Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 8 January 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

                            8 Jan. 1810

The cypher consists of two parts—a Lock and a Key.
The Lock is a sheet of paper, with four columns of letters at the left, and three columns of words at the right side of the page.—The Key is a strip of paper, adapted to the Lock, in the middle of the page, between the columns of letters at the left, and the columns of words at the right.—On the left border of the key, is an alphabet of Small letters, twice written, and to the right of the small letters a succession of six or seven sillables, mostly commencing with the letter on the same line, and having distinct accents over each syllable.—The arithmetical figures are placed in the line of the letters which commence their names—On the right border of the Key is an alphabet twice written in Capitals.—The Key is made to slide up and down to vary the cypher every time it is used.—The Key-Letter for each dispatch, is that letter on the key, which is brought to correspond with the four letters at the top of the four left hand Columns on the Lock.
The two Correspondents, who would use that Cypher must agree together upon the manner in which they shall ascertain the key-letter of each dispatch.—This may be varied at pleasure—For instance—The letters which you and I write to one another are numbered—Let the number of each letter in which the cypher is used indicate the key letter—Thus if I enclose you anything cyphered in Number 5—the key letter will be e. that being the 5th. letter of the alphabet—But as the alphabet consists only of 25 letters, when the number of the dispatch exceeds 25 begin again—let a be the key letter of Number 26. b. of 27. and so on as long as the correspondence shall continue.—When you would use the cypher observe the following directions.
Draw the key up or down, untill the key-letter shall stand opposite to the letters a. b. c. d on the Lock—Write first in your ordinary hand what you would put in cypher—Then instead of the first letter of the word you would disguise, substitute the letter in the first column of the lock, standing opposite to that letter upon the key—for the second letter, substitute the corresponding letter in the first second column; then the third and fourth, using alternately and in succession the letters on the four columns.—Suppose for example you would put in cypher the word “Secret”—your dispatch being Number 5.—The key letter being e. Draw the key down, untill e shall stand opposite to a. b. c. d. on the lock—Then instead of s. the first letter of the word, write c. which stand opposite to it in the first column of the Lock—instead of e write b the corresponding letter in the second column of the Lock—for c write its corresponding letter in the third column and so on—“Secret” thus cyphered would be written “cbubah.”
But if your dispatch were number 10. and k of course the key-letter, then by observing the same process “Secret” would be written “hgcgfn.”
To abridge labour however, and to vary still more the cypher, by putting an accent over a letter it is made to represent a syllable standing on the key, and marked with the same accent—Thus with c. for the key letter “Secret” might be written “cbǔk”—the two first letters being as in the firm example above—But in a line with c the third letter of those composing the word Secret, you find upon the key the syllable, cre, with the invicted circumflex accent over it—The letter is therefore with the same accent, taken from the third column of the Lock and represent that syllable upon the key; and the remaining letter t to finish the word secret, must be taken from the fourth column of the Lock.—On the same principle if k be the key-letter “Secret” will be written hgqp.—The words in the columns, upon the Lock, on the right of the key, are represented by the Capital Letters on the right border of the Key—Thus if e is the key-Letter—E—will stand for America—Ê with the circumflex accent over it, Washington, and E with the same accent invicted, for Republic.—At the commencement of a new line, after a period closed, and after the rise of a capital Letter, always begin the small letter of the first column.—
Directions for decyphering.—
On receiving a cyphered dispatch draw the key if your cypher, up or down, untill the four left letters of the left-hand columns on the Lock stand in a horizontal line, with the key letter indicated by the number of the Dispatch.—Then seek in the first left hand columns on the lock, the first letter in the cyphered dispatch—If unaccented, it will be revealed by the small letter on the border of the key standing opposite to it—If accented, it will be explained by the syllable on the same line, bearing the same accent.—Whenever a capital letter occurs, look for it on the right border of the key, and detect its meaning in the word standing on the same horizontal line—Observing always that the letters of the four left hand columns are used in succession from the first, beginning anew after every period, when the next sentence begins a new line, and after every capital letter.
Suppose for example in my letter to you Number 5. you find the following
Dmw nx CqpC ipu K eedz pisable le T. J. W.
G jauc n rdg s I rlocca n wricf
The dispatch being number 5. The 5th. letter of the Alphabet is the key-letter e
To prepare your cypher then, you must drawn down your key, untill the e on its left border stands opposite the top letters a. b. c. d. of the four left hand columns on the Lock.—Look in the first of those columns for the letter d, and you find it stands for m on the key—Then look in the second column and for m to correspond on the key is u—Look for w in the third column; and as it has in the present instance an accent over it, seek on the key the combination of letters, on the same line, having the same accent—it stands for them—Thus w in the third column stands on a line with ch on the key—w therefore with the same accent over it stands for ch and dinw signifies “much.”
The next letters for which you are to seek the prototype are nx—Look for n in the fourth column—It is explained by a on the key—after which you return to the first column for x, and find on the same line in the key do with the accent over it—“nx” therefore means “ado”—Pursuing the same rules you will easily discover the remainder if the cyphered sentences.—Observing only that when you come to the Capital Letter J you change your process; look for it on the Key, and find its meaning on the same line of the Lock.—Thus J here stands for U.S. and W. for Russia—Remember too that in returning to the small letters, after the use of any Capital, you begin from the first column. When there is an accent over a capital letter, it stands for the word in the column over the top of which the same accent appears—Thus J signifies U.S.—J Saxony, and J Government—And the same W. which stands for Russia, with the accent thus W signifies April and thus W Commerce.—
In using the cypher, you must be particularly careful to observe the regular succession of the columns, and the distinct and exact marking of the accents—The slightest mistake in either of which, produce inextricable confusion.
I conclude with the following lines, appropriate enough for the practice of a cypher, but which I give you only as an exercise of skill, which will cost you little trouble under these instructions.
E s f fqby sk raoxg wsc
I g hqc smuxso kck zmce.


Title: From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 9 January 1810
From: Warren, Mercy Otis
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Plymouth Ms. January 9th; 1810.

I never received a Letter from my dear Mrs. Adams but that an emotion was awakened which is not felt in every epistolary intercourse.—When I saw her signature under date of Decr. 31st: my heart glowed with the same affection which had long been cherished in my bosom, towards one I had loved and placed confidence in, without a suspicion, that the regard was not mutual.—
You assure me that there still “exist the seeds of ancient friendship in your bosom,”—which you intimate, were there implanted both by education and sentiment.—The seeds of friendship towards you, have never been eradicated from my breast.—I have nurtured and cherished the heavenly plant through every period of my existence, and still hope its influences may be reciprocated between us to the last moment of our lives.—Painful has it been to me, to see any languor, or doubt, from any circumstance, that should dry up your fountain of ink  when the grief-torn bosom of your aged friend, was weeping the blow that cut in sunder a union, which, when reflecting on the long lent blessings through protracted life, seemed, for a time, to have seperated me from all the world besides; and left me to contemplate, only, what I had lost.—You and Mr. Adams must still revere the memory of a character, adorned with the principles of patriotism, the virtues of Christianity, and benevolence, and a thousand instances of personal friendship towards Mr Adams and yourself;—to which, numerous letters from Mr Adams, bear strong testimony.—
How was it possible at such a time, for Mrs. Adams to be silent?—Could a difference in political opinion, at certain periods, or imaginary injuries which exist only in mis-apprehension or mis-construction, close up the sympathies of a mind capable of consoling both, from the principles of Philosophy & Christianity? If I know my own heart, and I think I do in this instance, all minor considerations would have been annihilated, and had our situations been exchanged, I should have flown to Mrs. Adams with the balsam of friendship in my bosom, and every expression that truth and sincerity could dictate, to sooth the soul of one I had ever loved and esteemed.—
Deeply wounded, as you know my heart must have been, by the privation of life to so worthy and invaluable a companion, you could not but have a tear to bestow; and your piety, must have suggested, that the aids of friendship, as well as religion, are necessary, to lift the mind above the severest stroke that time could inflict.—You may be able to justify this neglect, to yourself, from the conflicting passions of the human heart.
I am fully sensible, that, standing as we do, on the borders of eternity, every tumultuous passion should be hushed, and our minds prepared for that state of peace, which we both hope to enjoy with the great family of the Redeemer. This consideration disposes me to forgive all injuries, whether from friends or foes.—Forgiveness of injuries is one of the first articles of the Christian Code.—Not conscious of injuring any one, I hope I can with great sincerity say, “Lord, forgive my trespasses as I forgive them who have trespassed against me.”—
You observe that you was hurt by my silence, and that not one solitary line of retraction appeared in reply to Mr Adams’s unkind & cruel Letters to his aged friend.—I was so wounded by the style, manner, misapprehension, and mis-constructions, contained in the Letters of my former friend, that I thought it impossible to write any thing that could be acceptable to him, without prostrating my own character, by inconsistencies and a contradiction of myself.—But I paid all due attention to the contents of those Letters.—I endeavoured to weigh them and myself, in the balance of truth, and immediately replied to the interrogatories, and accusations contained in them, as they came to hand from your respected friend, who, I thought was also mine, until I received Letters, couched in such terms, as I could scarcely think possible, were dictated by a man, who, for so many years had been acquainted with myself and my habits.—These replies and observations are, for reasons perfectly justifiable to myself own mind, locked up in my Escrutoir, for the present, with the original Letters of Mr Adams.—Perhaps, they may both lay in oblivion forever—perhaps not—this must depend on circumstances.—
You will permit me, Madam, to add, that your education in principles of the Christian belief—your constant habits of conformity thereto—have ever led you to forgive, even your enemies,—and certainly, then you must revolt from indelicacy and rudeness, not to be submitted to, only from difference of sex; and which, a mind so pure, so delicate as Mrs. Adams’s, would have been shocked at, had she have seen the communications of Mr. Adams, as sent to Mrs. Warren.—My age—my sex—my standing in society, should have secured the wife of Mr Adams’s former friend and correspondent, from the indecencies contained in ten Letters from Mr. Adams.—
You have mentioned, that you have been much affected at the receipt of a Letter from a friend at Cambridge who had recently visited me.—Dr. Waterhouse—a Gentleman of education—of sense—and of some merit in his profession,—yet, from a fading memory, or an officious friendship, united with his usual ardour, has misrepresented a conversation detailed to you in his Letter.—
With every desire to meet and reciprocate with you, former friendship,—which its former ardor exhibited, permit me to detail the conversation with Dr. Waterhouse, as applying to your family.—After some general conversation on the times—on a late History of the American Revolution,—and on Mr. Adams’s abilities and integrity, which have not been impeached by the historian,—the Doctor asked me, if I had any evidence that Mr Adams had expressed any dislike to the part of the History relative to him?—With my usual frankness, I replied that I had,—but, if he was offended, I had abundantly more reason to be offended with him—yet, I felt myself disposed to forgive injuries, and still respected Mr. Adams’s talents;—and as the Doctor had informed me he was going to spend an evening at your house—I told him if they enquired after me, he might present my love to both Mr & Mrs. Adams.
Thus, I have literally repeated the sum of the conversation—I made use of no adulatory expressions—this I despise—and of this, I am certain, that I said nothing on which any one could presume that I had any conviction that I had mis-represented Mr Adams.—The Doctor however, ought to have been extremely guarded in his expressions, especially in writing, when he ought to have known, he involved private, public, and historical character.—Dr Waterhouse is generally incorrect—generally officious—and if he said what is detailed in your letter, it is full proof of my assertion.—
Our correspondence has been long suspended, but at no moment has affection been obliterated from my heart—a personal interview with Mrs. Adams would delight my mind—but there is little probability that we shall meet again in this evanescent state.—May we stand prepared to renew our amities where all is harmony, and truth, and love.—
I am, my dear madam, truly / Yours affectionately—
Mercy Warren


Title: From le Commandeur de Maisonneuve to Abigail Smith Adams, 12 January 1810
From: Maisonneuve, le Commandeur de
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Mercredi 12. Janvier 1810.—

Le Commandr. de Maisonneuve a l’honneur d’annoncer à Madame Adams qu’elle est inviteé au Bal de Sa Majesté l’Impératrice Mère, demain 13. Janvier, à 7. heures du soir.
Il saisit cette occasion de présenter à Madame Adams l’hommage de son profond respect.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 12 January 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

my dear daughter
Quincy Janry 12 18010

I congratulate you upon your safe arrival in the cold Regions of the North: to which I hope your constitution will get enured: you must borrow the ermin from the inhabitants of the forests, and wrap yourself in the furs which Nature has amply provided in those cold climates. How does my dear Boy Charles? I have learnt by way of young Mr Grey, that he was quite an amusement to them upon the voyage. I hope you will write very particularly. I followed you through all the Seas, and was very fortunate to hear of and from you 5 times during your voyage
I mix so little with the gay world that I have little by way of amusement to write you. Yet in a distant land, far seperated from our Friends and connexions trivial circumstances of a domestick kind become interesting—I will not however place under this head, the marriage which is to take place in your family in the Month of March or April between Mr Pope and Eliza—She has got absolution, without doing pennance, which she must have done, if the former connection had have taken place. The circumstances of the gentleman who is setled upon seven hundred dollars pr An, must have made her Miserable—in the next place I congratulate you upon the appointment of your Brother as post Master in New Orleans, worth about three thousand dollars pr An. The expence of living there is very great. I am told Board is at 18 dollars pr week—I give you these two peices of News from your Mother, with whom I have commenced, or rather a renewed a correspondence. Mr Senator Loyed has married Miss Hannah Breck, and carried her to Washington this winter—tell Kitty Mr Nehimiah Parsons is paying his devours to Miss Ann Thaxter, and with will succeed it is said. “It is best repenting in a Coach and six.”—Eliza Otis is engaged to Mr Lyman. Mr Wells gave a very splendid Ball at the exchange Hall this winter. Five hundred person were invited. It cost him twelve hundred dollars, two hundred dollars in artificial flowers—Ladies borrowed most of them—! William S Shaw,  Sole manager, says the Ladies never looked more divine!
Now I have given you some of the flying reports of the day. I shall tell you that your dear Boys are well, behave very well. George as steady as a man. John reads and spells very well clasps me round the neck and says, often I do Love you Grandmamma Mr and Mrs Cranch desire to be rememberd to you. I ought to have mentiond to you that Mrs Buckhanna lost her Baby—to save her own Life she was recoverd, and returnd to Baltimore—your Mamma and family were well last week—I have been thus particular with respect to them least you might not have heard from them—pray write to me as often as opportunities occur. My Love to William S Smith. I have not time to write to him myself, but I forward him some Letters from his Mother and Brother. Susan had a Letter from Caroline this week they were all well. Mrs Sally Adams, Louissa Susan & Abbe all present you an affectionate remembrance. Tell Kitty I will write to her soon for the pleasure of having a Letter from her lively pen—
Mrs T B A is writing—
I subscribe your affectionate / Mother
Abigail Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 8 February 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mother.
St: Petersburg 8. Feby. 1810.

The Sunday before we embarked for this place, my excellent friend and Pastor Emerson, delivered in his pulpit a discourse upon the pleasing and not improbable doctrine of a guardian Angel, which Christians have often supposed to be assigned to every individual, to watch over him and as far as is consistent with the general designs of Providence to guide his conduct, and to preserve him from extraordinary dangers—My wife, and her Sister who were present and heard this discourse, were much affected by it, and naturally made an application of several passages in it, to ourselves in the great voyage then just before us—I was prevented from attendance on Mr: Emerson’s public ministration that day by having gone out for the last time before our departure; to spend the day with you at Quincy— but I hope at some future day to have the pleasure and benefit of reading it; and in the mean time, I dwell with pleasure upon its principal idea. The General Superintendence of the Creator and Governor of the Universe, is indeed sufficient for the preservation and well being of all his Creatures, but in the greatness and multitude of evils and of perils which surround a wanderer upon the face of the terraqueous globe, the heart if not the judgment feels the want of some Special protection; of some intermediate agent, possessed of powers and attributes, superior indeed to those of human Nature, but yet limited in their extent, and capable of confinement to exclusive objects—
From the day when we embarked from Mr: Gray’s wharf in Charlestown; untill that, when we landed opposite the Statue of Peter the Great at St: Petersburg, we were exposed to many great and imminent dangers—I have given a minute account of them all in several letters to my brother, which I trust will all have been perused by you, before this will come to your hands—When in the midst of them, and knowing that human power was inadequate to extricate us from them; there was more hope and consolation in the belief of being under the peculiar charge of a superior though a finite Spirit, than in the philosophical conviction, that all partial evil is universal good, and that whatever might befall us, the System of the Universe, would enjoy an equal portion of felicity
A beneficent Providence, whether operating by general laws, or by the subordinate energy and care of a guardian Angel, did conduct us safely through all those perils, and brought us to the end of our outward voyage, after a navigation of nearly three months duration. We reached St: Petersburg the 23d: of October—The day before which I had written you a few lines from Cronstadt, which I hope you have before this received.
The American vessels which sailed three or four days afterwards, and by one of which that short letter was forwarded were the last which could get away before the Port was locked up with ice—This occurred about three weeks after our arrival, and several letters which we had already sent to Cronstadt to go by vessels ready to sail, were sent back to us; the vessels having found it impracticable to get out.
Since that time, I have sent to Holland, France and England, dispatches and letters for America, but without knowing how or when they would find a conveyance; it is not improbable that this, which is the first I have written you from this place, and which I yet know not how I shall send, will find its way to Quincy as soon as soon as any of the rest—I should have written you repeatedly, but the tumultuous agitation of the life which we have led, since our arrival here, which has not yet entirely subsided, has scarcely left me time for the most indispensable of my duties—
You are acquainted with the difficulty, and the expence, of forming a suitable domestic establishment for an American Minister, in other parts of Europe—They are every where great—Here they are greater than any where else—We are still indifferently lodged at a public house, and very expensively—A furnished house or apartments are not to be had—The bare walls of a single floor, or house which would but just contain my family must be paid at a rent of fifteen hundred or two thousand dollars, that is six or seven thousand rubles a year and they cannot be so much as decently furnished at less than five times the highest of those sums—The attendances at Court is frequent, and of the most indispensable obligation—It is most frequently twice in a day—the morning at a levee, and the same evening at a Ball and Supper—Not a particle of the cloathing I brought with me have I been able to present myself in, and the cost of a Lady’s dress is far more expensive and must be more diversified than that of a man—The number of Servants which must be kept is at least treble of that which is necessary elsewhere, and the climate of the Country requires for every individual expences of cloathing unknown in more Southern regions. Those are burthens from which no resolution can escape—But there are many others, more ruinous, and avoidable only by the sacrifice of all consideration among the people of the Country. The tone of Society among them is almost universally marked by an excess of expence over income—The public officers all live far beyond their Salaries; many of them are notorious for never paying their debts, and still more for preserving the balance by means which in our Country would be deemed dishonourable, but which are here much less disreputable than economy.
I will not dwell upon this subject—You will readily conceive the embarrassment in which I find myself, and of the desire which I feel to get out of a situation, irksome beyond expression. I have engaged part of a house, and am now on the point of furnishing it—I shall be obliged to involve myself in debt, and to draw upon my little property in America, even to do this—But then, I should show you, the bright side of the situation too—We have dinners, and Balls, And Suppers, and Ice-hill parties and masquerades, almost without end.— We are going for instance this Evening to a Masqued Ball at the French Ambassador’s, to being at 10 O’Clock. How much I am delighted with all this, is unnecessary for me to say; nor how congenial it is to my temper to find extravagance and dissipation become a public duty— I hope however, and I have great pleasure in expressing the hope to you, that not only myself, but all the younger part of my family, will preserve steadiness of brain in this sudden and violent whirl, to come out of it still in possession of our senses and our reason—But we all, to begin with myself, need the care of the guardian Angel, more than we did in the Baltic or the Gulph of Finland.
I have now the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your N. 1. dated 30  Septr: which I received a few days since, together with one of Octr: from the Secretary at War—The joy with which I always recognize your hand was none the less, although the date was so distant; and I had before received a letter from my brother of 6. Novr:—We have also received the President’s Message, and Accounts from America far into December—The frigate John Adams has arrived in France, but I have yet no letters or dispatches brought by her.
The Commander of the British ship Squirrel, must have been disposed to amuse Mr: Boylston, or have been imposed upon by a spurious Ship Horace—He certainly did not board our vessel on the 21st. of August, nor at any other time on our passage—We were boarded from no English vessel untill after we made the land on the Coast of Norway. I beg to be remembered with respect and affection to Mr: Boylston; and to all my other friends with you, whom you know to be dear to me—Particularly to my uncle and Aunt Cranch, to whom I am most grateful for their kindness and care of my boys—Tell them, how much, their father and mother are delighted to hear of their good behaviour, and how much their little brother talks of George and John at Quincy—He is just calling to me “ouvre’z la porte fil vous plait Papa”—He learns French and German as well as English at the same time, and is beginning to learn to read. George must at least keep up his French, to talk with him when we come home
Ever faithfully your’s
A.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 9 February 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

9 February 1810

Received Quincy 9th Feby 1810 of T. B Adams Twenty-five Dolls and fifty Cents in full for One quarter’s interest due upon J Q. Adams’s Note due the first instant.
$25.50
Abagail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams Smith, 11 February 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, John Adams

my dear John
post 11 Feb. 1810.

I thank you for your Letter by your Aunt. altho you have not written to me before, I know you have often thought of me, and you are so constant & regular a correspondent with your Grandfather that I readily exculpate You from all neglect. I read your Letters to him with pleasure. they show a mind desirous of information, & solisitious for the truth. it is knowledge which inspires caution, as ignorance begets rashness: Modesty may sometimes  depress and weaken a Great and well-famed genius—  but seldom fails of attaching to it the Benevolent & virtuous minds. Noble Sentiments, and unworthy actions can never reside in the same bosom. virtue my dear son is the highest good sense—cultivate incubate it my dear son with the utmost ardour What Solomon Says of wisdom may properly be applied to virtue. when wisdom entereth into thy thine Heart, and knowledge is pleasent unto they  Soul; Then shalt thou understand righteoussness, and judgment and equity; yea every good path, discretion Shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee; may I be so unpolite as to recommend to you a daily perusal of some portion of that ancient Book, as a Guide and Guard to your Life and practise & you will find it your best director, your surest  Friend, and your Safest companion—as I wish you to form an easy correct stile—it is necessary to you as a Scholar as a Gentleman & as a professional Man. Addisons papers in the Spectator which bear the Letters are  known by  the Letters E C L O  are a model esteemed by the learnd a model—in Letter writing, never abreviate your words, as thus, twas, instead of it was—twould instead of it would Study your own language correctly, or you can never write it elegantly
I wish you success most Sincerely in your profession and regret that it is not in your Grandfathers power to aid and  assist you and your Brother in your progress—I can only Say upon this Subject, that he Strugled through difficulties Similar in early Life Similar  to those which you have to contend with, that he early engaged in the Service of his Country, devoted to it all the active part of his Life—and in his old age—he has neither riches or affluence to bestow upon his posterity—with a strict  oeconomy, he preserves an independence—Let this rich flourishing country who owe to him his exertions and firmness their fisheries and their great landed possessions— Blush at their base ingratitude.
your Aunt Adams is very unwell with an afflicting pain of the Stomach and discharge of water from her mouth the Physicians call it the water brush Susan and Abbe are well—Abbe has some of the soft and amiable qualifications Susan   ing of some of the exuberancies & polishing   down a little roughness—will make by far  the most sensible woman.
your Aunt Cranch has been very Sick, and is Still very low. your Aunt T B Adams Sends her Love to you She is very well Abbe is a delicate little thing very often Sick Eliza is a Beautifull child— a Noisy little  of Beings—but it is our duty to do good and Communicate—I write often to your Mother and to Caroline— both of whom are pretty good and punctual in their returns to your affectionate Grandmother
A Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 11 February 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, Abigail Amelia Adams

my dear daughter
Quincy Febry 11th 1810

The weather has been so intensely cold for near a Month past that I have not taken a pen or attempted to write a Letter, nor have I acknowledged yours of Janry 15th received a fortnight ago, nor Johns bearing date 1st of Jan’ry. without any snow upon the ground we have had a Month of the coldest weather I recollect to have experienced Since the year your Father and Brother saild for France. our Harbarrs have been compleatly—frozen over as far as the Light House, and altho we have every comfort to keep the vital fluid in motion, I have thought some times that your Father would Scarcly Support it. It has increasd upon him that tremour and shakeing in his Hands to such a degree that he can not  hold a cup or a glass without spilling its contents. he Sometimes writes with much difficulty. his Health is other–ways good, and his mind vigorus for his Age—for myself I have got thus far through the Season with less Sickness than usual—but when we get so far advanced in years as your Father & I am, the keepers of the house Tremble” and we know not what a day may bring forth—Your uncle Cranch & dr Tufts are as well as such aged persons can expect to be after three Score, years and ten. few person have any right to look for much enjoyment
our Friend and Neighbour mr Black has been in a decline these Six Months. his disorder ulcers upon the Kidneys; I fear he will never go abroad again. Major Barret is far gone in a dropsey. the rest of our Quincy Friends are well as all our Boston acquaintance—Ann Thaxter is going to be married to mr Nehemiah Parsons who married miss Lydia Bishop for his first wife—thus far & go on relateing our domestic occurences which are always interesting to families when Seperated from each other
Since writing you last we have not had any further accounts from your Brother nor can we expect to, untill late in the Spring. Since this cold weather I have thought much of them. if under the Severity of this climate we complain So much, what must they Suffer under  the Rigor of a Russian winter where the Sun does not rise untill half past nine & Set in the Shortest days at half past two. I do not know how Mrs Adams will Sustain it, and I fear for his Eyes. the Snow must be very hurtfull to them: much as he is envied by Some, and malignd and abused by others I cannot see anything pleasureable to him or his in the Mission, but the hope of serving his country—
I rejoice to find that John has commenced his profession with so much Spirit, I most Sincerely wish him Success
I wrote to him about the time he left Newyork. he does not mention receiving that Letter I also learnt that William wrote to  Nyork to his Brother from Christians and from whence I received the Letter from your Brother of which I gave you an account
I really do not know how you can Spair Caroline so much as you do? I know you make the Sacrifice for her benifit, but a Sacrifice it must be—if Judge Smith Should come to Boston pray request him to make a point of coeming to Quincy I wish it for more reasons than one. from his Character I Should like an acquaintance with him. from his being So familiar in your family, it would Seem like an interview with a member of it, and from a Selfish motive I wish him to take charge of a Small package for you and caroline—I inclose you the cotton and Sissars and the 7 Number of your Fathers Letters—I have read your Govr’s speech with approbation—our Massachussets Legislators, the present Majority are—are burning their fingers—but the coals will not kindle through the State, whatever they may say, I do not believe the president or Congress wish or desire War with any power. Madison I believe would prepare with more energy than he is Seconded, but the people will not put on the Armour, if any thing short of Submission and a relinquishment of their independence can prevent it—
We have a base Servile British mercenary Set whose God is gain, and whose Idolatry to that Nation is a disgrace to our own—they bend the knee to Baal and abuse and villify our own Government.  our electioneering campaign is just opening the Chair of Government has been tendered to more than  one who could not possibly accept the office. this is  under . mr Lincoln has been obliged to decline upon account of a complaint in his Eyes which threatens him with total Blindness. mr Gerry & mr William Grey are the candidates upon the Republican List—
Susan has been writing to Caroline so she will get a History of her party &c
here is little abigail & John and at play in my Chamber both their Tongues  running so fast that I Scarcly know what I   write—poor old Pheby desired me to remember her to you when I wrote. She has survived the cold as yet— adieu  with a kind remembrance to you all I am as ever your truly affectionate Mother


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 14 February 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

N 5.

St. Petersburg 14 February 1810

I sent you by an American Gentleman who went from this place a few days ago to London, a cypher, with an explanatory sheet to enable you to use and understand it.—He will forward it by the first convenient opportunity; but I know not from whence—I hope it will reach you some time or other, but as it was not dated, and was not acompanied by any letter, you will perhaps be disappointed at receiving it alone—The Seal and hand-writing will be sufficient to indicate whence it comes—
Your favour of 11. August, was brought by Mr. T. S. Smith as far as Stockholm, and transmitted to me by him from that City, by the opportunity of a Swedish Courier.—Mr. Smith landed in Norway and was at Christiansand was within three days after we left it—But concluding to come on by land he has not yet been able to complete his journey, and was at Stockholm still on the 8th of last month; waiting for necessary Passports from this place, and for a passage unobstructed by the ice, over the Gulph of Bothnia.
About three weeks since, I received a letter from Mr. Jonathan Russell at Tonning enclosing among others your’s of 6 November, which was a most grateful feast for us—Mr. Russell himself together with a great number of other Americans, was in trouble from an order of the King of Denmark sequestering all the American Vessells & Cargoes arrived and arriving in the Ports of wick and Holstein, to undergo an examination for the purpose of discriminating the property really American from the Spurious frauds amd forgeries of English traders.—This affair will undoubtedly excite another great notice and alarm in America—The Correspondence between General Armstrong and the Danish Minister at Paris, on the subject will be public in the United States, as it already is in Europe.—My proceedings here as soon as I was made acquainted with the order of sequestration, are not published, as I supposed the success of the special interposition of the Emperor of Russia, to obtain the speedy release of this property, might depend upon the forbearance to make it public.—The peculiarly friendly disposition of the Emperor Alexander towards the United States was manifested in the readiness with which he granted his good offices with the Danish Government upon this occasion—And I trust it has not been altogether without effect.—Much of the property is already released, and the remainder will be so before long. I have not heard from Mr. Russell since his arrival at  Copenhagen, where by his last letter; he informed me he was immediately going.
I am very well satisfied with the account which you give me if my private affairs in your hands, for your attention to which I give you my hearty thanks—The affair of the New Bedford Turnpike is the only one which mortified me by the reflection of the shameful imposition they are attempting to practice upon me, and their likelihood of succeeding by my want of care to have the evidence of facts in writing—I say they though the fraud by which I may become the sufferer, is not imputable to more than one of them; and as Frederic told his treacherous Govenor of Stettin, I ought to blame myself more than him, for trusting him,—He was following his vocation.
I shall not only be obliged to draw upon you for the full amount of the credit given me by Mr. Gray, but for the whole income of my property, which you do not expend, and in all probability, to pledge great part of my estate itself.—I have already drawn to the utmost extent of my authority upon the public Bankers of the United States at Amsterdam,—and have yet neither house nor furniture,—I shall write you more in particular on this subject, as my arrangements here may require.—
Upon the Politics of Europe, or upon those of America, I scarcely know what to write you, nor would it perhaps be discreet to write, what would be most interesting for you to read.—Situated here at the Northern extremity of Europe, we are almost as distant from the places where the events most remarkable for the world are occurring; and imprisoned almost constantly from the time of our arrival  and still for six months to be so in thrilling regions of thick ribbed ice we are almost as long in receiving intelligence from the scenes of impotant action as yourselves—We only know very lately, as before this I suppose you know in America that there is a negotiation on foot, between France & England, but with little expectation on either part that it will terminate in a Peace—Unhappily for mankind, the present state of the world exhibits the singular phenomenon of the Great Powers, oppressing the whole species, under the colour of a War against each other—France and England can do very little harm, to each other comparatively speaking to each other—But the armed legions of France lay the Continent of Europe under the most enormous contributions, to support and enrich them, while the Naval force of England extorts the same tribute from the Commerce of the World.—The mass of the people both in France and England suffers in common with those of other Countries; but the fashion of paying any regard to the interests of the people is almost abandonned even in prentence.—When we were last in Europe, a sort of republican of democratic spirit was prevalent not only in the official pretensions, and varying Constitutions of France, but in the political and literary character of the times.—It is scarcely conceivable what  a change in this respect has taken place.—There is not a Republic left in Europe.—The very name of the people is every where buried in oblivion—In England, the great concerns upon which all the passions of the Country concentrate themselves, are intrigues and cabals of princes and Ministers to supplant one another, and the prices of seats at the play-house.——In France, and the rest of Europe, king-making and king breaking, orders of chivalry, and dissolutions of Marriage— princesses, and jacobin grubs, bursting into butterfly Princes, Dukes and Counts, conscriptions and contributions, famine grinding the people into soldiers. Soldiers sprouting into Sultans; fifty or sixty upstarts wallowing in more than opiatic luxury, and an icon hazzon tearing up the bowels of the Nations.—this is the present history of the Times.
The Country where we  now are has perhaps undergone the last change of any in Europe, since I last saw it,  and that change has been for the better.—The Emperor Alexander, whom the English Fame blowers once extol’d to the Skies, and whom they now vainly attempt to degrade,  is a character highly distinguished among the Sovereigns of the World—Young, Handsome, and elegant in his person, affable and condescending in his manners, he possesses qualities yet more important and more commendable in a powerful & absolute Prince—His Spirit of benevolence and humanity is so strong and so universally recognized, that they who wish to censure him can only complain that his disposition implies a defect of energy—How far this may be founded I have not the means of judging: but I know that his character is not destitute of firmness and Perseverence—His system of policy since the Peace with France has been very steadily pursued, though undoubtedly contrary to the Passions and Prejudices of almost all the persons by whom he is surrounded—It has  indeed been hitherto remarkably successful, and the English party here has consequently lost much of its strength—Still however it would predominate but for his steadiness and decision—His regard for our Country, which he has manifested upon many occasions, and in one very recent instance as I have mentioned to you, is a proof not less of wisdom than of goodness—It indicates a mind capable of appreciating distant objects and remote consequences, one of the rarest and most valuable qualities that a statesman can possess.—He has extended the bounds of his Empire, though as he himself said to me, it is already too large; but his new acquisitions have certainly contributed to its security as well as its extent.
As soon as we get settled in a regular course of life, (if we are destined to enjoy that blessing here) I shall write you occasionally some thing more about this Country. The only news I have to tell you at present is that the Russian cold is at length making its appearance.—Untill yesterday there had been no weather more severe than I have witnessed in Boston, but while I am writing you the Thermometer, outside of my window shews the mercury at 17 degrees below 0 of Fahrenheits scale—The Thermometer within, you are well assured is for you, and all the fire side, ever the same—ever warm—
A.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 20 February 1810
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

Atkinson Feb. 20th. 1810

I scarcely know when was the last time that I wrote to my Dear Sister, but this I can fully assure you that I have been every Day thinking of you, & yours, & wishing to communicate some of my thoughts to her, who is ever affectionately interested for her Friends; but so many things have intervened, to prevent my writing, that one day after another, has almost imperceptably passed away, “like a Tale,” or a Dream—So true it is, that we “take no note of time, but by its loss”—
Our Winter is almost gone—& we have had very little Snow with us, & but one week of severe cold, & it seemed with us, as if none stand before it; the wind was so boisterous, that Mr Vose, dare not have a fire in the Academy, which obliged us to have all the Boarders at home, around our own Chimney, which was foul, that we feared it would catch, which added to our anxiety, I never knew such a time—I looked often upon my family, & with a grateful heart to Heaven I hope, that they were all in health, had food & raiment to make them comfortable,
While with you, I considered, & compassionated the poor—Thanks to heaven, & their own Industry, we have not many destitute Children of want among us—But one family that I thought might be distressed—
Many aged people have returned to the who have been utmost weary of life, shocked by the rigor or the Season, have returned to the Dust—Mr Peabody & I, have been called to attend the Funeral of two ministers Widows, whom Mrs Adams, I believe remembers—
Mrs True died the cold Friday—The christian & female virtues adorned her character, & in the close of life, soothed the bed of Death—
Mrs Cushing, respectable, & dignified through a long series of ninety eight years, was last Wednesday consigned to the Grave—She has been longing “to depart, & be with Christ”—For Many years she has been continued in this Vale of tears, a poor widowed Pilgrim, deaf, & blind—In such a length of Days what scenes of trouble, & of Joy? What anguish by separation from dearest Relatives, what tribulation? What conflicts she must have endured—Her Lot was bitter—“God has released her”—And we trust she is now inheriting the Promises, annexed to Faith, & Patience—
Mr Gilman, & Sister, have spent a part of his Vacation with us—& some of our other young Friends, which have made the hours of Winter glide more smoothly, & pleasantly along—We that are growing in age, feel better, & happy to see youth, innocently Gay—
I hope Cousin Louisa has perfectly recovered from her bad cough & that all my other Cousins are well—
I went to Mr Littles, about the Cheese, settled, & got his receipt for all that was due—After it went from Haverhill, he considered it, as your affair—& supposed you would attend to that—He has no further charge—
The best wishes of my Heart, are for the President, & you—in which I am joined by Mr Peabody, & my Daughter, who enjoys her health very well this winter—If you see my Son, tell him I have some Shirts, nine for next summer, & if he wants ruffles, upon the Bosom, he must send me some Cambrick—I have written to him, but had no answer—a sad Child—
Give my love where due from your Sister
E P—


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 20 February 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

my dear daughter
Quincy Feb,ry 20th 18010

I this day received a Letter from my son dated october 21 from constradt—we had heard three weeks before of your arrival there by a vessel which came in to Salem, I rejoice that you are once more released from old ocean, and that you were so near the place of your destination. your voyage has been long and tedious. I hope you will experience Friendship and hospitality altho in so frozen a Region
Cold says a late writer, who I have been reading and who resided in Russia so late as 1808. “cold I have found their Country but never the Hearts of these people”
hearing this Evening that a vessel was to sail tomorrow for the North, and a gentleman going passenger in her who would take Letters, I have embraced the opportunity of writing to you altho it is seldom the most expeditious method of sending Letters, we have been remarkable fortunate in hearing of and from you. all the Letters written by my son which he mentions, have arrived safe, except the one from Elisineur, I was writing to your Mother when I learnt this opportunity of communicating with you, when either of us obtain any information respecting you, we immediately communicate it to each other
she was well, and your family a few days since as are your dear son’s. who have not had a days sickness since you left them. George is steady, and Books are as much his delight as they were his Fathers passion at his Age. I see his Father growing up in him, in a thousand of his actions, John has learnt to read so fast, that it is now a pleasure and amusement to him. his Eyes sparkle with intelligence, and he is a dear little coaxer as you can imagine—he is very desirious of sending a Letter to his Brother—and his cousin Abbe has gratified him by writing one for him which I inclose. I shall feel impatient to learn how you endure the winters cold and Summers heat, since reading porters sketches, I am quite conversent with petersburgh and Mosco, with the hermitage and the winter palace.
I have written twice, before to my son; our writers are trying their skill to render the mission to Russia unpopular and to raise up hobgoblins, “a union with Napolean, and a Northern confederacy to crush the power of haughty Britain—who according to them has done us no essential injury—our Massachusetts Legislature, are disgraceing the State, and are followed by Newyork.
Jacksons dismission and his conduct which produced it, has whetted up the Spirit of party to almost a war pitch, and our Election for gov,r approaches. mr gerry and grey are the Republican candidates—the usual popular clamour is played off against them. what will be the result, time must determine
even the cold Regions of the North must be more agreable, than living in a fiery furnace. this reconciles me in some measure to the seperation of from those I hold most dear, knowing as I do, that no ice treatment can ever wean or alienate a mind and heart devoted to the welfare of his Country.
we all unite in Love and regard to your whole family. tell william, that Letters from Lebanon recently received inform that all were well there. I sent your Letter to day to mrs Cranch I know she will write to you—I presume my next Letter will inform you of Elizas marriage with mr Pope. kiss Charles for me. talk to him of his Country, of his Grandparents—he will never feel for the affection which his Brothers do, seperated at so early an Age
Mr. Adams is writing to his Brother. it is late I must take my leave with assurances of / affection ever yours
Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Catherine Nuth Johnson, 23 February 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Johnson, Catherine Nuth

my dear Madam
Quincy Feb,ry 23d 1810

I have been frozen up almost ever since I received your last kind Letter. such severe weather we have not experienced for many years. writing has been quite out of the question with me. To keep myself from quite congealing to a statue, I have kept close to the fire side, reading porters travelling sketches in Russia, and Sweeden. I could never have read them; feeling so much interested as at the present time, when our dear Children are making the same tour. this cold weather has made me shudder for them. if in this climate we have endured so much, what must they suffer in an atmosphere of Twenty five degrees of Frost. where birds drop dead and Stiff from the Trees, and water thrown into the air, reaches the ground in a congealed state, where the sun rises at 15 minutes after nine, and sets 45 after two? reverse this and you have a Summers day. to me the two extreems would be dreadfull Robert Ker Porter, the writer of these Letters past the years 1805 6 7 & 8 in Russia. he is very particular in his Naration of the Manners Laws customs and habits of the Russians, as well as of their climate. he is a painter of considerable eminence, a Man of Science and Learning, of England by Birth. he must be a Gentleman of some rank as he was particularly noticed by his own countrymen, but and introduced to Court in Russia and Sweeden; If you have not seen them, I would recommend them to you. Speaking of the Russians, “Cold says he I have found their Country, but never the Hearts of these people” I have been gratified to learn so very a pleasing a discription of the Emperor of whom he speaks highly, and describes the Empress as a very Beautifull and fine woman.
Whilst writing to you my dear Madam, I have this moment received a Letter from m dated at Cronstadt 21 of October . . . Seventy nine days after their departure from Boston, they had a severe and dangerous passage up the Baltic, but thanks to a kind Providence they had reached the end of their voyage in Safety. I presume you must have Letters either from Mrs Adams or Kitty. Mr Adamss Letter was very short, just announcing their safe arrival and their Health, saying that they had not seen either Snow or Ice but wind hail and Storm, “rushing a main down” and tearing up the Baltic reminding them of dr Watts Sapphic ode. I long to get Letters from Petersburgh I had an opportunity of writing them by a vessel bound to the North and a Gentleman passenger took charge of the Letters. I presume You have written to them; through the Russian Consul I should think you would get a safe conveyance
I inclose to you my dear Madam the pamphlet you request. It has never been answerd, or refuted. a very abusive pamphlet has been published since mr Adams’s absence, by way of review, attributing to the writer motives which his Soul disdaind. it was so low and foul a pamphlet, that I have never heard of its circulation. a very different writer in the Anthology has reviewd the works of mr Ames, Selecting only those parts which do honour to his memory not once noticing those which mr Adams considerd so censurable, and which the junto adopted for their Creed, and palmed upon the public with the sanction of mr Ames name and Authority. this Reviewer has bestowed upon mr Ames writings the most unqualified praise; and adulation. Mr Adams praises where he saw it was merrited he loved mr Ames, and respected his tallents, but he has not cheated misled the world by telling them, that all he wrote was holy Writ. the reviewer (whom I know), ought and I hope was, as scrupelous with respect to Truth, in this instance, as he was upon an other occasion, but in neither of them, could I see with his eyes.
Mr Adams’s Lectures are not yet out of the press, when they are, you will, agreable to my sons direction to his Brother, be furnished with a Sett.
The Majority in our state Legislature are disgraceing the State by their Resolutions, and their censure upon the administration of the National Government the junto govern the State Newyork is following after them, I trust the President is not to be intimidated by the Spirit of party, or by the Anglo faction, it is a persecuting Spirit. I know sufficiently the dangers, difficulties and embarressments of the office he sustains, to commissirate every man who sustains holds it, with a desire to do justly, and Love Mercy.
I hear that Eliza has past the Rubicon be so good as to present her, and mr Pope, my congratulations upon the occasion; and accept my best wishes for yourself, that the connection may prove a blessing, and comfort to you.
your Grandsons are well, and doing very well George is much like his Father, devoted to Books, Studious and Steady. John a most fond affectionate little creature, small of his Age, resembling his Mother very much. he has learnt to read very well since he has been ke Steady to School—they consider it a treat to spend sunday with me—and it is highly gratifying to their Grandfather and to me, I have then sev with me from 13 years to Six Months—
Present me kindly to each Member of your Family, be assured I am dear Madam / Affectionately / Yours
Abigail Adams


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 6 March 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

my dear daughter
Quincy March 6 18010

your Letter from St petersburgh of october 28th I received the last week, four Months after the date; it was quite as soon as I expected to hear considering the season of the year. I rejoiced to learn that you were safe from the dangers of the Sea, and had reached the City of your residence in health, after the fatigues, and dangers of so long a voyage.
difficulties you will no doubt encounter in a Country like Russia, a stranger to every human Being, without any knowledge of the language of the Natives, at the approach of winter when you require better accommodations than are readily obtaind. I judge so from Porters Schetches of his travels in Russia, which I have lately been much interested in reading. French I presume is spoken by all persons of Education, and you are fortunate in being so ready and conversant with that Languge here, I cannot but laugh whilst I relate to you, an annecdote which I heard a day or two since. I have not yet seen it in the paper altho I do not think it improbable it will appear in it, the Emperor Napoleons dissolution of his marriage with the Empress Josophina, has been published in the papers, and it has been asserted, upon what Authority I know not, that he is to marry a sister of the Emperor of Russia, and mr Adams’s mission to that Court is to assist as Bride man upon that occasion in behalf of the united States! Laugh here we must. the junto have several times told us what his instruction were, but it seems the whole has not transpired untill this new, and wonderfull discovery.
I have always understood that a mission to Russia was one of the most expensive Embassys—but our wise Legislators make no difference, whether little or much is required. the sum is too small at any court, even for a single gentleman, for a family quite inadequate, as I know by experience—
The articles you have written for I shall endeavour to procure with the assistance of Mrs TBA, and forward them by a mr Harrod, a cousin of hers, who is going out in a Ship, and will take particular care of them—you will undoubtedly hear of Elizas marriage with mr Pope from her own hand, but I also communicate the pleasing intelligence, as Letters are so liable to miscarry. I congratulate you and Catharine upon the event so much to all appearene preferable to a former engagement; without any reflection upon the gentleman who personally, I believe was every way worthy of her, but we cannot live by Bread alone.
My dear son I have written to him three times, and twice to you. I am anxious for his Eyes, least the glare of the snow should blind him. heaven preserve and bless him. his dear Boys, are dearer to me for the absence of their parents they are good Children, very orderly and correct. I inclose a Letter from George. John who is with me (there being no school this day or two,) desires me to give his duty to his Father & Mother and Aunt Catharine. he has written before. our Little Groupe are all well. Thomas is a fine Boy. I shall not have time to write to my Son now. Let him know that I received his Letter from Cronstradt—If I have time I will add a few more lines after I have procucured the articles you requested.
The blessing of your Father accompanies this Letter to you and my son as well as that of your / truly affectionate / Mother
Abigail AdamsKiss dear Charles for me do not let him forget his Country


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 March 1810
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My ever dear Son
Quincy March 16. 1810

The Opportunity by Captain Benjamin Harrod is so unexpected and the time allowed me is So Short, that I can only Say We are all Well and your Son very good as well as very healthy.
We hear and read Such Accounts of unavoidable Expenses where you are, that our frugal Country We fear will not enable you to do your Errand.
Our Reading has been all about Russia Life of The Empress Porters Travels &c untill last week The Lectures appeared, when I renounced all other Things and read them through in three days and have Since compared them with Blair. It is to no purpose for me to approve them because I must be prejudiced. But they have laid a Foundation for Improvement in polite Litterature in this Country, in a Short time which without them would not have been introduced in a Long time
We read nothing but Gerry and Gore, Gray and Cobb and the Usual Freedom of the Press played upon them all.
Our General Court have done this Session as they did the last. What the People will Say I know not,—They have rarely differed from their immediate Representative
Our National Counsills and Conduct are not very ardent, energetic or vehement. The Majorities are not So decisive as they had been, for Eight years. I live in no apprehension of War, foreign or Domestic.
I am Sick of the Palsy as usual before you left me: rather increased by the Severe Cold of Some Parts of the Winter: but whether Sick or Well as long as I live my heart will be with you and yours. My Compliments to all: Love to Mrs Adams Mr Smith and Miss Kitty. Mr Pope is Supreamely blessed in his enchanting Eliza. God bless you all. So prays your affectionate Father
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 22 March 1810
From: Adams, John
To: Tufts, Cotton

22 March 1810

Know all men by these Presents, That I John Adams of Quincy in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire do make, constitute and appoint Cotton Tufts of Weymouth in the said County Esquire my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my Name to sell, assign and transfer all or any part of the Stock now standing or that may hereafter stand in my Name on the Books of the Commissioner of Loans for the United States in the State of Massachusetts and also to recieve all the Interest & dividends now due or that may hereafter be due on Stock standing in my Name in the Books aforesaid with Power also an Attorney or Attornies under me for that Purpose to make and substitute; and to do all lawful Acts requisite for effecting the Premises; hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney or his Substitute or Substitutes shall do therein by Virtue hereof.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, the Twenty Second Day of March, in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and Ten.

John Adams.

Sealed and delivered  in the presence ofThomas B AdamsRichard W. DexterCOMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.Norfolk ss.
Be it known, That on the Twenty-second Day of March, One thousand eight hundred and ten before me, Thomas B Adams one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Norfolk came John Adams above-named, and acknowledged the above Letter of Attorney to be his Act and Deed.
IN Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed my Seal the Day and Year last mentioned.
Thomas B AdamsJus: Pacis


Title: From Walter Hellen to John Quincy Adams, 22 March 1810
From: Hellen, Walter
To: Adams, John Quincy

CopyMy dear Sir
Washington 22 March 1810

I am interested in the Cargo of the Brig Presage Capt Wm. Lawson, who is bound to Potterburgh, in order to seek a Market, which may probably be in some of the baltic Ports—possibly St Petersburgh, wither to dispose of the outward cargo, or to procure a return one or both, shou’d he therefore visit your Post, in either case, I beg you will do me the favor to afford him your kind protection. The Supercargo (Mr. John Kettell) is a very young man, & an entire stranger to me, I have directed him to call upon you, immediately on his arrival, & to lay before you all the letters he has for St Petersburgh, to follow your kind directions & advice in every instance as it relates to my Interest & which I flatter myself you will have the goodness to give him—He will have to employ some Merchant, or Broker, to aid him in the transaction of his business, you will please observe he does not get into improper hands. You will also oblige me, by suggesting to him such Articles as may be best adapted to our Markets. Your good Lady & Kitty I make no doubt can easily recommend many articles, that will command the admiration & consequently the Purses of the fair ones of our district,—Should Mr Kettell dispose of his outward Cargo before he gets to St Petersburgh & proceed up for a return one, he will I presume, have to negociate his Bills, in which case, please advize him the most advantageous mode of proceeding—We are all so totally unacquainted with the Russian Trade that we know not what to send or what to order in return—I shall therefore thank you very kindly for you Ideas on this subject that I may be better informed in case of a future expedition
Mr: Adams & Kitty will both recieve Letters, from the Family which will give them the occurrences of the district—Mr Kettell has some Dispatches from the Secretary of State & I send some of the Latest Papers, to which I must think you for the news. We all unite in the most sincere affection & I am Dear Sir / Yours Faithfully
Walter Hellen


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 27 March 1810
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Brother
Quincy 27th: March 1810.

I have had frequent opportunities to address you, by letters of recommendation for Gentlemen who are embarking for Russia, and who make it a point of importance to be introduced to you. In general, I have had the leisure and inclination to comply with the solicitations of Gentlemen who have besought this favour; but it has not always been in my power to comp gratify their wishes. A few days since, Mr Benjamin Harrod of Newburyport, a cousin of my Wife, and who is Captain of the Ship in which he has sailed for St. Petersburg, came out to see us & to take our commands for our friends in Russia. I have furnished him with a small box of Merchandize, which was purchased at the request of Mrs: Adams (your Wife & my Sister) and which I hope will reach her in safety; but although my wife and my Mother found time to write by this conveyance, I did not. It is fortunately in my power to supply by a single letter, the recommendation of two Gentlemen, who by kindred and by marriage are allied to the family of my wife. Mr: Henry DeWolf, of Bristol in the State of Rode Island, who married the eldest daughter of Mr John Marston, is about to embark for St Petersburg, in a few days, and has politely offered to take letters. I have but little personal acquaintance with this Gentleman but relying on the strength of Mr: Marston’s recommendation, I do not hesitate to mention him to you as highly worthy of your attention and civility.
The intercourse with Russia is rapidly increasing, in consequence of the almost total interdict on Commerce in other parts of Europe. The seizure of English merchandize in the dominions of Denmark, imported under licences and forged papers and in Vessells bearing the flagg of the United States, has produced some good effects here, and in addition to the evidence afforded of other illicit commerce carried on in various other places, for the truth of which we have the official correspondence of our Consuls abroad, forms such a mass of proof, that the condemnation of our Vessells is no longer a mystery. We are waiting, with anxiety to hear from you directly from St Petersburg, the letter of Mrs: Adams of the 28th October, being the only one which has reached us from thence.
I have endeavoured to keep your file of the Patriot in readiness to transmit by every opportunity. That paper goes on and prospers and has already become an important auxiliary to the Republican interest. Both parties are at present animated with uncommon ardor in the electioneering contest, and both profess to be equally sanguine in their calculations of success. Since the result in New Hampshire, which has restored Langdon to the Chair, the hopes of the Junta are something diminished, they continue however to talk with confidence and to keep up the Spirits of the party, Policies of Insurance are effected at some of the Offices at the rate of three to one, in favour of Gore & Co—I feel pretty confident that Gerry & Gray will prevail by something of a majority, but it is impossible to predict with accuracy in popular Elections. Next Monday will decide the great struggle, which I believe has seldom been surpassed in accrimony of management. The Republicans have had to contend against all the virulence of the British faction, who have supported the conduct of Mr: Jackson in opposition to our National Government, and even outstriped the justification of the British Government itself. When you receive the Newspapers of the period of Jackson’s dismission you will find food for merriment, and particularly in what was called an Analysis of the correspondence &ca: I presume that our friend Shaw has sent you that most learned work in a pamphlet. A few days since news arrived at Washington and was speedily transmitted to Boston, of the disavowal by his own Government, of Mr: Jackson, and an intimation that he would be forthwith recalled and a new Minister sent in his stead; at present the whole squabble is about the truth or fallacy or these representations. Mr: Pinkney in London has written a private letter to the Secretary of State, from which these facts and inferences are drawn; but you can scarcely conceive the fuss that this Intelligence has raised; let it be true or false however it has done the business for which it was calculated, and all the contradictions of it will have no tendency to counteract it. I do not myself see the great importance of the news, and possibly more weight is attached to it by the political parties here from the circumstance of its arrival about the period of an Election, than for any other reason.
The Patriotic spirit of our State Legislature held out of a piece with the publication under that title, which contained the history of their immediate predecessors opposition to the Embargo. This year they took the foreign relations of the Union into their wise consideration, and boldly pronounced the President of the U. S. totally in the wrong upon the affair with Jackson. Congress by a large majority and several State Legislatures had passed Resolves justifying and applauding the conduct of the President in this particular, which is assigned as one reason by our Legislature, why they have taken leave to adopt Resolutions most pointedly opposite. There has been during the present year no hesitation, no timidity, and no wavering in the measures of the Majority; they have gone for the whole or none, and it is not improbable that this desperation may win the game against odds. Their confidence and effrontery may possibly prevent many voters deserting them at this time of need, but their violence will ultimately defeat itself.
From the seat of Government you will receive better information of the proceedings in Congress than I can furnish. Mrs: Johnson, who writes now and then to your Mother gives us all the anecdote we possess of the state of Society there. By the way, I will mention a fact which will give you pleasure to learn, which is, that the Supreme Court of the US. have confirmed the Judgment of the Court below on all points, in favour of the Yazoo claims. Mr: Peck tells me further that your labour secured that cause, at the argument of the preceding term.
Your Lectures have issued from the Press in a decent garb, as you will see when you receive the set, which I have sent you, by Captain Harrod. I have not yet been able to procure the fifty copies you reserved, but shall do it speedily. I have read the principal number with inexpressible delight, but the opinions of other people have not reached my ears. You have not yet passed the ordeal of Reviewers—Alas! Food for spleen, is as common as the air. But for the Vipers of envy and the fiends of malignity, there is a Book, written by their enemy; if they fasten upon it too eagerly, it will assuredly be converted into a file. This thought consoles me for all the anticipation of the publick judgment.
Our dear parents have enjoyed a good measure of health, through the winter, and are at present tolerably well, though my Mother has a severe cold. I have been afflicted with an oppression of the lungs, ever since my journey to Barnstable in the Autumn, in consequence of a cold I took in going down; and during the severity of the winter-weather, I was quite an invalid; I hope the return of warm weather will enable me to shake it off.
Your Boys are quite well and desire to be most affectionately remembered, they grow fast in stature and in knowledge; you would be surprized at the rapid proficiency which John has made in reading. I hope ere long to put in execution a plan which I have in contemplation, that will make your Sons members of my family. Should this event take place, I shall feel a pleasure in announcing it to you and your wife. Present her and Miss Catherine the best love of myself and my wife. The friends of Miss Johnson in Boston are eager to hear of her news. Eliza, as Mr Allen Otis wrote from Washington, has discarded the Priest and taken to the Pope. They had a splendid wedding as we learn, at which the President and his Lady assisted.
Remember me kindly to William; we have not heard very lately from Lebanon, but at the last dates, all were well, and had received Letters from William. To Messrs: Everett, Gray & Smith I have the pleasure to tender my best regards. We are very solicitous to hear, how you were received and how you find the Residence at St Petersburg.
With the truest attachment, I am / your Brother.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 10 April 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, Abigail Amelia Adams

My dear daughter:
Quincy, April 10, 1810.

I rejoice to learn by Caroline’s letter to Susan, (which in her absence I took the liberty of opening,) that you had made an excursion to visit a friend. We stand in need of some variety to keep both body and mind in tune. The bountiful Parent of the universe has amply supplied our wants in this respect, by the succession of day and night, of seed time and harvest, of summer and winter, to which he has added social intercourse and the interchange of friendly offices.
“Heaven forming each on other to depend,
A master, or a servant, or a friend.”
I feel grateful for having it thus in my power to hold converse with you, my dear and beloved daughter, separated as we are by circumstances which we cannot control, and to which we are necessitated to submit. When my mind is sometimes prone to rebel and rise indignant against those who have been the cause of our painful separation, I hush each murmuring sigh by the consideration, that it is one of those trials assigned me by Providence, not only to wean me from the world, but to teach me submission, and make me humble. Why should I expect, or how am I entitled to so great favours, or so many blessings as have followed me all my life? I am now, thank God, in the enjoyment of more health than for many seasons past; although at my age I have not any reason to build upon it as a security for life. Your father too enjoys his health, but not without an increase of that tremor upon his hands which makes it difficult for him to hold a knife or take a cup of tea. His spirits are good, and he amuses himself with the little flock of grandchildren who are, one or the other, with us.Give my love to Col. Smith, and tell him it would do me good to see him. Has he as fine spirits as formerly?
With love to all the family, I am your truly / Affectionate mother,

Abigail Adams.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 14 April 1810
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Smith, Abigail Amelia Adams

MY DEAR DAUGHTER:
Quincy, April 14th, 1810.

I wrote to you last week. Our election is over, and Mr. Gerry and Gray undoubtedly elected by a majority of more than two thousand votes. Vermont and New-Hampshire have elected republican Governors. A prodigious revolution in the sentiments and opinions of the people of these States has been effected by the conduct of England and France towards us; but more particularly the shuffling, tricking conduct of Great Britain; and the unwearied endeavours of the British party in our own country to support them in their injustice, in opposition to the government of their own country. These men call themselves federalists; but they are really a remnent of the old tories, some of which are to be found in every state in the Union. They carry with them many worthy but misinformed people, by falsehood and misrepresentation. Mr. Gerry is a true American; a firm, decided character; a man of moderation and ardour. I wish that he might be able to moderate the heat of party spirit, and heal the animosities which it engenders. The federalists consider your father and his sons as quite apostates. They say that I am opposed to them, and that they cannot bring me over to their opinons; for this they have no authority. I as fully condemn the spirit of insurgency which the measures of our legislature encouraged and abetted by their resolutions and resolves, in direct opposition to the national government, as either of them; nor were my feelings become so calous to national disgrace, as not to see an insult to the government when charged with falsehood, and that charge repeated after being twice repelled. I am for supporting the government and the laws; for respecting the rulers. If some laws are not so judicious or well calculated to promote the order of society as they might be, let the people petition for redress; not  rise up in rebellion against them. I am opposed to ail partialities for foreign nations. Do not the federalists profess all this? wherein then do we differ; where is the apostacy; is it not upon their own side? Do their words and actions correspond? I mean the leaders, those who are termed the junto, who are really a British faction, aided by real native British subjects.
With my best love to you and yours, / I am, my dear daughter, affectionately, / Your mother,
Abigail Adams.


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 15 April 1810
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear William
Quincy 15th: April 1810.

I enclose you two advertisements, which will thank you to have printed in the Palladium of Tuesday, and the Patriot of Wednesday; and if you think best, in the Centinel also. I have referred enquirers to you, and perhaps you would obtain Mr Sigourneys consent to leave the Key of the house in Nassau Street, with him.
I am very sick to day, and expect to be bled when the Dr: arrives—I have had too much business of late on land, which has worried me out of my health. Hope to see you soon and in the mean time am / truly your friend
T B Adams—
PS. Please to insert the number of the house in Hancock Street


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 17 April 1810
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dearest Sister,
Atkinson April 17th. 1810

A Day since I saw Mrs Harrod & she informed me that you had thoughts of making us a visit, & to take your Daughter Adams, Abigail, Elizabeth, & Thomas, in the Carriage with you—Will not the President do us the favour of a visit—Mr Peabody & I, both wish we had anything in this Town to render it more agreeable—When I lived in Haverhill, we could have company to amuse him more congenial to his Talents & feelings—But this place, is my alloted residence & where my duty is, I can always find some fragrant flower, to beautify & sweeten my Passage—though for my Friends, & Abbys sake, I wish it were a different Situation, where I could have company whose Education might improve & whose Taste, & sentiments were more congenial—But to do Good, should be, & I hope is, the great Object of my Life—I lament, that I can do no more—
“Cast thy Bread upon the waters, & after many Days, it shall return to thee again”—is exemplified in the marriage of Mr Thaxters Daughter—Her Mother was soon provided for, by one of the richest men in Newbury, & his Orphan Child, treated by Mr Carter, with parental tenderness—
May our Cousin, prove herself worthy of such distinguished favours—be a good wife, Mother, & Friend—such as her own Father would approve, could he look down from the blissful abode—
O how happy should I be, if our good Sister Cranch could come with you—It is now our Vacation—commenced yesterday, & we have but two Boarders left—I wish you could come next week Let me, know if you can—
Be so good as to present our best respects where due, & think of me ever, as an affectionate Sister—
Elizabeth PeabodyI am called, & must hasten—


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 21 April 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

N. 6
St: Petersburg 21. April 1810.

I have already drawn for three hundred pounds Sterling, of the credit, for which Mr: Gray gave me a letter upon his correspondents here. He will call upon you for the money; which does not quite amount to the balance I left in your hands for the purpose—I have written to you that I shall in all probability be compelled to draw upon you for more, but as by the course of exchange I draw at great loss, I shall put off this evil day as long as possible—If you should be under the necessity of selling any of my property to meet my drafts, Mr: Gray, upon whose credit I shall draw, will allow time to avoid any unnecessary sacrifice—I would not wish you therefore to reserve any considerable sum upon hand for such contingencies; but as fast as you possibly can, to pay off my debts in America—They give me more concern than those, which I expect to make here—When they are entirely discharged, I shall be less reluctant and better able to call upon you to maintain the necessities of my condition here.
We have not heard directly from America since I wrote you last. The winter here is not yet broken up—Although the Sun is above the horizon, already as large a proportion of the day, as in Boston at the Summer Solstice, the river is yet as solid as a rock of marble, and it is but two nights since, that Fahrenheit’s thermometer was down at two degrees below 0. which is colder than it was in the course of three winters that I kept a register of the Thermometer at Washington—In the day time however the power of the Sun begins to produce some effect, and in another fortnight it is probable the river will be open—We expect them to hear soon and frequently from home, and we shall then also we hope, have frequent opportunities of writing to our friends.
I have hitherto scarcely written you any thing upon the political affairs of Europe—Events which in ordinary times, would be considered as of extraordinary magnitude succeed one another in such rapid succession, that I should hardly have had the means of sending away a view of the public appearance of Europe, before it would have assumed a new one. At the time when I embarked at Charlestown, a War almost universal was raging upon this Continent—Since then the Peace of Sweden has been concluded with Russia, with Denmark and with France—that of France and Russia has been concluded with Austria, has been succeeded by the dissolution of marriage between the Emperor Napoleon, and his second marriage with the eldest daughter of the Emperor of Austria—The consequences anticipated from this last Event, the most unexpected of any of those which I have mentioned are greater than from all the others together—It has not only given the most cheering hopes to the house of Austria, that it will be preserved from the downfall of the Bourbons, but the whole Continent of Europe considers it as a pledge of future peace and tranquility, which may very possibly not be realized. Its tendency to consolidate and give stability to the new Imperial Family of France is more obvious and more certain—Napoleon is the Croesus of the age; and those who believe that the Universe is governed by the Wisdom and Goodness of a superior being can only recur to the caution of Solon; and beware pronouncing upon a man’s Fortune, untill they have witnessed his end.
In the mean time every thing that occurs in the world seems to be fashioned in subserviency to his views—British Politicians, and their disciples throughout the world, have hitherto found no other expedient, than to stimulate resistance against him where it could not fail to be subdued, and to stigmatize the victims which they have successively offered up in sacrifice to him.—He said or wrote on a late occasion that the Genius of France had directed the British Government in their expedition to the Scheldt; but a Genius favorable to him appears to have inspired the British Councils, from the moment when in the face of their engagements they set him at defiance, to keep possession of the island of Malta. To those who feel a real concern for the Independence of Nations, and the liberties of mankind, it is truly mortifying to observe the little men, and the little means by which the great powers and resources of England are wasted in this contest—When we read in antient history the final struggle between Rome and Carthage, we see the Triumph of one system of political institutions over another, but the greatest man is on the vanquished side—Now we have a more melancholy Spectacle; the superior system of political Institutions, defeated by the individual imbecility of its supporters—That it may remain no secret to the world, a Parliamentary Enquiry has been many weeks employed to expose it in its minutest and most disgusting details—The Expedition to Walcheren is but a single specimen of the manner in which the great affairs of the British Nation are managed—It appears to have been undertaken, in the face of what to men of common sense must have been considered as demonstration of its impracticability—Its conduct was then committed to a man, who would hardly have been fit to take possession of a place after its capitulation—Twenty thousand men, are sent into the midst of a notorious pestilence; and when the physician general of the army is ordered to go to their relief, he positively refuses on the avowed ground that he knows nothing about contagious distempers—When this wise undertaking comes to its natural termination, the Ministers try to throw the blame of the failure upon their Colleague the General—The General puts it off upon his Coadjutor the Commander of the fleet—One intrigues against his associates, with the king—Another betrays his friend by a sham defence of him in Parliament—Ignorance and Folly appear alike conspicuous in all, and these are the antagonists who are to maintain the balance of the world against the Genius and the Fortune of Bonaparte.
The choice of Mr: Jackson, and the manner in which he executed his mission in America furnishes another Chapter for the same History, perfectly corresponding with it in its characteristic features—Fortunately both for England and for us, when Mr: Jackson’s hard studied vivacities and their effects come back to Europe the factious and spirited Gentleman who had sent him out to repair the cracks and flaws of his Master’s dignity, was laid up with a lame leg caught in the attempt to trip up the heels of a ministerial Colleague, and was enjoying the leisure of a temporary retirement from the Cabinet—His Successor, of whose personal character I have little knowledge, appears at least to be gifted with a little more discretion, and has not undertaken to bear out Mr: Jackson, in his lofty pretensions and fiery temper—What the actual State of our affairs with England is, I am not authentically informed; but the rumours of the Gazettes announce that a new Convention has been signed by Mr: Pinckney and the Marquis of Wellesley, to take effect in case it should be ratified by the American Government.
It is much to be wished that this may be true—If it should prove so, and our commercial and amicable intercourse with England should be restored, I am persuaded that France, and her dependents will follow the example—At present they are heaping outrage upon outrage, in their treatment of us—If our merchants have not been allowed to arm their vessels, nine-tenths of those which may hazard a European voyage, will meet no other reception  than seizure and confiscation—But if we could once make an arrangement with England, consistent with our rights and our honour, our Commerce is competent to defend itself against all other force that it would meet upon the Ocean, and to teach once more a lesson of forbearance and moderation to France, and all her dependents—Would, I might see that day!
Remember us duly to all our dear friends around you—We enjoy as good health, as this excessively severe climate can be expected to admit—I have received the Patriot down only to the 4th: of November and read its columns with great interest and pleasure—The letter to Congress in 1781. about the invasion of Zealand, by the English was a prophesy, just now fulfilled.
Ever affectionately your’sA.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 30 April 1810
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

My Dear Sir.
St: Petersburg 30. April 1810.

Since my departure from the United States, I have had the pleasure of receiving two letters from by brother and one from my Mother but it has not yet been my good fortune to receive one from you— I have however had the satisfaction of reading your writings in the Patriot, untill the beginning of November; and hope to have the continuation of them, by the first arrivals from Boston, which are to be expected in a few weeks— The winter, which untill the middle of February was unusually mild, from that period has been more than commonly severe— We had Fahrenheit’s Thermometer one night at 35 degrees below 0. which is within one degree of the extremest degree of cold ever observed at this place; and since the commencement of this month it has been many nights as low or lower than 0.— This has hitherto delayed, not the approach of Spring, a Season quite unknown in this Country, but the breaking up of the river, which opens the Navigation to the Country— This Event which forms here a sort of historical epoch, happens about eight years out of nine, in the course of the month of April— It will certainly not take place this year before the beginning of May— It has never been known to go beyond the 10th: of that month, and as that is now near at hand, our hopes of hearing from our friends are daily becoming more sanguine.
Notwithstanding that from the time of my arrival here the Winter has constantly “barricaded the realm with frost,” I feel that there is an apology due to you from me for not having written before directly to yourself— The letters to my brother and mother, as well as those which my wife has written, have told of us that which is the most immediately interesting to be known of distant friends, to the personal affections of their kindred, and knowing that you would participate in all that intelligence, I have the more easily omitted to repeat it in particular to yourself— Upon subjects of more general interest I have forborne to write, because without the cumbersome machine of a cypher it was not in common discretion expedient to write, that which might have been worth your trouble to read.
The reception which my family and myself have met here has been every thing that we could desire— The disposition of the Emperor towards the United States was manifested in the strongest and most friendly terms by himself, at my first audience, and has been frequently repeated by his principal Minister, the Chancellor, Count Romanzoff, from that time to the present— The personal attentions which we have received have been so numerous, that with my habits and feelings, the only cause of complaint has been the mode of life in which they have necessarily involved us—a mode of life, for which neither the taste nor the Constitutions of most of us were suited— At the hazard of giving offence, by declining a great proportion of the hospitable civilities crowded upon us, I have extricated myself from a course of dissipation in which we should otherwise have been inevitably involved, and which is as incompatible with the habits of industry to which I have been used, as with those of economy, which my situation so imperiously imposes upon me.
Of the continuance of these amicable dispositions towards my Country, I contin still receive frequent marks, by Communications from the Chancellor; nor have I any reason to apprehend any unfavourable change, as long as this Government shall follow the impulsion of its own principles and interests— The Emperor and his Ministers, are thoroughly convinced that all the relations existing between the United States in this Country, are beneficial to Russia—That they are already important, and susceptible of being made much more so. But how far these Sentiments may be found to yield occasionally to a French or English influence is beyond my powers of anticipations to say— They arose, and acquired all their strength in opposition to an English influence which for many years predominated at this Court with irresistible power— It is now not at all favoured by a French influence, almost as over ruling— An influence which instead of being impaired by the new alliance of France with Austria, will acquire additional vigour from it.
The marriage of the French Emperor with the Austrian Archduchess, is an Event which has occasioned great joy throughout the Continent of Europe— The People, who every where were shuddering with the anticipation of the rivers of their blood which must yet flow to swell the great days of the conqueror Napoleon’s triumphs, now flatter themselves that this Ocean will crave no more supplies. It must be the fervent prayer of Humanity that this hope may be realized; But the bond of Marriage is a feeble tie in the way of Ambition, and if it had ever proved strong, Napoleon has already shown the world, what account he makes of it— The tendency of this transaction to establish and consolidate his power is to my mind more obvious, or rather more certain, than that of its securing tranquility to the World— This idea has been expressed more ingeniously at in the motto of an Illumination at Amsterdam than I have seen it any where else— “Pax Thalami, Pax Orbis erit.”— But in this promise, I am afraid the remaining subjects of the king of Holland, will find themselves as much disappointed, as in their project of preserving their National Independence by accepting a brother of the great Napoleon for their king. The nuptial torch is not formed to extinguish the fires of Conquest.— For my own part, I perceive no refuge from the past, present and future miseries of mankind, but in the doctrine of the optimist
If storms and Earthquakes break not Heaven’s design,
Why then a Borgia or a Catiline?
One of the greatest admirers of this extraordinary personage, not long since expressed to me a serious apprehension, that he would some day lay claim to worship from mankind, as a being of superior Species— observing that I smiled at his alarm, he assured me from his own personal knowledge of the man, that he does entertain this idea of himself, and has repeatedly manifested a propensity to give it out to the world— He has indeed the example of Alexander, and still more that of Mahomet before him; and notwithstanding we live in an age so enlightened, I am not sure that if he chose to proclaim himself a Deity like Alexander, or a prophet like Mahomet, he would not have eight-hundred thousand soldiers ready to propagate his faith at the point of the bayonet throughout the habitable world— I can only hope that among the mysterious dispensations of Providence, is not included that of permitting a fifth part of the human race, to prostrate themselves in adoration before the God Bonaparte— The transition from infidelity to fanaticism, is as easy and as natural, as that from unbounded democracy to despotism; a transition of which France is exhibiting so glorious a demonstration— I believe nobody will now deny that the time has come, which you foretold when nobody would believe you, that the very name of Republicanism is more detested in France than that of Monarchy ever was at the moment of its destruction.— This hatred of Republics is not without its influence in producing the treatment which we experience from France; which will continue as long as we suffer the same sort of treatment from England, if not as long as our merchants continue to furnish gratuitously temptation and gratification to the Spirit of plunder.
I am in all duty and affection yours.
A.