Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to William Meredith, 8 February 1804
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Meredith, William

Dear Sir
Quincy 8th: February 1804

On the 3d inst: I enclosed to you, Bank Notes of various descriptions, amounting to two hundred and ninety dollars, accompanied by a letter of advice as to the disposal of the money. I hope you will receive it and apply it as requested.
I have, since I left your City, been leading a desultory, or as Joe says, a miscellaneous life, and have therefore collected very little information worthy of record. My promise to write to Mrs: Meredith is not forgotten, but unavoidably postponed, on divers accounts. My thoughts have been so much occupied, with my future State that I have not applied my attention to the more immediate calls upon my time; and I must intreat, thro’ you, a little further respite, before I am condemned as a faithless man.
I expected to have it in my power to inform you of my admission to the Bar in this State. I attended, yesterday, for the purpose of being sworn in, at the Shire-town for our County of Norfolk, called Dedham; but from some unknown cause, the Chief Justice was absent and there being but one judge present, no Court was held; as a Single judge has not even the power of adjournment; So, I had a long ride for my pains and came back no more of a lawyer than I went. I shall keep an Office here, at Quincy, but I do not expect very soon to be over-run with Clients.
There seems to be some prospect in your State of vacancies being made on the Bench, & such is the spirit of emulation—or ambition, or something else—I know not what to call it, in the lawyers heart, that I dare be bound there will not be a single tear shed over the departed judge-ships, should the three victims threatened, actually be immolated. I have no personal interest now in these removals; nor can I avoid condemning the accursed spirit, which has stimulated the persecution of judges, throughout the Country; but if the accusations were well-founded against the judges of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania—I know not three men whose services might in their judicial capacities, so readily be dispensed with. I should like to hear from you on this subject; as also, respecting D——s trial.
Among the original letters, published in the Port-Folio, I perceive that two short ones, from John Adams to Mr: Dumas, have been published—this is expressly contrary to my injunctions to Dennie & as I understood, his promise. I do not know how many letters there are from the same person in the correspondence, but I wish you to charge Joe, on pain of my displeasure & wrath, not to print or suffer to be printed another line above that signature. All the others are posthumous letters and can attract no ill-will upon the living—the same cannot be said of those to which I refer. I know not who is employed to transcribe those letters, but I think some of them might be suppressed without injury to the integrity of the plan. What the d——l can be made of the cyphers? If I had Joe here I’d give him a scolding for his inattention to the manner of publishing those letters. I must break short off, as a boy is waiting to take my letter to the Post Office—Remember me kindly to all friends.
sincerely your’s
T B Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 18 February 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

18 February 1804.

The Louisiana Government bill has this day pass’d, yeas 20. Nays 5.—It now goes to the House of Representatives, where we shall see what will be done with it.—On the final question this day taken I alone spoke against it, and was answered only by one member—He saw no Constitutional objection—because the clause authorizing Congress to make needful rules and regulations for the territory, and other property of the United States was sufficient—The thing could not have been done by a Constitutional Amendment; because there were five States, which probably would reject it, from an idea that it carried the weight and  of the Union Southward and Westward—And this he presumed was th upon which the Amendment to the Constitution had been proposed by me. (This is the first time I knew they had such a suspicion—but this accounts for all—They distrust it seems five States on this question—But their suspicion of me is totally groundless—I sincerely believe that every State would ultimately have agreed to the Amendment—And 13 of them between this and the next Session.) This circumstance is however the key to the whole system—I do not think with you that this ground will be travell’d over again—It will be too late—But the principles to which I appealed have no weight here as it appears to me, on either side. Of the federalists only four three voted with me; and they I believe upon objections to details—One single member of the other side voted also against the bill—Also I presume from an objection to the detail.—I enclose you the Journals, and the newspaper I promised you


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 February 1804
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

my dear son
Quincy Feb’ry 24 1804

We have this day quite and old fashinnd Snow Storm, after an unusual pleasent Feb’ry. the Snow is much deeper and more drifted than we have had, for several winters. the wind very high at NorthEast; from our parlour windows the stone walls are not to be Seen. it began yesterday noon to snow. After evening, the wind rose, and has continued through the night, and to this time without abatement. the winter tho colder than the last, has been generally pleasent, very little rain, the ground pretty generally coverd with a slight Snow, the Season healthy. thus much for the weather, the next Subject is Husbandry. Brisler came the other day to know if any directions had been left by you respecting the Farm. he conversed with me, and requested me to write to you. he thinks that Eight cows, a pr of oxen and a Horse together with a dozen head of young Stock, will be as many as can profitably be kept upon the place. the oxen now upon the place he thinks too old to be continued upon it, tho they may perform the Spring work and then be turnd off. the young ones he says are not spirited cattle, & never will be good for Labour so that he could not advise you to purchase them. your Father will not object to their remaining upon the place untill the Labours of the Spring is performd, by which time I hope you will be returnd here. he will then take them and fat them. 8 cows may be selected after the 20th of May, such as will be worth your purchaseing. as to the quantity of ground to be planted &c I believe you may leave it to Brislers judgment. the winter has been so mild, that Mr. Whitney has made great progress with his House, and I suppose will remove in April or May at furtheat. if you have any particular directions to give, you had better write to Brisler. he would like to have a lease drawn. Power ought to be lodged with him, to prevent trespassers, and to punish Theaves. they have so long pillaged wood from your Father with impunity, that they consider it a kind of Right, and will, & do continue the same havock.
My Health about which you so kindly express a concern, is better, and I have been abroad several of our pleasent days. i can never expect to get rid of the Rheumatism. it will always trouble me. your Brother has had his Health very well Since his residence here. his spirits will rise, in proportion to his success in buisness. He has not got under way yet. He cannot be admitted to the Bar untill March; his society has renderd our fire side much pleasenter this winter. a fish club Saturday dinner has been instituted this winter consisting of Eight families which has contributed to the Sociability of the Neighbourhood. Your Father has joind them, and it has been very pleasing to them.
You will see by the papers that the Election campaign is opend early by the democrats. Judge Sullivan & General Heath are agred upon; & an address somewhat simmilar to Dallas’s is printed & circulated. i am informd Six thousand coppies are printed. you can judge of its nature, tendency & bearings when I tell you Mr. Biddle is the writer. I presume mr. Shaw will send you one. the federal party appear wholy unconcernd, paying very little attention to what is plotting and executing at the Seat of Government, or even in this State. whether they feel conscious that they are receiving the reward & punishment which their division and base defection towards their best Friends and Benefactors has drawn down upon them, or whether the Love of Mammon so throughly engroses them, that they are become so Luxurious as to regard little else but property, is not for me to say. but certainly there is a want of exertion, a want of union, & a cold unconcern which seem to pervade every breast. So few persons are to be found of fixed and Stable principles, that it is not to be wonderd at, that those despair of preserving our constitution from total Ruin & destruction.
A vessel arrived this week with a Letter for you from the House of Willinks. exchange has been in favour of America and Bills I have understood in great demand. Have you ever learnt any thing from the House of Bird and Savage Since your absence? They have been declard Bankrupts I hear... I was happy to learn by your Letter to your Brother that you had got your accounts setled—
Mmy Love to Mrs. Adams & the Children. I acknowledge the receipt of a Letter from her, to which I shall reply by the next post. we are still very anxious for Mrs Cranch, & are glad to hear from her as often as you can inform us—i expect you will return home very thin in flesh, but the consciousness of holding fast your integrity, will Solace you through Life. I am my dear son / your affectionate Mother
Abigail Adams


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 February 1804
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Quincy Feb. 25. 1804

I will write to you, if it be only for the Pleasure of giving you a Proof under my hand, that I am alive.—We have had no Topicks this Winter but Banks, Insurance offices, Toll Bridges and Turnpike Roads, till lately a Manifesto has appeared of the Republicans Democrats against Governor Strong, made up partly from Dallas’s and partly from the Connecticutt one which Mr. Tracy answered. Your quondam Brother Senator Mr Bidwell has the Reputation of the Composition, and if We may judge by the internal Evidence of dispassionate and deliberate Sophistry and Misrepresentation, not without reason. Mr. Sullivan for Governor instead of Mr Strong. Mr Heath for Lt. Govr against Mr Robbins. As my Master Gridley used to say, Non vult fac.
I leave the national affairs to The Administration and to Congress. Shall We have such a declaration from the Republicans in Congress, concerning the future Election of President And Vice President?
The Inquiry into Mr. Chace’s Candor and Frankness proceeds but Slowly. So do the Louisiana Bills and the Seamans Bills. The latter is a more difficult matter to manage than the former. The Right of the English to impress British Seamen on board of our Ships in their own Ports Harbours and Rivers, is difficult to deny, unless We deny the Rights of impressing their own Seamen in any Case, which We perhaps have no business with. But upon the high Seas, I never could comprehend their right to impress any Seamen, even Deserters from their own Navy. Upon what Law of Nations, upon what Treaty, upon what Law of Great Britain can such a Claim be founded? I had, when any thing depended upon me, great difficulties upon this subject. None of the English Writers, not even Judge Foster, has asserted a Right of impressing Seamen, from their own Merchant Ships in any of the Ports of their own Colonies, or any where upon the high Seas. Considering the Relations between the U.S. and the British Dominions, this is a Subject of great delicacy and Importance: and there is more danger from irritations of temper, than from the Magnitude and Intricacy of the Subject. More is to be dreaded too, from the Same Source, in Mr Munroes negotiations of a new Treaty, than from any other cause.
Our Countrymen will find Ettiquette a more important Subject than they ever thought it. No People under Heaven have quicker feelings of this kind than our Men and Women. They never knew themselves till now. If Briton should send their Dukes as Ambassadors as they ought to do, I Suppose, Ministers of States and Senators too would give Way. Perhaps the Vice President too. But the President ought not, tho the Prince of orange does, or did. To be Sure, there is some difficulty in keeping up the Reverence in the Minds of our own People for their Secretary of State and his Lady, living upon 5000 dollars a year and a foreign Minister living on 4 or 5000 Sterling with a Service of Plate of 3000 Guineas. But this will be remedied in time Our People have as much Pride as English or French, and when this pride takes a turn as it will whenever the ruling Party becomes strong enough to banish its fears, Provision will be made for Pomp enough to Satiate the Hauteur of a Virginian Democrat which is little less than that of a polish Palatine. My Love to your Wife and Children & Mrs. Johnson and hers, and Mr Helen and his.
Do the President and Mr Madison preserve their health under all their fatigues. Mr Gallatins pale face will never be made paler by any application to Business or Study. His Constitution is hardened to both by habit.
The entire confidence I have in your Candor and Integrity, and the certain Knowledge I have of your Talents and Information, place me at much ease on your Account. I do not disapprove of your Conduct in the Business of Louissiana. I think you have been right, though I know it will become a very unpopular Subject in the Northern States, especially when they See the Account of Expences which must be occasioned by it.
In the Supream Court I know you have Some Business and I hope you have more than I know of. My kindest regards to the Judges if you have a natural opportunity.
Your Brother has been taken Notice of by the Government without any Solicitation of any kind, and he is the means of a more agreable Society than We could have without him. He is close to his Studies and will do very well.
I am, my dear Son, with my best Wishes and / Prayers for Blessings on your and yours, your / affectionate Father
J. Adams


Title: From William Smith Shaw to John Quincy Adams, 25 February 1804
From: Shaw, William Smith
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir
Boston 25 February 1804

I have had the pleasure to receive several of your letters and have regularly delivered the inclosures as you requested. The bill which you inclosed I gave to Major Russel for publication his paper being first published after the receipt of your letter—The same bill had been published in the Palladium several days and however ruinous its provisions might be to the peace and commercial interest of the country so completely were the most learned and intelligent of our citizens engaged in the hope of almost instantaneously acumulating immense fortunes by building a bridge from South Street and by annexing Dorchester  to Boston that all anxiety for the future was lost in the belief of immediate aggrandisement and no measure of Congress, the consequences of which would be distant, could with them at that time create alarm—As for the merchants, public affairs and the national interests were always subjects of too insignificant consideration to engross much of their attention—
“Their minds are tossing on the ocean
Prying in maps, for ports & piers and roads
And every object that might make them fear
Misfortunes to their ventures”
Dr. Park the editor of the repertory a paper lately published at Ny. Port but now printed in Boston and who has generally conducted his paper with industry and talent, was the first to notice the bill and he remarked upon it with approbation. As soon as I received your letter, seeing how strongly your mind was impressed with the inevitable consequences of its provisions I took the liberty, which I hope you will excuse, to make some extracts from your letters to Mr. Smith & myself, and publish them with the bill with some addition in the hope that they might frighten the merchants into a remonstrance to Congress; but the publication had no other effect than for a few days to excite considerable conversation & momentary alarm and to occasion a few squibs in the papers— The Editor of the Repertory acknowledged himself to have been deceived by the title of the bill and published the letter in his paper.— The only measures of Congress in which the people here appear to discover the least interest or concern are those relative to the Georgia lands.
Our Legislature is still in session—petitions for banks turnpikes & bridges have almost exclusively occupied their attention. The proposed amendment to the constitution was soon disposed of—Messrs Bidwell & Bacon were its most zealous advocates in the Senate who were ably opposed by Mr Jonathan Mason—the principle speaker in that house against the amendment. In the house a Mr. Homes from the District of Maine was thought to have made the best speech against the amendment which I have the pleasure of inclosing to you with this, as published in the Palladium of yesterday. The tables of both branches of the Legislature have been born down with petitions for the incorporation of banks not only from the principle towns but from almost every village in the Commonwealth—The gentlemen of the Boston bank, who last year excited such tumultuous opposition against you, are I believe, by this time, well persuaded of the weight and importance of your arguments, which when operating against them, they pretended to believe to be the senseless jargon of intoxication and the random ravings of madness.—Had you been in Boston this winter, you would have seen the same gentlemen, acknowledging the truth of your objections, by most strenuously urging them against the incorporation of all banks, but particularly against the town & Country bank, which they have defeated—The house have a bill before them for taxing all banks one per cent on their capital
If the name of the author of a certain letter has been of any service to you I most sincerely rejoice at it. I wish to God that all authors of such letters might have such Marplots for correspondents and make public what these assassens of reputation would insinuate assert against you but I must fear that this not the case—I do not know what are Mr. — ideas of a gentlemen or a moral man or whether he has any idea of either but if I were to be the editor of a paper and to publish such a base misrepresentation of the conduct of a publick man as your letter to Mr. H had proved to Mr. — he had done, without publishing a single debate to show the grounds on which the gentleman had acted and to allow his constituents to judge for themselves— without making any apology for the mistatement, when it was demonstrated to me to be most grossly incorrect and false—I should consider myself as having done an unprovoked injury to an individual, which would render me hateful to myself and execrated by others.—
Dexter paid me the rent due, as soon as I presented the bill— I have paid two assessments on your Weymouth turnpike shares one hundred dollars each—Notwithstanding what Mr Hall told me—the directors have made another assessment on the canal shares to be paid in March—I have money of yours more than sufficient to pay them Would you be good enough to pay Mr. Cranch ten dollars for the national Intelligencer—I have already appropriated so much money for that purpose & consider it as yours—
The democratic party have agreed to support Judge Sullivan & Gen Heath for our next Gov & Lt Gov— I understand that these gentlemen were selected as the candidates at a democratical caucus consisting principally of the members of the Legislature—An address to the people on the subject was thought proper and Bidwell the most able man to write it. An Address has accordingly been written & published and four thousand copies to be circulated I have the pleasure of inclosing one with this
Your brother was in town on thursday—The family at Quincy all very well—My Aunt quite recovered
With  to Mrs. Adams, Caroline & the family & with respectful attachment / I have the honor to be / your very grateful huml Sert
W S ShawI am very sorry I did not see Mathers— We had a snow storm on thursday evening & yesterday which has so blocked up the roads as to make it impassible— we had no mail yesterday


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Mary Smith Cranch, 25 February 1804
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Cranch, Mary Smith

My Dear Sister,
Atkinson February 25th. 1804

The melancholy detail of the distresses of my dear Nephews Family, claimed a sympathetic tear, & while I regretted that Fortune had thrown him at such a distance from relatives, as no personal releif could be afforded, I solaced myself with the assurance, that the righteous are ever under the divine protection, & though they are afflicted, yet these Evils, may be “blessings in disguise,” eventually proving their never failing Good. In the night of affliction, Virtue shines the most conspicuous. Earth is a state of conflict, where every grace & virtue is called into exercise; but he who stands girded with the Christian armour, will find it a shield to defend him from the shafts of adersity, a support, & a refuge in times of deep distress.—I hope e’er this, he has experienced healing mercy, & is rejoicing in the goodness of a kind Providence, & though bereft of One dear Infant, yet, I hope the Others will be preserved, & live to grow up blessings to the world—Be assured of our fervent supplications, for their restoration, comfort, & Happiness.
You letter my dear Sister written several weeks since, ought not to have lain so long unanswered, I do not mean unnoticed, for I am daily & hourly thinking of my dear connections, though I cannot find time to write—For I have had a great charge, & weight of care upon me through the whole of this long tedious winter. I cannot be too grateful to heaven, for the blessing of health. What could I have done, in such a cold season, with sixteen boarders, if any of us had been sick? My Abby never enjoyed so good health since I lived in Atkinson, as now—But still, I thought it would be presumtion, to suffer her to attend the Academy, though it is said to be very warm, & comfortable, yet, it is too far for her, to travell through the Snow—Indeed I could not spare her, for in the midst of this winter, my fifteen years old Girl left me,—& went home to tend her sick Grandmother—She was too lazy to live in any family, & would not get up till Lydia and I had gotten the breakfast, so I did not ask her to return—though I used to say to her that she was better than nobody, & I am sure, I find it so—For how we have lived along, with all our company I cannot tell, but if we do not get help, I find Lydia, & I shall both fail—I feel quite feeble as March advances—But it is almost impossible to get help, for Pride reigns, & those who are rich can give large wages, & think they want a long list of Servants—It is a real injury to the community, for the supernumery ones, might be better employed in tilling the Earth, than riding on Carriages—
I was much rejoiced to see my dear Nephew, accompanyed by my Son—After so long an absence as ten years, many past scenes were brought into view, some recognized with peculiar pleasure, while over others, “fate droped the Curtain”— I recalled to mind his early connections—tricks of his Childhood—& how his friendships grew with his growth, & with what pleasure I found his mature judgment sanctioned, what was inspired by youthful fancy—And I trust each year will give new proofs of her intrinsick worth—as a Wife, Daughter, and Mistress—She was not returned from Salem when I was last at Haverhill—For this fortnight, scarcely a horse has passed—The Snow round us upon level has measured four feet five Inches—I never before saw so much—I am very sorry to hear my Sister Adams has a pain in her Stomach—I hoped she would enjoy a more confirmed state of health, than she has for several years—I hope my Cousin Louisa’s Complaints are removed—I was happy in receiving a letter expressive of every worthy sentiment from Mrs Norton—I always consider her as a child of my soul—with a mind & affections regulated, ballanced, & perfectly congenial to my wishes—
I am very glad to hear that Master Tufts is in your family, I think you will find in him many good things, & I hope a disposition for close application to his Studies—My love to him & the Family—You may tell him Susan Gilman is here, & went through the Introduction of Morse’s Geography alone, answering Mr Vose, every question, at one lesson, that our first class of Ladies are reciting Blair’s Rethorick, excellently—& that though some of the smaller Scholars may not fully understand, yet the lineaments of knowledge may be retained, which as they pass through life, they may continually be calling into view, & improving at a more mature period—O! my Sister, what an advantage the youth of the present day have, compared with former times, when if a Lady could write intelligibly, she was considered a Phoenix—when now, every method is employed to “raise the genious, & to mend the heart”—
It is some time since I began this letter—I could not send it for want of travelling—I hope it will find you all in health—Be so good as to let me hear from you, and & your dear Children are—
Believe me, with tender affection your & with much love to all my dear relatives / Your Sister
E. Peabody


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 27 February 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

27. Feby: 1804.

The bill to protect foreign seamen, has been again debated this day, and various alterations in it made—It is less obnoxious than at first, but still contains mischief enough to produce very ill consequences—Duane made his appearance this day to report the debate—The first time for many weeks; indeed I believe the first time since the debate on the Amendment to the Constitution. No other reporter took any minutes, so the whole debate I suppose  come from him—There is a great deal of manoeuvering on this subject between the double terror of advancing or of retreating from the ground  Mr: Nicholas this day first came out with an intimation that he should vote finally against the bill; as not expedient at this time—I have therefore some hopes it will be abandoned—At the same time I am not without my fears it will ultimately prevail.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 1 March 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

March 1. 1804.

The foreign Seamen Law, was yesterday postponed to the first Monday in December.—yeas 21. nays 11.—I was not present at the vote having been obliged to attend the Supreme Court, to argue my second Cause before them—This I began yesterday, and finished this morning. Mr: L. Martin of Baltimore is at this moment occupied as the scissars of my arguments—(You know where this comes from.)—I have taken no small pains in these two cases of my appearance before their Honours—Perhaps too much pains—However, I have laboured under no small inconveniences, from the shortness of the notice I had. in both cases—Anot a book, I can consult, but such as I can borrow and carry home under my arm—The decision is of final resort, and the property at stake u cases large—I am very happy however to be relieved from further attendance on the Court—this term—
To morrow is to be the trial of Judge Pickering—This too is a subject, which will teaze me more than enough—Numerous questions of forms are likely to arise—And I have not the Wit to be silent upon any thing—We shall not rise so soon as the 12th: of March.


Title: From Josiah, III Quincy to John Quincy Adams, 9 March 1804
From: Quincy, Josiah, III
To: Adams, John Quincy

Dear Sir,
Boston. 9. March. 1804.

A letter of yours, aged three months and eight days, which has lain unobserved, during all this time in the cover of another letter in my pocket Book has just fallen out upon me, like Yorick’s sermon, from Stevinus, upon the Corporal where I was looking, not after “Prince Maurice’s sailing chariot,” but after something altogether as unlike the result of my search. It is never too late to be just, and as you throw yourself upon “my compassion,” you may, if you will, carry this short exertion to the credit of a nobler principle than that of paying a debt, which is a vulgar project or of expecting a return, which is a mercantile one.
By our public prints you are acquainted with our local politics. Sullivan is to run the race at the next election against Strong. Great exertions are making by his party and if the leaders are to be believed with great hopes of success. Their choice of a candidate is, however, a better evidence to me of their despair, than any assertions of theirs can be of their confidence. Sullivan less than any of the antifederal leaders can divide the federalists. In his own party he will have the full force probably of party impulse, but nothing more. The leaders for the most part hate him and the privates have very little respect or affection for him. On the other hand we, federalists, of whose entire disregard of private interest when that of the public is in question, you are already apprised, are bickering about the Senatorial list in the Capital; because two or three of our present Senators have given offence to a part of the town by the side they took on the question of a Bridge between Dorchester heighths and Boston. I think however, that the affair will come to a quiet arrangement at last and that the old list will be agreed upon with little or no alterations.
We have been much pleased by the manly avowal made by the writer of a certain letter, pretended to be forged; and the general hope is that the advertiser will find it within his inclination and the opinion of his own competency to enter the lists as invited with his name. The dull pantomime of anonymous newspaper scribbling, has, through iteration, palled upon the palate of us, the people. It will be rare sport to see the “Arena” occupied not by men in mask, but like the ancient gladiators, stripped to the buff. A few of us have better reasons to wish such a trial to commence than the hope of excitement or the gratification of curiosity. We know the hero of our party and rejoice at every opportunity he embraces of exhibiting his skill and his science.
A vessell arrived yesterday in Nineteen days from Liverpool, none but the most common incidents have occurred since our last advices. George entrenched to the neck behind his wooden walls. Buonaparte safe behind his Mamelukes. But no attempt made, no blow struck on either side.— I have heard stated a paragraph from Porcupines Gazette which intimated that a coalition and new ministry were on the carpet. Pitt, to be premiere. Grenville, Windham & Fox to compose a part of the new ministry. You can judge of the probability of this change. Such is the report.—
I inclose a letter, which I wish you would give to Mr. Brown Senator from Kentucky. It is to his wife from mine. They formerly were acquainted in New York and now and then write to each other.
Present me very respectfully to Mrs. Adams and accept the sincere wishes for your health and for a better reward for your services than you country is likely at present to bestow, of your friend / and / humble Servant
Josiah Quincy


Title: From Mary Otis Lincoln to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 March 1804
From: Lincoln, Mary Otis
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dr Madam—
Cambridge March the 11 1804

I live in that retired manner that affords much time for reflection, which must be my apology for addressing you at this time, as memory has been so kind as to present you very frequently of late as one that has ever taken an interesd in my welfare. And I can say that Friendship has indeed been the Wine of life to me. I feel that you are not indefferent to the happiness of me and my dear Children and that you will be pleased to hear from me that health has smiled on my habitation this winter and that I every day rejoice that I did not continue at Hingham while my Sons were at College.
I wish very much to see you which I can not at present—I expect to visit Hingham next month and, it will not be my fault if I do not pay my respects to you. I was sorry to hear some time since by My Aunt Otis that you had been afflicted with the rheumatism but I hope ere this it has departed and that you are able to ride. At the same time I rejoiced with you that you have the addition of a beloved Son to your social board. I dare say he has very little if any recollection of me. I have a very pleasing remembrase of him and will thank you to say with my compliments that should he visit this seat of Science I shall be happy to see him at my house.
With affectionate respects / to the President I am as ever / Your obliged and affectionat / friend.
Mary Lincoln Jnr


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 15 March 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My dear Mother
Washington 15. March 1804.

A few days since, I received your kind favour of 25. ulto: and am greatly rejoyced at the restoration of your health—But I have delayed answering it hitherto, because as the Session draws to a close, we find ourselves more driven for want of time; in addition to which we have had the extraordinary business of trying an impeachment, and I have been in trouble with illness in the family—Both the children have severe colds with coughs, which we hope and fear is the hooping cough, without having yet ascertained whether it be so or not—I am also labouring myself with a very bad cold.—
I hope to see you at Quincy in about a month from this—I shall then attend to the farm, below Penn’s Hill, and Briesler’s requests; in the mean time I wish him to do as you think best—That, I am sure I shall approve.
The letter I received from Messrs. Willink was only to inform me, that one of the bonds remaining in their hands had become payable, and that they had given credit for it—I propose to sell bills on them for about 2000 dollars to bring with me, when I see you.
I have nothing satisfactory to tell you of the demands against Bird, Savage and Bird—I have had the debt proved under the Bankruptcy of Robert Bird at New-York, and by a letter I received last Evening from Bird and Savage in London, I find Mr. Williams had received the papers I sent him to prove the debt there—Their letter is dated 8. Decr: and they say, a dividend would probably be declared the next month—I presume however that dividend, will be nothing at all.
On my way home, I shall stop at New-York, to see what can be done there—But I am informed the chances there, are as desperate as in London. Robert Bird as well as his associates in London, has written me imploring letters, to obtain my signature to their certificates of discharge—I have not thought it consistent with duty or propriety to comply.
I remain ever affectionately your Son,
John Q. Adams,


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 15 March 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

15. March 1804.

You will see by the folio sheet I inclose to you, that the House of Representatives have not yet done with the Government of Louisiana.—The fourth Section is the only one in which there seems much difficulty to the Legislators of the day—Many attempts were made to vary that here, and they are renewed in the House—They sport with Louisiana, as a Cat sports with a mouse—But to help our authority, it is already found necessary to send a military force—And in order to avoid the appearance of a standing army; they are recruiting here the corps of marines—one hundred of whom are to depart from  next week to strengthen the garrison at New Orleans—Marines to garrison New-Orleans! Oh! the breadth & the length & the depth of the learning of bifront denominations and specific appropriations.
I fear I shall not have it in my power to complete your set of journals; I have sent you all the spare numbers I can collect; but there are three of the House’s and several more of the Senate’s still wanting.
Your’s.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 17 March 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

17. March 1804.

We have this day a bill introduced to remove the temporary seat of Government to Baltimore—presented by Mr: Wright—It has pass’d to a second reading, and if it do not pass the Senate at the third, it will fail by a very small majority.
A bill pass’d at the second reading, for the next Session of Congress to commence on the first Monday of November. The business of Congress is growing languid in point of debate, and lively in point of expedition—Members are dropping off; and we have but one week more for this drudgery—I shall hail the moment of release.
My children are still unwell; and George probably has the whooping cough—We hope the infant has got through it, without being certain; I am still unwell with a cold and cough myself; though better than I was.


Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 20 March 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, John

20. March 1804.

A letter is now reading from Captain Bainbridge, with an account of the loss of the frigate Philadelphia, wreck’d on rocks on the coast of Tripoli—the last week in October—They were in pursuit of a Tripolitan Cruizer, and struck on rocks, not laid down in any Chart they had on board—Captain Bainbridge and 307 men, are prisoners in Tripoli—I have already seen an account of this misfortune in the Boston Centinel—Of course it will be no news to you.
The House of Representatives have made sundry amendments in the Louisiana Government Bill, which amendments are now under discussion in the Senate—They are received somewhat cavalierly—All rejected but two—One making an appropriation of 15000 dollars to remove the Indians on the Western side of the Mississippi—And the other to limit the bill to two years, which was before attempted in the Senate and failed—But now two years is thought too long, and the Senate have shortened it to one year—
My children both continue quite unwell—We were up almost all the last Night with the youngest—They have coughs and whoop—But the Doctor says they have not the whooping cough—There is a sort of Catarrh, resembling the whooping cough, very prevalent abroad, and the Doctor says my children have it.—I am myself much recovered.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 24 March 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Thomas Boylston

24. March 1804.

An attempt was made this morning to postpone the adjournment for two days—from the 26th: (Monday next) to Wednesday the 28th:—The motion however was rejected—Next came a motion to meet to-morrow. yeas 3. nays about 20.—The motion to protract, will probably be renewed on Monday; but I believe without success.
A bill has pass’d the Senate, the object of which is to abandon the further building of the Capitol; to remove the place of Session of Congress to the President’s House, and to purchase or hire a house for the President—
A motion was some ten days ago offered to the Senate for consideration, to have the proceedings on the Impeachment of J. Pickering together with the documents filed in the cause, printed, as an Appendix to the Journals of the Session—It was this morning called up for consideration, and a majority voted not to t aversion to have the proceedings printed, is not without its rea
You were lucky in having disqualified yourself to act as Counsel for my friend Mr.  I dissuaded him as much as I could from proceeding in his action—He had once by my advice referr’d the matter to arbitration—The report of the referees was against him; but it was informal. I never expected he would succeed better before the Supreme Court, and so advised him—His cause was at the best, questionable, and had you acted as his Counsel, you would have felt the discouraging influence of the doubtful circumstances of the case—So I hope you will come on the tapis, with a more propitious introduction.
We have debated untill this moment (past 5 o’clock P.M—A hungry hour) on the bill further to protect our Commerce in the Mediterranean against the Barbary powers, and to levy an additional tax for the purpose—It has pass’d to the third reading.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 10 April 1804
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Washington April 10th 1804

I send you the enclosed which I recieved two days since and should not have delayed so long had I not been in hourly expectation of hearing from you.
The children are both pretty well. John is about more teeth and suffers a little with his gums but is as fat as ever, my own health is so indifferent I shall certainly wean him next month. I have not yet heard of an opportunity to send the Trunks but will do it as soon as possible.
The family are all well and unite with me in best respects to your friends at Quincy. I forgot to give Patty a half Pistoreen which she paid for some soap. I will to tell Mrs. Whitcomb to give it her—
Adieu my best friend. Remember me with kindness and affection and write as often as you can to your sincerely affectionate wife
L. C. Adams
P.S. I will thank you for some money when convenient


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 15 April 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Louisa.
Quincy 15. April 1804.

I left New-York last Thursday morning the 12th: at 9 O’Clock in the Packet Cordelia, the same we went in last October—Friday evening we reached Providence, after a short, but very boisterous passage—Yesterday, I came from Bost Providence to Boston, and here last Evening—Mr: Otis and Patty had been equally prosperous in their passage, and arrived in Boston last Monday, the eighth day after we left Washington.
I found my father and all the family in good health; my mother however somewhat infirm.—Mrs: Charles Adams with her children are still here. I stop’d at Whitcomb’s and saw his wife and child, both apparently in perfect health, though Mrs: Whitcomb was a little complaining—Patty has not call’d to see her, nor delivered Caroline’s letter.
I feel already to use a vulgar phrase, like a fish out of water, without you and my children; but I will not complain—I hope to hear from you very soon, and to be assured that you are all well—Remaining in the mean time ever faithfully and affectionately your’s
John Q. Adams.


Title: From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 16 April 1804
From: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw
To: Adams, Abigail Smith

My Dear Sister,
Atkinson April 16th. 1804

When your Son delivered me your kind letter, little did I think, it would be so long, before I should reply. But my youngest Girl went home the Saturday after, & I have had a round of heavy cares upon me ever since. It was ten weeks before we could get any other Girl, & in some of the worst cold weather, & dreadful Storms which has proved quite too much for Lydia & me. But it could not be helped. I find the exertions have worn upon both of us, though we should not have felt fatigue so much if a number of our Boarders had not been taken sick, several threatened with settled fevers, but by care & attention at first, have happily excaped a long sickness—Abby, & I have suffered from severe colds, & sore throats—Eliza Hayes had the canker in hers, and I thought the others caught it from her—Miss Nabby Hayes has had an unusual humour in her Ear. Nothing would give her ease but poltices, which I applied two or three in a day, for more than a month, with bathing every day, & you know what work it makes—But they are now both almost well enough to return to Gloucester; they have sent to their Parents, & our vacation commences the 20th of this month, which I hope will afford me a days respite, I do not expect much more, for they are coming & going the whole time.—I should not have given you this detail, but I thought you would think me negligent, if you did not know how fully my time has been occupied; & in bad weather when other families are retired, & have leisure, mine is the most encumbered, & every energy of Soul, & Body is required to keep them still, & improving in their respective Studies—
I do not know that I ever more sincerely rejoiced at the return of the genial warmth of a new born Spring, than at the present moment—Though I feel an alloy, when I consider, that it speedily brings on the day, when my Son must fix upon some Spot, where he may be likely to obtain a livelihood—I wish that his path of duty may appear plain. I know not how to be reconciled to his going at a great distance from us, & one great Objection is, that those of my particular acquaintance, who have gone have either lost their lives, or spent one, two, or more years & then returned disgusted with the People, & dissapointed in all their Expectations—But I know he must fix with a degree of energy, hard as it may be, & I pray he may do what appears the most eligible—& then we shall have no cause to repine, though he should not prosper—But he appears to me to be so little calculated for the rough & thorny path of life, that I tremble for him—Chesterfield’s maxim “sweetness in the manner, & firmness in the mind,” is absolutely essential to gain the publick confidence. To do good, & to turn the follies, & passions of mankind to our own advantage requires no small degree of knowledge of human nature, & of virtue & integrity in our own hearts—I should have written to him if I could found a moments leisure—The experienced President, & you, will please to give him your parental Counsel—
Your Son Thomas I trust will make an excellent Citizen, & his facetious, engaging manners will ingratiate him, & he will gain the love, & respect of his native Town,—I think he will be a Blessing to your declining years, & smooth the pillow of age, & these are qualities, which every Child does not possess—May he succeed in buisness, & prosper, for the happiness of my friend is with his, intimately woven.—
I was in hopes I should have heard from Quincy; I wish to hear how your health is, & of that of your family, & of my Sisters, & her Children—I have not heard a word of William Cranch & his family, since my dear Sister communicated the melancholly account of their Sickness—How is Sister Smith, & Louisa—& Phebe, I have thought of this long tedious winter—Mrs Foster I have repeatedly written to, but she hates to write, as well as my William—& I cannot hear one word, so I hope they are well—I am almost asleep myself, & hope your repose will be refreshing, that you may awake with renewed strength, is the wish of / Your affectionate Sister

Elizabeth PeabodyI wish I could go to Boston & Quincy, but I know I cannot—I hope William has been wise enough to wear his Cotton Shirts—If I could get a good piece of linnen I would make it for him—If Dr Tufts would let him have sufficient to purchase him some, I should be glad, & Mr Locke would bring it, when he returns his Daughter—I should have sent some Stockings before, but I have been dissappointed in every thing—My Son knows who I mean by Mr Locke—he is a Merchant, & an excellent Man—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 April 1804
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My Dearest friend
Washington April 17th. 1804

I recieved your very kind letter and was rejoiced to hear that you had arrived safe at New York as I was a little apprehensive Patty might occasion you some trouble on the road. I am extremely glad she performed her journey so well.
It is painful to me to renew the subject of our last letters but I cannot suffer you to suppose that I remained here from choice had I had the slightest prospect of returning with you but you have repeatedly told me that it was not in your power to take me with you after the first winter that we must therefore be separated one half of the year for six years the only thing left for me was to endeavor to make our separation as easy to myself as possible and I prefer’d passing the summer months with my family to living alone at Quincy through five dreary winters I do not think my beloved friend you do me justice when you say I “prefer a separation from you rather than seperation from them” I did not think that my affection for you admitted of doubts but as the strongest proof I can give of its sincerity I am ready when you please to relinquish their society when you please and reside at Quincy to insure your affection and esteem there is no sacrifice however great that I would not make with pleasure for without it I must be wretched every where—
Our Children I thank God are both well John was to have been Innoculated to day but Dr. Weems has not yet called the weather has been remarkably fine but very warm I can scarcely keep George in the House and he is so full of mischief I fear to trust him out of my sight I make him repeat his fable every day that he may remember it when you return he has been once to see Madame Pichon and talked a great deal of french—
I have no news to write you it is whisper’d here that Mr. &. Mrs. Law are have separated entirely do not mention it as Mr. Hellen told me and he is not quite sure of the fact. Law has a new Scheme to Build a Hotel on the Capitol hill by subscription—
Poor Mrs Thornton is in the last stage of a decline and I am told there is but little prospect of her recovery—
I think Mrs Payne has had a lucky escape I suppose Mr P crows not a little I hope the Children will live. I see by the papers that Mr. Quincy is elected Senator I rejoice at it sincerely as I believe he really desired it.
Adieu my best friend remember me kindly to your family particularly to your brother tell him I expected ere this I expected to have heard he was married my friends here all desire their love to you and best respects to your father Mother and Brother.
With fervent prayers for your welfare and happiness and an earnest desire to do every thing in my power to promote it I subscribe myself your faithfully attached and obedient Wife
L. C. AdamsThe Children make so much noise I know not what I write


Title: From Thomas Boylston Adams to William Meredith, 22 April 1804
From: Adams, Thomas Boylston
To: Meredith, William

Dear friend.
Quincy 22d: April 1804.

I received yesterday your favor of the 15th: and thank you for your attention to my Commissions. The Books, I believe, had best be sold, as you suggest, at Auction, and to the highest bidder. I shall regret the sacrifice of the folio Edition of the laws, because they have been heretofore in great demand, and in time, would probably sell for a just price, but I must forego the benefit of a market for the sake of a prompt sale. You will oblige me therefore by putting them, one and all under the hammer, as soon as a good opportunity offers—perhaps a few days prior to the sale, an advertizement of them would attract purchasers. Of this you will judge. The share in the Law Library is I believe but a scurvy affair. I thought so at the time I subscribed; but the tyrrany of example cost me in this, as in many other instances, my cash against my Conscience. I hope the annual assessment will not multiply, for it is hard enough to have property in so bad repute as to want purchasers and yet involving one deeper in debt.
If you get rid of my Rubbish from Maxwell’s Shop, and get cash enough for it to pay Morgan for two setts of Giffords Juvenal, I shall thank you to do it. I may have some additional wants when I hear you have the means of satisfying them in your hands—But I wont contract debt, if I can help it.
Thanks for your congratulations upon, what you style my promotion—I am indeed of the Quorum, but yet no married man. I should have been much obliged to His Excellency the Governor and the Honble the Council, if they had put me into the same Commission with a wife, instead of making me Unus.
You Philadelphians I find are just like all the rest of the world—I mean the Bostonians &ca: You will have it that I left you to get married, and they will have it, that I came here to be married. Both may be right in the end, but in the meantime, it seems to me that I ought to know something about the probability of such an occurrence, and I aver, that of all the world I am the most ignorant, as to the time when it may arrive. But you have left Philadelphia and returned to Your native State, say they, and this is proof positive that you are on the brink of matrimony, for who would exchange Philadelphia for Quincy without some such reason? Very well, if it must be so I can only submit to my fate, but until I have some more sensible demonstration of this change in my condition, I hope to be allowed to differ in opinion from those who will felicitate me, upon my marriage. Sam: Levy having occasion to introduce a gentleman to me the other day, concludes his letter by presenting his compliments to Mrs: Adams. You and all the rest of my friends will hear soon enough of this event after it takes place; in the mean time I feel grateful for the lively interest they seem to take in my prospects. But dont let any body publish my nuptials before they are celebrated—if they do, I’ll sue them for scandal.
My friend Cad— is, as he tells me, the happiest varlet alive—Your fair neighbour is deserving as Tom is sterling. Alass the Club! I have little doubt of its dissolution now—but Joe and myself will yet I believe claim title by survivorship, over all the remnant. Sam Ewing holds out stoutly yet, but he has long ago been smitten with an Hebrew’s black eye, whom I hope he will convert or turn to a Christian.
Your Legislature march boldly onward toward the goal of universal perfectability—McKean’s quibble about 2/3ds wont do—He must stick to the discretionary power given by the Constitution—that is his only ground. The distinction he attempts was tried at Washington and exploded. Are the Judges enraged or terrified—One or other they must be. I believe that half the Jacobinism of Pennsylvania is to be ascribed to want of respectable characters and energetick conduct on the bench. Will the Mc Keanites endeavor to send men to the next legislature, who can read and write? It is my opinion that the whole sect will be discomfited and thrown into the back ground to make way for worse fools than themselves. Democracy has only begun its career—all changes will be from bad to worse, until you reach the bottom, and when you have groped and grovelled about in the filth of the sty, for a sufficient time, you may begin to rise and slowly crawl up again. We are in New England very little better off than you are—Nothing saves us but a qualification of property in voting— If peace and internal tranquility reign another year—we may have a Jacobin Government.
I am delighted to hear that some of my friends talk of visiting my jurisdiction. They shall always receive friendly aid and comfort so long as they behave well here; but if they break the peace—let them stand clear of me— I have already committed one culprit and have found out how it should be done. May I not hope among others to see you and your wife in these parts? I know of none from whom a visit could be more acceptable to your friend & servt:
T B Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 24 April 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest friend
Quincy 24. April 1804.

I received a few days ago your kind favour of the 10th: instn: with the letter that accompanied, and thank you for the care of it—I lament to hear that your health continued so feeble and infirm, but I hope as the Spring advances, you will find yourself better—I approve much of your intention to wean John, and rejoyce at the information that he has recovered.
I have been into Boston only once since my return home; and that was the day, when I wrote you last—I was to have gone this day, to a public entertainment given Mr: Gore, on his return from Europe; but the weather which has been these three days and continues stormy, confines me to the house—I saw Mr: Gore, when I was in Boston—He has reduced himself by his diet and regimen, more than any man I ever knew. You will scarcely credit me, when I tell you he is at least as thin as Mr: Hellen—His appearance is so much altered, that it was sometime before I recognized his features—He says however that he is in very good health—
The Spring here is so late and so much in arrear, that I have yet scarcely began my career as a farmer—But I have set out an Orchard of nearly an hundred trees; which will I hope one day produce fruit for our children—Mr: Whitney quits the house the first of next month—If I can find a tenant, I shall let it for another year—At least I shall not go to expence to fit it up for your reception, untill I determine to make it my own continual abode—It is not and never can be made such a place as I could wish to provide for your residence; but it may prove a shelter hereafter, and supply means of subsistence, to ourselves and our children, when we shall find none else—My situation and circumstances, since we married, have very materially declined—As the alteration affects myself I would not waste a thought upon it; but as it has taken from me the means of contributing every comfort and enjoyment that your heart could wish, it is a perpetual source of concern, and anxiety to me—It is with extreme difficulty that I now find the means of defraying our necessary expences as they rise, without intrenching upon the little property which helps to support us—Additional expence, without any prospect of additional income, would infallibly lead to my ruin; and what would be to me ten thousand times worse, to the greatest distress to you and our children—These considerations alone have induced me to wish that you could have reconciled your mind to this place, and to so humble a residence as that house, As however you cannot, you shall at all events reside where you yourself choose—I will bear the charge, as long as I have the means, and trust to Providence for future support.
Mrs: Charles Adams left us last Saturday, on her return to Newark; with her youngest daughter—Susan remains here.
I suppose Mr: Hellen still receives one of our Boston newspapers, from which you will find that Governor Strong has again been elected—The opposition made against him however is greater than it has before been for three years. Mr: Sullivan runs up in numbers at no great distance from him—In New-Hampshire, it is probable the present governor Gilman has lost his election, and Mr: Langdon chosen in his stead—From New-York, I suppose you will hear before this reaches you.
Give my affectionate remembrance to your Mamma, Mr: & Mrs: Hellen—your brother and Sisters—not forgetting all the children—Et pour Monsieur George, Papa s’attend qu’il parlera bien Français quand il reviendra—
Your’s ever & faithfully
John Q. Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 24 April 1804
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Washington April 24th 1804

I recieved your letter my best friend the day before yesterday which afforded me much pleasure as it assured me of your safe arrival at home I know not but it appear’d to me that your letter were not in good spirits when you last wrote you do not say you are well and I fear the fatigue of your journey has proved injurious rather than serviceable beneficial I had 20 Cents to pay Postage for your letter the Paper had announced your arrival at home which was the reason I suppose that they made the charge—
The Children are both well George grows so extremely wild it is almost impossible to do any thing with him I am fearful he has lost his french already though I take every possible means to make him speak it but I think his pronunciation very much altered which must be owing to me it grieves me very much but I have repeatedly told you this would happen if I undertook to talk to him—
I have not yet had an opportunity of sending your Trunks nor do I know when I shall be able I think of sending them to Alexandria to wait for a Vessel and you may depend on having them by the earliest opportunity—
John has not yet been innoculated Dr. Weems has not been able to procure any infection I wish you would endeavour to get some of Dr. Waterhouse but you must do it immediately or the Season will be too far advanced he has two more teeth nearly through he bids fair to talk very early as he already says Papa Kitty & Esther I am sorry to say there is no prospect of his walking yet—
We have had a great Fresh in the Potomac which has brought down such quantities of Wood that almost all the poor families round have stocked themselves for the next Winter there were between 50 & 70 Cords taken at Mr. Hellens Wharf the water had risen ten feet above the little Falls it has carried away a large part of the Potomac Bridge—
We have no news here there is nothing stirring I saw Mr. Sheldon last evening—
Adieu my most sincerely beloved friend that we may soon be reunited and never again suffer the misery of a separation is the ardent prayer of most faithful and affectionate Wife
L. C. Adams
P.S. Present me respectfully to your friends and tell Mrs. Whitcomb not to send the wine I wrote for as I can purchase it here but to send the other things as soon as possible.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 29 April 1804
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Washington April 29th 1804

I write you again my beloved friend in the greatest anxiety to hear from you as I fear’d from your last letter that you were unwell since last Sunday I have not heard from you and though I cannot flatter myself you can devote more than one half hour in a week to me yet I no sooner recieve one letter than I anxiously look forward to the time in which I think it probable I may recieve another Our Children I thank God are both well George grows quite fat and John has two more teeth the rest of our my unfortunate family are at present dreadfully depressed at the cruel loss our poor Harriet has sustaind. Mr. Risberg to whose return we looked with so much pleasure is no more. He fell a victim to the Climate after a lingering illness of two months and all her brightest hopes are buried in his grave She has borne this terrible stroke with more fortitude than we expected but her health evidently suffers and I greatly fear it will be a long time ere she recovers so severe a shock if ever time however will I trust in a great measure alleviate her present distress and restore her to her wonted health—
Poor Mama looks the picture of woe and it requires all the strength of mind which she so eminently posses to struggle ungaining this cruel misfortune—
Adieu my beloved and dearest friend remember me affectionately to all your family Think of me with affection that the Almighty disposer of events may shield you from every calamity is the heartfelt prayer of your truly devoted
L. C. AdamsThe enclosed is for Mrs. Whitcomb give my love to her


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 9 May 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest friend,
Quincy 9. May 1804.

I have just received your’s of the 29th: of last month; since which I hope you have two from me—I feel the same anxiety to hear from you frequently which you mention, and grow uneasy, whenever four or five days pass without a letter—I rejoyce to learn that you and the children are in health; and sincerely sympathize in the distressing affliction, which has befallen Harriet.—The consolations for calamities like this, cannot come from this world—Time in some degree asswages their bitterness; but the heart can ultimately rest upon no other support than the hope of another and better state of existence.
I have spent one day in Boston since I wrote you last—Dined with Rufus Amory, and return’d here in the Evening—I found some satisfaction in seeing my friends there; but except when occupied on some business I feel there as in a former home, from which I am estranged—I shall probably not often resort thither this Summer—
My farming advances slowly—Mr. Whitney moves into his new house this day. The one he leaves will probably remain vacant this Season—And next Spring I hope you come and take a taste of farming, too—As the Session of Congress will then terminate early, and the recess of Congress be longer than this year, the Journey and variety of climate will I hope be advantageous to your health, and you shall return with me to Washington for the succeeding Session, if it be most agreeable to you—The whole of this arrangement however shall be altogether, as you chuse.
When I was last in Boston, Mrs. Whitcomb was making your purchases, and Mr Shaw engaged to see them put on board a vessel bound to Alexandria—I have not heard from Shaw since, and know not whether the vessel has sailed—I hope the things will soon come safe to hand.
My Mother had letters this day from my Sister, and from Mrs: Charles Adams, who has safely arrived at Newark—Coll: Smith has been quite unwell since I was at New-York—Mr. Burr has lost his election as Governor—It seems the federalists and his partizans could not cordially coalesce, and failed in giving each other the mutual assistance upon which they dependedIn this State Mr: Strong is rechosen by a majority of about four thousand votes; but Mr: Sullivan’s numbers run very high.—There is a majority of federal Senators ascertained; but the House of Representatives is not yet chosen—The election for members from Boston is held this day; but I have not yet heard the result—The federalists have not agreed upon their men; and two lists will be run—The Speaker however is upon both lists.—Mr: Black is chosen for Quincy.
My brother enjoys his health and Spirits here better than he expected—But his situation will not allow him to gratify his favourite wishes—
My Mother desires to be kindly remembered to your Mamma and Sisters; she always asks me to assure you of her affectionate regard, and has been sometime in expectation of a letter from you.
Kiss a thousand times my dear boys for me; and then make them return you double the number for yourself Your ever faithful and affectionate
John Q. Adams.
I desired Shaw to procure some of the vaccine matter to send you; but know not whether he has succeeded—


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 May 1804
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dearest friend
Washington May 12th 6th 1804

I recieved your Kind favour of the 24th Yesterday morning never did a letter prove more welcome as I had suffer’d a great degree of anxiety at not hearing from you it is three weeks since the date of your last and I was very apprehensive your had been prevented from writing by indisposition I am wretched if you do not write me once a week at least to inform of your health—It is perhaps fancy my most loved friend but from the stile of your two last letters it appears to me that your spirits are unusually depressed, which gives me real uneasiness I cannot indulge a hope that my absence can have produced this effect as we are less together at Quincy than at any other time however let the cause my best friend be what it may I am ready and willing to return home immediately and to do every thing in my power to lessen the heavy burthen which I hourly feel I am become I brought you nothing and therefore have no claim on you whatever my life ever has been and ever must remain a life of painful obligation cease then to talk of expence on my account had I imagined my remaining here would have proved more expensive than living at your Farm I should never have proposed it if you will send the means of return I will with pleasure take charge of the Children provided you will let me bring one of my Sisters to assist me Women frequently do such things and I am not more timid than the rest of my Sex As for the House while my family are obliged to live upon the bounty of others any house is good enough for me I believe I never made any objection to it I only said that in the state you represented your affairs to be that it would be both imprudent and inconsistent to build. I think you had better make what alterations you please and as soon as possible if Mrs Adams could reside there with four Children I can certainly live there with two—
You have seen by the papers I suppose the loss the President has sustain’d she Mrs Epps died of an Abcess in her breast produced by a cold taken during her confinement she was removed in a litter to Monticello where for a day or two she appear’d to recover which raised her fathers hopes and render’d the shock more bitter Mrs. Maddisson says this stroke as been almost too severe for him she was his favorite Child—
Our English friends have got into more difficulties but I do not exactly know of what nature some persons slave in the Country was employed by the domestics as report says and upon application of the Master they refused to give him up, upon which the man took a Constable to the House and carried of his slave the right power of the Constable in that House is the question in dispute I understand and will probably be made a national question—
I was at Stewards yesterday he has finished all the Pictures we saw and several others he has now a most beautiful likeness of Mrs. Merry I do not like Mrs. Bonaparte’s at all though a very fine likeness—
The Children are both well George is grown half an inch since the last time you measur’d him the rest of us are well
Adieu my beloved friend remember me affectionately to your family and believe there is no human being who loves you half as well as your faithful and affectionate wife

L. C. Adams
P.S. John T. Mason has just lost his Uncle who has left him between four and five hundred thousand dollars


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 May 1804
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Washington May 13th 1804

I recieved your favor of the 3d three days since it gave me real pleasure as you appear to be in good spirits and write much more cheerfully than you have done some time past—
I was much surprized at the change you mention in Mrs. Whitcombs person she wrote Caroline she had been unwell but I did not think she had been seriously sick—
I have just done reading Madame de Staal’s new Novel which makes so much noise in the fashionable world. I scarcely dare form much more give an opinion of it the language is most beautiful but the morals appear to me detestable her characters appear to me to be very much overdrawn and the faults of her hero and heroine are so dressed as to wear the semblance of virtue I wish very much that you would read it as there are several letters in it which I should like to know your opinion of one of these letters is on the subject of divorce it is in general much approved but it strikes me in a very different light in this letter she asks how it is possible if we represent the Deity to ourselves as merciful and good to imagine that any vows can bind us during life upon this idea she recommends every body to divorce as soon as they upon trial find that there dispositions do not accord this letter is I am told very much admired I think I must have misundertood it very much for it appears to me calculated to destroy every moral principal to destroy every tie which binds society together—
Mr. & Mrs. Law are really seperated She says she has made a Vow never to live with him and he has very generously declared her insanity to be the cause of his parting Mrs. L. retires into the Country though she says only for a time Mr. L. goes to England and the child is to be taken from her mother and placed at a Boarding School this is setting the opinion of the world at defiance I never wish to court it but I should dread it too much ever to set it at defiance—
Adieu my beloved friend write me soon and indulge me by reading this book though the last Vol. is Sentiment on stilts I am sure your mother would like to read it and it would afford her great amusement do not let any one see what I write you as it would destroy all the pleasure I feel when writing to you and though I am now a wretched correspondent time and a sincere desire to please may improve me—
Our Children are both well I have wean’d John and have got over this painful business without much difficulty he has never slept from me one night—
Our family are all pretty well Harriet is so much reduced she is now thinner than I am however she does not complain they all desire to be remember’d to yourself and friends the time rolls heavily along my beloved friend and this delightful season of seems to me to have lost its greatest charm it is my own fault and I must not complain Adieu believe me most sincerely and affectionately yours
L. C. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 14 May 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest Friend.
Quincy 14. May 1804.

Since my last letter to you I have not enjoyed the happiness of hearing from you—I hope however that you and the children have been and continue in good health, as well as your Mamma and all the family.
I went into Boston on Saturday, and had all the things which Mrs: Whitcomb had procured for you ship’d on board the schooner Alert, Captain Smith, bound to Alexandria and Georgetown—They are in two boxes, besides the drum for George; and a little box containing a couple of lilliputian books and some cards for John Hellen—This, together with the drumsticks and a sling to hang the drum over the shoulder is in the boxes—They are directed to Mr: Hellen, and the freight is paid—I enclose you the bill of lading.—The vessel was to sail yesterday, and I hope will arrive soon after this letter—If you have not yet had an opportunity to send my trunks, they may come by the return of the same vessel.
I have been more anxious than usual to hear from you, since the account of the heavy misfortune mentioned in your last—Mrs: Cranch had a letter from her daughter mentioning that she had call’d to see you—She says that Caroline appeared to be unwell; I hope this will find her quite restored.—I would recommend to you to take particular care of your own health and that of the children, as the summer advances—For a summer and early autumnal residence, I am not without apprehensions for the healthiness of the place—You will be peculiarly cautious of the Evening air.
I imagine you must by this time have the summer full upon you—We have had some warm days here— The verdure is becoming universal, and the trees are just in full blossom—I have not before seen the Country in Spring, (as a constant residence) for many years, and if the dearest objects to my heart, my wife and children were with me, I should enjoy it I think almost without alloy.
You will see that the federalists in Boston, though much divided among themselves carried their list of members for the House of Representatives of the State—Among them are our friends J. Welles and W. Sullivan—The divisions among the federalists arise from different views and interests about Banks and Bridges—The Bridge from the neck over to Dorchester Point is soon to be begun—
Mrs: Payne with her twins has already arrived in Boston—Mrs: J. Welles had a son last week. I have not been able to procure you the vaccine matter; but Dr: Howard has promised Shaw to furnish him with the first good matter that can be obtained. Dr: Waterhouse has done inoculating in Boston, a number of the physicians there having associated, who inoculate and go through the whole process gratis.
We see by the newspapers that the President has lost his youngest daughter—My mother, who knew her and had much regard for her, was a good deal affected at seeing the account of it.
Your’s with unalterable affection
John Q. Adams.


Title: From Abigail Smith Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 20 May 1804
From: Adams, Abigail Smith
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Sir.
Quincy May 20th 1804

Had you been no other than the private inhabitant of Monticelo, I should e’er this time, have addrest you with that Sympathy which a recent even has awakened in my Bosom, but reasons of various kinds withheld my pen, untill the powerfull feelings of my Heart, burst through the restraints, and call’d upon me to shed the tear of sorrow over the departed remains of your beloved and deserving daughter, an Event which I most Sincerely mourn.
The attachment which I formed for her, when you committed her to my care upon her arrival in a foreign land, under circumstances peculiarly interesting, has remained with me to this hour, and the recent account of her death which I read in a late paper, awakened recall’d to my recollection the tender Scene of her seperation from me, when with the strongest Sensibility she clung arround my neck & wet my Bosom with her tears, saying Oh now I have learned to Love you, why will they take me from you.
It has been some time, since, that I conceived of any event in this Life, which could call forth feelings of Mutual Sympathy, but I know how closely entwined arround a parents heart are those Chords which bind the parental to the fillial bosom, and when Snaped assunder, how agonizing the pangs. I have tasted the bitter cup, and bow with reverence and Submission before the Great Dispencer of it, without whose permission and over ruling providence not a sparow falls to the ground. that you may derive comfort and consolation in this day of your sorrow and affliction, from that only Source calculated to heal the wounded heart, a firm Belief in the Being, perfections and attributes of God, is the sincere and ardent wish of her who once took pleasure in subscribing / Herself Your Friend
Abigail Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 20 May 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

Quincy 20. May 1804.

I have received, my best friend, your kind and truly affectionate letter of the 12th: or rather 6th: instt: on which I find some of George’s taste for literature, as I presume by the scratches I take to be his hand-writing. It is not improbable but that my spirits have been some few degrees below the point of temperate warmth, and that my letters may have betrayed some marks of it—Yet my health has been very good, and were it not for my absence from you, and our two darlings, I should enjoy a greater tranquility of mind, than I have known for some years—I have here almost complete leisure, which I employ in a little farming, and much more plodding in the library—Occupation of this sort is easily made, and I shall have business enough and more than enough for this summer, to prepare myself for the next Winter at Washington.
I feel myself greatly obliged to you for your kind offer to come on here—That you would be able to accomplish it, or any thing else that a woman of much firmer Constitution than yours could effect, I have no doubt. But the Summer is already running so fast away, that by the time you could get well here, it would be necessary to think of returning; and two such Journey’s in so short a time, with two infant children, would be more than I should be willing to hazard—Besides which, in point of economy, it would be a considerable increase instead of a diminution of expence—Next Spring however—As Congress will rise earlier, and the recess be probably much longer than this year, I hope you will come home with me—
I am sorry to hear that your neighbours find their mortifications multiplying upon them. But I do not imagine they will ever have a very comfortable life, where they are—In such cases we can scarcely be permitted to have an opinion; much less to indulge a partiality on one side or the other—I believe indeed that a Constable has no business in that House—But then that House has no business to harbour a runaway Slave—The best thing I should suppose would be to disavow, on all sides—I knew nothing Sir of the Slave’s being harboured in my house; and should have forbidden it, had I known it—Then I knew nothing of the Constable’s presuming to enter your house, and disapprove of it altogether—Disavowal, in diplomatic controversies are as great peace-makers as Touchstone’s If.
Pray who was that uncle of Mr I. T. Mason, who has left him so much money?—I hope that after this inheritance he will be as happy a man as he was before—But the chances are against him—Enough, says the proverb, is as good as a feast—And I believe it much better—The miseries of this life are almost all divided between too little and too much.
Our friend Quincy will not have so severe a trial, by the accession he receives from his grandfather—The old Man left almost the whole of his Estate to his Son—Quincy as the representative of his mother comes in I believe, only for a few thousand dollars; with which he is building three or four houses.
Judge Cushing and his Lady dined here last Wednesday, on their tour to Portsmouth—The Judge looks better than he did in the Winter at Washington. Jo: Hall was here yesterday, with his Son; who is in vacation from College—He had not much news to tell us.
One piece of news however I have heard that is worth hearing—You remember that Mr: Matignon the Roman Catholic clergyman, whom we saw at Mr: Quincy’s last Summer—He is said to be a remarkably eloquent preacher—Since the new Catholic Church has been opened, a young Lady of your acquaintance has attended so often upon his ministrations, that a report is in circulation she has been actually converted to the Catholic faith—This however is again said not to be true—But that Matignon from seeing her so often at Church, did believe she was converted and or convertible, and accordingly paid her a visit to instruct her in the genuine doctrines of Holy Church. She received him politely, but informed him that her attendance on his performances was more the result of taste than of conviction; and that she was not yet ready for transubstantiation—Now guess who it was?—But you may guess through all the colours of the Rainbow before you will find.—
Citizen Jerome Bonaparte has threatened a visit to Boston, as I hear—But whether the nudity is with him or not, I have not been informed—The newspapers have lately contradicted the report of Pichon’s recall, and I hope truly—I have a great esteem for him, and respect for his lady
Good Night my best beloved—Je t’envoye les plus tendres baisers de 1’amour.

A.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 May 1804
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

Washington May 20th 1804

I sieze the earliest opportunity of answering your very kind letter of the 9th which I did not recieve untill friday evening owing to a of violent Storm of Thunder and Lightning and the heaviest Rain ever Known in this part of the Country by which the roads have been so much injured that the Mail was delayed one day I never witness any thing like it Mrs. Hellen who continues in a very weak state was so entirely overcome that she had repeated faintings which she did not recover for two days She is still confined to her room and John Hellen is confined to his bed with a bad fever he is however much better to day
Mr. Hellen begins to be convinced that this situation is unhealthy I have not found it so for I never was so well in my life I understand he is about Mr.  Stodarts place in George Town they have not yet come to a final agreement
George is very angry with you he says you are very naughty to go away and leave him he does teaze me so when I write I scarcely know what I am doing he is now standing at the table sometimes repeating his fable taking my pens to write to you and crying because he dont have a letter as well as me he is very well John has got over his weaning entirely and grows quite fat again I wish I could get over it as well but I find it much more difficult than I did last time  I believe my journey did more for me than any thing else can do
Adieu my best and most loved friend I have written you so fully upon part of your last letter that I will only say I am ready to do any thing you please for the future remember me affectionately to your father Mother and Brother tell Mrs. Adams I have no news to write that I never go out of course see no company and that I thought as you heard from  and the children so frequently my writing would only have been tedious and uninteresting I shall however address my next to her
Some complain of time passing too fast I now think He it has leaden wings I live upon the anticipation of our meeting and yet hope that something will arise to induce you to shorten the period of your absence that we may at least enjoy a few weeks before Congress takes you from me Adieu once more and remember that there is no being in existence who loves you half so tenderly as your / Affectionate Wife
L. C. Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Baker Johnson, 23 May 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Johnson, Thomas Baker

Dear Sir.
Quincy 23. May 1804.

I have received your favour of the 8th instt inclosing a copy of your uncle’s Answer to the letter you had written him respecting the administration upon your father’s Estate—While the difficulty of obtaining the necessary Security for taking letters of Administration remains, it is obvious that nothing further can be done.—I would recommend to you to see the Judge of the Orphans Court, and consult with him upon the subject—enquire of him what the form and amount of the bonds required is, and what persons will be accepted as bondsmen—On this subject I can give no opinion of any value, as it must be regulated by the Laws of Maryland, with which I am not acquainted, and which I have not here the means of consulting—From the reluctance of your uncles in entering into any engagements to render an Administration possible, it would seem there must be circumstances of peculiar embarassment and difficulty, for the settlement of the Estate, which are unknown to me—When I return to Washington next Winter, if you should not previously be able to proceed in the business, I shall cheerfully devote all the time in my power to obtain the information necessary to give you my advice—In the mean time; it will be expedient for you to make a statement, as correct as you can of the debts, which your father owed at the time of his decease, in this Country—I think I have a statement of his debts in England—A further necessary document will be an Inventory of all the property which he left, and which the Administrator must take into his hands—
The debts due to your father also, including the monies recovered, and in the hands I think Mr: Hellen told me of Mr: Key, will be a necessary part of this Statement.—With these papers, and a recurrence to the Laws relative to Administrations, shall be better enabled to give an opinion upon what may be most advisable for your interest, and that of the family than I can at present—It would give me the sincerest Satisfaction, if any assistance in my power could contribute to your and their comfort and welfare.
Please to remember me with respect and affection to your mother, and Sisters, and believe me to be your faithful friend & Servt:
John Quincy Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 25 May 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dearest.
Quincy 25. May 1804

I should have answered your kind letter of the 13th. a day or two sooner, but for company which has fallen in, and call’d me away just at the time I devoted to the purpose of writing—Mr: & Mrs: Greenleaf of Cambridge, Charlotte Welsh, and her brother William, who has just returned from India, and Mr: Isaac Smith, and his Sister, who are here at this time—And yesterday, a tea-party of fifteen or twenty Ladies—All this enlivens Solitude, but will not compensate me for the deprivation even of that imperfect substitute for your company, which I find in writing to you.
I know not whether it will be possible here to procure Madame de Staal’s book; if we can I shall certainly read it, as will doubtless my mother—I shall take not a little satisfaction in reading it, were it only for the continual remembrance as I go along that you have been reading the same pages—As to Madame de Staal’s opinions upon the subject of divorce, and the marriage vow, they are such as might be expected from her history and her character—After having sacrificed all decency as well as all Virtue in her own conduct, it is natural enough to find her torturing her ingenuity to give Infamy itself a wash of plausibility—It is one of the wise discoveries of the french Revolutionists that the marriage vow is absurd, because it promises love for life; which say they is promising what is not within our own power—I remember that when the great regenerating French National Convention pass’d their Law, to make divorce just as easy as marriage, this was the decisive and triumphant argument with them—Yet the very same men, who could not promise to love any thing for life, unanimously took within a week afterwards an Oath of eternal hatred to Monarchy—They could vow to hate, but not to Love—Their objection however is not true—Honest and virtuous minds can promise to Love for Life, and can perform the promise—Thousands and thousands of examples prove it—But when the heart has long been wallowing in the kennels of corruption, it infects the understanding and prevails upon it to make Common Cause.
I have been amusing my leisure with the writings of a french-woman of another age, and a different character—I mean with the letters of Madame de Sevigné; of which I had read some volumes heretofore—She lived at a time when the morals of high life, at the Court of France, were not very rigorous, but her own conduct was always exemplary—Her letters are full of wit, and playfulness, but they are at the same time replete with honourable sentiments; with pleasing description, with characters sketch’d at a glance; with infinite variety of anecdotes, made to entertain by the manner in which they are told; even when of the most inconsiderable nature in themselves—
I am very glad you have got over the task of weaning your infant; and believe you could not have had a better time for it—I suppose that by this time you are almost at Midsummer in Washington; and have strawberries and pease in abundance—The season here has advanced very rapidly, since the Spring opened—The blossoms are just dropping from the Apple-trees—The lilacs in our front-yard are in full blow.
I am my dearest Louisa, whatever Madame de Staal, or the french haters may say, for life, most affectionately yours,
John Quincy Adams.


Title: From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 31 May 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson

My dear, ever dear Louisa.
Quincy 31. May 1804.

This morning I received your kind favour of the 20th. And am delighted to hear that you and the children are so well—Mrs. Hellen’s indisposition, I hope will prove only to be “the pleasing punishment that women bear”—I wish we could have here a little of that superfluity of rain which fell just before you wrote me; as it would bring forward my garden stuff as we call it—You have no idea, how in planting and sowing, and pruning trees, and grafting them &c &c &c—I am seriously performing my apprencticeship as a farmer—Several of my peach-stones which I planted last September have come up; and I pay so much attention to the poor Plants from hour to hour, that the only danger is of my killing them all with kindness—Day before yesterday I went into Boston, to attend a meeting of the Academy of Sciences—I met in the Street Mr: H. G. Otis, whom I had not seen before, since my return—He asked me to dine with him, and told me I should meet a few of my friends—I accepted accordingly—But found it was a very splendid dinner—and large Company, of Ladies & Gentlemen—General Knox and his Lady—Mr: and Mrs: Gore, and the Miss Payne’s, and the like—Among the rest the celebrated Mrs. Derby, of whom you have heard so much—I think I have seen her in her better days—Before she had been admired in France and England.—She has brought home too much naked simplicity, to suit my taste. A very little cloathing you know, upon a Lady, will answer all my purposes; not being at-all fond of Betty Blackberry’s innumerable over thats—But then for that very little I am scrupulous in exacting it—I am still of opinion that a Lady when she goes to bed at Night, should have something to do, besides opening the Sheets—Apropos—The Citizen Jerome has abandoned his intention of visiting Boston, and the report we have is that he has orders to return to France—But whether with or without his Venus de Medicis I have not heard.
Yesterday was the day of our General Election—But having been to Boston the day before, and nothing of interest to attract me there again, I did not go—Mr: Otis was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives again—Mr. Morton had however more votes than last year—The federal Majority in our Legislature will not be very different from that of the last year—
Judge Cushing and his Lady dined here yesterday—They were going to Boston where a Circuit Court sits this and the next week—
We had also yesterday a whole school of young Ladies here at tea—Mrs. Cranch’s, from Milton—Susan is still here, and grows sedate.
I cannot express how ardently I long to see you and my dear boys—Pour Monsieur George, papa s’attend a le trouver parlant Français a merveille—Autrement comment pourrons nous nous entendre—Savéz vous Monsieur George, ce que c’est que des fraises, et commencer vous à en manger? A peine sont elles en fleur ici, mais en attendant Papa s’occupe a faire venir tout plein de pêchiers, et de poiriers, pour en regaler George, un de ces jours—A Condition qu’il sera bien bon garçon et qu’il aimera sa Maman de tout son Coeur—
I enclose a fifty dollar bill—I hope the things Mrs: Whitcomb got for you have arrived safe ere this.—
Ever faithfully yours
John Q Adams


Title: From John Quincy Adams to William Smith Shaw, 2 June 1804
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Shaw, William Smith

Dear Sir.
Quincy 2. June 1804.

I enclose an order for $110. which I will thank you to present, and if accepted, receive the money—This together with the rent you have received of Mr: Dexter, will pay the assessmt: due on my Bridge-Shares, and leave a Balance—I will thank you to pay the Assessmt: to Mr: Foster, and take the rect:—Please to send me word whether you have advertised the rooms in Whitcomb’s House and if so, whether you have had any Application for any of them.
You will recollect the Shakespear—and the two volumes at Dr: Elliot’s—If you have them, I suppose my brother can bring them out with him.
Your’s truly
J. Q. Adams.


Title: From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 June 1804
From: Adams, Louisa Catherine Johnson
To: Adams, John Quincy

My Dearest friend
Washington June 6th 1804

I send you enclosed a couple of Profiles one of which I wish you to present to Mrs. Adams if you think they it will prove acceptable I am told mine is a very fine likeness and Caroline who likewise takes this opportunity of offering one to your mother has I think been equally fortunate the other you can keep or give to Mrs. Whitcomb if you do not want it they were taken by a Mr. Todd, a Philadelphian and are very neatly finished—
Your last charming letter afforded me the sincerest gratification I wish when you send your books back for the winter you would put up Madame de Sevigne’s letters it is so long since I read them I am certain I should to reap both instruction and amusement in a reperusal I am at present studying Miss Hamilton on Education I admire her more than any author I have yet seen her system of Education is formed from the best writers on this subject and by being simplified is render’d more easy to execute Lock & Mrs. Edgeworth are the two writers she most approves though she frequently differs from their opinions had I a daughter it is the only system I would wish to adopt but it requires a Mother of a superior cast to be able to undertake it & do it justice—
Mama has recieved very flattering letters from Mess Thorp & Maitland presenting her with a hundred Pounds and assuring her that the creditors of W. J. M. would do something to render her situation more independant for the rest of her life Mr. Maitland tells her the business was not arranged then but he had great hopes of accomplishing it in a short time as a payment of the Interest was soon to be made which would oblige the Creditors to meet & he trusts he shall then be able to prevail on them to settle it first Ah my beloved friend you know not have no idea of what a consolation it is to us her Children to know that she may at least be removed from the painful state of dependance to which she is now forced to submit & that Hellen will partly be relieved from a heavy burthen from which he has supported with unexampled kindness—
The heat is excessive since the first of this month untill then the weather was cold and uncomfortable with Thunder gusts every evening we have had both Strawberries & peas for some time though I understand they were unusually late this year I presume your garden now begins to supply you & if your Dairy supplies you with Cheese I should very much like to have a little of it here it has been so scarce we have never been able to procure any since you left us
George is much delighted with his drum I intend to trouble your mother with a commission in a short time but not immediately Mrs. Whitcomb did not execute hers with exactitude Pray tell her I wish she would write me the prices of the different articles she purchaced and to send me a White Veil by the first opportunity It will be better to give the enclosed paper to Mrs. Whitcomb she will then know what I want—
Adieu my best friend it is so warm I can scarcely write and I fear you will have some difficulty to read this letter I have no news Mr. Custis is to be married the 7th of next month to a Miss Fitzchew Sister of Mrs. Craig whom you met last once or twice last Winter Mr. Thornton le petit Chargé is gone to Baltimore he sails for England in a couple of days & Mr. & Mrs. Merry are to set off on their journey to the northward some time next week she called on me last evening & complained much of the heat indeed she looked very ill Mrs. M. expects to see you in Boston there are a number of Savants here one of whom is a Dr. Fothergill from England and another a Baron Rumboul from Prussia I am not sure that this is the mans name but Kitty who dined with them at Mr. Maddissons yesterday says it was so pronounced—
Remember me affectionately to your father mother & Brother The Children send you an hundred kisses with as many as you please from her whose greatest happiness and glory it will ever be to subscribe herself your sincerely devoted and affectionate wife
L C Adams
P.S. George is now standing at the door & crying because a Gentleman passed by whom he took for you without noticing him