I feel, that it was ever conceived in such a spirit of friendship on his part, whether as to confidence or carelessness, as to forbid all idea of the press; the remote thoughts of which, as I view the subject now, would have made him start. However, for the present, only sincerely thanking you for your kind communication of the matter, I will give no ultimate answer or opinion. In the course of the next month I think it most probable, that I shall be in Philadelphia, when I can have an opportunity of conferring with my mother. From thence, or when I get back here, I may have occasion to trouble you with another line upon the subject. In the meantime, your letter gives me the comfortable assurance that Dr Mease’s request will remain suspended.
With my kindest and most respectful compliments to Mrs Adams, in which I know how cordially Mrs Rush would join if she were at home, I have only, dear sir, to add the testimonials of my great attachment and respect.

Richard Rush.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 30 September 1816
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Quincy Sept. 30. 16

The Seconds of Life, that remain to me, are So few and So Short; (and they seem to me Shorter and Shorter every minute) that I cannot Stand upon Epistolary Ettiquette: And though I have written two Letters, yet unnoticed I must write a third. Because I am not acquainted with any Man on this Side of Montecello, who can give me any Information upon Subjects that I am now analysing and investigating; if I may be permitted to Use the pompous Words now in fashion.
When I read Dr Priestlys Remarks upon “Du Puis,” I fell a Curiosity to know more about him. I wrote to Europe and engaged another to write. I had no Idea of more than one or two Volumes in 8o or 12mo.
But Lo! I am overwhelmed with 8 or ten Volumes and another of Planches!
Sixteen Years of Research the Author acknowledges, and as he quotes his His Authorities I would not undertake to verify them in 16 years, If I had all his Books which Surely are not to be found on America.
If you know any Thing of this “Monsieur Dupuis or his “Origine de tous les Cultes”; candidus imperté.
I have read only the first Volume. It is learned and curious. The whole Work will afford me Business, Study and Amusement for the Winter.
Dr Priestley pronounced him an Atheist, and his Work “The Ni Plus ultra of Infidelity.” Priestly agrees with him that the History of the Fall of Adam and Eve, is “an Alegory,” a Fable, and an Arabian Tale, and so does Dr Middleton, to account for the origin of Evil; which however it does not
Priestly Says that the Apocalypes, according to Dupuis is the most learned Work that ever was written.
With these brief Fletrissures, Priestly Seems to have expected to annilate the Influence of Dupuis Labours; as Swift destroyed Blackmore with his
“Did off Creation with a Terk
And of Redemption made damn’d Work.” And as he disgraced Men as good at least as himself by his
“Wicked Will Whiston
And Good Master Ditton.”
But Dupuis is not to be So easily destroyed. The Controversy between Spiritualism and Materialism between Spiritualists and Materialists, will not be Settled by Scurrilous Epigrams of Swift, nor by dogmatical Censures of Priestly.
You and I have as much Authority to Settle these Disputes as Swift Priestly or Dupuis, or The Pope.
And if you will agree with me, We will issue our Bulls, and enjoin upon all these Gentlemen to be Silent, till they can tell Us, What Matter is and What Spirit is! And in the mean time to observe the Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount.

J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 October 1816
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
11 oct. 1816.

 I Should rather guess that Basanistes would do good—It is true it is a heroic medicine, but it would not come in the hands of the vulgar—it might have a Salutary effect upon Some of the higher classes. If men of influence—either by their abilities or wealth—can be lured to become the Patrons of liberal Sentiments, and will Support them, who are bold enough to Step forward in their defence—a great part would be gained. In a country, where there exists not a dominant Church—an intolerant clergy may be overawed—at least may be lured by the prospect of lucre to do good—and the mob is then easily Sway’d—Let Monticello’s Philosopher establish an Andoverian institut—to preach the gospel in its native Simplicity—at the rate of 3 or 4000 $ a year and they will pray—not for George Washington, but for Mr. Thomas—in true imitation of the Magdeburg Minister—during the Reformation.

But although I Should wish to See Basanistes republished—I Should not wish it done by any one, in whom I took Some interest. It must be done, either by one, who does not care about it, and has nothing to loose, or by one as Secure from discovery as Junius.
You will agree with me, that it would be construed in an unpardonable Sin—more So—there the argument is unanswerable, and the Sting of ridicule penetrates to the quick—Spinosa and Mirabeau would ere be reprieved by the Sacred tribunal than basanistes. It was not cecco’s astrological conjectures and bold Speculations about the Trinitÿ—but it were his attacks on the Clerical power—which doomed him to the Fire in his 70th. year.
I expect this treatise with          must have done great execution in England among a class—who care not much about Priestley’s and Price’s but who would rejoice, in the humbling of a Bishop’s pride. This topic awakens a whole chain of ideas—was I near you, you would assist me—in unravelling Somewhat further the history of the 14 and 15 Centurÿ—I mean principally the literary one—and well in Italÿ—your Library might Supply my wants. Is Danina Sufficiently correct—and does he give full details?—Have you Villani? what value you place in his authority? I wished for more correct information, than which I possess, about about Nic: Rienzi—that famous Roman Tribun in the middle of the 14th at Rome—and about Jac: Bossolaro, an Augustin Monk at Pavia—who Both Seem Precursors of the great Revolutionary drama from 1776—till Bony’s consulat. you perceive, I can not be at rest—would you be Surprised—that these violent convulsions—during half a century, were to be followed by a deadly torpor for a long Series of ÿears?
You will Say, perhaps, I am Scribbling now as fast—and—for ought I know, as incoherently too, as when with prattling I took the whole conversation on my horns under your roof—and So it is—to correspond with a frend is a feast for me—and, when I am convinced—that a vast deal can and will be given, then I grasp eagerly with both hands; more So—as you art pleased to make me believe, that I too am Something—and—would otherwise your Cambridge President have made an excursion to honour me with a visit? So he did—and it was indeed a delightful one—He persuaded me, to go with him to the commencement—So that I enjoy’d his Society two days—But I perceive—my Dear Sir! I forget your Letter—which imperiously claims my attention—to defend me—although I can Scarce persuade myself, that John Adams—could foster the belief—with Seriousness, that his friend, who respects, who reveres him, would express himself in a manner—hurtful to his feelings—and yet, it is now the Second time, that you teazed me with this insinuation—For once I will explain, and I know my friend Shall be fully Satisfied, while I trust So much in his indulgence, that he cannot be hurt even by mÿ bluntness.
I will not Say, that my expressions were Sufficiently guarded—but my frend knows—I Seldom weigh them—I meant to Say, that the Letters of you and J. were characteristic—you expressed your mind with your usual frankness—without caring of gilding the pill—Monticello’s Philosopher acted or wrote with more circumspection. But—what had mÿ Symposion to do with my Letter? That—was chiefly matter of fact, and by it, I rather presumed to have deserved your approbation than censure. It was really a description of an highly animated conversation—your character was injured—I Stood up in its defence with warmth—Silenced obloquy and convinced it, that you was wronged—and justice was done to you in a noble manner. would I not, if a profligate fellow had called our  master a Wine bibber a whore-monger an imposter, have repelled rudely the attack—have delineated his divine character—and vindicated his unspotted manners—without suspection that the repeating of the odious Slanders could be construed as disrespectful—you would have justified my conduct—and So, you ought not to hurt mÿ feelings, as if it was possible, that in any manner I could be in default towards you—to whom I lay under So many obligations. If other frends concur with me in the Same Sollicitation—comply then with it—It is a  Legacÿ—which may be the last benefit you can bestow on your Country—It may—that you are correct—that it would not be now the proper Season—but prepare it trust it to J. Quincy Adams—He can not disappoint you. my french edition of de Lolme is dedicated to the Earl of Abingdon—perhaps the Same man you mention—(Willoughby Bertie)

In my next I hope to Send you the outlines of the Life, which J: wished I Should undertake—when mÿ cares Shall I hope be lessened—mÿ Wife and Daughter have been unwell—Since three weeks—the first recovered—the last yet very Feeble—the Symptoms not alarming—the Physician’s hope Sanguine—how Should I bear the loss—with my life I would redeem it—all maÿ be well yet—I am your’s

V. d. Kemp


Title: To John Adams from James Madison, 12 October 1816
From: Madison, James
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Washington Ocr. 12. 1816

				Your favor of the 4th. of Sepr. was handed to me, by Docr. Freeman, at my abode in Virga. just before I left it for this place. His transient stay afforded but a slight opportunity for the civilities I wished to shew to one who enjoys so much of your esteem, and who appeared so well to deserve them. He was so good as to call at the door since my arrival here; but being at the moment engaged, he was so informed, without my being apprized of the name, till he had retired: and his ensuing departure from the City closed our intercourse, unless he should repeat his Southern excursion when I shall pay with pleasure the arrears due on the first. Mrs. Madison wishing to seize the occasion for a letter to Mrs Adams, has herself answered the enquiry in yours to me, having reference to her. You will perceive that she has not the slightest recollection of any letter to Mr. Steel, such as could have led to the intimations in yours. We conclude therefore that some error has taken place in the statement made to you. It will rest with your goodness & conveniency to throw any light on it, which you may have the means of doing, and which you may think the subject worthy of. I beg you to be assured that I join fully in her acknowlegements for the delicate manner in which you have alluded to it, and for the kind dispositions which it has led you to express.The favorable judgment you are so good as to express on the course of my administration, cannot but be very grateful to me, not merely for the immediate value I set on it, but as an encouraging presage of the light in which my endeavors in the service of my Country will be hereafter viewed by those most capable of deciding on them. Be pleased to accept, Dear Sir, / assurances of my high esteem & my best wishes

					James Madison