Title: From John Adams to David Sewall, 30 May 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Sewall, David

Dear Sir
Montezillo May 30. 1821.

I have received your kind favour of the 26th: Happy Man! profound Philosopher! Pious Christian! I congratulate you with all my heart. I read and hear read a great deal too much Not upon Prophicies immidiately, for I have read and heard so much of them heretofore and have found the Prophets for 1500 indeed for 1800 years so uniformly out in their calculations that I have long since concluded with Sir Isaac Newton that the Prophecys were not intended to make us Prophets. My pursuits have been somewhat different The Religions of Chaldea, Phœnicia, Carthage Egypt, Greece, Rome, Phrygeia, Turkey, Arabia, Tartary, Nigroland, Ashantee, Mexico, Peru and our North American Savages. And a deplorable study it has been. Faces of the true religion have been found every where but every where corrupted by mercenary politicians with superstition and Cruelties a mixture of Knavery and credulity, disgraceful to the human head & heart. One reflection among many is all I can write at present. I can not work up my mind to the mous faith that all these millions and millions of Men are to be miserable and only a handful of Elect Calvinists happy forever. Missionary and Bible Societies are another Crusade. There are hundreds of Millions of people in Christendom as ignorant of Christianity as Hindoos & as vicious; Would it not be better to employ our wealth in enlightening and reforming these than in scattering it over the universe to very little purpose. The Crusades were invented by deeper Politicians than Richard Cœur de Leon or St Louis to prevent the Barrons from destroying Kings & Pope’s: and these Bible Societies have been invented by deeper Politicians still to divert mankind from the study and pursuit of their Natural Rights. I wish Societies were formed in India China & Turkey to send us gratis translations of their Sacred Books one good turn deserves another. I wish Turkes would teach Christians to obey the 8th: Commandment. A Mr Foster in London has lately published a work upon the evils of Popular Ignorance. I wish it was reprinted here and universally read. His Account of the ignorance in England and Europe I know is no exageration
Pardon the length & heresy of this letter from Your Friend
John Adams—


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 4 June 1821
From: Waterhouse, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Cambridge June 4th. 1821.

				Your letter justifying & glorifying the character of Junius Brutus is the most masterly apology for that prodigy of patriotism & integrity I ever read. I have read it so often that I have it by heart. I wish all my crude political notions had met with such corrections.—My letters to you of late, have been the productions of an easy &, as you suggested, a happy mind; but this one is not of that class. Since I wrote you last, an event has come to my knowledge, which has filled me, & mine, with trouble & anxiety. In the late pulling to pieces of our little army, I am left out of the list of medical men, and of course deprived of all my income. Yes all. It besure was small; only twelve hundred dollars per ann. Still it was an anchor, sufficient to hold me steady & safe untill I should not need it. But now they have cut my cable, & I am left, when nearer 70, than 60 years of age, to be stranded on the Essex, or any other inhospitable Shore. It has been supposed that Mr Monroe (for the matter rests solely with him) has been induced to believe that I am a man in easy circumstances; & that my salary was no object to me; whereas I have, at present, no other means of subsistence, & can strike into no new line of business. I maybe some day in easy circumstances; but this depends on the life of a man belonging to a family famous for longivity; and as noted for holding fast & hard whatever they possess. We are, unfortunately, classed among the rich, & obliged to appear so, without deriving any benefit of the riches of our connexions.—To be poor and to be thought rich by our acquaintance, is a species of splendid wretchedness, that wants a name.President Jefferson gave me a medical appointment worth 15,00 dolrs. per ann. avowedly for my successful labours in vaccination. When Dr Eustis, & some other Doctors of the army expressed their dissatisfaction at it, Mr Jefferson replied—“During our revolutionary war, we lost in Canada, & on our frontiers Ten thousand men by the Small Pox; and we should probably lost loose that number or more this  war should we have another war, had not Dr. W. prevented such a calamity by expediting, by his incessant labours, the practice of vaccination full twenty years sooner than it, otherwise, would have been adopted. Beside, I consider not merely the army, but the whole people of the U.S. under obligations to him for saving an immense number of lives”—And he added, I therefore seized the first opportunity that occurred of testifying my sense of that obligation. Prest. Madison caught the same idea from his predeccessor;—but the thing I fear escaped President Monroe.Since that time you know better than any of them, how the unprincipled & jesuitical Junto impelled the college to join with certain professional men to destroy me & my family root & branch. They robbed me of the hard-earned fruit of the labours of more than 30 years & gave it to two of their favourites, because I would not join them in their bitter war against the national government. Both Mr Jefferson & Mr Madison exerted themselves to prevent my destruction, without their aid, when, in fact, I cannot; for my creditors would eat me up in a twelve month.—When the army was reduced to the peace establishment, the Board of officers, acting according to certain military principles, left me out; but President Madison took his pen & put me in again. The late board of Officers, acting on the same principles, left me out; but when the list was presented to Prest. Monroe he did not put me in again, as was expected. I expected the board would have acted as they did; for I never was in the actual service of the army—And it is said that the President has been made to believe that I am rich.Now I believe, & so do others, that you could set this right with Prest. Monroe by a few lines better than I, or any one, or every one could do by writing a volume. I am loath, very loath to tax your exertion. I feel for your eyes, & your yet extraordinary hand, which seems, by your last letter, to have come to.Every one of our Presidents may not consider that the proper emblemn of Our Government is not an Eagle, but an Arrow, which is a potent weapon combines compounded of the sword & the pen. The sword–part is useless without the feather. If the sword has done much, the pen has done more. When the first is rewarded, the last should not be forgotten.I have been confined, the week past, by indisposition, or should have rode over to Quincy, instead of writing.I remain as ever your steady friend

					Benjn: Waterhouse

					It has been said, by some high officers that the office I held, (assistant surgeon of a reduced post) was too mean for me, and so indeed I felt it. Will the President give me one that I am more fit for, and I for it?


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 June 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Montezillo June 6 1821

I have enclosed to the President a letter from Dr Waterhouse. I wish you would ask to see it.
Between you and me I suspect that our friend Eustace has been of no service to Waterhouse. Ancient Jealousies of him among professional men in Boston may have left some traces. But as this is mere conjecture I lay no stress upon it.
Whether any thing can be done for him consistent with the public service I know not. But by endeavouring to draw the Attention of Government to his unhappy case, I have done the duty of private friendship and what I think the public good. I am your affectionate
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Monroe, 6 June 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Quincy June 6th 1821

Of the multitude of applications to me for Letters of Introduction and recommendation to the President and Heads of departments, in favour of candidates for Office, I have for a long time Sternly, and Sometimes almost cinically refused them all.
But the enclosed letter from Dr Waterhouse has so tenderly affected me that I cannot resist my feelings and Inclination to transmit it to you. I believe it is strict truth; and that he is poor and in distress, and that his Poverty and distress have been owing to his constant Support of the Union and national Government. I agree with Mr Jefferson and Mr Madison in the great merit of Dr Waterhouse. I scarcely know a Man who has done more good in this Country.
I know not whether any thing can be done for his relief: but if he is crushed it will be a proud tryumph for a faction who have done much harm to this Country, if We must allow they have done Some good.
With perfect respect I have the honour to be, Sir your Sincere Friend / and most humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Mussey, 9 June 1821
From: Mussey, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston June 9th 1821

				Through the politeness of your Nephew Mr Shaw, I have the pleasure to present you with an implement in domestic economy, which perhaps in some of its parts parts may be considered novel, especially in the case with which it is separated, and consequently kept clean; a circumstance not common to those which I have heretofore seen; although, professedly designed to effect the same purposes.As an individual thing it is hardly worth accepting, but when applied to a nation, the aggregate of its savings makes it an object of more consideration; from that circumstance, I beg Sir you would accept it, and, should you consider it deserving public patronage I should be glad of opinion on it.With sentiments of profund / Respect, I am Sir / Your obedient Sservt

					Thomas Mussey


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 June 1821
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

My Dear and respected Sir!
Oldenbarneveld 10 June 1821

Indeed you are very kind towards me: I can not reciprocate these proofs of your frendship as by assuring you of my most cordial thankfulness—that may be called, filling the measure—till it runs over—I know, I should receive some tiding from Montzillo—but a Letter—in your own handwriting, I could not expect indeed. Although I do not publish your Letter—this to me—deservedly might be placed next those—which we lately perused. You have done justice to Southwick, insulted by an intolerant clergyman—and you confirmed me in my opinion, which struck me, when I studied in former days your Excellent work in defence of our constitution. You Strewed again some fragrant flowers on my path, as it is so painful to me, to imagine that I should be forgotten, by the few remaining—whom I love and respect—This indeed, is for me the balm of life—and my apprehension—by you at least—will appear excusable, when you reflect, how I was graded with kindnesses, during my late residence in N. Engl. which I have no hope that can be renewed—join to this—that since I returned home—the good Dr Childs was gone—here the Daughter of my frend Mappa continued to be afflicted by the excruciating tict douleureux—The amiable miss Cornelia Platt—while I came to console her sister—and wished to foster the hope of her Recovery—was departed—just at the point—when a new connection in life was to be concluded—Col. Lansingh’s wife—was dangerously bruised by a fall breaking her collar bones and arm in two places—and my old frend Seriba was attacked by a violent fever—all this combined, to prepare me—being enraptured with the sight of your letter—before I had perused it—and the electric impulse was communicated to my wife and daughter—You can thus not surprised, and you will permit me, who honoured me, during forty years—with your esteem—with your frendship—that I renew my most ardent thanks—May you remain entitled to these, till I shall be no more—and why should it not be so? Tyng—whose silence during a considerable time could not lessen my warm attachment to him, renews his favours, and writes me—only two days past—“mr Shaw passed a day or two with our venerable frend—whom he found in good health—and still in the full exercise of his great intellectual powers—So might think a relative, but the candid impartial Tyng adds “He is indeed the wonder of the age! why then might you not survive me?
You decline to judge of J.Q—Report—because he is your son. I presume—but can this be a sufficient reason, to bereave him from your applause—in a Letter to a frend? I confess I am incompetent, but—what was in my sphere—I admired—so much erudition! without a shadow of show—So much solid judgment! Such an elegant stile! my frend J. Luzac would have written in this manner! I send it yesterday to my honoured frend Judge Platt—who respects the writer as a man—a Son—a Husband and Father, and shall pay him I doubt not, the tribute due to his exalted talents—It shall remain a monument of lasting fame—you, who knew him, could alone excuse me—in presuming that I could supply even raw materials to such a master-workman. I finished during this year again three vol—of the Records—the fourth is far advanced—but my eyes are weakening from day to day—yet I will not give it up—
Tyng makes atonement for the whole Eliot family—but besides this—I believe I am in duty bound—to follow your advice and indulge—their temporary indolence—it may be I betray’d in my last Letter a want of forbearance in this respect. I was gratified, to be informed—that Cambridge shall not loose Norton—The Boston Ladies seem to strive with Lorenzo’s—who shall do the most for the splendid luminaries of that country.
I am apprehensive—Europe inclines to fall—nothing—nor grandeur nor wealth could lure me, to fix my permanent residence there—within a century—its grandeur—its wealth—its arts and sciences may be nearly eclipsed by the rising generation of this immense country—It is not presumtif that we shall arrive at the ackme of glory—without some interruptions—some convulsions—the black population in some parts—the unprincipled education in others—the love of power—and domineering in others may cause these—and give them an awful aspect—but they can not be lasting—they can not crush the beautiful fabric—and then—in the last resource, Dr. Sangrado’s Seignare—clysterium donare—iterum Seignare—shall throw of the dreggs—epure the mass, and render America—the future object of admiration on the globe—
do you suppose—that we shall obtain then some information—of the transactions of this puny planet? or shall we be employ’d in higher topics of contemplation? whatever may be of this—may I be blessed by our Heavenly Father! to enjoy a continued existence, how humble my station may be—not far from those—whom I have loved and revered! I pray ardently for your continued health and happiness and remain / My Dear and respected Sir! / Your obliged frend!

Fr. Adr. vander Kemp


Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 11 June 1821
From: Jay, John
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Bedford—West Chester County—N. York—11th June—1821—

				Since my last to you of the 7th. Ult. I have recieved your’s of the 30th. of April, and 13th. of May. As in the latter (which came to hand on the 19 May) you approved of an application to Mr. Duane for copies of what he calls our Journals, I did apply to him accordingly, by a Letter of which the following is a copy—vizt.“Bedford—Westchester County—N. York—22d. May 1821—”“SirOn the 24th. of March I recd. your Letter of the 16th. in answer to mine of the 13th. of that month. Accept my acknowledgments for the Delicacy which prompted you to dictate that answer from a Bed of Sickness, rather than permit Delay to give the appearance of Neglect. I regret your having made such a painful Effort under circumstances which afforded such cogent Reasons for Postponement.—On the 27th. of March I transmitted to President Adams a Copy of your Letter, but it was not before the 19th. of this month that his Answer came to my hands—I am thus particular, to account for my not having sooner replied to your Letter.From your Letter it appears that in your opinion the Journals in question are ascribed to us on competent Evidence. If in this you are not mistaken, they must be either the Letters—or copies of them—or Extracts from, or abridgments of them, which were written by us respecting the Negotiations for Peace in 1783.On the 17th. of Novr. 1783 I did write such a Letter to the Secretary for foreign affairs; but the following Remark in your’s leads me to conclude that the Journal ascribed to me, is neither that Letter nor a Copy of it. vizt.‘I am in Possession of two Journals—very short indeed, but as authentic as any public Documents ever were—one of them is entitled, as expressed, the Journal of John Jay Esqr. and the other of John Adams Esqr.’As my Letter to the Secretary was a very long one, the short Journal in your Possession cannot be more than an Abridgment, or a Compilation of Extracts from it—Such also is probably the case as to the Journal ascribed to Mr. Adams.—How judiciously such abridgments made have been made, or such Extracts selected and combined, are Inquiries which the intended Publication of those Journals renders interesting. Hence it becomes adviseable, and I think reasonable, to request that you will have the Goodness to send me Copies of those Journals—I will cheerfully defray the Expense of the Copies, and of every incidental charge.—If on Examination I find that the one called mine, is genuine and correct, I shall certainly admit it to be so—if incorrect, I will specify the Errors to you.—On receiving a Copy of the one ascribed to Mr. Adams, I will transmit it to him; and am persuaded that his Sentiments respecting it, will be communicated with perfect candor.—”“I hope that by this Time you are advanced beyond convalescence, for with the best wishes for the entire Restoration of your Health, I am / Sir / your obt. Servt““William Duane Esqr.”To this Letter the last mail brought me his answer—vizt.“Phila. 30 May 1821—”“SirI have recd. your Letter of the 22d., and am gratified to find that you recollect to have written some such Papers as were referred to—As this was the only Circumstance in which I could feel any concern, it has been thankfully received. As to giving Copies as suggested, I must be pardoned for declining to do so, for Reasons expressed in my former Letter—I am Sir with great Respect / Your obedt. Servt.”“Wm. Duane”“John Jay Esqr”From this Letter I conclude that his Journals are composed of Extracts from our Letters to the Secretary for foreign affairs; and that as those Extracts would evince their having been obtained indirectly from the Secretary’s office, he does not think it prudent to afford that Evidence by giving us Copies—I had understood that a Publication of the secret Journals of Congress had been ordered, but was not informed whether that order extended to All the official Letters referred to in those Journals, or only to a select number of them. If our Letters are to be published, I am of your opinion that we need give ourselves no Concern about Mr. Duane’s Extracts or Copies—In my Opinion the irritated State of the public mind and Feeling in this State, renders a Convention unreasonable. We are nevertheless to have one; and I should consent to be a member of it, if there was a Probability of such an Improvement in my Health, as would enable me to go to Albany and take a Seat in it—but of this there is no Prospect.—If our Intelligence respecting foreign nations is accurate, there is an Effervescence which portends considerable Changes in Europe, and perhaps in parts of Asia; but on this head there seems as yet to be more Room for conjecture than for calculation.—The Commonalty in general have doubtless acquired more Knowledge of the Rights of Man, but I fear not of the Institutions necessary to secure the Enjoyment of them.I have derived much Gratification from the Kindness which pervades your Letters, and remain / Dear Sir / your obliged and constant Friend

					John Jay—

					P.S. The Book you was so obliging as to send me contains much interesting matter, and I thank you for it—


Title: From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 June 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Adams, John Quincy

My dear Son
Montezillo June 12th. 1821

Our dear Shaw, who ransacks his Atheneum and the litterary World to afford me Amusements and Instruction, two evenings and one day in a Week, brought me on Saturday your Welcome letter of the 22d of May.
 The true cause of the infrequency of letters between You and me is a conscientious principle on my part. I know that you would answer every Scratch of a pen from me; but I know the importance of your Occupations and your indefatigable Attention to them, and no trifling letter from me Should divert your mind from them, for a moment.
I regret to learn from Mr Shaw that Mr Little thinks he Shall not be able to make me a visit. I Should receive him with cordial delight.
I rejoice that a Religion of Comfort and Joy is to be admitted into Washington, and there countenanced  instead of a Religion of Gloom and horror.
In delightful hope of Seeing you, in August at least / I am your Affectionate Father

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Mussey, 12 June 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Mussey, Thomas

Sir
Montezillo June the 12th. 1821

I have received from my merutorious firend and Nephew Mr Shaw, your polite letter of the ninth of this month; together with an ingenious and valuable implement in domestic economy. This invention appears to me an improvement in our culinary œconomy which perhaps wants reformation and amelioration as much in proportion as any other interest.
I thank you, sir, both for your letter and  / machinery and am your obedient and obliged / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from David Sewall, 18 June 1821
From: Sewall, David
To: Adams, John

					My Dear Sir
					York June 18th. 1821

				your Letter of the 30th. Ulto. has been recieved, and once and again perused with pleasure and satisfaction; as is every of your Communications.—To humanize, or Civilize, I doubt not, is doing something essential to ameliorate the Condition of Mankind, as Well as, to Christanize, And attempts at the former ought to precede the latter—But the uncommon exertions of the latter; at the present Day may have a happy tendency to the promotion of both.—Miracles in the Strict sense of the Term, are not to be expected in these latter Days. But the Divine Being uses means, in bringing about his hidden designs—Indeed the regularity of the motions of the heavenly Bodies, are a Standing Miracle of his power and perfections, and the more We observe and contemplate them, the more We Shall be Satisfied of the truth of the Observation.—I am fully of the Opinion that the Propheceys, Were more especially intended to ascertain the Times when they actually arived, or Were Accomplished; than to enable Persons to fix the periods of their comeing from any Enigmatical computations a Priori—I percieve the Ostensible intention of Calling the Massa. Convention for revising their Constitution (The fixing anew, the Number of the Senate, and the diminution of the House) has not been effected.—A representation of the House founded upon equality, and of the Senate on the Basis of Taxation yet remains unimpaired.—Some Minor but usefull amendments have been effected—There appears to me no Solid Objection to the Junction of Small Towns in the choice of Members for the assembly.—But upon the Whole the grand principles of the Massa. Original Constitu remains unimpaired: Notwithstanding the attempts that have been made to Weaken and impair lessen it.—The Secession of Maine I always Suppsd was as much desired by influential Characters in Massa. proper as in the District. And the great Idea, held-up in the latter a Cheaper Civil Government will soon be found a deception to many of its greatest advocates upon that computation, by office Seekers, But having permitted my Pen to ramble far beyond my Original intention When I took it up to Write you I Will Stop its progress by adding my best Wishes for your health and happiness

					David Sewall


Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 19 June 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir.
Montezillo June 19 1821

I thank you for your kind favour of the 11th. which I have this moment received, and Soon determined that an acknowledgement of it should not be So long delayed.
You have done, with dignity and propriety all that can be done. A publication of your letters to Mr Duane and his Answers would place him in a ridiculous light. But Duane Cobbet and Calender are Such excentric Characters that it Seems unnecessary to expose them, for Posterity will forget them, or if they Should be remembered, it will be like Anytus and Metytus.
I was informed by the Secretary of State that Congress had ordered the publication of all the Correspondence relative to the negotiations of 1782 and 1783. But as I expect him here I will ascertain this point more particularly.
The Convention in New York may do great good; if it is wisely directed and conducted. I hope they will abolish all legislative interference with executive Authority and annihilate all Executive Counsells. I wish you to be there, if possible.
The present and future Condition of Mankind give me more Solicitude than they ought. The Same kind Providence will govern the future as it has done the past, in Wisdom and Benevolence. I can no longer do any thing even as instrument. What cause then of disquetude remains? Why Should I grieve when grieving I must bear?
After all, whatever reformations my be produced in Religion and Government, this life will be but a terrestrial existence. We are not to remain eternally here. The Vicissitudes of Seasons will continue. Our Bodies will be Weather Glasses. Disseases and I fear Vices, and certainly death, will continue their ravages. Glory will dazzle Alexanders Cæsars and Napoleons may hereafter arise, even in our own beloved Country. This is a State of Tryal.
I am my dear with respect Esteem and Affection / your Sincere friend and / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Waterhouse, 26 June 1821
From: Waterhouse, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Cambridge June 26th 1821

				Hearing that your rheumatism was no better, I hasten to say that instead of the Volatile Tincture of Guaicum, I would advise you to apply the flesh–brush, or that coarse cloth which the Russians call Krash to the limb that is affected and to the region of the hip & loins, begining at the leg & so rubbing upwards. This should be done by some prudent man, who will be carefull not to rub off the skin. In want of Krash any stiff, short–haired brush will answer. The guaicum  is an inflammatory medicine & may not be good for your eyes, whereas the stimulating, or inflammatory brush affects only the part that needs its stimulus. Your pain is from a diminished tone in the fibres of the investing membranes, hence they require excitement by friction, or by blistering with mustard, or cantharides. I use to consider this dry friction almost an infallible remedy in myself when afflicted with rheumatism. It should be used night & morning. I hate to take medicine inwardly and   so do you, and when I can have recourse to external stimuli, I never take them inwardly, even in the form of a cordial. The philosophy of currying an horse is to prevent rheumatism, and to remove any such affection should it exist. My father in law has this operation performed for him every day, & so has Dr Danforth, who is older than you.—I have never been forward in carrying you company, from a fear that it might not be, at all times agreeable, but I could not resist the wishes of such a man as Major Wooley. He was bred a lawyer, & is very well read—a good chemist, & a favourite of the President, and indeed of all who know him intimately. He has never that I ever knew had an opportunity of distinguishing himself in battle, but it is his Science, & his fidelity in the expenditure of very large sums that has made him valuable. He is moreover with his wife remarkably serious,    of the New Jersy calvinistic cast. I am sorry to add that in the new arrangement he must go to Arkansaw, & leave his wife and children at Newwark. Did he not stand at the head of the list of Majors he would resign. Fearfull that the mail will be closed, I have written with more hurry that I could wish—My wife desires her great & particular respects to you, and to your valuable  nurse her namesake, who we both hope approves of our prescription. My Louisa has had long practice in the care of an Uncle, & of a father far advanced in life—  Yours with encreased attachment

					B. Waterhouse


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Dawes, 5 July 1821
From: Dawes, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir—
					Boston 5th. July 1821

				I hope and trust that I shall not offend you by any thing in this communication. What is every body’s business is nobody’s: and therefore I meddle with a subject above my talents, lest it should be touched by hands inferior to my own. Notwithstanding the disparity of years between you and me, it is very probable that you may survive me, as your constitution is better than mine: yet, according to the more common course of nature, I may survive  you: in which case I should consider it a circumstance above estimation to possess some outlines of your biography from childhood to the present time. All men know that it might be collected from the annals of our country. But should you be called, as we all must be, sooner or later, to the world of spirits, your surviving friends might be anxious for a sketch of your past life; leaving to historians a more minute and ample display, like that of Marshal’s Washington or Middleton’s Cicero—If I could have a family likeness of the original, or rather a series of portraits of it, in different stages, were I living at your decease, I could use it more freely than Secretary Adams might, from motives of delicacy, were he present, think it proper to do. Should you condescend to commit such a sketch to my keeping, I would inscribe on its envelope these words “This is to be returned to the Honorable John Adams of Quincy” So that should I leave the world before you, no improper use would be made of the sacred deposit; but it would be returned to you for some other, but not more faithful friend than, Sir your’s most respectfully

					Thomas Dawes


Title: To John Adams from Charles Greely Loring, 7 July 1821
From: Loring, Charles Greely
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Boston July 7. 1821.—

				Emboldened by a remark contained in one of your letters to the late Hon. Judge Tudor, I have taken the liberty to send a copy of the oration delivered on the fourth inst.; and should the perusal of it afford you the slightest pleasure; it will be to me a very great gratification, that I have had an opportunity of paying this humble tribute of my respect, to one to whom I, as a citizen of this country, feel myself immeasurably indebted.I have the honour to be most respectfully / your Obed. Servant

					Charles G. Loring


Title: From John Adams to Gerry Fairbanks, 16 July 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Fairbanks, Gerry

Sir,
Montezillo 16 July 1821

I thank you for an ingenious and pleasing Oration, pronounced by you on the fourth of July—The spirit of moderation, and impartiality, which runs through it, is very amiable and keeps pace with the spirit of Liberty & patriotism which adorns it. It is not in my power, to point out particularly the beauties or the faults in this composition; but I beg leave to suggest a query—whether it is worth while for us, to take much notice of the British claims of superioty over us. We must candidly acknowledge that they greatly exceed us in many respects. First in antiquity. We are but two hundred years old. They are two thousand, and if, the bards and ballads of the Welsh of the Druids, had not been unfortunately lost, they might, but for what we know, have boasted of two thousand more nearly as respectable as any. Secondly—their Gentlemens seats in the Country are much more elegant than ours. Our Lymans & Quincys—our Perkins’s and Derbys—our Welles’s & Parsons—our Gores and Prebles can exhibit nothing comparable to Hagley—Mount Edgcomb or Stowe—
We have no pleasure grounds or gravel grand walks, winding round a compass of half a dozen miles in Hogarth’s waving line of beauty, ornamented with flowers & roses, with forest trees and shrubbry collected from all parts of the world, to be compared with theirs—We have no Country houses, presenting a forest of thirteen hundred fifty feet, with porticoes, supported by pillars of marble and of Composition, of splendour and magnificence to be compared with theirs—
We have no temples to Bacchus or to Venus or to Victory—We have not a Corinthian gate, which would cost the price of a Country with us, through which you enter, to behold with surprize—the astonishing front of the palace—Indeed we have not an ornamented farm to be compared with that at Woburn, Paynes hill or even Shenstons Leasowes. Thirdly—they excell us in a national debt, that inexhaustible sources of national & individual wealth, by a sagacious speculation in which, a Man may make a hundred thousand pounds sterling in a night—such a debt is a fertilizing source of literature and science—It enables thousands and tens of thousands to purchase books and libraries, to the great encouragement of Authors to employ their leisure and exert their genius in illuminating the World—Fourthly we have yet not as yet, been blessed with Generals and Admirals, whose bravery and patriotism, have conquered sixty or a hundred millions of people, abounding in all the richest productions of the earth, or who have swept from the occean all the commerce of the World—There are many other articles, in which they outstep outstrip us in the race of competition—but I have not time to enumerate more and must conclude abruptly by subscribing myself / your obliged friend & humble servant

John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Charles Greely Loring, 18 July 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Loring, Charles Greely

Sir
Montezillo July 18th. 1821

I have received your kind and friendly letter of the 7th. for which I thank you—and much more for the oration which accompanied it—which I have read with great pleasure the composition is very eloquent though very neat and simple without the least affectation—The sentiments are such as good give offence to no honest American—and the glow of Patriotism with which the felicity of our Country is painted must have exerted the honest pride of every one who heard it, as it certainly did mine in reading it—I hope a collection will be made for some public Library or by some wealthy and curious individual of all the orations that have been delivered upon that occasion—great assistance may be derived by some future historian from these sources,—and the temper feelings and manners of the times, are perhaps in shorter expression, the beating of the public pulse may be felt for forty five years
I am Sir your friend, and humble Servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Henry Ware, 18 July 1821
From: Ware, Henry
To: Adams, John

					Boston—July 18. 1821.

				Mr Ware is induced by the request of Dr Waterhouse, to take the liberty of offering to the Honorable Mr Adams the enclosed historical pamphlet; and would avail himself of the opportunity of expressing the sentiments of high respect with which he views his life & character.


Title: From John Adams to Caleb Cushing, 26 July 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Cushing, Caleb

Dear Sir:
Montezillo 26th. July 1821.

Although unfortunately my eyes have been so ill that I could not read, yet I have had the pleasure of hearing read, your Oration on the fourth of July; and never have read or heard a better. To point at its merits would be to copy the book. When Voltaire was asked why he had not written criticisms upon Racine as well as upon Corneille, he answered, “because there is no criticism to be made.” I should only have to write at the bottom of each page, beautiful, charming, excellent, admirable, exquisite.
I have been much affected with the uniformity of principles and sentiments, and the coincidence of topics, which appear in all the orations of the present year. A foreigner would suspect a concert among the orators; but this is impossible; for they come from various cities and distant states, which render any combination or conspiracy impracticable. They all concur in celebrating the greatest glory of America, the national assertion of the divine right of the people to institute governments, to create magistrates, lawgivers, and priests, in contradistinction, or rather in opposition, to the divine right of kings, nobles & hierophants.
I have also heard read your address to your class. If such advice is followed, our country has nothing to fear.
I am, Sir, / Your obliged & obedient humble servant.
John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Dawes, 28 July 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Dawes, Thomas

Dear Sir
Little Hill July 28 1821

I am informed by your Brother G, that you wish to know from me some Account of my Education! The first part of it was under Mr Joseph Cleverly in the public latin School in Braintree, the last part under Mr Joseph Marsh who kept a private Accademy the next door but one to my fathers house. From him I was Sent to Colledge in 1751. Had my first degree of course in 1755. kept th: Latin School in Worcester and read Law with Colonel James Putnam till 1758 when I had my Second degree at Colledge and was admitted an Attorney at Law by the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Suffolk. In 1761 I was dubbed a Barister and assumed my Gown Wigg and band.
The report of my pupillage under Mr Gridley arose from this. Mr Gridley after an examination painful, troublesome and distressing enough to me generously presented me to the Court for Admittance at the Bar in which he was joined by Mr Pratt Mr Otis and Mr Thatcher four Gentlemen whose Patronage and friendship I can never forget. I am with great Esteem your friend
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Wiley & Halstead, 30 July 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Wiley & Halstead

Montizillo 30th. July 1821—

I have recieved a letter under this signature dated 22 July 1821 but it must surely be a supposition for the genuine master of the trident which is the sceptre of the ocean never indulged himself in so much flattery nevertheless the institution he recommends has my most cordial approbation. Every institution calculated to alleviate the sufferings & promote the comforts of that brave, generous hardy & intrepid tho’ too often inconsiderate portion of our fellow citizens: the seamen ought to be encouraged; any thing which would teach them to think would be invaluable to them. If I had a book which could assist the design I would endeavour to find means to send it.
I am with profound respect to the true Neptune and no ill will to the immaginary one / his humble Servant—
J. Adams


Title: From John Adams to James Monroe, 31 July 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Montezillo 31st July 1821

Had I not been poisoned by the mephytic iffluvia of blossoms and roses to such a degree as to deprive me of the right of letters and the feeling of a pen: I should have long since acknowledged the honour of your obliging letter of the 13th of the month. it is perfectly satisfactory to me and it ought to be so and I presume will be so to Dr Waterhouse.
I am happy to hear that your health is generally very good, and congratulate you on the great and just success of your administration. My health is much better, though feeble enough than at my age I have any right to expect.
Although we happily enjoy a profound tranquillity and a remarkable prosperity, the state of the world is still alarming; but I have heard that “the business of the world will do itself and there is a sense in which it is true. There can be no doubt it will be done well. With great respect and sincere esteem I have the honour to be / your obliged friend
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Mrs. Derby, 31 July 1821
From: Derby, Mrs.
To: Adams, John

					Chesnut Street 31st. July.

				Mrs. Derby presents her respects to Mr. Adams, and altho’ he gave her leave in presence of many witnesses, to put his name to the Subscription paper for Mr. Freeman’s Book; She cannot deny herself & others, the pleasure of seeing so honored a name written by his own hand.She is join’d by her Mother & Mr. Derby in presenting their respects to Mr Adams & the Ladies of his family—.


Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., July 1821
From: Tudor, William, Sr.
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,

				After waiting nearly in vain to obtain further documents for the biography of James Otis, I have resolved to begin to make the most of the materials, I now possess—I hope in the course of a few days to have completed, the first part of his life, embracing his youth, & what may be called the private part of his professional career—It will all be comprized in a few pages, so few are the anecdotes I have been able to collect. I shall take the liberty of sending it to you, and if you will read it, and give me the advantage of any suggestions or corrections that may occur to you it will be doing me an invaluable favorIn the mean time Sir, it will much oblige me, if you would give me a minute of the main facts in the case of Corbet for killing Lt Panton—I know that Mr Otis left the weight of that trial on your shoulders (which were capable of sustaining it) and there is some mention of it in one of your letters to my Father—but I wish to introduce a mention of it as one of the causes in which he was employed, and still more from its deep interest & connection with the spirit of those times. To do this effectually I wish to make a brief statement of the facts of the case & the trial.May I ask you also if Mr Otis took no part in the proceedings connected with the “massacre” of the 5th of March 1770? I do not recollect to find his name at all connected with any of the measures relating to that remarkable event—I am Dear Sir / with the highest respect / Your Most obed sert

					W. Tudor.


Title: From John Adams to Joseph E. Sprague, 4 August 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Sprague, Joseph E.

					Sir—
					Montezillo. Aug. 4, 1821.

				I owe you many thanks for the present of an ingenious, entertaining and valuable oration, pronounced by you on the 4th of July, before the Salem Charitable Mechanic Association. I have read it with great pleasure, as 1 have all the orations which have been sent me this year. I have been much affected with the remarkable uniformity of principles and sentiments, and coincidence of topics, which pervades them all, although spoken in various cities and distant states. Such an harmonious train of thinking is an augury of great good to our country. It gives us proofs of a national character, of a national public opinion, cheering hopes of a lasting union, prosperity and happiness. Nothing could be more natural than in addressing a Charitable Mechanic Association, you should take notice of the proud reflections on us, so perpetually poured forth in England. This topic has not escaped the notice of any oration I have read this year. I own I am glad to see it. We have been tame and patient under the scalding drops of their contempt too long. It is time for us to arouse ourselves, and to assert honestly our own just pretensions, and show them that their impertinence shall no longer be borne without resentment and retaliation.—The English emissaries in all our cities, who have access to any of the newspapers, are pouring forth their murmurs and complaints under the lash, which shows that it has had its proper effect. It has already produced an appearance of modesty, and more decency, both in England and Scotland. When they treat us like men, I hope we shall treat them like gentlemen.

I am sir, your much obliged and most humble / servant,

					John Adams.


Title: From John Adams to U.S. Military Academy at West Point, 14 August 1821
From: Adams, John
To: U.S. Military Academy at West Point

					My young fellow citizens and fellow  soldiers.
					[August 14, 1821]

				I rejoice that I live to see so fine a collection of the future defenders of their country in pursuit of honor under the auspices of the national government.A desire of distinction is implanted by nature, in every human bosom, and the general sense of mankind in all ages and countries cultivated and uncultivated, has excited, encouraged and applauded this passion in military men more than in any other order of society. Military glory is esteemed the first and greatest of glories. As your profession is at least as solemn and sacred as any in human life, it behoves you seriously to consider What is glory?There is no real glory in this world or any other, but such as arises from wisdom and benevolence. There can be no solid glory among men but that which springs from equity and humanity; from the constant observance of prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude. Battles, victories and conquests abstracted from their only justifiable object and end, which is justice and peace, are the glory of fraud, violence and usurpation.—What was the glory of Alexander and Cæsar? The glimmering which those “livid flames” in Milton “cast pale and dreadful” or “the sudden blaze” which far round “illumined Hell.”Different—far different, is the glory of Washington and his faithful colleagues! Excited by no ambition of conquest or avaricious desire of wealth; irritated by no jealousy, envy, malice, or revenge; prompted only by the love of their country, by the purest patriotism and philanthopy, they persevered, with invincible constancy, in defence of their country, her fundamental laws; her natural, essential and inalienable rights and liberties, against the lawless and ruthless violence of tyranny and usurpation.The biography of these immortal captains, and the history of their great actions, you will read and ruminate night and day.—You need not investigate antiquity, or travel into foreign countries to find models of excellence in military commanders, without a stain of ambition or avarice, tyranny, cruelty or oppression, towards friends or enemies.In imitation of such great examples, in the most exalted transports of your military ardour, even in the day of battle, you will be constantly overawed by a conscious sense of the dignity of your characters as men, as American citizens, and as christians.I congratulate you on the great advantages you possess for attaining eminence in letters and science, as well as in arms.—These advantages are a precious deposit, which you ought to consider as a sacred trust, for which you are responsible to your country, and to a higher tribunal. These advantages, and the habits you have acquired, will qualify you for any course of life you may choose to pursue.That I may not fatigue you with too many words, allow me to address every one of you in the language of a Roman dictator to his master of the horse, after a daring and dangerous exploit for the safety of his country,“Macte virtute esto.”


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 20 August 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Montezillo August 20 1821

There are on the Journals of Congress some early resolutions for establishing a Nursery for the Education of young men in military Science discipline and tactics; but paper money was so scarce that they never could afford to carry them into execution. When the idea was revived I do not remember; but it has been cherished under Jefferson Madison and Monroe and is now brought to a considerable degree of perfection. The late Visits of the Cadets to several States seem to have made the institution popular.
Would not a similar establishment for the education of naval Officers be equally Usefull. The public Opinion of the nation Seems now to be favourable to a Navy as the cheapest and Safest Arm for our national defence. Is not this a favourable moment for proposing a Naval Accademy?
Floyd is gone! You and Jay, and Carrol are all who remain. We shall all be asterised very soon. Sic Transit Gloriola (Is there such a Latin word?) mundi.
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Thomas J. Gantt, 23 August 1821
From: Gantt, Thomas J.
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir.
					Charleston 23rd: August 1821

				By a resolve of the 76 Association, made in consequence of their high regard for your republican Principles, and gratitude for the Service, you have rendered the nation, I Send you a Copy of Mr: Elliotts Oration, delivered before that Society on the last 4th of July. I also Send you a copy of Mr: Ramsay’s, delivered the year previous. I am aware that you Should have received the latter long since, and can only Say (in excuse for its not being Sent you) that I had not the honor at that time of being on the committee. I am dear Sir with Sentiments of / the most profound respect your / Humble Servant.

					Thomas John Gantt.Chairman Comee: arrangts 76. assn.


Title: To John Adams from John Thornton Kirkland, 24 August 1821
From: Kirkland, John Thornton
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Cambridge 24. August 1821

				I had the honor of Sending you a Card requesting your presence at Commencement.—I beg leave to remind you of your being one of the Judges of the speaking for Boylston prizes the day after Commencement, & to ask you, if you should attend, to do me the favor to dine with me on that day at half after two oC.— With high consideration / & affectionate regard, / I am, Dear Sir, / Your ob. Servt

					John T. Kirkland


Title: To John Adams from Nathaniel A. Haven, 27 August 1821
From: Haven, Nathaniel A.
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Portsmouth N.H. August 27. 1821.

				A belief that nothing is uninteresting to you that is connected with the history or character of our country, has given me confidence to address you, upon a subject in which both are concerned. Although the fact, to which I wish to call your attention, was not within your personal knowledge, you may probably recollect some explanation that may have been given of it, at the time it occurred. At least, your acquaintance with the members of the Convention that framed the constitution will enable you to decide whether a just inference has been drawn from their conduct.In the London Quarterly Review, published in October 1820. (No 46. page 551.) in the article entitled “New Churches,” the following occurs in a note, and is designed to support the insinuation, that the government of these states “profess a liberal indifference whether there be any religion in the country, or none.“When the American Convention were framing their constitution, Dr. Franklin asked them how it happened that while groping, as it were, in the dark to find political truth, they had not once thought of applying to the Father of lights to illuminate their understandings?—I have lived, Sir, (said he) a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that “except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe, that without his concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building, no better than the builders of Babel. We shall be divided by our little, partial, local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a bye-word to future ages”—He then moved, that prayers should be performed in that assembly every morning before they proceeded to business. “The Convention, except three or four persons, thought prayers unnecessary!!” These words, and these notes of admiration were written by Franklin himself.” Thus far the note in the Quarterly Review.Upon turning to Franklin’s works (Duane’s edition) Vol. 1. page 474. I find the same story related in nearly the same words; and the remark that the convention thought prayers unnecessary, together with the accompanying notes of admiration, ascribed to Franklin himself.The same fact was, several years ago, referred to in Aikins Annual Review: but I cannot now find the particular passage.The fact, if correctly stated, is curious in itself; but it becomes of more importance, when it is made the ground of a general censure of the religious feelings of our country.Were the members of the convention, like the Legislature of Virginia, afraid of giving a preference to some religious sect? Were there any personal considerations mingled with the decision? Or were they really indifferent, as the English Reviewer suggests, “whether there be any religion in the country, or none”?I pray you to pardon the presumption, which has led me to address you. I should hardly have intruded upon your retirement, if I had not recently been assured by your townsman and neighbour, Mr. Daniel Greenleaf, that you would willingly communicate any facts within your knowledge, which might in any manner illustrate the history of our country.I have the honor to be / with great respect / Your obedient Servant

					Nathl. A. Haven Jr.


Title: To John Adams from Rebecca de Molitor, 29 August 1821
From: Molitor, Rebecca de
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Boston 29th August 1821—

				Your being a relation of My Fathers Induces me to take the liberty of making my Situation known to you—Confident from your known Benevolence of character that you will not turn a deaf Ear to the voice of Misfortune—My Fathers Name was William Engs—Son of Maddet Engs his Mothers Maiden name was Ann Adams, and bore near affinity to your Father—he had two Sisters—Avis & Ann, Avis Married Captn Barnabas Binney and resided in the Mansion House of my Grandfather in Summer Street, which is still standing—the Other Married Mr. John Phillips and resided in Quebec, he held some office under the then British Goverment—I am particcular Sir in Mentioning my Family that you may recognize the Claims I have to it—when young my Father went to Newport RIsland where he Married. I was his fourth Child have often heard him Speak of Samuel and Nathaniel Adams, as his particular and Intimate friends—but as he must have been many years your Senr. I think he could have no personal knowledge of you. Except in his Visits to his friends after he left it—when you Sir was Called to the high and Important office as Chief of these States, I was not in my Native place, yet I can recollect afterwards hearing him Speak of you in terms of admiration and delight—My Father was not Rich but preserved an Unblemishd Character. the only Legacy he left his children they have not impaird it—in 1780 I Married, some few years afterwards removd with my Husband to Nova Scotia—that then Inhospitable Clime Baffled our pursuits—years roll’d on after years our Industry was in Vain fortune fled us, and my Husband resignd his breath fourteen years ago—Since that time I have resided with my children—came here in the Month of May in the family of my Son Inlaw, who was formerly Clerk in the Navy Yard in Halifax, and thro the reduction of that Establishment and the Army has been obligd to leave it, being partial to my native Country I perswaded him to try his fortune here—thro a combination of untoward events he has not succeeded, and finally has left this Town in persuit of more favorable prospects elsewhere—I am left with my Daughter and several Small children without any means of Support, save what our little industry can procures us, and that is small—be pleasd to excuse what you find deficient Sir, in these unvarnishd lines—they are from the pen of Woman in her Seventieth Year in an Indifferent state of Health—I Should have Sought the pleasure of an Interview had you been in Town—but as the distance is considerable beg the favor of a line—we reside at the Corner of Back and   Richmond Streets Boston—where any attention Shewn us will be Gratefully and Respectfully remembered—by Sir Your very— / Humble Servt.—

					Rebecca de Molitor


Title: From John Adams to Mr. Marston, 1 September 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Marston, Mr.

Dear Sir
Montezillo September 1st 1821

The Roman dictator was Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus. His Master of the horse was Caius Servilius Ahala whose daring and dangerous exploit was killing Spurius Melius for aiming at royalty. The story is in Livy, Book 4th Chapter 13th In Rollin’s Roman History Vol 2 p 46 In Adam’s defence Vol 3 p 242 The Roman Antiquities of Dionisius Halicarnassensis come not down so low His account is lost but I presume the anecdote is to be found in every general Roman History.
Is it not remarkable that this most memorable of all the applications of the phrase Macte virtute esto is omitted in all the dictionaries Stephens Faber Ainsworth amidst all their learned lumber have forgotten this. They have quoted Virgil Ovid Cicero and even the wag Horace but overlooked Livy.
 Horace the rogue in his first book of Satyres Satire 2 lines 21 22 &c puts these words into the mouth of Cato and applies them for a very curious moral purpose
“Macte virtute esto inquit sententia dia Catonis
Nam simul ac venas inflavit tetra libido
Huc juvenes aequum est descendere non alienas
Permolere uxores.”
Virgil in his ninth Aeneid has made Apollo Say to Ascanius, after his noble Juvenile exploit in killing Numanus
“Macte nova virtute, puer: Sic itur ad astra
Dis genite, et geniture deos.”
He afterwards descends from his cloud in the shape of old Butes, the Armor Bearer and Janitor and gives Iulus good advice,
“Sit satis Aeneada telis impune Numanum
Oppetisse tuis &c
Cætera parce puer bello.”
Servius’s commentary upon the word “Macte” is Magis aucte Et est sermo tractatus a  sacris; quoties enim aut Thus aut Vinum  victimam fundebatur dicebat: Mactus est taurus vino vel thure hoc est cumulata et hostia et magis aucta.
In the Dauphin’s Edition the Note upon the Word “Macto is “Mactus” quasi Mauctus id est magis auctus, hic herba adulta dicta est a Catone macta quia aucta. Hostiæ quoque mactie quia mola, Vino, thure Spaigebantur et quasi cumulabantur augebanturque ante Sacrificium; unde mactare pro cadere dictum fuit. Diis ippi in Sacrificiis exclamabunt: Macte hocce vino inferio esto; macte hacce dape esto quia sacrificiis augeri eorum felicitatem putabunt. Cicero dixit Nonio teste maitare aliquem honoribus. Plautus mactare infortunio, Hac formula vocativum adhibetiri Macte pro nominativo Mactus, more attico Macte ingenio este cæli interpretes Pliny. Macte virtutites estote Milites Romani.
Rollin in the second volume of his history page 261 translates the phrase Macte virtute est liberata Republica by commentary J’approve votre action et je vous  de votre zele Servilius Vous venez de delivrer votre Patrie d’un  tyran qui voulut la  reduire en Servitude.
Livy’s narration of this whole transaction is ample in his fourth book Chapters 13 14 15 16.
There is in Livy another remarkable application of this phrase by Porsenna, In the second book of Livy Chap 11 12 13 14 is the romantic and miraculous Story of Caius Mucius Scævola and his attempt to kill the king of Etruria in his camp and tent Failing in his enterprise by killing the Secretary instead of the king and expecting death in torment he tormented himself by thrusting his hand into burning. Porsenna showedd soul equally great by pardoning him in these words “Tu vero abi in te mages quam in me hostilia ausus Iuberem macte vurtute esse si pro mea Patria ista virtus staret Nunc jure belli liberam te intactum inviolatum que dimitto.
 Some Critics have pretended that Macte is an adverb and some that it is in the ablative case both absurdly.
In Ovid may be found the following phrases Mactare alequem duum Mactare animal Picaseo Mactare anseum hospitibus Dius Mactare catuun Mactare piraneam Mactare pivennas bid queqam Mactare orem pauti Mactaro ores Mactare  tot mactare & vinum Mactari ad ovas sacras victima Mactatuo racca Miuccor Mactatus ad aucas and many others but I am weary of this per ducubital amusement.
J. Adams


Title: To John Adams from Jacob W. Watson, 11 September 1821
From: Watson, Jacob W.
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Princeton Sepr. 11th: 1821

				The Citizens of Princeton having moved to this place for the purpose of escorting the your Son, the Hon John Quincy Adams to Princeton have this moment learnt that the venerable Mr Adams our late President was accompanied by him. we are happy to find Sir that even at this time of life Providence has so favour’d you & us As to as to give us this opportunity of bidding you a Cordial Welcome & of Escorting you Sir together with him

					Jacob W. WatsonChairman


Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 12 September 1821
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Monticello Sep. 12. 21.

				I am just returned from my other home, and shall within a week go back to it for the rest of the autumn. I find here your favor of Aug. 20. and was before in arrear for that of May 19. I cannot answer, but join in, your question, of May 19. are we to surrender the pleasing hopes of seeing improvement in the moral and intellectual condition of Man? the events of Naples & Piedmont cast a gloomy cloud over that hope: and Spain & Portugal are not beyond jeopardy. and what are we to think of this Northern triumvirate, arming their nations to dictate despotisms to the rest of world? and the evident connivance of England, as the price of secret stipulations for continental armies, if her own should take side with her malcontent and pulverised people? and what of the poor Greeks, and their small chance of amelioration even if the hypocritical Autocrat should take them under the iron cover of his Ukazes. would this be lighter or safer than that of the Turk? These, my dear friend, are speculations for the new generation, as, before they will be resolved, you and I must join our deceased brother Floyd, yet I will not believe our labors are lost. I shall not die without a hope that light and liberty are on steady advance. we have seen indeed once within the records of history a compleat eclipse of the human mind continuing for centuries. and this too by swarms of the same Northern barbarians, conquering and taking possession of the countries & governments of the civilized world. should this be again attempted, should the same Northern hordes, allured again by the corn wine, and oil of the South, be able again to settle their swarms in the countries of their growth, the art of printing alone, and the vast dissemination of books, will maintain the mind where it is, and raise the conquering ruffians to the level of the conquered, instead of degrading those to that of their conquerors. and even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism again obscure the science and liberties of Europe, this country remains to preserve and restore light and liberty to them. in short, the flames kindled on the 4th. of July 1776. have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism. on the contrary they will consume these engines, and all who work them.I think with you that there should be a school of instruction for our navy as well as artillery; and I do not see why the same establishment might not suffice for both. both require the same basis of general mathematics, adding projectiles & fortifications for the artillery exclusively, and Astronomy & the theory of navigation exclusively for the Naval students. Bezout conducted both schools in France, and has left us the best book extant for their joint & separate instruction. it ought not to require a separate professor. A 4th of July oration delivered in the town of Milford in your state gives to Samuel Chase the credit of having “first started the cry of independance in the ears of his country men.” do you remember any thing of this? I do not. I have no doubt it was uttered in Massachusets even before it was by Thomas Paine. but certainly I never considered Samuel Chase as foremost, or even forward in that hallowed cry. I know that Maryland hung heavily on our backs, & that Chase, altho’ first named, was not most in unison with us of that delegation, either in politics or morals et c’est ainsi que l’on ecrit l’histoire! your doubt of the legitimacy of the word gloriola is resolved by Cicero, who in his letter to Lucceius expresses a wish “ut nos metipsi vivi gloriola nostra perfruamur.” affectly. Adieu

					Th: Jefferson


Title: To John Adams from Richard Stockton, 12 September 1821
From: Stockton, Richard
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir
					Princeton (N.J.) Sepr. 12th. 1821

				Permit me to introduce to you my Son Robert F Stockton of the Navy at present Commanding the Schooner Alligator now in the port of Boston. I can assure you with truth that he is a youth of exemplary moral Character and conduct,—and that he has already earned for himself a professional reputation equal to that of any other officer of his age and rank in the Navy.—I could not think of his leaving Boston without paying his respects to the venerable Sage for whom his Grand Father entertained—and his Father entertains so profound a respect. A great space local and moral has divided you from me for the last twenty years. I had once an opportunity of seeing you in trying circumstances. I believed you then to be not only a great Man but a Patriot most ardent and pure—I have never changed that opinion, but have constantly expressed it when ever it was proper so to do. This may indeed be said of all your Jersey Friends—they have been steady and uniform in their attachment to you. I have just alluded to my Father and Shall take leave to mention an anecdote which I never ventured to relate while in the habit of daily intercourse with you—I well remember that on his first return home from Congress in the Summer of 1776 after the 4th. of July he was immediately surrounded by his anxious political Friends—who were eager for minute information in respect of the great event which had just taken place—Being then a Boy of some observation and of very retentive memory I remember these words addressed to his Friends—“The man to whom the Country is most indebted for the great measure of Independence is Mr John Adams of Boston”—“I call him the Atlas of American Independence”—“He it was who sustained the Debate, and by the force of his reasoning demonstrated not only the justice but the expediency of the measure.” This I have often spoken of to others and distinctly remember the very language which he used. Afterwards and when I commenced the study of the Law under his direction he often told me that he considered Mr A: one of the most profound Common Law Lawyers he had ever conversed with. I hope venerable Sir! that I Shall not offend your delicacy or use an improper freedom when I assure you of the interest which all of us take here in the dignity of your latter years—With Pride and gratitude we behold realized in your Person a portrait often-times drawn but rarely seen. That of a Man advanced almost to the extreme end of human life in full possession of the great powers of his mind—who after a long life devoted to noble pursuits calmly waits with hope and dignity to be translated to the region of everlasting peace and joy.   I am dear and venerable Sir / with unfeigned and profound / respect / Your obt: and humble

					Rd Stockton


Title: From John Adams to Richard Stockton, 23 September 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Stockton, Richard

Dear Sir
Montezillo Sept 23 1821

I have received your kind letter of the 12 inst. as its it is a demonstration of the continued friendship of a family for whom I have felt for more than five & 40 years the highest respect esteem & affection. For your father the chief justice of N Jersey and a fellow laborer with me in Congress I had a great veneration. I may boast that he was always faithful partial to me. For yourself I have always entertained a great regard as well as for your Brother with wom whom I had a more slight acquaintance. With Dr Rush I had an  uninterrupted friendship & constant correspondence from 1774 to the period of his death. His lady your sister was on terms of intimacy & correspond with my dear departed consort till her death Be assured Sir there is not a family in N.A. if I may except my own, to which I am more cordially attached. I never knew till I received your letter that Capt Stockton of the Navy—was your son—if I had I should not have waited for your letter to have sought his acquaintance I had heard of his fame—He has an hereditary right to all his virtues talents: & accomplishments which as I am well informed are of the highest order. My eldest son & his lady speak of him in the highest terms—as do all others. I shall immediately solicit a visit from him and a furlow for a few days to pass with me if his duty in the navy will possibly admit of it.
I am Sir with great & sincere esteem your / assured friend & humble Sert—


Title: From John Adams to Robert Stockton, 23 September 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Stockton, Robert

Dear Sir
Montezillo 23d September 1821

Had I known that you were of the family of Stocktons of New Jersey I should have waited for a letter from your Father to have solicited your acquaintance and friendship—For more than five and forty years I have esteemed the various branches of your family among my most respectable and valuable friends. For your Grandfather I had a great veneration. And for your Father a cordial esteem—and without flattery I hear so good accounts of your own merit that I should have earnestly wished a visit from you had your name and connections been wholly unknown to me, I beg of you if it be consistent with the naval service and your duty, to procure a furlow to pass a few days with me at Quincy or if that is not possible to take dinner with me, or a bed for a night, that I may have an opportunity of introducing you to my family and in paying all possible respects in my power to you and yours—
I am Sir with great regard your sincere friend / and most obedient / humble Servant
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 24 September 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Montezillo 24 Septr. 1821.

I thank you for your favour of the 12 inst. Hope springs eternal. Eight Millions of Jews hope for a Messiah more powerful & glorious than Moses, David, or Solomon who is to make them as powerful as he pleases. Some hundreds of millions of Musslemen expect another Prophet more powerful than Mahomet who is to spread Islamism over the whole earth—Hundreds of millions of Christians expect and hope for a Millennium in which Jesus is to reign for a thousand years over the whole world before it is burnt up—The Hindoos expect another and a final incarnation of Vishnu who is to do great and wonderful things. I know not what.—All these hopes are founded on real or pretended revelation. The modern Greeks too it seems hope for a deliverer who is to produce them.—The Themistoclese’s and Demostheneses. The Plato’s and Aristotle’s The Solon’s and Lycurgus’. On what prophecies they found their belief I know not.—You and I hope for splendid improvements in human society and vast ameliorations in the condition of mankind.—Our faith may be supported by more rational arguments than any of the former—I own that I am very sanguine in the belief of them as I hope and believe you are and your reasoning in your Letter confirmed me in them. As Brother Floyd has gone I am now the oldest of the little Congressional group that remain. I may therefore rationally hope to be the first to depart; and as you are the youngest and the most energetic in mind and body, you may therefore rationally hope to be the last to take your flight and to rake up the fire as father Sherman who always staïd to the last and commonly two days afterwards used to say, “that it was his office to sit up and rake the ashes over the coals” and much satisfaction may you have in your office.
The Cholera Morbus has done wonders in St. Helena and in London. We shall soon hear of a Negociation for a second Wife. Whether in the body or out of the body I shall always be your friend.
The anecdote of Mr. Chase contained in the Oration delivered at Milford must be an idle rumour for neither the Sate of Maryland nor of their Delegates were very early in their conviction of the necessity of Independence, nor very forward in promoting it. The old Speaker Tilghman, Johnson, Chase, and Paca, were steady in promoting resistance but after some of them Maryland sent one at least of the most turbulent Tory’s that ever came to Congress—
John Adams.


Title: To John Adams from Richard Rush, 30 September 1821
From: Rush, Richard
To: Adams, John

					Dear and Venerable Sir.
					London September. 30. 1821

				Your life will never cease to be useful to your country. In spite of yourself, in spite of your years, you will always belong to it. The incident, from alluding to which I could not refrain in my letter of February, has been followed up by another scarcely of less interest, and which perhaps may one day produce effects still more worthy to be noted. I mean, Sir, the address to the cadets, those children of the Republick, which you delivered during the past summer from your retreat near Boston. I read it I can scarcely say with what feelings. Will not Trumbull, or Sully, or Alston, or some one at Boston with a  pencil better than theirs, if there be any better, give us this scene upon canvass? We ought to have it so, and I hope will.For the letter which you kindly took the trouble to write to me in reply to mine of February, I desire to offer my thanks. As to the constitution of the United States, it is so superior to that of any other country, that we shall, I suppose, have to overlook whatever of imperfection has found a place in it, and cling to it as it is. Constitution-making is, doubtless, the most difficult task that human skill can take in hand. Many of its best rules are to be found in a commentary upon the factions of the free states and cities of Italy, in an American work which I need not name, but that I heartily wish could be read and properly estimated at this peculiar moment throughout Spain and Portugal. But how often have we not been told, that nations as well as individuals, forget all the lessons of experience!As far as I know, there will be no rupture for the present between Russia and the Turks. But I hear nothing on the subject but what the newspapers contain, this being a season when official people, and nearly all others with whom I mix, are our of London.I have read, and with great delight, the secretary of state’s address on the 4th of July. It is eloquent and profound; sound in its principles and sterling in its patriotism.I remain, dear and / venerable Sir, with / devoted respect and / friendship, your obt / Sevt—

					Richard Rush.


Title: To John Adams from Abraham Holmes, 8 October 1821
From: Holmes, Abraham
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Rochester Octr. 8th 1821

				I have just given the Book Novanglus and Massachusettensis a second perusal; and the satisfaction which it produced is indiscribable. I felt it a duty which I was not at liberty to dispense with to render to you my personal thanks for the important service you at that important critical moment rendered your opprest and insulted country; which thanks I hope (tho’ I am personnaly unknown to you) I hope your obligingness will induce you to accept.The greater part of the Readers of the present day will read that book with the same kind of sensations that they feel when they read Cicero’s orations or the declamations of Demosthenes; but there are a few yet surviving whose feelings will be far different; who can say “all which I saw, and part of which I was.” The man who at the time when He were had come to the years of understanding, and who had furnished himself with an understanding of the merits of the controversy, and had that anxiety which the importance of the subject was calculated to inspire; when he reads those performances, is irresistably carried back to that time, and fancies himself situated in the midst of the all important but dubious contest: the sparks of that patriotic Zeal are instantly fanned into a flame, and all his rational powers are absorbed in one undistinguished  mass of patriotic annimation. He sees (in retrospect) an huge Phalanx of mercenaries with all the awful parade of military horror Under the Mandates of a foreign despot advancing to deprive him of every blessing which distinguishes him from the vessel who is chained to the oar; that would condemn his posterity (born and unborn) to a lingering state of misery thro’ a painful life, and when released therefrom by Death to leave the same wretched inheritance to their miserable descendants. He also see the great mass of the people under the direct influence and inspiration of Heaven rising spontaneously in a body to repel this horrid and merciless invasion; and “long time in equal scale the contest hangs”, and all the former dubious anxiety irresistably takes a temporary possession of the mind. The man who has been born since that important crisis is as incapable of those sensations as the man who was born blind is of Judging of light and Colours.Yet those who have subsequently come on the stage, and those who are Yet to come will receive important information from such publications, and a careful attention thereto will unavoidably raise a degree of interest in the mind, and create a gratitude to Heaven for it’s peculiar interpositions, as well as an high respect for the instruments made use of by divine providince in the defusing political knowledge and in creating  promoting the patriotic Zeal which pervaded every part of the Colonies Many publications of that time which were worthy of being preserved in Golden Letters, have become extinct. Those ought to have been carefully preserved for the benefit of posterity, but are lost forever. The Letters of Novanglus would have suffered  the same fate had it not been for your prudent publication of them. Thirty four years since in Edes’s repository of Pamphlets I picked out all them those political pamphlets (which I could find) which were published during the grades which led to the Revolution, and in the time of the Revolution; and got them bound in fifteen Volumes. These I consider as an invaluable Treasure. The present Chief Justice of this Commonwealth (some years since) being in my Office, and seeing them said if he out lived me and my Library should be sold at Vendue, he would come from Boston to purchase them; for there was a great variety of important matter in those books which would be lost to posterityIt is my duty to ask your pardon for this interruption of your Leisure / which I accordingly do, and hope you will grant it. / I am Sir with every sentiment of respect your’s &c

					Abrm. Holmes


Title: To John Adams from A. & J.W. Picket, 8 October 1821
From: Picket, A. & J.W.
To: Adams, John

					Sir,
					Baltimore, Md. Oct. 8. 1821

				We address you on a subject of vital importance: to which we presume you have given much attention; we mean the subject of Female Education. In our opinion, it has not, at least in this country, received that high regard, which its nature requires. If it be worthy of national concern to educate young men well, we believe it no less necessary to bestow the same care on the education of Females, with due reference to the duties of the respective sexes.Under the impression, that much by a proper course, for the interest of Female Instruction, may be accomplished, & that individual exertion is something towards the desirable object, we propose to apply to the Legislature of Maryland, at its Session in December, for Means to erect an Institution exclusively devoted to the education of Females; in which, the various departments of Science, & ornamental accomplishments, each under its proper Professor, will receive that consideration, which they demand.The importance of an Institution, or College of this kind is universally seen & felt. It would be a mean of making the advantages of female Instruction permanent, &, perhaps, of bringing into existence in the various states, more of a similar natureAfter 25 years’ engagement in developing the faculties of the female mind, we have formed the above opinions; & as the opinions of those who have influence will benefit us much, we solicit your attention to the following.1. What is your opinion of such an Institution?2 “ “ “ course of study to be adopted?An answer as soon as convenient will oblige / Yrs with the highest esteem

					A. & J. W. Picket


Title: From John Adams to J.B. Binon, 11 October 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Binon, J.B.

Montezillo Oct 11th. 1821

To all who may see this letter I certify that I have been acquainted for several years  with the barer J B Binon and have found him a Man of letters, taste and sense, very much of a gentleman—and a Manly candid & generous Man—he is eminent in the fine Arts, especially in sculpter and statuary which are his professional occupation, he has been employed in Boston in making many Busts—& in the Marble work of some of the most Costly and Elegant buildings which are erecting in Boston—he has also amused himself in preparing plaster of Paris by Calcination, & for Agriculteral purposes, and in all things as far as I have heard has given universal satisfaction as a Man of Probity—Industry and Politeness
This I certify under my / hand
John Adams


Title: From John Adams to Abraham Holmes, 14 October 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Holmes, Abraham

Sir
Montizillo 14 Oct 1821

I have received your letter of the 8. Oct & I thank you for your civilities. It is a comfort in old age to receive the testimony of an contemporary especially from one of so respectable a character, of his opinion that we have done any good in any part of our lifes. Whatever public good the publication you mention may have done at the period of its original publicaton composition or since its republication I shall leave for posterity to judge though as you well observe blind men can not well disriminate colours. None but those who lived from the year 1759 to  the 1784 can ever see  feel or think as we did
I have however great reason to suspect that I was mistaken in imputing Massachusutensis to Mr Sewal. The testimony of Judge Chipman of St Johns New Brunswick & of Judge Leonard London both of them authorities too respectable to be controverted ascribe those papers to Mr. Daniel Leonard This makes no alteration in the argument but the jus suum cuique is of eternal obligation I have had in the early part of my life nearly equal esteem & afection for both of those characters and am willing that justice should be done between them. Judge Parker’s jocularity with you was very pleasant. I wish that I had been as carefull as you to preserve pamphlets but alas but it is now past remedy—
Wishing you Senectute placidam / quietem I am Sir &c—


Title: To John Adams from Francis James Jackson, 16 October 1821
From: Jackson, Francis James
To: Adams, John

					Dear Sir,
					Boston Oct 16 1821

				Having been told by a number of gentlemen, & particularly by the Hon. Mr Quincy, that you considered the preservation of your house at the late fire, was owing to my exertions; this Sir, is placing a great deal too much to my Cr. at the expense of your neighbours, who speedily exerted every nerve to prevent the portending destruction.Permit me to sketch what fell under my notice at this critical moment.—being about a quarter of a mile from your house, I heard the cry of fire; & hastened to the spot; as I approach’d your house, I saw there was a warm job at hand, for the fire had firm hold of the windward part of the roof; & the wind blowing verry strong from the westward; from the moment I first saw the blaze, I concluded we should be short handed, & tho’t it would be best, to endeavour to smother the flames with carpets & blankets, as they would be more plenty in the onset, than buckets & water; & I enter’d the door with a determination to try the project; as I ascended I collected some blankets, & luckily found a sufficient quantity of water lodged upon the upper chamber floor, to wet them thoroughly; which done spread them immediately over the flames, & retreated for more blankets; & as I ascended a second time, the upper chambers was so full of smoke, that I found it difficult to breathe while soping the blankets upon the floor; & had frequently to put my head out of the window to take breath; as I went thro the scuttle, it was apparent that the first spread blankets, was the means of driving so much smoke into the chambers; I tho’t this was a favorable omen, & immediately spread a second parcel of blankets, wherever I found the greatest quantity of fire; but the flames breaking out in fresh places, more blankets were required; but I sought for them thro’ the chambers in vain; for they were completely stripped of every thing movable; I went immediately to the street, where I found blankets in abundance; & was astonished to see the street lined a considerable distance, with household apparatus; it had an appearance not unlike that which I have frequently seen in Boston, when the movables of a dozen houses are piled in the street.—having collected a third parcel of blankets, I ascended, wet them, & spread them as before; & concluded that nothing was now wanting, but to keep them well wet; & a goodly number had turned their attention to this object, & employed themselves with great perseverance in bringing water up the stair way, & passing the buckets out at the scuttle; & throwing their contents with great success wherever they were most wanted; to this comparatively small number, who bro’t water up the stair-way, is the preservation of your house to be attributed, most unquestionably; from a hasty glance at the operation of the engine, I saw that it was well man’d & watered; & that they were making every effort to extinguish the fire; but not with so much success, as was anticipated;: as a great part of the water thrown from it was lost; the engine was placed to the leeward of the fire, and when the water rose above the roof, its force being so nearly exhausted, that it was carried back by the wind, which still blew verry strong; & much water that did not rise to the top of the roof, struck the butts of the shingles, & fell back into the gutter, & was lost; but as I was not in a situation to see much of the engine, these remarks may be incorrect; I think however that the engine should have been placed to the windward; unless they could have extended a long hose to the top of the roof, in which case it could have been directed to any spot at pleasure & with great effect; The Hon. Mr Greenleaf who stood for some time upon the roof close to the scuttle, to receive the buckets of water, had an excellent opportunity to judge whether the blankets were of much use; & whether the water passed thro’ the scuttle or that which was thrown from the engine did the most execution; & I think he will say, that those 20 or 30 or more who handed him the water saved your house. A great majority of those who first came turned their attention to clearing the house, & worked with surprising dexterity; this turned out to be an error in judgment; for the exertions of those who carried up water, rendered the efforts of those who carried out furniture; worse than useless; & forcible reminded me of Lord Nelson’s maxim; “first secure the victory; & then make the most of it”: nevertheless, considering the great value the house contained, & particularly the papers (which would have been a great public loss,) & considering too the alarming appearance of the flames as they approached the house, it was both natural & prudent, to make sure of them; from the hurry & bustle of the moment confusion was unavoidable, but I never saw greater exertions made at any fire in my life; & I have been present at verry many of the fires in Boston for the last fifteen years;—there were no lookers-on, but every one briskly employed; the young ladies in particular worked like heroes, lugging both furniture & water with great nimbleness; they deserve at least good husbands, who would be equally active upon any emergency.—I think by this time, Sir, you will be satisfied that the preservation of your house is owing to the exertions of no one individual, but to the persevering & combined efforts of your worthy neighbors—The whole time I spent at your house on this occasion did not exceed one hour; & for these few moments of service, I was most amply paid long before; I mean on the day the “National Cadets” paid their respects to you; I was passing, & my friend Mr. Briestler Jr. invited me in; & myself & wife had free access to all parts of your hospitable mansion; & of the bountiful refreshments it contained; & in truth I must say, that no two hours of my life was ever better enjoyed; nor no two have ever passed that I shall be less likely to forget—With great respect & esteem

					Francis Jackson


Title: From John Adams to Francis James Jackson, 19 October 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Jackson, Francis James

dear Sir
Quincy October 19th—1821—

I am greatly obliged to you for your most interesting letter of October 16th—My honble and excellent friend Mr Quincy and the the other gentleman you mention—were too strong in their expressions—I never attributed to you alone the Salvation of my House—I have often said, & now say again that three Cercumstances contributed to the event which without one spree of superstition in my composition—I could not help without considering, as providential incidents—first the suden abatement of the wind in  a most critical moment—secondly the excavation of a pond in my lower garden—which I had lately made which from several never failing springs, was filled with water—and abundently supplied the Buckets & Engine, when the Pump was compleatly exhausted thirdly the accidentle arrival of a stranger who advised the application with of wet Blanckets. had I been at home myself—my first order would have been to have collected every Carpet and every Blancket in the house—soaked well in water & thrown over the flames—for I had been for more than forty years of the efficacy of such an expedient, but it seemes none of my family—& none of the nor any of the actors or Spectators thought of it till you arrived—& very opportunely suggested it to them—
All thes things however have never deminished my gratitude to my Neighbors & fellow Citizens for their active & zealous exertions to save my property—which I believe with you were never exceeded upon any occasion—which is the more remarkabl—as fires have but rarely occured in this Neighbourhood—My Honble neighbour Mr Greenleaf, & all the Gentlemen of the town were here with incredibble cellerity and all the Engine Men—& a Noble Company of Stone Cutters, braved every danger & exerted every nerve, I agree with you that the Engine would have been better placed in the garden to the windwand—there must have been great prudence—and judgement—as well as activityfor it is astonishing how little damage was done to the house and furniture—the Heroism of the young Ladies shall never be forgotten—I was informed of it the very next day, by my Grandson Charles—& every account I have heard since, has confirmed his—every one of them deserve an excellent husband, as you wish them
I am Sir your much / obliged humble Servent
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 19 October 1821
From: Van der Kemp, François Adriaan
To: Adams, John

					My Dear and Respected Friend!
					Oldenbarneveld 19 Oct. 1821

				Although I did not hear from Montezillo—Since your very affectionate Letter of 30 May—except by our friend Tyng, on 27 July—I am confident, that I can not be forgotten—and Supposed, that health and contentment must have remained your familys Share, increased yet by the presence of the Secretary of State, and the distinguished progress of your grandson—yet these pleasing contemplations were disturbed, when I read in the N. Paper an account which Should have happened to your Mansion—’till I received an answer of Mr. johnson—with the information, received from Mrs Clark, on the 27 Sept—which assuaged my fears. God be praised! He avert Similar desastrous events, and remain the Protecting God of you and your Respected family!—My health remains unimpaired—but my eyes become more and more dim every day—I have now resolved on the Request of my family—as I can Scarce read, to make a trip to N.y—& See if I can obtain there Some relief—Shall your grand Son, now graduated, obtain his wish—to visit Europe? may he receive there equal benefits with his Hon. Father? what a gratification to see a grandson pressing the Steps—which you had trodden!I convey this day, once more 3 vols. of the Rec—containg upwards of 2500—there are numerous highly interesting particulars—the only black Spot I yet could discover was the encouragement of the Slave-trade but even this, was Some what effaced by an article of a treaty of peace—with the Indians—Stipulating—that they might Send their Children for education to N-Am St—I hope—the whole family is well—and that you my best frend! to whom I never can be Sufficiently grateful—for numerous affectionate kindnesses, during a long course of more than forty years—will renew the remembrance of a man—who delights in recollecting the delightful hours—passed at your Seat—I dare not hope that I Shall ever again enjoy that happiness—and yet I place me often at your break fast—dinner and Supper table—and rose in your Gardens—with Some of whose flowers I adorned my little Spot.with confidence recommending myself to your continued frendship—I remain with the highest respect— / Your affectionate Frend!

					Fr. Adr. van der Kemp


Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 21 October 1821
From: Adams, John
To: Waterhouse, Benjamin

dear Sir
Montezillo Oct 21, 1821

The ha rare happiness we have injoyed in the society of J Q A and his family, the consiquent occupations amusements & intercourse of visits and social festivities as well as grave lectures & solemn disquisitions, have prevented my acknowledgement of yours of the 18th. of September.—I must add to all this something of an opposite character eyes distempered almost to blindness, knees & hands trembling over the grave, I realy found my home on my return from Princtown more agreeable I believe even for the Calamity it has suffered  the feelings of gratitude to my kind Neighbours for their great exertions in saveing me a place where to lay my head, were, and are delicious. What will be the end of the air of Nebuchadnazzer the second as you call him very wickedly tho’ very aptly I know not but I am told that the cholera morbus is as much a family disorder as the kings evil as many of the family have died of it. It happens however that Bonaparte who was not of the family had died of it at St Helena—not long before the Queen died of it in London—far be it from me to suspect any other cause for the mortality of these illustrious personages than cholera morbus; there is too strong a propensity in the world—to give malignant interpretations to actions & events, especially when party passions are gratified by them and factious view promoted; When my illustrious friend the Baron Van der Capellen de Poll died, strong suspicions were entertained & virulent assertions made that he died by poison—I did not believed & constantly discountenanced all such insinuations & I do the same upon this occassion. I will not believe that even courtiers in the present age can be so meanly diabolical as to practice such secret infernal arts, yet I cannot forget upon this occasion a memorable anecdote of half a century ago—an old woman of in the county of Essex—& her son were indicted for the murder of his wife by poison, the circumstances of the case & the symptoms of the disorder were published in the newspaper; the Boston physicians Drs Nathaniel Berkins—Lloyd & Warren, indeed all the physicians in Boston were of opinion that the symptoms were exactly those of the cholera morbus. I am not about to give a report of the trial, but those physicians gave their testimonies upon the trial to this effect—if if such is the similitude between arsenic & cholera it may be expected that suspicions will spread & take root that the riddance of two such personages was by different means than cholera—It is to be lamented that such prejudices should be so easily excited so mischievous in their effects and so difficult to be confuted. I have been told by able physicians that the gas of the stomach is sometimes vitiated to such a degree as to become a real poison—the peculiar lives of distress & anxiety of Napoleon & Caroline may have have produced such an effect upon them juices of their intestines & I have known an instance in common life in wh’ similar causes produced such an effect—at any rate I will not suspect voluntary    poison in either of these cases I might add that  Y’r great skill in all these sciences will enable you to judge better than y’r friend & humble servant
John Adams


Title: To John Adams from Alden Bradford, 24 October 1821
From: Bradford, Alden
To: Adams, John

					Sir
					Boston, Octo. 24th: 1821

				I have a wish to learn who was the writer of the enclosed—There are some just distinctions made, which are not unlike those suggested by James Otis in his Rights of the Colonies in 1764—This, I think, was several years later—& occasioned by a Speech of Hutchinson, who had asserted the Supreme & unlimited power of Parliament; & thence inferd. the duty of submission to its acts, however unjust, oppressive or unconstitutional—I am unwilling to give you trouble—& I assure you, it is not with a view publickly to boast of a correspondence with you—Which, tho’ it would be esteemed the highest honor I could aspire to, I do not think justifiable in every humble individual in the Community—If you can give me some clue to the find the real writer of the paper, you will confer a new obligation on your fellow citizen, who is with most sincere & respectful consideration your obt. Sert.

					Alden Bradford